[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 111 (Thursday, June 11, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 27831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13709]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[NRC-2009-0231; EA-09-131]


In the Matter of General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI; Demand 
for Information

I

    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) is issuing 
this Demand for Information because it is our understanding that 
General Motors Corporation (GM) possesses radioactive material in the 
form of tritium in exit signs. Because GM possesses radioactive 
material in this form, it holds what is referred to as a ``general 
license'' to possess such material. In this case, GM's general license 
has been issued by the NRC pursuant to section 31.5 in Part 10 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 31.5). This general license 
authorizes GM, the licensee, to receive, possess, use, or transfer, in 
accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of 10 CFR 
31.5, radioactive material contained in devices designed and 
manufactured for the purpose of producing light.

II

    On December 7, 2006, NRC issued Regulatory Issue Summary (RIS) 
2006-25, ``Requirements for the Distribution and Possession of Tritium 
Exit Signs and the Requirements in 10 CFR 31.5 and 32.51a.'' This RIS 
was issued in part to remind general licensees of the requirements in 
10 CFR 31.5 regarding transfer and disposal of tritium exit signs. It 
was NRC's intent that issuance of this RIS would minimize the chances 
of improper disposal of tritium exit signs.
    Despite the publication of the RIS in 2006, NRC has reason to 
believe that certain general licensees may lack awareness of their 
responsibility to account for and properly dispose of tritium exit 
signs. Therefore, the NRC needs further information to determine 
whether we can have reasonable assurance that general licensees are 
complying with NRC regulations applying to the possession, transfer, 
and disposal of tritium exit signs.

III

    Accordingly, pursuant to sections 161c, 161o, 182 and 186 of the 
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Commission's regulations 
in 10 CFR 2.204 and 10 CFR 31.5, the NRC seeks information in order to 
determine whether additional regulatory action should be taken to 
ensure compliance with NRC requirements. Within 60 days of the date of 
this Demand for Information, GM must submit a written answer to the 
Director, Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental 
Management Programs, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 
20555-0001. GM's answer must be submitted under oath or affirmation, 
and it must provide the following information:
    A. Explain how GM ensures compliance with the NRC requirements 
applying to the possession, transfer, and disposal of tritium exit 
signs GM has acquired. Identify and provide contact information for the 
individual GM has appointed who is responsible for ensuring day to day 
compliance with these requirements;
    B. State the number of tritium exit signs GM currently possesses 
and the number of signs that, according to GM's records, should be in 
GM's possession.
    C. Explain the reasons for any discrepancy between the number of 
tritium exit signs GM currently possesses and the number of signs that 
should be in GM's possession.
    D. Describe any actions GM has taken or plans to take, to locate 
tritium exit signs that should be, but are not, in GM's possession.
    E. Describe any actions GM has taken or plans to take, to prevent 
future losses of tritium exit signs.
    After reviewing GM's response, the NRC will determine whether 
further action is necessary to ensure compliance with regulatory 
requirements.
    The Director, Office of Federal and State Materials and 
Environmental Management Programs, may, in writing, relax or rescind 
any of the above conditions upon demonstration by the Licensee of good 
cause, such as a particularly large number of signs spread over 
multiple locations. If GM believes GM cannot report the results within 
the 60-day deadline, GM may forward a request to extend the deadline. 
Extensions will be granted if GM can reasonably demonstrate an 
inability to meet the deadline. Additionally, any other requirement can 
be relaxed or rescinded, as long as GM can reasonably demonstrate why 
that requirement should be relaxed or rescinded. Such requests may be 
emailed to [email protected] or faxed to Angela McIntosh at (301) 415-5955. 
Questions about this Demand for Information may be referred to Tritium 
Exit Sign Inventory Support at (301) 415-3340.
    Send responses to: Director, Office of Federal and State Materials 
and Environmental Management Programs, Attention: Angela R. McIntosh, 
Mail Stop T8-E24, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 
20555.

    Dated this 29 day of May 2009.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Cynthia A. Carpenter,
Director, Office of Enforcement.
[FR Doc. E9-13709 Filed 6-10-09; 8:45 am]
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