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| issue date = 08/13/2015
| issue date = 08/13/2015
| title = State of Vermont Letter to NRR Director Objecting to Entergy'S July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust and an Attachment (Petition to DC Circuit)
| title = State of Vermont Letter to NRR Director Objecting to Entergy'S July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust and an Attachment (Petition to DC Circuit)
| author name = Ancel C B, Griffin W E, Recchia C, Zamore P H
| author name = Ancel C, Griffin W, Recchia C, Zamore P
| author affiliation = Green Mountain Power Corporation, Sheehey Furlong & Behm P C, State of VT, Dept of Public Service, State of VT, Office of the Attorney General, Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp
| author affiliation = Green Mountain Power Corporation, Sheehey Furlong & Behm P C, State of VT, Dept of Public Service, State of VT, Office of the Attorney General, Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp
| addressee name = Dean W M
| addressee name = Dean W
| addressee affiliation = NRC/NRR
| addressee affiliation = NRC/NRR
| docket = 05000271
| docket = 05000271
Line 15: Line 15:


=Text=
=Text=
{{#Wiki_filter:WILLIAM H. SOREELL TEL: (802) 828-3171 ATTORNEY GENERAL "FAX: (802) 828-3187, TrY: (802) 828-3665 SUSANNE R. YOUNG DEPUTY ATI'ORNEY GENERAL http://wivw.ago.vermnont.gov WILLIAM E. GRIFFIN CHIEF ASST. ATrORNEY SAEO EMN GENERAL SAEO EMN OFFICE OF THE AITORNEY GENERAL 109 STATE STREET MONTPELIER, VT 05609-1001 August 13, 2015 William Dean, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington D.C. 20555-.0001 Re: Docket 50-271; Request for Immediate Objection to Entergy's July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust for Non-Decommissioning Expenses  
{{#Wiki_filter:WILLIAM H. SOREELL                                                                                             TEL: (802) 828-3171
                                                                          "*,                                    TrY: (802) 828-3665 ATTORNEY R.
SUSANNE      GENERAL YOUNG                                            "FAX:                                               (802) 828-3187 DEPUTY ATI'ORNEY GENERAL                                                                               http://wivw.ago.vermnont.gov WILLIAM E. GRIFFIN CHIEF ASST. ATrORNEY                                 SAEO         EMN GENERAL                                       SAEO         EMN OFFICE OF THE AITORNEY GENERAL 109 STATE STREET MONTPELIER, VT 05609-1001 August 13, 2015 William Dean, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington D.C. 20555-.0001 Re:     Docket 50-271; Request for Immediate Objection to Entergy's July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust for Non-Decommissioning Expenses


==Dear Director Dean,==
==Dear Director Dean,==
On July 16, 2015, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC (Entergy) and the Managing Director of the Bank of New York Mellon (the Bank) submitted a "Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust." The notice requests "lip to $12,000,000" from the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for expenses that include "operational irradiated fuel management expenses." The State. the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation.
 
and Green Mountain Power Corporation formally request that the NRC i~mmediately provide notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request. pursuant to the NRC's authority under Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station Renewed Facility Operating License Condition 3 .J~a(iii) and under the Master Trust AM! of Entergy's previous pre~notices of disbursements have been only for what Entergy asserts to be "legitimate decommissioning expenses." 'This is the first time Entergy has asserted a right to reimburse itself for non-decommissionfing expenses--something which NRC regulations explicitly forbid. 10 C.F.R.§ S0.75 (h)(1)(iv) (disbursements: "are restricted to decommissioning expenses");
On July 16, 2015, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC (Entergy) and the Managing Director of the Bank of New York Mellon (the Bank) submitted a "Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust." The notice requests "lip to $12,000,000" from the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for expenses that include "operational irradiated fuel management expenses." The State. the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation. and Green Mountain Power Corporation formally request that the NRC i~mmediately provide "*written notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request. pursuant to the NRC's authority under Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station Renewed Facility Operating License Condition 3 .J~a(iii) and under the Master Trust Agreemnent§*4.05.
see also, e.g., id.§ 50.82 (a)(8)(i)(A) (disbursements must be "for legitimate decommissioning activities consistent with the definition of decommissioning in [10 C.F.R.] § 50.2," which in turn defines decommissioning as limited to activities that "reduce residual radioactd'vity");
AM!of Entergy's previous pre~notices of disbursements have been only for what Entergy asserts to be "legitimate decommissioning expenses." 'This is the first time Entergy has asserted a right to reimburse itself for non-decommissionfing expenses--something which NRC regulations explicitly forbid. 10 C.F.R.
General Requiremnents for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities, 53 Fed. Reg. 24018-01, 24018 (1988) ("Decommnissioning activities do not include the rem~oval and disposal of spent fuel which is considered to be an operational activity .... "(emphasis added)).Entergy' s assertion of an ability to reimburse itself for millions of dollars in "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" appears to be based on the NRC's June 23, 2015 granting of an exemption from the above regulations.
        § S0.75 (h)(1)(iv) (disbursements: "are restricted to decommissioning expenses"); see also, e.g., id.
See 80 Fed. Reg. 35 992-35995 (June 23, 2015). However, the State of Vermont, the Vermont Yankee Nuclear 'Power Corporation, and Green Mountain power have now challenged that decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, See attachment.
        § 50.82 (a)(8)(i)(A) (disbursements must be "for legitimate decommissioning activities consistent with the definition of decommissioning in [10 C.F.R.] § 50.2," which in turn defines decommissioning as limited to activities that "reduce residual radioactd'vity"); General Requiremnentsfor Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities, 53 Fed. Reg. 24018-01, 24018 (1988) ("Decommnissioning activities do not include the rem~oval and disposal of spentfuel which is considered to be an operational activity .... "(emphasis added)).
This pending legal challenge states that the NRC' s June 2 3, 2 015 decision shoulidhbe overturned as a violation of the Atomic Energy Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.Further, as the State has previously noted, regardless of whether Entergy has been exempted from applicable NRC regulations, Entergy and the Bank of New York Mellon have independent legal obligations to not release funds for "operational  
Entergy' s assertion of an ability to reimburse itself for millions of dollars in "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" appears to be based on the NRC's June 23, 2015 granting of an exemption from the above regulations. See 80 Fed. Reg. 35 992-35995 (June 23, 2015). However, the State of Vermont, the Vermont Yankee Nuclear 'Power Corporation, and Green Mountain power have now challenged that decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, See attachment. This pending
'irradiated fuel management expenses." In particular, the 2002 Master Trust' Agreement and the related Vermont Public Service Board Order do not allow use of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for spent fuel expenses until the site has been decommissioned, and have specific provisions:
 
regarding the return of 55% of excess amounts in that fund to Vermont ratepayers through the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Entergy has not yet sought approval from the NRC or the Vermont Public Service Board to amend those requirements.
legal challenge states that the NRC' s June 2 3, 2015 decision shoulidhbe overturned as a violation of the Atomic Energy Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the National Environmental         Policy Act.
Applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations similarly state that "[a]bsent express authorization" from FERC--authorizati'on' Entergy has not received-"no part" of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund may be "used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than to fund 'the costs of decommissioning." 18 C.F.R. § 35.3'2(a)(6) (emphasis added). Entergy's planned use of alleged "excess" funds also violates' the requirement that any "excess jurisdictional amount" be "retur[ed]...
Further, as the State has previously noted, regardless of whether Entergy has been exempted from applicable NRC regulations, Entergy and the Bank of New York Mellon have independent legal obligations to not release funds for "operational 'irradiated fuel management expenses." In particular, the 2002 Master Trust' Agreement and the related Vermont Public Service Board Order do not allow use of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for spent fuel expenses until the site has been decommissioned, and have specific provisions: regarding the return of 55% of excess amounts in that fund to Vermont ratepayers through the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Entergy has not yet sought approval from the NRC or the Vermont Public Service Board to amend those requirements.
to ratepayers"--
Applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations similarly state that "[a]bsent express authorization" from FERC--authorizati'on' Entergy has not received-"no part" of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund may be "used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than to fund 'the costs of decommissioning." 18 C.F.R. § 35.3'2(a)(6) (emphasis added). Entergy's planned use of alleged "excess" funds also violates' the requirement that any "excess jurisdictional amount" be "retur[ed]... to ratepayers"--
here, through Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Id. § 35.32(a)(7).
here, through Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Id. § 35.32(a)(7).
Entergy's cOntractual obligations as well as federal laWs, including'laws Entergy has not been exempted from, prohibit the release of trust funds for "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" at this time. And the undersigned have now fled a direct challenge in the' U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C.Circuit to the exemption request that forms the entire basis for Entergy's claim that it can use the fund in this way. Unless and until these legal issues are resolved, it would be arbitrary and an abuse of discretion for the NRC to stand by and dedline to exercise its right to provide "written notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request.Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your immediate action.William E. Griffin Chief Assistant Attorney General Vermont Attorney General's Office Pee .Zamor Sheehey'Furlong  
Entergy's cOntractual obligations as well as federal laWs, including'laws Entergy has not been exempted from, prohibit the release of trust funds for "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" at this time. And the undersigned have now fled a direct challenge in the' U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C.
& Behm P.C./30 Main Street, Gateway Sq, 6th Fl, P0 Box 66 Burlington, VT 95402 Counsel for Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green' Mountain Power Christopher Recclhia Commissioner Vermont Department of Public Service Charlotte B. Ancel " / 6-Vice President, General Counsel 'Power Resoutrces, and COrpo'rate Se~cretary Green Mountain Power Corporation 163 Acorn Ln, Colchester, VT 05446 cc: Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of theNuclear Regulatory Commission U.S. Nuclear Regulatory.
Circuit to the exemption request that forms the entire basis for Entergy's claim that it can use the fund in this way. Unless and until these legal issues are resolved, it would be arbitrary and an abuse of discretion for the NRC to stand by and dedline to exercise its right to provide "written notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request.
Commission Document Control Desk Page 2 of 3 Daniel H. Dorman, Regional Admini) strator, Region 1, NRC James S, Kun, Project Manager, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, NRC T. Michael Twomey, Vice President of External Affairs, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Chris Wamser, Site Vice President, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Glen Metzger, The Bank of New York. Mellon Page 8 of 3 UNTED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLO/MBIA CIRCUIT THE STATE OF VERONT, VEWONT YANKEE.NCLEAR  
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your immediate action.
):
William E. Griffin                                       Christopher Recclhia Chief Assistant Attorney General                         Commissioner Vermont Attorney General's Office                         Vermont Department of Public Service Pee Zamor    .                                           Charlotte B. Ancel            "            / 6-Sheehey'Furlong & Behm P.C./
ad )GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER )CORPORATION  
Vice President, General Counsel '
"-)Vt UNTED STAThS NUCLEA REGULATORY COMMSSION,.
30 Main Street, Gateway Sq, 6th Fl, P0 Box 66             Power Resoutrces, and COrpo'rate Se~cretary Burlington, VT 95402                                      Green Mountain Power Corporation Counselfor Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation      163 Acorn Ln, Colchester, VT 05446 and Green' Mountain Power cc:     Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of theNuclear Regulatory Commission U.S. Nuclear Regulatory. Commission Document Control Desk Page 2 of 3
and UNITED. STATES. OP AMERICA, Respondents N) t )))))))PETiTION FOR REVIW.Pursuant to § 189 of toi Atomlo Energ Act 42 U.S.,CI § 2239w, 28: U.S.C.§.§ 23414344; te Adminitmto troeur Act, S U.S.C. §: 551 et seq.; and Rule.1$ of the FedralRuls of Appellate Procedre, the ,petitioners, the State ,of.Vermont the Vermont Yanee Nuclear: Power Corporation, and onret Mountain h erohy. petition this..Court, fbr. review of :the. Uited States.Nuclear Regu~latory .Commission' s ("Commission")
 
Issuance of Exemptions for the Vermont Yan~ke Nuclear Power Station ("Vermont Yankee") in. Docket No..50-271; NRC-20I "The: Commission issued its approval to the owner/operator of Vermont 2015, and notice was published in the Pedant Registr on une 23, 201.5 (80 Fed.:3599% a copy of whi is attached hereto). This filing is within the: 60-dy statute of limitations and :is timely pursuant:
Daniel H. Dorman, Regional Admini)strator, Region 1, NRC James S, Kun, Project Manager, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, NRC T. Michael Twomey, Vice President of External Affairs, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Chris Wamser, Site Vice President, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Glen Metzger, The Bank of New York. Mellon Page 8 of 3
to 28 U.SC. § 2344, This Court has jurisdicto over this matter pursuant to 28 US.C. 2342(4) and 2344-, and is a proper venue pursuant to 28 U.S.C. -§ 2343.' Petitioners have stanuding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2344 and S U.S.C. § 702 to bring this Petition.
 
