83 FR 9310 - Proposed Approval of the Transuranic Waste Characterization Program at Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 43 (March 5, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 43 (March 5, 2018)
| Page Range | 9310-9313 | |
| FR Document | 2018-04423 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 9310-9313] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-04423] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0650; FRL-9975-04-OAR] Proposed Approval of the Transuranic Waste Characterization Program at Idaho National Laboratory's Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability; opening of public comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency ((EPA) or the Agency) is announcing the availability of, and soliciting public comment on, this proposed action. On August 8-10, 2017, the Agency conducted a baseline inspection of the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP)'s transuranic (TRU) waste characterization program at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), in accordance with the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Compliance Criteria and Condition 3 of the EPA's initial May 13, 1998 WIPP certification, as amended. The inspection evaluated the technical adequacy of this program's characterization of contact- handled TRU debris and solid waste. The EPA is proposing to approve a new AMWTP baseline that includes the significant changes that have been implemented at INL since mid-2016. The TRU waste characterization program changes, particularly to the Acceptable Knowledge process, referred to as ``enhanced AK'', address deficiencies identified by the Department of Energy (DOE) as among the root causes of the February 2014 radiation release at the WIPP. The EPA's draft baseline inspection report is available for review in the public dockets listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. Until the EPA finalizes its baseline approval decision, the DOE Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) may not recertify the AMWTP's TRU waste characterization program and the AMWTP may not ship any TRU waste unless it meets the requirements of the June 2017 revisions to the DOE's WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria to the WIPP for disposal. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 19, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OAR-2017-0650, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not electronically submit any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit: https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rajani Joglekar (202-343-9462) or Edward Feltcorn (202-343-9422), Radiation Protection Division, Center for Waste Management and Regulations, Mail Code 6608T, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, 20460; fax number: 202-343-2305; email address: joglekar.rajani@epa.gov or feltcorn.ed@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to the EPA through www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to the EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments. When submitting comments, remember to:Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number). [[Page 9311]] Follow directions: The Agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggest alternatives. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. Background The DOE operates the WIPP facility near Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico as a deep geologic repository for disposal of defense- related TRU radioactive waste. TRU waste consists of any radioactive materials generated a part of the defense or non-defense activities having atomic numbers greater than 92 (with half-lives greater than twenty years), in concentrations greater than 100 nanocuries of alpha- emitting TRU isotopes per gram of waste. Much of the existing TRU waste, which may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals, consists of items contaminated during the production of nuclear weapons, such as debris waste (rags, equipment, tools) and solid waste (sludges, soil). Section 8(d)(2) of the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act (LWA) of 1992 provided that the EPA would certify whether the WIPP facility will comply with the Agency's final disposal regulations, later codified at 40 CFR part 191, subparts B and C. On May 13, 1998, the EPA announced its final compliance certification to the Secretary of Energy (published May 18, 1998; 63 FR 27354), certifying that the WIPP will comply with the disposal regulations. The EPA's certification of the WIPP was subject to various conditions, including conditions concerning quality assurance and waste characterization relating to EPA inspections, evaluations and approvals of the site-specific TRU waste characterization programs to ensure compliance with various EPA regulatory requirements, including those at 40 CFR 194.8, 194.22(a)(2)(i), 194.22(c)(4), 194.24(c)(3) and 194.24(c)(5). In addition, under the LWA, the initial WIPP certification was subject to quinquennial (every five years) recertification by EPA. The EPA's inspection and approval processes for waste generator sites, including quality assurance and waste characterization programs, are described at 40 CFR 194.8. Between November 2005 and April 2012, the EPA inspected waste characterization programs of previously approved sites. EPA has discretion in establishing technical priorities; the ability to accommodate variation in the site's waste characterization capabilities; and flexibility in scheduling site waste characterization inspections. In accordance with the conditions in the WIPP compliance certification and relevant regulatory