Subpart R: Radon from Phosphogypsum Stacks

Updated workbook,Applying for Other Uses of Phosphogypsum: Preparing and Submitting a Complete Petition Under 40 CFR 61.206 (PDF) (34 pp, 1.0MB [about pdf format])

Subpart R protects the public and the environment from the hazards of radioactive materials found in phosphogypsum. Phosphogypsum is a radioactive waste product that results from processing phosphate ore to make phosphoric acid that is later used in fertilizer. Because the phosphate ore contains uranium and radium, phosphogypsum also contains these radionuclides. The radium is of particular concern because it decays to form radon, a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. Phosphogypsum has few uses and is disposed of in large, aboveground stacks.

In addition, there are general requirements that all facilities subject to any NESHAP must meet, 40CFR61, Subpart A: General Provisions .

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The Subpart R Home Page provides information that may be useful to those who are interested in radiation in general or phosphogypsum in particular. You can find information on several topics related to phosphogypsum by clicking on the buttons at the top and links on the left. The topics include:

Subpart R Frequent Questions
Information on phosphogypsum and its use in agriculture and research
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Links to related Web sites
The contents of the rule
Guidance on applying for approval of other uses of phosphogypsum
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Subpart R: Radon from Phosphogypsum Stacks

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