ML20191A272
| ML20191A272 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/14/2020 |
| From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Rezai A, 301-415-1328 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML20191A272 (6) | |
Text
Streamlining 10 CFR Part 50.55a July 14, 2020 Materials Exchange Public Meeting
EMBARK Venture Studios Effort
- EMBARK Venture Studios initiated a project to develop ideas for transforming NRCs processes regarding ASME Code and Code Cases.
- Focused on:
- 1) improved clarity of 10 CFR 50.55a.
- 2) more efficient process for approving ASME codes and standards.
- 3) reduction of unnecessary regulatory burden, while achieving the NRCs safety objectives.
- Identified three recommendations 2
Streamlining Recommendations
- 1) Relax the Requirement to Update Inservice Inspection and Inservice Testing Programs Every 10 Years.
- Stakeholder agreed this would have minimal impact on safety and provide flexibility to industry.
- Licensees would adopt these later editions prior to taking advantage of this flexibility.
Streamlining Recommendations
- 2) Institute Direct-Final Rules for Unconditionally Approved Code Cases.
- Increased efficiency would benefit both the NRC and US nuclear industry.
- Direct final rule approach may not be suitable for Code Cases with proposed conditions.
- 3) Decrease the Frequency of Code Edition Rulemakings.
- With Recommendation (1), there is no longer strong driver to incorporate by reference new code editions into
§50.55a on a 2-year cycle.
Sample Schedule The above is just one example of the rulemaking schedule.
Code edition rulemaking could contain each edition released since last rulemaking or only the latest edition.
Technical review of each edition would be documented as each edition is released.
Current Status
- Recommendation (1) will involve rulemaking.
o However, all three recommendations are inter-related such that it may not be feasible to implement one recommendation without implementing all of them.
o This recommendation is outside the scope of routine ASME Code updates o Requires rulemaking plan and approval by the Commission
- NRC staff is currently discussing the best path forward in pursuing rulemaking for these recommendations.