ML22088A078

Univ. of Missouri, Federal Funding for the Conversion of the Columbia Research Reactor from Highly-Enriched Uranium Fuel to Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel

ML22088A078
Person / Time
Site:	University of Missouri-Columbia
Issue date:	03/25/2022
From:	Astrino R, Robertson J Univ of Missouri
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML22088A078 (2)

Text

m university of Missouri Research Reactor Center

1513 Research Park Drive Columbia, MO 65211

PHONE 573-882-4211 WEB murr.missouri.edu March 25, 2022

ATTN: Document Control Desk U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001

REFERENCE:

Docket No. 50-186 University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor Renewed Facility Operating License No. R-103

SUBJECT:

Federal Funding for the Conversion of the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor from Highly-Enriched Uranium Fuel to Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel

Enclosed in a copy of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Material Management and Minimization, letter stating Federal funding under the DOE's University Research Reactor Infrastructure Program for the conversion of the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor (MURR) from highly-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel will not be available during fiscal year 2022.

ENDORSEMENT:

Sincerely, Reviewed and Approved,

\\~~

Ronald M. Astrino ~ David Robertson, PhD Reactor Manager Reactor Facility Director

cc: Reactor Advisory Committee Reactor Safety Subcommittee Dr. Thomas Spencer, Vice Chancellor for Research Mr. Geoffrey Wertz, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mr. Craig Bassett, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Enclosure:

1. DOE Letter to MURR Regarding Conversion Funding dated March J 7, 2022 Department of Energy N~~S/91 National Nuclear Security Administration National Nuclear Security Admlnlslntlon Washington, DC 20585

March 17, 2022

Dr. J. David Robertson University of Missouri - Columbia Research Reactor Facility Columbia, MO 65211

Dear Dr. Robertson:

In accordance with 10 CFR 50.64, Limitations on the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Domestic Non-Power Reactors, the University of Missouri's Research Reactor (MURR) is required to send a letter annually to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission documenting if Federal funds are available to convert to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel.

In accordance with 10 CFR 50.64, you are hereby notified that Department of Energy funding will not be available in fiscal year 2022 to complete the conversion of MURR to LEU fuel. While significant funds are being invested to qualify a new LEU fuel that will meet MURR' s performance requirements and support the conversion of MURR, an acceptable LEU fuel is not currently available.

You will be notified in the event these circumstances change. If you have any questions, please contact me at my office number, (202) 586-993.

Sincerely,

Christopher Landers Director, Office of Conversion Office of Material Management & Minimization Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation

cc: Brian Waud, NA-231 Vic Pearson, DOE-ID Kenny Osborne, DOE-HQ, NE-51