ML15230A048

State of Vermont Letter to NRR Director Objecting to Entergy'S July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust and an Attachment (Petition to DC Circuit)

ML15230A048
Person / Time
Site:	Vermont Yankee
Issue date:	08/13/2015
From:	Ancel C, Griffin W, Recchia C, Zamore P Green Mountain Power Corporation, Sheehey Furlong & Behm P C, State of VT, Dept of Public Service, State of VT, Office of the Attorney General, Vermont Yankee
To:	Bill Dean Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML15230A048 (16)

Text

WILLIAM H. SOREELL TEL: (802) 828-3171

"*, TrY: (802) 828-3665 ATTORNEY R.

SUSANNE GENERAL YOUNG "FAX: (802) 828-3187 DEPUTY ATI'ORNEY GENERAL http://wivw.ago.vermnont.gov WILLIAM E. GRIFFIN CHIEF ASST. ATrORNEY SAEO EMN GENERAL SAEO EMN OFFICE OF THE AITORNEY GENERAL 109 STATE STREET MONTPELIER, VT 05609-1001 August 13, 2015 William Dean, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington D.C. 20555-.0001 Re: Docket 50-271; Request for Immediate Objection to Entergy's July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust for Non-Decommissioning Expenses

Dear Director Dean,

On July 16, 2015, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC (Entergy) and the Managing Director of the Bank of New York Mellon (the Bank) submitted a "Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust." The notice requests "lip to $12,000,000" from the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for expenses that include "operational irradiated fuel management expenses." The State. the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation. and Green Mountain Power Corporation formally request that the NRC i~mmediately provide "*written notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request. pursuant to the NRC's authority under Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station Renewed Facility Operating License Condition 3 .J~a(iii) and under the Master Trust Agreemnent§*4.05.

AM!of Entergy's previous pre~notices of disbursements have been only for what Entergy asserts to be "legitimate decommissioning expenses." 'This is the first time Entergy has asserted a right to reimburse itself for non-decommissionfing expenses--something which NRC regulations explicitly forbid. 10 C.F.R.

§ S0.75 (h)(1)(iv) (disbursements: "are restricted to decommissioning expenses"); see also, e.g., id.

§ 50.82 (a)(8)(i)(A) (disbursements must be "for legitimate decommissioning activities consistent with the definition of decommissioning in [10 C.F.R.] § 50.2," which in turn defines decommissioning as limited to activities that "reduce residual radioactd'vity"); General Requiremnentsfor Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities, 53 Fed. Reg. 24018-01, 24018 (1988) ("Decommnissioning activities do not include the rem~oval and disposal of spentfuel which is considered to be an operational activity .... "(emphasis added)).

Entergy' s assertion of an ability to reimburse itself for millions of dollars in "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" appears to be based on the NRC's June 23, 2015 granting of an exemption from the above regulations. See 80 Fed. Reg. 35 992-35995 (June 23, 2015). However, the State of Vermont, the Vermont Yankee Nuclear 'Power Corporation, and Green Mountain power have now challenged that decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, See attachment. This pending

legal challenge states that the NRC' s June 2 3, 2015 decision shoulidhbe overturned as a violation of the Atomic Energy Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Further, as the State has previously noted, regardless of whether Entergy has been exempted from applicable NRC regulations, Entergy and the Bank of New York Mellon have independent legal obligations to not release funds for "operational 'irradiated fuel management expenses." In particular, the 2002 Master Trust' Agreement and the related Vermont Public Service Board Order do not allow use of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for spent fuel expenses until the site has been decommissioned, and have specific provisions: regarding the return of 55% of excess amounts in that fund to Vermont ratepayers through the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Entergy has not yet sought approval from the NRC or the Vermont Public Service Board to amend those requirements.

Applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations similarly state that "[a]bsent express authorization" from FERC--authorizati'on' Entergy has not received-"no part" of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund may be "used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than to fund 'the costs of decommissioning." 18 C.F.R. § 35.3'2(a)(6) (emphasis added). Entergy's planned use of alleged "excess" funds also violates' the requirement that any "excess jurisdictional amount" be "retur[ed]... to ratepayers"--

here, through Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Id. § 35.32(a)(7).

Entergy's cOntractual obligations as well as federal laWs, including'laws Entergy has not been exempted from, prohibit the release of trust funds for "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" at this time. And the undersigned have now fled a direct challenge in the' U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C.

Circuit to the exemption request that forms the entire basis for Entergy's claim that it can use the fund in this way. Unless and until these legal issues are resolved, it would be arbitrary and an abuse of discretion for the NRC to stand by and dedline to exercise its right to provide "written notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your immediate action.

