The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed a rule on September 1 that would set clearer groundwater protection standards for communities near uranium in-situ recovery (ISR) sites.
The rule addresses two distinct areas of NRC oversight. First, it would establish risk-informed criteria for protecting drinking water from radiological and non-radiological contamination near ISR facilities, where uranium is extracted from underground deposits by injecting fluids into ore-bearing rock. Second, it would streamline the process for extending decommissioning timelines, cutting administrative steps that facility owners currently face when winding down operations.
NRC officials said the changes are intended to reduce costs for applicants while avoiding premature license terminations that can result from rigid timeline requirements.
“This proposed rule reflects the NRC’s commitment to protecting public health by putting a framework into place establishing clear, enforceable standards for groundwater safety near uranium recovery sites,” said NRC Executive Director for Operations Mike King. “At the same time, we are closing the gap in our regulations, improving regulatory efficiency, and providing greater certainty for both communities and facility operators.”
ISR is currently being used at approximately 16 uranium recovery facilities in the United States and is considered a lower-impact alternative to conventional mining.
The public has 30 days after the rule’s publication in the Federal Register to submit comments at regulations.gov under Docket ID NRC-2025-1204.
Click here to read the proposed rule.