NRC Generic Letter 1999-01

NRC Generic Letter 1999-001: Recent Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Decision on Bundling Exempt Quantities

ML031110090
Person / Time
Site:	Beaver Valley, Millstone, Hatch, Monticello, Calvert Cliffs, Dresden, Davis Besse, Peach Bottom, Browns Ferry, Salem, Oconee, Mcguire, Nine Mile Point, Palisades, Palo Verde, Perry, Indian Point, Fermi, Kewaunee, Catawba, Harris, Wolf Creek, Saint Lucie, Point Beach, Oyster Creek, Watts Bar, Hope Creek, Grand Gulf, Cooper, Sequoyah, Byron, Pilgrim, Arkansas Nuclear, Three Mile Island, Braidwood, Susquehanna, Summer, Prairie Island, Columbia, Seabrook, Brunswick, Surry, Limerick, North Anna, Turkey Point, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, Haddam Neck, Ginna, Diablo Canyon, Callaway, Vogtle, Waterford, Duane Arnold, Farley, Robinson, Clinton, South Texas, San Onofre, Cook, Comanche Peak, Yankee Rowe, Maine Yankee, Quad Cities, Humboldt Bay, La Crosse, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Zion, Midland, Bellefonte, Fort Calhoun, FitzPatrick, McGuire, LaSalle, Fort Saint Vrain, Washington Public Power Supply System, Shoreham, Satsop, Trojan, Atlantic Nuclear Power Plant, Clinch River
Issue date:	05/03/1999
From:	Cool D A NRC/NMSS/IMNS
To:
References
GL-99-001, NUDOCS 9904290155
Download: ML031110090 (11)

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY

COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 May 3,1999 NRC GENERIC LETTER 99-01: RECENT NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS

DECISION ON BUNDLING EXEMPT QUANTITIES

Addressees

All materials licensees.

Purnose: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this generic letter to notify addressees about a recent Office of Nuclear Material SafeLy and Safeguards decision concerning bundling exempt quantities.

NRC does not authorize: (a) the bundling of exempt quantities of byproduct material; (b) any program advising persons to combine exempt quantity sources; and (c) the possession and use of bundled exempt sources, in unregistered devices, by persons exempt from licensing.

It is expected that recipients will review this information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate.

However, no specific action nor written response is required.Discussion:

The NRC regulations that exempt any person from the requirements for a license for byproduct material are found in 10 CFR 30.18. A person is exempt from licensing requirements to the extent that such a person possesses, uses, transfers, owns, or acquires byproduct material in individual quantities, each of which does not exceed the applicable quantity in 10 CFR 30.71, Schedule B (i.e., an "exempt quantity').

A person wishing to commercially distribute or initially transfer products containing byproduct material, such as exempt quantity check sources, to persons exempt from licensing, must obtain an exempt distribution license from NRC.To obtain an exempt distribution license from NRC, product information must be submitted as outlined in 10 CFR Part 32 and, specifically, for exempt quantities, as outlined in 10 CFR 32.18, 32.19, and 32.20. In addition, pursuant to 10 CFR 32.18(c), NRC will not approve a license to manufacture, process, produce, package, repackage, or transfer quantities of byproduct material to persons exempt, pursuant to 10 CFR 30.18, if the exempt quantities are incorporated into any manufactured or assembled commodity, product, or device intended for commercial distribution.

1' PPQD nooc 99(00505 GL 99-01 May 3,1999 Several years ago staff became aware of the bundling of a limited number of exempt quantity sources in gauging devices. On June 3, 1994, NRC determined that, under certain limited circumstances, bundling of exempt sources did not present a health and safety hazard.However, recently NRC has received requests for permission to distribute an increased number of bundled sources in similar devices. As a result, NRC became concerned that the individual numbers of exempt sources bundled in such devices would reach some point where a general or specific license would normally be required.

In the case where the bundled exempt sources remained exempt, NRC would have no mechanism to ensure their safe possession, use, and disposal.Based upon a thorough reexamination, including discussions with Agreement States to ascertain their perspectives, NRC now has determined that combining any exempt sources is inconsistent with the regulations, pursuant to 10 CFR 30.18, 32.18, 32.19, and 32.20.Instructing persons exempt from licensing to combine exempt quantities, and providing devices for them to do so, is in direct conflict with NRC's requirements for labeling of exempt sources.Section 32.19 specifically instructs persons not to combine exempt quantities, since the exemption provided in 10 CFR 30.18 is applicable only as long as no individual nor discreet quantity of the byproduct materials exceeds the quantity limits specified in 10 CFR 30.71, Schedule B, and as long as the quantities set out in that schedule are originally received and remain separate and distinct from other quantities of exempt byproduct materials.

The labeling requirements in 10 CFR 32.19, which address shipments to exempt persons, instruct 10 CFR 32.18 licensees to label the "immediate container'

with information identifying the radioisotope and the quantity of radioactivity, and in addition to that information, the container".