provisions, including 40 CFR 194.8, the EPA conducts ``baseline'' inspections at waste generator sites, as well as subsequent inspections to confirm continued compliance. As part of a baseline inspection, the EPA evaluates each waste characterization process component (equipment, procedures and personnel training and experience) for adequacy and appropriateness in characterizing TRU waste intended for disposal at the WIPP. During the inspection, the site demonstrates its capabilities to characterize TRU waste(s) and its ability to comply with the regulatory limits and tracking requirements under Sec. 194.24. The baseline inspection can result in approval with limitations and conditions or may require follow-up inspection(s) before approval. Within the approval documentation, the EPA specifies what subsequent program changes should be reported to the EPA, referred to as Tier 1 or Tier 2 changes, depending largely on the anticipated affect of the changes on data quality. A Tier 1 designation requires that the CBFO provide to the EPA documentation on proposed changes to the approved components of an individual site-specific waste characterization process (such as radioassay equipment) which the Agency must approve before the change can be implemented. Tier 2 designated changes are minor changes to the approved components of individual waste characterization processes (such as visual examination procedures) which must also be reported to EPA, but the site may implement such changes without awaiting EPA approval. After receiving notification of Tier 1 changes, the Agency may choose to inspect the site to evaluate technical adequacy. The EPA inspections conducted to evaluate Tier 1 or Tier 2 changes are under the authority of the EPA's WIPP compliance certification conditions and regulations, including 40 CFR 194.8 and 194.24(h). In addition to follow-up inspections, the EPA may opt to conduct continued compliance inspections at TRU waste sites with a baseline approval under the authority of the WIPP compliance certification regulations, including Sec. 194.24(h). In accordance with 40 CFR 194.8, the EPA issues a Federal Register notice proposing a baseline compliance decision, dockets the inspection report for public review, and seeks public comment on the proposed decision for a minimum period of 45 days. The report describes the waste characterization processes the EPA inspected at the site, as well as their compliance with 40 CFR 194.8 and 194.24 requirements. In October 2006, the EPA approved the AMWTP's contact-handled TRU waste characterization program. Between 2006 and 2015, the EPA conducted continued compliance inspections to verify that the AMWTP continued to characterize waste using the EPA-approved waste characterization program components. The EPA also approved Tier 1 changes that added new waste streams, equipment, processes and procedures or significantly revised the EPA-approved waste characterization activities. However, after the February 2014 WIPP incident resulting from an exothermic reaction in one of the emplaced waste containers, the DOE implemented changes to the WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria. These changes required documentation of waste treatment related information which necessitated that the AMWTP make changes to one of the waste characterization program component, namely, Acceptable Knowledge. The EPA determined that these changes to the Waste Acceptance Criteria are significantly different from the processes which the EPA evaluated during previous site-specific baseline and continued compliance inspections. As a result, in the fall of 2016, the EPA informed the DOE that a new AMWTP baseline inspection and approval would be a necessary step to evaluate the technical adequacy of the newly-implemented Enhanced Acceptable Knowledge process at the AMWTP. At that time, the EPA also informed the DOE that the baseline inspection would occur during the latter part of the 2017 fiscal year. These include improvements in the following two technical areas: Collection, evaluation, documentation and verification of Acceptable Knowledge specific to the chemical contents of WIPP-bound TRU [[Page 9312]] waste (especially chemical incompatibility and reactivity); Evaluation and confirmation that waste treatment procedures completed to render containerized TRU waste chemically-inert (that is, the waste does not exhibit any of the three hazardous waste characteristics of ignitability, corrosiveness and reactivity defined in 40 CFR part 261, subpart C. The purpose of EPA's baseline inspection at AMWTP was to: (1) Verify that contact-handled TRU waste being characterized remains in compliance with regulatory requirements, including the conditions of the EPA's WIPP compliance certification and 40 CFR 194.8 and 194.24; and (2) understand how the revised DOE WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria are incorporated within the AMWTP's TRU waste characterization processes. The scope of the baseline inspection for determining technical adequacy of the waste characterization program elements (i.e., systems of controls) as implemented included: The Acceptable Knowledge process, focusing on the enhanced AK process for contact-handled TRU waste identified with the following Summary Category Groups: [cir] S5000, heterogeneous debris [cir] S4000, soils [cir] S3000, homogeneous solids The four nondestructive assay processes evaluated include: [cir] Canberra Integrated Waste Assay Systems (IWAS) [cir] Retrieval Box Assay System (RBAS) [cir] Waste Assay Gamma Spectrometer (WAGS) [cir] Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant (SWEPP) Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (SGRS) Visual