ML19256A290
| ML19256A290 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Buffalo |
| Issue date: | 11/13/1978 |
| From: | Reid R Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Fogel C NEW YORK, STATE UNIV. OF, BUFFALO, NY |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7811280092 | |
| Download: ML19256A290 (5) | |
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November 13, 1978 Docket No. 50-57 Mr. Charles M. Fogel Acting Executive Vice President State University of New York at Buffalo Rotary Road Buffalo, New York 14214
Dear Mr. Fogel:
The Operating License (No. R-77) for your Nuclear Science and Technology Facility (NSTF) expires September 15, 1979. To renew your license, an application is required that demonstrates that the PULSTAR reactor is capable of continued safe operations and the reactor components and systems can withstand prolonged use over the term of the renewed license.
General requirements are provided in Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Parts 50, 51, 55 and 73. Attached are specific items that will be reviewed during the renewal process.
You are reminded that 10 CFR 2.109 requires that your application be filed in a timely manner and at least 30 days prior to expiration of your current license.
The foregoing has been provided to assist you in the license renewal Please do not hesitate to contact Steve Ramos (301-492-7435) process.
who has been assigned project manager for your facility.
Sincerely,
~ h rt W. Reid, Chief Operating Reactors Branch #4 Division of Operating Reactors
Enclosure:
License Renewal Review Items 781128ootL c
LICENSE RENEWAL. REVIEW ITEMS A.
Contents of Application 1.
General Infomation (10 CFR 50.33)
Provide applicable information delineated in the referent regulation. The following 10 CFR 50.33 paragraphs obtain:
(e) Include all licenses issued for use on the campus complex.
(f) Financial Considerations - The review process to satisfy 10 CFR 50.33(f) requires information that will show that: the licensee possesses the funds necessary to cover estimated operating costs or that there is reasonable assurance of obtaining the funds for the period of the license renewal plus the-estimated costs of permanently shutting down the facility and maintaining it in a safe condition. To facilitate reviewing the financial aspects, it is requested that the following information be provided' in three signed and notarized originals and six additional copies:
(1) The most recent published annual statement of operations of the University.
Indicate, or provide separately, that portion of the budget which clearly delineates the sources of funds to be utilized to cover costs of operation of your reactor facility.
(2) The estimated annual costs to operate the reactor for the additional license renewal period and a certification that amounts designated in your application for renewal of the facility will be included. in future budgets.
i (3) The estimated costs of permanently shutting down the reactor, a listing of what is included in these costs, the assumptions made in estimating the costs, the type of shutdown contemplated, and the source of funds to cover these costs.
(4) An estimate of the annual cost to maintain the shutdown facilities in a safe condition.
Indicate what is included in this estimate, assumptions made in determining the cost, any interest rates assumed, and the source of funds to cover this in perpetuity.
t i
. 2.
Filing of Applications Provide applicable infonnation as delineated in 10 CFR 50.30 as follows:
(e) Exempt (f) Environmental Considerations
' Attached is a memorandum, " Environmental Considerations Regarding the Licensing of Research Reactors and Critical Facilities" dated January 28, 1974, from D. Muller to D. Skovholt, that provides the general environ-mental impact of research reactors and may be used as a reference in developing an Environmental Impact Appraisal (EIA). As a result of this memorandum, it was determined that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required for research reactors authorized to operate at 2 MW(t) at less. However, an EIA is required and sufficient information must be provided to support and develop the EIA.
3.
Technical Information (10 CFR 50.34)
(a) FSAR - (applicable portions) of 10 CFR 50.34(b)
A complete review of your Safety Hazards Report (SAR) will be conducted to ensure no significant safety hazard exists.
Data should be included to update the SAR with regard to natural and unnatural phenomena. This information must use current analysis techniques and infonnation.
Further, a description and analysis of the structures, systems and components of the facility, with' emphasis on the operational performance and the ability to function properly and safely for the term of the license. This is particu-larly important because the original license was evaluated for a specific term. As some parts have obviously worn and there is some deterioration of the structure, the ability of the facility to operate safety for the requested term is a safety question.