William E. Griffin Christopher Recclhia Chief Assistant Attorney General Commissioner Vermont Attorney General's Office Vermont Department of Public Service Pee Zamor . Charlotte B. Ancel " / 6-Sheehey'Furlong & Behm P.C./

Vice President, General Counsel '

30 Main Street, Gateway Sq, 6th Fl, P0 Box 66 Power Resoutrces, and COrpo'rate Se~cretary Burlington, VT 95402 Green Mountain Power Corporation Counselfor Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation 163 Acorn Ln, Colchester, VT 05446 and Green' Mountain Power cc: Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of theNuclear Regulatory Commission U.S. Nuclear Regulatory. Commission Document Control Desk Page 2 of 3

Daniel H. Dorman, Regional Admini)strator, Region 1, NRC James S, Kun, Project Manager, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, NRC T. Michael Twomey, Vice President of External Affairs, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Chris Wamser, Site Vice President, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Glen Metzger, The Bank of New York. Mellon Page 8 of 3

UNTED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLO/MBIA CIRCUIT THE STATE OF VERONT, VEWONT YANKEE.NCLEAR ):

POWE*R C*ORORATION;. ad )

GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER )

CORPORATION "-)

N) t *

)

)

Vt )

)

UNTED STAThS NUCLEA REGULATORY COMMSSION,. and )

UNITED. STATES. OP AMERICA,

)

Respondents )

PETiTION FOR REVIW

.Pursuant to § 189 of toi Atomlo Energ Act 42 U.S.,CI § 2239w, 28: U.S.C.

§.§ 23414344; te Adminitmto Act, S U.S.C. §: 551 et seq.; and Rule.

troeur 1$ of the FedralRuls of Appellate Procedre, the ,petitioners, the State ,of.

Vermont the Vermont Yanee Nuclear: Power Corporation, and onret Mountain Power..("Petition~ers"*) herohy. petition this..Court, fbr. review of :the. Uited States.

Nuclear Regu~latory .Commission's ("Commission") Issuance of Exemptions for the Vermont Yan~ke Nuclear Power Station ("Vermont Yankee") in. Docket No..

50-271; NRC-20I 5-)15.*

"The: Commission issued its approval to the owner/operator of Vermont 2015, and notice was published in the Pedant Registr on une 23, 201.5 (80 Fed.:

Reg* 3599% a copy of whi is attached hereto). This filing is within the: 60-dy statute of limitations and :is timely pursuant: to 28 U.SC. § 2344, This Court has jurisdicto over this matter pursuant to 28 US.C. §§* 2342(4) and 2344-, and is a proper venue pursuant to 28 U.S.C. -§2343.

' Petitioners have stanuding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2344 and S U.S.C. § 702 to bring this Petition. The State of' Veront, its citizens, and its ratepayers are agrieved by the Commission's decision, which affcts: (1) the: license for a nuclear power plant locae in the State and (2) the Nuclea Decnmssionig Trust~ Fund.(.De.mmssiondng Fun&V) for Vertmont Yankee which wa primarily frnded. by monis *ollcted Worn Vermont ramteyon, andi in' whicih Veront ratepatyers have an inteet in excess tinds reaining after decommissioning. The Vermont. Yoankee Nuclear Power Corporation. and its crent: sole. owner, Green Mountain Power Corporation, are utilities that also :have: a diret interstin proper use of the Decmmssioning Fund. Vermont Yane Nuclea Power Copration, now owned by Green Mountai Power .Corporation, collected the principal funds that (with interest) eonstitute-the entirety of the Decounis~sioning Thud. .Further, Gree Moutattint Nwer Corportion, and: through it their Veormont ratepayrs, hav.

2

dcosmnlssion4ng Thus, e....

ver time th ...

Com..mission allows: an imptperlr i*withdrava froIU the eo mnsstomng Fun~d, it hars Veront Yankee Nucle~ar

... Power .Corporation, Gren Mountai Power Corpration, and their Vermont ratpayer..s. Finally, Petitione~rs jointly submtted a letter :(dated. June 5, 20i5)' to 9 ~the Commission requesting the opportunity for p~ublic participation on Ente~$y's i: oexemption request: and requesting to participate in the. matter before: the+

.:::.Commssion isue its decsion. No such opportuntywas granted.

'!iThe. C on acted *itrarily, abused its discretion, nd violated the Atomic nergy Act* the Administrative. Prcdure Act. and th National:

• iEnvirou Policy .Act In approvin the e~xemptions and foiling to provides

. opportunity for Pettoners to participate in the process. Petitioners respectfhlly request that: this Court review the Commission's decis:ion, vacate that: decision, and remand the:matter.to the Conxssion.