examination and three real-time radiography units for characterizing the physical waste components of TRU waste containers belonging to all contact-handled waste types listed above. III. Proposed Baseline Compliance Decision The EPA conducted inspections at INL on August 8-10, 2017. The inspection team identified no concerns or findings as a result of this inspection. The EPA is concluding that the AMWTP-implemented waste characterization program meets the EPA regulatory requirements and is compliant with the WIPP waste acceptance criteria for an Enhanced Acceptable Knowledge determination for WIPP-destined TRU waste containers. As discussed in the draft AMWTP Baseline Inspection Report (contained in EDOCKET No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0650), the EPA determines that the waste characterization program also complies with the Agency's regulatory requirements, including those conditions outlined in the WIPP compliance certification and 40 CFR 194.8 and 194.24. The EPA is proposing to approve the AMWTP waste characterization program in the configuration observed during this inspection, consistent with the limitations described in the draft inspection report. When approved, the AMWTP can continue using the approved program components to characterize contact-handled waste in accordance with the conditions and restrictions discussed in the final inspection report accompanying the EPA approval letter. The Agency is proposing to approve the following components of the AMWTP waste characterization program inspected in August 2017. Specifically, the proposed approval includes: The enhanced AK process. The four nondestructive assay systems (IWAS, RBAS, WAGS and SGRS) listed above. The visual examination and real time radiography processes to identify waste material parameters and the physical form of the waste. The EPA is further proposing that, in the event of changes to the waste characterization program arising or occurring after the date of the baseline inspection, the DOE must report those changes and, if applicable, receive the Agency's approval of such changes according to Table 1, below. All Tier 1 changes must be submitted for approval before their implementation and will be evaluated by the EPA. If the EPA approves changes to the waste characterization program, the Agency will post the results of any evaluations relating to such changes through the EPA website and docket and the WIPP-NEWS email listserv. Also as indicated in Table 1, the AMWTP must report Tier 2 changes to the EPA on a quarterly basis. In addition to evaluations of Tier 1 and Tier 2 changes, the Agency will conduct periodic inspections to verify that TRU waste characterization activities continue to comply with regulatory requirements, including the conditions of the EPA's WIPP compliance certification and 40 CFR 194.8 and 194.24, and continue to implement the EPA-approved processes, procedures and equipment as required. Table 1--Tiering of Contact-Handled Transuranic Waste Characterization Processes Implemented by the AMWTP \1\ [Based on August 8-10, 2017 baseline inspection] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ AMWTP waste AMWTP waste characterization characterization Process elements process--Tier 1 process--Tier 2 changes changes * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acceptable Knowledge (AK), None............. Submission of a list including Payload Management. of active AMWTP CH AKEs and SPMs who performed work during the previous quarter. Notification to the EPA upon completion of or substantive modification ** to: RPT-TRUW- 05, RPT-TRUW-07 and RPT-TRUW-12. AK accuracy reports (annually, at a minimum). WSPFs and any associated change notices. AKSRs and generator-site- specific AK documents. Site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. The payload management status of approved waste streams. Enhanced AK documents such as IWMDL forms and AKA, CCE and BoK memoranda. Nondestructive Assay (NDA).... New equipment or Submission of a list substantive of AMWTP NDA physical operators, EAs and modifications ** ITRs who performed to approved work during the equipment. previous quarter. [[Page 9313]] Extension of or Notification to the changes to EPA upon substantive approved modification ** to: calibration Software for ranges for approved equipment. approved Operating equipment. ranges upon DOE CBFO approval. Site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. Real-Time Radiography (RTR)... New equipment or Submission of a list substantive of AMWTP RTR physical operators and ITRs modifications ** who performed work to approved during the previous equipment. quarter. Implementation of Notification to the any new real- EPA upon substantive time radiography modification ** to process. site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. Visual Examination (VE)....... Implementation of Submission of a list any new visual of AMWTP VE examination operators, VE process. Experts and ITRs that performed work during the previous quarter. Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ For various acronyms, see the referenced AMWTP baseline inspection report in the EPA's Air Docket. * The AMWTP will report all T2 changes to the EPA every three months. ** ``Substantive modification'' refers to a change with the potential to affect the AMWTP's CH waste characterization processes or documentation of them, excluding changes that are solely related to the environment, safety and health; nuclear safety; or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; or that are editorial in nature or are required to address administrative concerns. The EPA may request copies of new references that the DOE adds during a document revision. The EPA's final approval decision regarding the contact-handled TRU waste characterization program at the AMWTP will be conveyed to the DOE separately by letter following review of public comments. This decision and accompanying report will be posted on the EPA's WIPP website and electronic docket. IV. Availability of the Baseline Inspection Report for Public Comment The EPA has placed the draft report discussing the results of the inspection of the waste characterization program at the AMWTP in the public docket as described in the ADDRESSES section of this document. In accordance with 40 CFR 194.8, the Agency is providing the public 45 days to comment on these documents and the EPA's proposed decision to accept the waste characterization program. The Agency requests comments particularly concerning the Enhanced Acceptable Knowledge process, a major significant change made by the AMWTP to their existing waste characterization program. The EPA will accept public comment on this notice and supplemental information as described in Section 1 of this document. At the end of the public comment period, the EPA will evaluate all relevant public comments and, as the Agency may deem appropriate and necessary, revise the inspection report and proposed decision or take other appropriate action. If the EPA concludes that there are no unresolved issues after the public comment period, the Agency will issue an approval letter and the final inspection report. The letter of approval will authorize the DOE to use the approved TRU waste characterization processes to characterize waste at the AMWTP. Information on the approval decision will be filed in the official public docket opened for this action on www.regulations.gov, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0650 (as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document). Dated: February 12, 2018. Jonathan D. Edwards, Director, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. [FR Doc. 2018-04423 Filed 3-2-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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developments. Some of these are: (1) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION edited or withdrawn. The EPA may
Lack of high dose traits; (2) use of single AGENCY publish any comment received to its
modes of action possible year-after-year; public docket. Do not electronically
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0650; FRL–9975–04–
(3) corn seed blends in the southern submit any information you consider to
OAR]
U.S.; (4) poor refuge compliance for Bt be Confidential Business Information
corn in southern states; (5) continuous Proposed Approval of the Transuranic (CBI) or other information whose
selection with same traits expressed in Waste Characterization Program at disclosure is restricted by statute.
Bt corn and Bt cotton in a given year; Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Multimedia submissions (audio, video,
(6) methodological approaches with Mixed Waste Treatment Project etc.) must be accompanied by a written
monitoring for resistant field comment. The written comment is
AGENCY: Environmental Protection considered the official comment and
populations; and (7) challenges with
Agency (EPA). should include discussion of all points
identifying resistance using diet
ACTION: Notice of availability; opening you wish to make. The EPA will
bioassays for non-high-dose pests. The
of public comment period. generally not consider comments or
Agency will discuss its analysis of
comment contents located outside of the
identified risk factors underlying SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection primary submission (i.e., on the web,
lepidopteran resistance development in Agency ((EPA) or the Agency) is cloud or other file sharing system). For
the U.S. as well as associated scientific announcing the availability of, and additional submission methods, the full
uncertainties. Furthermore, the Agency soliciting public comment on, this EPA public comment policy,
will discuss its analysis of proposed action. On August 8–10, 2017, information about CBI or multimedia
methodological issues with collecting the Agency conducted a baseline submissions, and general guidance on
insects from the field, rearing and inspection of the Advanced Mixed making effective comments, please visit:
testing populations for resistance, and Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP)’s https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
the feasibility of mitigating field transuranic (TRU) waste commenting-epa-dockets.
resistance for Lepidopteran pests. characterization program at Idaho FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
National Laboratory (INL), in Rajani Joglekar (202–343–9462) or
C. FIFRA SAP Documents and Meeting accordance with the Waste Isolation
Minutes Edward Feltcorn (202–343–9422),
Pilot Plant (WIPP) Compliance Criteria Radiation Protection Division, Center
and Condition 3 of the EPA’s initial May for Waste Management and Regulations,
EPA’s background paper, charge/
13, 1998 WIPP certification, as Mail Code 6608T, U.S. Environmental
questions to FIFRA SAP, and related
amended. The inspection evaluated the Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
supporting materials will be available technical adequacy of this program’s
by mid to late March 2018. In addition, Avenue, Washington, DC, 20460; fax
characterization of contact-handled TRU number: 202–343–2305; email address:
a list of candidates under consideration debris and solid waste. The EPA is
as prospective ad hoc panelists for this joglekar.rajani@epa.gov or feltcorn.ed@
proposing to approve a new AMWTP epa.gov.
