ML20205B046
| ML20205B046 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/16/1999 |
| From: | Rathbun D NRC OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS (OCA) |
| To: | J. J. Barton HOUSE OF REP. |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20205A488 | List: |
| References | |
| FRN-64FR12117, RULE-PR-21, RULE-PR-50, RULE-PR-54 AG12-1-022, AG12-1-22, NUDOCS 9903310139 | |
| Download: ML20205B046 (1) | |
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 3000HOM A,$
March 16, 1999 The Honorable Joe L. Barton, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Power -
Committee on Commerce United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Enclosed for the information of the Subcommittee are copies of a public announcement and a proposed amendment to 10 CFR Parts 21,50, and 54. The proposed rule would allow holders of operating licenses at currently operating reactors to voluntarily amend their design bases to replace the current accident source term with the revised source term in NUREG-1465, Accident Source Terms for Light-Water Nuclear Power Plants. The NRC is also proposing some changes to various sections of its regulations to conform with revisions implemented j
earlier.
Since the publication of the current accident source term in 1962, significant advances have been made in understanding the timing, magnitude, and chemical form of fission product releases from severe nuclear power plant accidents. Many of these insights developed out of j
the major research effort started by the NRC and the industry after the accident at Three Mile Island (TMI). The proposed rule would enable currently licensed power reactors to propose applications of the revised source term that could reduce unnecessary or ineffective requirements in the facility design basis, thereby reducing the regulatory burden. It is believed that the proposed rulemaking would also result in an improvement in the allocation of resources both for the NRC and for industry. Also, there is an expectation that many of the revised source term applications may provide concomitant improvements in overall safety and in reduced occupational exposure, as well as economic benefits.
The NRC staff has determined that the public health and safety and the common defense and security would continue to be adequately protected if the proposed rule is implemented.
i Sin rely, O
Dennis K. Rathbun, Director Office of Congressional Affairs
Enclosure:
PublicAnnouncement Federal Register Notice cc: Representative Ralph M. Hall 990 7 '0139 990325 PDP t.'
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