ML21333A068
| ML21333A068 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Summer  |
| Issue date: | 11/29/2021 |
| From: | Kathryn Brock NRC/NSIR/DPR |
| To: | Tonya Russell Federal Emergency Management Agency |
| References | |
| Download: ML21333A068 (3) | |
Text
Mr. Tony Russell Acting Assistant Administrator National Preparedness Directorate Federal Emergency Management Agency 400 C Street, South West Washington, DC 20024
SUBJECT:
V.C. SUMMER NUCLEAR STATION ALERT AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM EVALUATION REPORT
Dear Mr. Russell:
On behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), I am responding to your letter dated October 22, 2021 which provided the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval of Revision 3 of the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station (VCSNS) Alert and Notification System (ANS) Evaluation Report dated August 26, 20211.
As noted in Revision 3 of the VCSNS ANS System Design Report, VCSNS replaced the Early Warning Siren System with an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) - Wireless Emergency Alert and IPAWS - Emergency Alert System concurrently as the primary ANS for the VCSNS 10-mile emergency planning zone. The revised VCSNS ANS System Design Report further stipulates that route alerting will remain the back-up ANS.
Per Section III, Paragraph 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regarding Radiological Emergencies, Planning, and Preparedness, which was signed on November 19, 20152:
FEMA coordinates all Federal planning for offsite impact of radiological emergencies and takes the lead for assessing offsite radiological emergency response plans and preparedness, makes findings and determinations as to the adequacy and capability of implementing offsite plans and communicates those findings and determinations to the NRC. The NRC reviews FEMA's findings and determinations in conjunction with the NRC onsite findings for the purpose of making determinations on the overall state of emergency preparedness. These overall findings and determinations are used by the NRC to make radiological health and safety decisions in the issuance of licenses and the continued operation of licensed utilization facility to include taking enforcement actions 1 NRCs Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML21323A137 2 ADAMS Accession No. ML15344A371 November 29, 2021
T. Russell 2
such as notices of violations, civil penalties, orders, or shutdown of operating reactors.
This delineation of responsibilities avoids duplicative efforts by the NRC in preparedness matters.
Consistent with the roles of each respective agency as set forth in the aforementioned MOU, the NRC conducted a review of the FEMA findings. To aid its review, the NRC utilized the FEMA evaluation criteria and sample template for ANS changes and use of IPAWS3. The NRC review focused on the applicable requirements in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR)
Section 50, Appendix E,Section IV.D.3.
Additionally, the NRC evaluated the revised VCSNS ANS Plan and Design Report dated August 26, 2021 and found that it contained sufficient information to be considered an adequate submittal for NRC to conduct its review. At this time, the NRC did not identify any licensing basis issues.
In conclusion, the NRC accepts the findings of FEMA that Revision 3 of the VCSNS ANS Plan and Design Report meets the applicable requirements in 10 CFR 50, Appendix E, Section IV.D.3, and enables the NRC to maintain its finding of reasonable assurance for public health and safety.
Please feel free to contact my staff, Michael McCoppin, Chief, Policy and Oversight Branch at 301-415-6533 or at michael.mccoppin@nrc.gov, if you have questions.
Sincerely, Kathryn M. Brock, Director Division of Preparedness and Response Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response 3 ADAMS Accession No. ML19339G862 Signed by Brock, Kathryn on 11/29/21
Ltr ML21333A068 OFFICE NSIR/DPR/POB NSIR/DPR/POB NSIR/DPR NAME CMurray MMcCoppin KBrock DATE Nov 29, 2021 Nov 29, 2021 Nov 29, 2021