Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate Interim Staff Guidance JLD-ISG-2012-06; Performing a Tsunami, Surge, or Seiche Hazard Assessment, 3039-3041 [2013-00671]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices orders, in a timely fashion in order to minimize any unnecessary delays in identifying those petitioners who have standing and who have propounded contentions meeting the specificity and basis requirements in 10 CFR part 2. Attachment 1 to this Order summarizes the general target schedule for processing and resolving requests under these procedures. It Is So Ordered. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 7th day of January 2013. 3039 For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of the Commission. ATTACHMENT 1—General Target Schedule for Processing and Resolving Requests for Access to Sensitive Unclassified NonSafeguards Information in This Proceeding Day Event/activity 0 ............... Publication of Federal Register notice of hearing and opportunity to petition for leave to intervene, including order with instructions for access requests. Deadline for submitting requests for access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) with information: supporting the standing of a potential party identified by name and address; describing the need for the information in order for the potential party to participate meaningfully in an adjudicatory proceeding. Deadline for submitting petition for intervention containing: (i) demonstration of standing; (ii) all contentions whose formulation does not require access to SUNSI (+25 Answers to petition for intervention; +7 requestor/petitioner reply). Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff informs the requestor of the staff’s determination whether the request for access provides a reasonable basis to believe standing can be established and shows need for SUNSI. (NRC staff also informs any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information.) If NRC staff makes the finding of need for SUNSI and likelihood of standing, NRC staff begins document processing (preparation of redactions or review of redacted documents). If NRC staff finds no ‘‘need’’ or no likelihood of standing, the deadline for requestor/petitioner to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC staff’s denial of access; NRC staff files copy of access determination with the presiding officer (or Chief Administrative Judge or other designated officer, as appropriate). If NRC staff finds ‘‘need’’ for SUNSI, the deadline for any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC staff’s grant of access. Deadline for NRC staff reply to motions to reverse NRC staff determination(s). (Receipt +30) If NRC staff finds standing and need for SUNSI, deadline for NRC staff to complete information processing and file motion for Protective Order and draft Non-Disclosure Affidavit. Deadline for applicant/licensee to file Non-Disclosure Agreement for SUNSI. If access granted: Issuance of presiding officer or other designated officer decision on motion for protective order for access to sensitive information (including schedule for providing access and submission of contentions) or decision reversing a final adverse determination by the NRC staff. Deadline for filing executed Non-Disclosure Affidavits. Access provided to SUNSI consistent with decision issuing the protective order. Deadline for submission of contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI. However, if more than 25 days remain between the petitioner’s receipt of (or access to) the information and the deadline for filing all other contentions (as established in the notice of hearing or opportunity for hearing), the petitioner may file its SUNSI contentions by that later deadline. (Contention receipt +25) Answers to contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI. (Answer receipt +7) Petitioner/Intervenor reply to answers. Decision on contention admission. 10 ............. 60 ............. 20 ............. 25 ............. 30 ............. 40 ............. A .............. A + 3 ........ A + 28 ...... A + 53 ...... A + 60 ...... >A + 60 .... [FR Doc. 2013–00424 Filed 1–10–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC–2012–0261] Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate Interim Staff Guidance JLD–ISG–2012–06; Performing a Tsunami, Surge, or Seiche Hazard Assessment Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate Interim Staff Guidance; issuance. AGENCY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing the Final Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate Interim Staff Guidance (JLD– ISG), JLD–ISG–2012–06, ‘‘Performing a Tsunami, Surge, or Seiche Hazard Assessment’’ (Agencywide Documents srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML12314A412). This JLD–ISG provides guidance and clarification to assist nuclear power reactors applicants and licensees with the flooding hazard reassessment in response to Enclosure 2 of the NRC staff’s request for information, ‘‘Request for Information Pursuant to section 50.54(f) of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Regarding Recommendations 2.1, 2.3, and 9.3 of the Near-Term Task Force Review of Insights from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Accident,’’ dated March 12, 2012 (ADAMS Accession No. ML12053A340). ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2012–0261 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You may access information related to this document, which the NRC possesses and are publicly-available, using any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 for Docket ID NRC–2012–0261. Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301–492–3668; email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. • NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may access publiclyavailable documents online in the NRC Library at https://www.nrc.gov/readingrm/adams.html. To begin the search, select ‘‘ADAMS Public Documents’’ and then select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301–415–4737, or by email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The JLD–ISG–2012–06 is available under ADAMS Accession No. ML12314A412. • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. • NRC’s Interim Staff Guidance Web Site: Go to https://www.nrc.gov/readingrm/doc-collections/isg/japan-lessons- E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1 3040 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with learned.html and refer to JLD–ISG– 2012–06. