Nuclear Regulatory Commission – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.; Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Units 3 and 4; Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff has determined that specified inspections, tests, and analyses have been successfully completed, and that specified acceptance criteria are met for the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (VEGP), Units 3 and 4.
Information Collection: NRC Form 354, Data Report on Spouse
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) invites public comment on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an existing collection of information. The information collection is entitled, NRC Form 354, Data Report on Spouse.
Risk-Informed Categorization and Treatment of Structures, Systems, and Components for Nuclear Power Reactors
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will consider, within the scope of a Commission-directed rulemaking (Incorporation of Lessons Learned from New Reactor Licensing Process (Parts 50 and 52 Licensing Process Alignment)), the issue raised in a petition for rulemaking (PRM) submitted by Michael D. Tschiltz, on behalf of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), dated January 15, 2015. The petitioner requested that the NRC amend its regulations to clarify and extend the applicability of its regulations related to risk-informed categorization and treatment of structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for nuclear power reactors. The petition was docketed by the NRC on February 6, 2015, and was assigned Docket No. PRM-50-110. The NRC has determined that the PRM has merit and is appropriate for consideration in the rulemaking process.
Spent Fuel Cask Certificate of Compliance Format and Content
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is announcing the withdrawal of Petition for Rulemaking PRM-72-7 (PRM; petition), and discontinuation of the associated rulemaking activity, ``Spent Fuel Cask Certificate of Compliance Format and Content.'' The NRC will no longer track this rulemaking activity or PRM.
Issuance of Multiple Exemptions in Response to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued 10 exemptions in response to requests from 8 licensees. The exemptions afford these licensees temporary relief from certain requirements under NRC regulations. The exemptions are in response to the licensees' requests for relief due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE). The NRC is issuing a single notice to announce the issuance of the exemptions.
Information Collection: NRC Form 64, “Travel Voucher” (Part 1); NRC Form 64A, “Travel Voucher” (Part 2)
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) invites public comment on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an existing collection of information. The information collection is entitled, NRC Form 64, ``Travel Voucher'' (Part 1); NRC Form 64A, ``Travel Voucher'' (Part 2).
Miscellaneous Corrections
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations to make miscellaneous corrections. These changes include redesignating footnotes, correcting references, typographical errors, nomenclature, titles, email addresses, and contact information. This document is necessary to inform the public of these non-substantive amendments to the NRC's regulations.
Virginia Electric and Power Company; North Anna Power Station, Units 1 and 2
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering an application for the subsequent license renewal of Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-4 and NPF-7, which authorize Virigina Electric and Power Company (Dominion or the applicant) to operate North Anna Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (North Anna). The subsequent renewed licenses would authorize the applicant to operate North Anna for an additional 20 years beyond the period specified in each of the current renewed licenses. The current renewed operating licenses for North Anna expire as follows: Unit 1 on April 1, 2038, and Unit 2 on August 21, 2040.
Development of NRC's Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022 Through 2026
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requesting comments on its update of the NRC's Fiscal Years (FYs) 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Specifically, the NRC would like input on the agency's strategic goals, actions to realize those goals, and how to address key challenges and external factors as described in the current agency's Strategic Plan, NUREG 1614, Volume 7, ``Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2018-2022.'' The information will be used to inform the development of the NRC's FYs 2022-2026 Strategic Plan framework and evidence building and evaluation activities. The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on October 13, 2020. The NRC will extend the public comment period to allow more time for members of the public to develop and submit their comments.
Information Collection: Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities Receiving Assistance From the Commission
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recently submitted a request for renewal of an existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The information collection is entitled, ``Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities Receiving Assistance from the Commission.''
Information Collection: Licensing Requirements for Land Disposal of Radioactive Waste
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) invites public comment on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an existing collection of information. The information collection is entitled, ``Licensing Requirements for Land Disposal of Radioactive Waste.''
Exelon Generation Company, LLC; Dresden Nuclear Power Station, Units 2 and 3
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued an exemption from regulatory requirements for Dresden Nuclear Power Station, Units 2 and 3, in response to a October 21, 2019, request from Exelon Generation Company, LLC in order to permit exclusion of main steam isolation valve (MSIV) leakage from the overall integrated leak rate Type A test measurement, and MSIV pathway leakage contributions from the combined leakage rate of all penetrations and valves subject to Type B and Type C tests.
Indiana Michigan Power Company; Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit Nos. 1 and 2
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing an exemption in response to an April 7, 2020 request from Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M, the licensee). The issuance of the exemption would permit I&M to align the regulatory requirements for reporting frequency with the current Final Safety Analysis Report update frequency for the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit Nos. 1 and 2.