(b) 10 CFR 50.34(b)(6) - Applicable portions The following pertains to specific items:
(v) Emergency Planning
^
The requirements for your emergency plan are in Section IV of Appendix E to 10 CFR Part 50. Attached are draft copies of ANS 15.16 " Standard for Emergency Planning for Research Reactors,"
and Regulatory Guide 2.XX, " Emergency Planning for Research Reactors."
. Although in draft form, they are being used by Staff reviewers to ensure compliance with Appendix E.
You are requested to use these documents or guides in preparing the emergency plan portion of your application.
(vi) Proposed Technical Specifications (T.S.) in accordance with 10 CFR 50.36)
Attached is a copy of North Carolina State University's (NCSU)
T.S. for their PULSTAR reactor, the University of Michigan's (U.M.) T.S., guidance for administrative controls, and a draft copy of ANS 15.18, " Standard for Administrative Controls for Research Reactors." A review of your T.S. reveals that most of the information should be in your SAR instead of the T.S.
There are differences between your and NCSU's PULSTAR; however, these examples should help you in developing your T.S.
UM's are pro-vided because they are the latest T.S. approved by the NRC staff and are consistent with 10 CFR 50.36. ANS 15.18 and guidance for administrative controls are provided to assist in preparing your administrative control section.
We are utilizing the license renewal review as the appropriate time to upgrade T.S. and to make them as common in format as physical and operational constraints permit. You are, therefore requested to submit new T.S. using the attachments or guides.
Further, the following was the subject of previous correspondence and is provided herein as a reminder.
(a) ALARA consideration should be included in the T.S., as delineated in 10 CFR 50.36a.
(b_) Provision regarding the insertion and irradiation of explosives must be included in the T.S. or not be handled at all. All research reactors licensees were advised of this requirement June 1971. Previous concerns are reiterated in the following:
"An increasing number of programs being performed at research and testing reactor facilities involve the radiography of explosives. The presence and irradiation of explosives in a reactor facility must be evaluated carefully because of the potential for damage to the reactor. The use of explosives within a reactor facility is considered to be an unreviewed safety question pursuant to Section 50.59 of 10 CFR Part 50 unless such usage has been reviewed and approved by the Comission.
If you presently receive, or have plans to receive and handle explosives, an evaluation of the con-sequences of accidental explosions should be made and submitted to the Comission's Division of Reactor Licensing.
.... Proposed operating restrictions that provide for safe usage of explosive materials should be submitted for inclusion in your Technical Specifications.
In this con-text, " explosives" include all materials that would con-stitute Class A, Class B and Class C explosives as described in Tit 16 49, Parts 172 and 173 of the Code of Federal Regulations, regarding transportation of explosives and other dangerous materials.
The Technical Specifications should contain sufficient information to establish operating restrictions; should indicate the maximum quantity of explosives (in pounds of equivalent TNT) allowed in the facility, the form of the explosives, the controls exercised when handling and storing explosives, the cumulative radiation exposure limits for explosives, the utilization of explosives within the facility, and the maximum quantity of explosives that could be involved in postulated accidents; and should include an assessment of the probability and the potential consequences of an explosion occurring."
(c_) Many of the research reactors U.S. still use abnormal occur-rences (A0) as previously used in Regulatory Guide 1.16.
It was used to designate any unscheduled or unanticipated operational event reported to the Commission.
Included in these reported events were (1) events that would or did have significance from the standpoint of public health or safety and (2) events reported to NRC for performance evalu-ation and trend determinations.
In section 208 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (Pub. L.93-438), an " abnormal occurrence" is defined for the purposes of the reporting requirements of the Act as an unscheduled incident or event which the Commission determines is significant from the stand-point of public health or safety.
In order to be consistent with this definition, the events previously designated as
" abnormal occurrences" are now designated " reportable occurrences." The decision to change the designation to
" abnormal occurrence" rests with the Commission.
(d) Also attached is one set of Regulatory Guides (2.1-2.5) that pertain to research reactors that should be used in developing your T.S.
(c) Operator Licenses and Requalification Training Program (10 CFR Part 55)
(10 CFR 50.34 (b)(7) and (8).