ABSTRACT
Most laws and regulations governing the manufacture, transport, use, and disposal of radioactive materials have been in existence for some time. In 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was given the authority to regulate and monitor radiation in certain circumstances, such as setting limits for radioactivity in air and water quality, and radiation exposure standards. Each facet of the uranium industry is subject to a number of regulations and rules, most of which center on environmental and health issues. The major regulatory agencies which oversee uranium facilities include the EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at the federal level, and the Colorado Department of Health, and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources at the State level. Decisions are influenced by many factors, particularly existing regulations which cover all project phases from pre-mining through the active life of the project to post-reclamation surveillance.
