Radioactive Material Processing and Storage
The Radioactive Material Licensing Section is responsible for licensing commercial radioactive waste processors that may either receive waste for interim storage only, or performs some type of processing (i.e., stabilizing to meet final disposal acceptance criteria, decontamination of equipment, etc.) as a service for the waste generator. The types of radioactive material, quantities and processes authorized in a radioactive materials license will vary depending on what activities the company has requested, demonstrated that they can safely perform and are financially qualified to conduct.
Application Process
Well before applying for the license to process or store radioactive waste, contact our Radioactive Material Licensing Section. Our staff will help you determine information needed to complete your application and the fee for appplying.
Generally, these items are necessary to apply for a license to store or process radioactive material:
- The Core Data Form (TCEQ-10400).
- Seven copies of the license application. The completed application must include all general and specific technical requirements, financial information, and environmental requirements, if applicable, described in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC) Chapter 336 Subchapter M.
- The license application fee. The fee for these activities is based on an annual amount and the “Class” requested and the number of billable addresses. The fee may include a 5 percent license surcharge.
- Operating, Safety and Emergency Procedures Manual, completed to the level of detail as outlined in Preparation of an Application for a Class I, II or III Radioactive Waste Processing and/or Storage Facility (PDF file. Help with PDF). (We are revising this document to reflect the change of jurisdiction from the Department of State Health Services to the TCEQ.)
For more information and guidance documents related to
radioactive materials storage and processing, see the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission’s Regulatory Guide 3.52 
,
“Standard Format and Content for the Health and Safety
Sections of License Renewal Applications for Uranium Processing and
Fuel Fabrication (Rev. 1).”
TCEQ Two-Step Review
When we receive a license application to process or store radioactive waste, we review it in two steps:
- Administrative Review. Staff will check to make sure the license application is complete. If not, you will be sent a Notice of Deficiency letter describing what information is needed by a certain date. If deficiencies are not addressed within a specified time period, the application may be returned. At this time, public notices may be posted and one or more public meetings may take place, depending upon the level of public interest.
- Technical Review. Once administrative completeness is established, The technical aspects of the license application will be reviewed and evaluated. You may be contacted for additional information. Information will be requested in an Technical Notice of Deficiency. If information is not received by the date requested, the application may be returned. This review will include public notices, and may include public meetings and hearings.
After the TCEQ review process, the applicant is given the opportunity to review and provide comments on the initial draft license. Once the TCEQ has reviewed all applicant comments and made changes accordingly, the applicant must publish notice in a local and widely distributed newspaper to inform the public. The public may provide comments or request a public meeting or request a public hearing on the draft license. The license will be denied or issued based upon a final determination by the Commissioners of the TCEQ.
Regulations
“Waste processor facility” is defined in the rules
under
30 TAC 336, Subchapter M ,
“Licensing of Radioactive Substances Processing and Storage
Facilities.” Other applicable rules appear in
30 TAC Chapter 336, Subchapters A, B, C, D, E and
G .
For more information, see the TCEQ rules for radioactive waste disposal.
Other Resources
The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors maintains
these and other lists of
commercial services :
- Waste Broker, Processor and Transportation Services from the LLW Forum/SE Compact site (PDF file. Help with PDF.)
- Radioassay Laboratories (PDF file. Help with PDF.) that can perform radiological waste characterization of samples
Contact us if you have questions.