The State of' Veront, its citizens, and its ratepayers are agrieved by the Commission's decision, which affcts: (1) the: license for a nuclear power plant locae in the State and (2) the Nuclea Decnmssionig Trust~ Fund. (.De.mmssiondng Fun&V) for Vertmont Yankee which wa primarily frnded. by monis Worn Vermont ramteyon, andi in' whicih Veront ratepatyers have an inteet in excess tinds reaining after decommissioning.
UNTED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLO/MBIA CIRCUIT THE STATE OF VERONT, VEWONT YANKEE.NCLEAR                           ):
The Vermont. Yoankee Nuclear Power Corporation.
POWE*R C*ORORATION;. ad                         )
and its crent: sole. owner, Green Mountain Power Corporation, are utilities that also :have: a diret interstin proper use of the Decmmssioning Fund. Vermont Yane Nuclea Power Copration, now owned by Green Mountai Power .Corporation, collected the principal funds that (with interest) eonstitute-the entirety of the Decounis~sioning Thud. .Further, Gree Moutattint Nwer Corportion, and: through it their Veormont ratepayrs, hav.2 dcosmnlssion4ng Thus, e.... ver time th Com..mission
GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER                           )
... allows: an imptperlr froIU the eo mnsstomng Fun~d, it hars Veront Yankee Nucle~ar...Power .Corporation, Gren Mountai Power Corpration, and their Vermont ratpayer..s.
CORPORATION "-)
Finally, Petitione~rs jointly submtted a letter :(dated. June 5, 20i5)' to 9 ~the Commission requesting the opportunity for p~ublic participation on Ente~$y's i: oexemption request: and requesting to participate in the. matter before: the+.:::.Commssion isue its decsion. No such opportuntywas granted.:'!iThe. C on acted abused its discretion, nd violated the Atomic nergy the Administrative.
N) t *
Prcdure Act. and th National:
                                                )
Policy .Act In approvin the e~xemptions and foiling to provides.opportunity for Pettoners to participate in the process. Petitioners respectfhlly request that: this Court review the Commission's decis:ion, vacate that: decision, and remand the: matter. to the Conxssion.
                                                )
Repethiysumttd i: ~By :its attorneys,;:;! 3 il Kyle Wr LandisMarinelo,,:'!fl.C, CircuitBa No. 55684 State of Vrmont109 State Stret i~ikylde nondllo~n ve :ilTel.(tOZ)  
Vt                               )
.82830186!i State of Vermaont i Department of Public ServiceStat Stret hr Fl.oor'..VT 056.20-2601Tel: (802) 828-4007:,::D t C. Ciuit.lar Roll No, 50119.NicaLLfhswrhMUR CUTLRP.ICKRRNIAtS AND DORK LIPBoston, M.A 02109* tohcia,kllswoM@wflmettale~aomu i!bonniediiple@wllmerh~leoerm 4  
                                                )
UNTED STAThS NUCLEA REGULATORY COMMSSION,. and                      )
UNITED. STATES. OP AMERICA,
                                                )
Respondents               )
PETiTION FOR REVIW
    .Pursuant     to § 189 of toi Atomlo Energ Act 42 U.S.,CI § 2239w, 28: U.S.C.
§.§ 23414344; te Adminitmto                       Act, S U.S.C. §: 551 et seq.; and Rule.
troeur 1$ of the FedralRuls of Appellate Procedre, the ,petitioners, the State ,of.
Vermont the Vermont Yanee Nuclear: Power Corporation, and                   onret Mountain Power..("Petition~ers"*) herohy. petition this..Court, fbr. review of :the. Uited States.
Nuclear Regu~latory .Commission's ("Commission") Issuance of Exemptions for the Vermont Yan~ke Nuclear Power Station ("Vermont Yankee") in. Docket No..
50-271; NRC-20I 5-)15.*
 
        "The: Commission issued its approval to the owner/operator of Vermont 2015, and notice was published in the Pedant Registr on une 23, 201.5 (80 Fed.:
Reg* 3599% a copy of whi         is attached hereto). This filing is within the: 60-dy statute of limitations and :is timely pursuant: to 28 U.SC. § 2344, This Court has jurisdicto over this matter pursuant to 28 US.C. §§* 2342(4) and 2344-, and is a proper venue pursuant to 28 U.S.C. -§2343.
      ' Petitioners have stanuding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2344 and S U.S.C. § 702 to bring this Petition. The State of' Veront, its citizens, and its ratepayers are agrieved by the Commission's decision, which affcts: (1) the: license for a nuclear power plant locae in the State and (2) the Nuclea Decnmssionig Trust~ Fund.(.De.mmssiondng Fun&V) for Vertmont Yankee which wa primarily frnded. by monis *ollcted Worn Vermont ramteyon, andi in' whicih Veront ratepatyers have an inteet in excess tinds reaining after decommissioning. The Vermont. Yoankee Nuclear Power Corporation. and its crent: sole. owner, Green Mountain Power Corporation, are utilities that also :have: a diret interstin proper use of the Decmmssioning Fund. Vermont Yane Nuclea Power Copration, now owned by Green Mountai Power .Corporation, collected the principal funds that (with interest) eonstitute-the entirety of the Decounis~sioning Thud. .Further, Gree Moutattint Nwer Corportion, and: through it their Veormont ratepayrs, hav.
2
 
dcosmnlssion4ng       Thus, e....
ver   time th             ...
Com..mission allows: an imptperlr i*withdrava froIU the                   eo mnsstomng Fun~d, it hars Veront Yankee Nucle~ar
...             Power .Corporation, Gren Mountai           Power Corpration, and their Vermont ratpayer..s. Finally, Petitione~rs jointly submtted a letter :(dated. June 5, 20i5)' to 9             ~the Commission requesting the opportunity for p~ublic participation on Ente~$y's i:             oexemption request: and requesting to participate in the. matter before: the+
.:::.Commssion               isue its decsion. No such opportuntywas granted.
:'!iThe.               C         on acted *itrarily, abused its discretion, nd violated the Atomic     nergy Act* the Administrative. Prcdure Act. and th               National:
*:iEnvirou                      Policy .Act In approvin the e~xemptions and foiling to provides
.             opportunity for Pettoners to participate in the process. Petitioners respectfhlly request that: this Court review the Commission's decis:ion, vacate that: decision, and remand the:matter.to the Conxssion.
Repethiysumttd i:                                   ~By     :its attorneys,
                ;:;!                                       3
 
il                             Kyle WrLandisMarinelo,,
:'!fl.C,                                         *Roll No. 55684 CircuitBa State of Vrmont
* 109 State Stret i~ikylde                                 nondllo~n   ve   ont,*w
:ilTel.(tOZ)                               .82830186
!i                             State of Vermaont i                             Department ofPublic Service
*i112.                            Stat Stret hr Fl.oor'
.. *Moatpir,,                                VT 056.20-2601
:*                            Tel: (802) 828-4007
:,::D                               tC. Ciuit.lar Roll No, 50119.
NicaLLfhswrh MUR CUTLRP.ICKRRN WILi*
*:*                            IAtS AND DORK LIP
:!i:,*                        Boston, M.A 02109
* tohcia,kllswoM@wflmettale~aomu i!bonniediiple@wllmerh~leoerm 4


MO"NT.....P.w...COR..ORAT.ON
:*    *iiii.IGnBN'                                      MO"NT.....P.w...COR..ORAT.ON iii i:.:!!iii~iiiiiii~ i:: i~~iiCharlott-a !i¸::
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i:: i~ ~iiCharlott-a  
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!i¸:: II I: .h Mii:ii:o1iCOlceTo VAI 05446 POCORPORATION iBy its attorney*.: Sheehey Furlong & Behrn I, C,.Main Strees Gateway Sq, 6th FlBox 66:!ii gThwlirtn VT 05402: pzroh xe)$shehevtco Tel (82.8989$1  
Mii:ii:o1i    .h
*'U.S. Nucilear Regulatory.Commission Issuance of Exemptions SENTrERGY NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, INC.: VERMONT YANKEENCLEARPOWER STATION-.. ..DOCKET NO.-50-27.1  
    .i:*                                          COlceTo        VAI 05446         PO
.80 Fed. Reg. 35992 (June 23, 2015)  
    *::                                            CORPORATION iBy                                                 its attorney
*3592 35992Federal Register/Vol.
*.:                                                 Sheehey Furlong & Behrn I, C,.
80, No. 120/Tuesdlay, Julne 23, 2015 /Notices I i II, Background  
    *:i30                                              Main Strees Gateway Sq, 6th Fl
-----.ii :. i... .request the OMB's approva 1for thle ...
    *i:!iPO,                                              Box 66
collection
:!ii                                           gThwlirtn VT 05402:
:summarized.
pzroh xe)$shehevtco Tel (82.8989
: collection:
                                                        $1
Title of the Code of-Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 51--
 
ProtectiOn Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related:2. :MB approval nfumber: 3.150-0021, N/A.5. HoW often the collection is required or requested:
    *'U.S. Nucilear Regulatory.Commission Issuance of Exemptions SENTrERGY NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, INC.:
Upon submittal of an application for a combined license, construction permit, operating license, operating license renewal, early site permit, design certification, decommissioning or license termination review; or manufacturing license, or upon submittal of a petition for rulemaking.
VERMONT YANKEENCLEARPOWER STATION
: 6. Who will be required or asked to respond: Licensees and applicants requesting approvals for actions proposed in accordance with the provisions of 10 CFR parts 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 50, 52, 54, 60, 61, 70, and 72.7. The estimated number of annual responses:
    -..     ..DOCKET NO.-50-27.1 .
48.7.8. The estimated number of annual respondents:
80 Fed. Reg. 35992 (June 23, 2015)
48.7.9. The estimated number of hours needed annually to cam ply~with the information collection requirement or request: 48,104.10. Abstract:
 
The NRC's regulations at 10 CFR part 51 specifies information to be provided by applicants and licensees so that the NRC can make determinations necessary to adhere to the policies, regulations, and public laws of the Unitedl States, which are interpreted and administered in accordance with the provisions, set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.III. Specific Requests for Comments The NRC is seeking comments that address the following questions:
        *3592 35992Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120/Tuesdlay, Julne 23, 2015 /Notices I
: 1. Is the proposed dollection of information necessary for the NRC to properly perform its functions?
i II, Background         -   - -     -:. - i.ii    be  minimized,
Does the information have practical utility?2. Is the estimate of the burden of the information collection accurate?3. Is there a way to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected?
:automated          including collection*    the use of-techniques    or : - a~damas~html.
: 4. How can the burden of the information collection on respondents be minimized, including the use of-:automated techniques or : -other ~formsi of i nformation t:e:hnob logy ?NRC Clearance Officer, office bf lnfor~mation Ser~vices.  
                                                                                                          "!ADAMS Public  To begin the search, Documents": and:select then other ~formsi of i nformation t:e:hnob logy ?    :select "!,Begi'n:Web-based A*DAMS::: ::
""[FR Doe. 2015-15390 Filed 6-Z22-15; 8:45 am]BILLING" CODE 7593-01-P NUCLEAR :REGULATORY COMMISSION.I:.
Search."  /'Forlp~roblems with ADAMS,: :i
No6. 50-271: NRC÷2015-01 57]Enhtergy Nuclear Operations, Inc,;Vermo0nt Yankee NUClear POwer Station AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
... .request the OMB's approva 1for thle            ...
ACTION: Exemption; issuance.
*"in*,iformationa collection :summarized. :
NRC ClearanceOfficer, office bf lnfor~mation     ADAMS accession nuimber for ~each,.".
Ser~vices.     ""                               document referenced (if that documient collection: Title 1*0 of the Code of-              [FR Doe. 2015-15390 Filed 6-Z22-15; 8:45 am]     is .availab~le in ADAMS) is proi)Vdedi the.
FederalRegulations (10 CFR) Part 51--                                                                first timi-e that a document.is referenced.
BILLING"CODE 7593-01-P Envi*ronmental ProtectiOn Regulations                                                                    '*NRC'S DR:B You imay examine and for Domestic Licensing and Related                                                                  purchase copies of pulbl~ic documents at NUCLEAR :REGULATORY
:2. :MB approval nfumber: 3.150-0021,          COMMISSION.I:.
[Doc*ket: No6. 50-271: NRC÷2015-01 57]
N/A.                                                                                                "F:OR FU!RTHER..INFORMATION. CONTACT:
Enhtergy Nuclear Operations, Inc,;               James.Kimt, Office of Nuiclear Reactor
: 5. HoW often the collection is required or requested: Upon submittal of an                Vermo0nt Yankee NUClear POwer                     R~egulation. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory application for a combined license,                Station                                           Commission, Washington, DC 20555-construction permit, operating license,            AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory                       0001; telephone: 301-415-4125; email:
operating license renewal, early site              Commission.                                      james.Kim@nrc.gov.
permit, design certification,                      ACTION: Exemption; issuance.                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
decommissioning or license termination review; or manufacturing license, or             


