WSR 04-07-180

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


[ Filed March 24, 2004, 9:29 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 03-10-016.

     Title of Rule: WAC 246-247-010, 246-247-040, 246-247-045, 246-247-075, 246-247-080, 246-247-085, 246-247-110, 246-247-120 and 246-247-130, Radiation protection -- Air emissions.

     Purpose: To update requirements for an independent statewide program to monitor radioactive air emissions from sources within the state.

     Other Identifying Information: This rule change is necessary for consistency between federal and state regulations and as a primary condition for delegation of National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) authority from the EPA to the Department of Health.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 70.98.050.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 70.98.050.

     Summary: (1) Updates references to national standards for sampling and monitoring releases of radioactive air emissions from nuclear facilities to conform to EPA rules adopted in October 2002; (2) updates references to EPA quality assurance plan guidance documents; and (3) gives the department flexibility in regulating nonfederal facilities.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Roy Evans, Tumwater, (360) 236-3265; Implementation and Enforcement: Al Conklin, Tumwater, (360) 236-3260.

     Name of Proponent: Washington State Department of Health, governmental.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, 40 C.F.R. 61.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The intent of the underlying statute is to protect public health by implementing an independent statewide program to monitor ionizing radiation emissions to the air from radiation sources within the state. The proposed rule meets this intent by adopting the most current standards and guidance for emissions monitoring and applying them to federal facilities within the state, consistent with EPA requirements, while allowing the department to use criteria consistent with appropriate NRC requirements in regulating nonfederal facilities.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: The proposed changes update the existing reference to the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard for sampling and monitoring releases of airborne radioactive substances from the stacks and ducts of nuclear facilities (ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999) as well as references to EPA guidance for quality assurance program and project plans. These requirements are already mandatory under EPA-enforced federal regulations for major federally-operated emissions sources. The proposed changes to chapter 246-247 WAC make state regulations consistent with federal (EPA) regulations which are applied to federal facilities. Consistency between chapter 246-247 WAC and NESHAPs (40 C.F.R. 61 Subparts H & I) is a requirement for delegation of NESHAPs implementation and enforcement authority from the EPA to the Department of Health. However, radioactive air emissions from most nonfederal facilities are regulated by the NRC under 10 C.F.R. 20.1101. Therefore, the proposed changes to chapter 246-247 WAC also allow the department to use criteria consistent with NRC requirements for similar facilities in regulating the methods used to monitor emissions from nonfederal facilities.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. A small business economic impact statement has not been prepared because there are no small businesses within the regulated industry required to comply with the proposed rule and thus there is no disproportionate impact on small businesses.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption because this proposal adopts federal rules by reference without material change.

     Hearing Location: Department of Health, Point Plaza East, Room 152, 310 S.E. Israel Road, Tumwater, WA 98504, on May 4, 2004, at 9:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Joy Redman at (360) 236-3260, TDD (800) 833-6388.

     Submit Written Comments to: Roy Evans, Washington State Department of Health, Office of Radiation Protection, P.O. Box 47827, Olympia, WA 98504-7827, fax (360) 236-2256, by May 4, 2004.

     Date of Intended Adoption: May 5, 2004.

March 23, 2004

Mary C. Selecky

Secretary

OTS-6847.5


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-13-037, filed 6/8/98, effective 7/9/98)

WAC 246-247-010   Applicability.   (1) The standards and requirements of this chapter apply statewide at the following types of facilities that emit radionuclides to the air:

     (a) Facilities licensed by the department or by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC);

     (b) United States Department of Energy (DOE) facilities;

     (c) Non-DOE federal facilities;

     (d) Uranium fuel cycle facilities;

     (e) Uranium mills that are processing material; and

     (f) Any other facility that the department determines emits or has the potential to emit radionuclides to the ambient air.

     (2) The standards and requirements of this chapter apply to point sources, nonpoint sources, and fugitive emissions.

     (3) The standards and requirements of this chapter apply to stationary and mobile emission units, whether temporary or permanent.

     (4) The control technology standards and requirements of this chapter apply to the abatement technology and indication devices of facilities and emission units subject to this chapter. Control technology requirements apply from entry of radionuclides into the ventilated vapor space to the point of release to the environment.