Prairie Island Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering the amendment of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) License SNM-2506 for the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (PI ISFSI) located in Goodhue County, Minnesota. The NRC has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for this proposed license amendment in accordance with its regulations. Based on the EA, the NRC has concluded that a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) is appropriate. The NRC also is conducting a safety evaluation of the proposed license renewal.
MP Mine Operations, LLC
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an Order approving a request, submitted by MP Mine Operations LLC, seeking NRC's consent to the indirect transfers of control of Export License Nos. XSOU8707 and XSOU8827 and requesting approval of a conforming license amendment to reflect the new point-of-contact on Export License Nos. XSOU8707 and XSOU8827.
Information Collection: NRC Form 483, “Registration Certificate-In Vitro Testing With Byproduct Material Under General License”
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) invites public comment on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an existing collection of information. The information collection is entitled, NRC Form 483, ``Registration CertificateIn Vitro Testing with Byproduct Material Under General License.''
Information Collection: Standard Specifications for the Granting of Patent Licenses
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recently submitted a request for renewal of an existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The information collection is entitled, ``Standard Specifications for the Granting of Patent Licenses.''
Information Collection: Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) invites public comment on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an existing collection of information. The information collection is entitled, ``Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material.''
Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and Combined Licenses Involving Proposed No Significant Hazards Considerations and Containing Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information and Order Imposing Procedures for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is notifying the public of its revised format for applications and amendments to facility operating licenses and combined licenses involving proposed no significant hazards considerations and containing sensitive unclassified non-safeguards information (SUNSI) and order imposing procedures for access to SUNSI information.
Biweekly Notices: Applications and Amendments to Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is notifying the public of its revised schedule and title change for Biweekly Notices of Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and Combined Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations.
Biweekly Notice: Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and Combined Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations
Pursuant to section 189.a.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is publishing this regular biweekly notice. The Act requires the Commission to publish notice of any amendments issued, or proposed to be issued, and grants the Commission the authority to issue and make immediately effective any amendment to an operating license or combined license, as applicable, upon a determination by the Commission that such amendment involves no significant hazards consideration (NSHC), notwithstanding the pendency before the Commission of a request for a hearing from any person. This biweekly notice includes all amendments issued, or proposed to be issued, from September 5, 2020, to September 21, 2020. The last biweekly notice was published on September 22, 2020.
Measurement and Control of Combustible Gas Generation and Dispersal
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is denying a petition for rulemaking (PRM), dated October 14, 2011, submitted by Mr. Jordan Weaver (the petitioner) on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. The petitioner requested that the NRC amend its regulations regarding the measurement and control of combustible gas generation and dispersal within a power reactor system. The petition was assigned Docket No. PRM-50-103 and the NRC published a notice of docketing in the Federal Register on January 5, 2012. The NRC is denying the petition because the issues raised by the petitioner had been considered by the NRC in other NRC processes and the petitioner presented no sufficient new information or arguments to warrant the requested changes to the regulations.
Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.; Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a partial exemption in response to the October 22, 2019, request from Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. (Entergy, the licensee). The issuance of the exemption will grant Entergy a partial exemption from regulations that require the retention of records for certain systems, structures, and components associated with Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit Nos. 2 and 3 (Indian Point 2 and 3) until the termination of the respective Indian Point operating license.
Framatome Inc.; Application for Standard Design Certification of the U.S. EPR
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing an exemption in response to a June 30, 2020, letter from Framatome Inc. (Framatome), which requested an exemption from regulatory requirements regarding the annual reports required by regulations (hereafter ``required report'') for the U.S. EPR standard design certification application for the years 2020-2024. The regulation for which exemption is sought covers emergency core cooling systems (ECCS) for light-water nuclear power reactors. Framatome committed to submit the required report before any request to reactivate the U.S. EPR review. Framatome further committed to providing an update to the required report, or taking other appropriate action, as necessary, no later than December 31, 2024. Staff review of the U.S. EPR standard design certification application was suspended in April 2015 at the request of the applicant. The NRC staff reviewed this request and determined that it is appropriate to grant the exemption in accordance with the regulations as the request does not present an undue risk to public health or safety and is consistent with the common defense and security; furthermore, special circumstances exist.
Performance Review Boards for Senior Executive Service
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has announced appointments to the NRC Performance Review Board (PRB) responsible for making recommendations on performance appraisal ratings and performance awards for NRC Senior Executives and Senior Level System employees and appointments to the NRC PRB Panel responsible for making recommendations to the appointing and awarding authorities for NRC PRB members.