==SUMMARY==
==SUMMARY==
: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing exemptions in response to a January 6, 2015, request from Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. (ENO or the licensee).
: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory             I. Background upon submittal of a petition for                  Commission (NRC) is issuing                         Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.
One exemption permits the use of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (VY) Decommissioning Trust Fund (Trust) to implement the licensee's plan to manage irradiated fuel in accordance.-
rulemaking.                                        exemptions in response to a January 6,           (ENO), is the holder of Renewed Facility
with the updated Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and post-shutdown decommissioning activities report (PSDAR); The other exemption permits the licensee to make withdrawals from the Trust in accordance with the Updated Irradiated:Fuel Management Plan and PSDAR without prior notification to the NRC.DATES: June 23, 2015.ADDRESSES:
: 6. Who will be required or asked to            2015, request from Entergy Nuclear               Operating License No. DPR-28 for VY.
Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2015-01.57 when contacting the NRC about the availability of.information regarding this document.Y~u may obtain publicly-available information related to this document using any of the following methods:.* Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go tO h ttp://www~regulations.gov and. search ....for Docket ID NRC--2015-0157.
respond:Licensees and applicants                  Operations, Inc. (ENO or the licensee).         By letter dated January 12, 2015 requesting approvals for actions                    One exemption permits the use of the             (ADAMS Accession No. ML15013A426),
Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Callagher; telephone:
proposed in accordance with the                    Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station             ENO submitted to the NRC a provisions of 10 CFR parts 30, 32, 33,            (VY) Decommissioning Trust Fund                   certification in accordance with 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 50, 52, 54, 60, 61, 70,        (Trust) to implement the licensee's plan         Sections 50.82(a)(1)(i) and 50.82(a)(1)(ii) and 72.                                            to manage irradiated fuel in accordance.-        of Title 10 of the Code of Federal
301-415-3463; email: Carol, Gallagher@nrc.gov.
: 7. The estimated number of annual              with the updated Irradiated Fuel                 Regulations (10 CFR), indicating that it responses: 48.7.                                   Management Plan and post-shutdown                had permanently deased power
For technical questions, contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document.* NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may access publicly: available documents online in the ADAMS public document collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/
: 8. The estimated number of annual              decommissioning activities report                operations at VY and had permanently respondents:48.7.                                 (PSDAR); The other exemption permits              defueled the VY reactor vessel. VY has
a~damas~html.
: 9. The estimated number of hours              the licensee to make withdrawals from            not operated since December 29, 2014.
To begin the search, :select"!ADAMS Public Documents":
needed annually to cam ply~with the                the Trust in accordance with the                  The facility consists of a boiling water information collection requirement or              Updated Irradiated:Fuel Management                reactor located in the town of Vernon, request: 48,104.                                   Plan and PSDAR without prior                      Windham County, Vermont on the west
and then:select "!,Begi'n:
: 10. Abstract: The NRC's regulations at        notification to the NRC.                          bank of the Connecticut River, 10 CFR part 51 specifies information to                                                              immediately upstream of the Vernon DATES: June 23, 2015.
Web-based
be provided by applicants and licensees                                                              Hydroelectric Station, ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID so that the NRC can make NRC-2015-01.57 when contacting the                II. RequestlAction determinations necessary to adhere to NRC about the availability of.
:: Search." /'For lp~roblems with ADAMS,: :i ADAMS accession nuimber for ~each,.".document referenced (if that documient is .availab~le in ADAMS) is proi)Vdedi the.first timi-e that a document.
the policies, regulations, and public                                                                  By letter dated January 6, 2015 laws of the Unitedl States, which are              information regarding this document.
is referenced.DR:B You imay examine and purchase copies of pulbl~ic documents at"F:OR FU!RTHER..INFORMATION.
Y~u may obtain publicly-available                (ADAMS Accession No. ML150!3A1 71),
CONTACT: James.Kimt, Office of Nuiclear Reactor R~egulation.
interpreted and administered in                                                                      ENO Submitted a request for exemptions information related to this document accordance with the provisions, set forth                                                            from 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 using any of the following methods:.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone:
in the National Environmental Policy
301-415-4125; email: james.Kim@nrc.gov.
* FederalRulemaking Web site: Go tO          CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv). The exemption Act of 1969, as amended.                           h ttp://www~regulations.govand. search....       from 10.CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) w~ould....
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
III. Specific Requests for Comments                for Docket ID NRC--2015-0157. Address            permit ENO to make withdrawals from questions about NRC dockets to Carol              the VY Trust to implement its plan to The NRC is seeking comments that                                                                 manage irradiated fuel in accordance address the following questions:                  Callagher; telephone: 301-415-3463; email: Carol,Gallagher@nrc.gov.For                with the updated Irradiated Fuel
I. Background Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.(ENO), is the holder of Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-28 for VY.By letter dated January 12, 2015 (ADAMS Accession No. ML15013A426), ENO submitted to the NRC a certification in accordance with Sections 50.82(a)(1)(i) and 50.82(a)(1)(ii) of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), indicating that it had permanently deased power operations at VY and had permanently defueled the VY reactor vessel. VY has not operated since December 29, 2014.The facility consists of a boiling water reactor located in the town of Vernon, Windham County, Vermont on the west bank of the Connecticut River, immediately upstream of the Vernon Hydroelectric Station, II. RequestlAction By letter dated January 6, 2015 (ADAMS Accession No. ML150!3A1 71), ENO Submitted a request for exemptions from 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv).
: 1. Is the proposed dollection of technical questions, contact the                 Management Plan and PSDAR. The information necessary for the NRC to                                                                exemption from 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(ivl properly perform its functions? Does the          individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this              would permit ENO to make these information have practical utility?                                                                  withdrawals without prior notification
The exemption from 10.CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) w~ould....
: 2. Is the estimate of the burden of the      document.
permit ENO to make withdrawals from the VY Trust to implement its plan to manage irradiated fuel in accordance with the updated Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and PSDAR. The exemption from 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(ivl would permit ENO to make these withdrawals without prior notification of the NRC, similar to withdrawals for decommissioning activities made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8).
* NRC's Agencywide Documents                  of the NRC, similar to withdrawals for information collection accurate?                                                                    decommissioning activities made in
By a separate letter dated December 19, 2014 (ADAMS Accession No, ML14358A251), ENO submitted an
: 3. Is there a way to enhance the             Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may access publicly:                accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8). By quality, utility, and clarity of the available documents online in the                a separate letter dated December 19, information to be collected?
: Federal Re~ister/:VO1.
: 4. How can the burden of the                  ADAMS public document collection at              2014 (ADAMS Accession No, information collection on respondents            http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/                    ML14358A251), ENO submitted an
80, :No. 1i20/:TueSday, *June-23, : 2015/Notices359 I I I l l I I I l l I I f ManagquiementPlnas require by10 CR50.75(h)bb)i).
 
ThelsoA.,a reqtithuiredo briay 10ndF inc2a)idenwas alpnss} o subomittedoningepenber 1 nti 2014 AdAcmSmccssionghaben No.mpletedA10.
: Federal Re~ister/:VO1.                 80, :No. 1i20/:TueSday, *June-23, : 2015/Notices359 I   I   I l l I I Il l I I                                                                                                       f A:..:The ExemnptiOns:are Authorized by:                    -:;  C . The Exem ptfonsi are Consistent With:
The requirements of 10 CFR 50.75(a)(8)(i)()
forirradiated fuelmanagementud**i0.               +i +
frethric thvie usftrust, exetfrwithdrawals toexeinssfrlgitmate udeommisionin 582actiites onsisten wimeth the odeinitio afdeomisisioninge which appar inciea 10xCens50., Thi deiiionudoesenot inclu mde activities asusoite withou irraiated fotielt h R::.mnaemnt Therefore, an exemptionfrm1CF
CF      5bvi:0.82(a)(8).i)(A ando 10h    CFRC              plhranniiedEND ecomm~isiaton~ingO~ andi:            +.
' 5f7omh)1(i0 C iR needed((i(A is nloweedeallo Ends trom use frunst fromrh Trs o irradiated fuel management.wthu ThPeuirementtsoo 10 CFR 5.2 50.7 hfssio) mals on restrictatheousebo ord inaerysand iniersntalrexpenses) tow deomissioninegrn expempinseuni finalth Terequirements of 10 CFR pr 0()we 507(h")i uther*xmpin parahovided th at, d isbuct lrOseent maynbemdue fri om the *: .: cOTrustenwithout withemmn notiefto the NRC:! ": : :Thserefore
fia lhs~fic:ense  terinthionfei processadt .      -.
:ic tanexemp gtediofrom 10 :CFR :: : : : ::50.75(h)()iv) isre.ped~edto allowsecal EN.........
ManagquiementPlnas require by10 CR50.75(h)bb)i). ThelsoA.,a      reqtithuiredo                                                                          wil
to.use :.fcundstafromsthe Tustiamn fothr irraiagted fuelmanagemn without prio ApRlC ntifton.o h euaini the Darisculas ion mtne* ol o Purisuanotnesar to 10CFhi5e12 the* b}Commisionc mauonl appulct.ion.
                                                                                                                                        *adversely o        e6*affecot EN'sbilty+*NSto briay 10ndF          inc2a)idenwas alpnss}o                  aprinof theAoi          fundsrg tomthe4      Trst o          phyically: :+ s~ecur teit~i~~:::le  orfprotec subomittedoningepenber 1 2014          nti                iradiated, frutel Cmangmenithiouts AdAcmSmccssionghaben      No.mpletedA10.                    riorunoticentoTheNrCfr,          inthe samempin D.Specialnclercumateral.Ths            chnet The requirements of 10 CFR                                 maBierThae  EximthdowsPresn              moUdue 50.75(a)(8)(i)() frethric thvieusftrust, wenabevterueo    apporction of the        feundsio exetfrwithdrawals toexeinssfrlgitmate Teunder        ligproef10 CFR o                    "08()8fro the Tarstifor actiirmtinesothe thnt udeommisionin      582actiites onsisten decommssioning            thas unoeyn actievites wimeth the       odeinitio afdeomisisioninge                                                                              prelation toseurityissue.Teeoe e
byd* ~~anydinterestedherso ort uphats own* ~ignitiantive grant excespios frtomste consitenplte wihe the ommaton defese thingsd, orthe t followingniiaty serves*f thoe uelingcurpoedb ofthe rul signilantly sinuaexcssofths A:..:The ExemnptiOns:
which apparinciea10xCens50., Thi                            decommissioning activitiesreAscstate                            The uomndefeynse andposecurit is not deiiionudoesenot              mde activities inclu Baboe, 10CR01nalw            the      cs etomt NRC-pcii asusoitewithou        irraiated fotielt h        R                                                                      D.0Specal(8Circumstand 0ces goranxmtions              the fro Tutorirequirementsl
are Authorized by: -:;CF 5bvi:0.82(a)(8).i)(A ando 10h CFRC aprinof theAoi funds rg tom the4 Trst o iradiated, frutel Cmangmenithiouts riorunoticento TheNrCfr, inthe samempin maBierThae EximthdowsPresn moUdue Teunder ligproef 10 CFR "08()8 o decommissioning activitiesreAscstate Baboe, 10CR01nalw the NRC-pcii cs etomt goranxmtions fro the Tutorirequirementsl ofa10gFRmpat 50whe nth adexseyimpatin aENs auilthorie bylaw.the NrCsafflgia hsdetermisoined asixpline b0elowan thtegraningt the lYI~censee.
::.mnaemnt            Therefore, an exemptionfrm1CF                    ofa10gFRmpat 50whe          nth adexseyimpatin                wit75h)(10v  CFR      to p2aro)iid aepresentbl
puroperosed exemptions wil ot resut0i aF violation)(i tofal the Atoic enserg Atofm1954.as amendedrawl therommis Trsi on'regulations.
'          5f7omh)1(i0  C      iR needed((i(A is nloweede            aENsauilthorie bylaw.the NrCsafflgia
noThereforet the empiNsC arsuhoul riz fedt by law, iecyo B.nd iThe ETemptiton PrsetomUndue RaiktoltheiPuliHealnthand ati:f te sty Theaunserlycingpurpoas ae ofil 0 CFR and: 10 e CRev~ l B ]asedl on the sitve-speii cr os esimate portioenofthrcurstfor irradated fyusigtel managementh willpote madversel impac th ENr'sability tof comtuleted raccdiologica nterincratetedVY Alicense, Furthermbore, exemptonseune fom 10 ostulated(1)iv toallowitent lienseeitoreasekNocane ar weithraal frmaen the typess foramut irrdiaedffueltta managemrentse w ffithou phrio witte notsgificatinto thceae iNC radiological depulcntaminationoftese becausue, suherwiethdrwl areustill cxmtonstrained byth provsions olan CndR Based ton the aubove, hather areno naewy C .The Exem pt fonsi are Consistent With: for irradiated
:..*to          allo Ends tromuse frunst fromrh                        hsdetermisoined asixpline b0elowan Trs irradiated o         fuel management.wthu                                                                                  wheneveapplication of thee reguaioemnt thtegraningt      the lYI~censee. puroperosed exemptions wilot                resut0i aFviolation)(i ino theparticular actircumtanes ishenotha tofal the Atoic enserg Atofm1954.as                          necemmssaryito      achieveithes sunderyin ThPeuirementtsoo      10 CFR 5.2 50.7 hfssio) mals on      restrictatheousebo              amendedrawl therommis            Trsi on' ord inaerysand iniersntalrexpenses) tow                    regulations. noThereforetthe            empiNsC                assrancitate      adequmataeentfundstill bena deomissioninegrn expempinseunifinalth                      arsuhoul      riz fedtby law,         iecyo railgcldecommissioning  ofpwrractor.      V B.nd iThe    ETemptiton PrsetomUndue Terequirements of 10 CFR         pr      0()we RaiktoltheiPuliHealnthand                ati:fte sty 507(h")i                      parahovided th at, uther*xmpin                                                                                          frmThetoa        foractiviteas othrta YTrust Theaunserlycingpurpoas ofil        ae 0 CFR dectommissioningwaactivitiestscha
+i +plhranniiedEND ecomm~isiaton~ingO~
:50.,82(a)(8)([i)(A*i) and:     10 CRev~
andi: +.fia lhs~fic:ense terinthionfei processadt
e            l       irraiate fuel ma!*n21iagement uTil fiNal d isbuct lrOseent maynbemdue fri om the
.-.wil o to phyically:
* railgcldecommissioning                  ats.Of hasb VY
:+ s~ecur teit~i~~:::le orfprotec D.Special nclercumateral.Ths chnet wenabevterueo apporction of the feundsio fro the Tarstifor actiirmtines othe thnt decommssioning actievites thas unoeyn prelation to e seurityissue.Teeoe The uomndefeynse andposecurit is not D.0Specal(8Circumstand 0ces wit75h)(10v CFR to p2aro)iid ae presentbl wheneve application of thee reguaioemnt ino the particular actircumtanes ishenotha necemmssaryito achieveithes sunderyin assrancitate adequmataeent fundstill bena railgcldecommissioning ofpwrractor.
:      .    :cOTrustenwithout withemmn    notiefto the NRC Octoberm31,l2014,.was approximately
V frmThe toa YTrust foractiviteas othrta dectommissioningwa activitiestscha irraiate fuel ma!*n21iagement uTil fiNal railgcldecommissioning ats.Of VY hasb Octoberm31,l2014,.was approximately dollars).
:! "::    :Thserefore    :ic      tanexemp gtediofrom  10 :CFR :
As required by 10 CFR 50.54(bb), END estimated the costs assobciated with the lo~ng-term i!rradiated fuel management at VY to be $36:4.4 **: mriillion
B ]asedlon thesitve-speii cr os              esimate
:in.2014 dollars .;i:::!:The +staff:performed an :independent:.
: :: :    ::50.75(h)()iv) isre.ped~edto allowsecal        EN
cas :e~ flow analyesis o6f the Trust through~: 207*5, assumning.
.........  :.fcundstafromsthe to.use                      Tustiamn fothr                portioenofthrcurstfor              irradated    fyusigtel dollars). As required by 10 CFR irraiagted fuelmanagemn without                            managementh willpote madversel impacth 50.54(bb), END estimated the costs prio ApRlCntifton.o h euaini                              ENr'sability tofcomtuleted raccdiologica                      assobciated with the lo~ng-term i!rradiated the Darisculas    ion    mtne*          ol      o        nterincratetedVY      Alicense, Furthermbore,                fuel management at VY to be $36:4.4 **:
ani annuial real: rate oef ;+-return.of two.i percen~t, as iallowe~d
exemptonseune    fom 10          ostulated(1)iv              mriillion :in.2014 dollars .;i:::
_b:y:.. 10.CFR 50.75(e) (1) ii), and determined:
Purisuanotnesar  10CFhi5e12 to                the                  toallowitent      lienseeitoreasekNocane                      !:The+staff:performedan :independent:.
the preojected earnings of~the Tru~st. The staff confirmed that the current funds, .planned future contributions, and projected earntings of the Trust provide reasonable assurance of adequate funding to complete all NRC required decommissioning activities and to conduct irradiated fuel management in accordanqe with the updated Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and PSDAR. The staff's review and conclusions are based on END's specific financial situation, as described in its December 19, 2014,  
weithraal frmaen the typess foramut ar                                                            cas flow analyesis o6f the Trust through~:
*35994.35994Federal Register/Vol.
:e~
80, No. 120 /Tuesday, June 23, 2015 /Notices letter. Consequently, the staff conclUdes that application of the requirementthat fun~ds from the Trust only be used for decommissioning activities and not for' irradiated fuel manageme~nt is not: nec'essary to :achileve iunderlying.
* b}Commisionc  mauonl appulct.ion. byd                                                                                207*5, assumning. ani annuial real: rate oef ;+
pUrpo~se:
irrdiaedffueltta managemrentse            w    ffithou
of th~e nule and,  
*          ~~anydinterestedherso ort uphats own                        phrio wittenotsgificatinto thceae            iNC            -return.of two.ipercen~t, as iallowe~d _b:y:.. 10.
?special circu~mstances are pre~sent":" supporting the approval of the exemption request, ..Ini:its :submittal, END alSOI requested"::exemption, from the ofl10 written to the NRC of activities.
*            ~ignitiantive grant excespios frtomste                                                                                    CFR 50.75(e) (1) ii), and determined: the radiological depulcntaminationoftese                          preojected earnings of~the Tru~st. The staff becausue,suherwiethdrwl areustill                              confirmed that the current funds,                 .
The uniderlying
consitenplte wihetheommaton            defese cxmtonstrained byth provsions olan CndR planned future contributions, and projected earntings of the Trust provide reasonable assurance of adequate thingsd, orthe  followingniiaty t                                                                                                    funding to complete all NRC required ton the Based                hather areno naewy decommissioning activities and to aubove, serves*fthoe  uelingcurpoedb          ofthe rul                                                                          conduct irradiated fuel management in accordanqe with the updated Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and PSDAR. The signilantlysinuaexcssofths                                                                                                staff's review and conclusions are based on END's specific financial situation, as described in its December 19, 2014,
:purpose :of notfyinig the NRCiprior to withdrawal opportunity for NRC intervention, when deemed necessary, i~f the withdrawals are for expenses other than those authorized by 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv) and 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8) that could result in there being insufficient funds in the Trust to accomplish radiological decommissioning of the site.As stated previously, the staff has determined that there are sufficient funds in the Trust to complete legitimate radiological decommissioning activities as well as to conduct irradiated fuel management.
 
