Regulatory Guide 1.159: Difference between revisions

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{{Adams
{{Adams
| number = ML112160012
| number = ML013330279
| issue date = 10/31/2011
| issue date = 08/31/1990
| title = Rev. 2 (Draft Was Issued as DG-1229), Assuring the Availability of Funds for Decommissioning Nuclear Reactors
| title = Assuring the Availability of Funds for Decommissioning Nuclear Reactors
| author name =  
| author name =  
| author affiliation = NRC/RES
| author affiliation = NRC/NRR
| addressee name =  
| addressee name =  
| addressee affiliation =  
| addressee affiliation =  
| docket =  
| docket = 05000271
| license number =  
| license number = DPR-028
| contact person = O'Donnell, Edward, RES/DE/RGB 251-7455
| contact person = Pulsifer  R M, NRR/DLPM, 415-3016
| case reference number = DG-1229
| case reference number = DG-1003
| document report number = RG-1.159, Rev. 2
| document report number = RG-1.159
| package number = ML112091684
| package number = ML013330279
| document type = Regulatory Guide
| document type = Regulatory Guide
| page count = 59
| page count = 58
}}
}}
{{#Wiki_filter:The NRC issues regulatory guides to describe and make available to the public methods that the NRC staff considers acceptable for use in implementing specific parts of the agency's regulations, techniques that the staff uses in evaluating specific problems or postulated accidents, and data that the staff needs in reviewing applications for permits and licenses.  Regulatory guides are not substitutes for regulations, and compliance with them is not required.  Methods and solutions that differ from those set forth in regulatory guides will be deemed acceptable if they provide a basis for the findings required for the issuance or continuance of a permit or license by the Commission.
{{#Wiki_filter:U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
August 1990 REGULATORY
GUIDE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY
RESEARCH REGULATORY
GUIDE 1.159 (Task DG-1003) ASSURING THE AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING
NUCLEAR REACTORS USNC REGULATORY
GUIDES Regulatory Guides are issued to describe and make available to the pub lic methods acceptable to thq NRC staff of implementing specific parts of the Commission's regulations, to delineate techniques used by the staff in evaluating specific problems or postulated accidents, or to pro vide guidance to applicants.


The guide was issued after consideration of comments received from the public.  Regulatory guides are issued in 10 broad categories: 1, Power Reactors; 2, Research and Test Reactors; 3, Fuels and Materials Facilities; 4, Environmental and Siting; 5, Materials and Plant Protection; 6, Products; 7, Transportation; 8, Occupational Hea lth; 9, Antitrust and Financial Review; and 10, General.
Regulatory Guides are not substitutes for regulations, and compliance with them is not required.


Electronic copies of this draft regulatory guide are available through the NRC's public Web site under Regulatory Guides document collection of the NRC Library at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/; and through the NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html, under Accession No. ML112160012.  The regulatory analysis may be found in ADAMS under Accession No. ML112160013.
Methods and solutions different from those set out in the guides will be acceptable if they provide a basis for the findings requisite to the issuance or continu ance of a permit or license by the Commission.


U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
This guide was issued after consideration of comments received from the public. Comments and suggestions for improvements in these guides are encouraged at all times, and guides will be revised, as ap propriate.
October 2011 Revision 2 REGULATORY GUIDE
  OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY RESEARCH
  REGULATORY GUIDE 1.159 (Draft was issued as DG-1229, dated January 2011)
ASSURING THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING NUCLEAR REACTORS 


==A. INTRODUCTION==
to accommodate comments and to reflect new information or experience.
This document provides guidance to applicants and licensees of nuclear power, research, and test reactors concerning methods acceptable to the staff of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for complying with requirements in the rules regarding the amount of funds for decommissioning. It also provides guidance on the content and form of the financial assurance mechanisms in those rule amendments. The general requirements for applications for license termination and decommissioning nuclear power, research, and test reactors appear in Title 10, Part 50, "Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities," of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 50). Subsequent to the original publication of this regulatory guide in August 1990, the NRC promulgated amendments to 10 CFR Part 50 in the Federal Register on September 22, 1998 (63 FR 50465)Various amendments modified 10 CFR 50.33(k), 10 CFR 50.75, "Reporting and Recordkeeping for Decommissioning Planning," and 10 CFR 50.82(b), which require operating license applicants and existing licensees to submit information on how reasonable assurance will be provided that funds are available to decommission the facility.  The NRC promulgated additional amendments to 10 CFR 50.75 on December 24, 2002 in the Federal Register (67 FR 78332).  As amended, 10 CFR 50.75 establishes requirements for indicating how this assurance will be provided; namely, the amount of funds that must be provided, including updates; the methods to be used for assuring funds; and provisions contained in trust agreements for safeguarding decommissioning funds.
 
Written comments may be submitted to the Regulatory Publications Branch. DFIPS. ADM, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
 
Washing ton. DC 20555.The guides are issued in the following ten broad divisions:
1. Power Reactors S. Products 2. Research and Test Reactors
 
===7. Transportation ===
3. Fuels and Materials Facilities
8. Occupational Health 4. Environmental and Siting g. Antitrust and Financial Review 5. Materials and Plant Protection
10. General Copies of issued guides may be purchased from the Government Printing Offic9 at the current GPO price. Information on current GPO prices may be obtained by contacting the Superintendent of Documents.
 
U.SGovernment Printing Office. Post Office Box 37082. Wasnington.
 
DC 20013-7082.
 
telephone
(202)275-2060
or (202)275-2171.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 2 The NRC published Revision 1 to Regulatory Guide 1.159 in October 2003 to reflect these changes in the regulations and to include guidance on the amendments to 10 CFR 50.75.  Revision 2 of Regulatory Guide 1.159 provides clarification of certain concepts.  The most substantive changes are found in Section C, "Regulatory Position," and involve:  (1) paragraph 3 of Subsection 1.3, "Decommissioning Cost Estimates"; (2) Subsection 2.1.5 of Section 2.1, "Guidance Applicable to All Methods of Financial Assurance"; and (3) Subsection 2.2.8 of Section 2.2, "Prepayment and External Sinking Fund."  The changes in (1) are primarily word changes in paragraph 3 for clarification.  The changes in (2) relate to a change in the timing for making adjustments to the licensee's financial assurance amount(s) and mechanism(s). The changes to (3) specify when a greater than 2 percent real rate of return will be allowed and reflect any withdrawals made during the safe-store period when taking the allowed credit through the projected decommissioning period.  As a guidance document, this regulatory guide and its provisions are not designed to be restrictive or to represent binding requirements.  The guide presents methods acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the decommissioning regulations.  The NRC staff recognizes that, in certain circumstances (e.g., to meet requirements established by Federal or State economic regulatory agencies or to comply with other applicable laws), other approaches may be necessary.  As a point of clarification, it is the NRC's position that licensees who have existing license conditions relating to topics covered by the final rule, "Decommissioning Trust Provisions," dated December 24, 2002 (67 FR 78332), will have the option of maintaining their existing license conditions or submitting to the new requirements. With regard to harmonization with international standards, IAEA Safety Standards WS-R-5 "Decommissioning of Facilities Using Radioactive Material,"and WS-G-2.1 "Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants and Research Reactors" are related to this technical area. They provide guiding principles which are incorporated in RG 1.159.  The principal difference between them and this regulatory guide is the detailed linkage to specific Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations in this guide. This regulatory guide contains information collection requirements covered by 10 CFR Part 50 and 10 CFR Part 30 that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved under OMB control numbers 3150-0011 and 3150-0017, respectively.  The NRC may neither conduct nor sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, an information collection request or requirement unless the requesting document displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Issued guides may also be purchased from the National Technical Infor mation Service on a standing order basis. Details on this service may be obtained by writing NTIS. 5285 Port Royal Road. Springireld.


The NRC has determined that this Regulatory Guide is not a major rule as designated by the Congressional Review Act and has verified this determination with the OMB.  This regulatory guide is a rule as designated in the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801-808).  However, OMB has not found it to be a major rule as designated in the Congressional Review Act.
VA 22161.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 3 CONTENTS Page  
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page  


==A. INTRODUCTION==
==A. INTRODUCTION==
...............................................................................................................
1.159-1  
............ 1  


==B. DISCUSSION==
==B. DISCUSSION==
.................................................................................................................
1.159-1 1. Amount of Funds for Decommissioning  
................. 5 Amount of Funds for Decommissioning ..........................................................................................
1.159-2 2. Methods of Financial Assurance  
5 Methods of Financial Assurance ................................................................................................
1.159-3 C. REGULATORY  
...... 7 C. STAFF REGULATORY GUIDANCE ............................................................................................ 8 1. Amount of Funds for Decommissioning ............................................................................. 8 1.1 Funding Requirements for the Decommissioning Report/Initial Amounts ................................................................................................................. 8 1.2 Adjustments to Certification Amounts .................................................................. 9 1.3 Decommissioning Cost Estimates........................................................................ 10 1.4 Adjustments to Cost Estimates ............................................................................ 12 2. Methods of Financial Assurance ....................................................................................... 12 2.1 Guidance Applicable to All Methods of Financial Assurance ............................. 13 2.2 Prepayment and External Sinking Fund .............................................................. 14 2.3 Guarantee Methods .............................................................................................. 19 2.4 Standby Trust ....................................................................................................... 20
POSITION 1.159-5 1. Amount of Funds for Decommissioning  
2.5 Governmental Statement of Intent ....................................................................... 20 2.6 Biennial Reports .................................................................................................. 20 2.7 License Termination Plan .................................................................................... 21 2.8 Procedures for Prematurely or Previously Shutdown Reactors ........................... 21
1.159-5 1.1 Funding Requirements for the Decommissioning Report/Initial Amounts To Be Set Aside 1.159-5 1.2 Adjustments to Certification Amounts or Site-Specific Estimates
1.159-6 1.3 Cost Estimates in the Preliminary Decommissioning
1.159-7 Plan 1.4 Basis for Decommissioning Cost Estimates  
1.159-8 1.5 Adjustments to Cost Estimates  
1.159-11 1.6 Final Decommissioning Cost Estimate 1.159-12 2. Methods of Financial Assurance  
1.159-12 2.1 Guidance Applicable to All Methods of Financial Assurance  
1.159-12 2.2 Prepayment and External Sinking Fund 1.159-13 2.3 Guarantee Methods 1.159-14 2.4 Standby Trust 1.159-15 2.5 Governmental Statement of Intent 1.159-15 2.6 Proposed Decommissioning Plans 1.159-16 2.7 Funding Methods for Existing Licensees
1.159-16 2.8 Procedures for Shutdown Reactors 1.159-16 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Pace


==D. IMPLEMENTATION==
==D. IMPLEMENTATION==
................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.22  GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL TERMS..................................................................................................... 24  REFERENCES-----------------------------------.26 APPENDIX A: EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL ASSURANCE INSTRUMENTS ................................. A-1 A-1 Example of Escrow Agreement ...................................................................... A-2 A-1.1 Example of Certificate of Events .................................................................... A-7 A-1.2 Example of Certificate of Resolution ............................................................. A-8 A-2 Examples of Certificates of Deposit ............................................................... A-9 A-2.1 Example of Negotiable Certificate of Deposit................................................ A-9 A-2.2 Example of Nonnegotiable Certificate of Deposit ........................................ A-10
1.159-17 References
A-3 Examples of Trust Fund and Standby Trust Agreements ............................. A-11 A-3.1 Example of Trust Fund Agreement .............................................................. A-11 A-3.2 Example of Standby Trust Agreement ......................................................... A-17 A-3.2.1 Example of Certificate of Events .................................................................. A-18 A-3.2.2 Example of Certificate of Resolution ........................................................... A-19 A-3.3 Example of Acknowledgment ...................................................................... A-20
1.159-18 Appendix A--Glossary of Financial Terms A-i Appendix B--Examples of Financial Assurance Instruments B-1 B.1 Sample Escrow Agreement B-2 B.1.1 Specimen Certificate of Events B-7 B.1.2 Specimen Certificate of Resolution B-8 B.2 Sample Certificates of Deposit B-9 B.2.1 Sample Negotiable Certificate of Deposit B-9 B.2.2 Sample Nonnegotiable Certificate of Deposit B-10 B.3 Sample Trust Fund and Standby Trust Agreements B-1i B.3.1 Sample Trust Fund Agreement B-11 B.3.2 Sample Standby Trust Agreement B-17 B.3.3 Sample of Acknowledgement B-20 B.4 Sample Payment Surety Bond B-21 B.5 Sample Irrevocable Standby Letter. of Credit B-24 B.6 Sample Documents Recommended to Support Corporate Guarantee B-26 B.6.1 Sample Letter from Chief Financial Officer B-26 B.6.2 Financial Test: Alternative I B-27 B.6.3 Financial Test: Alternative II B-28 B.6.4 Sample of Auditor's Special Report by Certified Public Accountant B-29 B.6.5 Sample Parent Company Guarantee B-31 Value/Impact Statement V/I-1 iv
A-4 Example of Payment Surety Bond ................................................................ A-21 A-5 Example of Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit ......................................... A-24 A-6 Examples of Documents Recommended To Support Corporate Guarantee ...................................................................................................... A-26 A-6.1 Example of Letter from Chief Financial Officer .......................................... A-26 A-6.2 Financial Test: Alternative I ........................................................................ A-27
 
==A. INTRODUCTION==
The general requirements for applications for license termination and de commissioning nuclear power, research, and test reactors are contained in 10 CFR Part 50, "Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities." On June 27, 1988, the Commission published amendments to 10 CFR Part 50 (53 FR 24018) concerning specific criteria for decommissioning nuclear facilities.
 
Amended 10 CFR 50.33(k), 50.75, and 50.82(b) require operating license applicants and existing licensees to submit information on how reasonable assur ance will be provided that funds are available to decommission the facility.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 4 A-6.3 Financial Test: Alternative II ....................................................................... A-28 A-6.4 Example of Auditor's Special Report by Certified Public Accountant .................................................................................................... A-29 A-6.4.1 Example of Schedule Reconciling Amounts Contained in CFO's Letter ................................................................................................. A-30
Amended § 50.75 establishes requirements for indicating how this assurance will be provided, namely the amount of funds that must be provided, including updates, and the methods to be used for assuring fundsThis regulatory guide has been developed in conjunction with the rule amend ments and was published for public comment in May 1989. This version incorpo rates, where appropriate, the public comments received.
A-6.5 Example of Parent Company Guarantee....................................................... A-31


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 5
Its purpose is to pro vide guidance to applicants and licensees of nuclear power, research, and test reactors concerning methods acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with re quirements in the amended rule regarding the amount of funds for decommissioning.
 
It also provides guidance on the content and form of the financial assurance mechanisms indicated in the rule amendments.
 
As a guidance document, this regulatory guide and its provisions are not designed to be restrictive or to represent binding requirements.
 
The guide pre sents methods acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the decommissioning regulations.
 
The NRC staff recognizes that in certain circumstances (e.g., to meet requirements established by Federal or State economic regulatory agencies or to comply with other applicable laws) other approaches may be necessary.
 
Any information collection activities mentioned in this regulatory guide are contained as requirements in 10 CFR Part 50, which provides the regulatory basis for this guide. The information collection requirements in 10 CFR Part 50 have been cleared under OMB Clearance No. 3150-0011.


==B. DISCUSSION==
==B. DISCUSSION==
According to 10 CFR 50.2, "Definitions," "Decommission means to remove a facility or site safely from service and reduce residual radioactivity to a level that permits (1) Release of the property for unrestricted use and termination of the license; or (2) Release of the property under restricted conditions and termination of the license.As used in this context, "facility" refers to the contaminated components (or noncontaminated components required to be dismantled to obtain access to contaminated components) of the site, buildings and contents, and equipment associated with all NRC-licensed activities within the scope of 10 CFR 50.75.  There are three primary methods of decommissioning nuclear reactorsDECON is the method in which the equipment, structures, and portions of a facility and site containing radioactive contaminants are removed or decontaminated to a level that permits the property to be released for use, in accordance with the NRC's definition of decommissioning, shortly after cessation of operations. SAFSTOR is the method in which the nuclear facility is placed and maintained in a condition that allows it to be safely stored and subsequently decontaminated (deferred decontamination) to levels that permit its release for use in accordance with the NRC's definition of decommissioning.  ENTOMB is the method in which radioactive contaminants are encased in a structurally long-lived material, such as concrete. The entombed structure is appropriately maintained, and continued surveillance is carried out, until the radioactivity decays to a level permitting release of the property in accordance with the NRC's definition of decommissioning. So that a lack of funds does not result in delays in, or improper conduct of, decommissioning that may adversely affect public health and safety, the rule on decommissioning requires that applicants and licensees provide reasonable assurance that adequate funds for performing decommissioning will be available at the end of operation. To provide this assurance, the rule requires that two factors be considered; namely, the amount of funds needed for decommissioning and the method used to provide financial assurance. Amount of Funds for Decommissioning  Estimating the minimum amount of funds needed for decommissioning is important to prevent funding shortfalls that could adversely affect public health and safety. Requirements for establishing the minimum funding amounts for decommissioning are set out in 10 CFR 50.33(k), 10 CFR 50.75, 10 CFR 50.82(a)(4), 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8), and 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9). These include the following:
Decommissioning means to safely remove nuclear facilities from service and reduce residual radioactivity to a level that permits release of the property for unrestricted use and termination of the license. As used in this context, the term "nuclear facilities" refers to the contaminated components (or non contaminated components required to be dismantled to obtain access to contami nated components)  
(1) An initial certification amount (or, for nonpower reactors, a site-specific estimate), established at the operating license stage (for existing licensees, by July 26, 1990), is required under 10 CFR 50.75(b), and 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1).
of the site, buildings and contents, and equipment associated with all NRC-licensed activities within the scope of 10 CFR 50.75.  There are three primary methods of decommissioning nuclear reactors.1.159-1 DECON is the method in which the equipment, structures, and portions of a facility and site containing radioactive contaminants are removed or decontami- L nated to a level that permits the property to be released for unrestricted use shortly after cessation of operations.
(2) Adjustments to the certification amount (or site-specific estimate) are also required over the operating life and storage period, if any, of the facility. Specifically, 10 CFR 50.75(b) requires each licensee to adjust the initial certification amount annually by use of the equation in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2), which provides for escalation factors for labor, energy, and waste burial.  In addition, 10 CFR 50.75(f) requires each licensee to submit, about 5 years prior to the projected end of operation, a preliminary decommissioning cost estimate that includes an up-to-date assessment of the major factors that could affect the cost to decommission.
 
SAFSTOR is the method in which the nuclear facility is placed and main tained in a condition that allows the nuclear facility to be safely stored and subsequently decontaminated (deferred decontamination)  
to levels that permit release for unrestricted use.  ENTOMB is the method in which radioactive contaminants are encased in a structurally long-lived material, such as concrete.
 
The entombed structure is appropriately maintained, and continued surveillance is carried out until the radioactivity decays to a level permitting unrestricted release of the property.
 
So that a lack of funds does not result in delays in or improper conduct of decommissioning that may adversely affect public health and safety, the rule amendments on decommissioning require that applicants and licensees provide reasonable assurance that adequate funds for performing decommissioning will be available at the end of operation.
 
To provide this assurance, the rule requires that two factors be considered, namely, the amount of funds needed for decom missioning and the method used to provide financial assurance.
 
1. AMOUNT OF FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING
Estimating the correct amount of funds needed for decommissioning is impor tant to prevent funding shortfalls that could adversely affect public health and safety. Requirements for establishing funding amounts for decommissioning are set out in 10 CFR 50.33(k), 50.75, and 50.82(b).  
These include: a. An initial certification amount (or, for non-power reactors, a site specific estimate)  
established at the operating license stage (for existing licensees, by July 26, 1990) (10 CFR 50.75(b) and 50.75(c)(1));
b. Adjustments to the certification amount (or site-specific estimate)  
over the operating life and storage period, if any, of the facility.
 
Specifically, 10 CFR 50.75(b) requires each licensee to annually adjust the initial certification amount by use of the equation in paragraph
50.75(c)(2), which provides for escalation factors for labor, energy, and waste burial; in addition, paragraph
50.75(f) re quires each licensee to submit, about 5 years prior to the projected end of operation, a preliminary decommissioning plan containing a site-specific cost estimate based on an up-to-date assessment of major technical factors that could affect planning for decommissioning;
c. A detailed cost estimate updating the cost estimate in the prelimi nary decommissioning plan, if necessary, to be made at the time the licensee applies to the Commission for authority to decommission
(10 CFR 50.82).  As indicated in 10 CFR 50.75(b), each electric utility applicant and licen see is to provide certification of financial assurance. (Paragraph
50.2 defines electric utility to mean any entity engaged in the generation or distribution of 1.159-2 electricity that recovers, directly or indirectly, the cost of this electricity through rates.) The 9pecific information noted in b and c above must also be provided at the appropriate time. The certification amounts in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)
act as threshold review levels. While not necessarily representing the actual cost of decommissioning for specific reactors, these certification amounts provide assurance that licensees are able to demonstrate adequate financial responsibility in that the bulk of the funds necessary for a safe decommissioning are being con sidered and planned for early in facility life, thus providing adequate assurance that the facility would not become a risk to public health and safety when it is decommissioned.
 
To estimate increases in the cost of decommissioning over the operating life of the facility, 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2)
contains a formula to account for inflation that has occurred in the labor, energy, and waste burial components of decommissioning costs.  As indicated in 10 CFR 50.75(d), each non-electric-utility applicant and licensee is to submit a cost estimate for decommissioning its facility.
 
For the purposes of this guidance., non-electric-utility applicants and licensees are license applicants for or licensees of research and test reactors whose primary purpose is not to produce electricity.
 
The initial cost estimate is not an exact accounting of the actual cost of decommissioning but is intended to pro vide an approximation of what decommissioning the reactor will cost at the pro posed time of decommissioning.
 
This estimate may be based on information from the literature (e.g., generic studies, licensee models, experience).
Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) has made detailed cost estimates of the con ceptual decommissioning for research and test reactors (Ref. 1) that can be used as a basis, for regulatory purposes, for developing estimates of the costs of decommissioning.
 
Use of the certification approach is a first step in providing reasonable assurance of decommissioning funds. The second step is that, five years prior to the expected end of operations, licensees are required to submit (or for non power reactors, to update) a site-specific decommissioning cost estimate based on an up-to-date assessment of the actions necessary for decommissioning and the plans for adjusting levels of funds. As required by 10 CFR 50.75(f), this estimate is to be based on a then-current assessment of major factors that could affect decommissioning cost and is to include relevant, up-to-date information.
 
The third step is a licensee evaluation of specific decommissioning provisions close to the commencement of decommissioning.
 
Together, these steps provide reasonable assurance that the NRC's objective will be met--namely, at the time of permanent end of operations, sufficient funds are available to decommission the reactor in a manner that protects public health and safety.  2. METHODS OF FINANCIAL
ASSURANCE
The rule amendments in 10 CFR 50.75 indicate the general requirements for methods that are considered acceptable for providing reasonable assurance of the availability of funds for decommissioning nuclear reactors.
 
These methods and how they are evaluated are discussed in detail in the supplementary informa tion to the final rule amendments on "General Requirements for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities" (53 FR 24018, June 27, 1988), in an NRC staff report (Ref.  2), and in the Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities (Ref. 3). These documents present a rationale for the acceptability of methods for providing financial assurance.
 
The Supplementary Information accompanying the final decommissioning rule indicates that, although some 1.159-3 methods for providing funding assurance now may not be available, they are allowed in the event that they become available.
 
This guide addresses the more feasible alternatives in greater detail. Licensees are, of course, free to use any acceptable method as it becomes available.
 
Section 50.75 of the rule amendments indicates that the following methods are acceptable for reactors (a glossary of these terms is provided in Appendix A).
* Prepayment
-can be in the form of a trust, escrow account, or government-held fund using certificates of deposit, deposits of government securities, or other investments.
 
"* Guarantee Method -can be in the form of surety bonds, letters of credit, or insurance;
for non-electric-utility applicants and li censees, parent company guarantees may be used.  "* External Sinking Fund -can be in the form of accounts or instruments similar to those described above for prepayment but which are col lected over the remaining operating life of the reactor; for non electric-utility applicants and licensees, the rule amendments indi cate that this method must be coupled with a guarantee method.  The conditions stipulated in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(1)(ii)
that an external sinking fund be "segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's administrative control" are intended to ensure that the integrity of decommissioning trust funds will be maintained, espe- i cially with respect to protection from creditors in a bankruptcy situation.
 
A case-by-case "reasonableness" standard will be applied to licensee compliance with these provisions.
 
The phrase "segrega tion from licensee assets" does not require that an external trust fund be established as a separate tax-paying entity. Thus, a grantor trust may be used. In addition, the phrase "outside the licensee's administrative control" allows licensees general management oversight of trust fund investments to the extent allowed under State trust law.  The NRC staff recognizes that licensees have legitimate interests and responsibilities in ensuring appropriate investment strategies for these funds and monitoring the progress of investments.
 
However, licensees should avoid active day-to-day management of these funds.  In this regard, if a trustee is unable to act as an investment man ager, use of a professional investment manager is encouraged, although not required.
 
* Statement of Intent by a government agency, if applicable, indicates that funds for decommissioning will be obtained when necessary.
 
To simplify the preparation, submittal, and review of information on fund ing methods acceptable for its non-reactor licensees, the NRC has prepared Regulatory Guide 3.66, "Standard Format and Content of Financial Assurance Mechanisms Required for Decommissioning Under 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 70, and 72" (Ref. 4). This document contains recommended wording for financial assurance instruments.
 
The instruments in Regulatory Guide 3.66 are included in modified form in this regulatory guide in Appendix B and are referenced in Regulatory Position 2. Because of the more extensive economic regulation faced by reactor 1.159-4 licensees as opposed to materials licensees, the sample wording is provided for illustration and is not necessarily recommended for use by any individual licensee.
 
C. REGULATORY
POSITION This section describes methods of implementing the general requirements for financial assurance for decommissioning for reactor licensees and applicants who must comply with 10 CFR Part 50.  Regulatory Position 1 provides guidance to applicants and licensees on establishing the amount of funds necessary for decommissioning as required by the regulations.
 
Regulatory Position 2 provides guidance on methods acceptable to the NRC for assuring funds.  1. AMOUNT OF FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING
1.1 Funding Requirements for the Decommissioning Report/Initial Amounts To Be Set Aside L1.1 Electric Utility Applicants and Licensees For electric utility applicants and licensees, the initial certi fication amount of funds for decommissioning is based on the equations in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)
and represents the minimum level that electric utility licensees must meet.  At its discretion, an electric utility licensee may submit a certi fication based either on the formula provided in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)
or on a facility-specific cost estimate that is equal to or greater than that calculated in the formula in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1).
A facility-specific cost estimate may include non-NRC-required costs, but such costs should be identified.
 
If such a combined submittal is used, licensees should assure that the NRC-required cost component at least equals the certification amount. A facility-specific cost estimate for decommissioning that is more than the amount stated in the table of 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)
need not be submitted until 5 years before the projected end of operation.
 
For estimates below the amount stated in the table of 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1), licensees should submit an exemption request containing details as outlined in Regulatory Position 1.4. For power reactors not included in the table in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1), licensees should submit a site-specific cost esti mate. For such licensees an exemption request is not necessary.
 
The purpose of the decommissioning report required under 10 CFR 50.33(k) and described in 1OCFR 50.75(b) and (c)is to provide reasonable assurance that licensees have a viable plan to accumulate funds in the certifi cation amount, adjusted for inflation, by the projected time of permanent ces sation of operations.
 
Each licensee should submit a statement indicating the certification amount and inflation adjustment appropriate for its reactor or reactors together with a photocopy or conformed copy of the instrument being used to provide assurance of decommissioning funding. If an external sinking fund is being used, the proposed amount of annual (or more frequent)
payments should be provided.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 6
If the initial payment to an external sinking fund will not be made within 1 year of July 26, 1990, the licensee should submit as part of its decommissioning report a statement that it has filed or intends to file 1.159-5 in a timely manner a rate request with its public utility commission (PUC) or L the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to allow decommissioning costs to be recovered from its customers.
(3) A post-shutdown decommissioning activities report (PSDAR) to be submitted by the licensee to the NRC, with a copy to the affected States.  This must be done prior to or within 2 years following permanent cessation of operations.  The PSDAR must include a description of the planned decommissioning activities, along with a schedule for their accomplishment, an estimate of expected costs, and a discussion that provides the reasons for concluding that the environmental impacts associated with site-specific decommissioning activities will be bounded by appropriate previously issued environmental impact statements (10 CFR 50.82(a)(4)). 
(4) A site-specific decommissioning cost estimate must be submitted to the NRC prior to the licensee using any funds in excess of those described in 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)(ii).  In addition, the licensee must submit such a cost estimate within 2 years following permanent cessation of operations, if not already submitted (10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)). 
(5) A licensee is required by 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9)(ii)(F) to provide "[a]n updated site-specific estimate of remaining decommissioning costs-" as part of a license termination plan.  In addition, 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9)(i) requires a licensee to submit its plan at least 2 years before the date of termination of the license.  The regulations in 10 CFR 50.75(b) require each power reactor applicant and licensee to provide certification of financial assurance. The specific information noted in paragraphs 2 through 5 above must also be provided at the appropriate time.  The certification amounts in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1) act as threshold review levels.  While not necessarily representing the actual cost of decommissioning for specific reactors, these certification amounts provide assurance that licensees are able to demonstrate adequate financial responsibility, in that the bulk of the funds necessary for a safe decommissioning are being considered and planned for early in the life of the facility, thus providing adequate assurance that the facility will not become a risk to public health and safety when it is decommissioned.  To estimate increases in the cost of decommissioning over the operating life of the facility, 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2) contains a formula to account for inflation that has occurred in the labor, energy, and waste burial components of decommissioning costs.  As indicated in 10 CFR 50.75(d), each nonpower reactor applicant and licensee is to submit a cost estimate for decommissioning its facility.  For the purposes of this guidance, nonpower reactor applicants and licensees are license applicants for, or licensees of, test and research reactors the primary purpose of which is not to produce electricity. This initial cost estimate is not an exact accounting of the actual cost of decommissioning but is intended to provide an approximation of what decommissioning the reactor will cost at the proposed time of decommissioning.  This estimate may be based on information from the literature (e.g., generic studies, licensee models, experience).  Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) has made a detailed cost estimate of the conceptual decommissioning for research and test reactors in NUREG/CR-1756 "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning Reference Nuclear Research and Test Reactors," issued March 1982, and Addendum 1, issued July 1983 (Ref. 1), that can be used as a basis, for regulatory purposes, for developing estimates of the costs of decommissioning.  Use of the certification approach is a first step in providing reasonable assurance of decommissioning funds.  Another step is that, 5 years prior to the expected end of operations, licensees are required to submit (or for nonpower reactors, to update) a preliminary decommissioning cost estimate that includes an up-to-date assessment of the major factors that could affect the cost to decommission and the plans for adjusting levels of funds.  In accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(c), for licensees that shut down their reactors prematurely, the collection period for any shortfall of funds will be determined on a case-by-case basis upon application by the licensee, taking into account the specific financial situation of each licensee.  As required by 10 CFR 50.75(f), this estimated amount of decommissioning funds is to be based on a then-current assessment of major factors that could affect decommissioning costs and is to Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 7 include relevant, up-to-date information.  The third step is a licensee evaluation of specific decommissioning provisions close to the commencement of decommissioning.  Together, these steps provide reasonable assurance that the NRC's objective will be met-namely, at the time of permanent end of operations, sufficient funds are available to decommission the reactor in a manner that protects public health and safety.  Methods of Financial Assurance  The NRC rules in 10 CFR 50.75 specify the general requirements for methods that are considered acceptable for providing reasonable assurance of the availability of funds for decommissioning nuclear reactors.  These methods and how they are evaluated are discussed in detail in the supplementary information to the NRC rulemaking action that established the requirements ("General Requirements for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities" (53 FR 24018, dated June 27, 1988; 61 FR 39301, dated July 29, 1996; and 62 FR 39091, dated July 21, 1997)); the action that  amended the requirements ("Financial Assurance Requirements for Decommissioning Nuclear Power Reactors:  Final Rule" (63 FR 50465, dated September 22, 1998); and the final rule (67 FR 78332), in an NRC staff report (Ref. 2), and in NUREG-0586, "Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities," issued August 1988 (Ref. 3).  These documents present a rationale for the acceptability of methods for providing financial assurance.  The supplementary information accompanying the final decommissioning rule indicates that, although some methods for providing funding assurance now may not be available, they would be allowed in the event that they become available.  This guide addresses the more feasible alternatives in greater detail.  Licensees are, of course, free to use any acceptable method as it becomes available.  According to 10 CFR 50.75(e)(1), the following methods are acceptable for reactors (see the glossary of these terms in Appendix A): 
* Prepayment-The deposit preceding the start of operation, or the transfer of a license pursuant to 10 CFR 50.80, "Transfer of Licenses," into an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the administrative control of the licensee and its subsidiaries or affiliates of cash or liquid assets, such that the amount of funds would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs at the time permanent termination of operations is expected.  Prepayment may be in the form of a trust, escrow account, government fund, certificate of deposit, deposit of government securities, or other payment acceptable to the NRC.


* External Sinking Fund-A fund established and maintained by setting funds aside periodically, in an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the administrative control of the licensee and its subsidiaries or affiliates, in which the total amount of funds would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs at the time permanent termination of operations is expected. An external sinking fund may be in the form of a trust, escrow account, government fund, certificate of deposit, deposit of government securities, or other payment acceptable to the NRC.
Notwithstanding action on such a rate re quest by a PUC or FERC, a licensee should make its initial sinking fund payment by July 26, 1993 as a demonstration of good-faith compliance with 10 CFR 50.75(e)(3)(ii).
Licensees that have permanently ceased operations prior to the July 27, 1988, effective date of the rule need not submit a decommissioning report, but are required to submit preliminary or proposed decommissioning plans as required under 10 CFR 50.75(f) and 50.82(a). 
1.1.2 Non-Electric-Utility Applicants and Licensees For non-electric-utility applicants and licensees, the initial amount of funds is to be based on a cost estimate for decommissioning the facility and submitted to the NRC in a report required by 10 CFR 50.33(k).
The initial cost estimate for decommissioning need not be an exact accounting of the actual cost of decommissioning, but rather an estimate of the costs for decommissioning the reactor. The PNL studies (Ref. 1) may be used by applicants or licensees for initial cost estimates with suitable adjustments to account for facility specific differences as discussed in Regulatory Position 1.4.2. The level of detail necessary to support the cost estimate is discussed in Regulatory Position 1.4.  1.2 Adjustments to Certification Amounts or Site-Specific Estimates For electric utility applicants and licensees, certification amounts described in Regulatory Position 1.1 are to be adjusted annually based on 10 CFR'50.75(b)
and (c)(2) and should be available for NRC inspection, as requested.


* Guarantee Method-Can be in the form of surety bonds, letters of credit, or insurance; parent company guarantees may be used when a financial test specified in Appendix A, "Criteria Relating to Use of Financial Tests and Parent Company Guarantees for Providing Reasonable Assurance of Funds for Decommissioning," to 10 CFR Part 30, "Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material," is used.
The adjustment factor in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2)
is 0.65L + 0.13E + 0.22B, where L, E, and B are escalation factors for labor, energy, and waste burial costs respectively.


* Statement of Intent-A Statement of Intent by a government agency, if applicable, indicating that funds for decommissioning will be obtained when necessary.
Although these adjustments are to be made annually, they need not be submitted to the NRC. Reasonably recent editions of the docu ments cited below should be used.  The escalation factor for labor, L, can be obtained from "Monthly Labor Review," published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Specifically, the appropriate regional data from the table (currently Table 24) entitled "Employment Cost Index, Private Nonfarm Workers," subtitled "Compensation," should be used. L should be escalated from a base value in Table 24 corresponding to the amounts in the decommissioning rule amendments that are in January 1986 dollars. The base values of L from the BLS data correspond ing to January 1986 are 130.5, 127.7, 125.0, and 130.1 for the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West regions, respectively.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 8
For example, the value of L for December 1987 in the Northeast region is 141.9 130.5 = 1.087. This value of L could then be used in the equation in paragraph
* Contractual Obligations-Obligations on the part of a licensee's customers, the total amount of which, over the duration of the contracts, will provide the licensee's total share of uncollected funds to be needed for decommissioning pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(c) and (f), or 10 CFR 50.82, "Termination of License." 
50.75(c)(2)  
* Other Mechanisms-Refers to any other mechanism, or combination of mechanisms, that provide assurance of decommissioning funding equivalent to that provided by the mechanisms listed above.  The NRC guidance on simplifying the preparation, submittal, and review of information on funding methods acceptable for its nonreactor licensees appears in NUREG-1727, "NMSS Decommissioning Standard Review Plan," issued September 2000 (Ref. 4).  This regulatory guide contains recommended wording for financial assurance instruments.  The instruments in NUREG-1727 are included in modified form in Appendix B of this regulatory guide and are referenced in Regulatory Position 2.  Because of the more extensive economic regulation faced by power reactor licensees, as opposed to materials licensees, the sample wording is provided for illustration and is not necessarily recommended for use by any individual licensee.  C. STAFF REGULATORY GUIDANCE  This section describes methods of implementing the general requirements for financial assurance for decommissioning for reactor licensees and applicants who must comply with 10 CFR Part 50.  Regulatory Position 1 provides guidance to applicants and licensees on establishing the amount of funds necessary for decommissioning as required by the regulations.  Regulatory Position 2 provides guidance on methods acceptable to the NRC for assuring funds.
of the rule amendments.


