Environmental Review Process

DOE-STD-1136-2004

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiation Protection in Uranium Facilities

d. information on factors that could influence the selection of decommissioning alternatives (safe

storage, entombment, dismantling), such as potential future use, long-range site plans, facility

condition, and potential health, safety, and environmental hazards.

One portion of the site-characterization process is a composite of several different types of surveys:

background, scoping (or preliminary site characterization), and detailed characterization, as defined by

Berger (1992). Guidance for conducting site characterizations as part of the remedial

investigations/feasibility studies (RI/FS) under CERCLA can be found in EPA/540/G-89/004, Guidance

for Conducting Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA (EPA 1988b).

The background survey information (i.e., direct radiation levels and concentrations of potential

radionuclide contaminants in construction materials and soils) may be performed as part of the

environmental baseline studies during pre-operational activities. Otherwise, background levels should be

determined at onsite or immediately offsite locations that are unaffected by operations.

The scoping or preliminary site characterization study should be performed to identify the potential

radionuclide contaminants at the site, the relative ratios of these nuclides, and the general extent of

contamination. The survey provides the basis for initial estimates of the required decommissioning effort

and a framework for planning the more detailed characterization study. A limited number of

measurements will be made at locations that are most likely to have contamination. Scoping or

preliminary site characterization surveys may be conducted during the post-operational phase.

The detailed characterization survey will more precisely define the extent and magnitude of

contamination. The resulting data will be used to assist in planning for the decontamination effort,

including decontamination techniques and health and safety considerations during decommissioning.

10.3.3.2 Environmental Review Process

Candidate decommissioning alternatives should be identified, assessed, and evaluated, and preferred

decommissioning alternatives should be selected based on the results of the environmental review. The

review should be performed according to the requirements of NEPA, RCRA, CERCLA, and SARA.

Depending on the operation, the environmental review may consist of an EA or an EIS (see Section 10.2.1).

10.3.3.3 Decommissioning Planning

The first step in decommissioning planning is the development of a series of absolute criteria.

These will necessarily include such items as compliance with DOE Orders, EPA regulations, interagency

agreements, and other statutes. They may also include commitments to states, landowners, or others, or

provisions of the original EIS.

As these criteria are developed, other high-value criteria may also be established. These are likely to

include such considerations as maximizing the aesthetic and recreational value of the site, performing

decommissioning within allocated funds, lowest worker dose, lowest population dose, lowest cost, lowest

future surveillance commitment, and least effect in case of probable accidents. Depending on the viability

of the decommissioning action, the decision- making process that has been established, and the level of

public concern, notice of a scoping meeting may be published in the Federal Register and

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