meeting will be available for a 15-day baseline that includes the significant
public comment period by late March to changes that have been implemented at SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
early April 2018. You may obtain INL since mid-2016. The TRU waste I. General Information
electronic copies of most meeting characterization program changes,
documents, including FIFRA SAP particularly to the Acceptable What should I consider as I prepare my
composition (i.e., members and ad hoc Knowledge process, referred to as comments for EPA?
members for this meeting) and the ‘‘enhanced AK’’, address deficiencies 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this
meeting agenda, at http:// identified by the Department of Energy information to the EPA through
www.regulations.gov and the FIFRA (DOE) as among the root causes of the www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly
SAP website at http://www.epa.gov/ February 2014 radiation release at the mark the part or all of the information
scipoly/sap. WIPP. The EPA’s draft baseline that you claim to be CBI. For CBI
FIFRA SAP will prepare the meeting inspection report is available for review information in a disk or CD ROM that
in the public dockets listed in the you mail to the EPA, mark the outside
minutes and final report approximately
ADDRESSES section of this document. of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then
90 calendar days after the in-person
Until the EPA finalizes its baseline identify electronically within the disk or
meeting. The meeting minutes and final approval decision, the DOE Carlsbad
report will be posted on the FIFRA SAP CD ROM the specific information that is
Field Office (CBFO) may not recertify claimed as CBI. In addition to one
website: https://www.epa.gov/sap and the AMWTP’s TRU waste
may be accessed in the docket at https:// complete version of the comment that
characterization program and the includes information claimed as CBI, a
www.regulations.gov. AMWTP may not ship any TRU waste copy of the comment that does not
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et. seq.; 21 U.S.C. unless it meets the requirements of the contain the information claimed as CBI
301 et seq. June 2017 revisions to the DOE’s WIPP must be submitted for inclusion in the
Dated: February 21, 2018.
Waste Acceptance Criteria to the WIPP public docket. Information so marked
for disposal. will not be disclosed except in
Stanley Barone Jr.,
DATES: Comments must be received on accordance with procedures set forth in
Acting Director, Office of Science or before April 19, 2018. 40 CFR part 2.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Coordination and Policy.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, 2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments.
[FR Doc. 2018–04418 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am]
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– When submitting comments, remember
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
OAR–2017–0650, to the Federal to:
eRulemaking Portal: https:// • Identify the rulemaking by docket
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online number and other identifying
instructions for submitting comments. information (subject heading, Federal
Once submitted, comments cannot be Register date and page number).
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waste (especially chemical Æ Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant inspection report accompanying the
incompatibility and reactivity); (SWEPP) Gamma-Ray Spectrometer EPA approval letter. The Agency is
• Evaluation and confirmation that (SGRS) proposing to approve the following
waste treatment procedures completed • Visual examination and three real- components of the AMWTP waste
to render containerized TRU waste time radiography units for characterization program inspected in
chemically-inert (that is, the waste does characterizing the physical waste August 2017. Specifically, the proposed
not exhibit any of the three hazardous components of TRU waste containers approval includes:
waste characteristics of ignitability, belonging to all contact-handled waste • The enhanced AK process.
corrosiveness and reactivity defined in types listed above. • The four nondestructive assay
40 CFR part 261, subpart C. systems (IWAS, RBAS, WAGS and
III. Proposed Baseline Compliance SGRS) listed above.
The purpose of EPA’s baseline
Decision • The visual examination and real
inspection at AMWTP was to:
(1) Verify that contact-handled TRU The EPA conducted inspections at time radiography processes to identify
waste being characterized remains in INL on August 8–10, 2017. The waste material parameters and the
compliance with regulatory inspection team identified no concerns physical form of the waste.