     (5) In accordance with RCW 70.94.161(10), air operating permits issued under chapter 173-401 WAC shall incorporate all applicable requirements of this chapter. Therefore, all facilities listed in subsection (1) of this section that are also subject to the operating permit regulations in chapter 173-401 WAC shall be considered in compliance with the requirements of this chapter if they comply with all the applicable requirements of the air operating permit issued under chapter 173-401 WAC. These applicable requirements shall be contained in the radioactive air emissions license which shall be incorporated as part of the air operating permit. In accordance with RCW 70.94.422(1), the department shall enforce all the requirements contained in the radioactive air emissions license.

     (6) Should any of the federal regulations that have been adopted by reference in this chapter be rescinded, the affected facilities shall nonetheless comply with all other applicable requirements of this chapter.

     (7) An applicant may obtain a copy of any document referenced in this chapter by contacting the department's division of radiation protection, air emissions and defense wastes section at (360) 236-3260. Mail reports, applications, and other written correspondence to the Air Emissions and Defense Wastes Section at ((Airdustrial Park)) 7171 Cleanwater Lane, Building 5, P.O. Box 47827, Olympia, Washington, 98504-7827.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050. 98-13-037, § 246-247-010, filed 6/8/98, effective 7/9/98. Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-247-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.080. 87-01-031 (Order 2450), § 402-80-020, filed 12/11/86.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-07-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94)

WAC 246-247-040   General standards.   (1) Standards for radioactive air emissions in the state of Washington are contained in WAC 173-480-040, 173-480-050, and 173-480-060 ((and)). Additional standards for emissions of radionuclides other than radon from United States Department of Energy facilities and for radionuclide emissions from federal facilities other than United States Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRC) licensees are contained in 40 CFR Part 61, subparts H and I ((published in the Federal Register on December 15, 1989)) (as effective on October 9, 2002). Additional standards for NRC licensees are contained in 10 CFR 20.1101 (as effective on January 9, 1997). In accordance with WAC 173-480-050(3), the department shall enforce the most stringent standard in effect, notwithstanding any agreement between EPA and any other agency, including those agreements made pursuant to 42 USC 7412(d)(9).

     (2) In addition to the radioactive air emission standards of subsection (1) of this section, the department's radioactive materials licensees shall comply with the limitations on radioactive air emissions contained in WAC 246-221-070.

     (3) All new construction and significant modifications of emission units commenced after August 10, 1988 (the date this chapter originally became effective) shall utilize BARCT (see Appendix B).

     (4) All existing emission units and nonsignificant modifications shall utilize ALARACT (see Appendix C).

     (5) In order to implement these standards, the department may set limits on emission rates for specific radionuclides from specific emission units and/or set requirements and limitations on the operation of the emission unit(s) as specified in a license.

     (6) All emissions of radionuclides, including those due to emergency conditions resulting from startup, shutdown, maintenance activities, or process upsets are subject to the standards of this section and, therefore, subject to the enforcement actions of WAC 246-247-100.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-040, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-247-040, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.080. 87-01-031 (Order 2450), § 402-80-050, filed 12/11/86.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 246-247-045   Where to find technical references.   The following referenced document is available for purchase from the American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10036:

     ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999 "Sampling and Monitoring Releases of Airborne Radioactive Substances from the Stacks and Ducts of Nuclear Facilities."

     This document is also available for inspection at the Washington State Office of Radiation Protection, Air Emissions and Defense Waste Section, 7171 Cleanwater Lane, Bldg. 5, Tumwater, WA 98501 (phone 360-236-3260); and at the Washington State Office of Radiation Protection, Air Emissions and Defense Waste Section, 309 Bradley Blvd., Suite 201, Richland, WA 99352 (phone 509-946-0363).

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AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-07-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94)

WAC 246-247-075   Monitoring, testing and quality assurance.   (1) All radioactive air emissions monitoring, testing, and quality assurance requirements of 40 CFR 61, Subparts H and I ((published in the Federal Register on December 15, 1989)) (as effective on October 9, 2002), are adopted by reference, as applicable as specified by the referenced subparts. The department may, upon request or on its own initiative, authorize provisions on a specific basis other than those set forth in WAC 246-247-075 for monitoring, testing, and quality assurance of a facility that emits radioactive air emissions, if it finds reasonable assurance of compliance with the performance objectives of this chapter.