1. Amount of Funds for Decommissioning 
The escalation factor for energy, E, can be obtained from the "Producer Price Indexes," published by the U.S. Department of Labor, BLS. Specifically, data from the table (currently Table 6) entitled "Producer Price Indexes for Commodity Groupings and Individual Items" (PPI) should be used. The energy term, E, is made up of two components, namely electric power, P, and fuel oil, F. Hence, E should be obtained from the BLS aata by using the following equations:
1.1 Funding Requirements for the Decommissioning Report/Initial Amounts
for the reference PWR, [0.58P + 0.42F], and for the reference BWR, 1.159-6
1.1.1 Power Reactor Applicants and Licensees  For power reactor applicants and licensees, the initial certification amount of funds for decommissioning is based on the equations in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1) and represents the minimum funding level that applicants and licensees must meet. At its discretion, a power reactor licensee may submit a certification based either on the formulas provided in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1) and (2) or, when a higher funding level is desired, on a site-specific cost estimate that is equal to or greater than that calculated in the formulas in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1) and (2). A site-specific cost estimate may include non-NRC-required costs, but such costs should be identified.  If such a combined submittal is used, licensees should ensure that the NRC-required cost estimate for decommissioning costs, as defined in 10 CFR 50.2, is equal to or greater than the amount stated in the formulas in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1) and (2)For certification amounts below the amount stated in the formulas in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1) and (2), licensees must submit an exemption request containing the details as outlined in Regulatory Position 1.3The purpose of the decommissioning report, required under 10 CFR 50.33(k) and described in 10 CFR 50.75(b) and (c), is to provide reasonable assurance that licensees have a viable plan to accumulate funds in the certification amount, adjusted for inflation, by the projected time of permanent cessation of operations. Each licensee should submit a statement indicating the certification amount and Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 9 inflation adjustment appropriate for its reactor or reactors, together with a photocopy or conformed copy of the instrument being used to provide assurance of decommissioning funding. If an external sinking fund is being used, the proposed amount of annual (or more frequent) payments should be provided.
[0.23P + 0.77F].' P should be taken from appropriate regional data for indus trial power (Commodify code 0543 in Table 6) and F should be taken from data for light fuel oils (Commodity code 0573 in Table 6). As discussed for L in the preceding paragraph, P and F should be escalated from a base value in the BLS table corresponding to the amounts in the decommissioning rule amendments that are in January 1986 dollars. The base values of P from the BLS data corre sponding to January 1986 are 105.8, 111.9, 115.3, 115.65, 119.3, 117.4, 111.4, 119.3, and 112.2 for the following regions, respectively:
New England, Mid Atlantic, East North Central, West North Central, South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, Mountain, and Pacific. The base value of F for January 1986 is 82 (no regional BLS data for PPI is available).  
Thus, for example, the value of P for July 1988 in the New England region is 93.3 + 105.8 = 0.88 and the value of F is 46.9 + 82 = 0.57; therefore the value of E in this case for the equation in 10 CFR 50.75(c) for the reference PWR is [0.58 x 0.88 + 0.42 x 0.57] = 0.75The escalation factor for waste burial, B, can be taken directly from data on the appropriate waste burial location in Table 2.1 of NUREG-1307, "Report on Waste Burial Charges." (Ref. 7). The base value of B for January 1986 is 1.0This corresponds to the value used in the calculation of the waste burial cost for decommissioning in 10 CFR 50.75(c) and reflects the base cost for waste burial at the Washington site. For example, the value of B in January 1988 for the Washington burial site is 1.183 + 1.0 = 1.183. Similarly, for Nevada and South Carolina the values for a PWR in January 1988 are 1.14 + 1.0 and 2.007 + 1.0, respectively.


1.1.2 Nonpower-Reactor Applicants and Licensees  For nonpower-reactor applicants and licensees, the amount of funds is to be based on a cost estimate for decommissioning the facility and be submitted to the NRC in a report required by
These values for B could then be used in the equation in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2).   
10 CFR 50.33(k).  The cost estimate for decommissioning need not be an exact accounting of the actual cost of decommissioning but rather an estimate of the costs for decommissioning the reactor. The PNL studies (Ref. 1) may be used by applicants or licensees for initial cost estimates, with suitable adjustments to account for the site-specific differences as discussed in Regulatory Positions 1.4.2 and 1.4.3.  The level of detail necessary to support the cost estimate is discussed in Regulatory Position 1.3.
Because this formula does not provide for estimates of future inflation but only of inflation that has already occurred, licensees should recalculate the certification amount each year using the previous year's data as described in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2).  
This recalculation is for certification purposes only and does not affect estimated future inflation that a licensee may calculate to establish amortization or collection schedules for rate-making purposes.


1.2 Adjustments to Certification Amounts For power reactor applicants and licensees, certification amounts described in Regulatory Position 1.1 are to be adjusted annually, based on 10 CFR 50.75(b) and (c)(2), and should be available for NRC inspection, as requested.  The adjustment factors are in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2) is 0.65L+0.13E+0.22B, where L, E, and B are escalation factors for labor, energy, and waste burial costs respectively.  Although these adjustments are to be made annually, they need not be submitted to the NRC.  Applicants and licensees should use reasonably recent editions of the documents cited below.  The following is an example of the calculation of the adjustment factor for labor for the year 2001.  The adjustment factor
For non-electric-utility applicants and licensees who have prepared a decommissioning cost estimate, adjustments to the cost estimate should also be prepared annually but need not be submitted to the NRC staff (see Regulatory Position 1.5).  1.3 Cost Estimates in the Preliminary Decommissioning Plan Paragraph
1 for labor, L, can be obtained from "Monthly Labor Review," published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  Specifically, applicants and licensees should use the appropriate regional data from the table (currently Table 24), "Employment Cost Index, Private Nonfarm Workers, by Bargaining Status, Region, and Area Size," subtitled "Compensation."  (Reference 5 contains information on obtaining the labor adjustment factors that are available on the World Wide Web.) L should be adjusted from a base value in Table 24 corresponding to the amounts in the decommissioning rule amendments that are in January 1986 dollarsThe base values of L, using an index value of 100 in June 1981, from the BLS data corresponding to January 1986, are 130.5, 127.7, 125.0, and 130.1 for the northeast, south, midwest, and west regions, respectively.  However, the
50.75(f) requires that, about 5 years prior to the projected end of operation, a preliminary decommissioning plan be submitted containing a cost estimate for decommissioning and an up-to-date assessment of the major technical factors that could affect planning for decommissioning.
1999 BLS index values are based on an index value of 100 in June 1989.  The 2001 base values are 156.3, 154.6, 158.6, and 159.4 for the same respective regions.  The respective scaling factors are 1.555, 1.441, 1.409, and 1.449.  A value of L may be calculated for each region by multiplying the 2001 value by the scaling factor and then dividing by the reference base 1981 value.  For example, the 2001 value of L in the northeast region is 156.3x1.555÷130.5=1.862.  This value of L could then be used in the equation in
10 CFR 50.75(c)(2) of the rule amendments for decommissioning a nuclear power plant located in the northeast region of the United States.  The adjustment factor for energy, E, can be obtained from the "Producer Price Indexes," published by the BLS.  Specifically, data from the table (currently Table 6) entitled "Producer Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Commodity Groupings and Individual Items" (PPI) should be used.  The energy term, E, is made up of two components; namely, electric power, P, and fuel oil, F.  Hence, E should be obtained from the BLS data by using the following equations: for the reference pressurized-


The derivation of the adjustment factors is explained in greater detail in Sections 3.1-3.5 of NUREG-1307, "Report on Waste Burial Charges," Revision 9, September 2000 (Ref. 5). NUREG-1307 is revised periodically; the latest revision should be used.
This estimate is to consider relevant up-to-date information that could be important to adequate planning and funding for decommissioning before the commencement of decommis sioning. The major factors include the anticipated decommissioning method, 'These equations are derived from Table 6.3 of NUREG/CR-0130, Addendum 4 (Refer ence 5) and Table 5.3 of NUREG/CR-0672, Addendum 3 (Reference
6), respectively.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 10 water reactor (PWR) [0.58P+0.42F] and for the reference boiling-water reactor (BWR) [0.54P+0.46F].
1.159-7 major technical factors necessary to carry out decommissioning safely, the cur-m rent situation with regard to disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive L waste, residual radioactivity criteria, as well as other site-specific condi tions that could affect decommissioning planning and cost. The assessment would include preparation of a cost estimate as in Regulatory Position 1.4. 1.4 Basis for Decommissioning Cost Estimates
2 P should be taken from appropriate regional data for industrial power (commodity code 0543 in Table 6) and F should be taken from data for light fuel oils (commodity code 0573 in Table 6).  These energy adjustment factors can also be obtained from BLS databases made available on the World Wide Web (See Ref. 5, Appendix C, for further information). As discussed for L in the preceding paragraph, P and F should be adjusted from a base value in the BLS table corresponding to the amounts, as specified in
1.4.1 References for Developing Cost Estimates Cost estimates for specific reactors may be developed using, as a basis, the studies performed by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (Refs. 1, 5, 6, 8, and 9). Appropriate adjustments to account for differences between the specific reactor and the reference case in the PNL and ORNL studies should be made based on Regulatory Position 1.4.4 of this guide.  Studies other than the PNL and ORNL studies may be used to estimate decommissioning costs. The reasonableness of the estimate should be shown by indicating the bases used (e.g., NUMARC (formerly AIF) studies, other generic studies, licensee model, recent experience), and the principal assumptions used in the estimate as discussed in Regulatory Position 1.4.4.  1.4.2 Scope of Cost Estimate In preparing cost estimates for submittal to NRC, costs of all ac tivities involved in normal decommissioning necessary for termination of the license should be included (see Regulatory Position 1.4.4). Costs of removal and disposal of nonradioactive structures and materials beyond that necessary for license termination need not be included as part of the decommissioning cost estimate submitted to the NRC, or, if included, should be separately identified.
10 CFR 50.75(c)(1), that are in January 1986 dollars. The base values of P and F from the BLS data corresponding to January 1986 are 114.2 and 82.0, respectively.  No regional BLS data for these PPI commodity codes are currently available.  All PPI values are based on a value of 100 for the year 1982 (Base 1982=100).  Thus, the preliminary value of P for 2001 is 141.7÷114.2=1.241, and the preliminary value of F is 83.5÷82.0=1.018; therefore the 2001 value of E in this case, for the equation in  
10 CFR 50.75(c) for the reference PWR, is [0.58x1.241+0.42x1.018]=1.147. The escalation factor for waste burial, B, can be taken directly from data on the appropriate waste burial location in Table 2.1 of NUREG-1307 (Ref. 5)The base value of B for January 1986 is 1.0. This corresponds to the value used in the calculation of the waste burial cost for decommissioning in 10 CFR 50.75(c) and reflects the base cost for waste burial at the Washington site.  For example, the value of B in January 2000 for the Washington burial site for a PWR is 2.223÷1.0=2.223.  Similarly, for the South Carolina site, the value for a PWR in January 2000 (Atlantic Compact) is 17.922÷1.0. These values for B could then be used in the equation in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2). Because this formula does not provide for estimates of future inflation but only of inflation that has already occurred, licensees should recalculate the certification amount each year using the previous year's data, as described in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2).  This recalculation is for certification purposes only and does not affect estimated future inflation that a licensee may calculate to establish amortization or collection schedules for rate-making or other purposes.  Applicants and licensees who have prepared a decommissioning cost estimate should also annually prepare adjustments to the cost estimate, but these adjustments need not be submitted to the NRC staff (see Regulatory Position 1.4).  Updated calculations based on the formulas in 10 CFR 50.75(c) or on site-specific estimates are to be submitted every 2 years (and in certain cases annually) as part of the report required in 10 CFR 50.75(f)(1) and (f)(2). 
1.3 Decommissioning Cost Estimates Five decommissioning cost estimates are required to be developed and submitted for NRC review:  (1) initial estimate that may be calculated according to 10 CFR 50.75(c), or that may be site-specific and at least equal to the decommissioning cost from 10 CFR 50.75(c);  (2) preliminary decommissioning cost estimate at or about 5 years before the projected end of operations, in accordance with 10 CFR 50.75(f)(2); 


2  These equations are derived from Table 6.3 of NUREG/CR-0130, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Pressurized-Water Reactor Power Station," Addendum 4, July 1988 (Ref. 6), and Table 5.3 of NUREG/CR-0672, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Boiling-Water Reactor Power Station," Addendum 3, July 1988 (Ref. 7), respectively.
Also, costs of removal and disposal of the spent fuel itself should not be included because this is considered an operational cost and is covered by other regulatory provisions (e.g., 10 CFR 50.54(bb)).  
However, the cost of removal and disposal of facilities involved in onsite storage of spent fuel should be included as part of the decommissioning cost. Licensees may assume, for purposes of estimating the date of spent fuel shipments off site, that storage capacity will be available in accordance with the most recent update of the "Waste Confidence" rulemaking, or otherwise in accordance with the licensee's contract with DOE for disposal of spent fuel.  1.4.3 General 1.4.3.1. The estimates should be based on technology current at the time the estimate is prepared.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 11 (3) estimate of expected costs contained in the PSDAR, in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(4)(i);  (4) site-specific decommissioning cost estimate within 2 years following permanent cessation of operations, in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)(iii); and (5) updated site-specific estimate of remaining decommissioning costs contained in the license termination plan, in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9)(ii)(F).  The NRC developed guidance providing details on content and format for the reporting of these cost estimates and published it in Regulatory Guide 1.202, "Standard Format and Content of Decommissioning Cost Estimates for Nuclear Power Reactors," (Ref. 8), and in NUREG-1713, "Standard Review Plan for Decommissioning Cost Estimates for Nuclear Power Reactors," (Ref. 9). In general, decommissioning cost estimates are provided by major activity and major decommissioning phase or time periodThe cost estimate must account for the entire decommissioning work scope but not for items that are outside the scope of the decommissioning process. Examples of activities outside the scope ofdecommissioning include, but are not limited to, (1) the maintenance and storage of spent fuel, (2) the design and/or construction of a spent fuel dry storage facility, (3) activities that are not directly related to supporting long-term storage of the facility, or (4) any other activities not directly related to radiological decontamination of the site. If nondecommissioning cost items are included, these items should be identified separately. Cost estimates should provide costs for each of the following (or similar) major activities and phases, with a level of detail appropriate to the type of cost estimate:  (1) major radioactive component removal-reactor vessel and internals, steam generators, pressurizers, large-bore reactor coolant system piping, and other large components that are radioactive to a comparable degree;  (2) radiological decontamination and decommissioning-removal of remaining radioactive plant systems, including radiological decontamination; (3) management and support (undistributed costs)-expenses such as labor costs of utility support staff and decommissioning contractor staff, energy costs, regulatory costs, small tools, insurance, and others;  (4) waste packaging/shipping-placing waste in packages and shipping to waste vendors or burial site;  (5) waste burial or waste vendor-waste burial charges, including waste vendors' processing fees; and (6) contingency-allowance for unexpected costs. Cost estimates should also include the assumptions, references, and bases for unit costs used in developing the estimates, as well as a description of how the cost estimate accounts for inflation.  The cost estimate should be provided in current-year dollars.  Escalation of the waste disposition costs is considered separately from the general inflation rate applicable to labor, material, and energy costs.  Regulatory Position 1.2 discusses escalation factors.
1.4.3.2. The estimate should indicate the year's dollars on which the costs are based1.4.3.3. The estimates should be based on existing guidance and cri teria on residual radioactivity and occupational exposure.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 12
Currently, guidance is applied on a case-by-case basis using (1) NRC Regulatory Guide 1.86 and (2) a! level of either 5 pr/hr or 10 mr/yr at 1 meter. Additional guidance on residual ý radioactivity is being developed for publication by the NRC staff.1. 159-8
1.4 Adjustments to Cost Estimates In order to maintain adequate funds until completion of decommissioning, funding provisions should contain procedures for the periodic review and adjustment of the initial estimate and subsequent amounts set aside, during both operation and any storage periods, based on the factors below.
1.4.4 Details of Cost Estimates 1.4.4.1. In arriving at cost estimates, major decommissioning activities such as the following should be considered:
Planning and preparation of the facility and site for decommis sioning includes labor and materials necessary to gather and analyze pertinent data, develop work plans and procedures, procure special equipment and contractors, train staff, prepare documenta tion for regulatory agencies, and other engineering activities.


1.4.1 Inflation  The effect of inflation on the estimated cost should be determined.  For licensees subject to the certification requirements of 10 CFR 50.75(b), the certification amount should be adjusted annually, using the formula in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2) (see Regulatory Position 1.2).  For licensees using site-specific cost estimates (i.e., research and test reactor licensees, power reactor licensees not covered by 10 CFR 50.75(c) or exercising their option to submit a site-specific estimate, or for licensees submitting preliminary or proposed decommissioning plans pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(f) and 10 CFR 50.82(a)), new cost-estimate studies should be conducted periodically to determine whether the estimate reflects cost changes from inflation or other factors. In no case, however, should site-specific estimates be lower than the formula amounts in 10 CFR 50.75(c).  As an alternative to performing new site-specific cost estimates, licensees may use standard measures of price indexing, such as the annual Consumer Price Index published by BLS, or the inflation factor derived from the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross National Product as published in the "Survey of Current Business," by the U.S. Department of Commerce, or in "Economic Indicators," by the Council of Economic Advisors.  The licensee may also use the factors indicated in Regulatory Position 1.2 for escalating the principal components of the cost estimate.  Estimates of future inflation should bear a reasonable relationship to recent (i.e., within 10 years) economic performance or other relevant economic conditions and factors.  The licensee should document the bases for all estimates of past and future inflation.
* Decontamination and dismantling of radioactive facility structures, systems, and components includes the labor to carry out these activi ties, the equipment and supplies used (e.g., decontamination chemicals, dismantling equipment), and the power requirements.


1.4.2 Technological and Status Changes  For site-specific decommissioning cost estimates, the effect of technological changes or changes in plant status (e.g., whether the plant has been shut down for an extended period) on the cost estimate should be determined.  This could include reasonably determined recent developments in decontamination, waste processing and disposal, or cutting equipment and other technology; updated information about the facility conditions, such as larger levels of contamination than anticipated; updated waste disposal conditions; updated residual radioactivity limits; and experience gained from the actual decommissioning of similar facilities.
0 Packaging, shipment, and burial of radioactive wastes includes quanti ties and types of waste requiring disposal (e.g., neutron-activated materials, contaminated materials, wet and dry radwastes), and unit costs for containers, shipments, and burial.


1.4.3 Frequency of Adjustment  Adjustment to the certification amount and site-specific cost estimates should be made at least once a year for the effects described in Regulatory Position 1.4.1. Adjustment to site-specific cost estimates for the effects described in Regulatory Position 1.4.2 should be made according to the amount of change experienced, as appropriate, but in no event, less than once every 5 years.  Regulatory Position 2.1.5 addresses adjustments to funding levels to account for adjustments to the certification amount or site-specific cost estimates.
* The final radiation survey includes labor and materials to complete the tasks associated with the final survey.  1.4.4.2. Information in the PNL studies or in other studies or study bases may be used in developing costs for the activities listed above in Regu latory Position 1.4.4.1. If the PNL studies are used, costs for the specific facility being considered should be obtained by adjusting the study costs to include those principal factors specific to that facility.


2. Methods of Financial Assurance  Methods that are considered acceptable for reactors for assuring the availability of funds for decommissioning are in 10 CFR 50.75.  The following sections provide specific guidance to licensees for complying with the various types of methods specified in 10 CFR 50.75.
If other studies are used, a summary should be included that indicates the principal factors used in the estimates.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 13
The following principal factors should be included:
2.1 Guidance Applicable to All Methods of Financial Assurance
1. The estimated radiological conditions at the time of facility shutdown, including radionuclide inventories and component and surface dose rates. (Estimates in the PNL studies may be useful in developing this infor mation.) 2. Inflation occurring between the time the studies were completed and the time the facility-specific cost estimate is made, including the basis for inflation factors.
2.1.1 If more than one licensee owns a facility, the method should provide a clear indication of the funding provisions made by each licensee or agent acting for a licensee.  Multiple licensees may, at their discretion, pool decommissioning funds for a jointly-owned facility or facilities, as long as the contribution of each licensee and each facility is separately identifiable within the methods being used.  Decommissioning funding plans may be submitted either jointly or separately by co- licensees. However, each licensee should ensure the accuracy of its share of the total NRC-required amount being certified plus periodic adjustments.


2.1.2 The applicant or licensee should indicate that the method used provides, or will provide, at the projected cessation of operations, an amount at least equal to the estimated or certified decommissioning cost for the facility, when earnings are taken into account, as permitted by
3. Major facility design and layout differences from the studies that could significantly influence decommissioning costs.  4. The cost of labor. The estimated staff-years to complete the major decommissioning activities discussed above should be indicated, including the bases for the estimate.
10 CFR 50.75(e)(1)(i) and (ii).  If a licensee uses a combination of different methods for assuring decommissioning funds, the combined total of the methods being used should equal the certification amount, plus adjustments projected to be needed.  At its discretion, a licensee may use an assurance method to provide funds for the adjusted certification amount plus non-NRC-required decommissioning costs, as long as each portion can be identified.


2.1.3 The applicant or licensee should provide evidence that the parties signing the financial instrument (for the applicant or licensee) are authorized to represent the organization in the transaction.
Data in the PNL studies on staff-years may be used. In addition, unit costs of labor specific to the locale in which the decommis sioning is to take place should be indicated.


2.1.4 The applicant or licensee should provide evidence that the financial instrument is either a conformed copy or a photocopy of the original instrument.
If contractors are expected to be used to perform major decommissioning tasks, this should be indicated and the effect on labor cost (as well as other costs) should be described and its effect estimated.


2.1.5 A licensee is required to provide assurance that at any time during the life of the facility, through termination of the license, adequate funds will be available to complete decommissioning. (See 61 FR 39278.)  Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(b)(1) and (b)(2), the minimum amount of financial assurance required for decommissioning must be adjusted annually, using a rate at least equal to that stated in paragraph (c)(2) of 10 CFR 50.75.  The licensee should calculate the amount of the adjustment as of December 31 of each year. If the amount of financial assurance provided by the licensee does not equal or exceed the minimum required amount of financial assurance recalculated on December 31, then the licensee must adjust the amount of financial assurance it provides, such that it meets or exceeds the required amount. Each of the methods of financial assurance should be adjustable to take into account variations in earnings and adjustments in the amount of funds being set aside for decommissioning both during operation and during storage periods, if any (see Regulatory Position 1.4).  Adjustments to the annual amount of funds being set aside may be made to coincide with rate cases considered by a licensee's public utility commission (PUC) or by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Adjustments also may be made to reflect the schedule of "ruling amounts" established by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 468A of the Internal Revenue Code for a qualified 3 Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund.  However, the sum of the adjusted ruling amount in a qualified account plus the target amount in a nonqualified account should at least equal the amount indicated in 10 CFR 50.75(c). For licensees who are no longer rate-regulated or do not have access to a non-bypassable charge, in every case, needed adjustments to the amount of funds set aside should be made at least once every 2 years, in conjunction with the biennial
1.159-9
5. The cost of energy. The estimated energy usage during the major decommissioning activities discussed above should be indicated, including L the bases. Data in the PNL studies on energy may be used. In addition, unit costs of energy such as electricity and fuel oil, specific to the locale in which the facility is located, should be indicated.


3  The NRC uses the terms "qualified" and "nonqualified" as defined by the Internal Revenue Service in Section 468A of its Code.
6. Waste disposal costs. For the wastes discussed above, the estimated number of containers and casks to be packaged, shipments to be made, and burial volumes should be indicated.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 14 report.  This should be interpreted to require that shortfalls identified in a biennial report must be corrected by the time the next biennial report is due.
Special charges such as curie or liner surcharges, special containers, and overweight shipments should be indicated, including the bases for the estimates.


A licensee that may rely exclusively on an external sinking fund to provide financial assurance under the circumstances defined in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(ii)(A) or (B) (that is, where the total cost of decommissioning is provided through rates established by cost-of-service ratemaking or non-bypassable charges) may make a good-faith effort to obtain rate relief to cover its shortfall. A licensee meeting these criteria should inform its rate regulator by March 31 of each year when a shortfall in financial assurance has occurred as of December 31 of the preceding year.  The information should include the NRC minimum financial assurance requirement, the actual amount of the licensee's decommissioning financial assurance, and the amount of additional cost recovery needed to meet the NRC amount.  The licensee should request its rate regulator to consider scheduling a review of decommissioning cost recovery within a year.  A copy of the information and request should be included in the licensee's decommissioning fund status report in the years that the report is required.  The licensee is expected to make adjustments to the amount of funds set aside as necessary to meet the minimum requirement of 10 CFR 50.75(c), but in every case, within 5 years.
Data in the PNL studies on waste quan tities may be used. Unit costs for containers, shipments, and burial at low level waste burial grounds should be indicated.


However, under the provisions of 10 CFR 50.75(e)(2), the staff reserves the right to review, as needed, the rate of accumulation of decommissioning funds and, either independently or in cooperation with FERC and the licensee's State PUC, take additional actions on a case-by-case basis, including modification of the licensee's schedule for the accumulation of funds.
The PNL studies may be useful for developing this information, although facility-specific differences such as differences in transport distances from those indicated in the PNL study and effects of escalation should be indicated, and the effects of those differences should be estimated.


2.1.6 The licensee should maintain continuity in the funding method as follows:  2.1.6.1 If the licensee decides to change the funding method during the life of the facility or during the storage period, the licensee should notify the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as applicable, of this change at least 30 working days in advance of its effective date.  Significant modifications to a funding method should also be submitted to the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as appropriate, at least 30 working days prior to the proposed effective date of the amendment, providing the text of the amendment and a statement of the reason for the proposed amendment2.1.6.2 If ownership or operating responsibility for a facility is transferred, the existing financial assurance method is to be maintained until such transfer is approved by the NRC pursuant to 10 CFR 50.80, and the transfer has been effected.  (Sale-leaseback agreements do not require new or amended financial assurance mechanisms unless so provided by such agreements.)  2.1.6.3 An acceptable assurance method is to be maintained until the 10 CFR Part 50 license is terminated.
7. Estimated costs of major items, specifically special tools and equipment, supplies, specialty contractors, nuclear property and liability insurance, and fees, should be indicated and a basis given. Information con tained in the PNL studies in these areas may be used1.4.4.3. The information indicated in Regulatory Position 1.4.4.2 should be summarized by indicating the total estimated cost of decommissioning and the major components of that cost, including staff labor, waste disposal, energy, equipment and supplies, specialty contractors, other expenses such as license fees or insurance, and contingency.


2.1.7 A licensee may use a single account to commingle its radiological decommissioning funds with its nonradiological decommissioning funds, as long as the licensee is able to identify and provide an accounting for the radiological decommissioning funds that are contained within its single account.
1.4.5 Delayed Decommissioning Cost Factors If a delayed decommissioning method (SAFSTOR or ENTOMB) is antici pated, cost estimates should be based on the same procedures outlined in Regu latory Position 1.4.4. However, the estimate should include the activities involved in placing the facility into the storage mode, surveillance and mainte nance of the facility while in storage, and the cost of deferred decontamination at the end of storage, where necessary, to release the facility for unrestricted use. As noted in Regulatory Position 1.4.2, costs of fuel storage during the period, if any, need not be included as part of the decommissioning cost esti mate because 10 CFR 50.54(bb)
requires that funds be provided as an operating cost for spent fuel management
5 years prior to license expiration.


2.2 Prepayment and External Sinking Fund These funding methods should have the following characteristics: 
1.4.6 Nuclear Multiple-Unit Stations If a facility is a nuclear multiple-unit station, total decommission ing costs for all units should be indicated as well as for each unit individually.
Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 15
2.2.1 An applicant or licensee using an escrow account, a certificate of deposit, or a trust agreement to satisfy 10 CFR 50.75(c) may use the examples of these methods in Appendices B-1, B-2, and B-3 of this guide.  These sample forms have been provided for general guidance.  Specific provisions may not be applicable to particular licensees and may be modified as a licensee's specific situation warrants.  The NRC expects that all prepayment or external sinking fund mechanisms will, at a minimum, satisfy the following conditions:  (a) the instrument will meet the requirements of State law for that instrument, (b) it will provide for the segregation of decommissioning funds from the licensee's other assets, (c) it will ensure that the funds are outside the administrative control of the licensee, (d) it will ensure that special care is taken to safeguard the funds from investment risks, and (e) it will provide safeguards against improper payments from the funds.  The conditions stipulated in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(1)(i) and (ii), that a prepayment account or an external sinking fund, respectively, be "segregated from licensee assets," are intended to ensure that the integrity of decommissioning funds will be maintained, especially with respect to protection from creditors in a bankruptcy situation, and to ensure continuity of funding during license transfers.  A case-by-case "reasonableness" standard will be applied to licensee compliance with this provision.  Key indicators of segregation include separation of the funds from the other assets of the licensee, through a transfer to an independent custodian or manager, and separate accounting.  The phrase "segregation from licensee assets" does not require that the fund be placed in an entity, such as a grantor trust, that is established as a separate tax-paying entity.  Licensees should be aware, however, that such a trust will provide greater protection in bankruptcy than the escrow or certificate of deposit.


2.2.2 The following key provisions should be included in the trust instrument (or, when relevant, in the escrow or government fund agreement) to ensure that it is acceptable to the NRC:  2.2.2.1 The trust agreement should state the purpose of the trust, and the nuclear facility must be identified.  An acceptable statement of purpose is the statement required for a trust agreement to qualify as a Nuclear Decommissioning Reserve Fund under Section 468A of the Internal Revenue Code.  2.2.2.2 The trust agreement should specify that the trust fund is established for the benefit of the licensee of the facility and/or the NRC, but only to the extent, in the case of the NRC, that the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3302(b) would not be applicable.  More than one licensee may be identified.  A single trust agreement may establish two or more Nuclear Decommissioning Funds when a nuclear power plant is owned by two or more licensees.  2.2.2.3 The trust agreement should specify the obligations of the trustee and, if applicable, the investment manager with respect to investments, specifically for nonelectric utilities, as described below under Regulatory Position 2.2.3.  2.2.2.4 The trust agreement should specify the circumstances under which payments will be made from the trust.  It must provide that no disbursements or payments may be made from the trust by the trustee, other than for payment of ordinary administrative expenses (examples of ordinary administrative expenses are set out in the Internal Revenue Code, Section 468A) or withdrawals pursuant to 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8), until the licensee has first given the NRC 30 working days prior written notice, and that no disbursements or payments from the trust may be made if the licensee receives prior written notice of objection from the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as appropriate.  As noted in 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8), 3 percent of the generic amount specified in 10 CFR 50.75 may be Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 16 used for decommissioning planning, and such amounts may be expended during the operating life of a plant without any requirement for written notice to be made.  Also, licensees who have submitted the certification required under 10 CFR 50.82 (commencing 90 days after the NRC receives the PSDAR) may use an additional 20 percent without any requirements for notice to be made.  After decommissioning has begun, no further notification need be made to the NRC unless otherwise required.  2.2.2.5 For nonelectric-utility licensees, the trust agreement must specify that amendments to the trust must be executed in writing, and that the agreement cannot be amended in any material respect without 30 working days prior written notification from the licensee to the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as appropriate.  The trust agreement of an electric utility licensee must follow the requirements for trust amendments as specified in the trusts themselves or in the requisite State regulations.  2.2.2.6 The NRC defines "material" modifications to include, but not be limited to, actions such as: change of trustee; change to any key provision of the trust, particularly including the investment provisions; change of the provisions related to withdrawals from the trust; changes related to the beneficiary; changes related to the duration or term of the trust; changes that could affect the ability of the trust agreement to provide reasonable assurance of decommissioning funds; and changes to the terms of providing information to the NRC.  Modifications that are not material include, for example, changes in fee structures paid to a trustee; changes in arbitration provisions between the trustee and the licensee; changes in investment advisor or investment manager, if applicable; and changes in investments, provided the changes comply with other aspects of the regulations.
Specific provisions and cost factors for the multiple-unit facility, such as the timing of decommissioning and length of storage period for each unit, should be discussed so that the net effect on the total cost is clear. Funding adjustments resulting from any such factors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis when such revisions are made.1.159-10  
1.5 Adjustments to Cost Estimates In order to maintain adequate funds until completion of decommissioning, funding provisions should contain procedures for periodic review and adjustment of the initial amount set aside, during both operation and any storage periods, based on the following.


2.2.3 The trust agreement should specify that the trustee's obligations, or obligations of one or more investment managers, with respect to investments, include: (1) day-to-day management of the trust, guided by general investment instructions provided by the licensee or the licensee's designated investment manager; (2) the obligation of the trustee and/or investment manager to ensure that trust investments are made pursuant to an applicable standard of care, whether in investing or otherwise, required by State or Federal law or regulation, or in the absence of such standard, a "prudent investor" standard as set forth in 18 CFR 35.32(a)(3) or any successor regulation; and (3) the obligation of the trustee and/or investment manager, if applicable, to avoid specifically prohibited investments, as described below.  2.2.3.1 The requirement that the trust should not be under the "administrative control of the licensee" will be met if day-to-day investment decisions are made by the trustee or investment manager and not by the licensee.  Licensees may exercise general management oversight of trust fund investments to the extent allowed under State trust law.  The NRC staff recognizes that licensees have legitimate interests and responsibilities in ensuring appropriate investment strategies for these funds and monitoring the progress of investments, and licensees may issue investment guidelines to a trustee or investment manager.  However, licensees should avoid active day-to- day management of these funds.  In this regard, if a trustee is unable to act as an investment manager, use of a professional investment manager may be necessary.  A licensee or its affiliate may act as an investment manager in the case of passive fund management of trust funds, where management is limited to investments tracking market indices.  For example, a licensee may maintain a fund that purchases and sells equities in order to track the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.  Such passive funds may make direct investments in securities or obligations of the licensee for the trust (or its affiliates) or of other reactor licensees (or their affiliates), provided that such investments are consistent with the requirements to track the applicable index and are consistent with NRC restrictions and other regulatory requirements.
1.5.1 Inflation The effect of inflation on the estimated cost should be determined.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 17 2.2.3.2 For nonelectric-utility licensees, the trust agreement must prohibit investments in securities or other obligations of the licensee (the grantor) or any other owner or operator of any nuclear power reactor as well as their affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or assigns.  An affiliate is any company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the licensee or any other owner or operator of the facility.  A subsidiary is any company that is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the licensee or any other owner or operator of the facility.  A successor or assign is a company that has acquired possessory rights to the licensee, the facility, or any other owner or operator of the facility.  The trust agreement also must prohibit investments in a mutual fund in which at least 50 percent of the fund is invested in the securities of a licensee or parent company whose subsidiary is an owner or operator of a foreign or domestic nuclear power plant. 2.2.3.3 For nonelectric-utility licensees, indirect ownership of securities or other obligations of any owners or operators of nuclear power plants through investments in securities tied to market indices or through mutual funds in which less than 50 percent of the fund is invested in the securities of a licensee or parent company whose subsidiary is an owner or operator of a foreign or domestic nuclear power plant is allowed, provided that no more than 10 percent of the total value of the grantor's trust assets may be indirectly invested in the securities of any entity owning or operating one or more nuclear power plants. 2.2.3.4 Investments selected with the approval of, or guidance from, the state PUC with jurisdiction over the licensee, or from the FERC, would be acceptable to the NRC staff.
For those licensees subject to the certification requirements of 10 CFR 50.75(b), the certification amount should be adjusted annually using the formula in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2) (see Regulatory Position 1.2). For licensees using site-specific cost estimates (i.e., research and test reactor licensees, power reactor licen sees not covered by 10 CFR 50.75(c), or electric utility licensees submitting preliminary or proposed decommissioning plans pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(f) and 50.82(a)), new cost estimate studies should be conducted periodically to deter mine whether the estimate reflects cost changes from inflation or other factors.


2.2.4 The escrow account, certificate of deposit, or trust agreement must comply with applicable state law for such instruments.
As an alternative to performing new site-specific cost estimates, licensees may use standard measures of price indexing such as the annual Consumer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or the inflation factor derived from the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross National Product as published in the "Survey of Current Business" by the U.S. Department of Commerce or in "Economic Indicators" by the Council of Economic Advisors.


2.2.5 The financial assurance instrument, signed by individuals authorized to act for the appropriate parties, should be maintained in the licensee's records and be available for inspection until termination of the 10 CFR Part 50 license.  If feasible, licensees should maintain records or duplicates onsite.
The licensee may also use the factors indicated in Regulatory Position 1.2 for escalating the principal components of the cost estimate.


