Notice2023-03004
Addressing Radon in the Environmental Review Process; Request for Comment
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 13, 2023
Issuing agencies
Housing and Urban Development Department
Abstract
HUD has posted CPD-21-136, titled, Departmental Policy for Addressing Radon in the Environmental Review Process, on its website. HUD invites public comments from interested individuals, entities, and other parties on that Notice's proposed clarification that radon as a radioactive substance must be considered in the environmental review of proposed HUD-assisted projects.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 29 (Monday, February 13, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 29 (Monday, February 13, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 9301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03004]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
[Docket No. FR-6358-N-01]
Addressing Radon in the Environmental Review Process; Request for
Comment
AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and
Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
ACTION: Notice; request for comments on HUD's Draft Departmental Radon
Policy.
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SUMMARY: HUD has posted CPD-21-136, titled, Departmental Policy for
Addressing Radon in the Environmental Review Process, on its website.
HUD invites public comments from interested individuals, entities, and
other parties on that Notice's proposed clarification that radon as a
radioactive substance must be considered in the environmental review of
proposed HUD-assisted projects.
DATES: Comments are due on or before: April 14, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on the
proposed Departmental Radon Policy. Comments may be submitted to HUD
electronically. All submissions must refer to the above docket number
and title.
Electronic Submission of Comments. Interested persons may submit
comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. Electronic submission allows the maximum time to
prepare and submit comments, ensures timely receipt by HUD, and enables
HUD to make them immediately available to the public. Comments
submitted electronically through the <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> website can be
viewed by interested members of the public. Individuals should follow
the instructions provided on that website to submit comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin L. Fontenot, Director, Office
of Environment and Energy, Department of Housing and Urban Development,
451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7282, Washington, DC 20410-8000; email
Kristin Fontenot at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#60250e1609120f0e0d050e14010c100c010e0e090e070409160913090f0e200815044e070f16"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ecbe0f8e7fce1e0e3ebe0faefe2fee2efe0e0e7e0e9eae7f8e7fde7e1e0cee6fbeaa0e9e1f8">[email protected]</span></a>, telephone
(202) 402-7671 (this is not a toll-free number). HUD welcomes and is
prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf or hard of
hearing, as well as individuals with speech or communication
disabilities. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone
call, please visit <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs">https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The purpose of CPD-21-136, Departmental Policy for Addressing Radon
in the Environmental Review Process, (``CPD notice'') is to clarify
that radon must be considered in the contamination analysis for 24 CFR
parts 50 or 58; to provide guidance on recommended best practices for
considering radon; and to identify the HUD programs that have
established specific radon guidance. According to the EPA, radon is the
leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and kills an estimated
21,000 Americans each year. HUD seeks to protect resident lives by
considering radon as part of the contamination analysis. The policy
would apply to projects that:
<bullet> Require an environmental review at the level of
Categorically Excluded Subject to 50.4 or 58.5 (``CEST''),
Environmental Assessment, or Environmental Impact Statement; and
<bullet> Involve structures that are occupied or are intended to be
occupied at least four (4) hours a day.
The Policy would allow flexibility in how radon can be considered
in the environmental review record. Radon testing and mitigation costs
are eligible program activities for HUD programs and can be financed
with most program funds. HUD's contamination policy does not apply to
projects that are Categorically Excluded Not Subject to 24 CFR 50.4 or
58.5 (``CENST'') or Exempt (24 CFR 58.34), unless specifically required
by HUD program office requirements.
II. Request for Public Comment
HUD invites the public to review the CPD notice at the following
link: <a href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/environment_energy/notices">https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/environment_energy/notices</a>. HUD is interested in any comments you have
regarding the proposed departmental radon policy and is specifically
interested in:
<bullet> What concerns do you have about implementation of the
proposed radon policy?
<bullet> What specific guidance would a HUD grantee or interested
member of the public need to successfully identify and mitigate radon?
HUD will review comments received and will consider rulemaking or
other administrative actions to establish radon testing and mitigation
requirements for HUD-assisted projects.
Kristin L. Fontenot,
Director of the Office of Environment and Energy.
[FR Doc. 2023-03004 Filed 2-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P
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