ML20191A272
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| 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.