Press Release-13-016, NRC to Enhance Post-Fukushima Vent Requirements, Broaden Analysis of Filtering Strategies

Press Release-13-016: NRC to Enhance Post-Fukushima Vent Requirements, Broaden Analysis of Filtering Strategies

ML13078A415
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Issue date:	03/19/2013
From:	Office of Public Affairs
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Press Release-13-016
Download: ML13078A415 (1)

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NRC TO ENHANCE POST-FUKUSHIMA VENT REQUIREMENTS, BROADEN ANALYSIS OF FILTERING STRATEGIES ers have directed to follow a two-track approach for further improvements to systems for safely venting pressure during potential accidents at 31 U.S. reactors. Staff Requirements Memorandum calls for enhancing a March 2012 Order requiring venting systems at 31 boiling-water reactors with containments. The memo also starts rulemaking activities to produce requirements for those reactors to cool core debris and retain radioactive material in conjunction with venting during severe accidents. In reaching this decision, the Commission engaged in thoughtful deliberation with each other as we each considered these important issues in our post-Fukushima accident review process I compliment my colleagues and the staff for their sustained efforts on this issue and for taking a hard look at a complex matter The Commission has given the staff 60 days to finalize the enhanced Order, which will require the vents to handle the elevated pressures, temperatures and radiation levels from a damaged reactor. The enhanced Order will also ensure plant personnel can operate the vents safely under these accident conditions. The Commission has also given the staff a year to produce a technical evaluation to support rulemaking on filtering. During that time the staff will gather more public input as it completes its analysis. The Commission directed the staff to consider both the use of a filter to be placed on the vent, as well as a more performance-based approach using existing systems to achieve a similar reduction in radioactive release during an accident. The staff then must develop a draft rule and final rule, all by March 2017. website . ### News releases are available through a free Listserv subscription or by clicking on the EMAIL UPDATES link on the NRC homepage (www.nrc.gov). E-mail notifications are sent to subscribers when news releases are posted to NRC's website. For the latest news, follow the NRC on www.twitter.com/NRCgov. NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 E-mail: opa.resource@nrc.gov Site: www.nrc.gov Blog: http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov No.13-016 March 19, 2013