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. G. Edward Miller, Japan LessonsLearned Project Directorate, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001; telephone: 301–415–2481; email: ed.miller@nrc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Information The NRC staff developed JLD–ISG– 2012–06 to provide guidance and clarification to assist nuclear power reactor licensees, applicants for power reactor licenses, and holders of construction permits in active or deferred status with the performance of a tsunami, surge, or seiche hazard assessment. On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of the Japanese island of Honshu. The earthquake resulted in a large tsunami, estimated to have exceeded 14 meters (45 feet) in height, that inundated the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant site. The earthquake and tsunami produced widespread devastation across northeastern Japan and significantly affected the infrastructure and industry in the northeastern coastal areas of Japan. When the earthquake occurred, Fukushima Dai-ichi Units 1, 2, and 3 were in operation and Units 4, 5, and 6 were shut down for routine refueling and maintenance activities. The Unit 4 reactor fuel was offloaded to the Unit 4 spent fuel pool. Following the earthquake, the three operating units automatically shut down and offsite power was lost to the entire facility. The emergency diesel generators (EDG) started at all six units providing alternating current (ac) electrical power to critical systems at each unit. The facility response to the earthquake appears to have been normal. Approximately 40 minutes following the earthquake and shutdown of the operating units, however, the first large tsunami wave inundated the site, followed by additional waves. The tsunami caused extensive damage to site facilities and resulted in a complete loss of all ac electrical power at Units 1 through 5, a condition known as station blackout. In addition, all direct current electrical power was lost early in the event on Units 1 and 2, and after some period of time at the other units. Unit 6 retained the function of one air-cooled EDG. Despite their actions, the operators lost the ability to cool the fuel in the Unit 1 reactor after several hours, in the Unit 2 reactor after about 70 hours, and VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 in the Unit 3 reactor after about 36 hours, resulting in damage to the nuclear fuel shortly after the loss of cooling capabilities. Following the events at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, the NRC established a senior-level agency task force referred to as the NearTerm Task Force (NTTF). The NTTF was tasked with conducting a systematic and methodical review of the NRC’s regulations and processes, and determining if the agency should make additional improvements to these programs in light of the events at Fukushima Dai-ichi. As a result of this review, the NTTF developed a comprehensive set of recommendations, documented in SECY–11–0093, ‘‘NearTerm Report and Recommendations for Agency Actions Following the Events in Japan,’’ dated July 12, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML11186A950). These recommendations were enhanced by the NRC staff following interactions with stakeholders. Documentation of the staff’s efforts is contained in SECY–11– 0124, ‘‘Recommended Actions to be Taken Without Delay from the NearTerm Task Force Report,’’ dated September 9, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML11245A158), and SECY–11– 0137, ‘‘Prioritization of Recommended Actions to be Taken in Response to Fukushima Lessons Learned,’’ dated October 3, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML11272A111). As directed by the Commission’s staff requirements memorandum (SRM) for SECY–11–0093, dated August 19, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML112310021), the NRC staff reviewed the NTTF recommendations within the context of the NRC’s existing regulatory framework and considered the various regulatory vehicles available to the NRC to implement the recommendations. SECY–11–0124 and SECY–11–0137 established the staff’s prioritization of the recommendations based upon the potential for each recommendation to enhance safety. As part of the SRM for SECY–11– 0124, dated October 18, 2011, the Commission approved the staff’s proposed actions, including the development of three information requests under 10 CFR 50.54(f). The information collected would be used to support the NRC staff’s evaluation of whether further regulatory action was needed in the areas of seismic and flooding design and emergency preparedness. In addition to Commission direction, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, Public Law 112–074, was signed into law on December 23, 2011. Section 402 of the law directs the NRC to require PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 licensees to reevaluate their design basis for external hazards. In response to the aforementioned Commission and Congressional direction, the NRC issued a request for information to all power reactor licensees and holders of construction permits under 10 CFR Part 50 on March 12, 2012. The letter dated March 12, 2012, includes a request that licensees reevaluate flooding hazards at nuclear power plant sites using updated flooding hazard information and present-day regulatory guidance and methodologies. The letter also requests the comparison of the reevaluated hazard to the current design basis at the site for each potential flood mechanism. If the reevaluated flood hazard at a site is not bounded by the current design basis, licensees are requested to perform an integrated assessment. The integrated assessment will evaluate the total plant response to the flood hazard, considering multiple and diverse capabilities such as physical barriers, temporary protective measures, and operational procedures. The NRC staff will review the licensees’ responses to this request for information and determine whether regulatory actions are necessary to provide additional protection against flooding. Numerous public meetings were held to receive stakeholder input on the proposed guidance prior to its issuance formally for public comment. On October 26, 2012 (77 FR 65417), the NRC requested public comments on draft JLD–ISG–2012–06. The staff received thirty-eight (38) comments from four (4) stakeholders. Comments were received related to the following topical areas: (1) General comments; (2) comments specific to the storm surge evaluation; and (3) comments specific to the tsunami evaluation. In public meetings on October 24–25, 2012, and November 14, 2012, the NRC staff interacted extensively with external stakeholders to discuss, understand, and resolve public comments. Modifications were made to the text of the ISG in response to the public comments and the outcomes of the public meetings. Full detail of the comments, staff responses, and the staff’s bases for changes to the ISG are contained in ‘‘NRC Response to Public Comments’’ to JLD–ISG–2012–06, which can be found under ADAMS Accession No. ML12314A414. Backfitting and Issue Finality This ISG does not constitute backfitting as defined in 10 CFR 50.109 (the Backfit Rule) and is not otherwise inconsistent with the issue finality provisions in 10 CFR part 52, ‘‘Licenses, E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants.’’ This ISG provides guidance on an acceptable method for implementing the March 12, 2012, request for information. Neither the information request nor the ISG require the modification or addition to systems, structures, or components, or design of a facility. Applicants and licensees may voluntarily use the guidance in JLD–ISG–2012–06 to comply with the request for information. The information received by this request may, at a later date, be used in the basis for imposing a backfit. The appropriate backfit review process would be followed at that time. Congressional Review Act This interim staff guidance is a rule as designated in the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801–808). OMB has found that this is not a major rule in accordance with the Congressional Review Act. Dated: January 10, 2013. Rochelle C. Bavol, Policy Coordinator, Office of the Secretary. Week of February 4, 2013—Tentative [FR Doc. 2013–00794 Filed 1–11–13; 4:15 pm] Thursday, February 7, 2013 1:00 p.m. Briefing on Steam Generator Tube Degradation (Public Meeting) (Contact: Ken Karwoski, 301–415– 2752) This meeting will be webcast live at the Web address—www.nrc.gov. BILLING CODE 7590–01–P Week of February 11, 2013—Tentative There are no meetings scheduled for the week of February 11, 2013. Week of February 18, 2013—Tentative Wednesday, February 20, 2013 1:00 p.m. Briefing on Uranium Recovery (Public Meeting) (Contact: Bill von Till, 301– 415–0598) This meeting will be webcast live at the Web address—www.nrc.gov. [FR Doc. 2013–00671 Filed 1–14–13; 8:45 am] Thursday, February 21, 2013 9:30 a.m. Briefing on the Threat Environment Assessment (Closed—Ex. 1) * * * * * * The schedule for Commission meetings is subject to change on short notice. To verify the status of meetings, call (recording)—301–415–1292. Contact person for more information: Rochelle Bavol, 301–415–1651. * * * * * The NRC Commission Meeting Schedule can be found on the Internet at: https://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/ public-meetings/schedule.html. * * * * * The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these public meetings, or need this meeting notice or the transcript or other information from the public meetings in another format (e.g. braille, large print), please notify Kimberly Meyer, NRC Disability Program Manager, at 301–287–0727, or by email at kimberly.meyerchambers@nrc.gov. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. * * * * * This notice is distributed electronically to subscribers. If you no NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC–2013–0001] Notice of Sunshine Act Meetings AGENCY HOLDING THE MEETINGS: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. DATE: Weeks of January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 2013. PLACE: Commissioners’ Conference Room, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland. STATUS: Public and Closed. Week of January 14, 2013 There are no meetings scheduled for the week of January 14, 2013. Week of January 21, 2013—Tentative There are no meetings scheduled for the week of January 21, 2013. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with Week of January 28, 2013—Tentative Thursday, January 31, 2013 9:00 a.m. Briefing on Public Participation in NRC Regulatory Decision-Making (Public Meeting) (Contact: Lance Rakovan, 301–415–2589). This meeting will be webcast live at the Web address—www.nrc.gov. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 longer wish to receive it, or would like to be added to the distribution, please contact the Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20555 (301–415–1969), or send an email to darlene.wright@nrc.gov. Friday, February 1, 2013 9:30 a.m. Briefing on Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Small Business Programs (Public Meeting) (Contact: Sandra Talley, 301–415– 8059) This meeting will be webcast live at the Web address—www.nrc.gov. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 4th day of January 2013. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Matthew A. Mitchell, Acting Director, Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation. BILLING CODE 7590–01–P 3041 PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD Proposed Collection; Comment Request In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB’s estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title and purpose of information collection: Evidence of Marital Relationship, Living with Requirements; OMB 3220–0021. To support an application for a spouse or widow(er)’s annuity under Sections 2(c) or 2(d) of the Railroad Retirement Act, an applicant must submit proof of a valid marriage to a railroad employee. In some cases, the existence of a marital relationship is not formalized by a civil or religious ceremony. In other cases, questions may arise about the legal termination of a prior marriage of the employee, spouse, or widow(er). In these instances, the RRB must secure additional information to resolve questionable marital relationships. The circumstances requiring an applicant to submit documentary evidence of marriage are prescribed in 20 CFR 219.30. In the absence of documentary evidence, the RRB needs to determine if a valid marriage existed between a spouse or widow(er) annuity applicant and a railroad employee. The RRB SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 15, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3039-3041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-00671]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[NRC-2012-0261]


Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate Interim Staff Guidance 
JLD-ISG-2012-06; Performing a Tsunami, Surge, or Seiche Hazard 
Assessment

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate Interim Staff 
Guidance; issuance.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing the 
Final Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate Interim Staff Guidance 
(JLD-ISG), JLD-ISG-2012-06, ``Performing a Tsunami, Surge, or Seiche 
Hazard Assessment'' (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System 
(ADAMS) Accession No. ML12314A412). This JLD-ISG provides guidance and 
clarification to assist nuclear power reactors applicants and licensees 
with the flooding hazard reassessment in response to Enclosure 2 of the 
NRC staff's request for information, ``Request for Information Pursuant 
to section 50.54(f) of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 
CFR), Regarding Recommendations 2.1, 2.3, and 9.3 of the Near-Term Task 
Force Review of Insights from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Accident,'' dated 
March 12, 2012 (ADAMS Accession No. ML12053A340).

ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2012-0261 when contacting the 
NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You 
may access information related to this document, which the NRC 
possesses and are publicly-available, using any of the following 
methods:
     Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2012-0261. Address 
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-492-
3668; email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov.
     NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System 
(ADAMS): You may access publicly-available documents online in the NRC 
Library at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the 
search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and then select ``Begin Web-
based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's 
Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-
4737, or by email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The JLD-ISG-2012-06 is 
available under ADAMS Accession No. ML12314A412.
     NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public 
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 
Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852.
     NRC's Interim Staff Guidance Web Site: Go to https://
www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/isg/japan-lessons-