Repethiysumttd i: ~By :its attorneys,

! 3

il Kyle WrLandisMarinelo,,

'!fl.C, *Roll No. 55684 CircuitBa State of Vrmont

• 109 State Stret i~ikylde nondllo~n ve ont,*w

ilTel.(tOZ) .82830186

!i State of Vermaont i Department ofPublic Service

• i112. Stat Stret hr Fl.oor'

.. *Moatpir,, VT 056.20-2601

• Tel: (802) 828-4007

,::D tC. Ciuit.lar Roll No, 50119.

NicaLLfhswrh MUR CUTLRP.ICKRRN WILi*

• • IAtS AND DORK LIP

!i:,* Boston, M.A 02109

• tohcia,kllswoM@wflmettale~aomu i!bonniediiple@wllmerh~leoerm 4

• *iiii.IGnBN' MO"NT.....P.w...COR..ORAT.ON iii i:.:!!iii~iiiiiii~ i:: i~~iiCharlott-a !i¸::

!'i~!ii~::i:ii~:*ii~ II

• I:

Mii:ii:o1i .h

.i:* COlceTo VAI 05446 PO

• CORPORATION iBy its attorney

• .: Sheehey Furlong & Behrn I, C,.

• i30 Main Strees Gateway Sq, 6th Fl

• i:!iPO, Box 66

!ii gThwlirtn VT 05402:

pzroh xe)$shehevtco Tel (82.8989

$1

• 'U.S. Nucilear Regulatory.Commission Issuance of Exemptions SENTrERGY NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, INC.:

VERMONT YANKEENCLEARPOWER STATION

-.. ..DOCKET NO.-50-27.1 .

80 Fed. Reg. 35992 (June 23, 2015)

• 3592 35992Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120/Tuesdlay, Julne 23, 2015 /Notices I

i II, Background - - - -:. - i.ii be minimized,

automated including collection* the use of-techniques or : - a~damas~html.

"!ADAMS Public To begin the search, Documents": and:select then other ~formsi of i nformation t:e:hnob logy ? :select "!,Begi'n:Web-based A*DAMS::: ::

Search." /'Forlp~roblems with ADAMS,: :i

... .request the OMB's approva 1for thle ...

• "in*,iformationa collection :summarized. :

NRC ClearanceOfficer, office bf lnfor~mation ADAMS accession nuimber for ~each,.".

Ser~vices. "" document referenced (if that documient collection: Title 1*0 of the Code of- [FR Doe. 2015-15390 Filed 6-Z22-15; 8:45 am] is .availab~le in ADAMS) is proi)Vdedi the.

FederalRegulations (10 CFR) Part 51-- first timi-e that a document.is referenced.

BILLING"CODE 7593-01-P Envi*ronmental ProtectiOn Regulations '*NRC'S DR:B You imay examine and for Domestic Licensing and Related purchase copies of pulbl~ic documents at NUCLEAR :REGULATORY

2. :MB approval nfumber: 3.150-0021, COMMISSION.I:.

[Doc*ket: No6. 50-271: NRC÷2015-01 57]

N/A. "F:OR FU!RTHER..INFORMATION. CONTACT:

Enhtergy Nuclear Operations, Inc,; James.Kimt, Office of Nuiclear Reactor

5. HoW often the collection is required or requested: Upon submittal of an Vermo0nt Yankee NUClear POwer R~egulation. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory application for a combined license, Station Commission, Washington, DC 20555-construction permit, operating license, AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory 0001; telephone: 301-415-4125; email:

operating license renewal, early site Commission. james.Kim@nrc.gov.

permit, design certification, ACTION: Exemption; issuance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

decommissioning or license termination review; or manufacturing license, or

SUMMARY

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory I. Background upon submittal of a petition for Commission (NRC) is issuing Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

rulemaking. exemptions in response to a January 6, (ENO), is the holder of Renewed Facility

6. Who will be required or asked to 2015, request from Entergy Nuclear Operating License No. DPR-28 for VY.

respond:Licensees and applicants Operations, Inc. (ENO or the licensee). By letter dated January 12, 2015 requesting approvals for actions One exemption permits the use of the (ADAMS Accession No. ML15013A426),

proposed in accordance with the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station ENO submitted to the NRC a provisions of 10 CFR parts 30, 32, 33, (VY) Decommissioning Trust Fund certification in accordance with 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 50, 52, 54, 60, 61, 70, (Trust) to implement the licensee's plan Sections 50.82(a)(1)(i) and 50.82(a)(1)(ii) and 72. to manage irradiated fuel in accordance.- of Title 10 of the Code of Federal