2.2.6 The trustee of a fund should be an entity that has the authority to act as a trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency or, if a government fund is being used, the appropriate State or Federal Government agency. The word "national" in the title of a financial institution signals that the institution is Federally regulated, as do the initials "N.A.," or the words "National Association," or "a national banking association."  The "examinations" department of the appropriate district office of the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency can provide information about whether the institution has trust powers.  The word "State" in the title of a financial institution signals that the institution is State-regulated.  The examinations department of the applicable State banking authority can provide information about whether the institution has trust powers.  Domestic branches of foreign banks may be either Federally regulated or State-regulated.  Eligibility of an institution can be checked through the "Trust Institutions Search" database, at http://www2.fdic.gov/structur/trust/index.html.  2.2.7 A trust agreement should include a clause in which the trustee accepts the responsibility of trusteeship.
Estimates of future inflation should bear a reasonable relationship to recent (i.e., within 10 years) economic performance or other relevant economic conditions and factors. The licensee should document the bases for all estimates of past and future inflation.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 18
1.5.2 Technological and Status Changes For plant-specific decommissioning cost estimates, the effect of technological changes or changes in plant status (e.g., whether the plant has been shut down for an extended period) on the cost estimate should be deter mined. This could include reasonably determined recent developments in decon tamination, waste processing and disposal, or cutting-equipment technology, updated information about the facility conditions such as larger levels of con tamination than anticipated, updated waste disposal conditions, updated residual radioactivity limits, and experience gained from actually decommissioning similar facilities.
2.2.8 Annual deposits in an external sinking fund, including projected earnings, should attempt to approximate the total amount remaining to be accumulated, divided by the remaining years of the license, as determined by the initial and updated certification amount specified in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1) and (2).  2.2.8.1 Arithmetic precision is not required for fund accumulation rates.  If, during the course of collecting funds, a licensee has accumulated significantly greater decommissioning funds than anticipated, it may reduce its remaining contributions commensurately.  Likewise, if a licensee is significantly behind in collections, increased contributions should be used to make up the deficit.  However, licensees should avoid undue reliance on contributions weighted in constant dollars toward the end of projected facility operating life.  Additionally, the NRC staff considers reliance on an estimated tax deduction for decommissioning expenses, at the time such expenses are incurred, to be a form of internal reserve and thus not allowed under 10 CFR 50.75(e).  If sufficient rate relief by a State PUC or FERC is ultimately not obtained, the licensee's stockholders will be expected to cover decommissioning costs through reduced return on equity.  Projected rates of earnings on an external sinking fund during plant operation should reasonably approximate the historical real rate of earnings (i.e., after inflation and taxes) obtained by a given type of investment.  2.2.8.2 For decommissioning funds that are prepaid or in external sinking fund accounts, the regulations in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(i) and (ii) allow a credit for projected earnings of up to a 2-percent annual real rate of return (i.e., nominal rate less inflation and taxes) from the time of the future funds' collection as a factor in calculating the total amount of funds that would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs.  This allowed credit may be greater than 2 percent if a licensee is subject to a rate-setting authority that will provide the total amount of funds necessary for decommissioning and the authority has specifically presumed a higher rate.  The period of time for which the credit may be taken is determined by whether a generic formula or a site-specific estimate with a specified safe-storage period is used as the basis for estimating decommissioning costs, as discussed below.  2.2.8.3 For licensees that use a generic formula for decommissioning cost estimates during the period of plant operation, this credit may be taken for the remaining years left on the operating license, and an additional pro rata credit may be taken into the presumed immediate dismantlement period (i.e., the first 7 years after shutdown), as long as such credit reflects the expected cash flow of expenditures during this period.  If the NRC has approved license renewal for a plant, the licensee may take the credit during the extended license period.  2.2.8.4 A licensee that uses a site-specific estimate may take the allowed credit through the projected decommissioning period, provided that the site-specific estimate is based on a period of safe storage that is specifically described in the estimate.  This decommissioning period includes the period of safe storage, final dismantlement, and license termination.  The allowed credit during the period of safe storage must reflect any withdrawals from decommissioning funds during this period, such as withdrawals to pay for annual costs to maintain the facility in a safe storage condition. 2.2.8.5 When a licensee adjusts the cost estimate for decommissioning annually, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(b)(2), the adjusted estimate less amounts already accumulated should form the basis of future collections, which can take into account the allowed credit. Funds already accumulated, plus scheduled fund contributions, in the case of those licensees authorized to utilize external sinking funds, plus projected earnings on these funds, should be sufficient to pay Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 19 decommissioning costs at the time termination of operation is expected, allowing for extending the real rate of return credit into the decommissioning period, as noted above.  2.2.8.6 Actual earnings on existing funds may be used to calculate the need for future funds.  However, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(f)(3), when a licensee is within 5 years of the projected end of operations and submits its preliminary decommissioning cost estimate, the licensee may take up to a 2-percent earnings credit (or a higher credit, if specifically presumed by a rate-setting authority) over a storage period, as long as the storage period and its cost implications for total decommissioning costs are specifically addressed in the preliminary decommissioning cost estimate.  2.2.8.7 Licensees who operate multiple modular reactors at a single site may take credit for earnings in such a manner that the assumptions for earnings credit track the cash flows for decommissioning expenses for each module.


2.3 Guarantee Methods Guarantee methods include surety bonds, letters of credit, and insurance.  Acceptable guarantee methods should have the following characteristics: 
1.5.3 Frequency of Adjustment Adjustment to the certification amount and site-specific cost esti mates should be made at least once a year for the effects described in Regula tory Position 1.5.1. Adjustment to site-specific cost estimates for the effects described in Regulatory Position 1.5.2 should be made according to the amount of change experienced, as appropriate, but at least once every 5 years. Adjust ments to funding levels to account for adjustments to the certification amount or site-specific cost estimates are addressed in Regulatory Position 2.2.5.1.159-11
2.3.1 An applicant or licensee that uses a surety bond, letter of credit, or parent guarantee may use the sample wording for these methods contained in Appendices B-4, B-5, and B-6, respectively. These sample forms have been provided for illustrative purposes. Specific provisions may not be applicable to particular licensees and may be modified as a licensee's specific situation warrantsHowever, each licensee should be sure that the instrument being used conforms to applicable State law.
1.6 Final Decommissioning Cost Estimate Paragraph
50.82(b) requires that an updated estimate of cost for decommis sioning be submitted with the decommissioning plan at the time the licensee applies to terminate the license. This cost estimate should be prepared using the same bases as in Regulatory Position 1.4, except that: "* Cost estimates should be based on plant conditions, such as contamina tion levels, specific to that facility to the extent they are known"* Cost estimates should be based on decommissioning procedures that are included in the decommissioning plan for that facility.


2.3.2 The following documents should be maintained in the licensee's records and be available for inspection by the NRC:  (1) for surety bonds, an originally signed duplicate or conformed copy of the surety bond, signed by individuals authorized to act for the licensee and the surety company;  (2) for letters of credit, an originally signed duplicate or conformed copy of the letter of credit, signed by individuals authorized to act for the licensee and the financial institution;  (3) for insurance, an original or conformed copy of the insurance policy; and
* Cost estimates should consider the existing experience in comparable facilities using comparable decommissioning methods. Such experience would be derived from already or substantially completed decommis sioning of other facilities, to the extent practical.
(4) a standby trust fund to receive funds if the surety, letter of credit, or insurance is drawn upon.


2.3.3 The following should be considered for financial institutions used as guarantors:  (1) For surety bonds, the surety company must be listed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the most recent edition of Circular 570 and have a coverage limit sufficient to cover the cost estimates for which assurance is sought.  Circular 570 is published annually about July 1 and is updated in the Federal Register.  (2) For letters of credit, the issuing institution must be an entity that has the authority to issue a letter of credit, and whose letter of credit operations are regulated and examined by a Federal or State agency.
2. METHODS OF FINANCIAL
ASSURANCE
Amended 10 CFR 50.75 indicates methods considered acceptable for reactors for assuring the availability of funds for decommissioning.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 20 (3) For insurance, the insurance company must be licensed by State regulatory authorities to transact business as an insurer in one or more States.
The following sec tions provide specific guidance to licensees for complying with the various types of methods specified in 10 CFR 50.75.  2.1 Guidance Applicable to All Methods of Financial Assurance
2.1.1. The method should provide that if more than one licensee owns a facility, there is clear indication of funding provisions made by each licensee or agent acting for a licensee.


2.4 Standby Trust
Multiple licensees may, at their discretion, pool decommissioning funds for a jointly-owned facility or facilities as long as the contribution of each licensee and each facility are separately identifi able within the methods being used. Decommissioning funding plans may be sub mitted either jointly or separately by co-licensees.
2.4.1 Under the decommissioning regulations, a licensee or applicant using a surety bond, letter of credit, or insurance must establish a "standby" trust fund to receive funds from the other financial instruments, if necessary.  Under this arrangement, the beneficiary may draw on the funds held in the instruments listed and deposit them directly into the standby trust for use as required for decommissioning.  In addition to the instruments listed, applicants or licensees using parent company guarantees, certificates of deposit, or government securities should establish a standby trust. 2.4.2 An applicant or licensee establishing a standby trust is directed to the sample wording for the instrument contained in Appendix B-3.2.


2.4.3 Appropriate documentation regarding the standby trust should be maintained in the licensee's records as indicated in Regulatory Position 2.2.5.
However, each licensee should ensure the accuracy of its pro rata share of the total NRC-required amount being certified plus periodic adjustments.


2.5 Governmental Statement of Intent A government licensee or license applicant, as designated in 10 CFR 50.75(e), can submit a statement of intent that contains a cost estimate for decommissioning and indicates that funds for decommissioning will be obtained when necessary.  Federal licensees are the only government licensees allowed to use a statement of intent for power reactors.  As defined in 10 CFR 50.2, a "Federal licensee means any NRC licensee, the obligations of which are guaranteed by and supported by the full faith and credit of the United States Government."  Nonpower-reactor licensees using a statement of intent may be Federal, State, or local government entities.  The statement of intent should contain the following:  (1) identification of the facility or facilities for which it provides the financial assurance and the corresponding decommissioning costs, (2) an indication that funds for decommissioning will be requested and obtained sufficiently in advance of decommissioning to prevent delay of required activities, and (3) evidence of the authority of the official of the government entity to sign the statement of intent and evidence that the licensee's decommissioning obligation is supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, or as applicable, the State or local government.  A signed copy of the statement of intent that funds will be obtained when necessary should be maintained in the licensee's records and be available for inspection.
2.1.2. The applicant or licensee should indicate that the method used provides, or will provide at the projected cessation of operations, an amount at least equal to the estimated or certified decommissioning cost for the facil ity. If a licensee uses different methods for assuring decommissioning funds in combination, the combined total of the methods being used should equal the certification amount, plus adjustments projected to be needed. At its discre tion, a licensee may use an assurance method to provide funds for the adjusted certification amount plus non-NRC-required decommissioning costs. 2.1.3. The applicant or licensee should provide evidence that the parties signing the financial instrument (for the applicant or licensee)
are authorized to represent the organization in the transaction.


2.6 Biennial Reports
2.1.4. The applicant or licensee should provide evidence that the financial instrument is either a conformed copy or photocopy of the original instrument.
2.6.1 As provided in 10 CFR 50.75(f)(1), each power reactor licensee is required to report to the NRC on a calendar-year basis, beginning on March 31, 1999, and every 2 years thereafter, on the status of its decommissioning funding for each reactor or share of a reactor that it owns. The information in this report must include, at a minimum, the following:  (1) an estimate of the amount of decommissioning funds to be required, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(b) and (c), or a site-specific estimate, if greater than the amount in 10 CFR 50.75(c), as appropriate (or for a reactor that is neither a BWR or a PWR); (2) the amount accumulated to the end of the calendar year Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 21 preceding the date of the report to meet 10 CFR 50.75 requirements; (3) a schedule of the annual amounts remaining to be collected; (4) the assumptions used regarding rates of escalation in decommissioning costs, rates of earnings on decommissioning funds, and rates of other factors used in funding projections; (5) any contracts upon which the licensee is relying, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(e)(1)(v); and (6) any modifications to a licensee's current method of providing financial assurance occurring since the last submitted report, including material modifications to decommissioning trust agreements.  Any licensee whose plant is within 5 years of the projected end of operation, or when conditions have changed such that it will close within 5 years (before the end of its licensed life) or has already closed (before the end of its licensed life), is required to submit the report annually.  Licensees of plants involved in mergers or acquisitions are also required to submit this report annually until the NRC has approved the merger or acquisition pursuant to 10 CFR 50.80.  For such licensees, this report may be submitted as part of the licensee's license transfer application, provided that it contains the information described above.  The NRC staff interprets this provision to require applicants to revert to an odd-year biennial reporting cycle upon completion of the merger.


2.6.2 As long as the information described above is included in the report, no specific reporting format is required.  The licensee should state with respect to any reporting item whether the item is not applicable, if appropriate. As part of the report, licensees do not need to submit a complete listing of all investments, although it is helpful to indicate broad categories of investments as a percent of the total trust portfolio (e.g., equities equal 20 percent of the total value of the trust, Federal Government bonds and notes equal 50 percent of the total value of the trust).  In addition, each licensee should indicate the assurance mechanism being used as a source of revenues for the external sinking fund (e.g., traditional "cost-of-service" ratemaking, a non-bypassable charge, long-term contracts that the NRC has found to be acceptable pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(e)(1)(v)).
1.159-12
4 If the assumed real earnings rate on an external sinking fund exceeds 2 percent, each licensee should indicate the specific rate ruling or decision by its rate regulator that documents the earnings rate being used, as provided in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(1)(i) or (ii).  If a licensee is using an assurance mechanism other than an external sinking fund, it should include adjustments to the assurance mechanisms (e.g., a surety bond or letter of credit) as part of the report to account for any escalation since the previous report.
2.1.5. Each of the methods of financial assurance should be capable of being adjusted to take into account variations in earnings and adjustments in the amount of funds being set aside for decommissioning both during operation and during storage periods, if any (see Regulatory Position 1.5). Adjustments to the annual amount of funds being collected may be made to coincide with rate cases considered by a licensee's public utility commission (PUC) or by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), but, in any event, should be made at least once every 5 years (see Regulatory Position 1.5).  2.1.6. The licensee should maintain continuity in the funding method as follows: 2.1.6.1. If the licensee decides either to change or significantly modify the funding method during the life of the facility or during the storage period, these changes or modifications should be submitted within a reasonable time based on the requirements in 10 CFR Part 50 and this guidance.


2.7 License Termination Plan The regulation in 10 CFR 50.82(a)(9) requires submittal of a license termination plan at the time a licensee applies for termination of a licenseThe license termination plan is to include provisions for funding and an updated site-specific estimate of remaining decommissioning costs, as described in detail in NUREG-1700, "Standard Review Plan for Evaluating Nuclear Power Reactor License Termination Plans," issued April 2000 (Ref. 10), and Regulatory Guide 1.179, "Standard Format and Content of License Termination Plans for Nuclear Power Reactors," (Ref. 11)
An existing method of financial assurance is to be maintained until the licensee has insti tuted a new method2.1.6.2. If ownership or operating responsibility of a facility is transferred, the existing financial assurance method is to be maintained until the new owner has submitted a certificate of financial assurance. (Sale leaseback agreements do not require new or amended financial assurance mechanisms unless so provided by such agreements.)  
2.8 Procedures for Prematurely or Previously Shutdown Reactors The funding requirements of 10 CFR 50.75 and 10 CFR 50.82 apply to all reactors, including those that were shut down prior to the effective date of the final rule (July 27, 1988), because these reactors possess a 10 CFR Part 50 license, albeit modified. As indicated in the supplementary information to the final rule, details concerning financial assurance, primarily the time period for
2.1.6.3. An acceptable assurance method is to be maintained until the Part 50 license is terminated.


4  To the extent that power reactor licensees have received rate regulator approval to use market-based rates for a significant portion of their nuclear-related revenues (i.e., greater than 20 percent), the NRC will not consider them to be subject to traditional cost-of-service rate regulation for that portion of their rates.
2.2 Prepayment and External Sinking Fund Funding methods of this type should have the following characteristics:
2.2.1. An applicant or licensee using an escrow account, certificate of deposit, or trust agreement to satisfy 10 CFR 50.75(c) may use the sample word ing for those methods contained in Appendices B.1, B.2, and B.3 of this guide, respectively.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 22 accumulating funds not set aside during operation, would be decided on a case-by-case basis.  A final rule dated July 9, 1992 (57 FR 30383), extended this case-by-case approach to licensees of all power reactors that shut down prematurely.  Each licensee should provide the following:
These sample forms have been provided for general guidance.
2.8.1 information on how reasonable assurance will be provided that funds will be available to decommission the facility
 
2.8.2 information on the amount of funds necessary for decommissioning, as required by 10 CFR 50.75(f) (i.e., a cost estimate that includes provisions for adjusting the estimate should be submitted based on Regulatory Position 1);
Specific provisions may not be applicable to particular licensees and may be modified as a licensee's specific situation warrants.
2.8.3 information on the method of financial assurance to be used, as required by 10 CFR 50.75(e). That is, funds needed to complete decommissioning are to be placed in an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's administrative control, or a surety method or funding statement of intent should be maintained based on Regulatory Position 2.
 
However, each licensee should ensure that the escrow account, certificate of deposit, or trust agree ment complies with applicable state law for such instruments.
 
2.2.2. The financial assurance instrument, signed by individuals author ized to act for the appropriate parties, should be maintained in the licensee's records and be available for inspection until termination of the Part 50 license. If feasible, records or duplicates should be maintained onsite.  2.2.3. The trustee of a fund should be an appropriate State or Federal government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as a trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency.  2.2.4. Any trust investments complying with IRS Code Section 468A or with approval of or guidance from a utility's State PUC, other State agency, or from FERC would be acceptable to the NRC staff. Licensees not eligible or willing to use decommissioning trusts established under IRS Code Section 468A or not 1.159-13 subject to PUC or FERC jurisdiction should limit trust investments to "invest ment-grade" securities.
 
Investment-grade bonds and preferred stocks are those rated at least "BBB" or equivalent by a national rating service. Speculative L issues of common stocks should be avoided.
 
2.2.5. Annual deposits in an external sinking fund, including projected earnings, should attempt to approximate the total amount remaining to be accumu lated, divided by the remaining years of the license, as determined by the ini tial and updated certification amount specified in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)
and (2).  Arithmetic precision is not required for fund accumulation rates, however.
 
If, during the course of collecting funds, a licensee has accumulated signifi cantly greater decommissioning funds than anticipated, it may reduce its remain ing contributions commensurately.
 
Likewise, if a licensee is significantly behind in collections, increased contributions should be used to make up the deficit. A reasonable time may be used to make up any deficit, consistent with good-faith efforts to obtain appropriate rate relief. However, licensees should avoid undue reliance upon contributions weighted in constant dollars toward the end of projected facility operating life. Additionally, the NRC staff considers reliance on an estimated tax deduction for decommissioning expenses at the time such expenses are incurred to be a form of internal reserve and thus not allowed under 10 CFR 50.75(e).
If sufficient rate relief by a State PUC or FERC is ultimately not obtained, licensee's stockholders will be expected to cover decom missioning costs through reduced return on equity. Projected rates of earnings on an external sinking fund during plant operation should reasonably approximate the historical real rate of earnings (i.e., after inflation)
obtained by a given type of investment.
 
As discussed in Section B of this guide, licensees should avoid day-to-day management of trust funds. In this regard, if a trustee is unable to act as an investment manager, use of a professional investment manager should be considered by the licensee.
 
2.3 Guarantee Methods Guarantee methods include surety bonds, letters of credit, lines of credit, and insurance.
 
For non-electric-utility reactors, parent company guarantees may be used. Acceptable guarantee methods should have the following characteristics:
2.3.1. An applicant or licensee using a surety bond, letter of credit, or parent company guarantee may use the sample wording for these methods contained in Appendices B.4, B.5, and B.6, respectively.
 
These sample forms have been provided for illustrative purposes.
 
Specific provisions may not be applicable to particular licensees and may be modified as a licensee's specific situation warrants.
 
However, each licensee should be sure that the instrument being used conforms to applicable State law.  2.3.2. The following documents should be maintained in the licensee's rec ords and be available for inspection by the NRC: For surety bonds: An originally signed duplicate or conformed copy of the surety bond signed by individuals authorized to act for the licensee and the surety company.1.159-14
* For letters of credit: An originally signed duplicate or conformed copy of the letter of credit signed by individuals authorized to act for the licensee and the financial institution.
 
* For insurance:
A certificate of insurance signed by individuals auth orized to act for the licensee and the insurer or a conformed copy of such.  2.3.3. The following should be considered for financial institutions used as guarantors:
* For surety bonds: The surety company must be listed by the U.S.  Department of the Treasury in the most recent edition of Circular 570 and have a coverage limit sufficient to cover the cost estimates for which assurance is sought. Circular 570 is published annually about July I and is updated in the Federal Register.
 
* For letters of credit: The issuing institution must be an entity that has the authority to issue a letter of credit and whose letter of credit operations are regulated and examined by a Federal or State agency.  For insurance:
The insurance company must be licensed by State regula tory authorities to transact business as an insurer in one or more States.  2.3.4. If lines of credit are used, the applicant or licensee should obtain from the lender a written commitment to provide funds for all decom missioning expenditures required by the rule.  2.4 Standby Trust 2.4.1. Under the decommissioning regulations, a licensee or applicant-using a surety bond, letter of credit, line of credit, or insurance must establish a "standby" trust fund to receive funds from the other financial instruments, if necessary.
 
Under this arrangement, if a licensee defaults on decommissioning requirements, the issuer or provider of the instrument (or beneficiary, if appropriate)
will draw on the funds held in the instruments listed and deposit them directly into the standby trust for use as required for decommissioning.
 
In addition to the instruments listed, applicants or licensees using parent com pany guarantees, certificates of deposit, or government securities should estab lish a standby trust.  2.4.2. An applicant or licensee establishing.a standby trust is directed to the sample wording for the instrument contained in Appendix B.3.2.  2.4.3. Appropriate documentation regarding the standby trust should be maintained in the licensee's records as indicated in Regulatory Position 2.2.2.  2.5 Governmental Statement of Intent A government licensee or license applicant as designated in 10 CFR 50.75(e) can submit a statement of intent that contains a cost estimate for decommission ing and indicates that funds for decommissioning will be obtained when necessary.
 
The statement of intent should contain the following:
1.159-15 Identification of the facility or facilities for which it provides the financial assurance and the corresponding decommissioning costs. L An indication that funds for decommissioning will be requested and obtained sufficiently in advance of decommissioning to prevent delay of required activities.
 
* Evidence of the authority of the official of the government entity to sign the statement of intent.  A signed copy of the statement of intent that funds will be obtained when necessary should be maintained in the licensee's records and be available for inspection.
 
2.6 Proposed Decommissioning Plans In 10 CFR 50.82, subijittal of a proposed decommissioning plan is required at the time a licensee applies for termination of a license. The plan is to include provisions for funding. The following should be included:
*. An updated decommissioning cost estimate (see Regulatory Position 1.6).  "* Provisions for funding the difference, if any, between the final estimate of costs needed to decommission made prior to permanent cessation of operation and the amount raised during the facility's operating life.  "* Provisions for maintaining adequate levels of funding during the decommissioning period (including any period of safe storage), with specific provision for escalation of costs from inflation or engineer ing changes less any disbursements for decommissioning expenses.
 
2.7 Funding Methods for Existing Licensees According to 10 CFR 50.33(k)(2)
and 50.75, existing licensees, on or before July 26, 1990, are required to submit a report to NRC identifying a method for providing financial assurance.
 
This method should indicate its implementation schedule (i.e., the timing by which a licensee determines the amount of and schedule for planned decommissioning fund accumulations).
Existing funds, if left in internal reserves, will not be acceptable for use as a funding assurance method as described in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(3)
for meeting the certification amount described in 10 CFR 50.75(c). 
2.8 Procedures for Shutdown Reactors The funding requirements of 10 CFR 50.75 and 50.82 apply to all reactors, including those that were shut down prior to the effective date of the final rule (July 27, 1988), because these reactors possess a Part 50 license, albeit modified.
 
As indicated in the Supplementary Information to the final rule, details concerning financial assurance, primarily the time period for accumula ting funds not set aside during operation, would be decided on a case-by-case basis. However, a licensee of a reactor that is currently shut down should submit a report to NRC by July 26, 1990, if it has not yet done so, that includes the following:
1.159-16
2.8.1. Information on how reasonable assurance will be provided that funds -will be available to decommission the facility.
 
2.8.2. Information on the amount of funds for decommissioning as required by 10 CFR 50.75(f).  
That is, a cost estimate that includes provisions for ad justing the estimate should be submitted based on Regulatory Position 12.8.3. Information on the method of financial assurance to be used as required by 10 CFR 50.75(e).  
That is, funds needed to complete decommission ing are to be placed in an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's administrative control, or a surety method or fund statement of intent should be maintained based on Regulatory Position 2.


==D. IMPLEMENTATION==
==D. IMPLEMENTATION==
The purpose of this section is to provide information on how applicants and licensees
The purpose of this section is to provide information to applicants and licensees regarding the NRC staff's plans for using this regulatory guide.  Except in those cases in which an applicant or licensee proposes an accept able alternative method for complying with the specified portions of the Commis sion's regulations, this guide, which reflects public comments received, will be used to evaluate compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.33(k), 50.75, and 50.82 applicable to the following nuclear reactors:
5 may use this guide and information regarding the NRC's plans for using this regulatory guide. In addition, it describes how the NRC staff complies with the Backfit Rule (10 CFR 50.109) and any applicable finality provisions in 10 CFR Part 52.
(1) All plants having an operating license in effect on July 27, 1990, or later.  (2) All plants for which an application for an operating license is sub mitted or under NRC review after the July 27, 1988, effective date of the final decommissioning rule (53 FR 24018, June 27, 1988).1.159-17 REFERENCES
L 1. G. J. Konzek, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning Reference Nuclear Research and Test Reactors" (prepared by Pacific Northwest Labora tory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), NUREG/CR-1756, March 1982, and Addendum 1, July 1983.  2. Robert S. Wood, "Assuring the Availability of Funds for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Draft Report, NUREG-0584, Rev. 3, March 1983.  3. U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities," NUREG-0586, August 1988.  4. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "Standard Format and Content of Finan cial Assurance Mechanisms Required for Decommissioning Under 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 70, and 72," Regulatory Guide 3.66, June 1990.  5. R. I. Smith, G. J. Konzek, and W. E. Kennedy, Jr., "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Pressurized Water Reactor Power Sta tion" (prepared by Pacific Northwest Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regu latory Commission), NUREG/CR-0130, June 1978; and Addendum 1, July 1979, Addendum 2, July 1983; Addendum 3, September
1984; and Addendum 4, July 1988.  6. H. D. Oak et al., "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Boiling Water Reactor Power Station" (prepared by Pacific North west Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), NUREG/CR-0672, June 1980; Addendum 1, July 1983; Addendum 2, September
1984; and Addendum 3, July 1988.  7. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "Report on Waste Burial Charges," NUREG-1307, Revision 1, October 1989.  8. N. G. Wittenbrock, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning Nuclear Reactors at Multiple-Reactor Stations" (prepared by Battelle Pacific North west Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), NUREG/CR-1755, January 1982.  9. J. P. Witherspoon, "Technology and Cost of Termination Surveys Associated with Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities" (prepared by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory'Commission), NUREG/CR-2241, February 1982.  NOTE: Copies of these referenced documents may be purchased through the U.S.  Government Printing Office by calling (202) 275-2060 or by writing to the U.S.  Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 37082, Washington, DC 20013-7082.
 
Copies may also be purchased from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Copies are available for inspection or copy ing for a fee in the NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street NW., Washington, DC.1.159-18 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL
TERMS Certificate of Deposit (CD) -A bank's or other financial institution's written acknowledgement of the receipt and deposit of a sum of money by the licensee or applicant and its promise of repayment.
 
When using a CD to demonstrate financial assurance for decommissioning, the licensee deposits with a bank or other financial institution funds sufficient to cover the certification amount or site-specific cost of decommissioning the licensed facility and receives a CD.  Escrow Account -An account containing funds deposited by the licensee or appli icant and held by a bank or other financial institution.
 
An escrow account differs from similar accounts in that the licensee or applicant provides funds that are held by the escrow until the happening of a contingency or the performance of a condition such as commencement of decommissioning, and then the funds are released to the grantee. The bank or other financial institution where the funds are deposited is the escrow agent.  External Sinking Fund -A fund established and maintained by periodically setting funds aside in an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's administrative control. The total external sinking fund would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs at the expected time of termina tion of operation.
 
An external sinking fund may be in the form of a trust, escrow account, government fund, certificate of deposit, or deposits of government or corporate securities.
 
Financial Test -An accounting ratio requirement, net worth requirement, bond rating requirement, or similar requirement or combination of requirements that measures the financial strength of a firm providing financial assurance.
 
The financial test is used by a firm that provides a guarantee to a licensee to show its own financial strength and its ability to support the guarantee.
 
This mechanism is unavailable to electric utility (power reactor) licensees.  (See 10 CFR Part 30, Appendix A.) Insurance
-Insurance in this case would be similar to surety bonding as dis cussed below in that it would guarantee that decommissioning costs will be paid to a trustee should the licensee default.
 
Letter of Credit -A binding agreement by which the issuing party, such as a bank or other financial institution, agrees on behalf of the applicant or licensee (the account party) to pay a governmental or government-approved authority (the beneficiary)
in the event of any default by the licensee in the performance of decommissioning.
 
Line of Credit -An arrangement of the licensee with a lender (a bank or other financial institution)
in which the lender agrees to provide funds required for decommissioning of the licensee's facility.
 
The maximum amount of credit stated in the contract between the applicant or licensee and the lender must be at least sufficient to equal the certified or estimated cost of decommissioning.
 
A-i Parent Company Guarantee
-A promise by one party (the guarantor)
to pay speci fied debts or perform specified obligations of another party (the principal)
in the event that the principal fails to satisfy the debts or obligations.
 
Specifically, to satisfy the decommissioning regulations, an applicant's or licensee's parent corporation agrees to guarantee to provide specified dollar amounts to fund performance of decommissioning in the event of the licensee's default. A parent company guarantee is not an acceptable method of financial assurance for power reactor licensees. (See 10 CFR Part 30, Appendix A.) Prepayment
-The deposit prior to the start of operation (or, for existing facilities, by a specified time provided in the regulations)
into an ac count, segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's admin..istrative control, of cash or liquid assets such that the amount of funds would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs. Types of accounts can be similar to those described above for an external sinking fund.  Surety Bond -A guarantee that decommissioning costs will be paid should the li censee default. The surety bond is a contract that the licensee or appli- cant (the principal)
enters into with a qualified surety company (the surety) to assure the Commission or State regulatory agency that the licensee will fulfill its decommissioning obligations.
 
In the event of the licensee's default, the surety guarantees that decommissioning costs will be paid.  Trust Fund -A three-party agreement whereby the licensee or applicant, called the grantor or trustor, transfers assets at least equal to the cost of decommissioning to a trustee, such as a bank, other financial institution, or governmental authority, to hold on behalf of the beneficiary, the Commission, or a State agency.A-2 APPENDIX B EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL
ASSURANCE
INSTRUMENTS
The following formats for financial assurance instruments provide samples of language and provisions for compliance with financial assurance requirements for decommissioning.
 
Although the sample language is not required by decommis sioning regulations, except for certain provisions in the parent guarantee, applicants and licensees will find that its use will simplify the submittal process. Licensees may add, delete, or modify sample provisions as their cir cumstances warrant. However, licensees should ensure that the financial assur ance instruments being used are valid under applicable State law and comply with NRC's decommissioning regulations in 10 CFR 50.33, 50.75, and 50.82.B-I
APPENDIX B.1 SAMPLE ESCROW AGREEMENT
ESCROW NUMBER Paragraph
1. Establishment of Escrow Account It is agreed between the parties that [insert name of licensee], licensee, has elected to establish an escrow account with [insert name, address, and position of escrow agent] to provide financial assurance for decommissioning of the facility(ies)
in the amounts shown below: [For each facility for which financial assurance is provided by the escrow agreement, list facility name, address, and license number, corresponding estimated or certified decommissioning costs, and indicate amount of financial assurance provided by the escrow account.]
Paragraph
2. Description of Property in Escrow Account It is hereby acknowledged by the parties that [list the assets that have been delivered to the escrow agent and indicate the value of each item] has (have) been delivered to escrow and will remain in the escrow account created by this agreement until one of the two conditions stated in Paragraph
3 of this agree ment has been satisfied.
 
[Insert name of licensee]
warrants to and agrees with [insert name of escrow agent] that, unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement:
there is no security interest in the property in the escrow account or any part thereof; no financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code is on file in any jurisdiction claiming a security interest in or describing (whether specifically or generally)
the escrow account or any part thereof; and the escrow agent shall have no responsibility at any time to ascertain whether or not any security interest exists or to file any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code with respect to the escrow account or any part thereof.
 
Paragraph
3. Conditions of Escrow Agreement The property described in Paragraph
2, above, will remain in the escrow account created by this agreement until one of the two following conditions has been satisfied:
(1) the decommissioning activities required by 10 CFR 50 have been completed, the license has been terminated, the facility site is available for unrestricted use for any public or private purpose, and the escrow account has been terminated by notice, in writing, from [insert name of licensee]
or (2) the escrow agent, [insert name of the escrow agent] has been notified by tlye [insert NRC or name of the State regulatory agency], in writing, that the licensee, [name of licensee]
has defaulted on the agreed obligation to carry out the decommissioning for the above listed facility(ies).
B-2 Appendix B.1, continued Paragraph
4. Disbursement of Property in Escrow Account The (insert name of escrow agent] shall make payments from the escrow account upon the presentation of a certificate duly executed by the Secretary or appro priate Officer of the [insert name of licensee]
attesting to the occurrence of the events, and in the form set forth in the attached Specimen Certificate, and upon presentation of a certification attesting to the following conditions:
(1) that decommissioning is proceeding pursuant to an NRC approved plan, and (2) that the funds withdrawn will be expended for activities undertaken pursuant to that plan.  Or upon (insert name of escrow agent] receiving written notification of li censee's default from the [insert NRC or State regulatory agency], [insert name of escrow agent] shall make payments from the escrow account as the (insert NRC or name of State regulatory agency] shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of the required decommissioning activities covered by this agreement.
 
The escrow agent shall reimburse the licensee or other persons as specified by the [insert NRC or State regulatory agency] from the escrow account for expenses for required activities in such amounts as the [insert NRC or name of the State regulatory agency] shall direct in writing. In addition, the escrow agent shall refund to [insert name of licensee]
such amounts as the [insert NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] specifies, in writing. Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute part of the escrow account as described in paragraph
2, abov
 
====e. Paragraph ====
5. Irrevocability It is also agreed between the parties that this escrow is revocable upon delivery to [insert name of escrow agent], the escrow agent, only on the occur rence of one of the conditions described in Paragraph
3 above or by transfer of the funds held in escrow to another financial assurance mechanism permitted under 10 CFR 50.75(e). 
Paragraph
6. Powers of the Escrow Agent The only powers and duties of the escrow agent shall be to hold the escrow property and to invest and dispose of it in accordance with the terms of this agreement.
 
Escrow Account Management The escrow agent shall invest and reinvest the principal and income of the escrow account and keep the escrow account invested as a single fund, without distinc tion between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the (insert name of licensee]
may communicate in writing to the escrow agent from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of the escrow account; the escrow agent shall discharge its duties with respect to the escrow account solely in the interest of [insert name of licensee's]
decommis sioning obligation and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence, under the circumstances then prevailing, that persons of prudence, acting in like capacity B-3 Appendix B.1, continued and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like character and with like aims; except that: (a) Securities or other obligations of the licensee, or any other owner or operator of the licensed facility(ies), or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (15 U.S.C. 80A.  2(a)), shall not be acquired or held, unless they are securities or other obligations of the Federal government; (b) The escrow agent is authorized to hold cash, awaiting investment or distri bution uninvested, for _ days and without liability for the payment of interest thereon.
 
Express Power of the Escrow Agent Without in any way limiting the powers and discretion conferred upon the escrow agent by other provisions of this agreement or by law, the escrow agent is expressly authorized and empowered: (a) To register any securities held in the escrow account in its own name and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the U.S. Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the escrow agent shall at all times show that all such securities are part of the escrow account; (b) To deposit any cash in the escrow account in interest-bearing accounts or savings certificates; (c) To pay taxes, from the account, of any kind that may be assessed or levied against the escrow account and all brokerage commissions incurred by the escrow account.
 
Paragraph
7. Annual Valuation After delivery has been made into this escrow account, the escrow agent shall [monthly, quarterly, annually]
furnish to the licensee a statement confirming the value of the escrow account. Any securities in the account shall be valued at market value within a reasonable time before issuance of such statement.
 
The failure of the licensee to object in writing to the escrow agent within 90 days after the statement has been furnished to the licensee shall constitute a conclusively binding assent by the licensee, barring the licensee from asserting any claim or liability against the escrow agent with respect to the matters disclosed in the statement.
 
Paragraph
8. Successor Escrow Agent Upon 90 days prior notice to the licensee, [insert name of licensee], the escrow agent may resign; upon 90 days notice to the escrow agent, the licensee, [insert name of licensee], may replace the escrow agent provided that such resignation or replacement is not effective until the escrow agent has appointed a successor escrow agent and this successor accepts the appointment or another financial assurance instrument has been secured pursuant to paragraph
5. The successor B-4 Appendix B.1, continued escrow agent shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the escrow agent under this agreement.
 
Upon the successor's acceptance of the appointment, the escrow agent shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the suc cessor the funds and properties then constituting the escrow account. If for any reason the licensee cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the escrow agent, the escrow agent may apply to a court of competent juris diction for the appointment of a successor, or for instructions.
 
The successor escrow agent shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the escrow account in a writing sent to the licensee and the current escrow agent by certified mail 10 days before the change becomes effective.
 
Any expenses incurred by the escrow agent as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this paragraph shall be paid as provided in Paragraph
10 of this agreement.
 
Paragraph
9. Instructions to the Escrow Agent All orders, requests, and instructions from the licensee to the escrow agent shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are signatories to this agreement, or such other designees as the licensee may designate in writing. All orders, requests, and instructions from the [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] shall be in writing, signed by the designees of the [insert NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency]. The escrow agent shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions.
 
The escrow agent shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the licensee or [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] under this agreement has occurred.
 
The escrow agent shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the licensee and/or [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency], except as provided in this agreement.
 
Paragraph
10. Compensation and Expenses of the Escrow Agent The fee of the escrow agent for its services in establishing the escrow account shall be $ , payable at the time of the execution of this agreement, to be borne by [insert the name of the licensee], licensee.
 
Expenses of the escrow agent for the administration of the escrow account, the compensation of the escrow agent for services subsequent to the establishing of the escrow account to the extent not paid directly by the licensee, and all other proper charges and disbursements shall be paid from the escrow account.
 
