ML20300A437
| ML20300A437 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/26/2020 |
| From: | Mary Anderson NRC/NMSS/DREFS/RASB |
| To: | |
| Anderson M 301-415-7126 | |
| References | |
| Download: ML20300A437 (1) | |
Text
Innovative Rulemaking for Modern Technology Issue: 2020-03 The NRC oversees the storage of commercial spent nuclear fuel throughout the United States U.S. NRC: Rulemaking Highlights Spent Fuel Storage 0BWhat is the change?
- In an application for an amended Certificate of Compliance (certificate) requesting approval of a cask system used to store spent fuel, as a pilot, TN Americas, LLC (the vendor) used a new approach recently endorsed by the NRC which provides for more simplified certificates.
- In September 2020, the NRC issued the amended certificate to TN Americas, using this new approach. For these types of amendments, the NRC uses a direct final rule process.
1BWhat is the impact?
The new approach, which involves simplifying the certificate, places the primary focus of the certificate on safety related items and allows non-safety related or duplicative items to either be relocated to other regulatory documents or removed, as appropriate. After a vendor applies for streamlining the format and content of a certificate and NRC approves the changes, this streamlined format would allow vendors of spent fuel storage systems to be able to make some non-safety changes through an existing regulatory process rather than having to request an amended certificate, which would require rulemaking. Reducing the need for rulemakings that are not necessary for safety saves resources for both the vendors and the NRC. This pilot confirmed the feasibility of this new approach.
2BWhat made this innovative?
Prior to this pilot, the NRC had been considering conducting a broader rulemaking to revise the regulations which govern the format and content of these certificates. In confirming the feasibility of this new approach with this specific amendment, the NRC has achieved the goal of using a more streamlined approach for addressing certificate amendments without having to embark on a broader rulemaking to achieve the improvements.
Review the Rulemaking Documents:
Direct Final Rule TN Americas Pilot Amendment o
Correction o
Confirmation of Effective Date Discontinuation of Rulemaking FRN View Our Spent Fuel Website View Our NRC Rulemaking website Spent fuel dry storage casks