SECY-23-0069, Weekly Information Report Week Ending August 4, 2023
| ML23222A173 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 08/14/2023 |
| From: | Marissa Bailey NRC/EDO/AO |
| To: | Commissioners NRC/OCM |
| References | |
| Download: ML23222A173 (11) | |
Text
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INFORMATION REPORT AUGUST 11, 2023 SECY-23-0069 FOR: The Commissioners FROM: Marissa G. Bailey Assistant for Operations Office of the Executive Director for Operations
SUBJECT:
WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING AUGUST 4, 2023 CONTENTS Enclosure Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer A Office of the Chief Information Officer B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation C Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards D Office of the Secretary E Matthew Meyer for Marissa G. Bailey Assistant for Operations, OEDO CONTACT: John R. Jolicoeur, OEDO 301-415-1642 Meyer, Matthew signing on behalf of Bailey, Marissa on 08/11/23
ML23222A173 OFFICE OEDO OEDO/AO
NAME JJolicoeur MMeyer for MBailey
DATE 8/11/2023 8/11/2023 Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Items of Interest Week Ending August 4, 2023
ARRIVALS
NONE
RETIREMENTS
PARK, JAMES R ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MANAGER NMSS SHEN, SONG-HUA SR. RELIABILITY & RISK ANALYST RES
DEPARTURES
BELMAN-WELLS, AARON M STUDENT INTERN RES BRABRAND, BENNETT S STUDENT INTERN NSIR GADIPARTHI, JATHIN STUDENT INTERN R-II GIFALDI, JOSIAH D STUDENT INTERN RES MITSTIFER, JAKE H STUDENT INTERN NRR MOORE, CARTER M STUDENT INTERN R-IV PASSYN JR, BENJAMIN B STUDENT INTERN R-I WEITZNER, JACK P STUDENT INTERN RES YEBOAH, EMMANUEL A STUDENT INTERN OCIO
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE A Office of the Chief Information Officer Items of Interest Week Ending August 4, 2023
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Requests and Appeals Received During the Period of July 31 - August 4, as submitted by requester
Tracking Requesters Requesters Request Description Received Number Name Organization Date FOIA-2023-Howell, Mike Heritage
Dear FOIA Officer,
Pursuant to the 07/31/2023 000178 Foundation Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C.
Oversight § 552, and the implementing FOIA Project regulations of the agency, I respectfully request the following from 2021 to the present: All emails to/from/bcc Christopher T. Hanson chairman@nrc.gov mentioning, on the background, off the record, off-the-record, on background, deep background, compliance, confidential, investigation, LIMDIS, not for attribution, non-attribution, not attributed, embargoed, or policy draft. All calendar entries and internal Microsoft Teams or Lync messages from Christopher T. Hanson mentioning on the background, off the record, off-the-record, on background, deep background, compliance, confidential, complaint, investigation, classified, LIMDIS, not for attribution, non-attribution, not attributed, source, anonymity, anonymous, sensitive, counsel, embargo, embargoed, or policy draft.
FOIA-2023-Cabrera, Torres Any and all records concerning 07/31/2023 000179 Pablo Cabrera subject of Record. (Date Range for Immigration Record Search: From 10/31/1990 To Law Firm 07/29/2023)
FOIA-2023-Livermore, - Requester is seeking the overall 07/31/2023 000180 Daniel number of sick leave hours taken by Nuclear Regulatory Commission employees per year, each year in the following years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
FOIA-2023-Bowers, - Requester is seeking documents that 08/01/2023 000181 Mark would help the public understand exactly what work is being performed,
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE B Tracking Requesters Requesters Request Description Received Number Name Organization Date FOIA-2023-what materials are involved, and what 000181 precautions are being taken to (continued) safeguard the public at Oakland University.
FOIA-2023-Bowers, - Requesting any records related to a 08/02/2023 000182 Mark "planned maintenance project involving campus research equipment" taking place at Oakland University on August 2, 2023. Project is "done in conjunction with local, state and federal agencies." Is the NRC among those federal agencies?
