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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently developing environmental radiation protection standards for Yucca Mountain, Nevada.  Yucca Mountain is a potential site for a geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW).
    Located about 100 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Yucca Mountain is currently being studied by the Department of Energy (DOE.  The studies will help determine if Yucca Mountain is suitable for the disposal of SNF and HLW.
    If DOE determines that the site is suitable, they will submit a construction application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  As the licensing agency, the NRC's regulations will implement the standards EPA is currently developing.
    The Energy Policy Act of 1992 requires EPA to set these standards.  The Act states that the standards must be site-specific.  In other words, they are being developed specifically for Yucca Mountain to protect public health and the environment.
    In developing the site-specific standards, the Energy Policy Act also requires EPA to issue public health and safety standards "based upon and consistant with the findings and recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences..." (NAS).  The NAS has released a report entitled, Technical Bases for Yucca Mountain Standards.  Release of this report initiates EPA's efforts to establish the standards.
    The findings detailed in this report will be thoroughly considered by EPA staff in developing the final standards.
    In order to keep the public informed during the rulemaking process, EPA has initiated several projects to provide opportunities for public involvement.  Hearings, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and other forums for information exchange will be an integral part of EPA's public outreach program.
    Dockets containing important letters and memos, position papers, and technical information have been established at EPA headquarters in Washington, DC and at the Dickinson Library at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.  A toll-free information line with a recorded message has also been established to keep people informed about the latest EPA developments.  By calling 1-800-331-9477, callers may request more information or add their names to the Yucca Mountain mailing list.  Fact sheets, bulletins, and other updates will be published as the standards are developed.
    EPA's primary responsibility is to protect public health and the environment.  To meet this responsibility the Agency will use the best and most appropriate scientific information available.  EPA will also strive to keep the public informed while carrying out the tasks set forth in the Energy Policy Act.

Sources:
    United States Environmental Protection Agency