Paragraph
11. Amendment To This Agreement This agreement may be amended by an instrument in writing executed by the li censee and the escrow agen
 
====t. Paragraph ====
12. Termination This agreement can be terminated by written notice of termination to the escrow agent signed by [insert the name of licensee], licensee, and by the [insert NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] alone, if the licensee has ceased to exist.B-5 Appendix 8.1, continued Paragraph
13. Interpretation This escrow agreement constitutes the entire agreement between [insert the name of licensee]
and [insert the name of the escrow agent]. The escrow agent shall not be bound by any other agreement or contract entered into by [insert name of licensee]
and the only document that may be referenced in case of ambiguity in this escrow agreement is the licensing agreement between [insert name of licensee]
and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor.
 
Paragraph
14. Acceptance of Appointment by Escrow Agent [Insert name, address, and position of escrow agent] does hereby acknowledge its appointment by [insert name of licensee], the licensee, to serve as escrow agent for the escrow account created under this agreement and agrees to carry out its obligations and duties as stated in this escrow agreement.
 
Paragraph
15. Severability If any part of this agreement is invalid, it shall not affect the remaining pro visions; which remain valid and enforceable.
 
Paragraph
16.  This agreement shall not become effective (and the escrow agent shall have no responsibility hereunder except to return the escrow property to the [insert name of licensee])
until the escrow agent shall have received the following and shall have advised [insert name of licensee]
in writing that the same are in form and substance satisfactory to the escrow agent: Certified resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the making and performance of this Agreement;
Certificate as to the names and specimen signatures of its officers or representative authorized to sign this Agreementand notices, instructions and other communications hereunder.
 
[Signatures and positions of the designees of the licensee and the escrow agent.] [Insert name of escrow agent] [Insert name of licensee]
By By Name Name Title Title Date.  Witness by Notary Public.B-6 APPENDIX B.1.1 SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE
OF EVENTS [Insert name and address of escrow agent] Attention:
Escrow Division Gentlemen:
In accordance with the terms of the Agreement with you dated I, ___ _ , [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], hereby certify that the following events have occurred:
1. [Insert name of licensee]
is required to commence the decommissioning of its facilities located at [insert location of facility] (hereinafter called the decommissioning). 
2. The plans and procedures for the commencement and conduct of the decommissioning have been approved by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor, on (copy of approval attached). 
3. The Board of Directors of [insert name of licensee]
has adopted the attached resolution authorizing the commencing of the decommissioning.
 
[Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee]
Date B-7 APPENDIX B.1.2 SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE
OF RESOLUTION
I, _, do hereby certify that I am [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], a [insert state of incorporation]
corporation, and that the resolution listed below was duly adopted at a meeting of this Corpora tion's Board of Directors on ...._ , 19 -.  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of this Corporation this day of , 19 _.  [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee]
RESOLVED, that this Board of Directors hereby authorizes the President or such other employee of the Company as he may designate
[insert, as appropriate, "to enter into an escrow agreement," or "to commence decommissioning activities at (name of facility))
with the [insert name of escrow agent] in accordance with 1 the terms and conditions described to this Board of Directors at this meeting and with such other terms and conditions as the President shall have approved with and upon the advice of Counsel.B-8 APPENDIX B.2 SAMPLE CERTIFICATES
OF DEPOSIT APPENDIX B.2.1 SAMPLE NEGOTIABLE
CERTIFICATE
OF DEPOSIT PAYABLE AT THE EXPIRATION
OF A SPECIFIED
TIME CERTIFICATE
OF DEPOSIT (Financial Institution)
Place No.  (Date) [Insert name of licensee or applicant]
has deposited not subject to check Dollars ($ ) payable to the order of the holder in cur rentnot less than ---3-dais) days after date, upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed, with interest at the rate of percent per annum from date to maturity only. The rate of interest payable-hereunder is subject to change by the bank to such extent as may be necessary to comply with requirements of the Federal Reserve Board made from time to time pursuant to the Federal Reserve Act.  These funds are deposited for the purpose of providing financial assurance for the cost of decommissioning activities as required under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 50. Accordingly, this certificate will be renewed automatically unless written notice of (1) the default of the [insert name of licensee or applicant]
on these obligations;
(2) the termination of the facility license; or (3) the substitution of another financial assurance mechanism is received from [the name of licensee or applicant]. 
Cashier or Officer Note: The negotiable Certificate of Deposit should be in the possession of the trustee of the concurrently created standby trust or the escrow agent of an escrow account.
 
The certificate should be for a limited time period, such as 1 to 5 years, so that the face value can be adjusted.B-9 APPENDIX B.2.2 SAMPLE NONNEGOTIABLE
CERTIFICATE
OF DEPOSIT PAYABLE ON A CERTAIN DATE CERTIFICATE
OF DEPOSIT (Financial Institution)
Certificate of Deposit _, 19 _ [Insert name of licensee or applicant]
has deposited in the financial institution the sum of Dollars ($ __ ) payable to EState regulatory agency (if the agency can hold special funds under applicable state law), trus tee of standby trust, or escrow agent], months after date, with interest thereon at the rate of __T_ percent per annum from date, upon presentation of this certificate properly endorsed.
 
These funds are deposited for.the purpose of providing financial assurance for the cost of decommissioning activities as required under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 50. Accordingly, this certificate will be renewed automatically unless written notice of (1) the default of the [insert name of licensee or applicant]
on these obligations;
(2) the termination of the facility license; or (3) the substitution of another financial assurance mechanism is received from [the name of the licen see or applicant]. 
Cashier or Officer Note: The certificate should be for a limited time period, such as 1 to 5 years, so that the face value can be adjusted.B-10
APPENDIX B.3 SAMPLE TRUST FUND AND STANDBY TRUST AGREEMENTS
APPENDIX B.3.1 SAMPLE TRUST FUND AGREEMENT
TRUST AGREEMENT, the Agreement is entered into as of [date] by and between [name of NRC licensee], a [name of State] [insert "corporation," "partnership," "association," or "proprietorship"], herein referred to as the "Grantor," and [name and address of an appropriate State or Federal government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency], the "Trustee." WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S.  Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50. These regulations, applicable to the Grantor, require that a holder of, or an applicant for a license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.
 
WHEREAS, the Grantor has elected to use a trust fund to provide [insert "all" or "part"] of such financial assurance for the facilities identified herein and also provide such additional decommissioning funds not required by the NRC as the Grantor may elect; WHEREAS, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this Agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee, NOW, THEREFORE, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows: Section 1. Definitions.
 
As used in this Agreement: (a) The term "Grantor" means the NRC licensee who enters into this Agreement and any successors or assigns of the Grantor.  (b) The term "Trustee" means the trustee who enters into this Agreement and any successor Trustee.
 
Section 2. Costs of Decommissioning.
 
This Agreement pertains to the costs of decommissioning the facility identified in License Number [insert license num ber] issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50.  Section 3. Establishment of Fund. The Grantor and Trustee hereby establish a trust fund (the Fund) for the benefit of [insert the Grantor or other appropri ate beneficiary'such as a State agency or the NRC]. The Grantor and the Trustee intend that no third party shall have access to the Fund except as provided herein. [Modification of this provision to cover sale-leaseback agreements should be made contingent upon continued dedication of the trust to provide funds for decommissioning.]
B-I1 Appendix B.3.1, continued Section 4. Payments Constituting the Fund. Payments made to the Trustee for the Fund shall consist of cash, securities, or other liquid assets acceptable to the Trustee. The Fund is established initially as consisting of property acceptable to the Trustee. Such property and any other property subsequently transferred to the Trustee are referred to as the "Fund," together with all earnings and profits thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the Trustee pursuant to this Agreement.
 
The Fund shall be held by the Trustee, IN TRUST, as hereinafter provided.
 
Section 5. Payment for Required Activities Specified in the Plan. The Trustee shall make payments from the Fund to the Grantor or to a decommissioning con tractor of the Grantor as the Grantor may designate upon presentation to the Trustee of the following:
a. A certificate duly executed by the [Authorized Officer] of the Grantor attesting to the occurrence of the events, and in the form set forth in the attached Specimen Certificate (see certificate following standby trust), and b. A certificate attesting to the following conditions;
(1) that decommissioning is proceeding pursuant to an NRC-approved plan, and (2) that the funds withdrawn will be expended for activities undertaken pursuant to that Plan.  In the event of the Grantor's default or inability to direct decommissioning activities, the Trustee shall: (1) make payments from the Fund as the NRC or State agency shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of required activities covered by this Agreement;
(2) make disbursements to the Grantor or other persons as specified by the NRC, or State agency, from the Fund for expenditures for required activities in such amounts as the NRC, or State agency, shall direct in writing; and (3) refund to the Grantor such amounts remaining after the license has been terminated or as the NRC or State Agency specifies in writing. Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute part of the Fund as defined herein.  Section 6. Trust Management.
 
The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the princi pal and income of the Fund and keep the Fund invested as a single fund, without distinction between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the Grantor may communicate in writing to the Trustee from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of this section.
 
In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and managing the Fund, the Trustee shall discharge its duties with respect to the Fund in the best interest of the beneficiary and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing which persons of prudence, acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enter prise of a like character and with like aims; except that: (a) Securities or other obligations of the Grantor, or any other owner or operator of the facilities, or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (15 U S.C. 80A-2(a)), shall not be acquired or held, unless they are securities or other obligations of the Federal or a State government;
and B-12 Appendix B.3.1, continued (b) For a reasonable time, not to exceed days, the Trustee is authorized to hold uninvested cash, awaiting investment or distribution, without liability for the payment of interest thereon.
 
Section 7. Commingling and Investment.
 
The Trustee is expressly authorized fn its discretion: (a) To transfer from time to time any or all of the assets of the fund to any common, commingled, or collective trust fund created by the Trustee in which the Fund is eligible to participate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the assets of other trusts participating therein; and (b) To purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80A-1 et seq.), including one that may be created, managed, underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered, or the shares of which are sold by the Trustee. The Trustee may vote such shares in its discretion.
 
Section 8. Express Powers of Trustee. Without in any way limiting the powers and discretion conferred upon the Trustee by the other provisions of this Agreement or by law, the Trustee is expressly authorized and empowered: (a) To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by public or private sale, as necessary for prudent management of the Fund; (b) To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted; (c) To register any securities held in the Fund in its own name, or in the name of a nominee, and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the Trustee in other fiduciary capacities, to rein vest interest and dividends payments and funds from matured and redeemed instruments, to file proper forms concerning securities held in the Fund in a timely fashion with appropriate government agencies, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a qualified central depository even though, when so deposited, such securities may be merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee or such depository with other securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the U.S. Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the Trustee shall at all times show that all such securities are part of the Fund; (d) To deposit any cash in the Fund in interest-bearing accounts maintained or savings certificates issued by the Trustee, in its separate corporate capacity, or in any other banking institution affiliated with the Trustee; and (e) To compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the Fund.B-13 Appendix B.3.1, continued Section 9. Taxes and Expenses.
 
All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against or in respect of the Fund and all brokerage commissions incurred by the Fund may be paid from the Fund. All other expenses incurred by the Trustee in connection with the administration of this Trust, including fees for legal services rendered to the Trustee, the compensation of the Trustee to the extent not paid directly by the Grantor, and all other proper charges and dis bursements of the Trustee may be paid from the Fund.  Section 10. Annual Valuation.
 
After payment has been made into this trust fund, the Trustee shall [monthly, quarterly, annually]
furnish to the Grantor a state ment confirming the value of the Trust. Any securities in the Fund shall be valued at market value within a reasonable time of such statement.
 
The failure of the Grantor to object in writing to the Trustee within _ days after the statement has been furnished to the Grantor shall constitute a conclusively binding assent by the Grantor, barring the grantor from asserting any claim or liability against the Trustee with respect to the matters disclosed in the statement.
 
Section 11. Advice of Counsel. The Trustee may from time to time consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the grantor, with respect to any question arising as to the construction of this Agreement or any action to be taken hereunder.
 
The Trustee shall be fully protected, to the extent permitted by law, in acting on the advice of counsel.
 
Section 12. Trustee Compensation.
 
The Trustee shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the Grantor.
 
Section 13. Successor Trustee. Upon days notice to the Grantor, the Trustee may resign; upon days notice to the Trustee, the Grantor may replace the Trustee; but such-resignation or replacement shall not be effective until the Grantor has either appointed a successor Trustee and this successor accepts the appointment or implements another financial assurance mechanism specified in Title 10, Chapter I, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 50.75(e).
The suc cessor Trustee shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the Trustee hereunder.
 
Upon the successor Trustee's acceptance of the appointment, the Trustee shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor Trustee the funds and properties then constituting the Fund. If for any reason the Grantor cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the Trustee, the Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee or for instructions.
 
The successor Trustee shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the trust in a writing sent to the Grantor and the present Trustee by certified mail days before such change becomes effective.
 
Any expenses incurred by the Trustee as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this section shall be paid as provided in Section 9.  Section 14. Instructions to the Trustee. All orders, requests, and instructions by the Grantor to the Trustee shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are signatories to this agreement or such other designees as the Grantor may desig nate in writing. The Trustee shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in accordance with the Grantor's orders, requests, and instructions.
 
If the NRC or State agency issues orders, requests, or instructions to the Trustee in the event of Grantor default, these shall be in writing, signed by the NRC, State agency, or their designees, and the Trustee shall act and shall be fully B-14 I
Appendix B.3.1, continued protected in actingin accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions.
 
The Trustee shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the auth ority of any person to act on behalf of the Grantor, the NRC, or State agency, hereunder has occurred.
 
The Trustee shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the Grantor and/or the NRC, or State agency, except as provided for herein.  Section 15. Amendment of Agreement.
 
This Agreement may be amended by an instru ment in writing executed by the Grantor, the Trustee and, if applicable, the NRC or State agency, or by the Trustee and the NRC or state agency if the Grantor ceases to exist.  Section 16. Termination.
 
This trust agreement shall continue until terminated at the written agreement of the Grantor, the Trustee and, if applicable, the NRC or State agency, or by the Trustee and the NRC or State agency, if the grantor ceases to exist. Upon termination of the trust, all remaining trust property, less final trust administration expenses, shall be delivered to the Grantor or its successor, or transferred to another financial assurance mechanism specified in 10 CFR 50.75(e), as appropriate.
 
Section 17. Immunity and Indemnification.
 
The Trustee shall not incur personal liability of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration of this trust, or in carrying out any directions by the Grantor, the NRC, or State agency, issued in accordance with this Agree ment. The Trustee shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Grantor or from the trust fund, or both, from and against any personal liability to which the Trustee may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official capacity, including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the Grantor fails to provide such defense.
 
Section 18. This Agreement shall be administered, construed, and enforced according to the laws of the State of [insert name of State].  Section 19. Interpretation and Severability.


Use by Applicants and Licensees Applicants and licensees may voluntarily
As used in this Agreement, words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.
6 use the guidance in this document to demonstrate compliance with the underlying NRC regulations.  Methods or solutions that differ from those described in this regulatory guide may be deemed acceptable if they provide sufficient basis and information for the NRC staff to verify that the proposed alternative demonstrates compliance with the appropriate NRC regulations.  Current licensees may continue to use guidance the NRC found acceptable for complying with the identified regulations as long as their current licensing basis remains unchanged
.  Licensees may use the information in this regulatory guide for actions which do not require NRC review and approval such as changes to a facility design under 10 CFR 50.59.  Licensees may use the information in this regulatory guide or applicable parts to resolve regulatory or inspection issues.


Use by NRC Staff During regulatory discussions on plant specific operational issues, the staff may discuss with licensees, various actions consistent with staff positions in this regulatory guide, as one acceptable means of meeting the underlying NRC regulatory requirement.  Such discussions would not ordinarily be considered backfitting even if prior versions of this regulatory guide are part of the licensing basis of the facility.  However, unless this regulatory guide is part of the licensing basis for a facility, the staff may not represent to the licensee that the licensee's failure to comply with the positions in this regulatory guide constitutes a violation.
The descriptive headings for each section of this Agreement shall not affect the interpretation or the legal efficacy of this Agreement.


5  In this section, "licensees" refers to licensees of nuclear power plants under 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52; and the term "applicants," refers to applicants for licenses and permits for (or relating to) nuclear power plants under 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52, and applicants for standard design approvals and standard design certifications under 10 CFR Part 52.
If any part of this agreement is invalid, it shall not affect the remaining provisions which will remain valid and enforceable.


6 In this section, "voluntary" and "voluntarily" means that the licensee is seeking the action of its own accord, without the force of a legally binding requirement or an NRC representation of further licensing or enforcement action.
B-15 Appendix B.3.1, continued IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by the I respective officers duly authorized and the incorporate seals to be hereunto L affixed and attested as of the date first written above. ATTEST: [Insert name of licensee (Grantor)]
[Signature of representative of Grantor] [Title] [Title] [Seal] [Insert name of Trustee] [Signature of representative of Trustee] [Title) ATTEST: [Title] [Seal]B-16 APPENDIX B.3.2 SAMPLE STANDBY TRUST AGREEMENT
TRUST AGREEMENT, the Agreement entered into as of [date] by and between [name of NRC licensee], a [name of State] [insert "corporation," "partnership," "associa tion," or "proprietorship"], herein referred to as the "Grantor," and [name and address of an appropriate State or Federal government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency], the "Trustee." WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S.  Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50. These regulations, applicable to the Grantor, require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a Part 50 license provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 23 If an existing licensee voluntarily seeks a license amendment or change and (1) the NRC staff's consideration of the request involves a regulatory issue directly relevant to this new or revised regulatory guide and (2) the specific subject matter of this regulatory guide is an essential consideration in the staff's determination of the acceptability of the licensee's request, then the staff may request that the licensee either follow the guidance in this regulatory guide or provide an equivalent alternative process that demonstrates compliance with the underlying NRC regulatory requirements. This is not considered backfitting as defined in 10 CFR 50.109(a)(1) or a violation of any of the issue finality provisions in 10 CFR Part 52.
WHEREAS, the Grantor has elected to use a [insert "letter of credit," "line of credit,' "surety bond," "insurance policy," "parent guarantee," "certificate of deposit," or "deposit of government securities"]
to provide [insert "all" or "part"] of such financial assurance for the facilities identified herein; and WHEREAS, when payment is made under a [insert "letter of credit," "line of credit," "surety bond," "insurance policy, "certificate(s)  
of deposit," "deposit of govern ment securities," or "parent guarantee"], this standby trust shall be used for the receipt of such payment; and WHEREAS, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this Agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee, NOW, THEREFORE, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows: [The remainder of the recommended wording for the Standby Trust Agreement is as indicated in B.3.1 for the Trust Fund Agreement except that the words "Standby Trust Fund" should be substituted in Section 3 and Section 10 in place of the words "Trust Fund."]B-17 APPENDIX B.3.2.1 SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE
OF EVENTS [Insert name and address of trustee] Attention:
Trust Division Gentlemen:
In accordance with the terms of the Agreement with you dated I, , [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], hereby certify that the following events have occurred:
1. [Insert name of licensee]
is required to commence the decommissioning of its facility located at [insert location of facility] (hereinafter called the decommissioning).
2. The plans and procedures for the commencement and conduct of the decommissioning have been approved by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor, on (copy of approval attached)
3. The Board of Directors of [insert name of licensee]
has adopted the attached resolution authorizing the commencement of the decommissioning.


The NRC staff does not intend or approve any imposition or backfitting of the guidance in this regulatory guide. The NRC staff does not expect any existing licensee to use or commit to using the guidance in this regulatory guide, unless the licensee makes a change to its licensing basis. The NRC staff does not expect or plan to request licensees to voluntarily adopt this regulatory guide to resolve a generic regulatory issue.  The NRC staff does not expect or plan to initiate NRC regulatory action which would require the use of this regulatory guideExamples of such unplanned NRC regulatory actions include issuance of an order requiring the use of the regulatory guide, requests for information under 10 CFR 50.54(f) as to whether a licensee intends to commit to use of this regulatory guide, generic communication, or promulgation of a rule requiring the use of this regulatory guide without further backfit consideration.
[Authorized OfficerJ of tinsert name of licenseej Date B-18 APPENDIX B.3.2.2 SAMPLE CERTIFICATE
OF RESOLUTION
I, , do hereby certify that I am [Authorized Officer] of (insert name of licensee), a (insert state of incorporation]
corporation, and that the resolution listed below was duly adopted at a meeting of this Corpora tion's Board of Directors on , 19 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of this Corporation this day of _ ___, 19.  LAuthorized Officer] RESOLVED, that this Board of Directors hereby authorizes the President, or such other employee of the Company as he may designate, to commence decommissioning activities at [insert name of facility]
in accordance with the terms and conditions described to this Board of Directors at this meeting and with such other terms and conditions as the President shall approve with and upon the advice of Counsel.B-19 APPENDIX B.3.3 SAMPLE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
[The following is an example of the acknowledgement that should accompany the trust agreement for a standby trust fund or trust fund.] STATE OF To Wit: CITY OF On this _ day of _ before me, a notary public in and for the city and State aToresaid, personally appeared , and she/he did depose and say that she/he is the [title], of [financial institution], Trustee, which executed the above instrument, that she/he knows the seal of said association;
that the seal affixed to such instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the association;
and that she/he signed her/his name thereto by like order.[Signature of notary public] My Commission Expires: [Date]B-20
APPENDIX B.4 SAMPLE PAYMENT SURETY BOND PAYMENT SURETY BOND Date bond executed:
Effective date: Principal:
[legal name and business address of licensee or applicant]
Type of organization:
[insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership" or "corporation")
State of incorporation: (if applicable)
NRC license number, name and address of facility, and amount(s)
for decommissioning activity guaranteed by this bond: Surety(ies)
[name(s) and business address(es)]
Type of organization:
[insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership" or "corporation"]
State of incorporation: (if applicable)
-Surety's qualification in jurisdiction where licensed facility(ies)
is (are located) Surety's bond number: Total penal sum of bond: $ Know all persons by these presents, That we, the Principal and Surety(ies)
hereto, are firmly bound to the [insert U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (hereinafter called NRC) or the name of the State agency] in the above penal sum for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, admin istrators, successors, and assigns jointly and severally;
provided that, where the Sureties are corporations acting as co-sureties, we, the Sureties, bind our selves in such sum "jointly and severally" only for the purpose of allowing a joint action or actions against any or all of us, and for all other purposes each Surety binds itself, jointly and severally with the Principal, for the pay ment of such sum only as is set forth opposite the name of such Surety; but if no limit of liability is indicated, the limit of liability shall be the full amount of the penal sum.  WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganiza tion Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, applicable to the Principal, which require that a license holder or an applicant for a license provide financial assurance that funds will be available when needed for facility decommissioning;
B-21 Appendix 8.4, continued NOW, THEREFORE, the conditions of the obligation are such that if the Principal_
shall faithfully, before the beginning of decommissioning of each facility iden tified above, fund the standby trust fund in the amount(s)
identified above for the facility;
Or, if the Principal shall fund the standby trust fund in such amount(s)
after an order to begin facility decommissioning is issued by [insert "the NRC" or the name of the State agency] or a U.S. district court or other court of competent jurisdiction;
Or, if the Principal shall provide alternative financial assurance and obtain the written approval of the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] of such assurance, within 30 days after the date a notice of cancellation from the Surety(ies)
is received by both the Principal and the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency), then this obligation shall be null and void; otherwise it is to remain in full force and effect.  The Surety(ies)
shall become liable on this bond obligation only when the Prin cipal has failed to fulfill the conditions described above. Upon notification by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] that the Principal has failed to perform as guaranteed by this bond, the Surety(ies)
shall place funds in the amount guaranteed for the facility(ies)
into the standby trust fundThe liability of the Surety(ies)
shall not be discharged by any payment or suc cession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall amount in'the aggregate to the penal sum of the bond, but in no event shall the obligation of the Surety(ies)
hereunder exceed the amount of said penal sum. The Surety(ies)  
may cancel the bond by sending notice of cancellation by certi fied mail to the Principal and to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency) provided, however, that cancellation shall not occur during the 90 days beginning on the date of receipt of the notice of cancellation by both the Prin cipal and the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency], as evidenced by the return receipts.


Additionally, an existing applicant may be required to adhere to new rules, orders, or guidance if 10 CFR 50.109(a)(3) applies.
The Principal may terminate this bond by sending written notice to the [insert "NRC" or name of State agency] and to Surety(ies)
90 days prior to the proposed date of termination, provided, however, that no such notice shall become effec tive until the Surety(ies)
receive(s)
written authorization for termination of the bond from the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency]. 
The Principal and Surety(ies)
hereby agree to adjust the penal sum of the bond yearly so that it guarantees a new amount, provided that the penal sum does not increase by more than 20 percent in any one year.  In Witness Whereof, the Principal and Surety(ies)
have executed this financial guarantee bond and have affixed their seals on the date set forth above.B-22 Appendix B.4, continued The persons whose signatures appear below hereby certify that they are authorized to execute this surety bond on behalf of the Principal and Surety(ies). 
Principal
[Signature(s)]
[Name(s)]
[Title(s)]
[Corporate seal] Corporate Surety(ies)
[Name and address] State of incorporation:
Liability limit: $ [Signature(s)]
[Name(s) and title(s)]
[Corporate seal] [For every co-surety, provide signature(s), corporate seal, and other informa tion in the same manner as for Surety(ies)
above.) Bond premium: $B-23 APPENDIX B.5 SAMPLE IRREVOCABLE
STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT NO. [INSERT NO.] This Credit Expires [insert date] Issued To: [Insert U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission;
Washington, DC 20555, or name and address of appropriate State agency.] Dear Sir or Madam: We hereby establish our Standby Letter of Credit No. in your favor, at the request and for the account of [applicant's name and address] up to the aggregate amount of [in words], U. S. dollars $ available upon presentation of: (1) your sight draft, bearing reference to this Letter of Credit No.  and (2) your signed statement reading as follows: "I certify that the amount of the draft is payable pursuant to regulations issued under authority of This letter of credit is issued in accordance with regulations issued under the authority of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S.  Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. The NRC has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, which require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a license issued under 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available When needed for decommissioning.


Conclusion This regulatory guide is not being imposed upon current licensees and may be voluntarily used by existing licensees.  In addition, this regulatory guide is issued in conformance with all applicable internal NRC policies and procedures governing backfitting.  Accordingly, the NRC staff issuance of this regulatory guide is not considered backfitting, as defined in 10 CFR 50.109(a)(1), nor is it deemed to be in conflict with any of the issue finality provisions in 10 CFR Part 52.
This letter of credit is effective as of [date] and shall expire on [date at least 1 year later], but such expiration date shall be-automatically extended for a period of [at least 1 year] on [date] and on each successive expiration date, unless, at least 90 days before the current expiration date, we notify both you and [licensee's name], as shown on the signed return receipts.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 24 GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL TERMS
If [licensee's name] is unable to secure alternative financial assurance to replace this letter of credit within 30 days of notification of cancellation the NRC may draw upon the full value of this letter of credit prior to cancellation.
certificate of deposit (CD)-A bank's, or other financial institution's, written acknowledgment of the receipt and deposit of a sum of money by the licensee or applicant and its promise of repayment.


When using a CD to demonstrate financial assurance for decommissioning, the licensee deposits, with a bank or other financial institution, funds sufficient to cover the certification amount or site-specific cost of decommissioning the licensed facility and receives a CD.  contractual obligations-Obligations on the part of a licensee's customers, the total amount of which, over the duration of the contracts, will provide the licensee's total share of uncollected funds to be needed for decommissioning, according to Title 10, Sections 50.75(c), 50.75(f), and 50.82, "Termination of License," of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 50.75(c), 10 CFR 50.75(f), 10 CFR 50.82).  decommissioning financial assurance-The system of regulation used by the NRC to ensure that funds are available when needed for decommissioning.  The term also refers to the total amount of assurance provided using one or more of the methods specified in 10 CFR 50.75(e).  A licensee is required to provide financial assurance at all times during the life of the facility, through termination of the license, that adequate funds will be available to complete decommissioning.  (61 FR 39278).  escrow account-An account containing funds deposited by the licensee or applicant and held by a bank or other financial institution.  An escrow account differs from similar accounts in that the licensee or applicant provides funds that are held by the escrow until the happening of a contingency or the performance of a condition, such as commencement of decommissioning, and then the funds are released to the grantor or the grantor's designee or, if appropriate, placed in the standby trust.  external sinking fund-A fund, established and maintained by setting funds aside periodically in an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the administrative control of the licensee and its subsidiaries or affiliates, in which the total amount of funds would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs at the time permanent termination of operations is expected.  An external sinking fund may be in the form of a trust, escrow account, government fund, CD, deposit of government securities, or other payment acceptable to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  financial test-An accounting ratio requirement, net worth requirement, bond rating requirement, or similar requirement or combination of requirements that measures the financial strength of a firm providing financial assurance.  The financial test is used by a firm that provides a guarantee to a licensee, to show its own financial strength and its ability to support the guarantee.  This mechanism is unavailable to electric-utility (power-reactor) licensees.  (See Appendix A, "Criteria Relating to Use of Financial Tests and Parent Company Guarantees for Providing Reasonable Assurance of Funds for Decommissioning," to 10 CFR Part 30, "Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material.") insurance-Insurance, in this case, would be similar to surety bonding, as discussed below, in that it would guarantee that decommissioning costs will be paid to a trustee, should the licensee default.  letter of credit-A binding agreement by which the issuing party, such as a bank or other financial institution, agrees on behalf of the applicant or licensee (the account party) to pay a governmental or government-approved authority (the beneficiary) in the event of any default by the licensee in the performance of decommissioning.
We shall give immediate notice to the applicant and the [insert "NRC" or name of State agency] of any notice received or action filed alleging (1) the insolvency or bankruptcy of the financial institution or (2) any violations of regulatory requirements that could result in suspension or revocation of the bank's charter or license to do business.


Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 25 line of credit-An arrangement of the licensee with a lender (a bank or other financial institution) in which the lender agrees to provide funds required for decommissioning of the licensee's facility.  The maximum amount of credit stated in the contract between the applicant or licensee and the lender must be at least sufficient to equal the certified or estimated cost of decommissioning. parent company guarantee-A promise by one party (the guarantor) to pay specified debts or perform specified obligations of another party (the principal) in the event that the principal fails to satisfy the debts or obligations.  Specifically, to satisfy the decommissioning regulations, an applicant's or licensee's parent corporation guarantees providing specified dollar amounts to fund performance of decommissioning in the event of the licensee's default.  A parent company guarantee can only be used if the parent company passes a financial test.  (See Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 30.)  prepayment-The deposit preceding the start of operation, or the transfer of a license pursuant to 10 CFR 50.80, "Transfer of Licenses," into an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the administrative control of the licensee and its subsidiaries or affiliates of cash or liquid assets, such that the amount of funds would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs at the time permanent termination of operations is expected.  Prepayment may be in the form of a trust, escrow account, government fund, CD, deposit of government securities, or other payment acceptable to the NRC.  shortfall-The difference between the amount of financial assurance provided by the licensee and the amount of financial assurance required, when the amount provided is less than the amount required. standby trust fund-A trust fund (see below) set up to receive funds from a surety, letter of credit, insurance, or guarantee when payment is made from them, to ensure that the funds remain available for decommissioning.  surety bond-A guarantee that decommissioning costs will be paid, should the licensee default.  The surety bond is a contract that the licensee or applicant (the principal) enters into with a qualified surety company (the surety) to assure the Commission or State regulatory agency that the licensee will fulfill its decommissioning obligations.  In the event of the licensee's default, the surety guarantees that decommissioning costs will be paid.  trust fund-A three-party agreement whereby the licensee or applicant, called the grantor or trustor, transfers assets to a trustee, such as a bank, other financial institution, or governmental authority, to hold on behalf of the beneficiary (e.g., a State agency, or the NRC, but only to the extent the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3302(b) would not be applicable).  The assets may be at least equal to the cost of decommissioning (prepayment) or may build up over time, such that the amount of funds should be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs (external sinking fund). 
We also shall give immediate notice if we, for any reason, become unable to fulfill our obligation under the letter of credit.B- 24 Appendix B.5, continued Whenever this letter of credit is drawn on under and in compliance with the terms of this letter of credit, we shall duly honor such draft upon its presentation to us within 30 days, and we shall deposit the amount of the draft directly into the standby trust fund of [licensee's name] in accordance with your instructions.
Rev. 2 of RG 1.159, Page 26 REFERENCES
7 1. NUREG/CR-1756, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning Reference Nuclear Research and Test Reactors," prepared by Pacific Northwest Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, March 1982, and Addendum 1, July 1983.


2. NUREG-0584, "Assuring the Availability of Funds for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities," Draft Report, Revision 3, March 1983.
Each draft must bear on its face the clause: "Drawn under Letter of Credit No. _ , dated , and the total of this draft and all other drafts previously drawn under this letter of credit does not exceed [fill in amount]." [Signature(s)
and title(s) of official(s)
of issuing institution]
[Date] This credit is subject to [insert "the most recent edition of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, published by the Intierinational Chamber of Commerce," or "the Uniform Commercial Code"].B-25 APPENDIX B.6 SAMPLE DOCUMENTS
RECOMMENDED
TO SUPPORT CORPORATE
GUARANTEE
APPENDIX B.6.1 SAMPLE LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER OF CORPORATE
PARENT, INCLUDING
COST ESTIMATES
AND DATA FROM AUDITED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Address to U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or State regulatory agency) I am the chief financial officer of [name and address of firm], a [insert "tproprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership," or "corporation"].
This letter is in support of this firm's use of the financial test to demonstrate financial assurance, as specified in 10 CFR Part 50.  [Complete the following paragraph regarding facility(ies)
and associated cost estimates.


3. NUREG-0586, "Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities," August 1988.
For each facility, include its license number, name, address, and current cost estimates for the specified activities.]
This firm guarantees, through the parent company guarantee submitted to demon strate compliance under 10 CFR Part 50, the decommissioning of the following facility(ies)
owned or operated by subsidiary(ies)
of this firm. The current cost estimates or certified amounts for decommissioning, so guaranteed, are shown for each facility:
Name of Location of Current Facility Facility Cost Estimates This firm [insert "is required" or "is not required"]
to file a Form 10K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the latest fiscal year.  This fiscal year of this firm ends on [month, day]. The figures for the follow ing items marked with an asterisk are derived from this firm's independently audited, year-end financial statements and footnotes for the latest completed fiscal year, ended [date].  [Insert completed Alternative I or Alternative II.] I hereby certify that the content of this letter is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.


4. NUREG-1727, "NMSS Decommissioning Standard Review Plan," September 2000.
[Signature]
[Name] [Title] [Date]8-26 APPENDIX 8.6.2 Financial Test: Alternative I 1. Decommissioning cost estimates for facility [insert license number] (total of all cost estimates shown in paragraphs above) *2. Total liabilities (if any portion of the cost estimates for decommissioning is included in total liabilities on your firm's financial statement, deduct the amount of that portion from this line and add that amount to lines 3 and 4) *3. Tangible net worth *4. Net worth *5. Current assets *


5. NUREG-1307, "Report on Waste Burial Charges," Revision 13, November 2008.
===6. Current liabilities ===
*7. Net working capital (line 5 minus line 6) *8. The sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization
*9. Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90 percent of firm's assets are located in the United States) Yes 10. Is line 3 at least $10 million? 11. Is line 3 at least 6 times line 1? 12. Is line 7 at least 6 times line I? 13. Are at least 90 percent of firm's assets located in the United States? If not, complete line 14.  14. Is line 9 at least 6 times line 1? (Guarantor must meet two of the following three ratios) 15. Is line 2 divided by line 4 less than 2.0? 16. Is line 8 divided by line 2 greater than 0.1? 17. Is line 5 divided by line 6 greater than 1.5?$ $ $$ $ No mDenotes figures derived from financial statements.


6. NUREG/CR-0130, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Pressurized-Water Reactor Power Station," June 1978; Addendum 1, July 1979; Addendum 2, July 1983; Addendum 3, September 1984; and Addendum 4, July 1988.
B-27 APPENDIX B.6.3 Financial Test: Alternative II 1. Decommissioning cost estimates for facility [insert license number] (total of all cost estimates shown in paragraphs above) 2. Current bond rating of most recent issuance of this firm and name of rating service 3. Date of issuance of bond 4. Date of maturity of bond *5. Tangible net worth (if any portion of estimates for decommissioning is included in total liabilities on your firm's financial statements, add the amount of that portion to this line).  *6. Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90 percent of firm's assets are located in the United States) YES 7. Is line 5 at least $10 million? 8. Is line 5 at least 6 times line 1? *9. Are at least 90 percent of firm's assets located in in the United States? If not, complete line 10.  10. Is line 6 at least 6 times line I?wDenotes figures derived from financial statements.


7. NUREG/CR-0672, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Boiling-Water Reactor Power Station," June 1980; Addendum 1, July 1983; Addendum 2, September 1984; and Addendum 3, July 1988.
B-28$$ NO
APPENDIX B.6.4 SAMPLE OF AUDITOR'S
SPECIAL REPORT BY CERTIFIED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
CONFIRMATION
OF CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER'S
LETTER We have examined the financial statements of [company name] for the year ended [date], and have issued our report thereon dated [date]. Our examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, accordingly, included such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary.


8. Regulatory Guide 1.202, "Standard Format and Content of Decommissioning Cost Estimates for Nuclear Power Reactors," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC.
The [company name] has prepared documents to demonstrate its financial responsi bility under the NRC's financial assurance regulations, 10 CFR Part 50. This letter is furnished to assist the licensee [insert NRC license number and name] in complying with these regulations and should not be used for other purposes.


