SRM-M240222A, Update on Research and Test Reactors Regulatory Program
| ML24110A045 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/19/2024 |
| From: | Carrie Safford NRC/SECY |
| To: | Raymond Furstenau NRC/EDO |
| References | |
| M240222A SRM-M240222A | |
| Download: ML24110A045 (2) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001
April 19, 202 4
IN RESPONSE, PLEASE REFER TO: M240222A
MEMORANDUM TO: Raymond V. Furstenau Acting Executive Director for Operations
FROM: Carrie M. Safford, Secretary
SUBJECT:
STAFF REQUIREMENTS - UPDATE ON RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS REGULATORY PROGRAM
On February 22, 20 24, the Commission was briefed by a panel including external participants and NRC staff members on an overview of the research and test reactors (RTR) regulatory program, including medical isotope facilities and the interface of RTRs and advanced reactors.
The external participants included Amber Johnson, Secretary, National Organization of Test, Research and Training Reactors and Director, Nuclear Reactor and Radiation Facilities, University of Maryland; Rusty Towell, Director, Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab, Abilene Christian University; Caleb Brooks, Director, Illinois Microreactor RD&D Center,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Andrew Boulanger, University Fuel Services Program Manager, Department of Energy; and Joanie Dix, Deputy Dire ctor, Office of Conversion, National Nuclear Security Administration.
The meeting, which was held in the Commissioners Hearing Room, One White Flint North, Rockville, Maryland at 9 :00 a.m. Eastern Time, was open to members of the public attending in person and via webcast.
Given the nexus on a variety of novel topics surrounding advanced reactors, for example how research and test reactors are informing our approach to commercial advanced power reactors, the staff should take a holistic review of the status of all NRC advanced reactor rulemakings, guidance development, and licensing activities to ensure Commission policies in this area are aligned going forward. This review should include assessing their schedules, identifying key attributes (e.g., differences in scope, applicability, objectives), and analyzing any possible inconsistencies or areas of overlap. The staff should provide an overview to the Commission via a CA brief.
cc: Chair Hanson Commissioner Wright Commissioner Caputo Commissioner Crowell OGC CFO OCA OIG