§2297h–11 Low-level waste

Summary

The Secretary must take low-level radioactive waste for disposal when the waste generator asks, if the waste comes from the Corporation’s gaseous diffusion plants (or from treating those wastes elsewhere) or from anyone licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to run a uranium enrichment facility (under sections 2073, 2093, and 2243). That includes depleted uranium if it is later ruled to be low-level waste. The generator must pay the Secretary’s costs, including a share of capital costs, but not more than what commercial, State, regional, or interstate disposal groups would charge. If depleted uranium is later declared low-level waste, the generator must pay the Secretary’s full costs. If a licensee asks the Secretary to take depleted uranium, the Secretary must accept title and possession of it at an existing DUF6 storage facility. A generator can instead arrange disposal with other authorized parties. States or interstate compacts are not responsible for the treatment, storage, or disposal of any low-level radioactive waste (including mixed waste) from running, cleaning up, or closing a uranium enrichment facility.