     (2) Equipment and procedures used for the continuous monitoring of radioactive air emissions shall conform, as applicable, to the guidance contained in ANSI N13.1, ANSI N42.18, ANSI N323, ANSI N317, reference methods 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 4, 5, and 17 of 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A, 40 CFR Part 52, Appendix E, and any other methods approved by the department.

     (3) The operator of an emission unit with a potential-to-emit of less than 0.1 mrem/yr TEDE to the MEI may estimate those radionuclide emissions, in lieu of monitoring, in accordance with 40 CFR 61 Appendix D, or other procedure approved by the department. The department may require periodic confirmatory measurements (e.g., grab samples) during routine operations to verify the low emissions. Methods to implement periodic confirmatory monitoring shall be approved by the department.

     (4) The department may allow a facility to use alternative monitoring procedures or methods if continuous monitoring is not a feasible or reasonable requirement.

     (5) The following types of facilities shall determine radionuclide emissions in accordance with either a methodology referenced in subsections (1) through (4) of this section or the respective document referenced below:

     (a) Nuclear power reactors licensed by the NRC: Offsite Dose Calculation Manual;

     (b) Fuel fabrication plants licensed by the NRC: NRC's Regulatory Guide 4.16, dated December 1985;

     (c) Uranium mills that are processing material: NRC's Regulatory Guide 4.14, dated April 1980.

     (6) Licensed facilities shall conduct and document a quality assurance program. Except for those types of facilities specified in subsection (5) of this section, the quality assurance program shall be compatible with applicable national standards such as ANSI/ASME NQA-1-1988, ANSI/ASME NQA-2-1986, ((QAMS-004)) QA/R-2, and ((QAMS-005)) QA/R-5.

     (7) Those types of facilities specified in subsection (5) of this section shall conduct and document a quality assurance program compatible with either the applicable national standards referenced in subsection (6) of this section or the NRC's Regulatory Guide 4.15, dated February 1979.

     (8) Facilities shall monitor nonpoint and fugitive emissions of radioactive material.

     (9) The department may conduct an environmental surveillance program to ensure that radiation doses to the public from emission units are in compliance with applicable standards. The department may require the operator of any emission unit to conduct stack sampling, ambient air monitoring, or other testing as necessary to demonstrate compliance with the standards in WAC 246-247-040.

     (10) The department may require the owner or operator of an emission unit to make provision, at existing emission unit sampling stations, for the department to take split or collocated samples of the emissions.

     (11) The planning for any proposed new construction or significant modification of the emission unit must address accidental releases with a probability of occurrence during the expected life of the emission unit of greater than one percent.

     (12) All facilities must be able to demonstrate that appropriate supervisors and workers are adequately trained in the use and maintenance of emission control and monitoring systems, and in the performance of associated test and emergency response procedures.

     (13) All facilities must be able to demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the radioactive air emissions monitoring data.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-075, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-07-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94)

WAC 246-247-080   Inspections, reporting, and recordkeeping.   (1) The department reserves the right to inspect and audit all construction activities, equipment, operations, documents, data, and other records related to compliance with the requirements of this chapter. The department may require a demonstration of ALARACT at any time.

     (2) All reporting and recordkeeping requirements of 40 CFR 61, Subparts H and I ((published in the Federal Register on December 15, 1989)) (as effective on October 9, 2002), are adopted by reference, as applicable as specified by the referenced subparts. The department may, upon request or on its own initiative, authorize provisions on a specific basis other than those set forth in WAC 246-247-080 for inspections, reporting, and recordkeeping of a facility that emits radioactive air emissions, if it finds reasonable assurance of compliance with the performance objectives of this chapter.

     (3) The facility shall annually submit to the department the information requirements adopted in subsection (2) of this section, as applicable, along with the following additional information, as applicable:

     (a) The results of emission measurements for those emission units subject only to periodic confirmatory measurements;

     (b) Wind rose or joint frequency table;

     (c) Annual average ambient temperature;

     (d) Annual average emission unit gas temperature, if available;

     (e) Annual total rainfall;

     (f) Annual average emission unit flow rate and total volume of air released during the calendar year.

     If this additional information is available in another annual report, the facility may instead provide a copy of that report along with the information requirements in this subsection. Annual reports are due by June 30 for the previous calendar year's operations.