[[Page 3040]]

learned.html and refer to JLD-ISG-2012-06.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. G. Edward Miller, Japan Lessons-
Learned Project Directorate, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 
301-415-2481; email: ed.miller@nrc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background Information

    The NRC staff developed JLD-ISG-2012-06 to provide guidance and 
clarification to assist nuclear power reactor licensees, applicants for 
power reactor licenses, and holders of construction permits in active 
or deferred status with the performance of a tsunami, surge, or seiche 
hazard assessment.
    On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast 
of the Japanese island of Honshu. The earthquake resulted in a large 
tsunami, estimated to have exceeded 14 meters (45 feet) in height, that 
inundated the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant site. The 
earthquake and tsunami produced widespread devastation across 
northeastern Japan and significantly affected the infrastructure and 
industry in the northeastern coastal areas of Japan. When the 
earthquake occurred, Fukushima Dai-ichi Units 1, 2, and 3 were in 
operation and Units 4, 5, and 6 were shut down for routine refueling 
and maintenance activities. The Unit 4 reactor fuel was offloaded to 
the Unit 4 spent fuel pool. Following the earthquake, the three 
operating units automatically shut down and offsite power was lost to 
the entire facility. The emergency diesel generators (EDG) started at 
all six units providing alternating current (ac) electrical power to 
critical systems at each unit. The facility response to the earthquake 
appears to have been normal. Approximately 40 minutes following the 
earthquake and shutdown of the operating units, however, the first 
large tsunami wave inundated the site, followed by additional waves. 
The tsunami caused extensive damage to site facilities and resulted in 
a complete loss of all ac electrical power at Units 1 through 5, a 
condition known as station blackout. In addition, all direct current 
electrical power was lost early in the event on Units 1 and 2, and 
after some period of time at the other units. Unit 6 retained the 
function of one air-cooled EDG. Despite their actions, the operators 
lost the ability to cool the fuel in the Unit 1 reactor after several 
hours, in the Unit 2 reactor after about 70 hours, and in the Unit 3 
reactor after about 36 hours, resulting in damage to the nuclear fuel 
shortly after the loss of cooling capabilities.
    Following the events at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, 
the NRC established a senior-level agency task force referred to as the 
Near-Term Task Force (NTTF). The NTTF was tasked with conducting a 
systematic and methodical review of the NRC's regulations and 
processes, and determining if the agency should make additional 
improvements to these programs in light of the events at Fukushima Dai-
ichi. As a result of this review, the NTTF developed a comprehensive 
set of recommendations, documented in SECY-11-0093, ``Near-Term Report 
and Recommendations for Agency Actions Following the Events in Japan,'' 
dated July 12, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML11186A950). These 
recommendations were enhanced by the NRC staff following interactions 
with stakeholders. Documentation of the staff's efforts is contained in 
SECY-11-0124, ``Recommended Actions to be Taken Without Delay from the 
Near-Term Task Force Report,'' dated September 9, 2011 (ADAMS Accession 
No. ML11245A158), and SECY-11-0137, ``Prioritization of Recommended 
Actions to be Taken in Response to Fukushima Lessons Learned,'' dated 
October 3, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. ML11272A111).
    As directed by the Commission's staff requirements memorandum (SRM) 
for SECY-11-0093, dated August 19, 2011 (ADAMS Accession No. 
ML112310021), the NRC staff reviewed the NTTF recommendations within 
the context of the NRC's existing regulatory framework and considered 
the various regulatory vehicles available to the NRC to implement the 
recommendations. SECY-11-0124 and SECY-11-0137 established the staff's 
prioritization of the recommendations based upon the potential for each 
recommendation to enhance safety.
    As part of the SRM for SECY-11-0124, dated October 18, 2011, the 