Reactor Vessel Material Surveillance Program
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend the reactor vessel material surveillance program requirements for commercial light-water power reactors. This action would amend the requirements associated with the testing of specimens contained within surveillance capsules and reporting the surveillance test results. This action would also clarify the requirements for the design of surveillance programs and the capsule withdrawal schedules for surveillance capsules in reactor vessels purchased after 1982. These changes would reduce regulatory burden, with no effect on public health and safety.
Reactor Vessel Material Surveillance Program
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending the reactor vessel material surveillance program requirements for commercial light-water power reactors. This direct final rule revises the requirements associated with the testing of specimens contained within surveillance capsules and reporting the surveillance test results. This direct final rule also clarifies the requirements for the design of surveillance programs and the capsule withdrawal schedules for surveillance capsules in reactor vessels purchased after 1982. These changes reduce regulatory burden, with no effect on public health and safety.
Instructions for Completing NRC's Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published NUREG/ BR-0204, Revision 3, ``Instructions for Completing NRC's Uniform Low- Level Radioactive Waste Manifest,'' in June 2020. This document provides instructions to prepare NRC Form 540 (Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest (Shipping Paper)), NRC Form 541 (Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest (Container and Waste Description)), and NRC Form 542 (Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest (Manifest Index and Regional Compact Tabulation)). Use of NUREG/BR-0204, Revision 3 has been delayed. Until further notice, licensees should continue to use NUREG/BR-0204, Revision 2 and the versions of NRC Forms 540, 541 and 542 that were renewed in January 2020, or equivalent, as defined in NRC's regulations.
Energy Harbor Nuclear Corp.; Energy Harbor Nuclear Generation LLC; Perry Nuclear Power Plant, Unit No. 1
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering the issuance of an amendment to Facility Operating License No. NPF-58, issued to Energy Harbor Nuclear Corp. (EHNC) and Energy Harbor Nuclear Generation LLC, for operation of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, Unit No. 1 (PNPP), located near Lake Erie in Lake County, Ohio. The proposed action would amend the expiration of Facility Operating License No. NPF-58 from March 18, 2026, to November 7, 2026. Specifically, the expiration date of PNPP's full-power operating license (FPOL) would be revised such that it would expire 40 years from the date of issuance of the FPOL, as is permitted by the NRC's regulations.
NuScale Power, LLC; NuScale Small Modular Reactor
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a standard design approval (SDA) to NuScale Power, LLC (NuScale) for the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) standard design. The SDA allows the NuScale SMR standard design to be referenced in an application for a construction permit or operating license, or an application for a combined license or manufacturing license under its regulations.
Issuance of Multiple Exemptions in Response to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued 15 exemptions in response to requests from 7 licensees. The exemptions afford these licensees temporary relief from certain requirements under NRC regulations. The exemptions are in response to the licensees' requests for relief due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE). The NRC is issuing a single notice to announce the issuance of the exemptions.
Guidance: Changes, Tests, and Experiments
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing Revision 1 to Regulatory Guide (RG) 3.72, ``Guidance for Implementation of Changes, Tests, and Experiements.'' Revision 1 to RG 3.72 endorses Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 12-04, Revision 2. NEI 12-04, Revision 2, updates and revises previous guidance to incorporate operating experience and NRC's inspection findings. In addition, RG 3.72, Revision 1, changes the NRC's guidance on departures from a method of evaluation (MOE) and the NRC's approval of an MOE.
Knowledge and Abilities Catalog for Nuclear Power Plant Operators: Pressurized Water Reactors; Knowledge and Abilities Catalog for Nuclear Power Plant Operators: Boiling Water Reactors
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing NUREG- 1122, Revision 3, ``Knowledge and Abilities Catalog for Nuclear Power Plant Operators: Pressurized Water Reactors,'' and NUREG-1123, Revision 3, ``Knowledge and Abilities Catalog for Nuclear Power Plant Operators: Boiling Water Reactors.''
Information Collection: Comprehensive Decommissioning Program Annual Site List and Point of Contact
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recently submitted a proposed collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for review. The information collection is entitled, ``Comprehensive Decommissioning Program Annual Site List and Point of Contact.''
Interim Storage Partners Consolidated Interim Storage Facility Project
On May 8, 2020, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published in the Federal Register a notice issuing the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Interim Storage Partners LLC's (ISP's) license application to construct and operate a consolidated interim storage facility (CISF) for spent nuclear fuel and Greater-Than Class C waste, along with a small quantity of mixed oxide fuel for public comment. The NRC is announcing four public comment webinars to receive oral comments on the draft EIS. The meetings will allow interested members of the public to submit their comments.