9. NUREG-1713, "Standard Review Plan for Decommissioning Cost Estimates for Nuclear Power Reactors," December 2004.
The attached schedule reconciles the specified information furnished in the chief financial officer's (CFO's) letter in response to the regulations with the company's financial statements.


10. NUREG-1700, "Standard Review Plan for Evaluating Nuclear Power Reactor License Termination Plans," April 2000.
In connection therewith, we have 1. Confirmed that the amounts in the column "Per Financial Statements" agree with amounts contained in the company's financial statements for the year ended [date]; 2. Confirmed that the account in the column "Per CEO's Letter" agrees with the letter prepared in response to the NRC's request; 3. Confirmed that the amounts in the column "Reconciling Items" agrees with analyses prepared by the company setting forth the indicated items; and 4. Recomputed the totals and percentages.


11. Regulatory Guide 1.179, "Standard Format and Content of License Termination Plans for Nuclear Power Reactors," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC.
Because the procedures in 1-4 above do not constitute a full examination made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we do not express an opinion on the manner in which the amounts were derived in the items referred to above. In connection with the procedures referred to above, no matters came to our attention that cause us to believe that the chief financial officer's letter and supporting information should be adjusted.


7  Publicly available NRC published documents are available electronically through the NRC Library on the NRC's public Web site at: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/. The documents can also be viewed on-line or printed for a fee in the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) at 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD; the mailing address is USNRC PDR, Washington, DC 20555; telephone (301) 415-4737 or (800) 397-4209; fax (301) 415-3548; and e-mail pdr.resource@nrc.gov.
Signature Date B-29 APPENDIX B.6.4.1 SAMPLE SCHEDULE RECONCILING
AMOUNTS CONTAINED
IN CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER'S
LETTER WITH AMOUNTS IN FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
XYZ COMPANY YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 19XX Per Recon- Per Line in Financial ciling CFO's CFO's Letter Statements Items Letter Total current liabilities X Long-term debt X Deferred income taxes X XX Accrued decommissioning costs included in current liabilities X Total liabilities (less accrued decommissioning costs) X Net worth XX Less: Cost in excess of value of tangible assets acquired X XX Accrued decommissioning costs included in current liabilities X Tangible net worth (plus decommissioning costs) XX (Balance of schedule is not illustrated.)  
This illustrates the form of schedule that is contemplated.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-1 APPENDIX A EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL ASSURANCE INSTRUMENTS  The following formats for financial assurance instruments provide examples of language and provisions for compliance with financial assurance requirements for decommissioning for some of the mechanisms allowed in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's) regulations.  Although the specific language is not required by decommissioning regulations, except for certain provisions, applicants and licensees will find that its use will simplify the submittal process.  Licensees may add, delete, or modify sample provisions as their circumstances warrant.  However, licensees should ensure that the financial assurance instruments being used are valid under applicable State law and comply with the NRC's decommissioning regulations in Title 10, Section 50.33, "Contents of Applications; General Information," of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 50.33); 10 CFR 50.75, "Reporting and Recordkeeping for Decommissioning Planning"; and 10 CFR 50.82, "Termination of License." 
Details and reconciling items will differ in specific situations.
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-2 APPENDIX A-1 EXAMPLE OF ESCROW AGREEMENT ESCROW NUMBER ___________ Paragraph 1.  Establishment of Escrow Account  It is agreed between the parties that [insert name of licensee], licensee, has elected to establish an escrow account with [insert name, address, and position of escrow agent] to provide financial assurance for decommissioning of the facility(ies) in the amounts shown below:  [For each facility for which financial assurance is provided by the escrow Agreement, list facility name, address, and license and/or docket number, corresponding estimated or certified decommissioning costs, and indicate amount of financial assurance provided by the escrow account.]  Paragraph 2.  Description of Property in Escrow Account  It is hereby acknowledged by the parties that [list the assets that have been delivered to the escrow agent and indicate the value of each item] has (have) been delivered to escrow and will remain in the escrow account created by this Agreement until one of the two conditions stated in paragraph 3 of this Agreement has been satisfied.  [Insert name of licensee] warrants to and agrees with [insert name of escrow agent] that, unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, there is no security interest in the property in the escrow account or any part thereof; no financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code is on file in any jurisdiction claiming a security interest in or describing (whether specifically or generally) the escrow account or any part thereof; and the escrow agent shall have no responsibility at any time to ascertain whether or not any security interest exists or to file any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code with respect to the escrow account or any part thereof.  Paragraph 3.  Conditions of Escrow Agreement  The property described in paragraph 2 above will remain in the escrow account created by this Agreement until one of the two following conditions has been satisfied:  (1) the decommissioning activities required by 10 CFR Part 50 have been authorized pursuant to paragraph 4 or completed, the license has been terminated, the facility site is available for use for public or private purpose, pursuant to NRC regulations, or the escrow account has been terminated by notice, in writing, from [insert name of licensee]; or (2) the escrow agent, [insert name of the escrow agent], has been notified by the [insert NRC or name of the State regulatory agency], in writing, that the licensee, [name of licensee], has defaulted on the agreed obligation to carry out the decommissioning for the above listed facility(ies).  Paragraph 4.  Disbursement of Property in Escrow Account  The [insert name of escrow agent] shall make payments from the escrow account upon the presentation of a certificate duly executed by the Secretary or appropriate Officer of the [insert name of licensee] attesting to the occurrence of the events, and in the form set forth in the attached Specimen Certificate, and upon presentation of a certification attesting to the following conditions: 
(1) that decommissioning is proceeding pursuant to an NRC-noticed or NRC-approved plan, and Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-3
(2) that the funds withdrawn will be expended for activities undertaken pursuant to that plan.  Or upon [insert name of escrow agent] receiving written notification of licensee default from the [insert NRC or State regulatory agency], [insert name of escrow agent] shall make payments from the escrow account as the [insert NRC or name of State regulatory agency] shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of the required decommissioning activities covered by this Agreement.  The escrow agent shall reimburse the licensee or other persons as specified by the [insert NRC or State regulatory agency] from the escrow account for expenses for required activities in such amounts as the [insert NRC or name of the State regulatory agency] shall direct in writing.  In addition, the escrow agent shall refund to [insert name of licensee] such amounts as the [insert NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] specifies, in writing.  Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute part of the escrow account as described in paragraph 2 above.  Except for withdrawals being made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8), or for payments of ordinary administrative costs (including taxes) and other incidental expenses of the fund (including legal, accounting, actuarial, and trustee expenses) in connection with the operation of the fund, no disbursement or payment may be made from the trust, escrow account, government fund, or other account used to segregate and manage the funds until written notice of the intention to make a disbursement or payment has been given to the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as applicable, at least 30 working days prior to the date of the intended disbursement or payment.  The disbursement or payment from the trust, escrow account, government fund, or other account may be made following the 30-day notice period if the person responsible for managing the trust, escrow account, government fund, or other account does not receive written notice of objection from the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as applicable, within the notice period.  Disbursements or payments from the trust, escrow account, government fund, or other account used to segregate and manage the funds, other than for payment of ordinary administrative costs (including taxes) and other incidental expenses of the fund (including legal, accounting, actuarial, and trustee expenses) in connection with the operation of the fund, are restricted to decommissioning expenses or transfer to another financial assurance method acceptable under 10 CFR 50.75(e) until final decommissioning has been completed.  After decommissioning has begun and withdrawals from the decommissioning fund are made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8), no further notification need be made to the NRC.  Paragraph 5.  Irrevocability  It is also agreed between the parties that this escrow is revocable upon delivery to [insert name of escrow agent], the escrow agent, only on the occurrence of one of the conditions described in paragraph 3 above or by transfer of the funds held in escrow to another financial assurance mechanism permitted under 10 CFR 50.75(e).  Paragraph 6.  Powers of the Escrow Agent  The only powers and duties of the escrow agent shall be to hold the escrow property and to invest and dispose of it in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Escrow Account Management  The escrow agent shall invest and reinvest the principal and income of the escrow account and keep the escrow account invested as a single fund, without distinction between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines, which the [insert name of licensee] may communicate in writing to the escrow agent from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of the Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-4 escrow account; the escrow agent shall discharge its duties with respect to the escrow account solely in the interest of [insert name of licensee] decommissioning obligation and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence, under the circumstances then prevailing, that persons of prudence, acting in like capacity and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like character and with like aims; except that:  (a) Securities or other obligations of the licensee, or any other owner or operator of any nuclear power reactor, or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or assigns, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (15 U. S. C. 80A-2(a)), or in a mutual fund in which at least 50 percent of the fund is invested in the securities of an NRC licensee of a nuclear power plant or parent company whose subsidiary is an owner or operator of a foreign or domestic nuclear power plant, shall not be acquired or held.  Investments tied to market indices or other nonnuclear-sector collective, commingled, or mutual funds (i.e., a mutual fund in which less than 50 percent of the fund is invested in the securities of a licensee or a parent company whose subsidiary is an owner or operator of a foreign or domestic nuclear power plant) may be acquired or held, provided, however, that no more than 10 percent of trust assets may be indirectly invested in securities of any entity owning or operating one or more nuclear power plants.  (b) For a reasonable time, not to exceed ___ days, the escrow agent is authorized to hold uninvested cash, awaiting investment or distribution, without liability for the payment of interest thereon.  The licensee, its affiliates, and its subsidiaries are prohibited from being engaged as investment manager for the funds or from giving day-to-day management direction of the funds' investments or direction on individual investments by the funds, except in the case of passive fund management of trust funds where such management is limited to investments-tracking market indices.  Express Power of the Escrow Agent  Without in any way limiting the powers and discretion conferred upon the escrow agent by other provisions of this Agreement or by law, the escrow agent is expressly authorized and empowered:  (a) to register any securities held in the escrow account in its own name and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the U.S. Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the escrow agent shall at all times show that all such securities are part of the escrow account;  (b) to deposit any cash in the escrow account in interest-bearing accounts or savings certificates;  (c) to pay taxes, from the account, of any kind that may be assessed or levied against the escrow account and all brokerage commissions incurred by the escrow account.  Paragraph 7.  Annual Valuation  After delivery has been made into this escrow account, the escrow agent shall [monthly, quarterly, annually] furnish to the licensee a statement confirming the value of the escrow account.  Any securities in the account shall be valued at market value within a reasonable time before issuance of such statement.  The failure of the licensee to object in writing to the escrow agent within 90 days after the statement has been furnished to the licensee shall constitute a conclusively binding assent by the licensee, barring the licensee from asserting any claim or liability against the escrow agent with respect to the matters disclosed in the statement.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-5 Paragraph 8.  Successor Escrow Agent  Upon 90 days prior notice to the licensee, [insert name of licensee], the escrow agent may resign; upon 90 days notice to the escrow agent, the licensee, [insert name of licensee], may replace the escrow agent, provided that such resignation or replacement is not effective until the escrow agent has appointed a successor escrow agent and this successor accepts the appointment, or another financial assurance instrument has been secured, pursuant to paragraph 5.  The successor escrow agent shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the escrow agent under this Agreement.  Upon the successor's acceptance of the appointment, the escrow agent shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor the funds and properties then constituting the escrow account.  If, for any reason, the licensee cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the escrow agent, the escrow agent may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor, or for instructions.  The successor escrow agent shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the escrow account in a writing sent to the licensee and the current escrow agent by certified mail 10 days before the change becomes effective.  Any expense incurred by the escrow agent as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this paragraph shall be paid as provided in paragraph 10 of this Agreement.  Paragraph 9.  Instructions to the Escrow Agent  All orders, requests, and instructions from the licensee to the escrow agent shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are signatories to this Agreement, or such other designees as the licensee may designate in writing.  All orders, requests, and instructions from the [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] shall be in writing, signed by the designees of the [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency].  The escrow agent shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions.  The escrow agent shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the licensee or [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] under this Agreement has occurred.  The escrow agent shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the licensee and/or [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency], except as provided in this Agreement.  Paragraph 10.  Compensation and Expenses of the Escrow Agent  The fee of the escrow agent for its services in establishing the escrow account shall be $_____, payable at the time of the execution of this Agreement, to be borne by [insert the name of the licensee], licensee.  Expenses of the escrow agent for the administration of the escrow account, the compensation of the escrow agent for services subsequent to the establishing of the escrow account to the extent not paid directly by the licensee, and all other proper charges and disbursements shall be paid from the escrow accountParagraph 11. Amendment to This Agreement  This Agreement may be amended by an instrument in writing executed by the licensee and the escrow agent.  However, this Agreement may not be amended in any material respect without written notification to the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as applicable, at least 30 working days prior to the proposed effective date of the amendment.  The escrow account may not be amended if the person responsible for managing that account receives written notice of objection from the Director of either the Office of Nuclear Reactor Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-6 Regulation or the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as applicable, within the notice period.  Paragraph 12.  Termination  This Agreement can be terminated by written notice of termination to the escrow agent, signed by [insert the name of licensee], licensee, and by the [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] alone, if the licensee has ceased to exist.  Paragraph 13.  Interpretation  This escrow Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between [insert the name of licensee] and [insert the name of the escrow agent].  The escrow agent shall not be bound by any other agreement or contract entered into by [insert name of licensee], and the only document that may be referenced in case of ambiguity in this escrow Agreement is the licensing agreement between [insert name of licensee]  
B-30
and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor.  Paragraph 14.  Acceptance of Appointment by Escrow Agent  [Insert name, address, and position of escrow agent] does hereby acknowledge its appointment by [insert name of licensee], the licensee, to serve as escrow agent for the escrow account created under this Agreement, and agrees to carry out its obligations and duties as stated in this escrow Agreement.  Paragraph 15.  Severability  If any part of this Agreement is invalid, it shall not affect the remaining provisions, which remain valid and enforceable.  Paragraph 16.  Effectiveness  This Agreement shall not become effective (and the escrow agent shall have no responsibility hereunder except to return the escrow property to the [insert name of licensee]) until the escrow agent shall have received the following and shall have advised [insert name of licensee] in writing that the same are in form and substance satisfactory to the escrow agent: Certified resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the making and performance of this Agreement;  Certificate as to the names and specimen signatures of its officers or representatives authorized to sign this Agreement and notices, instructions, and other communications hereunder.  [Signatures and positions of the designees of the licensee and the escrow agent.] [Insert name of escrow agent] [Insert name of licensee]  By ____________________________  By _________________________  Name _________________________  Name _______________________  Title ___________________________  Title ________________________ Date Witness by Notary Public Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-7 APPENDIX A-1.1 EXAMPLE OF CERTIFICATE OF EVENTS [Insert name and address of escrow agent]  Attention:  Escrow Division  Gentlemen:  In accordance with the terms of the Agreement with you dated ________, I, ____________, [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], hereby certify that the following events have occurred: 
APPENDIX B.6.5 SAMPLE PARENT COMPANY GUARANTEE
1. [Insert name of licensee] has begun the decommissioning of its facilities located at [insert location of facility] (hereinafter called the decommissioning).
PARENT COMPANY GUARANTEE
2. Ninety days after the plans and procedures for the commencement and conduct of the decommissioning have been either noticed in the Federal Register by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), or its successor (copy of notice attached), or in the case of a license termination plan, approved by the NRC, or its successor (copy of approval attached). 
Guarantee made this [date] by [name of guaranteeing entity] a [insert "proprie torship," "joint venture," "partnership," or "corporation"]
3. The Board of Directors of [insert name of licensee] has adopted the attached resolution authorizing the commencing of the decommissioning.  _________________________ [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee]  _________________________ Date Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-8 APPENDIX A-1.2 EXAMPLE OF CERTIFICATE OF RESOLUTION I, ______________________, do hereby certify that I am [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], a [insert State of incorporation] corporation, and that the resolution listed below was duly adopted at a meeting of this Corporation's Board of Directors on ______________________, 20__.  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of this Corporation this _____ day of _____________, 20__.  _____________________________ [Authorized Officer] of  [insert name of licensee]  RESOLVED, that this Board of Directors hereby authorizes the President or such other employee of the Company as he may designate [insert name, as appropriate, "to enter into an escrow agreement," or
organized under the laws of the State of [insert name of State], herein referred to as "guarantor," to the U S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), or State agency found acceptable to the NRC, [insert name of State agency], obligee, on behalf of our subsidiary
"to commence decommissioning activities at (name of facility)"] with the [insert name of escrow agent], in accordance with the terms and conditions described to this Board of Directors at this meeting and with such other terms and conditions as the President shall have approved with and upon the advice of Counsel.
[licensee]  
of [business address].   
Recitals 1. The guarantor has full authority and capacity to enter into this guarantee
[if guarantor is a corporation, add the following phrase "under its bylaws, articles of incorporation, and the laws of the State of [insert guarantor's state of incorporation], its State of incorporation"].
[If the guarantor has a Board of Directors, insert the following: "Guarantor has approval from its Board of Directors to enter into this guarantee."]  
2. This guarantee is being issued to comply with regulations issued by the NRC, an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. NRC has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50 which require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-9 APPENDIX A-2 EXAMPLES OF CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT APPENDIX A-2.1 EXAMPLE OF NEGOTIABLE CERT
3. The guarantee is issued to provide financial assurance for decommissioning activities for [identify licensed facility(ies)]
IFICATE OF DEPOSIT PAYABLE AT THE EXPIRATION OF A SPECIFIED TIME  CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT ______________________ (Financial Institution) Place ________________________________________ No. _______________  __________________ (Date)  [Insert name of licensee or applicant] has deposited not subject to check ______ dollars ($        ) payable to the order of the holder in current funds not less than 30 days after date, upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed, with interest at the rate of            percent per annum from date to maturity only.  The rate of interest payable hereunder is subject to change by the bank to such extent as may be necessary to comply with requirements of the Federal Reserve Board, made from time to time pursuant to the Federal Reserve Act.  These funds are deposited for the purpose of providing financial assurance for the cost of decommissioning activities, as required under Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal RegulationsAccordingly, this certificate will be renewed automatically unless written notice of (1) the default of the [insert name of licensee or applicant] on these obligations, (2) the termination of the facility license, or (3) the substitution of another financial assurance mechanism is received from [the name of licensee or applicant]_________________________ Cashier or Officer  Note:  The negotiable Certificate of Deposit should be in the possession of the trustee of the concurrently created standby trust or the escrow agent of an escrow account. The certificate should be for a limited time period, such as 1 to 5 years, so that the face value can be adjusted.
as required by 10 CFR Part 50. The decommissioning costs for which are as follows: [insert amount of decommissioning cost guaranteed for each identified facility].   
4. The guarantor meets or exceeds the following financial test criteria [insert statement indicating which financial test is being used] and agrees to com ply with all notification requirements as specified in 10 CFR Part 50.  The guarantor shall meet one of the following two financial tests: (a) (i) A current rating of its most recent bond issuance of AAA, AA, A or BBB as issued by Standard and Poor's, or Aaa, Aa, A or Baa as rated by Moody's; and (ii) Tangible net worth is at least $10 million and at least six times the current decommissioning cost estimate (or prescribed amount if a certification is used); and (iii) Assets located in the United States amounting to at least 90 percent of its total assets or at least six times the current decommissioning cost (or prescribed amount if certification is used).  or B-31 Appendix B.6.5, continued (b) (i) Net working capital and tangible net worth each at least six times the current decommissioning cost estimates (or prescribed amount if certification is used); and (ii) Assets located in the United States amounting to at least 90 percent of its total assets or at least six times the amount of the current decommissioning cost estimates (or prescribed amount if certification is used); and (iii) Meets two of the following three ratios: a ratio of total liabilities to net worth less than 2.0; a ratio of the sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization to total liabilities that is greater than 0.1; and a ratio of current assets to current liabilities that is greater than 1.5; and (iv) Tangible net worth of at least $10 million.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-10 APPENDIX A-2.2 EXAMPLE OF NONNEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT PAYABLE ON A CERTAIN DATE  CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT (Financial Institution) Certificate of Deposit _________________________, 20__  [Insert name of licensee or applicant] has deposited in the financial institution the sum of _______________ dollars ($ ________), payable to [State regulatory agency (if the agency can hold special funds under applicable State law), trustee of standby trust, or escrow agent] _________________ months after date, with interest thereon at the rate of _____ percent per annum from date, upon presentation of this certificate properly endorsed.  These funds are deposited for the purpose of providing financial assurance for the cost of decommissioning activities as required under Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations.  Accordingly, this certificate will be renewed automatically unless written notice of (1) the default of the [insert name of licensee or applicant] on these obligations, (2) the termination of the facility license, or (3) the substitution of another financial assurance mechanism is received from [the name of the licensee or applicant].  Cashier or Officer  Note:  The certificate should be for a limited time period, such as 1 to 5 years, so that the face value can be adjusted.
5. The guarantor has majority control of the voting stock for the following licensee(s)  
covered by this guarantee.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-11 APPENDIX A-3 EXAMPLES OF TRUST FUND AND STANDBY TRUST
[List for each licensee:
AGREEMENTS APPENDIX A-3.1 EXAMPLE OF TRUST FUND AGREEMENT  TRUST AGREEMENT, the Agreement is entered into as of [date] by and between [name of NRC licensee], a [name of State] [insert "corporation," "partnership," "association," or "proprietorship"], herein referred to as the "Grantor," and [name and address of an appropriate State or Federal Government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency], the "Trustee."  WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations
name, address, the facility(ies)  
(10 CFR Part 50).  These regulations, applicable to the Grantor, require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.  WHEREAS, the Grantor has elected to use a trust fund to provide [insert "all" or "part"] of such financial assurance for the facilities identified herein and also provide such additional decommissioning funds, not required by the NRC, as the Grantor may elect;  WHEREAS, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this Agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee,  NOW, THEREFORE, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows:  Section 1.  Definitions.  As used in this Agreement:  (a) The term "Grantor" means the NRC licensee who enters into this Agreement and any successors or assigns of the Grantor. (b) The term "Trustee" means the trustee who enters into this Agreement and any successor Trustee.  Section 2. Costs of Decommissioning.  This Agreement pertains to the costs of decommissioning the facility identified in License Number [insert license number], issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50.  Section 3.  Establishment of Fund.  The Grantor and Trustee hereby establish a Trust Fund (the Fund) for the benefit of [insert the Grantor or other appropriate beneficiary such as a State agency or the NRC, but only to the extent the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3302(b) would not be applicable]The Grantor and the Trustee intend that no third party shall have access to the Fund except as provided herein. [Modification of this provision to cover sale-leaseback agreements should be made contingent upon continued dedication of the trust to provide funds for decommissioning.]  
owned or operated by each licensee, and the corresponding license number(s).)  
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-12 Section 4.  Payments Constituting the Fund.  Payments made to the Trustee for the Fund shall consist of cash, securities, or other liquid assets acceptable to the Trustee.  The Fund is established initially as consisting of property acceptable to the Trustee.  Such property and any other property subsequently transferred to the Trustee are referred to as the "Fund," together with all earnings and profits thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the Trustee pursuant to this Agreement.  The Fund shall be held by the Trustee, IN TRUST, as hereinafter provided.  Section 5.  Payment for Required Activities Specified in the Plan.  The Trustee shall make payments from the Fund to the Grantor or to a decommissioning contractor of the Grantor, as the Grantor may designate, upon presentation to the Trustee of the following:  (a) a certificate duly executed by the [Authorized Officer] of the Grantor, attesting to the occurrence of the events, and in the form set forth in the attached Specimen Certificate (see certificate following standby trust), and  (b) a certificate attesting to the following conditions:  (1) that decommissioning is proceeding pursuant to an NRC-noticed plan, and (2) that the funds withdrawn will be expended for activities undertaken pursuant to that plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for payments for administrative costs (including taxes) and other incidental expenses of the Fund (including legal, accounting, actuarial, and Trustee expenses) in connection with the operation of the Fund, no disbursements or payments from the Fund shall be made:  (1) unless 30 working days prior written notice of such disbursement or payment has been made to the NRC or (2) if the Trustee receives written notice of an objection from the NRC's Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation or the Director of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as applicable.  Except that the foregoing shall not apply if the Grantor is making a withdrawal pursuant to 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8).  In the event of the Grantor's default or inability to direct decommissioning activities, the Trustee shall:  (1) make payments from the Fund as the NRC or State agency shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of required activities covered by this Agreement; (2) make disbursements to the Grantor or other persons as specified by the NRC, or State agency, from the Fund for expenditures for required activities in such amounts as the NRC, or State agency, shall direct in writing; and (3) refund to the Grantor such amounts remaining after the license has been terminated or as the NRC or State Agency specifies in writing.  Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute part of the Fund as defined herein.  Section 6.  Trust Management.  The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the principal and income of the Fund and keep the Fund invested as a single fund, without distinction between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines, which the Grantor may communicate in writing to the Trustee from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of this section.  In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and managing the Fund, the Trustee shall discharge its duties with respect to the Fund in the best interest of the beneficiary and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims; except that:  (a) Securities or other obligations of the Grantor, or any other owner or operator of any nuclear power reactor, or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or assigns, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (15 U.S.C. 80A-2(a)), or in a mutual fund in which at least 50 percent of the Fund is invested in the securities of an NRC licensee of a nuclear Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-13 power plant, or a parent company whose subsidiary is an owner or operator of a foreign or domestic nuclear power plant, shall not be acquired or held.  Investments tied to market indices or other nonnuclear-sector collective, commingled, or mutual funds (i.e., a mutual fund in which less than 50 percent of the Fund is invested in the securities of a licensee or a parent company whose subsidiary is an owner or operator of a foreign or domestic nuclear power plant) may be acquired or held, provided, however, that no more than 10 percent of trust assets may be indirectly invested in securities of any entity owning or operating one or more nuclear power plants.  (b) For a reasonable time, not to exceed ___ days, the Trustee is authorized to hold uninvested cash, awaiting investment or distribution, without liability for the payment of interest thereon.  (c) Any person directing investments made in the trusts shall adhere to the [applicable State-specific investment standard and/or the] "prudent investor" standard as specified in 18 CFR 35.32(a)(3) of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations or any successor regulation thereto (the "Prudent Investor Standard"); and  (d) The Grantor, its affiliates, and its subsidiaries are prohibited from acting as investment manager for the funds or from giving day-to-day management direction of the funds' investments or direction on individual investments by the funds except that the Grantor, or an affiliate or subsidiary, may act as an investment manager in the case of passive fund management of trust funds where management is limited to investment-tracking market indices.  Section 7.  Commingling and Investment.  The Trustee is expressly authorized in its discretion:  (a) to transfer, from time to time, any or all of the assets of the Fund to any common, commingled, or collective trust fund created by the Trustee in which the Fund is eligible to participate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the assets of other trusts participating therein;
6. Decommissioning activities as used below refers to the activities required by 10 CFR Part 50 for decommissioning of facility(ies)  
and  (b) to purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80A-1 et seq.), including one that may be created, managed, or underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered, or the shares of which are sold by the Trustee.  The Trustee may vote such shares in its discretion.  Section 8.  Express Powers of Trustee.  Without in any way limiting the powers and discretion conferred upon the Trustee by the other provisions of this Agreement or by law, the Trustee is expressly authorized and empowered:  (a) to sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by public or private sale, as necessary, for prudent management of the Fund;  (b) to make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted;  (c) to register any securities held in the Fund in its own name, or in the name of a nominee, and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the Trustee in other fiduciary capacities, to reinvest interest and dividend payments and funds from matured and redeemed instruments, to file proper forms concerning securities held in the Fund in a timely fashion with appropriate government agencies, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a qualified Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-14 central depository, even though, when so deposited, such securities may be merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee or such depository with other securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the U.S. Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the Trustee shall at all times show that all such securities are part of the Fund;  (d) to deposit any cash in the Fund in interest-bearing accounts maintained or savings certificates issued by the Trustee, in its separate corporate capacity, or in any other banking institution affiliated with the Trustee; and  (e) to compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the Fund.  Section 9.  Taxes and Expenses.  All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against or in respect of the Fund and all brokerage commissions incurred by the Fund may be paid from the Fund.  All other expenses incurred by the Trustee in connection with the administration of this Trust, including fees for legal services rendered to the Trustee, the compensation of the Trustee to the extent not paid directly by the Grantor, and all other proper charges and disbursements of the Trustee, may be paid from the Fund.  Section 10.  Annual Valuation.  After payment has been made into this Trust Fund, the Trustee shall [monthly, quarterly, annually] furnish to the Grantor a statement confirming the value of the Trust.  Any securities in the Fund shall be valued at market value within a reasonable time of such statement.  The failure of the Grantor to object in writing to the Trustee within __ days after the statement has been furnished to the Grantor shall constitute a conclusively binding assent by the Grantor, barring the Grantor from asserting any claim or liability against the Trustee with respect to the matters disclosed in the statement.  Section 11.  Advice of Counsel.  The Trustee may, from time to time, consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Grantor, with respect to any question arising as to the construction of this Agreement or any action to be taken hereunder.  The Trustee shall be fully protected, to the extent permitted by law, in acting on the advice of counsel.  Section 12.  Trustee Compensation.  The Trustee shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services, as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the Grantor.  Section 13.  Successor Trustee.  Upon ____ days notice to the Grantor, the Trustee may resign; upon ____ days notice to the Trustee, the Grantor may replace the Trustee; but such resignation or replacement shall not be effective until the Grantor has either appointed a successor Trustee and this successor accepts the appointment, or implements another financial assurance mechanism specified in 10 CFR 50.75(e).  The successor Trustee shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the Trustee hereunder.
identified above7. For value received from [licensees], [if the guarantor is a corporation, add "and pursuant to the authority conferred upon the guarantor by ("the unanimous resolution of its directors" or "the majority vote of its shareholders"), a certified copy of which is attached"]
the guarantor guarantees to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] that if the licensee fails to perform the required decommissioning activities, as required by License No. [insert license number], the guarantor shall (a) carry out the required activities, or (b) set up a trust fund in favor of the above identified beneficiary in the amount of these current cost estimates for these activities.


