FR 2025-03638

The document at hand is an announcement by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), soliciting feedback on a draft regulatory issue summary (RIS). This document specifically addresses the transportation of radioactive material within a temporary jobsite. Such a jobsite is defined by the license issued to an NRC licensed service provider. The document outlines that under specific conditions, certain regulatory requirements typically governing packaging and transporting radioactive material are not applicable. The NRC invites the public to submit comments on this draft RIS by May 5, 2025, and encourages electronic submission.

General Summary

The primary aim of this announcement is to clarify existing regulations related to the safe transport of radioactive materials within a temporary jobsite. The NRC outlines that normally strict requirements for packaging and transport do not apply if the transportation occurs entirely within these defined worksites. This provides flexibility for licensees when they are working in such temporary environments.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise upon examining this announcement:

• Technical Jargon: The document employs technical language and specific regulatory codes, like 10 CFR 71, which may not be widely understood without familiarity with nuclear regulations. This could alienate stakeholders unfamiliar with such terminology.

• Undefined Terms: The term 'temporary jobsite' is used without a clear definition, leading to potential ambiguity about its exact meaning and application. This lack of definition could result in varied interpretations among licensees.

• Vagueness in Late Comment Consideration: The NRC states that late comments will be considered “if it is practical to do so,” which introduces uncertainty over what circumstances might lead to their inclusion or exclusion.

• Privacy Concerns: There are warnings about public disclosure of personal information during the comment submission process. This may discourage individuals from participating due to privacy concerns.

Impact on the Public

For the broader public, this document underscores efforts by the NRC to ensure safety while maintaining flexibility in regulatory application within specific contexts. However, the complexity of the language and potential privacy issues may deter individuals who wish to engage with the process.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Service Providers: For nuclear service providers operating under NRC licenses, this clarification can alleviate some of the burdens tied to extensive regulatory compliance when operating within defined temporary jobsites. This can lead to more efficient operations by reducing administrative and logistical hurdles.

• General Public: While safety remains a priority, individuals living near such temporary sites may have concerns about the flexibility in regulation and its implications for local safety standards.

• Regulatory and Compliance Professionals: These individuals might require further clarification on the definition of a temporary jobsite and the specific conditions under which the exemptions apply. Their work could become more complex if these guidelines are interpreted differently by various stakeholders.

Overall, the document's intent is to clear up confusion and streamline processes, but its complex language and potential ambiguities may require further clarification and communication to achieve these aims effectively.