ML20015A299
| ML20015A299 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/07/2020 |
| From: | Ho Nieh Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Bakken C, Nazar M, Uhle J Entergy Nuclear, Nextera Energy, Nuclear Energy Institute |
| McKenna P, 415-0037, NRR/DRO | |
| References | |
| Download: ML20015A299 (8) | |
Text
February 7, 2020 Dr. Jennifer L. Uhle Vice President, Generation & Suppliers Nuclear Energy Institute 1201 F Street, NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20004
SUBJECT:
TIMELY RESOLUTION OF ISSUES RELATED TO TORNADO-MISSILE PROTECTIONSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Dear Dr. Uhle:
This letter provides supplemental information about the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRCs) letter, Timely Resolution of Issues Related to Tornado-Missile Protection, dated February 28, 2019 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)
Accession No. ML18338A085). In that letter, the NRC described the timely and efficient resolution of longstanding issues related to tornado-missile protection, with the goal of closing these issues in 2019. The letter also referenced Enforcement Guidance Memorandum (EGM) 15-002, Revision 1, Enforcement Discretion for Tornado-Generated Missile Protection Noncompliance, dated February 15, 2017 (ADAMS Accession No. ML16355A286) which expires on June 10, 2020.
On September 10, 2019, the NRC staff conducted a Category 2 public meeting with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) at NRC Headquarters to discuss generic recommendations for addressing tornado-missile protection at nuclear power plants (ADAMS Accession No. ML19274C199). Based on industry feedback and discussion among participants about changes evaluated under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, the NRC staff is providing this supplemental information about the option of bringing the facility back into compliance by changing the licensing basis to incorporate the Tornado Missile Risk Evaluator (TMRE) under 10 CFR 50.59 without prior NRC approval.
In its letter dated February 28, 2019, the NRC stated, depending on the special circumstances, several approaches may be considered such as: changes evaluated under 10 CFR 50.59, with the following footnote:
Tornado-missile protection issues have been addressed through modification of facilities and participation in industry-led initiatives such as the Electric Power Research Institutes TORMIS computer code, and use of Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 17-02, Tornado Missile Risk Evaluator (TMRE) Industry Guidance Document, Revision 1, issued September 2017 (ADAMS Accession No. ML17268A036). The NRC is finalizing its TMRE pilot plant reviews.
Licensees may use TORMIS, TMRE, or other such methods on a plant-specific basis in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59.
In parallel and subsequent to issuance of the NRC letter dated February 28, 2019, the NRC completed its TMRE pilot reviews for Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Shearon Harris Nuclear
Power Plant, and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and issued license amendments approving the plant-specific applications (ADAMS Accession Nos. ML18304A394, ML18347A385, and ML19123A014, respectively).
As stated in the NRC letter dated February 28, 2019, licensees may pursue a number of options and approaches to reconcile issues related to tornado-missile protection. Licensees may use insights from all three TMRE pilots in performing plant-specific evaluations using 10 CFR 50.59 and submitting plant-specific license amendment requests. To the extent licensees can satisfy the terms, conditions, and limitations, the plant-specific approvals for Vogtle, Harris, and Grand Gulf may be of direct benefit.
NEI 96-07, Revision 1, Guidelines for 10 CFR 50.59 Implementation, issued November 2000 (ADAMS Accession No. ML003771157), as endorsed by Regulatory Guide 1.187, Guidance for Implementation of 10 CFR 50.59 Changes, Tests, and Experiments, provides licensees with guidance that the NRC staff considers acceptable for use in complying with the Commissions regulations on the process by which licensees, under certain conditions, may make changes to their facilities and procedures as described in the final safety analysis report (as updated) without prior NRC approval.
NEI 96-07, Revision 1, Section 4.3.8.2, Guidance for Changing from One Method of Evaluation to Another, states the following:
The definition of departure provides licensees with the flexibility to make changes under 10 CFR 50.59 from one method of evaluation to another provided that the new method is approved by the NRC for the intended application. A new method is approved by the NRC for intended application if it is approved for the type of analysis being conducted, and applicable terms, conditions and limitations for its use are satisfied.
The NRC has approved the plant-specific application of the TMRE method at the TMRE pilot plants; however, the NRC safety evaluation placed a number of conditions and limitations on the use of the TMRE method. Each licensee seeking to resolve tornado-missile-protection issues using the TMRE method would need to evaluate how the approved plant-specific conditions and limitations would apply to its facility.