If so, please share any documents that would help the public understand exactly what work is being performed, what materials are involved, and what precautions are being taken to safeguard the public.
FOIA-2023-Hernandez, - Requester is seeking information 08/02/2023 000183 Pete regarding the exempt distribution of radioactive tracers to entities without a radioactive material license.
Specifically, Im requesting correspondence from ADAMS with the following accession numbers:
FOIA-2023-Ford, Snell & We are looking for NRC records 08/03/2023 000184 Michael Wilmer relating to the former Sequoyah Fuels facility located near Gore OK. Time period is 1970-1984. The facility was owned/operated by Kerr McGee, Kerr Mcgee Nuclear Corp. nd Sequoyah Fuels We are interested in any documents in NRC's files relating to the facility including but not limited to inspection reports or findings, compliance determinations or issues, waste management issues, any releases or discharges, correspondence with the facility or its operators, etc.
FOIA-2023-Renner, - Requester was directed by HR to 08/03/2023 000185 Logan make a formal request for a copy of reference responses.
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE B Tracking Requesters Requesters Request Description Received Number Name Organization Date FOIA-2023-Grierson, N/A Any emails to or from Christopher T. 08/04/2023 000186 Devon Hanson or Kristine L. Svinicki referencing the term "non-human intelligence."
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Items of Interest Week Ending August 4, 2023
NRC Staff Issued a Letter Informing NuScale That the NRC Has Completed its Review of NuScales Standard Design Approval Application
On July 31,2023, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff issued a letter (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML23198A163) informing NuScale that the NRC has completed its review of NuScales Standard Design Approval Application (SDAA) (ML22339A066), and the supplemental information submitted on July 14 and 17, 2023 (ML23195A092, ML23198A244). The staff has determined that the SDAA, as supplemented, is acceptable for docketing. The letter indicates that the staff can support issuance of a final safety evaluation by July 31, 2025 (i.e., 24 months from docketing), with a caveat that the date could change due to several factors, such as the timeframe for resolution of technical issues or unanticipated changes to the scope of the review.
NRC Finalized Information Notice 2021-01, Supplement 1, Lessons Learned from U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Inspections of Design-Basis Capability of Power Operated Valves at Nuclear Power Plants
On July 28, 2023, the NRC finalized Information Notice 2021-01, Supplement 1, Lessons Learned from U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Inspections of Design-Basis Capability of Power Operated Valves at Nuclear Power Plants (ML23129A014). The purpose is to alert addressees to safety significant issues identified during NRC inspections of the capability of power-operated valves to perform their safety functions at nuclear power plants.
NuScale Power, on Behalf of Carbon Free Power Project, Submitted a Limited Work Authorization, an Exemption Request, and a Revision to its Quality Assurance Program Description for NRC Review and Approval of Early Construction of the Reactor Building and Radioactive Waste Building
On July 31, 2023, NuScale Power, on behalf of Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP), submitted a limited work authorization (LWA) (ML23212A007), an exemption request (ML23212A003), and a revision to its quality assurance program description (QAPD) topical report (ML23212A002) for the NRC staffs review. CFPP submitted these documents for approval of early construction of the reactor building and radioactive waste building. Specifically, the exemption would allow CFPP to excavate the ground and leave the tie backs in place, the LWA would allow CFPP to remediate the soft/fractured rocks and to prepare the foundation of the buildings, and the QAPD topical report would ensure the construction activities are conducted in accordance with the applicable quality assurance standards. CFPP plans to submit a combined license application in January 2024 to build and operate a 6-module NuScale small modular plant at Idaho National Laboratory.
