U.S. Proposes Clearer Groundwater Protection Standards for In-Situ Uranium Recovery Sites

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on September 1 proposed a rule aimed at establishing clearer groundwater protection standards for communities surrounding in-situ uranium recovery sites, while streamlining the process for extending decommissioning deadlines for radioactive materials facilities and nuclear reactors, reducing redundant administrative steps without compromising safety.

The rule addresses two aspects under NRC oversight. First, it proposes risk-informed regulatory standards for protecting drinking water near in-situ uranium recovery facilities, designed to guard against both radiological and non-radiological contamination. In-situ uranium recovery is a method of uranium extraction that involves injecting solution into uranium-bearing ore bodies to dissolve underground uranium resources and pump them to the surface for recovery.

Second, it proposes to simplify the process for facility owners to apply for extensions of decommissioning deadlines. The NRC stated that current time requirements are relatively rigid and may lead to premature license termination; the proposed changes aim to reduce applicant costs, improve regulatory efficiency, and provide clearer expectations for communities and facility operators.

NRC Executive Director for Operations Mike King stated that this proposed rule will establish a clear and enforceable framework to protect groundwater safety around uranium recovery sites, while filling gaps in regulatory requirements and improving regulatory efficiency.

Currently, approximately 16 uranium recovery facilities in the United States use in-situ uranium recovery methods. The NRC noted that this approach is generally considered a less surface-disturbing alternative compared to conventional mining. The public may submit comments within 30 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register via the regulations.gov website under docket number NRC-2025-1204.