Exelon Generation Company, LLC; Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Units 1 and 2
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering issuance of exemptions that would permit the licensee to reduce its emergency planning (EP) activities at Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, Unit 1 (TMI-1) and Unit 2 (TMI-2). Specifically, the licensee is seeking exemptions that would eliminate the requirements for the licensee to maintain offsite radiological emergency plans and reduce some of the onsite EP activities based on the reduced risks at TMI-1, which is permanently shut down and defueled, and at TMl-2, which has a possession-only license. However, requirements for certain onsite capabilities to communicate and coordinate with offsite response authorities would be retained. In addition, offsite EP provisions would still exist through State and local government use of a comprehensive emergency management plan process, in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101, ``Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans.'' The NRC staff is issuing a final Environmental Assessment (EA) and final Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) associated with the proposed exemptions.
Biweekly Notice; Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and Combined Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations
Pursuant to section 189.a.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the Act), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is publishing this regular biweekly notice. The Act requires the Commission to publish notice of any amendments issued, or proposed to be issued, and grants the Commission the authority to issue and make immediately effective any amendment to an operating license or combined license, as applicable, upon a determination by the Commission that such amendment involves no significant hazards consideration (NSHC), notwithstanding the pendency before the Commission of a request for a hearing from any person. This biweekly notice includes all amendments issued, or proposed to be issued, from August 25, 2020, to September 7, 2020. The last biweekly notice was published on September 8, 2020.
List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: NAC International, Inc. MAGNASTOR® Storage System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1031, Amendment No. 9
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations by revising the NAC International, Inc. MAGNASTOR[supreg] Storage System listing within the ``List of approved spent fuel storage casks'' to include Amendment No. 9 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. Amendment No. 9 revises the certificate of compliance to add a new concrete storage overpack; four new heat load zone patterns and their associated decay heats that are specific to Babcock and Wilcox 15x15 fuel assemblies; a new Babcock & Wilcox 15x15 hybrid fuel assembly type (BW15H5); and a new maximum enrichment for the BW15H2 hybrid fuel assembly, including a new minimum soluble boron concentration during loading and unloading operations and neutron absorber areal density. In addition, Amendment No. 9 makes non- technical changes to reorganize Appendix B of the technical specifications.
List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: NAC International, Inc. MAGNASTOR® Storage System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1031, Amendment No. 9
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the NAC International, Inc. MAGNASTOR[supreg] Storage System listing within the ``List of approved spent fuel storage casks'' to include Amendment No. 9 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. Amendment No. 9 revises the certificate of compliance to add a new concrete storage overpack; four new heat load zone patterns and their associated decay heats that are specific to Babcock and Wilcox 15x15 fuel assemblies; a new Babcock & Wilcox 15x15 hybrid fuel assembly type (BW15H5); and a new maximum enrichment for the BW15H2 hybrid fuel assembly, including a new minimum soluble boron concentration during loading and unloading operations and neutron absorber areal density. In addition, Amendment No. 9 makes non- technical changes to reorganize Appendix B of the technical specifications. These changes are discussed in more detail in the ``Discussion of Changes'' section of this direct final rule.
Virginia Electric and Power Company; North Anna Power Station, Units 1 and 2
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has received an application for the subsequent renewal of Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. NPF-4 and NPF-7, which authorize Virginia Electric and Power Company (Dominion or the applicant) to operate North Anna Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (North Anna). The subsequent renewed licenses would authorize the applicant to operate North Anna for an additional 20 years beyond the period specified in each of the current renewed licenses. The current renewed operating licenses for North Anna expire as follows: Unit 1 on April 1, 2038, and Unit 2 on August 21, 2040.
Columbia Generating Station; Issuance of License Amendment Revising Technical Specification 3.8.7
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a request by Energy Northwest (the licensee) for an amendment to Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-21, issued to the licensee for operation of the Columbia Generating Station, located in Benton County, Washington. The amendment adds a one-time extension to the completion time of Technical Specification (TS) 3.8.7, ``Distribution Systems Operating,'' Condition A, from 8 hours to 16 hours, specifically associated with Division 2 alternating current electrical power distribution inoperability caused by inoperability of 120/240-volt power panel E-PP-8AE during repairs on its supply transformer E-TR-8A/ 1.
EnergySolutions Services, Inc.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) received and is considering an application (XW018/02) from EnergySolutions Services, Inc. (ESSI) to amend and renew an existing export license authorizing the export of radioactive waste to Germany. The NRC is providing notice of the opportunity to submit written comments, request a hearing, or a petition for leave to intervene on ESSI's application.
Perma-Fix Northwest Richland, Inc.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) received and is considering issuing an export license (XW027), received from Perma-Fix Northwest Richland, Inc. (PFNW). The request seeks the NRC's approval for an existing license authorizing the export of radioactive waste to Germany. The NRC is providing notice of the opportunity to comment, request a hearing, and petition to intervene on PFNW's application.
