NRC Generic Letter 79-10, Transmitting Regulatory Guide 2.6 for Comment
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GL79010
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
February 28, 1979
ALL NONPOWER REACTOR LICENSEES
On February 23. 1979, the Commission published for comment a new Regulatory Guide 2.6, "Emergency Planning for Research Reactors." Although promulgated to many licensees, a review of the distribution list reveals that all nonpower reactor licensees may not have received a copy. We are therefore providing each of you a copy and directing your attention to the general note that comments received within two months of issuance will be useful in evaluating the need for early revision.
This guide was developed in most part nearly two years ago when it appeared that the NRC staff would not be able to endorse ANSI/ANS 15.16-1978, "Emergency Planning for Research Reactors" which was in the development stages. However, after the initial work on the guide was completed, discussions, with the ANS 15 standards work group led to improvement in both the Regulatory Guide and Standard and NRC staff approval of the Standard. NRC is presently not actively pursuing any new Regulatory Guides for nonpower reactors and therefore is not likely to endorse any standard. But because Regulatory Guide 2.6 provides greater guidance than ANSI/ANS 15.16-1978 and we believe it will be useful to some licensees in developing their emergency plans, Regulatory Guide 2.6 was promulgated "For Comment" in its existing form. Soliciting comments in this manner is consistent with Commission policy (Press release dated November 22, 1978) whereby greater public input is obtained in developing regulatory requirements. Upon resumption of work on regulatory guides for nonpower reactors and based on comments received, Regulatory Guide 2.6 would then be issued for use.
As you are aware from promulgation of proposed 10 CFR 73.47 in May 1978, and subsequent meetings to discuss the rule and its impact on nonpower reactors, the NRC staff has proposed that amendments be made to its regulations for the physical protection of special nuclear materials and nonpower reactor facilities. These proposed amendments are designed to provide a level of protection equivalent to that recommended in Information Circular 225 (Revision 1) by the International Atomic Energy Agency.ALL NONPOWER REACTOR LICENSEESAs the proposed regulations would require physical protection measures to be established to detect theft of special nuclear material of moderate and low strategic significance, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Safeguards representatives are planning to visit all affected nonpower reactor facilities to assist in the review and assessment of site specific characteristics. Concomitant to this, the representatives will discuss the proposed regulation and supporting guidance to provide you with guidance in preparation of any required changes or amendments. Specific dates and times of visits will be arranged with licensees on an individual basis. The proposed regulation (10 CFR 73.47) and regulatory guide will be provided once approved by the Commission.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Reid, Chief Operating Reactors Branch #4 Division of Operating Reactors
Enclosure:
Regulatory Guide 2.6 (For Comment Issuance)