NRR Provided Training to a Group of US Utility Executives and Several Participants from Japan on Nuclear Operations Risk Management (NORM) at the Annual MIT/INPO NORM Training Course
From July 24-27, 2023, several staff members and management from the Office of Nuclear
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE C Reactor Regulation (NRR)s division of risk assessment provided training to a group of US utility executives and several participants from Japan on NORM at the annual Massachusetts Institute of Technology/ Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (MIT/INPO) NORM training course. The training course consisted of presentations and exercises from the NRC staff. It provided NRC an opportunity to convey to the participants about how US NRC discharges its responsibilities as a modern risk-informed regulator. This forum also enabled NRR staff to inform the US utility executives about the role that they could play to enable transition to various risk-management programs (e.g., 10 CFR 50.69, risk informed completion times) in their respective organizations and illustrate current NRC approaches (e.g., Be RiskSMART, risk-informed decision making).
NRR Held a Public Meeting to Inform Stakeholders on the Staff-Initiated Effort to Develop Guidance on the Scope of Risk Insights and Severe Accident Vulnerability Information in Light-Water Reactor Construction Permit Applications
On July 27, 2023, NRR staff held a public meeting to inform stakeholders on the staff-initiated effort to develop guidance on the scope of risk insights and severe accident vulnerability information in light-water reactor construction permit applications (ML23206A006). This meeting continued the public engagement on this topic initiated in May 2023 (ML23087A210). The meeting was well-attended by more than 30 attendees, including prospective light-water small modular reactor applicants such as Tennessee Valley Authority and Holtec. Staff highlighted the progress to date, provided an overview of the current guidance, and identified its next steps.
The attendees provided feedback for consideration in the finalization of the guidance.
NRC Staff Issued an Assessment of Seismic Hazards at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, and 3; Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2; and Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2; Following the Process for the Ongoing Assessment of Natural Hazards Information
On July 31, 2023, the NRC staff issued an assessment of seismic hazards at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, and 3; Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2; and Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2 (ML23192A447), following the process for the ongoing assessment of natural hazards information. The NRC staff assessment considers new seismic ground motion attenuation models for central and eastern North America and updated seismic site response methods. Based on its evaluation of updated seismic hazard curves, using the new ground motion models and updated site response methods, the NRC staff determined that no further regulatory evaluation of the Browns Ferry, Sequoyah, and Watts Bar plants seismic risk is warranted at this time. This is the second of more than a dozen seismic hazard evaluation reports the NRC expects to issue in 2023.
NRC Staff Approved Amendments and Exemptions for Vogtle, Units 1 and 2, Authorizing the Use of Accident Tolerant Fuel Lead Test Assemblies Having a Maximum of 6 Weight-Percent Enriched U-235
On August 1, 2023, the NRC staff approved amendments and exemptions for Vogtle, Units 1 and 2, authorizing the use of accident tolerant fuel (ATF) lead test assemblies (LTAs) having a maximum of 6 weight-percent enriched U-235. The amendments allow the use of four ATF LTAs to be placed in limiting core locations for up to two cycles of operation in Vogtle, Unit 2, and revise License Condition 2.D and the following technical specifications (TS): (1) TS 3.7.18, Fuel Assembly Storage in the Fuel Storage Pool, (2) TS 4.2.1, Fuel Assemblies, and (3) TS 4.3,
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE C Fuel Storage, Units 1 and 2. Also, the staff approved exemptions to 10 CFR 50.46, Acceptance criteria for emergency core cooling systems for light-water nuclear power reactors, and Appendix K, ECCS Evaluation Models, to allow the use of coated AXIOM cladding. And the staff approved an exemption from 10 CFR 50.68, Criticality accident requirements, paragraph (b)(7) to allow greater than 5 weight-percent U-235.
TerraPower Submitted a Letter to the NRC that Provides a Schedule Update for the Forthcoming Natrium Demonstration Reactor Construction Permit Application.
On August 2, 2023, TerraPower submitted a letter (ML23214A199) to the NRC that provides a schedule update for the forthcoming Natrium demonstration reactor construction permit application (CPA). TerraPower anticipates submitting the CPA in March 2024, as compared to the originally anticipated August 2023 submittal date that had previously been communicated to the NRC. The NRC staff does not expect the revised CPA submittal date to affect ongoing preapplication activities associated with the Natrium reactor project.
