Low Level Radioactive Waste

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111 H established the Low - Level Radioactive Waste Management Board (Board) to manage the options available to the Commonwealth for dealing with low level radioactive waste. The Board functioning in the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs promulgated 345 CMR 1.00 to facilitate its activities. The function of the Board is now the responsibility of the Department of Public Health (DPH) per section 199 of the 2003 Legislative Conference Report in the fiscal year 2003 budget.

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111 H and M.G.L. c. 111, DPH controls LLRW storage, treatment and disposal in any centralized facilities that may be developed for those purposes within the Commonwealth, or that may be arranged outside of Massachusetts. DPH is also charged with the task of negotiating with other states and regional groupings of states (called compacts) for access to their existing and newly developing LLRW facilities. It also manages the LLRW Rebate Trust Fund, which collects assessments against persons licensed to receive, possess, use, transfer or acquire radioactive materials in the Commonwealth. DPH tracks the nature and quantity of LLRW produced in the Commonwealth each year by requiring all licensees to complete a survey. The Radiation Control Program (RCP) of DPH is the Agency responsible for the day-to-day operation of the LLRW program.

Regulatory authority was established pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111 H Massachusetts Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Act as amended. A copy of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111H is found at: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-111h-toc.htm.