Naturally occurring radioactive regulations

In the first level of the hierarchy, radioactive waste that arises from operations of the nuclear fuel cycle (i.e., from processing of uranium or thorium ores and production of nuclear fuel, any uses of nuclear reactors, and subsequent utilization of radioactive material used or produced in reactors) is distinguished from radioactive waste that arises from any other source or practice. The latter type of waste is referred to as NARM (naturally occurring and accelerator-produced radioactive material), which includes any radioactive material produced in an accelerator and NORM [naturally occurring radioactive material not subject to regulation under the Atomic Energy Act (AEA)]. 

Thus, LLRW is defined more by what it is not than by what it is, that is, LLRW is defined by exclusion. LLRW is radioactive waste that is not HLRW, TRU waste, SNF, or byproduct material (commonly referred to as uranium mill tailings). All of these have separate legal definitions. Naturally occurring radioactive material and technologically enhanced NORM are also defined separately from LLRW but are not currently regulated under federal statute. 

Dual Regulation of Naturally Occurring and Accelerator-Produced Radioactive Material Waste... 

The TCCL applies to all chemical substances except those regulated by other legislation ie, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agrochemicals and fertilisers and additives for food and animal feed. However, naturally occurring substances and articles are excluded from the provisions of the TCCL. Also, substances manufactured or imported at <100 kg a or solely for testing and research are exempt fiiom notification. 

CFR 193, (Proposed), 1991, "Environmental Standards for the Management, Storage, and Land Disposal of Low-Level Radioactive Waste and Naturally Occurring Accelerator-Produced Radioactive Waste," Code of Federal Regulations (Proposed). 

---