If you have any further questions about this matter, please contact Mr. Philip McKenna at 301-415-0037.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Ho K. Nieh, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
February 7, 2020 Mr. Chris Bakken Executive Vice President Nuclear Operations & Chief Nuclear Officer Entergy Nuclear 1340 Echelon Parkway Jackson, MS 39213
SUBJECT:
TIMELY RESOLUTION OF ISSUES RELATED TO TORNADO-MISSILE PROTECTIONSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Dear Mr. Bakken:
This letter provides supplemental information about the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRCs) letter, Timely Resolution of Issues Related to Tornado-Missile Protection, dated February 28, 2019 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)
Accession No. ML18338A085). In that letter, the NRC described the timely and efficient resolution of longstanding issues related to tornado-missile protection, with the goal of closing these issues in 2019. The letter also referenced Enforcement Guidance Memorandum (EGM) 15-002, Revision 1, Enforcement Discretion for Tornado-Generated Missile Protection Noncompliance, dated February 15, 2017 (ADAMS Accession No. ML16355A286) which expires on June 10, 2020.
On September 10, 2019, the NRC staff conducted a Category 2 public meeting with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) at NRC Headquarters to discuss generic recommendations for addressing tornado-missile protection at nuclear power plants (ADAMS Accession No. ML19274C199). Based on industry feedback and discussion among participants about changes evaluated under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, the NRC staff is providing this supplemental information about the option of bringing the facility back into compliance by changing the licensing basis to incorporate the Tornado Missile Risk Evaluator (TMRE) under 10 CFR 50.59 without prior NRC approval.
In its letter dated February 28, 2019, the NRC stated, depending on the special circumstances, several approaches may be considered such as: changes evaluated under 10 CFR 50.59, with the following footnote:
Tornado-missile protection issues have been addressed through modification of facilities and participation in industry-led initiatives such as the Electric Power Research Institutes TORMIS computer code, and use of Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 17-02, Tornado Missile Risk Evaluator (TMRE) Industry Guidance Document, Revision 1, issued September 2017 (ADAMS Accession No. ML17268A036). The NRC is finalizing its TMRE pilot plant reviews.
Licensees may use TORMIS, TMRE, or other such methods on a plant-specific basis in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59.
In parallel and subsequent to issuance of the NRC letter dated February 28, 2019, the NRC completed its TMRE pilot reviews for Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Shearon Harris Nuclear
Power Plant, and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and issued license amendments approving the plant-specific applications (ADAMS Accession Nos. ML18304A394, ML18347A385, and ML19123A014, respectively).
As stated in the NRC letter dated February 28, 2019, licensees may pursue a number of options and approaches to reconcile issues related to tornado-missile protection. Licensees may use insights from all three TMRE pilots in performing plant-specific evaluations using 10 CFR 50.59 and submitting plant-specific license amendment requests. To the extent licensees can satisfy the terms, conditions, and limitations, the plant-specific approvals for Vogtle, Harris, and Grand Gulf may be of direct benefit.
NEI 96-07, Revision 1, Guidelines for 10 CFR 50.59 Implementation, issued November 2000 (ADAMS Accession No. ML003771157), as endorsed by Regulatory Guide 1.187, Guidance for Implementation of 10 CFR 50.59 Changes, Tests, and Experiments, provides licensees with guidance that the NRC staff considers acceptable for use in complying with the Commissions regulations on the process by which licensees, under certain conditions, may make changes to their facilities and procedures as described in the final safety analysis report (as updated) without prior NRC approval.
NEI 96-07, Revision 1, Section 4.3.8.2, Guidance for Changing from One Method of Evaluation to Another, states the following:
The definition of departure provides licensees with the flexibility to make changes under 10 CFR 50.59 from one method of evaluation to another provided that the new method is approved by the NRC for the intended application. A new method is approved by the NRC for intended application if it is approved for the type of analysis being conducted, and applicable terms, conditions and limitations for its use are satisfied.
The NRC has approved the plant-specific application of the TMRE method at the TMRE pilot plants; however, the NRC safety evaluation placed a number of conditions and limitations on the use of the TMRE method. Each licensee seeking to resolve tornado-missile-protection issues using the TMRE method would need to evaluate how the approved plant-specific conditions and limitations would apply to its facility.
