The Department of Energy (DOE) announced a change to its Radioactive Waste Management Manual and an administrative update to the Radioactive Waste Management order. These changes incorporate DOE's interpretation of what qualifies as high-level radioactive waste (HLW), based on the Atomic Energy Act and the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. The interpretation clarifies that not all reprocessing waste is classified as HLW; instead, it depends on the waste's radiological characteristics and whether it meets specific disposal criteria. The changes aim to ensure the safe management and disposal of DOE's waste and invite public input and reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Simple Explanation
The Department of Energy is changing its rules to decide what kind of radioactive waste is really dangerous. They're doing this to make sure they handle the waste safely and want people to share their thoughts on it.