requirements, including the conditions or findings as a result of this inspection. The EPA is further proposing that, in
of the EPA’s WIPP compliance The EPA is concluding that the the event of changes to the waste
certification and 40 CFR 194.8 and AMWTP-implemented waste characterization program arising or
194.24; and characterization program meets the EPA occurring after the date of the baseline
(2) understand how the revised DOE regulatory requirements and is inspection, the DOE must report those
WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria are compliant with the WIPP waste changes and, if applicable, receive the
incorporated within the AMWTP’s TRU acceptance criteria for an Enhanced Agency’s approval of such changes
waste characterization processes. Acceptable Knowledge determination according to Table 1, below. All Tier 1
for WIPP-destined TRU waste changes must be submitted for approval
The scope of the baseline inspection
containers. As discussed in the draft before their implementation and will be
for determining technical adequacy of
AMWTP Baseline Inspection Report evaluated by the EPA. If the EPA
the waste characterization program
(contained in EDOCKET No. EPA–HQ– approves changes to the waste
elements (i.e., systems of controls) as
OAR–2017–0650), the EPA determines characterization program, the Agency
implemented included:
that the waste characterization program will post the results of any evaluations
• The Acceptable Knowledge process, also complies with the Agency’s relating to such changes through the
focusing on the enhanced AK process regulatory requirements, including EPA website and docket and the WIPP–
for contact-handled TRU waste those conditions outlined in the WIPP NEWS email listserv. Also as indicated
identified with the following Summary compliance certification and 40 CFR in Table 1, the AMWTP must report Tier
Category Groups: 194.8 and 194.24. The EPA is proposing 2 changes to the EPA on a quarterly
Æ S5000, heterogeneous debris to approve the AMWTP waste basis. In addition to evaluations of Tier
Æ S4000, soils characterization program in the 1 and Tier 2 changes, the Agency will
Æ S3000, homogeneous solids configuration observed during this conduct periodic inspections to verify
inspection, consistent with the that TRU waste characterization
• The four nondestructive assay
limitations described in the draft activities continue to comply with
processes evaluated include:
inspection report. When approved, the regulatory requirements, including the
Æ Canberra Integrated Waste Assay AMWTP can continue using the conditions of the EPA’s WIPP
Systems (IWAS) approved program components to compliance certification and 40 CFR
Æ Retrieval Box Assay System (RBAS) characterize contact-handled waste in 194.8 and 194.24, and continue to
Æ Waste Assay Gamma Spectrometer accordance with the conditions and implement the EPA-approved processes,
(WAGS) restrictions discussed in the final procedures and equipment as required.
TABLE 1—TIERING OF CONTACT-HANDLED TRANSURANIC WASTE CHARACTERIZATION PROCESSES IMPLEMENTED BY THE
AMWTP 1
[Based on August 8–10, 2017 baseline inspection]
AMWTP waste characterization
Process elements AMWTP waste characterization process—Tier 2 changes *
process—Tier 1 changes
Acceptable Knowledge (AK), includ- None .............................................. Submission of a list of active AMWTP CH AKEs and SPMs who per-
ing Payload Management. formed work during the previous quarter.
Notification to the EPA upon completion of or substantive modifica-
tion ** to:
• RPT–TRUW–05, RPT–TRUW–07 and RPT–TRUW–12.
• AK accuracy reports (annually, at a minimum).
• WSPFs and any associated change notices.
• AKSRs and generator-site-specific AK documents.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
• Site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval.
• The payload management status of approved waste streams.
• Enhanced AK documents such as IWMDL forms and AKA,
CCE and BoK memoranda.
Nondestructive Assay (NDA) .......... New equipment or substantive Submission of a list of AMWTP NDA operators, EAs and ITRs who
physical modifications ** to ap- performed work during the previous quarter.
proved equipment.
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TABLE 1—TIERING OF CONTACT-HANDLED TRANSURANIC WASTE CHARACTERIZATION PROCESSES IMPLEMENTED BY THE
AMWTP 1—Continued
[Based on August 8–10, 2017 baseline inspection]
AMWTP waste characterization
Process elements AMWTP waste characterization process—Tier 2 changes *
process—Tier 1 changes
Extension of or changes to ap- Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to:
proved calibration ranges for ap- • Software for approved equipment.
proved equipment. • Operating ranges upon DOE CBFO approval.
• Site procedures requiring DOE CBFO approval.
Real-Time Radiography (RTR) ....... New equipment or substantive Submission of a list of AMWTP RTR operators and ITRs who per-
physical modifications ** to ap- formed work during the previous quarter.
proved equipment.
Implementation of any new real- Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to site proce-
time radiography process. dures requiring DOE CBFO approval.
Visual Examination (VE) ................. Implementation of any new visual Submission of a list of AMWTP VE operators, VE Experts and ITRs
examination process. that performed work during the previous quarter.
Notification to the EPA upon substantive modification ** to site proce-
dures requiring DOE CBFO approval.