Pursuant to the annual reporting requirements in 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8) (v),(vii), licensees are required to moiiitor and report the status of the Trust and the funding status for managing irradiated fuel.These reports provide the NRC with* awareness of, and the ability to take.. : :': funtdinigdeficiencies. .The re~quested :.:. .exempti~ons.:woUld not allow:: : Y:* *withdrAwal
      *35994                       .35994Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120 /Tuesday, June 23, 2015 /Notices letter. Consequently, the       staff conclUdes     not precludethoseuse of funds from the Trust  increase  in the amounts of any effluents that application of the requirementthat            in excess of          needed for              that maybe released offsite; (iii) there is fun~ds from the Trust only be used for             radiological decommissioning for other        no significant increase in individual or decommissioning activities and not for             puirpo~ses,; such as irradiated fuel          cuimulative public or occupational
:of funds fro~m the VY Trust.for any other purpose th~at is not ..currently authorized
    ' irradiated fuel manageme~nt is not:                 m"ranihgementn. The NRC hais stated that. radiation exposure;. (iv) there is no        .
'in the regulations without .prior notification to the NRC.Therefore, the granting of this allow the :licensee to make withdraWals
nec'essary to :achileve th*e iunderlying.           funding for irradiatfed"fuel maniagemient pUrpo~se: of th~e nule and, thus*,tfh-at ?         mnay be commingled in-the Trulst,            th*ere is.no significant increase in the-special circu~mstances are pre~sent":"             provid~ed the licensee is:ab*le. toidenti fy  potential..for or consequenices fromn supporting the approval of the                     .and account for the radiological      :-    radiological accidents; and (vi) the exemption request,         ..                      *ecommissionin~g fuds separately from d                                            requirem~ents from which an exemption Ini:its :submittal, END alSOI requested"      'the funds :set aside :for irradiated fuel. iks sought are amoJn.g those identified in:
:from: the Trust for authorized expen~ses:
::exemption, from the :requir~em*ent~s ofl10        rmanagement (seoe iNRC Regulatory. Issue      10 CER 51.22(c)(2.5)(vi) .... "'
:for irradiated:
summa~ry 2001-0J7, iRevisioni 1, "10 CFR       ...The :Director, Division: Of Dperating written noti*fication, to the NRC of
fuel management
                                                        *Decommikissioning Planiniiig" dated        . RdactorRegulationt,.has determined tha approxa!: of th*e exeption:reques.t .
:without-will still, meet the underlying purpose of the regulation.
activities. The uniderlying :purpose :of          ML*083440158), and .Reguflatory Guiide        involve~s no. significant hazads .        .
---..Special citcumstandes, in accordance.
notfyinig the NRCiprior to withdrawal              1.1 84, Revision 1, "10 CFR 50.7.5          consideration because allowing the.
with 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2).(iii) are present whenever compliance would result in.undue hardship or other costs that. are significantly in excess of those contemplated when the regulation was adopted, or that are significantly in excess of those incurred by others similarly situated.
Reportinig anid-Recodiceepinig for.          li'ensee :to use with~drawals fromn the opportunity for NRC intervention, when D~ecommissioning Planning" (ADAMS                        TrUst, in acod~rdance with the updated deemed necessary, i~fthe withdrawals              Accession No. ML13144A840))h To              Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and are for expenses other than those                  prevent access to those excess funds in      PSDAR, without prior notification to the authorized by 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv)               the Trust because irradiated fuel            NRC at the permanently shttdown and and 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8) that could result            management is not associated with            de fueled VY power reactor, does not (11 in there being insufficient funds in the           radiological decommissioning, would          involve a significant increase in the Trust to accomplish radiological                    create an unnecessary financial burden      probability or consequences of an decommissioning of the site.                        without any corresponding safety            accident previously evaluated; or (2)
The licensee states that the Trust contains funds in excess of the estimated costs of radiological decommissioning and that these excess funds are needed for irradiated fuel management activities.
As stated previously, the staff has              benefit. The adequacy of the Trust to        create the possibility of a new or determined that there are sufficient                cover the cost of activities associated      different kind of accident from any funds in the Trust to complete                      with irradiated fuel management, in          accident previously evaluated; or (3) legitimate radiological decommissioning addition to radiological                                 involve a significant reduction in a activities as well as to conduct                    decommissioning, is supported by the         margin of safety. The exempted irradiated fuel management. Pursuant to site-specific decommissioning cost                        decommissioning trust fund regulations the annual reporting requirements in 10             analysis. If END cannot use its Trust for    are unrelated to any operational CFR 50.82(a)(8) (v),(vii), licensees are            irradiated fuel management, it would         restriction. Accordingly, there is no required to moiiitor and report the               *need to obtain additional funding that        significant change in the types or status of the Trust and the funding                would not be recoverable from the            significant increase in the amounts of status for managing irradiated fuel.                Trust, or END would have to modify its        any effluents that may be released These reports provide the NRC with                  decommissioning, approach and                offsite; and no significant increase in
The NRC does not preclude use of funds from the Trust in excess of those needed for radiological decommissioning for other puirpo~ses,;
* awareness of, and the ability to take            . methods. The NRC staff conclpdes that.       individual or.c*urulativp public or          .
such as irradiated fuel m"ranihgementn.
..:':: funtdinigdeficiencies. .The re~quested :* : : unnecessary atnd undue burden::: ...
The NRC hais stated that.funding for irradiatfed"fuel maniagemient mnay be commingled in- the Trulst, provid~ed the licensee toidenti fy.and account for the radiological
.:. .exempti~ons.:woUld not allow:: : Y:                  .signi~ficantly :in ex*cess o6t hat?' ::        with c~onstruction, so there is nO    ::
:-d fuds sep arately from'the funds :set aside :for irradiated fuel.rmanagement (seoe iNRC Regulatory.
* *withdrAwal :of funds fro~m the VY Trust. .contemplated when the regulation was for any other purpose th~at is not        . .      adopted.:             ::          :          exempted regulation does not concern currently authorized 'in the regulations              *Since the underlying purpose of 1.0      the source term (i.e., potential amount without .prior notification to the NRC.            CPR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 CFR             of radiation in an accident), nor Therefore, the granting of this                    50.75 (h)(-1)(iv) WOuld be achieved by        mitigation. Thus, there is no significant
Issue summa~ry 2001-0J7, iRevisioni 1, "10 CFR*Decommikissioning Planiniiig" dated .and .Reguflatory Guiide 1.1 84, Revision 1, "10 CFR 50.7.5 Reportinig anid-Recodiceepinig for.D~ecommissioning Planning" (ADAMS Accession No. ML13144A840))h To prevent access to those excess funds in the Trust because irradiated fuel management is not associated with radiological decommissioning, would create an unnecessary financial burden without any corresponding safety benefit. The adequacy of the Trust to cover the cost of activities associated with irradiated fuel management, in addition to radiological decommissioning, is supported by the site-specific decommissioning cost analysis.
                                                            *allowing END to use a portion..of the        increa~se iin the pqtential for or ..
If END cannot use its Trust for irradiated fuel management, it would*need to obtain additional funding that would not be recoverable from the Trust, or END would have to modify its decommissioning, approach and.methods. The NRC staff conclpdes that.: unnecessary atnd undue burden:::
allow the :licensee to make withdraWals            *Trulst for irradiated fue~l maniagement      con~sequiences: from radiological.
....signi~ficantly
:from: the Trust for authorized expen~ses: :ithout  w          prior:NRC. notification, and.     accidents. The requirements for using.
:in o 6t hat?' ::.contemplated when the regulation was adopted.:
:for irradiated: fuel management :without- compliance w*ith the regulations wobuld                .dec~omm~issioning trust~funds forl...
:: :*Since the underlying purpose of 1.0 CPR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 CFR 50.75 (h)(-1)(iv)
result.in :an undue h*ardshfip or other      decommissioninig activities, and for will still, meet the underlying purpose of costs that are s~ignifican~tly ini e xce~ssof.       provid*ing prior written nqti~ce for other the regulation. -      --..                       those contemplated when the regulation        with~drawals. fr om-which-thie .exemption Special citcumstandes, in accordance. *was adopted, the special circumstances                is sought involve recordkeeping with 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2).(iii) are present          required by 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii) and        requirements, reporting requirements. or whenever compliance would result in.                 10 CER 50,:12{a)(2)(iii) exist and support  other requirements .of an administrative, undue hardship or other costs that. are            the approval of the requested                managerial, or organizaitional nature.
WOuld be achieved by END to use a portion..of the*Trulst for irradiated fue~l maniagement w :ithout prior:NRC.
significantly in excess of those                    exemptions.                                      Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR contemplated when the regulation was                                                            51,22(b) and 51.22(c)(25), no adopted, or that are significantly in             E. Environmental Considerations              environmental impact, statement or excess of those incurred by others                    Under 10 CFR 51.22(c)i251, granting      environmental assessmetit need be similarly situated. The licensee states            of an' exemption from the requirements      prepared, in connection with the that the Trust contains funds in excess            of any regulation of Chapter I is a          approval of this exemption request.
notification, and.compliance the regulations wobuld result.in
of the estimated costs of radiological              categorical exclusion provided that (i) decommissioning and that these excess              there is no significant hazards              IV. Conclusions funds are needed for irradiated fuel                consideration; (ii) there is no significant       Accordingly, the Commission has management activities. The NRC does                change in the types or significant            determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR
:an undue or other costs that are s~ignifican~tly ini e xce~ssof.those contemplated when the regulation
 