     (4) Any report or application that contains proprietary or procurement-sensitive information shall be submitted to the department with those portions so designated. The department shall hold this information confidential, unless required to release the information pursuant to laws, regulations, or court order.

     (5) The facility shall notify the department within twenty-four hours of any shutdown, or of any transient abnormal condition lasting more than four hours or other change in facility operations which, if allowed to persist, would result in emissions of radioactive material in excess of applicable standards or license requirements. If requested by the department, the facility shall submit a written report within ten days including known causes, corrective actions taken, and any preventive measures taken or planned to minimize or eliminate the chance of recurrence.

     (6) The facility shall file a report of closure with the department whenever operations producing emissions of radioactive material are permanently ceased at any emission unit (except temporary emission units) regulated under this chapter. The closure report shall indicate whether, despite cessation of operations, there is still a potential for radioactive air emissions and a need for an active or passive ventilation system with emission control and/or monitoring devices. If decommissioning is planned and will constitute a modification, a NOC is required, as applicable, in accordance with WAC 246-247-060.

     (7) The facility shall maintain a log for each emission unit that has received categorical approval under WAC 246-247-060(8). The log shall contain records of important operations parameters including the date, location, and duration of the release, measured or calculated radionuclide concentrations, the type of emissions (liquid, gaseous, solid), and the type of emission control and monitoring equipment.

     (8) The facility shall maintain readily retrievable storage areas for all records and documents related to, and which may help establish compliance with, the requirements of this chapter. The facility shall keep these records available for department inspection for at least five years.

     (9) The facility shall ensure all emission units are fully accessible to department inspectors. In the event the hazards associated with accessibility to a unit require training and/or restrictions or requirements for entry, the facility owner or operator shall inform the department, prior to arrival, of those restrictions or requirements. The owner or operator shall be responsible for providing the necessary training, escorts, and support services to allow the department to inspect the facility.

     (10) The facility shall make available, in a timely manner, all documents requested by the department for review. The facility shall allow the department to review documents in advance of an inspection. The facility shall allow access to classified documents by representatives of the department with the appropriate security clearance and a demonstrable need-to-know.

     (11) The facility shall respond in writing in a timely manner, or within a time limit set by the department, to inspection results which require the facility to implement corrective actions or any other actions so directed by the department.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-080, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-247-080, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.080. 87-01-031 (Order 2450), § 402-80-080, filed 12/11/86.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-07-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94)

WAC 246-247-085   Compliance determination for existing emission units and facilities.   (1) All procedures for determining compliance with the dose equivalent standards of 40 CFR 61, Subparts H and I ((published in the Federal Register on December 15, 1989)) (as effective on October 9, 2002), are adopted by reference, as applicable as specified by the referenced subparts. The department may, upon request or on its own initiative, authorize provisions on a specific basis other than those set forth in WAC 246-247-085 for determining compliance with appropriate dose equivalent standards by a facility that emits radioactive air emissions, if it finds reasonable assurance of compliance with the performance objectives of this chapter.

     (2) Facilities subject to 40 CFR 61 shall use computer codes or procedures approved by the EPA to determine the TEDE to the MEI; all other facilities shall use computer codes or procedures approved by the department.

     (3) The determination of compliance with the dose equivalent standard of WAC 246-247-040 shall include all radioactive air emissions resulting from routine and nonroutine operations for the past calendar year.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-085, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-07-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94)

WAC 246-247-110   Appendix A -- Application information requirements.   (1) Name and address of the facility, and location (latitude and longitude) of the emission unit(s).

     (2) Name, title, address, and phone number of the responsible manager.

     (3) Identify the type of proposed action for which this application is submitted:

     (a) Construction of new emission unit(s);

     (b) Modification of existing emission unit(s); identify whether this is a significant modification;

     (c) Modification of existing unit(s), unregistered.

     (4) If this project is subject to the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) contained in chapter 197-11 WAC, provide the name of the lead agency, lead agency contact person, and their phone number.

     (5) Describe the chemical and physical processes upstream of the emission unit(s).

     (6) Describe the existing and proposed (as applicable) abatement technology. Describe the basis for the use of the proposed system. Include expected efficiency of each control device, and the annual average volumetric flow rate(s) in meters3/sec for the emission unit(s).