If you have any further questions about this matter, please contact Mr. Philip McKenna at 301-415-0037.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Ho K. Nieh, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
February 7, 2020 Mr. Mano Nazar President and Chief Nuclear Officer Florida Power & Light Company NextEra Energy 700 Universe Boulevard Mail Stop: EX/JB Juno Beach, FL 33408
SUBJECT:
TIMELY RESOLUTION OF ISSUES RELATED TO TORNADO-MISSILE PROTECTIONSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Dear Mr. Nazar:
This letter provides supplemental information about the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRCs) letter, Timely Resolution of Issues Related to Tornado-Missile Protection, dated February 28, 2019 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)
Accession No. ML18338A085). In that letter, the NRC described the timely and efficient resolution of longstanding issues related to tornado-missile protection, with the goal of closing these issues in 2019. The letter also referenced Enforcement Guidance Memorandum (EGM) 15-002, Revision 1, Enforcement Discretion for Tornado-Generated Missile Protection Noncompliance, dated February 15, 2017 (ADAMS Accession No. ML16355A286) which expires on June 10, 2020.
On September 10, 2019, the NRC staff conducted a Category 2 public meeting with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) at NRC Headquarters to discuss generic recommendations for addressing tornado-missile protection at nuclear power plants (ADAMS Accession No. ML19274C199). Based on industry feedback and discussion among participants about changes evaluated under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, the NRC staff is providing this supplemental information about the option of bringing the facility back into compliance by changing the licensing basis to incorporate the Tornado Missile Risk Evaluator (TMRE) under 10 CFR 50.59 without prior NRC approval.
In its letter dated February 28, 2019, the NRC stated, depending on the special circumstances, several approaches may be considered such as: changes evaluated under 10 CFR 50.59, with the following footnote:
Tornado-missile protection issues have been addressed through modification of facilities and participation in industry-led initiatives such as the Electric Power Research Institutes TORMIS computer code, and use of Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 17-02, Tornado Missile Risk Evaluator (TMRE) Industry Guidance Document, Revision 1, issued September 2017 (ADAMS Accession No. ML17268A036). The NRC is finalizing its TMRE pilot plant reviews.
Licensees may use TORMIS, TMRE, or other such methods on a plant-specific basis in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59.
In parallel and subsequent to issuance of the NRC letter dated February 28, 2019, the NRC completed its TMRE pilot reviews for Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Shearon Harris Nuclear
Power Plant, and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and issued license amendments approving the plant-specific applications (ADAMS Accession Nos. ML18304A394, ML18347A385, and ML19123A014, respectively).
As stated in the NRC letter dated February 28, 2019, licensees may pursue a number of options and approaches to reconcile issues related to tornado-missile protection. Licensees may use insights from all three TMRE pilots in performing plant-specific evaluations using 10 CFR 50.59 and submitting plant-specific license amendment requests. To the extent licensees can satisfy the terms, conditions, and limitations, the plant-specific approvals for Vogtle, Harris, and Grand Gulf may be of direct benefit.
NEI 96-07, Revision 1, Guidelines for 10 CFR 50.59 Implementation, issued November 2000 (ADAMS Accession No. ML003771157), as endorsed by Regulatory Guide 1.187, Guidance for Implementation of 10 CFR 50.59 Changes, Tests, and Experiments, provides licensees with guidance that the NRC staff considers acceptable for use in complying with the Commissions regulations on the process by which licensees, under certain conditions, may make changes to their facilities and procedures as described in the final safety analysis report (as updated) without prior NRC approval.
NEI 96-07, Revision 1, Section 4.3.8.2, Guidance for Changing from One Method of Evaluation to Another, states the following:
The definition of departure provides licensees with the flexibility to make changes under 10 CFR 50.59 from one method of evaluation to another provided that the new method is approved by the NRC for the intended application. A new method is approved by the NRC for intended application if it is approved for the type of analysis being conducted, and applicable terms, conditions and limitations for its use are satisfied.
The NRC has approved the plant-specific application of the TMRE method at the TMRE pilot plants; however, the NRC safety evaluation placed a number of conditions and limitations on the use of the TMRE method. Each licensee seeking to resolve tornado-missile-protection issues using the TMRE method would need to evaluate how the approved plant-specific conditions and limitations would apply to its facility.
If you have any further questions about this matter, please contact Mr. Philip McKenna at 301-415-0037.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Ho K. Nieh, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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SUBJECT:
TIMELY RESOLUTION OF ISSUES RELATED TO TORNADO-MISSILE PROTECTIONSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION DATED FEBRUARY 7, 2020 Identical letters sent to:
Dr. Jennifer L. Uhle Vice President, Generation & Suppliers Nuclear Energy Institute 1201 F Street, NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20004 Mr. Chris Bakken Executive Vice President Nuclear Operations & Chief Nuclear Officer Entergy Nuclear 1340 Echelon Parkway Jackson, MS 39213 Mr. Mano Nazar President and Chief Nuclear Officer Florida Power & Light Company NextEra Energy 700 Universe Boulevard Mail Stop: EX/JB Juno Beach, FL 33408