7. The estimated number of annual with the updated Irradiated Fuel Regulations (10 CFR), indicating that it responses: 48.7. Management Plan and post-shutdown had permanently deased power

8. The estimated number of annual decommissioning activities report operations at VY and had permanently respondents:48.7. (PSDAR); The other exemption permits defueled the VY reactor vessel. VY has

9. The estimated number of hours the licensee to make withdrawals from not operated since December 29, 2014.

needed annually to cam ply~with the the Trust in accordance with the The facility consists of a boiling water information collection requirement or Updated Irradiated:Fuel Management reactor located in the town of Vernon, request: 48,104. Plan and PSDAR without prior Windham County, Vermont on the west

10. Abstract: The NRC's regulations at notification to the NRC. bank of the Connecticut River, 10 CFR part 51 specifies information to immediately upstream of the Vernon DATES: June 23, 2015.

be provided by applicants and licensees Hydroelectric Station, ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID so that the NRC can make NRC-2015-01.57 when contacting the II. RequestlAction determinations necessary to adhere to NRC about the availability of.

the policies, regulations, and public By letter dated January 6, 2015 laws of the Unitedl States, which are information regarding this document.

Y~u may obtain publicly-available (ADAMS Accession No. ML150!3A1 71),

interpreted and administered in ENO Submitted a request for exemptions information related to this document accordance with the provisions, set forth from 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 using any of the following methods:.

in the National Environmental Policy

• FederalRulemaking Web site: Go tO CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv). The exemption Act of 1969, as amended. h ttp://www~regulations.govand. search.... from 10.CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) w~ould....

III. Specific Requests for Comments for Docket ID NRC--2015-0157. Address permit ENO to make withdrawals from questions about NRC dockets to Carol the VY Trust to implement its plan to The NRC is seeking comments that manage irradiated fuel in accordance address the following questions: Callagher; telephone: 301-415-3463; email: Carol,Gallagher@nrc.gov.For with the updated Irradiated Fuel

1. Is the proposed dollection of technical questions, contact the Management Plan and PSDAR. The information necessary for the NRC to exemption from 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(ivl properly perform its functions? Does the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this would permit ENO to make these information have practical utility? withdrawals without prior notification

2. Is the estimate of the burden of the document.

• NRC's Agencywide Documents of the NRC, similar to withdrawals for information collection accurate? decommissioning activities made in

3. Is there a way to enhance the Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may access publicly: accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8). By quality, utility, and clarity of the available documents online in the a separate letter dated December 19, information to be collected?

4. How can the burden of the ADAMS public document collection at 2014 (ADAMS Accession No, information collection on respondents http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ ML14358A251), ENO submitted an

Federal Re~ister/:VO1. 80, :No. 1i20/:TueSday, *June-23, : 2015/Notices359 I I I l l I I Il l I I f A:..:The ExemnptiOns:are Authorized by: -:; C . The Exem ptfonsi are Consistent With:

forirradiated fuelmanagementud**i0. +i +

CF 5bvi:0.82(a)(8).i)(A ando 10h CFRC plhranniiedEND ecomm~isiaton~ingO~ andi: +.

fia lhs~fic:ense terinthionfei processadt . -.

ManagquiementPlnas require by10 CR50.75(h)bb)i). ThelsoA.,a reqtithuiredo wil

• adversely o e6*affecot EN'sbilty+*NSto briay 10ndF inc2a)idenwas alpnss}o aprinof theAoi fundsrg tomthe4 Trst o phyically: :+ s~ecur teit~i~~:::le orfprotec subomittedoningepenber 1 2014 nti iradiated, frutel Cmangmenithiouts AdAcmSmccssionghaben No.mpletedA10. riorunoticentoTheNrCfr, inthe samempin D.Specialnclercumateral.Ths chnet The requirements of 10 CFR maBierThae EximthdowsPresn moUdue 50.75(a)(8)(i)() frethric thvieusftrust, wenabevterueo apporction of the feundsio exetfrwithdrawals toexeinssfrlgitmate Teunder ligproef10 CFR o "08()8fro the Tarstifor actiirmtinesothe thnt udeommisionin 582actiites onsisten decommssioning thas unoeyn actievites wimeth the odeinitio afdeomisisioninge prelation toseurityissue.Teeoe e

which apparinciea10xCens50., Thi decommissioning activitiesreAscstate The uomndefeynse andposecurit is not deiiionudoesenot mde activities inclu Baboe, 10CR01nalw the cs etomt NRC-pcii asusoitewithou irraiated fotielt h R D.0Specal(8Circumstand 0ces goranxmtions the fro Tutorirequirementsl

