EPA released the proposed Drinking Water Protective Action Guide (PAG) and Planning Guidance for Radiological Incidents to assist utilities and state and local officials with planning and decision-making in the wake of a radiological emergency. The PAG levels of 500 mrem projected dose (for the general population) and 100 mrem projected dose (for the most sensitive populations such as infants, children and pregnant and nursing women) were developed based on up to one year of exposure. Existing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) under regulation are based on 70 year of continuous exposure and public water systems are expected to return to compliance with the MCLs as soon as practicable following an emergency.
EPA will be taking comments on the proposed guidance for 45 days following publication in the Federal Register.