*was adopted, the special circumstances required by 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii) and 10 CER 50,:12{a)(2)(iii) exist and support the approval of the requested exemptions.
Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120/Tuesday, June 23, 2015/Notices355                                        35995 exemptions the not                  authorized areundue          Mail  Stop: T-:5 P53, U.S. Nuclear            comment submission available          to the
E. Environmental Considerations Under 10 CFR 51.22(c)i251, granting of an' exemption from the requirements of any regulation of Chapter I is a categorical exclusion provided that (i)there is no significant hazards consideration; (ii) there is no significant change in the types or significant increase in the amounts of any effluents that maybe released offsite; (iii) there is no significant increase in individual or cuimulative public or occupational radiation exposure;. (iv) there is no .is.no significant increase in the-potential..for or consequenices fromn radiological accidents; and (vi) the requirem~ents from which an exemption iks sought are amoJn.g those identified in: 10 CER 51.22(c)(2.5)(vi)
  .by50.12(a),
...."'...The :Director, Division:
law, will      present an              risk  Regulatory Commission, Washinigton,*          public in this docket,           ".               "
Of Dperating RdactorRegulationt,.has determined tha approxa!:
totehe publ]ic health and saifetyi and are          D:C-20555-0001. -          . :: ... ::
of exeption:reques.t
:!i consistent with :the common01 defenise:            i i*For additioefial direction on obt*aining. Sidentifyingoer *contact iniformation that :.
.involve~s no. significant hazads ..consideration because allowing the.li'ensee :to use with~drawals fromn the TrUst, in acod~rdance with the updated Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and PSDAR, without prior notification to the NRC at the permanently shttdown and de fueled VY power reactor, does not (11 involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated; or (2)create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated; or (3)involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. The exempted decommissioning trust fund regulations are unrelated to any operational restriction.
irity. Als~o,:s~peciail:::!::: i*:i! ..
Accordingly, there is no significant change in the types or significant increase in the amounts of any effluents that may be released offsite; and no significant increase in individual public or .with c~onstruction, so there is nO :: exempted regulation does not concern the source term (i.e., potential amount of radiation in an accident), nor mitigation.
c u!*
Thus, there is no significant increa~se iin the pqtential for or ..con~sequiences:
and:..se:g                                          iniformationi and: submitting icommentsi
from radiological.
                                                                                                      'The iNRC poJsts all comment :         ::![: :.;.
accidents.
::submissions at http~i;://      :*! '.: :i::
The requirements for using..dec~omm~issioning trust~funds forl...decommissioninig activities, and for prior written nqti~ce for other with~drawals.
cifrcustn     cestae resentfo .
fr om-which-thie .exemption is sought involve recordkeeping requirements, reporting requirements.
p~i iiiTherefore, the commienit: submissionis into ADAMS.
or other requirements .of an administrative, managerial, or organizaitional nature.Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR 51,22(b) and 51.22(c)(25), no environmental impact, statement or environmental assessmetit need be prepared, in connection with the approval of this exemption request.IV. Conclusions Accordingly, the Commission has determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR Federal Register/Vol.
f hexeemptions   romte rqiemfents   uofn1 see "Obtining Information and                Th NRCfi~fidoes 0no~ltruinely editin,            '
80, No. 120/Tuesday, June 23, 2015/Notices355 35995 50.12(a), the exemptions are authorized.by law, will not present an undue risk to tehe publ]ic health and saifetyi and are:! i consistent with :the common01 defenise:
Dat5ehd1)ivatoR avllow wiyanthdrwas1ta          Submitting Comments"ith comentsum        issiotdheNs to rem th*ove    d From the VY TerReusatfory irradiatedofue managemien wuithu, pir.R                           Trembaineionel Ofieoinformation.
i and:.. se:g c irity. Als~o,:s~peciail:::!::: ..cifrcustn cestae p~i resentfo .iiiTherefore, hexeemptions f romte rqiemfents uofn1 Dat5ehd1)ivatoR avllow wiyanthdrwas 1ta From the VY TerReusatfory irradiatedofue managemien wuithu, pir.R ATheg exemptoriiions are effetine Repon ofiJuesig 2015. fNularRaco Regulation.
ATheg exemptoriiions are     effetine   Repon     ColmisioeWashingtone        DCN-20555-       inform those: personus not toinclude 0001; telephone:in  30-45628        emCail:t  identifying or contact infor~mation that they; do not want "to be pubibcly ofiJuesig2015.      fNularRaco disclosed in their comment submission.
[FR Doc. 2015-15473 Filed 5-22-15; 0:45 aml BILLING CODE 7590-01-P NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
I.Othaaiaining              and ofinformation      thi Your request should state that the NRC Regulation.                                                                                        does not routinely edit comment a.vbainaleingnformation.rltdoti                submissions to remove such information
[NRC-201 5-0033]Information Collection; Physical Protection of Category 1 and Category 2 Quantities of Radioactive Material AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
[FR Doc. 2015-15473 Filed 5-22-15; 0:45 aml before making the comment BILLINGCODE 7590-01-P submissions available to the public or entering the comment submissions into action by any of the following methods:
ACTION: Renewal of existing information collection; request for comment.Mail Stop: T-:5 P53, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washinigton,*
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
D:C-20555-0001.
* FederalRulemaking Web site: Go to         ADAMS, COMMISSION                                          http://www.regulations.gov and search         II. Background
-.:: ...::additioefial direction on iniformationi and: submitting icommentsi see "Obtining Information and Submitting Comments"ith Trembaineionel Ofieoinformation.
[NRC-201 5-0033]                                    for Docket ID NRC-2015-0033.                     In accordance with the Paperwork
ColmisioeWashingtone DC N-20555-0001; telephone:in 30-45628 emCail:t I.Othaaiaining ofinformation and thi a.vbainaleingnformation.rltd oti action by any of the following methods:* Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2015-0033.
* NRC's Agencywide Documents Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
* NRC's Agencywide Documents*Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/readin g-rm/adoms.html.
Information Collection; Physical                  *Access and Management System chapter 35), the NRC is requesting Protection of Category 1 and Category              (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-             public comment on its intention to 2 Quantities of Radioactive Material                available documents online in the              request the OMB's approval for the ADAMS Public Documents collection at AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory                                                                        information collection summarized http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/
To begin the search, select"ADAMS Public Documents" and then select "Begin Web-based ADAMS Search." For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (pDR) reference staff at 1-.800-397--4209, 301-:415::4737; or by emnail to. pdr.resburce@nrc.gov.
Commission.                                                                                      below.
The supporting statement and :burden estimates are available in ADAMS under AccessionNos.:
adoms.html. To begin the search, select ACTION: Renewal of existing information                                                              1. The title of the information "ADAMS Public Documents" and then collection; request for comment.                                                                  collection:10OCFR part 37, Physical select "Begin Web-based ADAMS                 Protection of Category 1 and Category 2 Search." For problems with ADAMS, Quantities of.Radioactive Material.
ML15114A468 and ML15114A470.
* NRC's PDR; You imay examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One-White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rocville,[I Maryland 20852.* NRC's Clearai-ce Officer'.
A copy of the collection of-information-and related instructions may be Obtained without charge by contacting the NRC's Clearance Officer, Tremnaine Donnell, Office of Information Services, U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone:
301-415-6258; email: INFOCOLLECTS.Resource@NRC.GO V, B. Submitting Comments Please include Docket 1ID NRC-2015-0033 in the subject line of your comment submission, in order to ensure that the NRC is able to make your comment submission available to the public in this docket, ". " Sidentifyingoer iniformation that :.'The iNRC poJsts all comment : ::![: :.;.::submissions at http~i;:// '.: :i:: the commienit:
submissionis into ADAMS.Th NRCfi~fi does 0no~lt ruinely editin, 'comentsum issiotdheNs to rem d inform those: personus not toinclude identifying or contact infor~mation that they; do not want "to be pubibcly disclosed in their comment submission.
Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment submissions into ADAMS, II. Background In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.chapter 35), the NRC is requesting public comment on its intention to request the OMB's approval for the information collection summarized below.1. The title of the information collection:
10OCFR part 37, Physical Protection of Category 1 and Category 2 Quantities of.Radioactive Material.apprO Val number: 3150-0214.
: 3. Type of suibmission:?
: 4. The farm number, if applicable:
Standard Fingerprint Form, FD-258.5. How often the, collection is required or requested:
One time for initial compliance notifications and fingerprints for the revieWing 6fficials; and as needed for implementation notifications, event notifications, notifications of shipments o:fradioactive materi~al, and fingerprinting of new 6..6 WhoqyvwIlbeq re~qu~ired.
or asked to respond: Licensees that are authorized to possess and use category 1 or category 2 quantities of radioactive material.7. The estimated number of annual responses:
103,983.8. The estimated number of annual respondents:
1,5.00 (300 NRC Licensees+ 1,200 Agreement State Licensees).
: 9. The estimated number of hours needed annually to comply with the information collection requirement or request: 138,570.2 hours (1932.4 hours reporting
+ 85,644.2 hours


