ML26050A188
| ML26050A188 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/02/2026 |
| From: | Coy D NRC/NRR/DSS/SCPB |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| RG-1.013, Rev 2 | List: |
| References | |
| RG-1.013, Rev 2 RG-1.013, Rev 2 | |
| Download: ML26050A188 (3) | |
Text
Regulatory Guide Periodic Review Regulatory Guide Number:
1.13, Revision 2
Title:
Spent Fuel Storage Facility Design Basis Office/Division/Branch:
NRR/DSS/SCPB Technical Lead:
David Coy Staff Action Decided:
Reviewed with issues identified for future consideration
- 1.
What are the known technical or regulatory issues with the current version of the Regulatory Guide (RG)?
No significant issues were identified, and the following minor issues were identified for future consideration:
On page 5 of RG 1.13, Exceptions, first bullet, last sentence, add clarification for all heat conditions to include boiling. This is because passive pools are allowed to boil.
o Consider modifying sentence to state, for all heat load conditions, including full-core offloads during refueling except under accident conditions where passive pools are allowed to boil. For future considerations.
NOTE: Except for passive spent fuel pools that are allowed to exceed the limit of 60 °C only during accident conditions.
On page 8 of RG 1.13, section 6, bullet b, consider making these two different bullets (bullet b and new addition of bullet c) to clarify and differentiate between active makeup and passive cooling.
o For bullet b (active makeup cooling) Consider adding, If the spent fuel pool is designed to allow coolant boiling during accident conditions and credits active makeup water, no drains, piping, or other systems should be installed that would allow coolant levels to drain below adequate shielding depths of approximately 3 meters (10 feet) above the top of the fuel assemblies.
NOTE: When you are crediting cooling and makeup you must maintain adequate shielding (3 meters or 10 feet). When the system credits passive cooling, you must maintain adequate water volume for 72 hrs for spent fuel cooling.
o Add bullet c (passive cooling) on page 8 of RG 1.13, section 6, to clarify and address passive cooling (no active makeup for 72 hrs) minimum drain down protection should be above minimum water needed for cooling or above 10 ft from the top of the fuel, whichever is the highest.
If spent fuel pool is designed for passive cooling (no active makeup for 72 hrs) minimum drain down protection should be above minimum water needed for cooling or above 10 ft from the top of the fuel, whichever is the highest.
On page 9 of RG 1.13, section 8 or On page 9 of RG 1.13, section 9.
o Consider adding a note to reflect that for passive pools, the makeup water sources are not required to be seismic category I if the spent fuel pool has sufficient water inventory to allow for at least 7 days of cooling without makeup.
NOTE: This requirement has been relaxed for passive plants with large makeup water volumes or long-term cooling capabilities on a case-by-case basis in the past. Passive pool cooling systems with long capacity are not required to have redundant makeup sources, nor are they required to be seismic category I.
General comment on footnotes:
o On page 1 of RG 1.13, the email Distribution@nrc.gov does not appear active valid anymore.
o On page 11 of RG 1.13, the link in footnote 1 appears dead/broken (http://www.ans.org/store/vi-240124). Update to most current relevant format. Additionally, consider adding a note that the NRC endorses this reference. However, this reference to the standard has been withdrawn and has not been updated since December of 1993 by ANSI/ANS.
o On page 11 of RG 1.13, the link in the footnotes 2 and 3 appears dead/broken (PDR@nrc.gov). Update to most current PDR.Resource@nrc.gov.
- 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?
No significant impact noted.
- 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?
Not applicable (see response to Question 5).
- 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 issues identified for future consideration.
- 5.
Provide a conceptual plan and timeframe to address the issues identified during the review.
The staff has no plans to revise this guide.
NOTE:
This review was conducted in December 2025 and reflects the staffs plans as of that date. These plans are tentative and subject to change.