..shall also bear the words ...'Exempt Quantities Should Not Be Combined.'" Therefore, although the exemption in 10 CFR 30.18 provides for persons without a license to possess and use a wide variety of byproduct materials, and to possess and use specific byproduct materials without restriction as to the total quantity that may be possessed and used at any one time, the regulations do not authorize, but rather discourage, grouping exempt quantities of byproduct material.At this time, devices already in use, having multiple exempt quantities of byproduct material, may continue to be used. NRC does not plan to take any action regarding these devices or users unless a radiological safety hazard is identified.

However, persons possessing such devices should maintain control and account for these devices and the exempt sources contained within them. To this end, it is good practice to clearly label the devices with radioactive materials warning labels bearing the standard radiation warning symbol and standard magenta (or purple) and yellow colors. Additionally, it is preferable to not dispose of devices containing multiple exempt sources through ordinary commercial waste disposal or metal recycling channels because of the presence of bundled radioactive material.

If devices containing sources are no longer needed, the supplier should be consulted for advice regarding proper disposal options.

GL 99-01 May 3,1999 NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. After this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices and assure the protection of the public health and safety and with consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if undertaken, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: askenrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letter's.

Attachment GL 99-01 May 3, 1999 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED GENERIC LETTERS GENERIC LETTER 98-01, Supp. 1 DATE OF SUBJECT ISSUANCE Year 2000 Readiness of Computer 1/111/99 Systems at Nuclear Power Plants ISSUED TO All holders of operating Ii licenses for nuclear power Plants, except those who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel.98-05 98-04 98-03 Boiling Water Reactor Licensees

11/10/98 Use of the BWRVIP-05 Report To Request Relief From Augmented Examination Requirements on Reactor Pressure Vessel Circumferential Shell Welds Potential for Degradation of the 07/14/98 Emergency Core Cooling System And the Containment Spray System After a Loss-of-Coolant Accident Because of Construction and Protective Coating Deficiencies and Foreign Material in Containment All holders of operating licenses (or construction permits) for BWRs, except those who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel.All holders of operating licenses for nuclear power reactors, except those who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel.All licensees or certificate holders for uranium hexafluoride production plants, uranium enrichment plants, and uranium fuel fabrication plants, except those that have permanently ceased operations NMSS Licensees'

and Certificate

06/22/98 Holders' Year 2000 Readiness Programs OP = Operating License CP = Construction Permit NPR = Nuclear Power Reactors GL 99-01 May 3, 1999 NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. After this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices and assure the protection of the public health and safety and with consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if undertaken, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.(orig. signed by)Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: askenrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letter's.DOCUMENT:

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C- 99-## SuppJe #.. ..... E E :: L T...Month ## Year NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. After this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices and assure the protection of the public health and safety and with consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if undertaken, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: askenrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letter's.Distribution:

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R. ................ NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. After this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices and assure the protection of the public health and safety and with consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if undertaken, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safe Office of Nuclear Ma erial Safety and SafeguardV

Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: ask@nrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letters.Distribution:

NMSS r/f IMNS Central File NRC Fil KRamsey TCombs/dCA

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.-- .9...9# Suppitev #Month S##-Year NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. After this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices and assure the protection of the public health and safety and with consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if undertaken, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: askinrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letters.Distribution:

NMSS r/f KRamsey IMNS Central File TCombs/OCA

NRC File Center PLohaus/OSP

SLMerchant DOCUMENT:

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Month ##,-iYear dispose of devices containing multiple exempt sources through ordinary commercial waste disposal or metal recycling channels because of the presence of bundled radioactive material.If devices containing sources are no longer needed, the supplier should be consulted for advice regarding proper disposal options.NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. After this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices consistent with the protection of the public health and safety and with due consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if undertaken, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: ask~nrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letter's.Distribution:

NMSS r/f IMNS Central File NRC File Center SLMerchant KRamsey TCombs/OCA

PLohaus/OSP

DOCUMENT:

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GL 99-##, Supp./Rev.

1. Month #S. Year NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. Following this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices consistent with the protection of the public health and safety and with due consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if considered, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: ask@nrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letter's.Distribution:

NMSS r/f IMNS Central File NRC File Center SLMerc KRamsey TCombs/OCA

PLohaus/OSP

DOCUMENT:

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GL 99-##, SuppJRev.

1. Month ##, Year NRC plans to further evaluate the risks associated with these devices. Following this evaluation, NRC will consider appropriate steps, including rulemaking, to clarify the regulatory status of these devices consistent with the protection of the public health and safety and with due consideration of property protection.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and rulemaking process, if considered, will take 2 to 3 years.If you have any questions about this matter, please call the technical contact listed below or the appropriate regional office.Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Contact: Anthony S. Kirkwood, NMSS (301) 415-6140 E-mail: ask~nrc.gov Attachment:

List of Recently Issued NRC Generic Letter's.Distribution:

NMSS r/f IMNS Central File NR(KRamsey TCombs/OCA

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