==SUMMARY==
==SUMMARY==
: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NqRC) inviteS public comment On the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB)approval for an existing collection of.information.
:           U.S. Nuclear The(NqRC)               Regulatory    please contact the NRC's Public Commission              inviteS public             Document Room (pDR) reference staff at          *2,.0*MB apprOVal number: 3150-0214.
The information collection is entitled, "Physical Protection of Category 1 and Category 2 Quantities of.Radioactive Material," DATES: Submit comiments by August 24, 2015. Comments received after this date wi~ll be considered
comment On the renewal of Office of                                                                 3. Type of suibmission:?Extension*.
[f it is practical .to do so, but tho Commission is able to ensure considerat~ion only for comments *: received on orbefore this date. .. .....ADDRESSES:
1-.800-397--4209, 301-:415::4737; or by Management and Budget (OMB)                         emnail to.pdr.resburce@nrc.gov.The                4. The farm number, if applicable:
You may[ submit comments by any of the following methods:*Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to*http://www.regulotions.gov and search for Docket ID NRC--2015--0033.
approval for an existing collection of.                                                           Standard Fingerprint Form, FD-258.
Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone:.
supporting statement and :burden information. The information collection                                                             5. How often the, collection is required estimates are available in ADAMS under is entitled, "Physical Protection of                                                             or requested: One time for initial AccessionNos.: ML15114A468 and Category 1 and Category 2 Quantities of           ML15114A470.                                  compliance notifications and
301-287-3422; email: Carol.Gollagher~nrc.gov.
    .Radioactive Material,"
For technical questions, contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document.* Mail comments to: Tremaine Donnell, Office of Information
* NRC's PDR; You imay examine and          fingerprints for the revieWing 6fficials; DATES: Submit comiments by August 24,             purchase copies of public documents at        and as needed for implementation 2015. Comments received after this date           the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One-              notifications, event notifications, wi~ll be considered [f it is practical .to do       White Flint North, 11555 Rockville            notifications of shipments o:fradioactive so, but tho Commission is able to ensure           Pike, Rocville,[I Maryland 20852.              materi~al, and fingerprinting of new considerat~ion only for comments *:
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* NRC's Clearai-ceOfficer'. A copy of received on orbefore this date. .. .....           the collection of-information-and related        6..6WhoqyvwIlbeq re~qu~ired.or asked to ADDRESSES: You may[ submit comments               instructions may be Obtained without          respond: Licensees that are authorized by any of the following methods:                   charge by contacting the NRC's                to possess and use category 1 or
I iii TED STATES OF APPEALS i i i~i:i i iiiiii ii~ii~iii iiiii~l iiiii!ii iFO R i ii!iiii!:i~~i!ii
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    *http://www.regulotions.gov and search             Office of Information Services, U.S.          material.
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for Docket ID NRC--2015--0033. Address             Nuclear Regulatory Commission,                    7. The estimated number of annual questions about NRC dockets to Carol               Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone:          responses: 103,983.
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Gallagher; telephone:. 301-287-3422;               301-415-6258; email:                              8. The estimated number of annual email: Carol.Gollagher~nrc.gov.For                 INFOCOLLECTS.Resource@NRC.GOV,                respondents: 1,5.00 (300 NRC Licensees technical questions, contact the                                                                 + 1,200 Agreement State Licensees).
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B. Submitting Comments                            9. The estimated number of hours individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this                   Please include Docket 1IDNRC-2015-          needed annually to comply with the document.                                           0033 in the subject line of your              information collection requirementor
:of Justice.:...:  
* Mail comments to: Tremaine                     comment submission, in order to ensure        request: 138,570.2 hours (1932.4 hours Donnell, Office of Information Services,           that the NRC is able to make your              reporting + 85,644.2 hours
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"''"'" ...':" "" M arian zobler ::* .: " : ." ::. ... .. ...... ,- .Office of the General- Counsel...." ."U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Catherine Scott Office of the General Counsel U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 2
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UNITED STATES NUCLEAR                                                                 )
REGULATORY COMMISSION, and
                                                                                                              )
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
                                                                                                              )
                                                                                                              )
Respondents CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
[     .....           i hereby certify that I. have on this..13th day of August 2015..served a .copy of the Office. of the Attorney General of the United states
* [.                   U.S. Department :of Justice.:...:                                               .".".-.
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Anne Boland Division of .Operating Reactor Licensing, Office .ofNuclear Reactor* Regulation
              *Washington, DC 20555-.0001 Office of.Commission Appellate Adjudication U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-000 1 Office of the Secretary ATTN: Rulemakings & Adjudications Staff U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-000 1 Andrew Averbach Office of the General Counsel U.S. Nuclear.Regulatory Commission WashingtonD 20555-01
          "*:Trip Rothschild . :                                 ...       :":       :*   "-
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              "U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Catherine Scott Office of the General Counsel U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 2
 
Edward Williamson Office. of the General Counsel US. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Site Vice President Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc,
:-     ~Vermont Yankee Nuclear *Power Station:.                       -"   .
    *.. Governor Hunt Road.                                       :
  *     .~Vernon, VT 053'54 "...       ...           ..         . ..   . .
Bonnie L. Heiple 3}}

Latest revision as of 09:38, 5 February 2020

State of Vermont Letter to NRR Director Objecting to Entergy'S July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust and an Attachment (Petition to DC Circuit)
ML15230A048
Person / Time
Site: Vermont Yankee File:NorthStar Vermont Yankee icon.png
Issue date: 08/13/2015
From: Ancel C, Griffin W, Recchia C, Zamore P
Green Mountain Power Corporation, Sheehey Furlong & Behm P C, State of VT, Dept of Public Service, State of VT, Office of the Attorney General, Vermont Yankee
To: Bill Dean
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML15230A048 (16)
v • d • e


Text

WILLIAM H. SOREELL TEL: (802) 828-3171

"*, TrY: (802) 828-3665 ATTORNEY R.

SUSANNE GENERAL YOUNG "FAX: (802) 828-3187 DEPUTY ATI'ORNEY GENERAL http://wivw.ago.vermnont.gov WILLIAM E. GRIFFIN CHIEF ASST. ATrORNEY SAEO EMN GENERAL SAEO EMN OFFICE OF THE AITORNEY GENERAL 109 STATE STREET MONTPELIER, VT 05609-1001 August 13, 2015 William Dean, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington D.C. 20555-.0001 Re: Docket 50-271; Request for Immediate Objection to Entergy's July 16, 2015 Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust for Non-Decommissioning Expenses

Dear Director Dean,

On July 16, 2015, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC (Entergy) and the Managing Director of the Bank of New York Mellon (the Bank) submitted a "Pre-Notice of Disbursement from Decommissioning Trust." The notice requests "lip to $12,000,000" from the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for expenses that include "operational irradiated fuel management expenses." The State. the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation. and Green Mountain Power Corporation formally request that the NRC i~mmediately provide "*written notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request. pursuant to the NRC's authority under Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station Renewed Facility Operating License Condition 3 .J~a(iii) and under the Master Trust Agreemnent§*4.05.

AM!of Entergy's previous pre~notices of disbursements have been only for what Entergy asserts to be "legitimate decommissioning expenses." 'This is the first time Entergy has asserted a right to reimburse itself for non-decommissionfing expenses--something which NRC regulations explicitly forbid. 10 C.F.R.

§ S0.75 (h)(1)(iv) (disbursements: "are restricted to decommissioning expenses"); see also, e.g., id.

§ 50.82 (a)(8)(i)(A) (disbursements must be "for legitimate decommissioning activities consistent with the definition of decommissioning in [10 C.F.R.] § 50.2," which in turn defines decommissioning as limited to activities that "reduce residual radioactd'vity"); General Requiremnentsfor Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities, 53 Fed. Reg. 24018-01, 24018 (1988) ("Decommnissioning activities do not include the rem~oval and disposal of spentfuel which is considered to be an operational activity .... "(emphasis added)).

Entergy' s assertion of an ability to reimburse itself for millions of dollars in "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" appears to be based on the NRC's June 23, 2015 granting of an exemption from the above regulations. See 80 Fed. Reg. 35 992-35995 (June 23, 2015). However, the State of Vermont, the Vermont Yankee Nuclear 'Power Corporation, and Green Mountain power have now challenged that decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, See attachment. This pending

legal challenge states that the NRC' s June 2 3, 2015 decision shoulidhbe overturned as a violation of the Atomic Energy Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Further, as the State has previously noted, regardless of whether Entergy has been exempted from applicable NRC regulations, Entergy and the Bank of New York Mellon have independent legal obligations to not release funds for "operational 'irradiated fuel management expenses." In particular, the 2002 Master Trust' Agreement and the related Vermont Public Service Board Order do not allow use of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund for spent fuel expenses until the site has been decommissioned, and have specific provisions: regarding the return of 55% of excess amounts in that fund to Vermont ratepayers through the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Entergy has not yet sought approval from the NRC or the Vermont Public Service Board to amend those requirements.

Applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations similarly state that "[a]bsent express authorization" from FERC--authorizati'on' Entergy has not received-"no part" of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund may be "used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than to fund 'the costs of decommissioning." 18 C.F.R. § 35.3'2(a)(6) (emphasis added). Entergy's planned use of alleged "excess" funds also violates' the requirement that any "excess jurisdictional amount" be "retur[ed]... to ratepayers"--

here, through Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation and Green Mountain Power. Id. § 35.32(a)(7).

Entergy's cOntractual obligations as well as federal laWs, including'laws Entergy has not been exempted from, prohibit the release of trust funds for "operational irradiated fuel management expenses" at this time. And the undersigned have now fled a direct challenge in the' U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C.

Circuit to the exemption request that forms the entire basis for Entergy's claim that it can use the fund in this way. Unless and until these legal issues are resolved, it would be arbitrary and an abuse of discretion for the NRC to stand by and dedline to exercise its right to provide "written notice of objection" to the Bank of New York Mellon concerning the pending request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your immediate action.

William E. Griffin Christopher Recclhia Chief Assistant Attorney General Commissioner Vermont Attorney General's Office Vermont Department of Public Service Pee Zamor . Charlotte B. Ancel " / 6-Sheehey'Furlong & Behm P.C./

Vice President, General Counsel '

30 Main Street, Gateway Sq, 6th Fl, P0 Box 66 Power Resoutrces, and COrpo'rate Se~cretary Burlington, VT 95402 Green Mountain Power Corporation Counselfor Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation 163 Acorn Ln, Colchester, VT 05446 and Green' Mountain Power cc: Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of theNuclear Regulatory Commission U.S. Nuclear Regulatory. Commission Document Control Desk Page 2 of 3

Daniel H. Dorman, Regional Admini)strator, Region 1, NRC James S, Kun, Project Manager, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, NRC T. Michael Twomey, Vice President of External Affairs, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Chris Wamser, Site Vice President, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC Glen Metzger, The Bank of New York. Mellon Page 8 of 3

UNTED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLO/MBIA CIRCUIT THE STATE OF VERONT, VEWONT YANKEE.NCLEAR ):

POWE*R C*ORORATION;. ad )

GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER )

CORPORATION "-)

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UNTED STAThS NUCLEA REGULATORY COMMSSION,. and )

UNITED. STATES. OP AMERICA,

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Respondents )

PETiTION FOR REVIW

.Pursuant to § 189 of toi Atomlo Energ Act 42 U.S.,CI § 2239w, 28: U.S.C.

§.§ 23414344; te Adminitmto Act, S U.S.C. §: 551 et seq.; and Rule.

troeur 1$ of the FedralRuls of Appellate Procedre, the ,petitioners, the State ,of.

Vermont the Vermont Yanee Nuclear: Power Corporation, and onret Mountain Power..("Petition~ers"*) herohy. petition this..Court, fbr. review of :the. Uited States.

Nuclear Regu~latory .Commission's ("Commission") Issuance of Exemptions for the Vermont Yan~ke Nuclear Power Station ("Vermont Yankee") in. Docket No..

50-271; NRC-20I 5-)15.*

"The: Commission issued its approval to the owner/operator of Vermont 2015, and notice was published in the Pedant Registr on une 23, 201.5 (80 Fed.:

Reg* 3599% a copy of whi is attached hereto). This filing is within the: 60-dy statute of limitations and :is timely pursuant: to 28 U.SC. § 2344, This Court has jurisdicto over this matter pursuant to 28 US.C. §§* 2342(4) and 2344-, and is a proper venue pursuant to 28 U.S.C. -§2343.

' Petitioners have stanuding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2344 and S U.S.C. § 702 to bring this Petition. The State of' Veront, its citizens, and its ratepayers are agrieved by the Commission's decision, which affcts: (1) the: license for a nuclear power plant locae in the State and (2) the Nuclea Decnmssionig Trust~ Fund.(.De.mmssiondng Fun&V) for Vertmont Yankee which wa primarily frnded. by monis *ollcted Worn Vermont ramteyon, andi in' whicih Veront ratepatyers have an inteet in excess tinds reaining after decommissioning. The Vermont. Yoankee Nuclear Power Corporation. and its crent: sole. owner, Green Mountain Power Corporation, are utilities that also :have: a diret interstin proper use of the Decmmssioning Fund. Vermont Yane Nuclea Power Copration, now owned by Green Mountai Power .Corporation, collected the principal funds that (with interest) eonstitute-the entirety of the Decounis~sioning Thud. .Further, Gree Moutattint Nwer Corportion, and: through it their Veormont ratepayrs, hav.

2

dcosmnlssion4ng Thus, e....

ver time th ...

Com..mission allows: an imptperlr i*withdrava froIU the eo mnsstomng Fun~d, it hars Veront Yankee Nucle~ar

... Power .Corporation, Gren Mountai Power Corpration, and their Vermont ratpayer..s. Finally, Petitione~rs jointly submtted a letter :(dated. June 5, 20i5)' to 9 ~the Commission requesting the opportunity for p~ublic participation on Ente~$y's i: oexemption request: and requesting to participate in the. matter before: the+

.:::.Commssion isue its decsion. No such opportuntywas granted.

'!iThe. C on acted *itrarily, abused its discretion, nd violated the Atomic nergy Act* the Administrative. Prcdure Act. and th National:
  • iEnvirou Policy .Act In approvin the e~xemptions and foiling to provides

. opportunity for Pettoners to participate in the process. Petitioners respectfhlly request that: this Court review the Commission's decis:ion, vacate that: decision, and remand the:matter.to the Conxssion.

