ML23200A226
| ML23200A226 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/19/2023 |
| From: | Fisher R Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML23200A226 (1) | |
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NRC Rulemaking on Emergency Preparedness Becoming a Modern Risk-informed Regulator The NRC is in the final stages of a rulemaking on emergency preparedness (EP) for small modular reactors (SMR) and other new technologies (ONT).
This alternative regulatory framework will provide a risk-informed, performance-based, technology-inclusive, and consequence-oriented approach to EP.
Contact Information Robert Fisher Emergency Preparedness Specialist (301) 415-6328 robert.fisher@nrc.gov Risk-informed to align with the hazards of the facility A risk-informed approach matches the EP requirements to the hazards and risks of the facility. This graded approach to EP accounts for the expected reduction in radiological risks posed by SMRs and considers accident likelihood and magnitude, passive safety characteristics, and all potential radiological and non-radiological hazards.
Consequence-oriented to ensure effective action is taken Emergency planning is informed by the potential dose consequences from a spectrum of accidents, including those that could result in an offsite release. In the unlikely event of an offsite release, licensees will be required to assess the event, make notifications, communicate with offsite response organizations, request assistance as needed, and recommend protective actions as conditions warrant.
Performance-based to focus on response capabilities The draft final rule incorporates a performance-based framework to provide regulatory flexibility for a variety of reactor designs and emergency planning needs. The performance criteria emphasizes the importance of response capabilities of a facility, more than the prescriptive elements of the emergency plan.
The performance criteria include event classification and mitigation establishment of protective actions for onsite personnel and recommendations for offsite response organizations communications with and notifications to emergency response organizations radiological assessment both onsite and offsite during emergencies Technology-inclusive to promote regulatory stability Response capabilities for offsite protective measures will continue to include sheltering-in-place evacuation mitigating ingestion pathway contamination support from Federal and State resources Proposed Rule on Emergency Preparedness for Small Modular Reactors and Other New Technologies Current Licensing Activities for SMRs Current Licensing Activities for ONTs Department of Energy website on New Reactor Technology The draft final rule offers a technology-inclusive approach to emergency preparedness. This approach recognizes the diversity in small modular reactor designs and other new technologies and reduces the need for future rulemaking and exemption requests to current regulations.
This draft final rule accounts for reduced risk due to evolutionary and passive safety features slower accident progressions advanced fuels relatively small and slow release of fission products For more information on the future of SMRs and ONTs