View source for ML19312B574

{{Adams
| number = ML19312B574
| issue date = 11/07/2019
| title = Portable Hot Cells Email
| author name = Dricks V
| author affiliation = NRC/RGN-IV/DNMS
| addressee name = Langley C
| addressee affiliation = Public Watchdogs
| docket = 
| license number = 
| contact person = Dricks V
| document type = E-Mail
| page count = 1
}}

=Text=
{{#Wiki_filter:ML19312B574 From: Dricks, Victor Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2019 1:06 PM To: Charles Langley <langley@publicwatchdogs.org>

==Subject:==
RE: "Portable Hot Cells"

==Dear Mr. Langley:==

I am replying to your inquiry on behalf of Scott Morris.
A hot cell is a common term used in the nuclear industry to describe a shielded room/structure where radioactive material can be handled remotely. A portable hot cell would be a non-permanent structure that could be shipped from to a site, or assembled there.
Holtecs transfer cask that carries/handles a canister loaded with spent fuel would not meet the industrys definition of a portable hot cell as described above. Although there is no formal NRC definition, a licensee that uses a hot cell would be expected to conduct all operations in accord with NRC regulations for ensuring the safe handling of radioactive materials.
Victor Dricks Senior Public Affairs Officer U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission / Region IV 1600 E. Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, Texas 76011 (817) 200-1128 From: Charles Langley <langley@publicwatchdogs.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2019 12:06 PM To: Morris, Scott <Scott.Morris@nrc.gov>
Cc: Nina Babiarz <babiarz@cox.net>; Donna Gilmore <donnagilmore@gmail.com>

==Subject:==
[External_Sender] "Portable Hot Cells"

==Dear Mr. Morris,==

I've run across several mentions of "portable hot cells" in the NRC literature, but I can't seem to find a formal NRC definition of what exactly a portable hot cell is.
Do the Holtec transfer casks at San Onofre qualify as a "portable hot cell" under NRC regulations?
Also, is there an official NRC definition of a hot cell in general (i.e. technical specifications and characteristics)?
Many thanks, Charles Langley, Executive Director Public Watchdogs (858) 384-2139 www.publicwatchdogs.org 7867 Convoy Court, Suite 302, San Diego CA 92111}}