ML20199J245
| ML20199J245 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/28/1998 |
| From: | Thadani A NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY RESEARCH (RES) |
| To: | Collins S NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20199J249 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9901260103 | |
| Download: ML20199J245 (2) | |
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- 4 UNITED STATES
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December 28, 1998 MEMORANDUM TO: Samuel J. Collins, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regul ion 4 -
FROM: Ashok C. Thadani, DirectorPU (r@
Office of Nuclear Regulatory R ead 30 P3:20 T idl0 ~
SUBJECT:
REPORT ON RISK-INFORMED @50.59 OPTIONS Attached is the RES report cn options for incorporating risk insights into the {50.59 regulatory process (Milestone 9 of Topic Area IV, Specific issue B,50.59 Rulemaking). This report assesses a range of options against a set of evaluation criteria; however, it does not recommend specific options for a risk-informed 50.59. As part of the cooperativo effort between NRR and RES, we would plan for farther assessment of these options, including public comment, to help prioritize future activities for risk-informing Part 50. Accordingly, we will propose changes to the staff's response to the Chairman's Tasking memorandum to reflect this
, integration.
In achieving the goal of developing options for a risk-informed 50.59 process, a high-level approach was taken that included identification of the limitations and problems of the existing 50.59, development of a range of options with varying levels of PRA uses, development of evaluation criteria consistent with Commission policy and directives, and finally, evaluation of the options in accordance with the criteria.
In developing the different options, the background (history) of the existing @50.59 process was reviewed to identify its limitations. This examination included reviewing actual examplos of where NRC approval was and was not needed and the bases for those decisions. For each example, the examination also assessed the risk significance associated with the changes. In evaluating the options, criteria were developed that focused on the risk, regulatory and licensee implications and their associated resource and time impacts. The previous examples along with a new test case were evaluated against each option to provide further insights.
In developing this report, we began with the options presented in SECY-98-171 and NEl 96-07 and attempted to address how PRA insights could be integrated into the decision-making process. We also developed options as well as examined those proposed by the ACRS. In examining all options, we considered the limitations associated with both the scope and parametor aspects of 50.59 in integrating risk insights. The options are based on technical, and not policy, evaluations. Further, since the objective is to provide options for a more risk-informed 50.59 process, options that do not change the existing process or result in making the existing process more deterministic are not included. Similarly, the Commission has indicated a desire for the regulatory process to become " risk-informed" as opposed to " risk-based." Therefore, all options retain at least some deterministic aspects, for example, dealing with safety margins, defense in depth, and meeting existing regulations, such as Parts 20 and 100, and Appendix A to 10 CFR 50. ,
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1 l} \ l 2-We would like to acknowledge Sonia Burgess and Mike Parker, the Senior Reactor Analysts from Region lil who contributed significantly to this report. In addition, we have maintained a close working relationship with NRR in developing these options. We appreciate and commend Eileen McKenna of your staff for her valuable contribution to this effort. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Drouin at 415-6675.
Attachment:
As stated cc: Chairman Jackson Commissioner Dicus Commissioner Diaz Commissioner McGaffigan Commissioner Merrifield SECY W. Travers M.Knapp F. Miraglia M. Federline B. Sheron D. Matthews G. Holahan
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R. Barrett E. McKenna J. Larkins (ACRS)
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