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Spotlight
Decommissioning Regulations
The NRC's regulations are found in Chapter I of Title 10, "Energy," of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Chapter I is divided into Parts 1 through 199. Part 20, Subpart E provides the main decommissioning requirements. The following parts are most applicable to decommissioning:
- Part 20, Subpart E, Standards for Protection Against Radiation
- Frequently Asked Questions About Health Physics Based on 10 CFR Part 20
- Health Physics Positions Based on 10 CFR Part 20
- Part 30.36, Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material
- Part 40.42, Domestic Licensing of Source Material
- Part 50, Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities
- Part 51, Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions
- Part 70.38, Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material
- Part 72.54, Licensing Requirements for the Independent Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel, High-Level Radioactive Waste, and Reactor-Related Greater than Class C Waste
- Part 73, Physical Protection of Plants and Materials
Refer to NUREG-1757, Vol. 1, Section 5.1 on timing of decommissioning.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, August 27, 2026
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, August 27, 2026