Commission approved the staff's proposed actions, including the 
development of three information requests under 10 CFR 50.54(f). The 
information collected would be used to support the NRC staff's 
evaluation of whether further regulatory action was needed in the areas 
of seismic and flooding design and emergency preparedness.
    In addition to Commission direction, the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, Public Law 112-074, was signed into law on December 
23, 2011. Section 402 of the law directs the NRC to require licensees 
to reevaluate their design basis for external hazards.
    In response to the aforementioned Commission and Congressional 
direction, the NRC issued a request for information to all power 
reactor licensees and holders of construction permits under 10 CFR Part 
50 on March 12, 2012. The letter dated March 12, 2012, includes a 
request that licensees reevaluate flooding hazards at nuclear power 
plant sites using updated flooding hazard information and present-day 
regulatory guidance and methodologies. The letter also requests the 
comparison of the reevaluated hazard to the current design basis at the 
site for each potential flood mechanism. If the reevaluated flood 
hazard at a site is not bounded by the current design basis, licensees 
are requested to perform an integrated assessment. The integrated 
assessment will evaluate the total plant response to the flood hazard, 
considering multiple and diverse capabilities such as physical 
barriers, temporary protective measures, and operational procedures. 
The NRC staff will review the licensees' responses to this request for 
information and determine whether regulatory actions are necessary to 
provide additional protection against flooding.
    Numerous public meetings were held to receive stakeholder input on 
the proposed guidance prior to its issuance formally for public 
comment. On October 26, 2012 (77 FR 65417), the NRC requested public 
comments on draft JLD-ISG-2012-06. The staff received thirty-eight (38) 
comments from four (4) stakeholders. Comments were received related to 
the following topical areas: (1) General comments; (2) comments 
specific to the storm surge evaluation; and (3) comments specific to 
the tsunami evaluation. In public meetings on October 24-25, 2012, and 
November 14, 2012, the NRC staff interacted extensively with external 
stakeholders to discuss, understand, and resolve public comments. 
Modifications were made to the text of the ISG in response to the 
public comments and the outcomes of the public meetings. Full detail of 
the comments, staff responses, and the staff's bases for changes to the 
ISG are contained in ``NRC Response to Public Comments'' to JLD-ISG-
2012-06, which can be found under ADAMS Accession No. ML12314A414.

Backfitting and Issue Finality

    This ISG does not constitute backfitting as defined in 10 CFR 
50.109 (the Backfit Rule) and is not otherwise inconsistent with the 
issue finality provisions in 10 CFR part 52, ``Licenses,

[[Page 3041]]

Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants.'' This ISG 
provides guidance on an acceptable method for implementing the March 
12, 2012, request for information. Neither the information request nor 
the ISG require the modification or addition to systems, structures, or 
components, or design of a facility. Applicants and licensees may 
voluntarily use the guidance in JLD-ISG-2012-06 to comply with the 
request for information. The information received by this request may, 
at a later date, be used in the basis for imposing a backfit. The 
appropriate backfit review process would be followed at that time.

Congressional Review Act

    This interim staff guidance is a rule as designated in the 
Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801-808). OMB has found that this is 
not a major rule in accordance with the Congressional Review Act.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 4th day of January 2013.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Matthew A. Mitchell,
Acting Director, Japan Lessons-Learned Project Directorate, Office of 
Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2013-00671 Filed 1-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P
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