1 For various acronyms, see the referenced AMWTP baseline inspection report in the EPA’s Air Docket.
* The AMWTP will report all T2 changes to the EPA every three months.
** ‘‘Substantive modification’’ refers to a change with the potential to affect the AMWTP’s CH waste characterization processes or documenta-
tion of them, excluding changes that are solely related to the environment, safety and health; nuclear safety; or the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act; or that are editorial in nature or are required to address administrative concerns. The EPA may request copies of new references
that the DOE adds during a document revision.
The EPA’s final approval decision approval will authorize the DOE to use enclosed ground flares based on the
regarding the contact-handled TRU the approved TRU waste available flare data.
waste characterization program at the characterization processes to DATES: Applicable on March 5, 2018.
AMWTP will be conveyed to the DOE characterize waste at the AMWTP. ADDRESSES: You may view this final
separately by letter following review of Information on the approval decision action and the supporting information
public comments. This decision and will be filed in the official public docket electronically at: https://www.epa.gov/
accompanying report will be posted on opened for this action on air-emissions-factors-and-
the EPA’s WIPP website and electronic www.regulations.gov, Docket ID No. quantification/new-emissions-factors-
docket. EPA–HQ–OAR–2017–0650 (as listed in enclosed-ground-flares.
the ADDRESSES section of this FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
IV. Availability of the Baseline document).
Inspection Report for Public Comment Gerri Garwood, Measurement Policy
Dated: February 12, 2018. Group (MPG), Sector Policies and
The EPA has placed the draft report Jonathan D. Edwards, Programs Division (D243–05), Office of
discussing the results of the inspection Director, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. Air Quality Planning and Standards,
of the waste characterization program at [FR Doc. 2018–04423 Filed 3–2–18; 8:45 am] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
the AMWTP in the public docket as BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
described in the ADDRESSES section of 27711, telephone number: (919) 541–
this document. In accordance with 40 2406; fax number: (919) 541–4991; and
CFR 194.8, the Agency is providing the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION email address: garwood.gerri@epa.gov.
public 45 days to comment on these AGENCY SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
documents and the EPA’s proposed February 5, 2018, the EPA finalized its
decision to accept the waste [FRL 9974–90–OAR]
review of the existing VOC emissions
characterization program. The Agency factor for flares at natural gas
Review of Existing VOC Emissions
requests comments particularly production sites pursuant to its
Factor for Flares at Natural Gas
concerning the Enhanced Acceptable obligation under CAA section 130 to
Production Sites and New Emissions
Knowledge process, a major significant review, and, if necessary, revise
Factors for Enclosed Ground Flares
change made by the AMWTP to their emissions factors for certain pollutants,
existing waste characterization program. AGENCY: Environmental Protection including VOC, at least every 3 years.
The EPA will accept public comment on Agency (EPA). We evaluated test data available to the
this notice and supplemental ACTION: Notice of final action. Agency for flares at natural gas
information as described in Section 1 of production sites, data from testing
this document. At the end of the public SUMMARY: On February 5, 2018, the conducted by manufacturers under 40
comment period, the EPA will evaluate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CFR part 60, subparts OOOO and
all relevant public comments and, as the took final action on its review of the OOOOa and 40 CFR part 63, subpart HH
Agency may deem appropriate and existing volatile organic compounds and HHH, and information submitted
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
necessary, revise the inspection report (VOC) emissions factor for flares at during the public comment period. The
and proposed decision or take other natural gas production sites pursuant to available flare data pertained to THC
appropriate action. If the EPA concludes section 130 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). emissions and did not provide sufficient
that there are no unresolved issues after While the review did not result in a information for estimating VOC
the public comment period, the Agency revision to this existing VOC emissions emissions from the tested flares. As
will issue an approval letter and the factor, the EPA issued new total such, the available data gave no
final inspection report. The letter of hydrocarbon (THC) emissions factors for indication that the existing VOC
VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:49 Mar 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_9353/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-03-03 02:45:44
Document Modified: 2018-03-03 02:45:44
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability; opening of public comment period. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before April 19, 2018. | |
| Contact | Rajani Joglekar (202-343-9462) or Edward Feltcorn (202-343-9422), Radiation Protection Division, Center for Waste Management and Regulations, Mail Code 6608T, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 9310 |
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