     (7) Provide conceptual drawings showing all applicable control technology components from the point of entry of radionuclides into the vapor space to release to the environment.

     (8) Identify each radionuclide that could contribute greater than ten percent of the potential-to-emit TEDE to the MEI, or greater than 0.1 mrem/yr potential-to-emit TEDE to the MEI.

     (9) Describe the effluent monitoring system for the proposed control system. Describe each piece of monitoring equipment and its monitoring capability, including detection limits, for each radionuclide that could contribute greater than ten percent of the potential-to-emit TEDE to the MEI, or greater than 0.1 mrem/yr potential-to-emit TEDE to the MEI, or greater than twenty-five percent of the TEDE to the MEI, after controls. Describe the method for monitoring or calculating those radionuclide emissions. Describe the method with detail sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements.

     (10) Indicate the annual possession quantity for each radionuclide.

     (11) Indicate the physical form of each radionuclide in inventory: Solid, particulate solids, liquid, or gas.

     (12) Indicate the release form of each radionuclide in inventory: Particulate solids, vapor, or gas. Give the chemical form and ICRP 30 solubility class, if known.

     (13) Release rates.

     (a) New emission unit(s): Give predicted release rates without any emissions control equipment (the potential-to-emit) and with the proposed control equipment using the efficiencies described in subsection (6) of this section.

     (b) Modified emission unit(s): Give predicted release rates without any emissions control equipment (the potential-to-emit) and with the existing and proposed control equipment using the efficiencies described in subsection (6) of this section. Provide the latest year's emissions data or emissions estimates.

     In all cases, indicate whether the emission unit is operating in a batch or continuous mode.

     (14) Identify the MEI by distance and direction from the emission unit(s). The MEI is determined by considering distance, windrose data, presence of vegetable gardens, and meat or milk producing animals at unrestricted areas surrounding the emission unit.

     (15) Calculate the TEDE to the MEI using an approved procedure (see WAC 246-247-085). For each radionuclide identified in subsection (8) of this section, determine the TEDE to the MEI for existing and proposed emission controls, and without any emission controls (the potential-to-emit) using the release rates from subsection (13) of this section. Provide all input data used in the calculations.

     (16) Provide cost factors for construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed control technology components and system, if a BARCT or ALARACT demonstration is not submitted with the NOC.

     (17) Provide an estimate of the lifetime for the facility process with the emission rates provided in this application.

     (18) Indicate which of the following control technology standards have been considered and will be complied with in the design and operation of ((the)) new or modified emission unit(s) described in this application:

     ASME/ANSI AG-1, Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment (where there are conflicts in standards with the other listed references, this standard shall take precedence)

     ASME/ANSI N509, Nuclear Power Plant Air-Cleaning Units and Components

     ASME/ANSI N510, Testing of Nuclear Air Treatment Systems

     ANSI/ASME NQA-1, Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear Facilities

     40 CFR 60, Appendix A, Methods 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 4, 5, and 17

     ((ANSI N13.1, Guide to Sampling Airborne Radioactive Materials in Nuclear Facilities)) ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999, Sampling and Monitoring Releases of Airborne Radioactive Substances from the Stacks and Ducts of Nuclear Facilities (mandatory only if the unit's potential-to-emit exceeds 0.1 mrem/yr TEDE to the MEI) (or ANSI N13.1-1969, Guide to Sampling Airborne Radioactive Materials in Nuclear Facilities, as applicable)

     For each standard not so indicated, give reason(s) to support adequacy of the design and operation of the emission unit(s) as proposed.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-110, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-07-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94)

WAC 246-247-120   Appendix B -- BARCT compliance demonstration.   Purpose. A BARCT demonstration is used to choose control technologies for the mitigation of emissions of radioactive material from new emission units or significant modifications to emission units. The bases for the BARCT demonstration requirements are the BARCT standard given in WAC 246-247-040, and the definition of BARCT given in WAC 246-247-030. This procedure incorporates certain implementing criteria that enable the department to evaluate a facility's compliance with the BARCT standard. It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate the effectiveness of their BARCT determination to the department. The facility should contact the department at the conceptual design phase for guidance on the BARCT demonstration requirements. The department may adjust this demonstration procedure on a case-by-case basis, as needed, to ensure compliance with the substantive standard.

