CFR > Title 10 - Energy > CHAPTER I—NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION > PART 63—DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA > SUBPART E—Technical Criteria (§63.101 to §63.121) > 63.121—Requirements for ownership and control of interests in land.

63.121—Requirements for ownership and control of interests in land.

(a) Ownership of land. (1) The geologic repository operations area must be located in and on lands that are either acquired lands under the jurisdiction and control of DOE, or lands permanently withdrawn and reserved for its use.
(2) These lands must be held free and clear of all encumbrances, if significant, such as:
(i) Rights arising under the general mining laws;
(ii) Easements for right-of-way; and
(iii) All other rights arising under lease, rights of entry, deed, patent, mortgage, appropriation, prescription, or otherwise.
(b) Additional controls for permanent closure. Appropriate controls must be established outside of the geologic repository operations area. DOE shall exercise any jurisdiction and control over surface and subsurface estates necessary to prevent adverse human actions that could significantly reduce the geologic repository's ability to achieve isolation. The rights of DOE may take the form of appropriate possessory interests, servitudes, or withdrawals from location or patent under the general mining laws.
(c) Additional controls through permanent closure. Appropriate controls must be established outside the geologic repository operations area. DOE shall exercise any jurisdiction or control of activities necessary to ensure the requirements at § 63.111(a) and (b) are met. Control includes the authority to exclude members of the public, if necessary.
(d) Water rights. (1) DOE shall also have obtained such water rights as may be needed to accomplish the purpose of the geologic repository operations area.
(2) Water rights are included in the additional controls to be established under paragraph (b) of this section.