ML20235X398
| ML20235X398 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/20/1987 |
| From: | Thompson H NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Stello V NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| References | |
| REF-PROJ-M-45, REF-PROJ-M-47, REF-PROJ-M-48 NUDOCS 8707240171 | |
| Download: ML20235X398 (3) | |
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Victor Stello, Jr.
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FROM:
Hugh L. Thompson, Jr., Director POR_Ned Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safegag U I
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SUBJECT:
CURRENT STATUS OF STAFF EFFORT ON URANIUM ENRICHMENT REGULATION SS 396 My staff has been working in coordination with toe Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) to prepare an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on the licensing of uranium enrichment plants. The nctice will include an analysis of applicability of each section of 10 CFR Part 50 to uranium enrichment, proposed general design criteria, anti a list of staff safety review topics.
We expect to brief the Commission on this topic in September, just prior to its issuance in the Federal Register.
Uranium hexafluoride is the chemical form used in both the gaseous diffusion and the gas centrifuge processes. A simple comparison of the chemical hazard with the radiological hazard indicates that the chemical hazard of UF should be of greater concern. Therefore, the staff is currently investigating the i
development of criteria for accident analysis, effects of natural phenomena and offsite emergency planning on that basis.
My staff has also been active on three related topics, viz., (1) prepcring for the review of an application from a United States partner of URENCO, (2) holding discussions with the Department of Energy on the technical aspects of the privatization of the existing gaseous diffusion plants, and (3) preparing for the review of two applications from AlchemIE for the enrichment of stable isotopes.
URENC0 URENCO has indicated that its discussions with a prospective partner are going well. An application for a gas centrifuge facility could be received at the end of this calendar year. The facility design is to be essentially the same as an operating URENCO centrifuge facility in West Gennany. We are preparing an internal review plan and have been meeting occasionally with URENCO.
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4 Victor Stello, Jr.
2 JUL 2 01987 Gaseous Diffusion Plants A technical group was formed by my staff to discuss the nature of a licensing review of the existing gaseous diffusion plants if privatization is authorized by the Congress. An internal staft report has been prepared on that topic.
The technical group noted some "special considerations," viz., (1) that the risk to the public was treated as a chemical (not a radiologic 61) hazard, unlicensed portions (ysical separation of licensed (low-enriched uranium) andhi (2) the need for a ph Plant, (3) the sharing of common low-level waste facilities, (4) certain technical difficulties with shutdown and restart, and (5) commitments which could be made for permanent decommissioning.
In addition to these special considerations noted in the internal staff report, the technical group discussed with the Department and its contractor the aspect of the age of the gaseous diffusion plants and the quality of both the records of construction and the construction itself. The Department has spent considerable effort in analyzing this situation, not only from the standpoint of public health and safety, but also with respect to productive plant life.
In their analysis they performed a physical investigation of the I
concrete and steel components of the structures and supporting soils. We were also infoitned that all records from initial construction had been archived at each site.
l My staff has recently met with staft of the Senate Committee on Energy and l
Natural Resources. The Committee staff has expressed an interest in obtaining consultative assistance from the NRC in its preparation of legislation to privatize the Department of Energy's uranium enrichment enterprise (the gaseous diffusion plants plus the laser enrichment R&D program, AVLIS).
AlchemIE Two application 3are expected from AlChemIE for its planned two facilities for enriching stable isotopes using centrifuges obtained from DOE, one at the Centrifuge Plant Demonstration Facility on the Oak Ridge federal reservation, and the other at a site selected in Oliver Springr., Tennessee (near the reservation). Both applications are to be processed pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50, including environmental analysis in accord with NEPA and 10 CFR Part 51.
Protection of Classified Information 1
My staff has been meeting with the Division of Security to discuss procedures to be followed for the protection of classified information related to uranium enrichment. These procedures will include (1) assuring that all applicants (licensees), NRC staff, and contractor personnel are properly cleared,
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Victor Stello, Jr.
3 (2) assuring that each licensee or contractor has provided adequate. security for all classified information in accordance with NRC security policies and procedures (e.g., Part 95), and (3) assuring that protection is provided for enrichment technology in accordance with all applicable domestic and international agreements and requirements.
In additfon. the NRC will maintain en appropriate inspection program covering all aspe(ts of our regulatory mission throughout the licensing process.
Original Signed by Robert E. Browning ugh L. Thompson, Jr., Director j
Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards DISTRIBUTION Project Files M_45 NMSS R/F FCAF R/F HRagan, 0GC M-47 FCSB R/F HLThompson M-48 RMPernero RECunningham PDR GArlotto CNilsen LCRouse DJoy CSawyer GATerry ATClark FBrown RBrady, SEC PNorry, ADM WMcDonald, ADM
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