.mnaemnt Therefore, an exemptionfrm1CF ofa10gFRmpat 50whe nth adexseyimpatin wit75h)(10v CFR to p2aro)iid aepresentbl

' 5f7omh)1(i0 C iR needed((i(A is nloweede aENsauilthorie bylaw.the NrCsafflgia

..*to allo Ends tromuse frunst fromrh hsdetermisoined asixpline b0elowan Trs irradiated o fuel management.wthu wheneveapplication of thee reguaioemnt thtegraningt the lYI~censee. puroperosed exemptions wilot resut0i aFviolation)(i ino theparticular actircumtanes ishenotha tofal the Atoic enserg Atofm1954.as necemmssaryito achieveithes sunderyin ThPeuirementtsoo 10 CFR 5.2 50.7 hfssio) mals on restrictatheousebo amendedrawl therommis Trsi on' ord inaerysand iniersntalrexpenses) tow regulations. noThereforetthe empiNsC assrancitate adequmataeentfundstill bena deomissioninegrn expempinseunifinalth arsuhoul riz fedtby law, iecyo railgcldecommissioning ofpwrractor. V B.nd iThe ETemptiton PrsetomUndue Terequirements of 10 CFR pr 0()we RaiktoltheiPuliHealnthand ati:fte sty 507(h")i parahovided th at, uther*xmpin frmThetoa foractiviteas othrta YTrust Theaunserlycingpurpoas ofil ae 0 CFR dectommissioningwaactivitiestscha

50.,82(a)(8)([i)(A*i) and: 10 CRev~

e l irraiate fuel ma!*n21iagement uTil fiNal d isbuct lrOseent maynbemdue fri om the

• railgcldecommissioning ats.Of hasb VY

. :cOTrustenwithout withemmn notiefto the NRC Octoberm31,l2014,.was approximately

! ":: :Thserefore :ic tanexemp gtediofrom 10 :CFR :

B ]asedlon thesitve-speii cr os esimate

:: :  ::50.75(h)()iv) isre.ped~edto allowsecal EN

.........  :.fcundstafromsthe to.use Tustiamn fothr portioenofthrcurstfor irradated fyusigtel dollars). As required by 10 CFR irraiagted fuelmanagemn without managementh willpote madversel impacth 50.54(bb), END estimated the costs prio ApRlCntifton.o h euaini ENr'sability tofcomtuleted raccdiologica assobciated with the lo~ng-term i!rradiated the Darisculas ion mtne* ol o nterincratetedVY Alicense, Furthermbore, fuel management at VY to be $36:4.4 **:

exemptonseune fom 10 ostulated(1)iv mriillion :in.2014 dollars .;i:::

Purisuanotnesar 10CFhi5e12 to the toallowitent lienseeitoreasekNocane  !:The+staff:performedan :independent:.

weithraal frmaen the typess foramut ar cas flow analyesis o6f the Trust through~:

e~

• b}Commisionc mauonl appulct.ion. byd 207*5, assumning. ani annuial real: rate oef ;+

irrdiaedffueltta managemrentse w ffithou

• ~~anydinterestedherso ort uphats own phrio wittenotsgificatinto thceae iNC -return.of two.ipercen~t, as iallowe~d _b:y:.. 10.

• ~ignitiantive grant excespios frtomste CFR 50.75(e) (1) ii), and determined: the radiological depulcntaminationoftese preojected earnings of~the Tru~st. The staff becausue,suherwiethdrwl areustill confirmed that the current funds, .

consitenplte wihetheommaton defese cxmtonstrained byth provsions olan CndR planned future contributions, and projected earntings of the Trust provide reasonable assurance of adequate thingsd, orthe followingniiaty t funding to complete all NRC required ton the Based hather areno naewy decommissioning activities and to aubove, serves*fthoe uelingcurpoedb ofthe rul conduct irradiated fuel management in accordanqe with the updated Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and PSDAR. The signilantlysinuaexcssofths staff's review and conclusions are based on END's specific financial situation, as described in its December 19, 2014,

• 35994 .35994Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120 /Tuesday, June 23, 2015 /Notices letter. Consequently, the staff conclUdes not precludethoseuse of funds from the Trust increase in the amounts of any effluents that application of the requirementthat in excess of needed for that maybe released offsite; (iii) there is fun~ds from the Trust only be used for radiological decommissioning for other no significant increase in individual or decommissioning activities and not for puirpo~ses,; such as irradiated fuel cuimulative public or occupational

' irradiated fuel manageme~nt is not: m"ranihgementn. The NRC hais stated that. radiation exposure;. (iv) there is no .