Upon the successor Trustee's acceptance of the appointment, the Trustee shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor Trustee the funds and properties then constituting the Fund.  If, for any reason, the Grantor cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the Trustee, the Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee or for instructions.  The successor Trustee shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the Trust in a writing sent to the Grantor and the present Trustee by certified mail ___ days before such change becomes effective. Any expenses incurred by the Trustee as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this section shall be paid as provided in Section 9. Section 14.  Instructions to the Trustee.  All orders, requests, and instructions by the Grantor to the Trustee shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are signatories to this Agreement or such other Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-15 designees as the Grantor may designate in writing.  The Trustee shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in accordance with the Grantor's orders, requests, and instructions.  If the NRC or State agency issues orders, requests, or instructions to the Trustee in the event of Grantor default, these shall be in writing, signed by the NRC, State agency, or their designees, and the Trustee shall act and shall be fully protected in acting, in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions.  The Trustee shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the Grantor, the NRC, or State agency, hereunder, has occurred.  The Trustee shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the Grantor and/or the NRC, or State agency, except as provided for herein.  Section 15.  Amendment of Agreement.  This Agreement may be amended by an instrument in writing executed by the Grantor, the Trustee, and, if applicable, the NRC or State agency, or by the Trustee and the NRC or State agency, if the Grantor ceases to exist.  Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, this Agreement cannot be modified in any material respect without first providing 30 working days prior written notice to the NRC's Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation or the Director of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, as applicable.  This Agreement may not be amended if the Trustee receives written notice of objection from the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, or the Director, Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards, as applicable, within the notice period.  Section 16.  Termination.  This trust agreement shall continue until terminated at the written agreement of the Grantor, the Trustee, and, if applicable, the NRC or State agency, or by the Trustee and the NRC or State agency if the Grantor ceases to exist. Upon termination of the Trust, all remaining Trust property, less final Trust administration expenses, shall be delivered to the Grantor or its successor, or transferred to another financial assurance mechanism specified in 10 CFR 50.75(e), as appropriate.  Section 17.  Immunity and Indemnification.  The Trustee shall not incur personal liability of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration of this Trust, or in carrying out any directions by the Grantor, the NRC, or State agency, issued in accordance with this Agreement.  The Trustee shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Grantor or from the Fund, or both, from and against any personal liability to which the Trustee may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official capacity, including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense, in the event the Grantor fails to provide such defenseSection 18. Choice of Law.  This Agreement shall be administered, construed, and enforced according to the laws of the State of [insert name of State].  Section 19.  Interpretation and Severability.  As used in this Agreement, words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.  The descriptive headings for each section of this Agreement shall not affect the interpretation or the legal efficacy of this Agreement.  If any part of this Agreement is invalid, it shall not affect the remaining provisions, which will remain valid and enforceable.
[If a State is the named beneficiary, the guarantee documentation should include written verification from the State agreeing to use the trust funds to carry out the required decommissioning activities for the named facility(ies).]
8. The guarantor agrees to submit revised financial statements, financial test data, and a special auditor's report and reconciling schedule annually within 90 days of the close of the parent guarantor's fiscal year9. The guarantor agrees that if, at the end of any fiscal year before termina tion of this guarantee, it fails to meet the financial test criteria, the licensee shall send within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year, by certi fied mail, notice to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] that the licensee intends to provide alternative financial assurance as B-32 Appendix B.6.5, continued specified in 10 CFR Part 50. Within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, the guarantor shall establish such financial assurance if the [li censee] has not done so10. The guarantor also agrees to notify the beneficiary promptly if the owner ship of the licensee or the parent firm is transferred and to maintain this guarantee until the new parent firm or the licensee provides alternative financial assurance acceptable to the beneficiary.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-16 IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by the respective officers duly authorized and the incorporate seals to be hereunto affixed and attested as of the date first written above.  ATTEST:  [Insert name of licensee (Grantor)]  [Signature of representative of Grantor]  [Title]  [Title]  [Seal]  [Insert name of Trustee]  [Signature of representative of Trustee]  [Title]  ATTEST:  [Title] Seal] 
11. The guarantor agrees that within 30 days after being notified by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] of a determination that it no longer meets the financial test criteria or that it is disallowed from continuing as a guarantor for the facility under License No. [insert license number], it shall establish an alternative financial assurance as specified in 10 CFR Part 50 as applicable, in the name of [licensee]  
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-17 APPENDIX A-3.2 EXAMPLE OF STANDBY TRUST AGREEMENT  TRUST AGREEMENT, the Agreement entered into as of [date] by and between [name of NRC licensee], a [name of State] [insert "corporation," "partnership," "association," or "proprietorship"], herein referred to as the "Grantor," and [name and address of an appropriate State or Federal Government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency], the "Trustee."  WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 50).  These regulations, applicable to the Grantor, require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a 10 CFR Part 50 license provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.  WHEREAS, the Grantor has elected to use a [insert "letter of credit," "line of credit," "surety bond," "insurance policy," "parent guarantee," "certificate(s) of deposit," or "deposit of government securities"] to provide [insert "all" or "part"] of such financial assurance for the facilities identified herein; and  WHEREAS, when payment is made under a [insert "letter of credit," "line of credit," "surety bond," "insurance policy," "certificate(s) of deposit," "deposit of government securities," or "parent guarantee"], this Standby Trust shall be used for the receipt of such payment; and  WHEREAS, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this Agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee,  NOW, THEREFORE, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows:  [The remainder of the recommended wording for the Standby Trust Agreement is as indicated in B-3.1 for the Trust Fund Agreement except that the words "Standby Trust Fund" should be substituted in Section 3 and Section 10 in place of the words "Trust Fund."] 
unless [licensee]  
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-18 APPENDIX A-3.2.1 EXAMPLE OF CERTIFICATE OF EVENTS  [Insert name and address of Trustee]  Attention:  Trust Division  Gentlemen:  In accordance with the terms of the Agreement with you dated _________, I, ______________, [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], hereby certify that the following events have occurred: 
has done so12. The guarantor as well as its successors and assigns agree to remain bound jointly and severally under this guarantee notwithstanding any or all of the following:
1. [Insert name of licensee] has begun the decommissioning of its facility located at [insert location of facility] (hereinafter called the decommissioning).   
amendment or modification of license or NRC-approved decom missioning funding plan for that facility, the extension or reduction of the time of performance of required activities, or any other modification or alteration of an obligation of the licensee pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50. 13. The guarantor agrees that all bound parties shall be jointly and severally liable for all litigation costs incurred by the beneficiary
2. The plans and procedures for the commencement and conduct of the decommissioning have been noticed and approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor, on ________________ (copy of approval attached). 
[insert name] in any successful effort to enforce the agreement against the guarantor.
3. The Board of Directors of [insert name of licensee] has adopted the attached resolution authorizing the commencement of the decommissioning.  _______________________________________ [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee]  _______________________________________ Date Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-19 APPENDIX A-3.2.2 EXAMPLE OF CERTIFICATE OF RESOLUTION I, _____________, do hereby certify that I am [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], a [insert State of incorporation) corporation, and that the resolution listed below was duly adopted at a meeting of this Corporation's Board of Directors on ____________, 20 __.  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of this Corporation this ____ day of _____________, 20 __.  ____________________________ [Authorized Officer]  RESOLVED, that this Board of Directors hereby authorizes the President, or such other employee of the Company as he may designate, to commence decommissioning activities at [insert name of facility], in accordance with the terms and conditions described to this Board of Directors at this meeting and with such other terms and conditions as the President shall approve with and upon the advice of Counsel.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-20 APPENDIX A-3.3 EXAMPLE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT  ACKNOWLEDGMENT [The following is an example of the acknowledgment that should accompany the trust Agreement for a standby trust fund or trust fund.]  STATE OF ___________  To Wit _________ 
14. The guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee for as long as [licensee]  
CITY OF __________  On this ______ day of _________, before me, a notary public in and for the city and State aforesaid, personally appeared ___________, and she/he did depose and say that she/he is the [title], of [financial institution], Trustee, which executed the above instrument, that she/he knows the seal of said association; that the seal affixed to such instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the association; and that she/he signed her/his name thereto by like order.  [Signature of notary public]  My Commission Expires:  ________________________ [Date] 
must comply with the applicable financial assurance requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, for the previously listed facility(ies), except that the guarantor may cancel this guarantee by sending notice by certified mail to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] and to [licensee], such cancellation to become effective no earlier than 120 days after receipt of such notice by both the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] and [licensee]  
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-21 APPENDIX A-4 EXAMPLE OF PAYMENT SURETY BOND PAYMENT SURETY BOND Date bond executed:  _________________________ Effective date:  _______________________ Principal:  [legal name and business address of licensee or applicant] Type of organization:  [insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership" or "corporation"]
as evidenced by the return receipts.
State of incorporation:  ___________________ (if applicable) NRC license number, name and address of facility, and amount(s) for decommissioning activity guaranteed by this bond:  _____________________ Surety(ies) [name(s) and business address(es)] Type of organization:  [insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership" or "corporation"]  
State of incorporation:  __________________ (if applicable) Surety's qualification in jurisdiction where licensed facility(ies) is (are) located Surety's bond number:  _________________ Total penal sum of bond:  $________________ Know all persons by these presents, That we, the Principal and Surety(ies) hereto, are firmly bound to the [insert U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (hereinafter called NRC) or the name of the State agency] in the above penal sum for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns jointly and severally; provided that, where the Sureties are corporations acting as co-sureties, we, the Sureties, bind ourselves in such sum "jointly and severally" only for the purpose of allowing a joint action or actions against any or all of us, and for all other purposes each Surety binds itself, jointly and severally with the Principal, for the payment of such sum only as is set forth opposite the name of such Surety; but if no limit of liability is indicated, the limit of liability shall be the full amount of the penal sum. WHEREAS, the NRC, an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations, applicable to the Principal, which require that a license holder or an applicant for a license provide financial assurance that funds will be available when needed for facility decommissioning;  NOW, THEREFORE, the conditions of the obligation are such that if the Principal shall faithfully, before the beginning of decommissioning of each facility identified above, fund the standby trust fund in the amount(s) identified above for the facility
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-22 Or, if the Principal shall fund the standby trust fund in such amount(s) after an order to begin facility decommissioning is issued by [insert "the NRC" or the name of the State agency], or a U.S. district court or other court of competent jurisdiction;  Or, if the Principal shall provide alternative financial assurance and obtain the written approval of the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] of such assurance, within 30 days after the date a notice of cancellation from the Surety(ies) is received by both the Principal and the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency], then this obligation shall be null and void; otherwise it is to remain in full force and effect.  The Surety(ies) shall become liable on this bond obligation only when the Principal has failed to fulfill the conditions described above.  Upon notification by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] that the Principal has failed to perform as guaranteed by this bond, the Surety(ies) shall place funds in the amount guaranteed for the facility(ies) into the standby trust fund.  The liability of the Surety(ies) shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall amount in the aggregate to the penal sum of the bond, but in no event shall the obligation of the Surety(ies) hereunder exceed the amount of said penal sum.  The Surety(ies) may cancel the bond by sending notice of cancellation by certified mail to the Principal and to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] provided, however, that cancellation shall not occur during the 90 days, beginning on the date of receipt of the notice of cancellation by both the Principal and the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency], as evidenced by the return receipts.  The Principal may terminate this bond by sending written notice to the [insert "NRC" or name of State agency] and to Surety(ies) 90 days prior to the proposed date of termination, provided, however, that no such notice shall become effective until the Surety(ies) receive(s) written authorization for termination of the bond from the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency].  The Principal and Surety(ies) hereby agree to adjust the penal sum of the bond yearly so that it guarantees a new amount, provided that the penal sum does not increase by more than 20 percent in any one year.  In Witness Whereof, the Principal and Surety(ies) have executed this financial guarantee bond and have affixed their seals on the date set forth above.  The persons whose signatures appear below hereby certify that they are authorized to execute this surety bond on behalf of the Principal and Surety(ies).  Principal  [Signature(s)]  [Name(s)] 
[Title(s)]  [Corporate seal]  Corporate Surety(ies) 
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-23 [Name and address]  State of incorporation:  _________________  Liability limit:  $_________________  [Signature(s)]  [Name(s) and title(s)] [Corporate seal] 
[For every co-surety, provide signature(s), corporate seal, and other information in the same manner as for Surety(ies) above.]  Bond premium:  $_______________ 
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-24 APPENDIX A-5 EXAMPLE OF IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT NO. [INSERT NO.] This Credit Expires [ insert date
] Issued To: [Insert U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Washington, DC 20555, or name and address of appropriate State agency.]  Dear Sir or Madam:  We hereby establish our Standby Letter of Credit No. _________________ in your favor, at the request and for the account of [applicant's name and address], up to the aggregate amount of [in words],
U.S. dollars $___________ available upon presentation of: (1)  your sight draft, bearing reference to this Letter of Credit No.__________, and  (2)  your signed statement reading as follows:  "I certify that the amount of the draft is payable pursuant to regulations issued under authority of __________________."  This letter of credit is issued in accordance with regulations issued under the authority of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.  The NRC has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 50), which require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a license issued under 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for decommissioning.  This letter of credit is effective as of [date] and shall expire on [date at least 1 year later], but such expiration date shall be automatically extended for a period of [at least 1 year] on [date] and on each successive expiration date, unless, at least 90 days before the current expiration date, we notify both you and [licensee's name], as shown on the signed return receipts.  If [licensee's name] is unable to secure alternative financial assurance to replace this letter of credit within 30 days of notification of cancellation, the NRC may draw upon the full value of this letter of credit before cancellation to the extent the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3302(b) would not be applicable.  We shall give immediate notice to the applicant and the [insert "NRC" or name of State agency] of any notice received or action filed alleging (1) the insolvency or bankruptcy of the financial institution or (2) any violations of regulatory requirements that could result in suspension or revocation of the bank's charter or license to do business.  We also shall give immediate notice if we, for any reason, become unable to fulfill our obligation under the letter of credit.  Whenever this letter of credit is drawn on, under, and in compliance with the terms of this letter of credit, we shall duly honor such draft upon its presentation to us within 30 days, and we shall deposit the amount of the draft directly into the standby trust fund of [licensee's name], in accordance with your instructions.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-25 Each draft must bear on its face the clause:  "Drawn under Letter of Credit No. ______, dated ___________, and the total of this draft and all other drafts previously drawn under this letter of credit does not exceed [fill in amount]."  [Signature(s) and title(s) of official(s) of issuing institution]  [Date]  This credit is subject to [insert "the most recent edition of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, published by the International Chamber of Commerce," or "the Uniform Commercial Code"]
15. The guarantor agrees that if [licensee]  
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-26 APPENDIX A-6 EXAMPLES OF DOCUMENTS RECOMMENDED TO SUPPORT CORPORATE GUARANTEE APPENDIX A-6.1 EXAMPLE OF LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF CORPORATE PARENT, INCLUDING COST ESTIMATES AND DATA FROM AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  [Address to U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or State regulatory agency]  I am the chief financial officer of [name and address of firm], a [insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership," or "corporation"].  This letter is in support of this firm's use of the financial test to demonstrate financial assurance, as specified in Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 50).  [Complete the following paragraph regarding facility(ies) and associated cost estimates.  For each facility, include its license number, name, address, and current cost estimates for the specified activities.] This firm guarantees, through the parent company guarantee submitted to demonstrate compliance under 10 CFR Part 50, the decommissioning of the following facility(ies) owned or operated by subsidiary(ies) of this firm.  The current cost estimates or certified amounts for decommissioning, and the amounts being guaranteed, are shown for each facility:  Name of Facility  Location of Facility  Current Cost Estimates  Amount Being Guaranteed This firm [insert "is required" or "is not required"] to file a Form 10K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the latest fiscal year. This fiscal year of this firm ends on [month, day].  The figures for the following items marked with an asterisk are derived from this firm's independently audited, year-end financial statements and footnotes for the latest completed fiscal year, ended [date]. [Insert completed Alternative I or Alternative II.]
fails to provide alternative financial assurance as specified in 10 CFR Part 50, as applicable, and obtain written approval of such assurance from the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] within 90 days after a notice of cancellation by the guarantor is received by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] from the guarantor, the guarantor shall provide such alternative financial assurance in the name of [licensee]  
I hereby certify that the content of this letter is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. [Signature] [Name] [Title] [Date] 
or make full payment under the guarantee.
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-27 APPENDIX A-6.2 FINANCIAL TEST:  ALTERNATIVE I  1. Decommissioning cost estimates or guaranteed amount for facility [insert license number] (total of all cost estimates shown in paragraph above) $______ *2. Total liabilities (if any portion of the cost estimates for decommissioning is included in total liabilities on your firm's financial statements, you may deduct the amount of that portion from this line and add that amount to lines 3 and 4)  $______ *3. Tangible net worth** $______ *4. Net worth  $______ *5. Current assets  $______ *6. Current liabilities  $______ *7. Net working capital (line 5 minus line 6)  $______
*8. The sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization  $______ *9. Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90 percent of firm's assets are located in the United States) $______
  Yes    No  10. Is line 3 at least $10 million?  ____  ____ 11. Is line 3 at least 6 times line 1?  ____  ____ 12. Is line 7 at least 6 times line 1?  ____  ____ 13. Are at least 90 percent of firm's assets located in the United States? If not, complete line 14.  ____  ____ 14. Is line 9 at least 6 times line 1?  ____  ____ Guarantor must meet two of the following three ratios
:    15. Is line 2 divided by line 4 less than 2.0?  ____  ____ 16. Is line 8 divided by line 2 greater than 0.1?  ____  ____ 17. Is line 5 divided by line 6 greater than 1.5?  ____  ____
___________________ *  Denotes figures derived from financial statements.  **  Tangible net worth is defined as net worth minus goodwill, patents, trademarks, and copyrights.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-28 APPENDIX A-6.3 FINANCIAL TEST:  ALTERNATIVE II  1. Decommissioning cost estimates or guaranteed amount for facility [insert license number] (total cost of all cost estimates should be stated in paragraphs above) $______ 2. Current bond rating of most recent unsecured issuance of this firm  Rating __________ Name of rating service _______________________  3. Date of issuance of bond __________  4.  Date of maturity of bond __________  *5. Tangible net worth** (if any portion of estimates for decommissioning is included in total liabilities on your firm's financial statements, you may add the amount of that portion to this line) $______ *6. Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90 percent of firm's assets are located in the United States) 
16. The guarantor expressly waives notice of acceptance of this guarantee by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] or by [licensee).  
    Yes    No  7. Is line 5 at least $10 million? ____  ____ 8. Is line 5 at least 6 times line 1? ____  ____ 9. Are at least 90 percent of firm's assets located in the United States? If not, complete line 10. ____  ____ 10. Is line 6 at least 6 times line 1?  ____  ____
The guarantor also expressly waives notice of amendments or modification of the decommissioning requirements and of amendments or modifications of the license.B- 33 Appendix B.6.5, continued 17. If the guarantor files financial reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, then it shall promptly submit them to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] during each year in which this guarantee is in effectI hereby certify that this guarantee is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
11. Is the rating specified on line 2 "BBB" or better (if issued by Standard & Poor's) or "Baa" or better (if issued by Moody's)?  ____  ____
___________________ *  Denotes figures derived from financial statements**  Tangible net worth is defined as net worth minus goodwill, patents, trademarks, and copyrights.


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-29 APPENDIX A-6.4 EXAMPLE OF AUDITOR'S SPECIAL REPORT BY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT CONFIRMATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S LETTER We have examined the financial statements of [company name] for the year ended [date], and have issued our report thereon, dated [date].  Our examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, accordingly, included such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary.  The [company name] has prepared documents to demonstrate its financial responsibility under the NRC's financial assurance regulations, under Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations.  This letter is furnished to assist the licensee, [insert NRC license number and name], in complying with these regulations and should not be used for other purposes.  The attached schedule reconciles the specified information furnished in the chief financial officer's (CFO's) letter in response to the regulations with the company's financial statements.  In connection therewith, we have  confirmed that the amounts in the column "Per Financial Statements" agree with amounts contained in the company's financial statements for the year ended [date];  confirmed that the amount in the column "Per CEO's Letter" agrees with the letter prepared in response to the NRC's request;  confirmed that the amount in the column "Reconciling Items" agrees with analyses prepared by the company setting forth the indicated items; and  recomputed the totals and percentages.  Because the procedures in 1-4 above do not constitute a full examination made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we do not express an opinion on the manner in which the amounts were derived in the items referred to above.  In connection with the procedures referred to above, no matters came to our attention that cause us to believe that the chief financial officer's letter and supporting information should be adjusted.  ____________________ Signature  ____________________ Date Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-30 APPENDIX A-6.4.1 EXAMPLE OF SCHEDULE RECONCILING AMOUNTS
Effective date: [Name of guarantor]  
CONTAINED IN CFO'S LETTER WITH AMOUNTS IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS This illustrates the form of schedule that is contemplated.  Details and reconciling items will differ in specific situations.  XYZ COMPANY  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20XX Line Number in CFO's Letter Per Financial Statements Reconciling Items Per CFO's Letter Total current liabilities X  Long-term debt X 
[Authorized signature for guarantor]  
Deferred income taxes    X    XX  Accrued decommissioning costs included in current liabilities X  Total liabilities (less accrued decommissioning costs) X 
[Name of person signing] [Title of person signing] Signature of witness or notary: B-34 VALUE/IMPACT
Net worth X  Less:  Cost in excess of value of tangible assets acquired      X    X  Accrued decommissioning costs included in current liabilities X  Tangible net worth (plus decommissioning costs) XX  (Balance of schedule is not illustrated.) 
STATEMENT A draft value/impact statement was published with the draft of this guide, DG-1003, when the draft guide was published for public comment in May 1989No changes were necessary, so a separate value/impact statement for the final guide has not been prepared.
Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-31 APPENDIX A-6.5 EXAMPLE OF PARENT COMPANY GUARANTEE  PARENT COMPANY GUARANTEE Guarantee made this [date] by [name of guaranteeing entity], a [insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership," or "corporation"] organized under the laws of the State of [insert name of State], herein referred to as "Guarantor," to our subsidiary [licensee] of [business address], obligee.  Recitals  (1) The Guarantor has full authority and capacity to enter into this guarantee [if Guarantor is a corporation, add the following phrase "under its bylaws, articles of incorporation, and the laws of the State of [insert Guarantor's State of incorporation], its State of incorporation"].  [If the Guarantor has a Board of Directors, insert the following: "Guarantor has approval from its Board of Directors to enter into this guarantee."]  (2) This guarantee is being issued so that [the licensee] will be in compliance with regulations issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.  The NRC has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Part 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations
(10 CFR Part 50), which require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.  (3) This guarantee is issued to provide financial assurance for decommissioning activities for [identify licensed facility(ies)] as required by 10 CFR Part 50, the decommissioning costs and guarantee amount for which are as follows:  [insert amount of decommissioning cost guaranteed for each identified facility](4) The Guarantor meets or exceeds the following financial test criteria [insert statement indicating which financial test is being used] and agrees to notify [the licensee] and the NRC of any changes in its ability to meet the criteria, in compliance with the notification requirements as specified in 10 CFR Part 50.  The Guarantor meets one of the following two financial tests:  (a)(i) a current rating of its most recent bond issuance of AAA, AA, A, or BBB as issued by Standard and Poor's, or Aaa, Aa, A, or Baa as rated by Moody's; and  (ii) tangible net worth is at least $10 million and at least 6 times the current decommissioning cost estimate or guarantee amount (or prescribed amount if a certification is used); and (iii) assets located in the United States amounting to at least 90 percent of its total assets or at least 6 times the current decommissioning cost or guarantee amount (or prescribed amount if certification is used). or


Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-32 (b)(i) net working capital and tangible net worth each at least 6 times the current decommissioning cost estimates or guarantee amounts (or prescribed amount if certification is used); and (ii)  assets located in the United States amounting to at least 90 percent of its total assets or at least 6 times the amount of the current decommissioning cost estimates or guarantee amounts (or prescribed amount if certification is used); and (iii) meets two of the following three ratios:  a ratio of total liabilities to net worth less than 2.0; a ratio of the sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization to total liabilities that is greater than 0.1; and a ratio of current assets to current liabilities that is greater than 1.5; and (iv) tangible net worth of at least $10 million.  (5) The Guarantor has majority control of the voting stock for the following licensee(s) covered by this guarantee.  (List for each licensee:  name, address, the facility(ies) owned or operated by each licensee, and the corresponding license number(s).)  (6) "Decommissioning activities," as used below, refers to the activities required by 10 CFR Part 50 for decommissioning the facility(ies) identified above.  (7) For value received from [licensees] (if the Guarantor is a corporation, add "and pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Guarantor by ("the unanimous resolution of its directors" or "the majority vote of its shareholders"), a certified copy of which is attached"), the Guarantor guarantees that if the licensee fails to perform the required decommissioning activities, as required by License No. [insert license number], caused by lack of funds, the Guarantor shall  (a) provide all funds necessary, up to the amount of this guarantee [in 20__ dollars and as adjusted for inflation], to carry out the required activities, or  (b) set up a trust fund in favor of [the licensee] in the amount of these current cost estimates or guarantee amount for these activities.  (8) The Guarantor agrees to submit revised financial statements, financial test data, and a special auditor's report and reconciling schedule to the NRC annually within 90 days of the close of the parent Guarantor's fiscal year.  (9) The Guarantor and the licensee agree that if the Guarantor fails to meet the financial test criteria at any time after this guarantee is established, the Guarantor and the licensee shall send, within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year in which the Guarantor fails to meet the financial test criteria, by certified mail, notice to the NRC.  If [the licensee] fails to provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in 10 CFR Part 50, as applicable, and obtain written approval of such assurance from the NRC within 180 days of the end of such fiscal year, the Guarantor shall provide such alternative financial assurance in the name of [licensee] or make full payment under the guarantee to a standby trust established by [licensee].  (10) Independent of any notification under paragraph 8 above, if the NRC determines for any reason that the Guarantor no longer meets the financial test criteria or that it is disallowed from continuing as a Guarantor for the facility under License No. [insert license number], the Guarantor agrees that, within 90 days after being notified by the NRC of such determination, an Appendix A to RG 1.159, Rev. 2, Page A-33 alternative financial assurance mechanism, as specified in 10 CFR Part 50, as applicable, shall be established by the Guarantor in the name of [licensee] unless [licensee] has done so.  (11) The Guarantor, as well as its successors and assigns, shall remain bound jointly and severally under this guarantee, notwithstanding any or all of the following:  amendment or modification of license or NRC-approved decommissioning funding plan for that facility, the extension or reduction of the time of performance of required activities, or any other modification or alteration of an obligation of the licensee pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50.  (12) The Guarantor agrees that it will be liable for all litigation costs incurred by [the licensee] or the NRC in any successful effort to enforce the agreement against the Guarantor.  (13) The Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee for as long as [licensee] must comply with the applicable financial assurance requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, for the previously listed facility(ies), except that the Guarantor may cancel this guarantee by sending notice by certified mail to the NRC and to [licensee], such cancellation to become effective no earlier than 120 days after receipt of such notice by both the NRC and [licensee], as evidenced by the return receipts.  If the licensee fails to provide alternative financial assurance as specified in 10 CFR Part 50, as applicable, and to obtain written approval of such assurance within 120 days after the sending of the above notice by the Guarantor, the Guarantor shall provide such alternative financial assurance.  (14) The Guarantor expressly waives notice of acceptance of this guarantee by the NRC or by [licensee].  The Guarantor also expressly waives notice of amendments or modification of the decommissioning requirements and of amendments or modifications of the license. (15) If the Guarantor files financial reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, then it shall promptly submit them to the NRC during each year in which this guarantee is in effect.  I hereby certify that this guarantee is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.  Effective date:  ________________________  [Name of Guarantor]  [Authorized signature for Guarantor]  [Name of person signing] 
A copy of the draft value/impact statement is available for inspection and copying for a fee at the Commission's Public Document Room at 2120 L Street NW., Washington, DC, under Task DG-1003.V/I-1}}
[Title of person signing]  Signature of witness or notary:  ________________________
[Name of licensee]  [Authorized signature for licensee] 
[Title of person signing]  Signature of witness or notary:  ______________________}}


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Revision as of 02:19, 21 September 2018

Assuring the Availability of Funds for Decommissioning Nuclear Reactors
ML013330279
Person / Time
Site:  Entergy icon.png
Issue date: 08/31/1990
From:
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
Pulsifer R M, NRR/DLPM, 415-3016
Shared Package
ML013330279 List:
References
DG-1003 RG-1.159
Download: ML013330279 (58)


U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY

COMMISSION

August 1990 REGULATORY

GUIDE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY

RESEARCH REGULATORY

GUIDE 1.159 (Task DG-1003) ASSURING THE AVAILABILITY

OF FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING

NUCLEAR REACTORS USNC REGULATORY

GUIDES Regulatory Guides are issued to describe and make available to the pub lic methods acceptable to thq NRC staff of implementing specific parts of the Commission's regulations, to delineate techniques used by the staff in evaluating specific problems or postulated accidents, or to pro vide guidance to applicants.

Regulatory Guides are not substitutes for regulations, and compliance with them is not required.

Methods and solutions different from those set out in the guides will be acceptable if they provide a basis for the findings requisite to the issuance or continu ance of a permit or license by the Commission.

This guide was issued after consideration of comments received from the public. Comments and suggestions for improvements in these guides are encouraged at all times, and guides will be revised, as ap propriate.

to accommodate comments and to reflect new information or experience.

Written comments may be submitted to the Regulatory Publications Branch. DFIPS. ADM, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Washing ton. DC 20555.The guides are issued in the following ten broad divisions:

1. Power Reactors S. Products 2. Research and Test Reactors

7. Transportation

3. Fuels and Materials Facilities

8. Occupational Health 4. Environmental and Siting g. Antitrust and Financial Review 5. Materials and Plant Protection

10. General Copies of issued guides may be purchased from the Government Printing Offic9 at the current GPO price. Information on current GPO prices may be obtained by contacting the Superintendent of Documents.

U.S. Government Printing Office. Post Office Box 37082. Wasnington.

DC 20013-7082.

telephone

(202)275-2060

or (202)275-2171.

Issued guides may also be purchased from the National Technical Infor mation Service on a standing order basis. Details on this service may be obtained by writing NTIS. 5285 Port Royal Road. Springireld.

VA 22161.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

A. INTRODUCTION

1.159-1

B. DISCUSSION

1.159-1 1. Amount of Funds for Decommissioning

1.159-2 2. Methods of Financial Assurance

1.159-3 C. REGULATORY

POSITION 1.159-5 1. Amount of Funds for Decommissioning

1.159-5 1.1 Funding Requirements for the Decommissioning Report/Initial Amounts To Be Set Aside 1.159-5 1.2 Adjustments to Certification Amounts or Site-Specific Estimates

1.159-6 1.3 Cost Estimates in the Preliminary Decommissioning

1.159-7 Plan 1.4 Basis for Decommissioning Cost Estimates

1.159-8 1.5 Adjustments to Cost Estimates

1.159-11 1.6 Final Decommissioning Cost Estimate 1.159-12 2. Methods of Financial Assurance

1.159-12 2.1 Guidance Applicable to All Methods of Financial Assurance

1.159-12 2.2 Prepayment and External Sinking Fund 1.159-13 2.3 Guarantee Methods 1.159-14 2.4 Standby Trust 1.159-15 2.5 Governmental Statement of Intent 1.159-15 2.6 Proposed Decommissioning Plans 1.159-16 2.7 Funding Methods for Existing Licensees

1.159-16 2.8 Procedures for Shutdown Reactors 1.159-16 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

Pace

D. IMPLEMENTATION

1.159-17 References

1.159-18 Appendix A--Glossary of Financial Terms A-i Appendix B--Examples of Financial Assurance Instruments B-1 B.1 Sample Escrow Agreement B-2 B.1.1 Specimen Certificate of Events B-7 B.1.2 Specimen Certificate of Resolution B-8 B.2 Sample Certificates of Deposit B-9 B.2.1 Sample Negotiable Certificate of Deposit B-9 B.2.2 Sample Nonnegotiable Certificate of Deposit B-10 B.3 Sample Trust Fund and Standby Trust Agreements B-1i B.3.1 Sample Trust Fund Agreement B-11 B.3.2 Sample Standby Trust Agreement B-17 B.3.3 Sample of Acknowledgement B-20 B.4 Sample Payment Surety Bond B-21 B.5 Sample Irrevocable Standby Letter. of Credit B-24 B.6 Sample Documents Recommended to Support Corporate Guarantee B-26 B.6.1 Sample Letter from Chief Financial Officer B-26 B.6.2 Financial Test: Alternative I B-27 B.6.3 Financial Test: Alternative II B-28 B.6.4 Sample of Auditor's Special Report by Certified Public Accountant B-29 B.6.5 Sample Parent Company Guarantee B-31 Value/Impact Statement V/I-1 iv

A. INTRODUCTION

The general requirements for applications for license termination and de commissioning nuclear power, research, and test reactors are contained in 10 CFR Part 50, "Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities." On June 27, 1988, the Commission published amendments to 10 CFR Part 50 (53 FR 24018) concerning specific criteria for decommissioning nuclear facilities.

Amended 10 CFR 50.33(k), 50.75, and 50.82(b) require operating license applicants and existing licensees to submit information on how reasonable assur ance will be provided that funds are available to decommission the facility.

Amended § 50.75 establishes requirements for indicating how this assurance will be provided, namely the amount of funds that must be provided, including updates, and the methods to be used for assuring funds. This regulatory guide has been developed in conjunction with the rule amend ments and was published for public comment in May 1989. This version incorpo rates, where appropriate, the public comments received.

Its purpose is to pro vide guidance to applicants and licensees of nuclear power, research, and test reactors concerning methods acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with re quirements in the amended rule regarding the amount of funds for decommissioning.

It also provides guidance on the content and form of the financial assurance mechanisms indicated in the rule amendments.

As a guidance document, this regulatory guide and its provisions are not designed to be restrictive or to represent binding requirements.

The guide pre sents methods acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the decommissioning regulations.

The NRC staff recognizes that in certain circumstances (e.g., to meet requirements established by Federal or State economic regulatory agencies or to comply with other applicable laws) other approaches may be necessary.

Any information collection activities mentioned in this regulatory guide are contained as requirements in 10 CFR Part 50, which provides the regulatory basis for this guide. The information collection requirements in 10 CFR Part 50 have been cleared under OMB Clearance No. 3150-0011.

B. DISCUSSION

Decommissioning means to safely remove nuclear facilities from service and reduce residual radioactivity to a level that permits release of the property for unrestricted use and termination of the license. As used in this context, the term "nuclear facilities" refers to the contaminated components (or non contaminated components required to be dismantled to obtain access to contami nated components)

of the site, buildings and contents, and equipment associated with all NRC-licensed activities within the scope of 10 CFR 50.75. There are three primary methods of decommissioning nuclear reactors.1.159-1 DECON is the method in which the equipment, structures, and portions of a facility and site containing radioactive contaminants are removed or decontami- L nated to a level that permits the property to be released for unrestricted use shortly after cessation of operations.

SAFSTOR is the method in which the nuclear facility is placed and main tained in a condition that allows the nuclear facility to be safely stored and subsequently decontaminated (deferred decontamination)

to levels that permit release for unrestricted use. ENTOMB is the method in which radioactive contaminants are encased in a structurally long-lived material, such as concrete.

The entombed structure is appropriately maintained, and continued surveillance is carried out until the radioactivity decays to a level permitting unrestricted release of the property.

So that a lack of funds does not result in delays in or improper conduct of decommissioning that may adversely affect public health and safety, the rule amendments on decommissioning require that applicants and licensees provide reasonable assurance that adequate funds for performing decommissioning will be available at the end of operation.

To provide this assurance, the rule requires that two factors be considered, namely, the amount of funds needed for decom missioning and the method used to provide financial assurance.

1. AMOUNT OF FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING

Estimating the correct amount of funds needed for decommissioning is impor tant to prevent funding shortfalls that could adversely affect public health and safety. Requirements for establishing funding amounts for decommissioning are set out in 10 CFR 50.33(k), 50.75, and 50.82(b).

These include: a. An initial certification amount (or, for non-power reactors, a site specific estimate)

established at the operating license stage (for existing licensees, by July 26, 1990) (10 CFR 50.75(b) and 50.75(c)(1));

b. Adjustments to the certification amount (or site-specific estimate)

over the operating life and storage period, if any, of the facility.

Specifically, 10 CFR 50.75(b) requires each licensee to annually adjust the initial certification amount by use of the equation in paragraph

50.75(c)(2), which provides for escalation factors for labor, energy, and waste burial; in addition, paragraph

50.75(f) re quires each licensee to submit, about 5 years prior to the projected end of operation, a preliminary decommissioning plan containing a site-specific cost estimate based on an up-to-date assessment of major technical factors that could affect planning for decommissioning;

c. A detailed cost estimate updating the cost estimate in the prelimi nary decommissioning plan, if necessary, to be made at the time the licensee applies to the Commission for authority to decommission

(10 CFR 50.82). As indicated in 10 CFR 50.75(b), each electric utility applicant and licen see is to provide certification of financial assurance. (Paragraph

50.2 defines electric utility to mean any entity engaged in the generation or distribution of 1.159-2 electricity that recovers, directly or indirectly, the cost of this electricity through rates.) The 9pecific information noted in b and c above must also be provided at the appropriate time. The certification amounts in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)

act as threshold review levels. While not necessarily representing the actual cost of decommissioning for specific reactors, these certification amounts provide assurance that licensees are able to demonstrate adequate financial responsibility in that the bulk of the funds necessary for a safe decommissioning are being con sidered and planned for early in facility life, thus providing adequate assurance that the facility would not become a risk to public health and safety when it is decommissioned.

To estimate increases in the cost of decommissioning over the operating life of the facility, 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2)

contains a formula to account for inflation that has occurred in the labor, energy, and waste burial components of decommissioning costs. As indicated in 10 CFR 50.75(d), each non-electric-utility applicant and licensee is to submit a cost estimate for decommissioning its facility.

For the purposes of this guidance., non-electric-utility applicants and licensees are license applicants for or licensees of research and test reactors whose primary purpose is not to produce electricity.

The initial cost estimate is not an exact accounting of the actual cost of decommissioning but is intended to pro vide an approximation of what decommissioning the reactor will cost at the pro posed time of decommissioning.

This estimate may be based on information from the literature (e.g., generic studies, licensee models, experience).

Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) has made detailed cost estimates of the con ceptual decommissioning for research and test reactors (Ref. 1) that can be used as a basis, for regulatory purposes, for developing estimates of the costs of decommissioning.

Use of the certification approach is a first step in providing reasonable assurance of decommissioning funds. The second step is that, five years prior to the expected end of operations, licensees are required to submit (or for non power reactors, to update) a site-specific decommissioning cost estimate based on an up-to-date assessment of the actions necessary for decommissioning and the plans for adjusting levels of funds. As required by 10 CFR 50.75(f), this estimate is to be based on a then-current assessment of major factors that could affect decommissioning cost and is to include relevant, up-to-date information.

The third step is a licensee evaluation of specific decommissioning provisions close to the commencement of decommissioning.

Together, these steps provide reasonable assurance that the NRC's objective will be met--namely, at the time of permanent end of operations, sufficient funds are available to decommission the reactor in a manner that protects public health and safety. 2. METHODS OF FINANCIAL

ASSURANCE

The rule amendments in 10 CFR 50.75 indicate the general requirements for methods that are considered acceptable for providing reasonable assurance of the availability of funds for decommissioning nuclear reactors.

These methods and how they are evaluated are discussed in detail in the supplementary informa tion to the final rule amendments on "General Requirements for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities" (53 FR 24018, June 27, 1988), in an NRC staff report (Ref. 2), and in the Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities (Ref. 3). These documents present a rationale for the acceptability of methods for providing financial assurance.

The Supplementary Information accompanying the final decommissioning rule indicates that, although some 1.159-3 methods for providing funding assurance now may not be available, they are allowed in the event that they become available.

This guide addresses the more feasible alternatives in greater detail. Licensees are, of course, free to use any acceptable method as it becomes available.

Section 50.75 of the rule amendments indicates that the following methods are acceptable for reactors (a glossary of these terms is provided in Appendix A).

  • Prepayment

-can be in the form of a trust, escrow account, or government-held fund using certificates of deposit, deposits of government securities, or other investments.

"* Guarantee Method -can be in the form of surety bonds, letters of credit, or insurance;

for non-electric-utility applicants and li censees, parent company guarantees may be used. "* External Sinking Fund -can be in the form of accounts or instruments similar to those described above for prepayment but which are col lected over the remaining operating life of the reactor; for non electric-utility applicants and licensees, the rule amendments indi cate that this method must be coupled with a guarantee method. The conditions stipulated in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(1)(ii)

that an external sinking fund be "segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's administrative control" are intended to ensure that the integrity of decommissioning trust funds will be maintained, espe- i cially with respect to protection from creditors in a bankruptcy situation.

A case-by-case "reasonableness" standard will be applied to licensee compliance with these provisions.

The phrase "segrega tion from licensee assets" does not require that an external trust fund be established as a separate tax-paying entity. Thus, a grantor trust may be used. In addition, the phrase "outside the licensee's administrative control" allows licensees general management oversight of trust fund investments to the extent allowed under State trust law. The NRC staff recognizes that licensees have legitimate interests and responsibilities in ensuring appropriate investment strategies for these funds and monitoring the progress of investments.

However, licensees should avoid active day-to-day management of these funds. In this regard, if a trustee is unable to act as an investment man ager, use of a professional investment manager is encouraged, although not required.

  • Statement of Intent by a government agency, if applicable, indicates that funds for decommissioning will be obtained when necessary.

To simplify the preparation, submittal, and review of information on fund ing methods acceptable for its non-reactor licensees, the NRC has prepared Regulatory Guide 3.66, "Standard Format and Content of Financial Assurance Mechanisms Required for Decommissioning Under 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 70, and 72" (Ref. 4). This document contains recommended wording for financial assurance instruments.

The instruments in Regulatory Guide 3.66 are included in modified form in this regulatory guide in Appendix B and are referenced in Regulatory Position 2. Because of the more extensive economic regulation faced by reactor 1.159-4 licensees as opposed to materials licensees, the sample wording is provided for illustration and is not necessarily recommended for use by any individual licensee.

C. REGULATORY

POSITION This section describes methods of implementing the general requirements for financial assurance for decommissioning for reactor licensees and applicants who must comply with 10 CFR Part 50. Regulatory Position 1 provides guidance to applicants and licensees on establishing the amount of funds necessary for decommissioning as required by the regulations.

Regulatory Position 2 provides guidance on methods acceptable to the NRC for assuring funds. 1. AMOUNT OF FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING

1.1 Funding Requirements for the Decommissioning Report/Initial Amounts To Be Set Aside L1.1 Electric Utility Applicants and Licensees For electric utility applicants and licensees, the initial certi fication amount of funds for decommissioning is based on the equations in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)

and represents the minimum level that electric utility licensees must meet. At its discretion, an electric utility licensee may submit a certi fication based either on the formula provided in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)

or on a facility-specific cost estimate that is equal to or greater than that calculated in the formula in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1).

A facility-specific cost estimate may include non-NRC-required costs, but such costs should be identified.

If such a combined submittal is used, licensees should assure that the NRC-required cost component at least equals the certification amount. A facility-specific cost estimate for decommissioning that is more than the amount stated in the table of 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)

need not be submitted until 5 years before the projected end of operation.

For estimates below the amount stated in the table of 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1), licensees should submit an exemption request containing details as outlined in Regulatory Position 1.4. For power reactors not included in the table in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1), licensees should submit a site-specific cost esti mate. For such licensees an exemption request is not necessary.

The purpose of the decommissioning report required under 10 CFR 50.33(k) and described in 1OCFR 50.75(b) and (c)is to provide reasonable assurance that licensees have a viable plan to accumulate funds in the certifi cation amount, adjusted for inflation, by the projected time of permanent ces sation of operations.

Each licensee should submit a statement indicating the certification amount and inflation adjustment appropriate for its reactor or reactors together with a photocopy or conformed copy of the instrument being used to provide assurance of decommissioning funding. If an external sinking fund is being used, the proposed amount of annual (or more frequent)

payments should be provided.

If the initial payment to an external sinking fund will not be made within 1 year of July 26, 1990, the licensee should submit as part of its decommissioning report a statement that it has filed or intends to file 1.159-5 in a timely manner a rate request with its public utility commission (PUC) or L the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to allow decommissioning costs to be recovered from its customers.

Notwithstanding action on such a rate re quest by a PUC or FERC, a licensee should make its initial sinking fund payment by July 26, 1993 as a demonstration of good-faith compliance with 10 CFR 50.75(e)(3)(ii).

Licensees that have permanently ceased operations prior to the July 27, 1988, effective date of the rule need not submit a decommissioning report, but are required to submit preliminary or proposed decommissioning plans as required under 10 CFR 50.75(f) and 50.82(a).

1.1.2 Non-Electric-Utility Applicants and Licensees For non-electric-utility applicants and licensees, the initial amount of funds is to be based on a cost estimate for decommissioning the facility and submitted to the NRC in a report required by 10 CFR 50.33(k).

The initial cost estimate for decommissioning need not be an exact accounting of the actual cost of decommissioning, but rather an estimate of the costs for decommissioning the reactor. The PNL studies (Ref. 1) may be used by applicants or licensees for initial cost estimates with suitable adjustments to account for facility specific differences as discussed in Regulatory Position 1.4.2. The level of detail necessary to support the cost estimate is discussed in Regulatory Position 1.4. 1.2 Adjustments to Certification Amounts or Site-Specific Estimates For electric utility applicants and licensees, certification amounts described in Regulatory Position 1.1 are to be adjusted annually based on 10 CFR'50.75(b)

and (c)(2) and should be available for NRC inspection, as requested.