Repethiysumttd i: ~By :its attorneys,

! 3

il Kyle WrLandisMarinelo,,

'!fl.C, *Roll No. 55684 CircuitBa State of Vrmont
  • 109 State Stret i~ikylde nondllo~n ve ont,*w
ilTel.(tOZ) .82830186

!i State of Vermaont i Department ofPublic Service

  • i112. Stat Stret hr Fl.oor'

.. *Moatpir,, VT 056.20-2601

  • Tel: (802) 828-4007
,::D tC. Ciuit.lar Roll No, 50119.

NicaLLfhswrh MUR CUTLRP.ICKRRN WILi*

    • IAtS AND DORK LIP
!i:,* Boston, M.A 02109
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  • CORPORATION iBy its attorney
  • .: Sheehey Furlong & Behrn I, C,.
  • i30 Main Strees Gateway Sq, 6th Fl
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!ii gThwlirtn VT 05402:

pzroh xe)$shehevtco Tel (82.8989

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  • 'U.S. Nucilear Regulatory.Commission Issuance of Exemptions SENTrERGY NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, INC.:

VERMONT YANKEENCLEARPOWER STATION

-.. ..DOCKET NO.-50-27.1 .

80 Fed. Reg. 35992 (June 23, 2015)

  • 3592 35992Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120/Tuesdlay, Julne 23, 2015 /Notices I

i II, Background - - - -:. - i.ii be minimized,

automated including collection* the use of-techniques or : - a~damas~html.

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FederalRegulations (10 CFR) Part 51-- first timi-e that a document.is referenced.

BILLING"CODE 7593-01-P Envi*ronmental ProtectiOn Regulations '*NRC'S DR:B You imay examine and for Domestic Licensing and Related purchase copies of pulbl~ic documents at NUCLEAR :REGULATORY

2. :MB approval nfumber: 3.150-0021, COMMISSION.I:.

[Doc*ket: No6. 50-271: NRC÷2015-01 57]

N/A. "F:OR FU!RTHER..INFORMATION. CONTACT:

Enhtergy Nuclear Operations, Inc,; James.Kimt, Office of Nuiclear Reactor

5. HoW often the collection is required or requested: Upon submittal of an Vermo0nt Yankee NUClear POwer R~egulation. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory application for a combined license, Station Commission, Washington, DC 20555-construction permit, operating license, AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory 0001; telephone: 301-415-4125; email:

operating license renewal, early site Commission. james.Kim@nrc.gov.

permit, design certification, ACTION: Exemption; issuance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

decommissioning or license termination review; or manufacturing license, or

SUMMARY

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory I. Background upon submittal of a petition for Commission (NRC) is issuing Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

rulemaking. exemptions in response to a January 6, (ENO), is the holder of Renewed Facility

6. Who will be required or asked to 2015, request from Entergy Nuclear Operating License No. DPR-28 for VY.

respond:Licensees and applicants Operations, Inc. (ENO or the licensee). By letter dated January 12, 2015 requesting approvals for actions One exemption permits the use of the (ADAMS Accession No. ML15013A426),

proposed in accordance with the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station ENO submitted to the NRC a provisions of 10 CFR parts 30, 32, 33, (VY) Decommissioning Trust Fund certification in accordance with 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 50, 52, 54, 60, 61, 70, (Trust) to implement the licensee's plan Sections 50.82(a)(1)(i) and 50.82(a)(1)(ii) and 72. to manage irradiated fuel in accordance.- of Title 10 of the Code of Federal

7. The estimated number of annual with the updated Irradiated Fuel Regulations (10 CFR), indicating that it responses: 48.7. Management Plan and post-shutdown had permanently deased power
8. The estimated number of annual decommissioning activities report operations at VY and had permanently respondents:48.7. (PSDAR); The other exemption permits defueled the VY reactor vessel. VY has
9. The estimated number of hours the licensee to make withdrawals from not operated since December 29, 2014.

needed annually to cam ply~with the the Trust in accordance with the The facility consists of a boiling water information collection requirement or Updated Irradiated:Fuel Management reactor located in the town of Vernon, request: 48,104. Plan and PSDAR without prior Windham County, Vermont on the west

10. Abstract: The NRC's regulations at notification to the NRC. bank of the Connecticut River, 10 CFR part 51 specifies information to immediately upstream of the Vernon DATES: June 23, 2015.

be provided by applicants and licensees Hydroelectric Station, ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID so that the NRC can make NRC-2015-01.57 when contacting the II. RequestlAction determinations necessary to adhere to NRC about the availability of.

the policies, regulations, and public By letter dated January 6, 2015 laws of the Unitedl States, which are information regarding this document.

Y~u may obtain publicly-available (ADAMS Accession No. ML150!3A1 71),

interpreted and administered in ENO Submitted a request for exemptions information related to this document accordance with the provisions, set forth from 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 using any of the following methods:.

in the National Environmental Policy

  • FederalRulemaking Web site: Go tO CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv). The exemption Act of 1969, as amended. h ttp://www~regulations.govand. search.... from 10.CFR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) w~ould....

III. Specific Requests for Comments for Docket ID NRC--2015-0157. Address permit ENO to make withdrawals from questions about NRC dockets to Carol the VY Trust to implement its plan to The NRC is seeking comments that manage irradiated fuel in accordance address the following questions: Callagher; telephone: 301-415-3463; email: Carol,Gallagher@nrc.gov.For with the updated Irradiated Fuel

1. Is the proposed dollection of technical questions, contact the Management Plan and PSDAR. The information necessary for the NRC to exemption from 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(ivl properly perform its functions? Does the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this would permit ENO to make these information have practical utility? withdrawals without prior notification
2. Is the estimate of the burden of the document.
  • NRC's Agencywide Documents of the NRC, similar to withdrawals for information collection accurate? decommissioning activities made in
3. Is there a way to enhance the Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may access publicly: accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8). By quality, utility, and clarity of the available documents online in the a separate letter dated December 19, information to be collected?
4. How can the burden of the ADAMS public document collection at 2014 (ADAMS Accession No, information collection on respondents http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ ML14358A251), ENO submitted an
Federal Re~ister/:VO1. 80, :No. 1i20/:TueSday, *June-23, : 2015/Notices359 I I I l l I I Il l I I f A:..:The ExemnptiOns:are Authorized by: -:; C . The Exem ptfonsi are Consistent With:

forirradiated fuelmanagementud**i0. +i +

CF 5bvi:0.82(a)(8).i)(A ando 10h CFRC plhranniiedEND ecomm~isiaton~ingO~ andi: +.

fia lhs~fic:ense terinthionfei processadt . -.

ManagquiementPlnas require by10 CR50.75(h)bb)i). ThelsoA.,a reqtithuiredo wil

  • adversely o e6*affecot EN'sbilty+*NSto briay 10ndF inc2a)idenwas alpnss}o aprinof theAoi fundsrg tomthe4 Trst o phyically: :+ s~ecur teit~i~~:::le orfprotec subomittedoningepenber 1 2014 nti iradiated, frutel Cmangmenithiouts AdAcmSmccssionghaben No.mpletedA10. riorunoticentoTheNrCfr, inthe samempin D.Specialnclercumateral.Ths chnet The requirements of 10 CFR maBierThae EximthdowsPresn moUdue 50.75(a)(8)(i)() frethric thvieusftrust, wenabevterueo apporction of the feundsio exetfrwithdrawals toexeinssfrlgitmate Teunder ligproef10 CFR o "08()8fro the Tarstifor actiirmtinesothe thnt udeommisionin 582actiites onsisten decommssioning thas unoeyn actievites wimeth the odeinitio afdeomisisioninge prelation toseurityissue.Teeoe e

which apparinciea10xCens50., Thi decommissioning activitiesreAscstate The uomndefeynse andposecurit is not deiiionudoesenot mde activities inclu Baboe, 10CR01nalw the cs etomt NRC-pcii asusoitewithou irraiated fotielt h R D.0Specal(8Circumstand 0ces goranxmtions the fro Tutorirequirementsl

.mnaemnt Therefore, an exemptionfrm1CF ofa10gFRmpat 50whe nth adexseyimpatin wit75h)(10v CFR to p2aro)iid aepresentbl

' 5f7omh)1(i0 C iR needed((i(A is nloweede aENsauilthorie bylaw.the NrCsafflgia

..*to allo Ends tromuse frunst fromrh hsdetermisoined asixpline b0elowan Trs irradiated o fuel management.wthu wheneveapplication of thee reguaioemnt thtegraningt the lYI~censee. puroperosed exemptions wilot resut0i aFviolation)(i ino theparticular actircumtanes ishenotha tofal the Atoic enserg Atofm1954.as necemmssaryito achieveithes sunderyin ThPeuirementtsoo 10 CFR 5.2 50.7 hfssio) mals on restrictatheousebo amendedrawl therommis Trsi on' ord inaerysand iniersntalrexpenses) tow regulations. noThereforetthe empiNsC assrancitate adequmataeentfundstill bena deomissioninegrn expempinseunifinalth arsuhoul riz fedtby law, iecyo railgcldecommissioning ofpwrractor. V B.nd iThe ETemptiton PrsetomUndue Terequirements of 10 CFR pr 0()we RaiktoltheiPuliHealnthand ati:fte sty 507(h")i parahovided th at, uther*xmpin frmThetoa foractiviteas othrta YTrust Theaunserlycingpurpoas ofil ae 0 CFR dectommissioningwaactivitiestscha
50.,82(a)(8)([i)(A*i) and: 10 CRev~

e l irraiate fuel ma!*n21iagement uTil fiNal d isbuct lrOseent maynbemdue fri om the

  • railgcldecommissioning ats.Of hasb VY
. :cOTrustenwithout withemmn notiefto the NRC Octoberm31,l2014,.was approximately
! ":: :Thserefore :ic tanexemp gtediofrom 10 :CFR :

B ]asedlon thesitve-speii cr os esimate

:: :  ::50.75(h)()iv) isre.ped~edto allowsecal EN

.........  :.fcundstafromsthe to.use Tustiamn fothr portioenofthrcurstfor irradated fyusigtel dollars). As required by 10 CFR irraiagted fuelmanagemn without managementh willpote madversel impacth 50.54(bb), END estimated the costs prio ApRlCntifton.o h euaini ENr'sability tofcomtuleted raccdiologica assobciated with the lo~ng-term i!rradiated the Darisculas ion mtne* ol o nterincratetedVY Alicense, Furthermbore, fuel management at VY to be $36:4.4 **:

exemptonseune fom 10 ostulated(1)iv mriillion :in.2014 dollars .;i:::

Purisuanotnesar 10CFhi5e12 to the toallowitent lienseeitoreasekNocane  !:The+staff:performedan :independent:.

weithraal frmaen the typess foramut ar cas flow analyesis o6f the Trust through~:

e~
  • b}Commisionc mauonl appulct.ion. byd 207*5, assumning. ani annuial real: rate oef ;+

irrdiaedffueltta managemrentse w ffithou

  • ~~anydinterestedherso ort uphats own phrio wittenotsgificatinto thceae iNC -return.of two.ipercen~t, as iallowe~d _b:y:.. 10.
  • ~ignitiantive grant excespios frtomste CFR 50.75(e) (1) ii), and determined: the radiological depulcntaminationoftese preojected earnings of~the Tru~st. The staff becausue,suherwiethdrwl areustill confirmed that the current funds, .

consitenplte wihetheommaton defese cxmtonstrained byth provsions olan CndR planned future contributions, and projected earntings of the Trust provide reasonable assurance of adequate thingsd, orthe followingniiaty t funding to complete all NRC required ton the Based hather areno naewy decommissioning activities and to aubove, serves*fthoe uelingcurpoedb ofthe rul conduct irradiated fuel management in accordanqe with the updated Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and PSDAR. The signilantlysinuaexcssofths staff's review and conclusions are based on END's specific financial situation, as described in its December 19, 2014,

  • 35994 .35994Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120 /Tuesday, June 23, 2015 /Notices letter. Consequently, the staff conclUdes not precludethoseuse of funds from the Trust increase in the amounts of any effluents that application of the requirementthat in excess of needed for that maybe released offsite; (iii) there is fun~ds from the Trust only be used for radiological decommissioning for other no significant increase in individual or decommissioning activities and not for puirpo~ses,; such as irradiated fuel cuimulative public or occupational

' irradiated fuel manageme~nt is not: m"ranihgementn. The NRC hais stated that. radiation exposure;. (iv) there is no .

nec'essary to :achileve th*e iunderlying. funding for irradiatfed"fuel maniagemient pUrpo~se: of th~e nule and, thus*,tfh-at ? mnay be commingled in-the Trulst, th*ere is.no significant increase in the-special circu~mstances are pre~sent":" provid~ed the licensee is:ab*le. toidenti fy potential..for or consequenices fromn supporting the approval of the .and account for the radiological  :- radiological accidents; and (vi) the exemption request, .. *ecommissionin~g fuds separately from d requirem~ents from which an exemption Ini:its :submittal, END alSOI requested" 'the funds :set aside :for irradiated fuel. iks sought are amoJn.g those identified in:

exemption, from the :requir~em*ent~s ofl10 rmanagement (seoe iNRC Regulatory. Issue 10 CER 51.22(c)(2.5)(vi) .... "'

summa~ry 2001-0J7, iRevisioni 1, "10 CFR ...The :Director, Division: Of Dperating written noti*fication, to the NRC of

  • Decommikissioning Planiniiig" dated . RdactorRegulationt,.has determined tha approxa!: of th*e exeption:reques.t .

activities. The uniderlying :purpose :of ML*083440158), and .Reguflatory Guiide involve~s no. significant hazads . .

notfyinig the NRCiprior to withdrawal 1.1 84, Revision 1, "10 CFR 50.7.5 consideration because allowing the.