nec'essary to :achileve th*e iunderlying. funding for irradiatfed"fuel maniagemient pUrpo~se: of th~e nule and, thus*,tfh-at ? mnay be commingled in-the Trulst, th*ere is.no significant increase in the-special circu~mstances are pre~sent":" provid~ed the licensee is:ab*le. toidenti fy potential..for or consequenices fromn supporting the approval of the .and account for the radiological  :- radiological accidents; and (vi) the exemption request, .. *ecommissionin~g fuds separately from d requirem~ents from which an exemption Ini:its :submittal, END alSOI requested" 'the funds :set aside :for irradiated fuel. iks sought are amoJn.g those identified in:

exemption, from the :requir~em*ent~s ofl10 rmanagement (seoe iNRC Regulatory. Issue 10 CER 51.22(c)(2.5)(vi) .... "'

summa~ry 2001-0J7, iRevisioni 1, "10 CFR ...The :Director, Division: Of Dperating written noti*fication, to the NRC of

• Decommikissioning Planiniiig" dated . RdactorRegulationt,.has determined tha approxa!: of th*e exeption:reques.t .

activities. The uniderlying :purpose :of ML*083440158), and .Reguflatory Guiide involve~s no. significant hazads . .

notfyinig the NRCiprior to withdrawal 1.1 84, Revision 1, "10 CFR 50.7.5 consideration because allowing the.

Reportinig anid-Recodiceepinig for. li'ensee :to use with~drawals fromn the opportunity for NRC intervention, when D~ecommissioning Planning" (ADAMS TrUst, in acod~rdance with the updated deemed necessary, i~fthe withdrawals Accession No. ML13144A840))h To Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and are for expenses other than those prevent access to those excess funds in PSDAR, without prior notification to the authorized by 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv) the Trust because irradiated fuel NRC at the permanently shttdown and and 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8) that could result management is not associated with de fueled VY power reactor, does not (11 in there being insufficient funds in the radiological decommissioning, would involve a significant increase in the Trust to accomplish radiological create an unnecessary financial burden probability or consequences of an decommissioning of the site. without any corresponding safety accident previously evaluated; or (2)

As stated previously, the staff has benefit. The adequacy of the Trust to create the possibility of a new or determined that there are sufficient cover the cost of activities associated different kind of accident from any funds in the Trust to complete with irradiated fuel management, in accident previously evaluated; or (3) legitimate radiological decommissioning addition to radiological involve a significant reduction in a activities as well as to conduct decommissioning, is supported by the margin of safety. The exempted irradiated fuel management. Pursuant to site-specific decommissioning cost decommissioning trust fund regulations the annual reporting requirements in 10 analysis. If END cannot use its Trust for are unrelated to any operational CFR 50.82(a)(8) (v),(vii), licensees are irradiated fuel management, it would restriction. Accordingly, there is no required to moiiitor and report the *need to obtain additional funding that significant change in the types or status of the Trust and the funding would not be recoverable from the significant increase in the amounts of status for managing irradiated fuel. Trust, or END would have to modify its any effluents that may be released These reports provide the NRC with decommissioning, approach and offsite; and no significant increase in

• awareness of, and the ability to take . methods. The NRC staff conclpdes that. individual or.c*urulativp public or .

..:':: funtdinigdeficiencies. .The re~quested :* : : unnecessary atnd undue burden::: ...

.:. .exempti~ons.:woUld not allow:: : Y: .signi~ficantly :in ex*cess o6t hat?' :: with c~onstruction, so there is nO  ::

• *withdrAwal :of funds fro~m the VY Trust. .contemplated when the regulation was for any other purpose th~at is not . . adopted.:  ::  : exempted regulation does not concern currently authorized 'in the regulations *Since the underlying purpose of 1.0 the source term (i.e., potential amount without .prior notification to the NRC. CPR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 CFR of radiation in an accident), nor Therefore, the granting of this 50.75 (h)(-1)(iv) WOuld be achieved by mitigation. Thus, there is no significant

• allowing END to use a portion..of the increa~se iin the pqtential for or ..

allow the :licensee to make withdraWals *Trulst for irradiated fue~l maniagement con~sequiences: from radiological.

from: the Trust for authorized expen~ses: :ithout w prior:NRC. notification, and. accidents. The requirements for using.

for irradiated: fuel management :without- compliance w*ith the regulations wobuld .dec~omm~issioning trust~funds forl...