     Scope. The BARCT demonstration includes the abatement technology and indication devices that demonstrate the effectiveness of the abatement technology from entry of radionuclides into the ventilated vapor space to release to the environment. The applicant shall evaluate all available control technologies that can reduce the level of radionuclide emissions.

     Technology Standards. The BARCT demonstration and the emission unit design and construction must meet, as applicable, the technology standards shown below if the unit's potential-to-emit exceeds 0.1 mrem/yr TEDE to the MEI. If the potential-to-emit is below this value, the standards must be met only to the extent justified by a cost/benefit evaluation.

     ASME/ANSI AG-1, Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment (where there are conflicts in standards with the other listed references, this standard shall take precedence)

     ASME/ANSI N509, Nuclear Power Plant Air-Cleaning Units and Components

     ASME/ANSI N510, Testing of Nuclear Air Treatment Systems

     ANSI/ASME NQA-1, Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear Facilities

     40 CFR 60, Appendix A, Methods 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 4, 5, and 17

     ((ANSI N13.1, Guide to Sampling Airborne Radioactive Materials in Nuclear Facilities)) ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999, Sampling and Monitoring Releases of Airborne Radioactive Substances from the Stacks and Ducts of Nuclear Facilities

     The following standards and references are recommended as guidance only:

     ANSI/ASME NQA-2, Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facilities

     ANSI N42.18, Specification and Performance of On-Site Instrumentation for Continuously Monitoring Radioactivity in Effluents

     ERDA 76-21, Nuclear Air Cleaning Handbook

     ACGIH 1988, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practice, 20th ed., American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

     BARCT Demonstration Procedure.

     Step 1. Define facility process variables. Describe the physical and chemical process. Include the potential radionuclide release rates (by isotope, in units of curies/year), process variables (such as flow rate, temperature, humidity, chemical composition), and other technical considerations. Base the radionuclide release rate on the potential-to-emit.

     Radionuclides selected for consideration in the BARCT demonstration shall include those which contribute more than ten percent of the potential TEDE to the MEI or more than 0.1 mrem/yr, and any others which the department determines are necessary.

     Step 2. Gather information on all available control technologies. Search for all available technologies that can reduce the emissions levels for the radionuclides selected in Step 1. Sources of information shall include previous BARCT demonstrations, regulatory authorities, industry or regulatory agency data bases, literature searches, information from technology vendors, research and development reports, and any other means necessary to identify all available technologies. "Available technology" includes any technology that is commercially available. Recently completed searches may be used with department approval.

     Step 3. Determine technical feasibility. Determine technical feasibility by evaluating vendor specifications for available control technologies identified in Step 2 with respect to the process variables identified in Step 1. Evaluate combinations of abatement technology and control devices by component, and the system as a whole.

     If a control technology has poor safety, reliability, or control effectiveness as achieved in practice under the proposed process conditions, or the technology is not applicable to the emission unit under consideration, the technology may be eliminated with supporting documentation of the technical infeasibility.

     Step 4. List all feasible control technologies in order of effectiveness. Evaluate feasible control technologies for efficiency (effectiveness) in reducing the TEDE to the MEI. List them in order, with the most effective first. If the most effective feasible technology is proposed as BARCT, the demonstration is complete at this step.

     Step 5. Evaluate the environmental, energy, and economic impacts. Evaluate each control technology in succession, beginning with the most effective. Present an objective evaluation considering both beneficial and adverse impacts. Quantify the data where possible. Impact cost and effectiveness evaluations are incremental and include only that portion of the facility which comes under the authority of this chapter. Evaluate at least the following impacts:

     Environmental impact - Determine the incremental environmental impact, both beneficial and adverse. Evaluate the beneficial impact of reduction in the TEDE to the surrounding population or, at a minimum, to the MEI due to the abatement of radioactive air emissions. Consider the adverse impacts from waste generation (radioactive and nonradioactive, air and nonair), disposal and stabilization, construction of control equipment, and the health and safety to both radiation workers and the general public.

     Energy impact - Determine the incremental energy impact. Include the impact of any resulting need for new services such as energy distribution systems.