Reportinig anid-Recodiceepinig for. li'ensee :to use with~drawals fromn the opportunity for NRC intervention, when D~ecommissioning Planning" (ADAMS TrUst, in acod~rdance with the updated deemed necessary, i~fthe withdrawals Accession No. ML13144A840))h To Irradiated Fuel Management Plan and are for expenses other than those prevent access to those excess funds in PSDAR, without prior notification to the authorized by 10 CFR 50.75(h)(1)(iv) the Trust because irradiated fuel NRC at the permanently shttdown and and 10 CFR 50.82(a)(8) that could result management is not associated with de fueled VY power reactor, does not (11 in there being insufficient funds in the radiological decommissioning, would involve a significant increase in the Trust to accomplish radiological create an unnecessary financial burden probability or consequences of an decommissioning of the site. without any corresponding safety accident previously evaluated; or (2)

As stated previously, the staff has benefit. The adequacy of the Trust to create the possibility of a new or determined that there are sufficient cover the cost of activities associated different kind of accident from any funds in the Trust to complete with irradiated fuel management, in accident previously evaluated; or (3) legitimate radiological decommissioning addition to radiological involve a significant reduction in a activities as well as to conduct decommissioning, is supported by the margin of safety. The exempted irradiated fuel management. Pursuant to site-specific decommissioning cost decommissioning trust fund regulations the annual reporting requirements in 10 analysis. If END cannot use its Trust for are unrelated to any operational CFR 50.82(a)(8) (v),(vii), licensees are irradiated fuel management, it would restriction. Accordingly, there is no required to moiiitor and report the *need to obtain additional funding that significant change in the types or status of the Trust and the funding would not be recoverable from the significant increase in the amounts of status for managing irradiated fuel. Trust, or END would have to modify its any effluents that may be released These reports provide the NRC with decommissioning, approach and offsite; and no significant increase in

  • awareness of, and the ability to take . methods. The NRC staff conclpdes that. individual or.c*urulativp public or .

..:':: funtdinigdeficiencies. .The re~quested :* : : unnecessary atnd undue burden::: ...

.:. .exempti~ons.:woUld not allow:: : Y: .signi~ficantly :in ex*cess o6t hat?' :: with c~onstruction, so there is nO  ::

  • *withdrAwal :of funds fro~m the VY Trust. .contemplated when the regulation was for any other purpose th~at is not . . adopted.:  ::  : exempted regulation does not concern currently authorized 'in the regulations *Since the underlying purpose of 1.0 the source term (i.e., potential amount without .prior notification to the NRC. CPR 50.82(a)(8)(i)(A) and 10 CFR of radiation in an accident), nor Therefore, the granting of this 50.75 (h)(-1)(iv) WOuld be achieved by mitigation. Thus, there is no significant
  • allowing END to use a portion..of the increa~se iin the pqtential for or ..

allow the :licensee to make withdraWals *Trulst for irradiated fue~l maniagement con~sequiences: from radiological.

from: the Trust for authorized expen~ses: :ithout w prior:NRC. notification, and. accidents. The requirements for using.
for irradiated: fuel management :without- compliance w*ith the regulations wobuld .dec~omm~issioning trust~funds forl...

result.in :an undue h*ardshfip or other decommissioninig activities, and for will still, meet the underlying purpose of costs that are s~ignifican~tly ini e xce~ssof. provid*ing prior written nqti~ce for other the regulation. - --.. those contemplated when the regulation with~drawals. fr om-which-thie .exemption Special citcumstandes, in accordance. *was adopted, the special circumstances is sought involve recordkeeping with 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2).(iii) are present required by 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii) and requirements, reporting requirements. or whenever compliance would result in. 10 CER 50,:12{a)(2)(iii) exist and support other requirements .of an administrative, undue hardship or other costs that. are the approval of the requested managerial, or organizaitional nature.

significantly in excess of those exemptions. Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR contemplated when the regulation was 51,22(b) and 51.22(c)(25), no adopted, or that are significantly in E. Environmental Considerations environmental impact, statement or excess of those incurred by others Under 10 CFR 51.22(c)i251, granting environmental assessmetit need be similarly situated. The licensee states of an' exemption from the requirements prepared, in connection with the that the Trust contains funds in excess of any regulation of Chapter I is a approval of this exemption request.

of the estimated costs of radiological categorical exclusion provided that (i) decommissioning and that these excess there is no significant hazards IV. Conclusions funds are needed for irradiated fuel consideration; (ii) there is no significant Accordingly, the Commission has management activities. The NRC does change in the types or significant determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR

Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 120/Tuesday, June 23, 2015/Notices355 35995 exemptions the not authorized areundue Mail Stop: T-:5 P53, U.S. Nuclear comment submission available to the

.by50.12(a),

law, will present an risk Regulatory Commission, Washinigton,* public in this docket, ". "

totehe publ]ic health and saifetyi and are D:C-20555-0001. - . :: ... ::

!i consistent with :the common01 defenise: i i*For additioefial direction on obt*aining. Sidentifyingoer *contact iniformation that :.

irity. Als~o,:s~peciail:::!::: i*:i! ..

c u!*

and:..se:g iniformationi and: submitting icommentsi

'The iNRC poJsts all comment :  ::![: :.;.

submissions at http~i;://  :*! '.: :i::

cifrcustn cestae resentfo .

p~i iiiTherefore, the commienit: submissionis into ADAMS.

f hexeemptions romte rqiemfents uofn1 see "Obtining Information and Th NRCfi~fidoes 0no~ltruinely editin, '

Dat5ehd1)ivatoR avllow wiyanthdrwas1ta Submitting Comments"ith comentsum issiotdheNs to rem th*ove d From the VY TerReusatfory irradiatedofue managemien wuithu, pir.R Trembaineionel Ofieoinformation.

ATheg exemptoriiions are effetine Repon ColmisioeWashingtone DCN-20555- inform those: personus not toinclude 0001; telephone:in 30-45628 emCail:t identifying or contact infor~mation that they; do not want "to be pubibcly ofiJuesig2015. fNularRaco disclosed in their comment submission.

I.Othaaiaining and ofinformation thi Your request should state that the NRC Regulation. does not routinely edit comment a.vbainaleingnformation.rltdoti submissions to remove such information

[FR Doc. 2015-15473 Filed 5-22-15; 0:45 aml before making the comment BILLINGCODE 7590-01-P submissions available to the public or entering the comment submissions into action by any of the following methods:

NUCLEAR REGULATORY

[NRC-201 5-0033] for Docket ID NRC-2015-0033. In accordance with the Paperwork

  • NRC's Agencywide Documents Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.

Information Collection; Physical *Access and Management System chapter 35), the NRC is requesting Protection of Category 1 and Category (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly- public comment on its intention to 2 Quantities of Radioactive Material available documents online in the request the OMB's approval for the ADAMS Public Documents collection at AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory information collection summarized http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/

Commission. below.

adoms.html. To begin the search, select ACTION: Renewal of existing information 1. The title of the information "ADAMS Public Documents" and then collection; request for comment. collection:10OCFR part 37, Physical select "Begin Web-based ADAMS Protection of Category 1 and Category 2 Search." For problems with ADAMS, Quantities of.Radioactive Material.

SUMMARY

U.S. Nuclear The(NqRC) Regulatory please contact the NRC's Public Commission inviteS public Document Room (pDR) reference staff at *2,.0*MB apprOVal number: 3150-0214.

comment On the renewal of Office of 3. Type of suibmission:?Extension*.

1-.800-397--4209, 301-:415::4737; or by Management and Budget (OMB) emnail to.pdr.resburce@nrc.gov.The 4. The farm number, if applicable:

approval for an existing collection of. Standard Fingerprint Form, FD-258.

supporting statement and :burden information. The information collection 5. How often the, collection is required estimates are available in ADAMS under is entitled, "Physical Protection of or requested: One time for initial AccessionNos.: ML15114A468 and Category 1 and Category 2 Quantities of ML15114A470. compliance notifications and

.Radioactive Material,"

  • NRC's PDR; You imay examine and fingerprints for the revieWing 6fficials; DATES: Submit comiments by August 24, purchase copies of public documents at and as needed for implementation 2015. Comments received after this date the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One- notifications, event notifications, wi~ll be considered [f it is practical .to do White Flint North, 11555 Rockville notifications of shipments o:fradioactive so, but tho Commission is able to ensure Pike, Rocville,[I Maryland 20852. materi~al, and fingerprinting of new considerat~ion only for comments *:
  • NRC's Clearai-ceOfficer'. A copy of received on orbefore this date. .. ..... the collection of-information-and related 6..6WhoqyvwIlbeq re~qu~ired.or asked to ADDRESSES: You may[ submit comments instructions may be Obtained without respond: Licensees that are authorized by any of the following methods: charge by contacting the NRC's to possess and use category 1 or
  • Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to Clearance Officer, Tremnaine Donnell, category 2 quantities of radioactive

for Docket ID NRC--2015--0033. Address Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 7. The estimated number of annual questions about NRC dockets to Carol Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: responses: 103,983.

Gallagher; telephone:. 301-287-3422; 301-415-6258; email: 8. The estimated number of annual email: Carol.Gollagher~nrc.gov.For INFOCOLLECTS.Resource@NRC.GOV, respondents: 1,5.00 (300 NRC Licensees technical questions, contact the + 1,200 Agreement State Licensees).

B. Submitting Comments 9. The estimated number of hours individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this Please include Docket 1IDNRC-2015- needed annually to comply with the document. 0033 in the subject line of your information collection requirementor

  • Mail comments to: Tremaine comment submission, in order to ensure request: 138,570.2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br /> (1932.4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br /> Donnell, Office of Information Services, that the NRC is able to make your reporting + 85,644.2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />

i iii:iiiiiii:ii~ii~i ii~~iiiUN.!! iii I TED STATES *COURT OF APPEALS

  • ij~ ii~ii~iiii i~i:i i iliiii*iii~ iiiii!ii iFO iiiii~li iiiiii
  • i i*

i* R THE:.i*i6*  :-:.* ii

!ii i!:iii!!ii:  :!~ ~i:!i~! !iiDii: I ii STRi:ii.i!

i~~i!i !l~iiii:i*i!!:!ii  !=! ~i i OLUMBi O:~lEi !iC I !!*ii~~!!:Ci!iT~!ii IATii

~:!ii:! ~!ii~!*!*iii:

RITi~iiii CU~i I C!11!:7

) No.

"Petitioners" )

)

V.

)

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR )

REGULATORY COMMISSION, and

)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

)

)

Respondents CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

[ ..... i hereby certify that I. have on this..13th day of August 2015..served a .copy of the Office. of the Attorney General of the United states

  • [. U.S. Department :of Justice.:...: .".".-.

.i:i.-::.::..!9*50 Pennsylvania Avenue,:* NW -: .:=:"i:i:: "  : ... . :":"i:::.i James Kim, Project -Manager""... ":" ""-..."

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.s. Nuclear.Regulatoray Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001

A. Louise Lund.

.Division:of Operating Reactor Licensing,* .

i:::-..: .::Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.. i. .:i.i . .. :.: .  : ..  :.:.

iWashinagton, DC 20555-000 1 *.. .

Anne Boland Division of .Operating Reactor Licensing, Office .ofNuclear Reactor* Regulation

  • Washington, DC 20555-.0001 Office of.Commission Appellate Adjudication U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-000 1 Office of the Secretary ATTN: Rulemakings & Adjudications Staff U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-000 1 Andrew Averbach Office of the General Counsel U.S. Nuclear.Regulatory Commission WashingtonD 20555-01

"*:Trip Rothschild . : ...  :":  :* "-

Office of the General Counsel

  • -:" .U.S. Nuclear* Regulatory Commission

..* ... Washington, DC 20555-000:1::.*...-".

':" "" M arian zobler ::* .  : " : . " ::. . .. .. .

..... . ,- Office of the General- Counsel...." .

"U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Catherine Scott Office of the General Counsel U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 2

Edward Williamson Office. of the General Counsel US. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Site Vice President Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc,

- ~Vermont Yankee Nuclear *Power Station:. -" .
  • .. Governor Hunt Road.  :
  • .~Vernon, VT 053'54 "... ... .. . .. . .

Bonnie L. Heiple 3

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