result.in :an undue h*ardshfip or other decommissioninig activities, and for will still, meet the underlying purpose of costs that are s~ignifican~tly ini e xce~ssof. provid*ing prior written nqti~ce for other the regulation. - --.. those contemplated when the regulation with~drawals. fr om-which-thie .exemption Special citcumstandes, in accordance. *was adopted, the special circumstances is sought involve recordkeeping with 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2).(iii) are present required by 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii) and requirements, reporting requirements. or whenever compliance would result in. 10 CER 50,:12{a)(2)(iii) exist and support other requirements .of an administrative, undue hardship or other costs that. are the approval of the requested managerial, or organizaitional nature.

significantly in excess of those exemptions. Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR contemplated when the regulation was 51,22(b) and 51.22(c)(25), no adopted, or that are significantly in E. Environmental Considerations environmental impact, statement or excess of those incurred by others Under 10 CFR 51.22(c)i251, granting environmental assessmetit need be similarly situated. The licensee states of an' exemption from the requirements prepared, in connection with the that the Trust contains funds in excess of any regulation of Chapter I is a approval of this exemption request.

of the estimated costs of radiological categorical exclusion provided that (i) decommissioning and that these excess there is no significant hazards IV. Conclusions funds are needed for irradiated fuel consideration; (ii) there is no significant Accordingly, the Commission has management activities. The NRC does change in the types or significant determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR

Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120/Tuesday, June 23, 2015/Notices355 35995 exemptions the not authorized areundue Mail Stop: T-:5 P53, U.S. Nuclear comment submission available to the

.by50.12(a),

law, will present an risk Regulatory Commission, Washinigton,* public in this docket, ". "

totehe publ]ic health and saifetyi and are D:C-20555-0001. - . :: ... ::

!i consistent with :the common01 defenise: i i*For additioefial direction on obt*aining. Sidentifyingoer *contact iniformation that :.

irity. Als~o,:s~peciail:::!::: i*:i! ..

c u!*

and:..se:g iniformationi and: submitting icommentsi

'The iNRC poJsts all comment :  ::![: :.;.

submissions at http~i;://  :*! '.: :i::

cifrcustn cestae resentfo .

p~i iiiTherefore, the commienit: submissionis into ADAMS.

f hexeemptions romte rqiemfents uofn1 see "Obtining Information and Th NRCfi~fidoes 0no~ltruinely editin, '

Dat5ehd1)ivatoR avllow wiyanthdrwas1ta Submitting Comments"ith comentsum issiotdheNs to rem th*ove d From the VY TerReusatfory irradiatedofue managemien wuithu, pir.R Trembaineionel Ofieoinformation.

ATheg exemptoriiions are effetine Repon ColmisioeWashingtone DCN-20555- inform those: personus not toinclude 0001; telephone:in 30-45628 emCail:t identifying or contact infor~mation that they; do not want "to be pubibcly ofiJuesig2015. fNularRaco disclosed in their comment submission.

I.Othaaiaining and ofinformation thi Your request should state that the NRC Regulation. does not routinely edit comment a.vbainaleingnformation.rltdoti submissions to remove such information

[FR Doc. 2015-15473 Filed 5-22-15; 0:45 aml before making the comment BILLINGCODE 7590-01-P submissions available to the public or entering the comment submissions into action by any of the following methods:

NUCLEAR REGULATORY

• FederalRulemaking Web site: Go to ADAMS, COMMISSION http://www.regulations.gov and search II. Background

[NRC-201 5-0033] for Docket ID NRC-2015-0033. In accordance with the Paperwork

• NRC's Agencywide Documents Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.

Information Collection; Physical *Access and Management System chapter 35), the NRC is requesting Protection of Category 1 and Category (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly- public comment on its intention to 2 Quantities of Radioactive Material available documents online in the request the OMB's approval for the ADAMS Public Documents collection at AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory information collection summarized http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/

Commission. below.

adoms.html. To begin the search, select ACTION: Renewal of existing information 1. The title of the information "ADAMS Public Documents" and then collection; request for comment. collection:10OCFR part 37, Physical select "Begin Web-based ADAMS Protection of Category 1 and Category 2 Search." For problems with ADAMS, Quantities of.Radioactive Material.

SUMMARY

U.S. Nuclear The(NqRC) Regulatory please contact the NRC's Public Commission inviteS public Document Room (pDR) reference staff at *2,.0*MB apprOVal number: 3150-0214.

comment On the renewal of Office of 3. Type of suibmission:?Extension*.

