ML20147E189

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Discusses Findings Re Proposed Import of Unirradiated Fuel from Mexico.Gen Atomic Co Requested Auth to Import 406g of U-235 in Exchange for 3 Instru Elements for Export to Triga III Reactor at Salazar Mexico.Import Requirements Met
ML20147E189
Person / Time
Issue date: 12/13/1978
From: Moore R
NRC OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS (OIP)
To:
NRC OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS (OIP)
References
NUDOCS 7812210008
Download: ML20147E189 (1)


Text

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DEC 111978 MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILES FROM:

R. N. Moore, Senior Licensing Reviewer

SUBJECT:

FINDINGS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED IMPORT OF UNIRRADIATED FUEL FROM MEXIC0 (ISNM78023)

On November 9,.1978, General Atomic Company requested authorization to import 580 grams of uranium, containing 406 grams of U-235, from Mexico.

This material is contained in three unirradiated fuel elements which are proposed for return to General Atomic in exchange for three instrumented elements which would be exported to Mexico for the TRIGA III reactor at Salazar. The proposed export of the three instrumented ele-ments is the subject of separate licensing action XSNM01410 and the export would not occur until the three elements have been returned from Mexico.

j The three elements will be shipped to the U.S. in approved packages (USA /

9037/AF) in accordance with applicable D0T and IAEA requirements.

The nuclear material is in a nonvolatile noncorrusive form in a uranium-zirconium hydride mixture, encapsulated inside cladded TRIGA reactor fuel elements.

The staff concludes that no credible accident would result in a significant environmental impact.

In the event of an accident resulting in a rupture of the container any release of the material would be limited by the minimal inventory and by the form and encapsulation.

The hazards relating to possible rupture are limited principally to chemical toxicity and can be j

handled safely in essentially the same manner as any corrosive and/or i

toxic chemical.

The staff finds that this proposed import meets the statutory requirements, will not be inimical to the common defense and security, or constitute an undue risk to public health and safety and will have no significant associated environmental impact.

Mo Senior Licensing Reviewer

'18122100 4

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