ML25022A238
| ML25022A238 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/21/2025 |
| From: | James Chang NRC/NMSS/DFM/CTCFB |
| To: | |
| References | |
| RG 3.16 | |
| Download: ML25022A238 (1) | |
Text
Regulatory Guide Periodic Review Regulatory Guide Number: 3.16 Revision 1
Title:
General Fire Protection Guide for Plutonium Processing and Fuel Fabrication Plants Office/division/branch:
NMSS/DFM/CTCFPB Technical Lead:
Jimmy Chang Recommended Staff Action:
Reviewed with no issues identified 1.
What are the known technical or regulatory issues with the current version of the Regulatory Guide (RG)?
RG 3.16 Revision 1 was issued in April 2009 to provide guidance for the review of fire protection programs as part of an application to construct and operate a plutonium processing and mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication facility as defined in Title 10 Part 70, Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material, of the Code of Federal Regulations, (10 CFR Part 70).
RG 3.16 endorses the methods and procedures contained in NUREG-1718, Standard Review Plan for the Review of an Application for a MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility, Chapter 7, Fire Protection, to consider the following measures in fire protection program:
Facility design to provide adequate protection against fires and explosions and defense-in-depth practices.
Fire protection features to prevent, detect, extinguish, limit, or control fires and explosions, and their concomitant hazards and damaging effects on people and property.
Fire protection policy to protect structures, systems, and items relied on for safety at the plant, and the procedures, equipment, and personnel to implement the program at the site.
Fire hazard analysis to specify fire hazards, identify fire protection features proposed to control those hazards, and discuss the overall adequacy of facility fire protection programs.
Based on the staffs periodic review it was determined that there are no technical or regulatory issues with the current version of the RG. RG 3.16 Revision 1 is still appropriate as a regulatory guide for applicants and licensees within their licensing basis documentation to demonstrate compliance of their fire protection program with NRC regulations.
Also, RG 3.16 Revision 1 was reviewed in April 2014, with no issues identified.
2.
What is the impact on internal and external stakeholders of not updating the RG for the known issues, in terms of anticipated numbers of licensing and inspection activities over the next several years?
There will be no negative impact on licensing and inspection activities, since there are
no technical or regulatory issues with the current version of the RG and there is currently no application expected for a plutonium processing and fuel fabrication plant within the next several years.
This RG 3.16 Revision 1 is not recommended for withdrawal because:
This RG provides guidance for review of the fire safety portion of the licensing application as acceptable for meeting the regulatory requirements of 10 CFR 70.23, 10 CFR 70.61 and 10 CFR 70.64 as they relate to fire protection and radiological consequences from fires.
There may be a future application for a plutonium processing and fuel fabrication plant and the guidance could be useful for facility designers.
3.
What is an estimate of the level of effort needed to address identified issues in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) and contractor resources?
The level of effort is 0 FTE and 0 contract dollars since there are no technical or regulatory issues with the current version of the RG.
4.
Based on the answers to the questions above, what is the staff action for this guide (Reviewed with no issues identified, Reviewed with issues identified for future consideration, Revise, or Withdraw)?
Reviewed with no issues identified.
5.
Provide a conceptual plan and timeframe to address the issues identified during the review.
Not applicable.
NOTE: This review was conducted in January 2025 and reflects the staffs knowledge of industry plans as of that date. These plans are tentative and subject to change.