1-.800-397--4209, 301-:415::4737; or by Management and Budget (OMB) emnail to.pdr.resburce@nrc.gov.The 4. The farm number, if applicable:

approval for an existing collection of. Standard Fingerprint Form, FD-258.

supporting statement and :burden information. The information collection 5. How often the, collection is required estimates are available in ADAMS under is entitled, "Physical Protection of or requested: One time for initial AccessionNos.: ML15114A468 and Category 1 and Category 2 Quantities of ML15114A470. compliance notifications and

.Radioactive Material,"

• NRC's PDR; You imay examine and fingerprints for the revieWing 6fficials; DATES: Submit comiments by August 24, purchase copies of public documents at and as needed for implementation 2015. Comments received after this date the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One- notifications, event notifications, wi~ll be considered [f it is practical .to do White Flint North, 11555 Rockville notifications of shipments o:fradioactive so, but tho Commission is able to ensure Pike, Rocville,[I Maryland 20852. materi~al, and fingerprinting of new considerat~ion only for comments *:

• NRC's Clearai-ceOfficer'. A copy of received on orbefore this date. .. ..... the collection of-information-and related 6..6WhoqyvwIlbeq re~qu~ired.or asked to ADDRESSES: You may[ submit comments instructions may be Obtained without respond: Licensees that are authorized by any of the following methods: charge by contacting the NRC's to possess and use category 1 or

• Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to Clearance Officer, Tremnaine Donnell, category 2 quantities of radioactive

• http://www.regulotions.gov and search Office of Information Services, U.S. material.

for Docket ID NRC--2015--0033. Address Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 7. The estimated number of annual questions about NRC dockets to Carol Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: responses: 103,983.

Gallagher; telephone:. 301-287-3422; 301-415-6258; email: 8. The estimated number of annual email: Carol.Gollagher~nrc.gov.For INFOCOLLECTS.Resource@NRC.GOV, respondents: 1,5.00 (300 NRC Licensees technical questions, contact the + 1,200 Agreement State Licensees).

B. Submitting Comments 9. The estimated number of hours individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this Please include Docket 1IDNRC-2015- needed annually to comply with the document. 0033 in the subject line of your information collection requirementor

• Mail comments to: Tremaine comment submission, in order to ensure request: 138,570.2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br /> (1932.4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br /> Donnell, Office of Information Services, that the NRC is able to make your reporting + 85,644.2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />

i iii:iiiiiii:ii~ii~i ii~~iiiUN.!! iii I TED STATES *COURT OF APPEALS

• ij~ ii~ii~iiii i~i:i i iliiii*iii~ iiiii!ii iFO iiiii~li iiiiii

• i i*

i* R THE:.i*i6*  :-:.* ii

!ii i!:iii!!ii:  :!~ ~i:!i~! !iiDii: I ii STRi:ii.i!

i~~i!i !l~iiii:i*i!!:!ii  !=! ~i i OLUMBi O:~lEi !iC I !!*ii~~!!:Ci!iT~!ii IATii

~:!ii:! ~!ii~!*!*iii:

RITi~iiii CU~i I C!11!:7

) No.

"Petitioners" )

)

V.

)

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR )

REGULATORY COMMISSION, and

)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

)

)

Respondents CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

[ ..... i hereby certify that I. have on this..13th day of August 2015..served a .copy of the Office. of the Attorney General of the United states

• [. U.S. Department :of Justice.:...: .".".-.

.i:i.-::.::..!9*50 Pennsylvania Avenue,:* NW -: .:=:"i:i:: "  : ... . :":"i:::.i James Kim, Project -Manager""... ":" ""-..."

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.s. Nuclear.Regulatoray Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001

A. Louise Lund.

.Division:of Operating Reactor Licensing,* .

i:::-..: .::Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.. i. .:i.i . .. :.: .  : ..  :.:.

iWashinagton, DC 20555-000 1 *.. .

Anne Boland Division of .Operating Reactor Licensing, Office .ofNuclear Reactor* Regulation

• Washington, DC 20555-.0001 Office of.Commission Appellate Adjudication U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-000 1 Office of the Secretary ATTN: Rulemakings & Adjudications Staff U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-000 1 Andrew Averbach Office of the General Counsel U.S. Nuclear.Regulatory Commission WashingtonD 20555-01

"*:Trip Rothschild . : ...  :":  :* "-

Office of the General Counsel

• -:" .U.S. Nuclear* Regulatory Commission

..* ... Washington, DC 20555-000:1::.*...-".

':" "" M arian zobler ::* .  : " : . " ::. . .. .. .

..... . ,- Office of the General- Counsel...." .

"U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Catherine Scott Office of the General Counsel U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 2

Edward Williamson Office. of the General Counsel US. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Site Vice President Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc,

- ~Vermont Yankee Nuclear *Power Station:. -" .

• .. Governor Hunt Road.  :

• .~Vernon, VT 053'54 "... ... .. . .. . .

Bonnie L. Heiple 3