NRR and Regional Staff Participated in the 2023 Nuclear Energy Institute Radiation Protection Forum, Held in Knoxville, TN.
From July 31 to August 2, 2023, NRR and regional staff participated in the 2023 Nuclear Energy Institute Radiation Protection Forum, held in Knoxville, TN. This meeting was attended by radiation protection leaders from the commercial nuclear power industry and fuel cycle facilities, as well as representatives from the Nuclear Suppliers Association, American Nuclear Insurers and Electric Power Research Institute. NRC staff delivered plenary presentations on the nuclear reactor safety program priorities and recent guidance updates and relevant inspection experience on various issues associated with radiation protection at power reactors. Staff highlighted its ongoing focus on efforts informed by safety significance and risk insights in both licensing and oversight activities. Staff also participated in breakout sessions and panel discussions on issues of mutual interest.
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE C Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Items of Interest Week Ending August 4, 2023
List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: NAC International, Inc.; MAGNASTORE Storage System; Certificate of Compliance No. 1031, Amendment Nos. 11 and 12 and Revisions to Amendment Nos. 0 Through 9; Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 72 [NRC-2022-0085; RIN 3150-AK99]
On July 31, 2023, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (84 FR 49267) amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the NAC International, Inc. MAGNASTOR Storage System listing within the List of approved spent fuel storage casks to include Amendment Nos. 11 and 12 and revisions to Amendment Nos. 0 through 9 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. Amendment No. 11 amends the certificate of compliance to add a new concrete cask, transfer cask, fuel baskets and revised contents. Amendment No. 11 also adds a definition for the concrete cask lid, revises the definition for the concrete cask to exclude the lid, adds a definition for the storage cask, and provides alternate fabrication criteria and techniques for the concrete cask lid. Amendment No.
12 and revisions to Amendment Nos. 0 through 9 add definitions for the storage cask and concrete cask lid, revise the definition of the concrete cask, and provide alternate fabrication criteria and techniques for the concrete cask lid to the certificate of compliance. Comments are requested by August 30, 2023. The companion proposed rule was also published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2023 (88 FR 49357). This direct final rule is effective October 16, 2023.
List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: NAC Multi-Purpose Canister (NAC-MPC)
System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1025, Renewal of Initial Certificate and Amendment Numbers 1 Through 8; Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 72 [NRC-2023-0080; RIN 3150-AK98]
On August 3, 2023, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (84 FR 51209) amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the List of approved spent fuel storage casks to renew, for 40 years, the initial certificate and Amendment Nos. 1 through 8 of Certificate of Compliance No. 1025. The renewal of the initial certificate and Amendment Nos. 1 through 8 revise the certificate of compliances conditions and technical specifications to address aging management activities related to the structures, systems, and components important to safety of the dry storage system to ensure that these will maintain their intended functions during the period of extended storage operations. Comments are requested by September 5, 2023. The companion proposed rule was also published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2023 (88 FR 51253). This direct final rule is effective October 17, 2023.
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE D Office of the Secretary Items of Interest Week Ending August 4, 2023
Document Released to Public Date of Subject Document
Decision Documents
- 1. None
Information
- 1. SECY-23-0065 08/02/23 Weekly Information Report Week Ending July 21, 2023
- 2. SECY-23-0061 07/21/23 Clarification Of The Staffs Position On Certain American Society Of Mechanical Engineers Code Alternatives For More Than One 10-Year Inservice Inspection Interval Under Title 10 Of The Code Of Federal Regulations 50.55a Memoranda
- 1. None
Commission Correspondence
- 1. Letter to the Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers, et al., submits the June 2023 monthly status report on the NRC activities and use of unobligated carryover funds appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund
Federal Register Notices Issued
- 1. Discontinuation of the State of New Yorks Sealed Source and Device Evaluation and Approval Authority [NRC-2023-0112]
AUGUST 11, 2023 ENCLOSURE E