PUBLIC LAW 97-425—JAN. 7, 1983
96 STAT. 2251
generically applicable tests regarding packaging, handling, and emplacement technology for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear activities. (e) ENGINEERED BARRIERS.—The system of engineered barriers and selected geology used in a test and evaluation facility shall have a design life at least as long as that which the Commission requires by regulations issued under this Act, or under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), for repositories. (f) ROLE OF COMMISSION.—(1)(A) Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commission shall reach a written understanding establishing the procedures for review, consultation, and coordination in the planning, construction, and operation of the test and evaluation facility under this section. Such understanding shall establish a schedule, consistent with the deadlines set forth in this subtitle, for submission by the Secretary of, and review by the Commission of and necessary action on— (i) the mission plan prepared under section 301; and (ii) such reports and other information as the Commission may reasonably require to evaluate any health and safety impacts of the test and evaluation facility. (B) Such understanding shall also establish the conditions under which the Commission may have access to the test and evaluation facility for the purpose of assessing any public health and safety concerns that it may have. No shafts may be excavated for the test and evaluation until the Secretary and the Commission enter into such understanding. (2) Subject to section 305, the test and evaluation facility, and the facilities authorized in section 217, shall be constructed and operated as research, development, and demonstration facilities, and shall not be subject to licensing under section 202 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5842). (3)(A) The Commission shall carry out a continuing analysis of the activities undertaken under this section to evaluate the adequacy of the consideration of public health and safety issues. (B) The Commission shall report to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress as the Commission considers appropriate with respect to the conduct of activities under this section. (g) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.—The Secretary shall prepare an environmental impact statement under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)) prior to conducting tests with radioactive materials at the test and evaluation facility. Such environmental impact statement shall incorporate, to the extent practicable, the environmental assessment prepared under section 217(a). Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit siting research activities conducted under section 214. This subsection shall apply only to activities performed exclusively for a test and evaluation facility. (h) LIMITATIONS.—(1) If the test and evaluation facility is not located at the site of a repository, the Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the Commission with respect to the decontamination and decommissioning of such facility. (2) If the test and evaluation facility is not located at a candidate site or repository site, the Secretary shall conduct only the portion of the in situ testing program required in subsection (c) determined by the Secretary to be useful in carrying out the purposes of this Act.
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