     Economic impact - Determine the incremental economic impact. Determine capital and expense costs including design, development, procurement, construction, operation, maintenance, taxes, waste disposal, and any other applicable financial components. Base all costs on the expected lifetime of the emission unit and reduce to an annualized cost for evaluation and comparison.

     The adverse economic impact compared to the beneficial impact, including reduction in TEDE to the surrounding population or the MEI, is a measure of the cost versus benefit for the control technology evaluated.

     The most effective technology may be eliminated from consideration if the applicant can demonstrate to the department's satisfaction that the technology has unacceptable impacts. State clearly the basis for this conclusion and proceed to the next most effective control technology. If the next most effective technology is proposed as BARCT, the demonstration is complete; otherwise, evaluate the control technology for impacts in accordance with this step.

     If the control technology cannot be eliminated on the basis of its impacts, it is proposed as BARCT.

     Reporting. Prepare a BARCT compliance demonstration report for department review. Provide sufficient information such that the department can validate essential results. If no control technology is feasible, and/or emissions are unacceptable, the department reserves the right to prohibit the construction and operation of the emission unit(s).

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-120, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-07-010, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94)

WAC 246-247-130   Appendix C -- ALARACT compliance demonstration.   Purpose. An ALARACT demonstration is used for inspection or audit purposes, and to demonstrate compliance with the substantive ALARACT technology standard as required by this chapter. An ALARACT demonstration is used to evaluate the adequacy of control technology on existing emission units and to choose control technologies for proposed nonsignificant modifications of emission units. The bases for the ALARACT demonstration requirements are the ALARACT standards given in WAC 246-247-040 and the definition of ALARACT given in WAC 246-247-030. It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate the effectiveness of their ALARACT determination to the department. The department may adjust this demonstration procedure on a case-by-case basis, as needed, to ensure compliance with the substantive standard.

     Scope. The ALARACT demonstration includes the abatement technology and indication devices, from entry of radionuclides into the ventilated vapor space to release to the environment. The facility shall evaluate the existing control system in relation to applicable technology standards, and other control technologies that have been successfully operated for similar applications.

     Technology Standards. The ALARACT demonstration and the emission unit design and construction must meet, as applicable, the technology standards shown below if the unit's potential-to-emit exceeds 0.1 mrem/yr TEDE to the MEI. If the potential-to-emit is below this value, the standards must be met only to the extent justified by a cost/benefit evaluation.

     ASME/ANSI AG-1, Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment (where there are conflicts in standards with the other listed references, this standard shall take precedence)

     ASME/ANSI N509, Nuclear Power Plant Air-Cleaning Units and Components

     ASME/ANSI N510, Testing of Nuclear Air Treatment Systems

     ANSI/ASME NQA-1, Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear Facilities

     40 CFR 60, Appendix A, Methods 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 4, 5, and 17

     ((ANSI N13.1, Guide to Sampling Airborne Radioactive Materials in Nuclear Facilities)) ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999, Sampling and Monitoring Releases of Airborne Radioactive Substances from the Stacks and Ducts of Nuclear Facilities (mandatory only for emission units constructed or significantly modified after April 15, 2004).

     The following standards and references are recommended as guidance only:

     ANSI/ASME NQA-2, Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facilities

     ANSI N42.18, Specification and Performance of On-Site Instrumentation for Continuously Monitoring Radioactivity in Effluents

     ERDA 76-21, Nuclear Air Cleaning Handbook

     ACGIH 1988, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practice, 20th ed., American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

     ALARA References. "Health Physics Manual of Good Practice for Reducing Radiation Exposure to Levels that are As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)", PNL-6577, June, 1988; prepared for the USDOE by Pacific Northwest Laboratories (Battelle Memorial Institute).

     "A Guide to Reducing Radiation Exposure to As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)", DOE/EV/1830-T5, April, 1980, R.L. Kathren and J.M. Selby; prepared for the USDOE by Pacific Northwest Laboratories (Battelle Memorial Institute).

     "A Practical Method of Performing Cost-Benefit Analysis of Occupational and Environmental Protective Measures", WHC-SA-0484-FP, March, 1989, G.F. Boothe and D.E. Webb; prepared for the USDOE by Westinghouse Hanford Company.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.98 and 70.94 RCW and chapter 173-480 WAC. 94-07-010, § 246-247-130, filed 3/4/94, effective 4/4/94.]

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