ML19290C907
| ML19290C907 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/08/1975 |
| From: | Kerr W Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards |
| To: | Anders W NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| References | |
| ACRS-R-0632A, ACRS-R-632A, NUDOCS 8002150035 | |
| Download: ML19290C907 (3) | |
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-s ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REACTOR SAFEGUARDS NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON. D. C. 20555 April 8, 1975
!!onorable William A. Anders Chairman U. S. Nuclear Reguintory Commission Washington, D. C. 20555 A
Dear Mr. Anders:
This letter is in response to your request for co=ments and recommenda-tions regarding the future role of the ACRS and the scope of its activi-ties in providing advice to the NRC.
The ACRS has dealt primarily with problems of radiological safety associated with the operation of power reactors, test and research reactors, and fuel reprocessing plants.
It has reviewed military reactors anJ production re-nctors et the request of the AEC Regulatory Staff, past experience of the l'.RS has indicated that new problems continue to arise in its review of production and utilization facilities, and as these new problems have arisen the Committee has adapted its procedures and responsibilities to deal uith many of them.
For example the problem of safeguards is relatively new to the Committee, but is no.: recognized as an importent facet of plant secur-ity.
The responsibilities of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission extend beyond the past purview of the ACRS. Nevertheless, the Commit:ee has concluded that, upon request of the Commission, it would be possibic to extend its areas of activity to others which are of concern to the Comuission.
The Committee believes that its role can be expanded in scope to covcr some or all of the items noted Sc1cu, provided the provisions for non-mandatory revieu as recommended in its letter of January 21, 1975, are implemented. The Committee is already concerned with many of the items listed, but believes additional effort should be given to seme of them.
Some of the items are not now being given Committee attention.
It ir. important that the. Committee continue to devote a portion of its activities to the review of specific project applications in accordance with Section 29 of the Atemic Energy Act in order that it keep current its knowledge and retain its competence in reactor technology and related problem areas.
Indeed, it is this knowledge that provides a sound basis for its advice in connection with the development of safety standards, safety research end other aspects of nuclear safety technology.
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Honor..ble Willicm A'. Anders April 8, 1975 Workin; from this basis the ACRs believes it should continue to take part in the development of proposed safety standards and safety research as tSey apply to nuclear reactors and fuel processing plancs.
Additional areas where the Committee believes it con and s'aould contribute are t;.u following:
Safe.mording Co cial Nuclear Material - This is an area that is already giv,-
some attcution in considering the provisions for safeguards against ind'errial sanotc2e at nuclear plants and fuel processing plants.
Trcrj srtation of Spent Fuel - The Committee has in the past provided advice to the Germission with respect to the design and testing of spent fuci chipping containers and the shipment of plutonium in liquid form.
Thir. role could be expanded to include the safeguards considerations dur-ing fuel shipe.cnt and other matters affecting the public health and safety.
Fuel rebricatian Plants - The Committee could review fuel fabrication plants.
Storere end Discosal of Hich Level Radwaste - Siting and deaign of such fccilitiec is an appropriate area for ACRS review.
Use of Nucleer Centers (Parks) - The
- os and cons of nuclear perks with regard to public saiety could be reviewed by the Committee.
Deter-!nica Whct is an Accep*-ble P.isk for Nuclear Power - A step toward establishing existing risks has been mace by the publication of the draft of R,iSII-1400. Additional work is needed to determine
- if the risks indicated by thic report are representative of ".rf ous nuclear plant designs proposed and if these risks are acceptable.
1.e Co=mittee believes it can contribute to this question.
Evaluation of Regulatorv Review Pr.ntices - Safety considerations pertaining to nuclear energy require continuiug attention to the safety assessment methodology with respect to technological developments and new safety cir-cumstances. The Committee could provide assistance by evaluating the ap-proaches used by the NRC Staff for safety assessment and by offering recom-mendations for modification of the review practices.
Review of Operating Experience - As the number of nuclear installations increases anc mv6e operatins experience is gained there will be a need for independent examination and assessment of cumulative operating experience and unusual operational events. The Committee could serve in this capacity.
e Honorable William A. Anders April 8, 1975 The ACRS suggests that, during a trial period of at lecst a year er so, efforts be made to extend its area of responsibility by specific request of the Commission. This procedure would provide an opportunity for both the Commission and the ACRS to see if the arrangement can work. Specific requests for advice would be handled by the Committee as now constituted.
Some areas would probably require the Committee to obtain appropriate consulting assistance in arean not now covered by Co=mittee expertise.
The Committee does not believe that the scope of activities noted above would require any abrupt or substantive change in the membership of the Committee.
The Committee is willing to undertake responsibilities outside its areas of previous activity if the Commission so requests.
It is the belief of the Coccittee, however, that a significant portion of its efforts should continue to be applied to detailed technical consideration of safety re-laced problems in order that its advice come from a base of competence that would be of greatest assistance to the Commission.
Sincerely yours, W. Kerr Chairman e
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