The adjustment factor in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2)

is 0.65L + 0.13E + 0.22B, where L, E, and B are escalation factors for labor, energy, and waste burial costs respectively.

Although these adjustments are to be made annually, they need not be submitted to the NRC. Reasonably recent editions of the docu ments cited below should be used. The escalation factor for labor, L, can be obtained from "Monthly Labor Review," published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Specifically, the appropriate regional data from the table (currently Table 24) entitled "Employment Cost Index, Private Nonfarm Workers," subtitled "Compensation," should be used. L should be escalated from a base value in Table 24 corresponding to the amounts in the decommissioning rule amendments that are in January 1986 dollars. The base values of L from the BLS data correspond ing to January 1986 are 130.5, 127.7, 125.0, and 130.1 for the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West regions, respectively.

For example, the value of L for December 1987 in the Northeast region is 141.9 130.5 = 1.087. This value of L could then be used in the equation in paragraph

50.75(c)(2)

of the rule amendments.

The escalation factor for energy, E, can be obtained from the "Producer Price Indexes," published by the U.S. Department of Labor, BLS. Specifically, data from the table (currently Table 6) entitled "Producer Price Indexes for Commodity Groupings and Individual Items" (PPI) should be used. The energy term, E, is made up of two components, namely electric power, P, and fuel oil, F. Hence, E should be obtained from the BLS aata by using the following equations:

for the reference PWR, [0.58P + 0.42F], and for the reference BWR, 1.159-6

[0.23P + 0.77F].' P should be taken from appropriate regional data for indus trial power (Commodify code 0543 in Table 6) and F should be taken from data for light fuel oils (Commodity code 0573 in Table 6). As discussed for L in the preceding paragraph, P and F should be escalated from a base value in the BLS table corresponding to the amounts in the decommissioning rule amendments that are in January 1986 dollars. The base values of P from the BLS data corre sponding to January 1986 are 105.8, 111.9, 115.3, 115.65, 119.3, 117.4, 111.4, 119.3, and 112.2 for the following regions, respectively:

New England, Mid Atlantic, East North Central, West North Central, South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, Mountain, and Pacific. The base value of F for January 1986 is 82 (no regional BLS data for PPI is available).

Thus, for example, the value of P for July 1988 in the New England region is 93.3 + 105.8 = 0.88 and the value of F is 46.9 + 82 = 0.57; therefore the value of E in this case for the equation in 10 CFR 50.75(c) for the reference PWR is [0.58 x 0.88 + 0.42 x 0.57] = 0.75. The escalation factor for waste burial, B, can be taken directly from data on the appropriate waste burial location in Table 2.1 of NUREG-1307, "Report on Waste Burial Charges." (Ref. 7). The base value of B for January 1986 is 1.0. This corresponds to the value used in the calculation of the waste burial cost for decommissioning in 10 CFR 50.75(c) and reflects the base cost for waste burial at the Washington site. For example, the value of B in January 1988 for the Washington burial site is 1.183 + 1.0 = 1.183. Similarly, for Nevada and South Carolina the values for a PWR in January 1988 are 1.14 + 1.0 and 2.007 + 1.0, respectively.

These values for B could then be used in the equation in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2).

Because this formula does not provide for estimates of future inflation but only of inflation that has already occurred, licensees should recalculate the certification amount each year using the previous year's data as described in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2).

This recalculation is for certification purposes only and does not affect estimated future inflation that a licensee may calculate to establish amortization or collection schedules for rate-making purposes.

For non-electric-utility applicants and licensees who have prepared a decommissioning cost estimate, adjustments to the cost estimate should also be prepared annually but need not be submitted to the NRC staff (see Regulatory Position 1.5). 1.3 Cost Estimates in the Preliminary Decommissioning Plan Paragraph

50.75(f) requires that, about 5 years prior to the projected end of operation, a preliminary decommissioning plan be submitted containing a cost estimate for decommissioning and an up-to-date assessment of the major technical factors that could affect planning for decommissioning.

This estimate is to consider relevant up-to-date information that could be important to adequate planning and funding for decommissioning before the commencement of decommis sioning. The major factors include the anticipated decommissioning method, 'These equations are derived from Table 6.3 of NUREG/CR-0130, Addendum 4 (Refer ence 5) and Table 5.3 of NUREG/CR-0672, Addendum 3 (Reference

6), respectively.

1.159-7 major technical factors necessary to carry out decommissioning safely, the cur-m rent situation with regard to disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive L waste, residual radioactivity criteria, as well as other site-specific condi tions that could affect decommissioning planning and cost. The assessment would include preparation of a cost estimate as in Regulatory Position 1.4. 1.4 Basis for Decommissioning Cost Estimates

1.4.1 References for Developing Cost Estimates Cost estimates for specific reactors may be developed using, as a basis, the studies performed by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (Refs. 1, 5, 6, 8, and 9). Appropriate adjustments to account for differences between the specific reactor and the reference case in the PNL and ORNL studies should be made based on Regulatory Position 1.4.4 of this guide. Studies other than the PNL and ORNL studies may be used to estimate decommissioning costs. The reasonableness of the estimate should be shown by indicating the bases used (e.g., NUMARC (formerly AIF) studies, other generic studies, licensee model, recent experience), and the principal assumptions used in the estimate as discussed in Regulatory Position 1.4.4. 1.4.2 Scope of Cost Estimate In preparing cost estimates for submittal to NRC, costs of all ac tivities involved in normal decommissioning necessary for termination of the license should be included (see Regulatory Position 1.4.4). Costs of removal and disposal of nonradioactive structures and materials beyond that necessary for license termination need not be included as part of the decommissioning cost estimate submitted to the NRC, or, if included, should be separately identified.

Also, costs of removal and disposal of the spent fuel itself should not be included because this is considered an operational cost and is covered by other regulatory provisions (e.g., 10 CFR 50.54(bb)).

However, the cost of removal and disposal of facilities involved in onsite storage of spent fuel should be included as part of the decommissioning cost. Licensees may assume, for purposes of estimating the date of spent fuel shipments off site, that storage capacity will be available in accordance with the most recent update of the "Waste Confidence" rulemaking, or otherwise in accordance with the licensee's contract with DOE for disposal of spent fuel. 1.4.3 General 1.4.3.1. The estimates should be based on technology current at the time the estimate is prepared.

1.4.3.2. The estimate should indicate the year's dollars on which the costs are based. 1.4.3.3. The estimates should be based on existing guidance and cri teria on residual radioactivity and occupational exposure.

Currently, guidance is applied on a case-by-case basis using (1) NRC Regulatory Guide 1.86 and (2) a! level of either 5 pr/hr or 10 mr/yr at 1 meter. Additional guidance on residual ý radioactivity is being developed for publication by the NRC staff.1. 159-8

1.4.4 Details of Cost Estimates 1.4.4.1. In arriving at cost estimates, major decommissioning activities such as the following should be considered:

Planning and preparation of the facility and site for decommis sioning includes labor and materials necessary to gather and analyze pertinent data, develop work plans and procedures, procure special equipment and contractors, train staff, prepare documenta tion for regulatory agencies, and other engineering activities.

  • Decontamination and dismantling of radioactive facility structures, systems, and components includes the labor to carry out these activi ties, the equipment and supplies used (e.g., decontamination chemicals, dismantling equipment), and the power requirements.

0 Packaging, shipment, and burial of radioactive wastes includes quanti ties and types of waste requiring disposal (e.g., neutron-activated materials, contaminated materials, wet and dry radwastes), and unit costs for containers, shipments, and burial.

  • The final radiation survey includes labor and materials to complete the tasks associated with the final survey. 1.4.4.2. Information in the PNL studies or in other studies or study bases may be used in developing costs for the activities listed above in Regu latory Position 1.4.4.1. If the PNL studies are used, costs for the specific facility being considered should be obtained by adjusting the study costs to include those principal factors specific to that facility.

If other studies are used, a summary should be included that indicates the principal factors used in the estimates.

The following principal factors should be included:

1. The estimated radiological conditions at the time of facility shutdown, including radionuclide inventories and component and surface dose rates. (Estimates in the PNL studies may be useful in developing this infor mation.) 2. Inflation occurring between the time the studies were completed and the time the facility-specific cost estimate is made, including the basis for inflation factors.

3. Major facility design and layout differences from the studies that could significantly influence decommissioning costs. 4. The cost of labor. The estimated staff-years to complete the major decommissioning activities discussed above should be indicated, including the bases for the estimate.

Data in the PNL studies on staff-years may be used. In addition, unit costs of labor specific to the locale in which the decommis sioning is to take place should be indicated.

If contractors are expected to be used to perform major decommissioning tasks, this should be indicated and the effect on labor cost (as well as other costs) should be described and its effect estimated.

1.159-9

5. The cost of energy. The estimated energy usage during the major decommissioning activities discussed above should be indicated, including L the bases. Data in the PNL studies on energy may be used. In addition, unit costs of energy such as electricity and fuel oil, specific to the locale in which the facility is located, should be indicated.

6. Waste disposal costs. For the wastes discussed above, the estimated number of containers and casks to be packaged, shipments to be made, and burial volumes should be indicated.

Special charges such as curie or liner surcharges, special containers, and overweight shipments should be indicated, including the bases for the estimates.

Data in the PNL studies on waste quan tities may be used. Unit costs for containers, shipments, and burial at low level waste burial grounds should be indicated.

The PNL studies may be useful for developing this information, although facility-specific differences such as differences in transport distances from those indicated in the PNL study and effects of escalation should be indicated, and the effects of those differences should be estimated.

7. Estimated costs of major items, specifically special tools and equipment, supplies, specialty contractors, nuclear property and liability insurance, and fees, should be indicated and a basis given. Information con tained in the PNL studies in these areas may be used. 1.4.4.3. The information indicated in Regulatory Position 1.4.4.2 should be summarized by indicating the total estimated cost of decommissioning and the major components of that cost, including staff labor, waste disposal, energy, equipment and supplies, specialty contractors, other expenses such as license fees or insurance, and contingency.

1.4.5 Delayed Decommissioning Cost Factors If a delayed decommissioning method (SAFSTOR or ENTOMB) is antici pated, cost estimates should be based on the same procedures outlined in Regu latory Position 1.4.4. However, the estimate should include the activities involved in placing the facility into the storage mode, surveillance and mainte nance of the facility while in storage, and the cost of deferred decontamination at the end of storage, where necessary, to release the facility for unrestricted use. As noted in Regulatory Position 1.4.2, costs of fuel storage during the period, if any, need not be included as part of the decommissioning cost esti mate because 10 CFR 50.54(bb)

requires that funds be provided as an operating cost for spent fuel management

5 years prior to license expiration.

1.4.6 Nuclear Multiple-Unit Stations If a facility is a nuclear multiple-unit station, total decommission ing costs for all units should be indicated as well as for each unit individually.

Specific provisions and cost factors for the multiple-unit facility, such as the timing of decommissioning and length of storage period for each unit, should be discussed so that the net effect on the total cost is clear. Funding adjustments resulting from any such factors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis when such revisions are made.1.159-10

1.5 Adjustments to Cost Estimates In order to maintain adequate funds until completion of decommissioning, funding provisions should contain procedures for periodic review and adjustment of the initial amount set aside, during both operation and any storage periods, based on the following.

1.5.1 Inflation The effect of inflation on the estimated cost should be determined.

For those licensees subject to the certification requirements of 10 CFR 50.75(b), the certification amount should be adjusted annually using the formula in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(2) (see Regulatory Position 1.2). For licensees using site-specific cost estimates (i.e., research and test reactor licensees, power reactor licen sees not covered by 10 CFR 50.75(c), or electric utility licensees submitting preliminary or proposed decommissioning plans pursuant to 10 CFR 50.75(f) and 50.82(a)), new cost estimate studies should be conducted periodically to deter mine whether the estimate reflects cost changes from inflation or other factors.

As an alternative to performing new site-specific cost estimates, licensees may use standard measures of price indexing such as the annual Consumer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or the inflation factor derived from the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross National Product as published in the "Survey of Current Business" by the U.S. Department of Commerce or in "Economic Indicators" by the Council of Economic Advisors.

The licensee may also use the factors indicated in Regulatory Position 1.2 for escalating the principal components of the cost estimate.

Estimates of future inflation should bear a reasonable relationship to recent (i.e., within 10 years) economic performance or other relevant economic conditions and factors. The licensee should document the bases for all estimates of past and future inflation.

1.5.2 Technological and Status Changes For plant-specific decommissioning cost estimates, the effect of technological changes or changes in plant status (e.g., whether the plant has been shut down for an extended period) on the cost estimate should be deter mined. This could include reasonably determined recent developments in decon tamination, waste processing and disposal, or cutting-equipment technology, updated information about the facility conditions such as larger levels of con tamination than anticipated, updated waste disposal conditions, updated residual radioactivity limits, and experience gained from actually decommissioning similar facilities.

1.5.3 Frequency of Adjustment Adjustment to the certification amount and site-specific cost esti mates should be made at least once a year for the effects described in Regula tory Position 1.5.1. Adjustment to site-specific cost estimates for the effects described in Regulatory Position 1.5.2 should be made according to the amount of change experienced, as appropriate, but at least once every 5 years. Adjust ments to funding levels to account for adjustments to the certification amount or site-specific cost estimates are addressed in Regulatory Position 2.2.5.1.159-11

1.6 Final Decommissioning Cost Estimate Paragraph

50.82(b) requires that an updated estimate of cost for decommis sioning be submitted with the decommissioning plan at the time the licensee applies to terminate the license. This cost estimate should be prepared using the same bases as in Regulatory Position 1.4, except that: "* Cost estimates should be based on plant conditions, such as contamina tion levels, specific to that facility to the extent they are known. "* Cost estimates should be based on decommissioning procedures that are included in the decommissioning plan for that facility.

  • Cost estimates should consider the existing experience in comparable facilities using comparable decommissioning methods. Such experience would be derived from already or substantially completed decommis sioning of other facilities, to the extent practical.

2. METHODS OF FINANCIAL

ASSURANCE

Amended 10 CFR 50.75 indicates methods considered acceptable for reactors for assuring the availability of funds for decommissioning.

The following sec tions provide specific guidance to licensees for complying with the various types of methods specified in 10 CFR 50.75. 2.1 Guidance Applicable to All Methods of Financial Assurance

2.1.1. The method should provide that if more than one licensee owns a facility, there is clear indication of funding provisions made by each licensee or agent acting for a licensee.

Multiple licensees may, at their discretion, pool decommissioning funds for a jointly-owned facility or facilities as long as the contribution of each licensee and each facility are separately identifi able within the methods being used. Decommissioning funding plans may be sub mitted either jointly or separately by co-licensees.

However, each licensee should ensure the accuracy of its pro rata share of the total NRC-required amount being certified plus periodic adjustments.

2.1.2. The applicant or licensee should indicate that the method used provides, or will provide at the projected cessation of operations, an amount at least equal to the estimated or certified decommissioning cost for the facil ity. If a licensee uses different methods for assuring decommissioning funds in combination, the combined total of the methods being used should equal the certification amount, plus adjustments projected to be needed. At its discre tion, a licensee may use an assurance method to provide funds for the adjusted certification amount plus non-NRC-required decommissioning costs. 2.1.3. The applicant or licensee should provide evidence that the parties signing the financial instrument (for the applicant or licensee)

are authorized to represent the organization in the transaction.

2.1.4. The applicant or licensee should provide evidence that the financial instrument is either a conformed copy or photocopy of the original instrument.

1.159-12

2.1.5. Each of the methods of financial assurance should be capable of being adjusted to take into account variations in earnings and adjustments in the amount of funds being set aside for decommissioning both during operation and during storage periods, if any (see Regulatory Position 1.5). Adjustments to the annual amount of funds being collected may be made to coincide with rate cases considered by a licensee's public utility commission (PUC) or by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), but, in any event, should be made at least once every 5 years (see Regulatory Position 1.5). 2.1.6. The licensee should maintain continuity in the funding method as follows: 2.1.6.1. If the licensee decides either to change or significantly modify the funding method during the life of the facility or during the storage period, these changes or modifications should be submitted within a reasonable time based on the requirements in 10 CFR Part 50 and this guidance.

An existing method of financial assurance is to be maintained until the licensee has insti tuted a new method. 2.1.6.2. If ownership or operating responsibility of a facility is transferred, the existing financial assurance method is to be maintained until the new owner has submitted a certificate of financial assurance. (Sale leaseback agreements do not require new or amended financial assurance mechanisms unless so provided by such agreements.)

2.1.6.3. An acceptable assurance method is to be maintained until the Part 50 license is terminated.

2.2 Prepayment and External Sinking Fund Funding methods of this type should have the following characteristics:

2.2.1. An applicant or licensee using an escrow account, certificate of deposit, or trust agreement to satisfy 10 CFR 50.75(c) may use the sample word ing for those methods contained in Appendices B.1, B.2, and B.3 of this guide, respectively.

These sample forms have been provided for general guidance.

Specific provisions may not be applicable to particular licensees and may be modified as a licensee's specific situation warrants.

However, each licensee should ensure that the escrow account, certificate of deposit, or trust agree ment complies with applicable state law for such instruments.

2.2.2. The financial assurance instrument, signed by individuals author ized to act for the appropriate parties, should be maintained in the licensee's records and be available for inspection until termination of the Part 50 license. If feasible, records or duplicates should be maintained onsite. 2.2.3. The trustee of a fund should be an appropriate State or Federal government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as a trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency. 2.2.4. Any trust investments complying with IRS Code Section 468A or with approval of or guidance from a utility's State PUC, other State agency, or from FERC would be acceptable to the NRC staff. Licensees not eligible or willing to use decommissioning trusts established under IRS Code Section 468A or not 1.159-13 subject to PUC or FERC jurisdiction should limit trust investments to "invest ment-grade" securities.

Investment-grade bonds and preferred stocks are those rated at least "BBB" or equivalent by a national rating service. Speculative L issues of common stocks should be avoided.

2.2.5. Annual deposits in an external sinking fund, including projected earnings, should attempt to approximate the total amount remaining to be accumu lated, divided by the remaining years of the license, as determined by the ini tial and updated certification amount specified in 10 CFR 50.75(c)(1)

and (2). Arithmetic precision is not required for fund accumulation rates, however.

If, during the course of collecting funds, a licensee has accumulated signifi cantly greater decommissioning funds than anticipated, it may reduce its remain ing contributions commensurately.

Likewise, if a licensee is significantly behind in collections, increased contributions should be used to make up the deficit. A reasonable time may be used to make up any deficit, consistent with good-faith efforts to obtain appropriate rate relief. However, licensees should avoid undue reliance upon contributions weighted in constant dollars toward the end of projected facility operating life. Additionally, the NRC staff considers reliance on an estimated tax deduction for decommissioning expenses at the time such expenses are incurred to be a form of internal reserve and thus not allowed under 10 CFR 50.75(e).

If sufficient rate relief by a State PUC or FERC is ultimately not obtained, licensee's stockholders will be expected to cover decom missioning costs through reduced return on equity. Projected rates of earnings on an external sinking fund during plant operation should reasonably approximate the historical real rate of earnings (i.e., after inflation)

obtained by a given type of investment.

As discussed in Section B of this guide, licensees should avoid day-to-day management of trust funds. In this regard, if a trustee is unable to act as an investment manager, use of a professional investment manager should be considered by the licensee.

2.3 Guarantee Methods Guarantee methods include surety bonds, letters of credit, lines of credit, and insurance.

For non-electric-utility reactors, parent company guarantees may be used. Acceptable guarantee methods should have the following characteristics:

2.3.1. An applicant or licensee using a surety bond, letter of credit, or parent company guarantee may use the sample wording for these methods contained in Appendices B.4, B.5, and B.6, respectively.

These sample forms have been provided for illustrative purposes.

Specific provisions may not be applicable to particular licensees and may be modified as a licensee's specific situation warrants.

However, each licensee should be sure that the instrument being used conforms to applicable State law. 2.3.2. The following documents should be maintained in the licensee's rec ords and be available for inspection by the NRC: For surety bonds: An originally signed duplicate or conformed copy of the surety bond signed by individuals authorized to act for the licensee and the surety company.1.159-14

  • For letters of credit: An originally signed duplicate or conformed copy of the letter of credit signed by individuals authorized to act for the licensee and the financial institution.
  • For insurance:

A certificate of insurance signed by individuals auth orized to act for the licensee and the insurer or a conformed copy of such. 2.3.3. The following should be considered for financial institutions used as guarantors:

  • For surety bonds: The surety company must be listed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the most recent edition of Circular 570 and have a coverage limit sufficient to cover the cost estimates for which assurance is sought. Circular 570 is published annually about July I and is updated in the Federal Register.
  • For letters of credit: The issuing institution must be an entity that has the authority to issue a letter of credit and whose letter of credit operations are regulated and examined by a Federal or State agency. For insurance:

The insurance company must be licensed by State regula tory authorities to transact business as an insurer in one or more States. 2.3.4. If lines of credit are used, the applicant or licensee should obtain from the lender a written commitment to provide funds for all decom missioning expenditures required by the rule. 2.4 Standby Trust 2.4.1. Under the decommissioning regulations, a licensee or applicant-using a surety bond, letter of credit, line of credit, or insurance must establish a "standby" trust fund to receive funds from the other financial instruments, if necessary.

Under this arrangement, if a licensee defaults on decommissioning requirements, the issuer or provider of the instrument (or beneficiary, if appropriate)

will draw on the funds held in the instruments listed and deposit them directly into the standby trust for use as required for decommissioning.

In addition to the instruments listed, applicants or licensees using parent com pany guarantees, certificates of deposit, or government securities should estab lish a standby trust. 2.4.2. An applicant or licensee establishing.a standby trust is directed to the sample wording for the instrument contained in Appendix B.3.2. 2.4.3. Appropriate documentation regarding the standby trust should be maintained in the licensee's records as indicated in Regulatory Position 2.2.2. 2.5 Governmental Statement of Intent A government licensee or license applicant as designated in 10 CFR 50.75(e) can submit a statement of intent that contains a cost estimate for decommission ing and indicates that funds for decommissioning will be obtained when necessary.

The statement of intent should contain the following:

1.159-15 Identification of the facility or facilities for which it provides the financial assurance and the corresponding decommissioning costs. L An indication that funds for decommissioning will be requested and obtained sufficiently in advance of decommissioning to prevent delay of required activities.

  • Evidence of the authority of the official of the government entity to sign the statement of intent. A signed copy of the statement of intent that funds will be obtained when necessary should be maintained in the licensee's records and be available for inspection.

2.6 Proposed Decommissioning Plans In 10 CFR 50.82, subijittal of a proposed decommissioning plan is required at the time a licensee applies for termination of a license. The plan is to include provisions for funding. The following should be included:

  • . An updated decommissioning cost estimate (see Regulatory Position 1.6). "* Provisions for funding the difference, if any, between the final estimate of costs needed to decommission made prior to permanent cessation of operation and the amount raised during the facility's operating life. "* Provisions for maintaining adequate levels of funding during the decommissioning period (including any period of safe storage), with specific provision for escalation of costs from inflation or engineer ing changes less any disbursements for decommissioning expenses.

2.7 Funding Methods for Existing Licensees According to 10 CFR 50.33(k)(2)

and 50.75, existing licensees, on or before July 26, 1990, are required to submit a report to NRC identifying a method for providing financial assurance.

This method should indicate its implementation schedule (i.e., the timing by which a licensee determines the amount of and schedule for planned decommissioning fund accumulations).

Existing funds, if left in internal reserves, will not be acceptable for use as a funding assurance method as described in 10 CFR 50.75(e)(3)

for meeting the certification amount described in 10 CFR 50.75(c).

2.8 Procedures for Shutdown Reactors The funding requirements of 10 CFR 50.75 and 50.82 apply to all reactors, including those that were shut down prior to the effective date of the final rule (July 27, 1988), because these reactors possess a Part 50 license, albeit modified.

As indicated in the Supplementary Information to the final rule, details concerning financial assurance, primarily the time period for accumula ting funds not set aside during operation, would be decided on a case-by-case basis. However, a licensee of a reactor that is currently shut down should submit a report to NRC by July 26, 1990, if it has not yet done so, that includes the following:

1.159-16

2.8.1. Information on how reasonable assurance will be provided that funds -will be available to decommission the facility.

2.8.2. Information on the amount of funds for decommissioning as required by 10 CFR 50.75(f).

That is, a cost estimate that includes provisions for ad justing the estimate should be submitted based on Regulatory Position 1. 2.8.3. Information on the method of financial assurance to be used as required by 10 CFR 50.75(e).

That is, funds needed to complete decommission ing are to be placed in an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's administrative control, or a surety method or fund statement of intent should be maintained based on Regulatory Position 2.

D. IMPLEMENTATION

The purpose of this section is to provide information to applicants and licensees regarding the NRC staff's plans for using this regulatory guide. Except in those cases in which an applicant or licensee proposes an accept able alternative method for complying with the specified portions of the Commis sion's regulations, this guide, which reflects public comments received, will be used to evaluate compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.33(k), 50.75, and 50.82 applicable to the following nuclear reactors:

(1) All plants having an operating license in effect on July 27, 1990, or later. (2) All plants for which an application for an operating license is sub mitted or under NRC review after the July 27, 1988, effective date of the final decommissioning rule (53 FR 24018, June 27, 1988).1.159-17 REFERENCES

L 1. G. J. Konzek, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning Reference Nuclear Research and Test Reactors" (prepared by Pacific Northwest Labora tory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), NUREG/CR-1756, March 1982, and Addendum 1, July 1983. 2. Robert S. Wood, "Assuring the Availability of Funds for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Draft Report, NUREG-0584, Rev. 3, March 1983. 3. U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities," NUREG-0586, August 1988. 4. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "Standard Format and Content of Finan cial Assurance Mechanisms Required for Decommissioning Under 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 70, and 72," Regulatory Guide 3.66, June 1990. 5. R. I. Smith, G. J. Konzek, and W. E. Kennedy, Jr., "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Pressurized Water Reactor Power Sta tion" (prepared by Pacific Northwest Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regu latory Commission), NUREG/CR-0130, June 1978; and Addendum 1, July 1979, Addendum 2, July 1983; Addendum 3, September

1984; and Addendum 4, July 1988. 6. H. D. Oak et al., "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning a Reference Boiling Water Reactor Power Station" (prepared by Pacific North west Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), NUREG/CR-0672, June 1980; Addendum 1, July 1983; Addendum 2, September

1984; and Addendum 3, July 1988. 7. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "Report on Waste Burial Charges," NUREG-1307, Revision 1, October 1989. 8. N. G. Wittenbrock, "Technology, Safety, and Costs of Decommissioning Nuclear Reactors at Multiple-Reactor Stations" (prepared by Battelle Pacific North west Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), NUREG/CR-1755, January 1982. 9. J. P. Witherspoon, "Technology and Cost of Termination Surveys Associated with Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities" (prepared by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory'Commission), NUREG/CR-2241, February 1982. NOTE: Copies of these referenced documents may be purchased through the U.S. Government Printing Office by calling (202) 275-2060 or by writing to the U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 37082, Washington, DC 20013-7082.

Copies may also be purchased from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Copies are available for inspection or copy ing for a fee in the NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street NW., Washington, DC.1.159-18 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF FINANCIAL

TERMS Certificate of Deposit (CD) -A bank's or other financial institution's written acknowledgement of the receipt and deposit of a sum of money by the licensee or applicant and its promise of repayment.

When using a CD to demonstrate financial assurance for decommissioning, the licensee deposits with a bank or other financial institution funds sufficient to cover the certification amount or site-specific cost of decommissioning the licensed facility and receives a CD. Escrow Account -An account containing funds deposited by the licensee or appli icant and held by a bank or other financial institution.

An escrow account differs from similar accounts in that the licensee or applicant provides funds that are held by the escrow until the happening of a contingency or the performance of a condition such as commencement of decommissioning, and then the funds are released to the grantee. The bank or other financial institution where the funds are deposited is the escrow agent. External Sinking Fund -A fund established and maintained by periodically setting funds aside in an account segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's administrative control. The total external sinking fund would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs at the expected time of termina tion of operation.

An external sinking fund may be in the form of a trust, escrow account, government fund, certificate of deposit, or deposits of government or corporate securities.

Financial Test -An accounting ratio requirement, net worth requirement, bond rating requirement, or similar requirement or combination of requirements that measures the financial strength of a firm providing financial assurance.

The financial test is used by a firm that provides a guarantee to a licensee to show its own financial strength and its ability to support the guarantee.

This mechanism is unavailable to electric utility (power reactor) licensees. (See 10 CFR Part 30, Appendix A.) Insurance

-Insurance in this case would be similar to surety bonding as dis cussed below in that it would guarantee that decommissioning costs will be paid to a trustee should the licensee default.

Letter of Credit -A binding agreement by which the issuing party, such as a bank or other financial institution, agrees on behalf of the applicant or licensee (the account party) to pay a governmental or government-approved authority (the beneficiary)

in the event of any default by the licensee in the performance of decommissioning.

Line of Credit -An arrangement of the licensee with a lender (a bank or other financial institution)

in which the lender agrees to provide funds required for decommissioning of the licensee's facility.

The maximum amount of credit stated in the contract between the applicant or licensee and the lender must be at least sufficient to equal the certified or estimated cost of decommissioning.

A-i Parent Company Guarantee

-A promise by one party (the guarantor)

to pay speci fied debts or perform specified obligations of another party (the principal)

in the event that the principal fails to satisfy the debts or obligations.

Specifically, to satisfy the decommissioning regulations, an applicant's or licensee's parent corporation agrees to guarantee to provide specified dollar amounts to fund performance of decommissioning in the event of the licensee's default. A parent company guarantee is not an acceptable method of financial assurance for power reactor licensees. (See 10 CFR Part 30, Appendix A.) Prepayment

-The deposit prior to the start of operation (or, for existing facilities, by a specified time provided in the regulations)

into an ac count, segregated from licensee assets and outside the licensee's admin..istrative control, of cash or liquid assets such that the amount of funds would be sufficient to pay decommissioning costs. Types of accounts can be similar to those described above for an external sinking fund. Surety Bond -A guarantee that decommissioning costs will be paid should the li censee default. The surety bond is a contract that the licensee or appli- cant (the principal)

enters into with a qualified surety company (the surety) to assure the Commission or State regulatory agency that the licensee will fulfill its decommissioning obligations.

In the event of the licensee's default, the surety guarantees that decommissioning costs will be paid. Trust Fund -A three-party agreement whereby the licensee or applicant, called the grantor or trustor, transfers assets at least equal to the cost of decommissioning to a trustee, such as a bank, other financial institution, or governmental authority, to hold on behalf of the beneficiary, the Commission, or a State agency.A-2 APPENDIX B EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL

ASSURANCE

INSTRUMENTS

The following formats for financial assurance instruments provide samples of language and provisions for compliance with financial assurance requirements for decommissioning.

Although the sample language is not required by decommis sioning regulations, except for certain provisions in the parent guarantee, applicants and licensees will find that its use will simplify the submittal process. Licensees may add, delete, or modify sample provisions as their cir cumstances warrant. However, licensees should ensure that the financial assur ance instruments being used are valid under applicable State law and comply with NRC's decommissioning regulations in 10 CFR 50.33, 50.75, and 50.82.B-I

APPENDIX B.1 SAMPLE ESCROW AGREEMENT

ESCROW NUMBER Paragraph

1. Establishment of Escrow Account It is agreed between the parties that [insert name of licensee], licensee, has elected to establish an escrow account with [insert name, address, and position of escrow agent] to provide financial assurance for decommissioning of the facility(ies)

in the amounts shown below: [For each facility for which financial assurance is provided by the escrow agreement, list facility name, address, and license number, corresponding estimated or certified decommissioning costs, and indicate amount of financial assurance provided by the escrow account.]

Paragraph

2. Description of Property in Escrow Account It is hereby acknowledged by the parties that [list the assets that have been delivered to the escrow agent and indicate the value of each item] has (have) been delivered to escrow and will remain in the escrow account created by this agreement until one of the two conditions stated in Paragraph

3 of this agree ment has been satisfied.

[Insert name of licensee]

warrants to and agrees with [insert name of escrow agent] that, unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement:

there is no security interest in the property in the escrow account or any part thereof; no financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code is on file in any jurisdiction claiming a security interest in or describing (whether specifically or generally)

the escrow account or any part thereof; and the escrow agent shall have no responsibility at any time to ascertain whether or not any security interest exists or to file any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code with respect to the escrow account or any part thereof.

Paragraph

3. Conditions of Escrow Agreement The property described in Paragraph

2, above, will remain in the escrow account created by this agreement until one of the two following conditions has been satisfied:

(1) the decommissioning activities required by 10 CFR 50 have been completed, the license has been terminated, the facility site is available for unrestricted use for any public or private purpose, and the escrow account has been terminated by notice, in writing, from [insert name of licensee]

or (2) the escrow agent, [insert name of the escrow agent] has been notified by tlye [insert NRC or name of the State regulatory agency], in writing, that the licensee, [name of licensee]

has defaulted on the agreed obligation to carry out the decommissioning for the above listed facility(ies).

B-2 Appendix B.1, continued Paragraph

4. Disbursement of Property in Escrow Account The (insert name of escrow agent] shall make payments from the escrow account upon the presentation of a certificate duly executed by the Secretary or appro priate Officer of the [insert name of licensee]

attesting to the occurrence of the events, and in the form set forth in the attached Specimen Certificate, and upon presentation of a certification attesting to the following conditions:

(1) that decommissioning is proceeding pursuant to an NRC approved plan, and (2) that the funds withdrawn will be expended for activities undertaken pursuant to that plan. Or upon (insert name of escrow agent] receiving written notification of li censee's default from the [insert NRC or State regulatory agency], [insert name of escrow agent] shall make payments from the escrow account as the (insert NRC or name of State regulatory agency] shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of the required decommissioning activities covered by this agreement.

The escrow agent shall reimburse the licensee or other persons as specified by the [insert NRC or State regulatory agency] from the escrow account for expenses for required activities in such amounts as the [insert NRC or name of the State regulatory agency] shall direct in writing. In addition, the escrow agent shall refund to [insert name of licensee]

such amounts as the [insert NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] specifies, in writing. Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute part of the escrow account as described in paragraph

2, abov

e. Paragraph

5. Irrevocability It is also agreed between the parties that this escrow is revocable upon delivery to [insert name of escrow agent], the escrow agent, only on the occur rence of one of the conditions described in Paragraph

3 above or by transfer of the funds held in escrow to another financial assurance mechanism permitted under 10 CFR 50.75(e).

Paragraph

6. Powers of the Escrow Agent The only powers and duties of the escrow agent shall be to hold the escrow property and to invest and dispose of it in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

Escrow Account Management The escrow agent shall invest and reinvest the principal and income of the escrow account and keep the escrow account invested as a single fund, without distinc tion between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the (insert name of licensee]

may communicate in writing to the escrow agent from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of the escrow account; the escrow agent shall discharge its duties with respect to the escrow account solely in the interest of [insert name of licensee's]

decommis sioning obligation and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence, under the circumstances then prevailing, that persons of prudence, acting in like capacity B-3 Appendix B.1, continued and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like character and with like aims; except that: (a) Securities or other obligations of the licensee, or any other owner or operator of the licensed facility(ies), or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (15 U.S.C. 80A. 2(a)), shall not be acquired or held, unless they are securities or other obligations of the Federal government; (b) The escrow agent is authorized to hold cash, awaiting investment or distri bution uninvested, for _ days and without liability for the payment of interest thereon.

Express Power of the Escrow Agent Without in any way limiting the powers and discretion conferred upon the escrow agent by other provisions of this agreement or by law, the escrow agent is expressly authorized and empowered: (a) To register any securities held in the escrow account in its own name and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the U.S. Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the escrow agent shall at all times show that all such securities are part of the escrow account; (b) To deposit any cash in the escrow account in interest-bearing accounts or savings certificates; (c) To pay taxes, from the account, of any kind that may be assessed or levied against the escrow account and all brokerage commissions incurred by the escrow account.

Paragraph

7. Annual Valuation After delivery has been made into this escrow account, the escrow agent shall [monthly, quarterly, annually]

furnish to the licensee a statement confirming the value of the escrow account. Any securities in the account shall be valued at market value within a reasonable time before issuance of such statement.

The failure of the licensee to object in writing to the escrow agent within 90 days after the statement has been furnished to the licensee shall constitute a conclusively binding assent by the licensee, barring the licensee from asserting any claim or liability against the escrow agent with respect to the matters disclosed in the statement.

Paragraph

8. Successor Escrow Agent Upon 90 days prior notice to the licensee, [insert name of licensee], the escrow agent may resign; upon 90 days notice to the escrow agent, the licensee, [insert name of licensee], may replace the escrow agent provided that such resignation or replacement is not effective until the escrow agent has appointed a successor escrow agent and this successor accepts the appointment or another financial assurance instrument has been secured pursuant to paragraph

5. The successor B-4 Appendix B.1, continued escrow agent shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the escrow agent under this agreement.

Upon the successor's acceptance of the appointment, the escrow agent shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the suc cessor the funds and properties then constituting the escrow account. If for any reason the licensee cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the escrow agent, the escrow agent may apply to a court of competent juris diction for the appointment of a successor, or for instructions.

The successor escrow agent shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the escrow account in a writing sent to the licensee and the current escrow agent by certified mail 10 days before the change becomes effective.

Any expenses incurred by the escrow agent as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this paragraph shall be paid as provided in Paragraph

10 of this agreement.

Paragraph

9. Instructions to the Escrow Agent All orders, requests, and instructions from the licensee to the escrow agent shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are signatories to this agreement, or such other designees as the licensee may designate in writing. All orders, requests, and instructions from the [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] shall be in writing, signed by the designees of the [insert NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency]. The escrow agent shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions.

The escrow agent shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the licensee or [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] under this agreement has occurred.

The escrow agent shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the licensee and/or [insert the NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency], except as provided in this agreement.

Paragraph

10. Compensation and Expenses of the Escrow Agent The fee of the escrow agent for its services in establishing the escrow account shall be $ , payable at the time of the execution of this agreement, to be borne by [insert the name of the licensee], licensee.

Expenses of the escrow agent for the administration of the escrow account, the compensation of the escrow agent for services subsequent to the establishing of the escrow account to the extent not paid directly by the licensee, and all other proper charges and disbursements shall be paid from the escrow account.

Paragraph

11. Amendment To This Agreement This agreement may be amended by an instrument in writing executed by the li censee and the escrow agen

t. Paragraph

12. Termination This agreement can be terminated by written notice of termination to the escrow agent signed by [insert the name of licensee], licensee, and by the [insert NRC or the name of the State regulatory agency] alone, if the licensee has ceased to exist.B-5 Appendix 8.1, continued Paragraph

13. Interpretation This escrow agreement constitutes the entire agreement between [insert the name of licensee]

and [insert the name of the escrow agent]. The escrow agent shall not be bound by any other agreement or contract entered into by [insert name of licensee]

and the only document that may be referenced in case of ambiguity in this escrow agreement is the licensing agreement between [insert name of licensee]

and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor.

Paragraph

14. Acceptance of Appointment by Escrow Agent [Insert name, address, and position of escrow agent] does hereby acknowledge its appointment by [insert name of licensee], the licensee, to serve as escrow agent for the escrow account created under this agreement and agrees to carry out its obligations and duties as stated in this escrow agreement.

Paragraph

15. Severability If any part of this agreement is invalid, it shall not affect the remaining pro visions; which remain valid and enforceable.

Paragraph

16. This agreement shall not become effective (and the escrow agent shall have no responsibility hereunder except to return the escrow property to the [insert name of licensee])

until the escrow agent shall have received the following and shall have advised [insert name of licensee]

in writing that the same are in form and substance satisfactory to the escrow agent: Certified resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the making and performance of this Agreement;

Certificate as to the names and specimen signatures of its officers or representative authorized to sign this Agreementand notices, instructions and other communications hereunder.

[Signatures and positions of the designees of the licensee and the escrow agent.] [Insert name of escrow agent] [Insert name of licensee]

By By Name Name Title Title Date. Witness by Notary Public.B-6 APPENDIX B.1.1 SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE

OF EVENTS [Insert name and address of escrow agent] Attention:

Escrow Division Gentlemen:

In accordance with the terms of the Agreement with you dated I, ___ _ , [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], hereby certify that the following events have occurred:

1. [Insert name of licensee]

is required to commence the decommissioning of its facilities located at [insert location of facility] (hereinafter called the decommissioning).

2. The plans and procedures for the commencement and conduct of the decommissioning have been approved by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor, on (copy of approval attached).

3. The Board of Directors of [insert name of licensee]

has adopted the attached resolution authorizing the commencing of the decommissioning.

[Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee]

Date B-7 APPENDIX B.1.2 SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE

OF RESOLUTION

I, _, do hereby certify that I am [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], a [insert state of incorporation]

corporation, and that the resolution listed below was duly adopted at a meeting of this Corpora tion's Board of Directors on ...._ , 19 -. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of this Corporation this day of , 19 _. [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee]

RESOLVED, that this Board of Directors hereby authorizes the President or such other employee of the Company as he may designate

[insert, as appropriate, "to enter into an escrow agreement," or "to commence decommissioning activities at (name of facility))

with the [insert name of escrow agent] in accordance with 1 the terms and conditions described to this Board of Directors at this meeting and with such other terms and conditions as the President shall have approved with and upon the advice of Counsel.B-8 APPENDIX B.2 SAMPLE CERTIFICATES

OF DEPOSIT APPENDIX B.2.1 SAMPLE NEGOTIABLE

CERTIFICATE

OF DEPOSIT PAYABLE AT THE EXPIRATION

OF A SPECIFIED

TIME CERTIFICATE

OF DEPOSIT (Financial Institution)

Place No. (Date) [Insert name of licensee or applicant]

has deposited not subject to check Dollars ($ ) payable to the order of the holder in cur rentnot less than ---3-dais) days after date, upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed, with interest at the rate of percent per annum from date to maturity only. The rate of interest payable-hereunder is subject to change by the bank to such extent as may be necessary to comply with requirements of the Federal Reserve Board made from time to time pursuant to the Federal Reserve Act. These funds are deposited for the purpose of providing financial assurance for the cost of decommissioning activities as required under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 50. Accordingly, this certificate will be renewed automatically unless written notice of (1) the default of the [insert name of licensee or applicant]

on these obligations;

(2) the termination of the facility license; or (3) the substitution of another financial assurance mechanism is received from [the name of licensee or applicant].

Cashier or Officer Note: The negotiable Certificate of Deposit should be in the possession of the trustee of the concurrently created standby trust or the escrow agent of an escrow account.

The certificate should be for a limited time period, such as 1 to 5 years, so that the face value can be adjusted.B-9 APPENDIX B.2.2 SAMPLE NONNEGOTIABLE

CERTIFICATE

OF DEPOSIT PAYABLE ON A CERTAIN DATE CERTIFICATE

OF DEPOSIT (Financial Institution)

Certificate of Deposit _, 19 _ [Insert name of licensee or applicant]

has deposited in the financial institution the sum of Dollars ($ __ ) payable to EState regulatory agency (if the agency can hold special funds under applicable state law), trus tee of standby trust, or escrow agent], months after date, with interest thereon at the rate of __T_ percent per annum from date, upon presentation of this certificate properly endorsed.

These funds are deposited for.the purpose of providing financial assurance for the cost of decommissioning activities as required under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 50. Accordingly, this certificate will be renewed automatically unless written notice of (1) the default of the [insert name of licensee or applicant]

on these obligations;

(2) the termination of the facility license; or (3) the substitution of another financial assurance mechanism is received from [the name of the licen see or applicant].

Cashier or Officer Note: The certificate should be for a limited time period, such as 1 to 5 years, so that the face value can be adjusted.B-10

APPENDIX B.3 SAMPLE TRUST FUND AND STANDBY TRUST AGREEMENTS

APPENDIX B.3.1 SAMPLE TRUST FUND AGREEMENT

TRUST AGREEMENT, the Agreement is entered into as of [date] by and between [name of NRC licensee], a [name of State] [insert "corporation," "partnership," "association," or "proprietorship"], herein referred to as the "Grantor," and [name and address of an appropriate State or Federal government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency], the "Trustee." WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50. These regulations, applicable to the Grantor, require that a holder of, or an applicant for a license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.

WHEREAS, the Grantor has elected to use a trust fund to provide [insert "all" or "part"] of such financial assurance for the facilities identified herein and also provide such additional decommissioning funds not required by the NRC as the Grantor may elect; WHEREAS, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this Agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee, NOW, THEREFORE, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows: Section 1. Definitions.

As used in this Agreement: (a) The term "Grantor" means the NRC licensee who enters into this Agreement and any successors or assigns of the Grantor. (b) The term "Trustee" means the trustee who enters into this Agreement and any successor Trustee.

Section 2. Costs of Decommissioning.

This Agreement pertains to the costs of decommissioning the facility identified in License Number [insert license num ber] issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50. Section 3. Establishment of Fund. The Grantor and Trustee hereby establish a trust fund (the Fund) for the benefit of [insert the Grantor or other appropri ate beneficiary'such as a State agency or the NRC]. The Grantor and the Trustee intend that no third party shall have access to the Fund except as provided herein. [Modification of this provision to cover sale-leaseback agreements should be made contingent upon continued dedication of the trust to provide funds for decommissioning.]

B-I1 Appendix B.3.1, continued Section 4. Payments Constituting the Fund. Payments made to the Trustee for the Fund shall consist of cash, securities, or other liquid assets acceptable to the Trustee. The Fund is established initially as consisting of property acceptable to the Trustee. Such property and any other property subsequently transferred to the Trustee are referred to as the "Fund," together with all earnings and profits thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the Trustee pursuant to this Agreement.

The Fund shall be held by the Trustee, IN TRUST, as hereinafter provided.

Section 5. Payment for Required Activities Specified in the Plan. The Trustee shall make payments from the Fund to the Grantor or to a decommissioning con tractor of the Grantor as the Grantor may designate upon presentation to the Trustee of the following:

a. A certificate duly executed by the [Authorized Officer] of the Grantor attesting to the occurrence of the events, and in the form set forth in the attached Specimen Certificate (see certificate following standby trust), and b. A certificate attesting to the following conditions;

(1) that decommissioning is proceeding pursuant to an NRC-approved plan, and (2) that the funds withdrawn will be expended for activities undertaken pursuant to that Plan. In the event of the Grantor's default or inability to direct decommissioning activities, the Trustee shall: (1) make payments from the Fund as the NRC or State agency shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of required activities covered by this Agreement;

(2) make disbursements to the Grantor or other persons as specified by the NRC, or State agency, from the Fund for expenditures for required activities in such amounts as the NRC, or State agency, shall direct in writing; and (3) refund to the Grantor such amounts remaining after the license has been terminated or as the NRC or State Agency specifies in writing. Upon refund, such funds shall no longer constitute part of the Fund as defined herein. Section 6. Trust Management.

The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the princi pal and income of the Fund and keep the Fund invested as a single fund, without distinction between principal and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the Grantor may communicate in writing to the Trustee from time to time, subject, however, to the provisions of this section.

In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and managing the Fund, the Trustee shall discharge its duties with respect to the Fund in the best interest of the beneficiary and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing which persons of prudence, acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enter prise of a like character and with like aims; except that: (a) Securities or other obligations of the Grantor, or any other owner or operator of the facilities, or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (15 U S.C. 80A-2(a)), shall not be acquired or held, unless they are securities or other obligations of the Federal or a State government;

and B-12 Appendix B.3.1, continued (b) For a reasonable time, not to exceed days, the Trustee is authorized to hold uninvested cash, awaiting investment or distribution, without liability for the payment of interest thereon.

Section 7. Commingling and Investment.

The Trustee is expressly authorized fn its discretion: (a) To transfer from time to time any or all of the assets of the fund to any common, commingled, or collective trust fund created by the Trustee in which the Fund is eligible to participate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the assets of other trusts participating therein; and (b) To purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80A-1 et seq.), including one that may be created, managed, underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered, or the shares of which are sold by the Trustee. The Trustee may vote such shares in its discretion.

Section 8. Express Powers of Trustee. Without in any way limiting the powers and discretion conferred upon the Trustee by the other provisions of this Agreement or by law, the Trustee is expressly authorized and empowered: (a) To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by public or private sale, as necessary for prudent management of the Fund; (b) To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted; (c) To register any securities held in the Fund in its own name, or in the name of a nominee, and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the Trustee in other fiduciary capacities, to rein vest interest and dividends payments and funds from matured and redeemed instruments, to file proper forms concerning securities held in the Fund in a timely fashion with appropriate government agencies, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a qualified central depository even though, when so deposited, such securities may be merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee or such depository with other securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of any securities issued by the U.S. Government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, with a Federal Reserve bank, but the books and records of the Trustee shall at all times show that all such securities are part of the Fund; (d) To deposit any cash in the Fund in interest-bearing accounts maintained or savings certificates issued by the Trustee, in its separate corporate capacity, or in any other banking institution affiliated with the Trustee; and (e) To compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the Fund.B-13 Appendix B.3.1, continued Section 9. Taxes and Expenses.

All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against or in respect of the Fund and all brokerage commissions incurred by the Fund may be paid from the Fund. All other expenses incurred by the Trustee in connection with the administration of this Trust, including fees for legal services rendered to the Trustee, the compensation of the Trustee to the extent not paid directly by the Grantor, and all other proper charges and dis bursements of the Trustee may be paid from the Fund. Section 10. Annual Valuation.

After payment has been made into this trust fund, the Trustee shall [monthly, quarterly, annually]

furnish to the Grantor a state ment confirming the value of the Trust. Any securities in the Fund shall be valued at market value within a reasonable time of such statement.

The failure of the Grantor to object in writing to the Trustee within _ days after the statement has been furnished to the Grantor shall constitute a conclusively binding assent by the Grantor, barring the grantor from asserting any claim or liability against the Trustee with respect to the matters disclosed in the statement.

Section 11. Advice of Counsel. The Trustee may from time to time consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the grantor, with respect to any question arising as to the construction of this Agreement or any action to be taken hereunder.

The Trustee shall be fully protected, to the extent permitted by law, in acting on the advice of counsel.

Section 12. Trustee Compensation.

The Trustee shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the Grantor.

Section 13. Successor Trustee. Upon days notice to the Grantor, the Trustee may resign; upon days notice to the Trustee, the Grantor may replace the Trustee; but such-resignation or replacement shall not be effective until the Grantor has either appointed a successor Trustee and this successor accepts the appointment or implements another financial assurance mechanism specified in Title 10, Chapter I, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 50.75(e).

The suc cessor Trustee shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the Trustee hereunder.

Upon the successor Trustee's acceptance of the appointment, the Trustee shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor Trustee the funds and properties then constituting the Fund. If for any reason the Grantor cannot or does not act in the event of the resignation of the Trustee, the Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee or for instructions.

The successor Trustee shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the trust in a writing sent to the Grantor and the present Trustee by certified mail days before such change becomes effective.

Any expenses incurred by the Trustee as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this section shall be paid as provided in Section 9. Section 14. Instructions to the Trustee. All orders, requests, and instructions by the Grantor to the Trustee shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are signatories to this agreement or such other designees as the Grantor may desig nate in writing. The Trustee shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in accordance with the Grantor's orders, requests, and instructions.

If the NRC or State agency issues orders, requests, or instructions to the Trustee in the event of Grantor default, these shall be in writing, signed by the NRC, State agency, or their designees, and the Trustee shall act and shall be fully B-14 I

Appendix B.3.1, continued protected in actingin accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions.

The Trustee shall have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting a change or a termination of the auth ority of any person to act on behalf of the Grantor, the NRC, or State agency, hereunder has occurred.

The Trustee shall have no duty to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the Grantor and/or the NRC, or State agency, except as provided for herein. Section 15. Amendment of Agreement.

This Agreement may be amended by an instru ment in writing executed by the Grantor, the Trustee and, if applicable, the NRC or State agency, or by the Trustee and the NRC or state agency if the Grantor ceases to exist. Section 16. Termination.

This trust agreement shall continue until terminated at the written agreement of the Grantor, the Trustee and, if applicable, the NRC or State agency, or by the Trustee and the NRC or State agency, if the grantor ceases to exist. Upon termination of the trust, all remaining trust property, less final trust administration expenses, shall be delivered to the Grantor or its successor, or transferred to another financial assurance mechanism specified in 10 CFR 50.75(e), as appropriate.

Section 17. Immunity and Indemnification.

The Trustee shall not incur personal liability of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration of this trust, or in carrying out any directions by the Grantor, the NRC, or State agency, issued in accordance with this Agree ment. The Trustee shall be indemnified and saved harmless by the Grantor or from the trust fund, or both, from and against any personal liability to which the Trustee may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official capacity, including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the Grantor fails to provide such defense.

Section 18. This Agreement shall be administered, construed, and enforced according to the laws of the State of [insert name of State]. Section 19. Interpretation and Severability.

As used in this Agreement, words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.

The descriptive headings for each section of this Agreement shall not affect the interpretation or the legal efficacy of this Agreement.

If any part of this agreement is invalid, it shall not affect the remaining provisions which will remain valid and enforceable.

B-15 Appendix B.3.1, continued IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by the I respective officers duly authorized and the incorporate seals to be hereunto L affixed and attested as of the date first written above. ATTEST: [Insert name of licensee (Grantor)]

[Signature of representative of Grantor] [Title] [Title] [Seal] [Insert name of Trustee] [Signature of representative of Trustee] [Title) ATTEST: [Title] [Seal]B-16 APPENDIX B.3.2 SAMPLE STANDBY TRUST AGREEMENT

TRUST AGREEMENT, the Agreement entered into as of [date] by and between [name of NRC licensee], a [name of State] [insert "corporation," "partnership," "associa tion," or "proprietorship"], herein referred to as the "Grantor," and [name and address of an appropriate State or Federal government agency or an entity that has the authority to act as trustee and whose trust operations are regulated or examined by a State or Federal agency], the "Trustee." WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50. These regulations, applicable to the Grantor, require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a Part 50 license provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.

WHEREAS, the Grantor has elected to use a [insert "letter of credit," "line of credit,' "surety bond," "insurance policy," "parent guarantee," "certificate of deposit," or "deposit of government securities"]

to provide [insert "all" or "part"] of such financial assurance for the facilities identified herein; and WHEREAS, when payment is made under a [insert "letter of credit," "line of credit," "surety bond," "insurance policy, "certificate(s)

of deposit," "deposit of govern ment securities," or "parent guarantee"], this standby trust shall be used for the receipt of such payment; and WHEREAS, the Grantor, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the Trustee to be the trustee under this Agreement, and the Trustee is willing to act as trustee, NOW, THEREFORE, the Grantor and the Trustee agree as follows: [The remainder of the recommended wording for the Standby Trust Agreement is as indicated in B.3.1 for the Trust Fund Agreement except that the words "Standby Trust Fund" should be substituted in Section 3 and Section 10 in place of the words "Trust Fund."]B-17 APPENDIX B.3.2.1 SPECIMEN CERTIFICATE

OF EVENTS [Insert name and address of trustee] Attention:

Trust Division Gentlemen:

In accordance with the terms of the Agreement with you dated I, , [Authorized Officer] of [insert name of licensee], hereby certify that the following events have occurred:

1. [Insert name of licensee]

is required to commence the decommissioning of its facility located at [insert location of facility] (hereinafter called the decommissioning).

2. The plans and procedures for the commencement and conduct of the decommissioning have been approved by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or its successor, on (copy of approval attached).

3. The Board of Directors of [insert name of licensee]

has adopted the attached resolution authorizing the commencement of the decommissioning.

[Authorized OfficerJ of tinsert name of licenseej Date B-18 APPENDIX B.3.2.2 SAMPLE CERTIFICATE

OF RESOLUTION

I, , do hereby certify that I am [Authorized Officer] of (insert name of licensee), a (insert state of incorporation]

corporation, and that the resolution listed below was duly adopted at a meeting of this Corpora tion's Board of Directors on , 19 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of this Corporation this day of _ ___, 19. LAuthorized Officer] RESOLVED, that this Board of Directors hereby authorizes the President, or such other employee of the Company as he may designate, to commence decommissioning activities at [insert name of facility]

in accordance with the terms and conditions described to this Board of Directors at this meeting and with such other terms and conditions as the President shall approve with and upon the advice of Counsel.B-19 APPENDIX B.3.3 SAMPLE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

[The following is an example of the acknowledgement that should accompany the trust agreement for a standby trust fund or trust fund.] STATE OF To Wit: CITY OF On this _ day of _ before me, a notary public in and for the city and State aToresaid, personally appeared , and she/he did depose and say that she/he is the [title], of [financial institution], Trustee, which executed the above instrument, that she/he knows the seal of said association;

that the seal affixed to such instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the association;

and that she/he signed her/his name thereto by like order.[Signature of notary public] My Commission Expires: [Date]B-20

APPENDIX B.4 SAMPLE PAYMENT SURETY BOND PAYMENT SURETY BOND Date bond executed:

Effective date: Principal:

[legal name and business address of licensee or applicant]

Type of organization:

[insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership" or "corporation")

State of incorporation: (if applicable)

NRC license number, name and address of facility, and amount(s)

for decommissioning activity guaranteed by this bond: Surety(ies)

[name(s) and business address(es)]

Type of organization:

[insert "proprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership" or "corporation"]

State of incorporation: (if applicable)

-Surety's qualification in jurisdiction where licensed facility(ies)

is (are located) Surety's bond number: Total penal sum of bond: $ Know all persons by these presents, That we, the Principal and Surety(ies)

hereto, are firmly bound to the [insert U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (hereinafter called NRC) or the name of the State agency] in the above penal sum for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, admin istrators, successors, and assigns jointly and severally;

provided that, where the Sureties are corporations acting as co-sureties, we, the Sureties, bind our selves in such sum "jointly and severally" only for the purpose of allowing a joint action or actions against any or all of us, and for all other purposes each Surety binds itself, jointly and severally with the Principal, for the pay ment of such sum only as is set forth opposite the name of such Surety; but if no limit of liability is indicated, the limit of liability shall be the full amount of the penal sum. WHEREAS, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganiza tion Act of 1974, has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, applicable to the Principal, which require that a license holder or an applicant for a license provide financial assurance that funds will be available when needed for facility decommissioning;

B-21 Appendix 8.4, continued NOW, THEREFORE, the conditions of the obligation are such that if the Principal_

shall faithfully, before the beginning of decommissioning of each facility iden tified above, fund the standby trust fund in the amount(s)

identified above for the facility;

Or, if the Principal shall fund the standby trust fund in such amount(s)

after an order to begin facility decommissioning is issued by [insert "the NRC" or the name of the State agency] or a U.S. district court or other court of competent jurisdiction;

Or, if the Principal shall provide alternative financial assurance and obtain the written approval of the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] of such assurance, within 30 days after the date a notice of cancellation from the Surety(ies)

is received by both the Principal and the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency), then this obligation shall be null and void; otherwise it is to remain in full force and effect. The Surety(ies)

shall become liable on this bond obligation only when the Prin cipal has failed to fulfill the conditions described above. Upon notification by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] that the Principal has failed to perform as guaranteed by this bond, the Surety(ies)

shall place funds in the amount guaranteed for the facility(ies)

into the standby trust fund. The liability of the Surety(ies)

shall not be discharged by any payment or suc cession of payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall amount in'the aggregate to the penal sum of the bond, but in no event shall the obligation of the Surety(ies)

hereunder exceed the amount of said penal sum. The Surety(ies)

may cancel the bond by sending notice of cancellation by certi fied mail to the Principal and to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency) provided, however, that cancellation shall not occur during the 90 days beginning on the date of receipt of the notice of cancellation by both the Prin cipal and the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency], as evidenced by the return receipts.

The Principal may terminate this bond by sending written notice to the [insert "NRC" or name of State agency] and to Surety(ies)

90 days prior to the proposed date of termination, provided, however, that no such notice shall become effec tive until the Surety(ies)

receive(s)

written authorization for termination of the bond from the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency].

The Principal and Surety(ies)

hereby agree to adjust the penal sum of the bond yearly so that it guarantees a new amount, provided that the penal sum does not increase by more than 20 percent in any one year. In Witness Whereof, the Principal and Surety(ies)

have executed this financial guarantee bond and have affixed their seals on the date set forth above.B-22 Appendix B.4, continued The persons whose signatures appear below hereby certify that they are authorized to execute this surety bond on behalf of the Principal and Surety(ies).

Principal

[Signature(s)]

[Name(s)]

[Title(s)]

[Corporate seal] Corporate Surety(ies)

[Name and address] State of incorporation:

Liability limit: $ [Signature(s)]

[Name(s) and title(s)]

[Corporate seal] [For every co-surety, provide signature(s), corporate seal, and other informa tion in the same manner as for Surety(ies)

above.) Bond premium: $B-23 APPENDIX B.5 SAMPLE IRREVOCABLE

STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT NO. [INSERT NO.] This Credit Expires [insert date] Issued To: [Insert U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission;

Washington, DC 20555, or name and address of appropriate State agency.] Dear Sir or Madam: We hereby establish our Standby Letter of Credit No. in your favor, at the request and for the account of [applicant's name and address] up to the aggregate amount of [in words], U. S. dollars $ available upon presentation of: (1) your sight draft, bearing reference to this Letter of Credit No. and (2) your signed statement reading as follows: "I certify that the amount of the draft is payable pursuant to regulations issued under authority of This letter of credit is issued in accordance with regulations issued under the authority of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. The NRC has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, which require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a license issued under 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available When needed for decommissioning.

This letter of credit is effective as of [date] and shall expire on [date at least 1 year later], but such expiration date shall be-automatically extended for a period of [at least 1 year] on [date] and on each successive expiration date, unless, at least 90 days before the current expiration date, we notify both you and [licensee's name], as shown on the signed return receipts.

If [licensee's name] is unable to secure alternative financial assurance to replace this letter of credit within 30 days of notification of cancellation the NRC may draw upon the full value of this letter of credit prior to cancellation.

We shall give immediate notice to the applicant and the [insert "NRC" or name of State agency] of any notice received or action filed alleging (1) the insolvency or bankruptcy of the financial institution or (2) any violations of regulatory requirements that could result in suspension or revocation of the bank's charter or license to do business.

We also shall give immediate notice if we, for any reason, become unable to fulfill our obligation under the letter of credit.B- 24 Appendix B.5, continued Whenever this letter of credit is drawn on under and in compliance with the terms of this letter of credit, we shall duly honor such draft upon its presentation to us within 30 days, and we shall deposit the amount of the draft directly into the standby trust fund of [licensee's name] in accordance with your instructions.

Each draft must bear on its face the clause: "Drawn under Letter of Credit No. _ , dated , and the total of this draft and all other drafts previously drawn under this letter of credit does not exceed [fill in amount]." [Signature(s)

and title(s) of official(s)

of issuing institution]

[Date] This credit is subject to [insert "the most recent edition of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, published by the Intierinational Chamber of Commerce," or "the Uniform Commercial Code"].B-25 APPENDIX B.6 SAMPLE DOCUMENTS

RECOMMENDED

TO SUPPORT CORPORATE

GUARANTEE

APPENDIX B.6.1 SAMPLE LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL

OFFICER OF CORPORATE

PARENT, INCLUDING

COST ESTIMATES

AND DATA FROM AUDITED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS (Address to U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or State regulatory agency) I am the chief financial officer of [name and address of firm], a [insert "tproprietorship," "joint venture," "partnership," or "corporation"].

This letter is in support of this firm's use of the financial test to demonstrate financial assurance, as specified in 10 CFR Part 50. [Complete the following paragraph regarding facility(ies)

and associated cost estimates.

For each facility, include its license number, name, address, and current cost estimates for the specified activities.]

This firm guarantees, through the parent company guarantee submitted to demon strate compliance under 10 CFR Part 50, the decommissioning of the following facility(ies)

owned or operated by subsidiary(ies)

of this firm. The current cost estimates or certified amounts for decommissioning, so guaranteed, are shown for each facility:

Name of Location of Current Facility Facility Cost Estimates This firm [insert "is required" or "is not required"]

to file a Form 10K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the latest fiscal year. This fiscal year of this firm ends on [month, day]. The figures for the follow ing items marked with an asterisk are derived from this firm's independently audited, year-end financial statements and footnotes for the latest completed fiscal year, ended [date]. [Insert completed Alternative I or Alternative II.] I hereby certify that the content of this letter is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

[Signature]

[Name] [Title] [Date]8-26 APPENDIX 8.6.2 Financial Test: Alternative I 1. Decommissioning cost estimates for facility [insert license number] (total of all cost estimates shown in paragraphs above) *2. Total liabilities (if any portion of the cost estimates for decommissioning is included in total liabilities on your firm's financial statement, deduct the amount of that portion from this line and add that amount to lines 3 and 4) *3. Tangible net worth *4. Net worth *5. Current assets *

6. Current liabilities

  • 7. Net working capital (line 5 minus line 6) *8. The sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization
  • 9. Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90 percent of firm's assets are located in the United States) Yes 10. Is line 3 at least $10 million? 11. Is line 3 at least 6 times line 1? 12. Is line 7 at least 6 times line I? 13. Are at least 90 percent of firm's assets located in the United States? If not, complete line 14. 14. Is line 9 at least 6 times line 1? (Guarantor must meet two of the following three ratios) 15. Is line 2 divided by line 4 less than 2.0? 16. Is line 8 divided by line 2 greater than 0.1? 17. Is line 5 divided by line 6 greater than 1.5?$ $ $$ $ No mDenotes figures derived from financial statements.

B-27 APPENDIX B.6.3 Financial Test: Alternative II 1. Decommissioning cost estimates for facility [insert license number] (total of all cost estimates shown in paragraphs above) 2. Current bond rating of most recent issuance of this firm and name of rating service 3. Date of issuance of bond 4. Date of maturity of bond *5. Tangible net worth (if any portion of estimates for decommissioning is included in total liabilities on your firm's financial statements, add the amount of that portion to this line). *6. Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90 percent of firm's assets are located in the United States) YES 7. Is line 5 at least $10 million? 8. Is line 5 at least 6 times line 1? *9. Are at least 90 percent of firm's assets located in in the United States? If not, complete line 10. 10. Is line 6 at least 6 times line I?wDenotes figures derived from financial statements.

B-28$$ NO

APPENDIX B.6.4 SAMPLE OF AUDITOR'S

SPECIAL REPORT BY CERTIFIED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

CONFIRMATION

OF CHIEF FINANCIAL

OFFICER'S

LETTER We have examined the financial statements of [company name] for the year ended [date], and have issued our report thereon dated [date]. Our examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, accordingly, included such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary.

The [company name] has prepared documents to demonstrate its financial responsi bility under the NRC's financial assurance regulations, 10 CFR Part 50. This letter is furnished to assist the licensee [insert NRC license number and name] in complying with these regulations and should not be used for other purposes.

The attached schedule reconciles the specified information furnished in the chief financial officer's (CFO's) letter in response to the regulations with the company's financial statements.

In connection therewith, we have 1. Confirmed that the amounts in the column "Per Financial Statements" agree with amounts contained in the company's financial statements for the year ended [date]; 2. Confirmed that the account in the column "Per CEO's Letter" agrees with the letter prepared in response to the NRC's request; 3. Confirmed that the amounts in the column "Reconciling Items" agrees with analyses prepared by the company setting forth the indicated items; and 4. Recomputed the totals and percentages.

Because the procedures in 1-4 above do not constitute a full examination made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we do not express an opinion on the manner in which the amounts were derived in the items referred to above. In connection with the procedures referred to above, no matters came to our attention that cause us to believe that the chief financial officer's letter and supporting information should be adjusted.

Signature Date B-29 APPENDIX B.6.4.1 SAMPLE SCHEDULE RECONCILING

AMOUNTS CONTAINED

IN CHIEF FINANCIAL

OFFICER'S

LETTER WITH AMOUNTS IN FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS

XYZ COMPANY YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 19XX Per Recon- Per Line in Financial ciling CFO's CFO's Letter Statements Items Letter Total current liabilities X Long-term debt X Deferred income taxes X XX Accrued decommissioning costs included in current liabilities X Total liabilities (less accrued decommissioning costs) X Net worth XX Less: Cost in excess of value of tangible assets acquired X XX Accrued decommissioning costs included in current liabilities X Tangible net worth (plus decommissioning costs) XX (Balance of schedule is not illustrated.)

This illustrates the form of schedule that is contemplated.

Details and reconciling items will differ in specific situations.

B-30

APPENDIX B.6.5 SAMPLE PARENT COMPANY GUARANTEE

PARENT COMPANY GUARANTEE

Guarantee made this [date] by [name of guaranteeing entity] a [insert "proprie torship," "joint venture," "partnership," or "corporation"]

organized under the laws of the State of [insert name of State], herein referred to as "guarantor," to the U S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), or State agency found acceptable to the NRC, [insert name of State agency], obligee, on behalf of our subsidiary

[licensee]

of [business address].

Recitals 1. The guarantor has full authority and capacity to enter into this guarantee

[if guarantor is a corporation, add the following phrase "under its bylaws, articles of incorporation, and the laws of the State of [insert guarantor's state of incorporation], its State of incorporation"].

[If the guarantor has a Board of Directors, insert the following: "Guarantor has approval from its Board of Directors to enter into this guarantee."]

2. This guarantee is being issued to comply with regulations issued by the NRC, an agency of the U.S. Government, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. NRC has promulgated regulations in Title 10, Chapter I of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50 which require that a holder of, or an applicant for, a license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 provide assurance that funds will be available when needed for required decommissioning activities.

3. The guarantee is issued to provide financial assurance for decommissioning activities for [identify licensed facility(ies)]

as required by 10 CFR Part 50. The decommissioning costs for which are as follows: [insert amount of decommissioning cost guaranteed for each identified facility].

4. The guarantor meets or exceeds the following financial test criteria [insert statement indicating which financial test is being used] and agrees to com ply with all notification requirements as specified in 10 CFR Part 50. The guarantor shall meet one of the following two financial tests: (a) (i) A current rating of its most recent bond issuance of AAA, AA, A or BBB as issued by Standard and Poor's, or Aaa, Aa, A or Baa as rated by Moody's; and (ii) Tangible net worth is at least $10 million and at least six times the current decommissioning cost estimate (or prescribed amount if a certification is used); and (iii) Assets located in the United States amounting to at least 90 percent of its total assets or at least six times the current decommissioning cost (or prescribed amount if certification is used). or B-31 Appendix B.6.5, continued (b) (i) Net working capital and tangible net worth each at least six times the current decommissioning cost estimates (or prescribed amount if certification is used); and (ii) Assets located in the United States amounting to at least 90 percent of its total assets or at least six times the amount of the current decommissioning cost estimates (or prescribed amount if certification is used); and (iii) Meets two of the following three ratios: a ratio of total liabilities to net worth less than 2.0; a ratio of the sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization to total liabilities that is greater than 0.1; and a ratio of current assets to current liabilities that is greater than 1.5; and (iv) Tangible net worth of at least $10 million.

5. The guarantor has majority control of the voting stock for the following licensee(s)

covered by this guarantee.

[List for each licensee:

name, address, the facility(ies)

owned or operated by each licensee, and the corresponding license number(s).)

6. Decommissioning activities as used below refers to the activities required by 10 CFR Part 50 for decommissioning of facility(ies)

identified above. 7. For value received from [licensees], [if the guarantor is a corporation, add "and pursuant to the authority conferred upon the guarantor by ("the unanimous resolution of its directors" or "the majority vote of its shareholders"), a certified copy of which is attached"]

the guarantor guarantees to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] that if the licensee fails to perform the required decommissioning activities, as required by License No. [insert license number], the guarantor shall (a) carry out the required activities, or (b) set up a trust fund in favor of the above identified beneficiary in the amount of these current cost estimates for these activities.

[If a State is the named beneficiary, the guarantee documentation should include written verification from the State agreeing to use the trust funds to carry out the required decommissioning activities for the named facility(ies).]

8. The guarantor agrees to submit revised financial statements, financial test data, and a special auditor's report and reconciling schedule annually within 90 days of the close of the parent guarantor's fiscal year. 9. The guarantor agrees that if, at the end of any fiscal year before termina tion of this guarantee, it fails to meet the financial test criteria, the licensee shall send within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year, by certi fied mail, notice to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] that the licensee intends to provide alternative financial assurance as B-32 Appendix B.6.5, continued specified in 10 CFR Part 50. Within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, the guarantor shall establish such financial assurance if the [li censee] has not done so. 10. The guarantor also agrees to notify the beneficiary promptly if the owner ship of the licensee or the parent firm is transferred and to maintain this guarantee until the new parent firm or the licensee provides alternative financial assurance acceptable to the beneficiary.

11. The guarantor agrees that within 30 days after being notified by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] of a determination that it no longer meets the financial test criteria or that it is disallowed from continuing as a guarantor for the facility under License No. [insert license number], it shall establish an alternative financial assurance as specified in 10 CFR Part 50 as applicable, in the name of [licensee]

unless [licensee]

has done so. 12. The guarantor as well as its successors and assigns agree to remain bound jointly and severally under this guarantee notwithstanding any or all of the following:

amendment or modification of license or NRC-approved decom missioning funding plan for that facility, the extension or reduction of the time of performance of required activities, or any other modification or alteration of an obligation of the licensee pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50. 13. The guarantor agrees that all bound parties shall be jointly and severally liable for all litigation costs incurred by the beneficiary

[insert name] in any successful effort to enforce the agreement against the guarantor.

14. The guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee for as long as [licensee]

must comply with the applicable financial assurance requirements of 10 CFR Part 50, for the previously listed facility(ies), except that the guarantor may cancel this guarantee by sending notice by certified mail to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] and to [licensee], such cancellation to become effective no earlier than 120 days after receipt of such notice by both the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] and [licensee]

as evidenced by the return receipts.

15. The guarantor agrees that if [licensee]

fails to provide alternative financial assurance as specified in 10 CFR Part 50, as applicable, and obtain written approval of such assurance from the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] within 90 days after a notice of cancellation by the guarantor is received by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] from the guarantor, the guarantor shall provide such alternative financial assurance in the name of [licensee]

or make full payment under the guarantee.

16. The guarantor expressly waives notice of acceptance of this guarantee by the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] or by [licensee).

The guarantor also expressly waives notice of amendments or modification of the decommissioning requirements and of amendments or modifications of the license.B- 33 Appendix B.6.5, continued 17. If the guarantor files financial reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, then it shall promptly submit them to the [insert "NRC" or the name of the State agency] during each year in which this guarantee is in effect. I hereby certify that this guarantee is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Effective date: [Name of guarantor]

[Authorized signature for guarantor]

[Name of person signing] [Title of person signing] Signature of witness or notary: B-34 VALUE/IMPACT

STATEMENT A draft value/impact statement was published with the draft of this guide, DG-1003, when the draft guide was published for public comment in May 1989. No changes were necessary, so a separate value/impact statement for the final guide has not been prepared.

A copy of the draft value/impact statement is available for inspection and copying for a fee at the Commission's Public Document Room at 2120 L Street NW., Washington, DC, under Task DG-1003.V/I-1