ML20207K399

Agrees That Govt Should Terminate Development of Higher Density Fuels & Licensee Should Submit Annual Request for Deferral of Conversion,Per 861211 Withdrawal of Unique Purpose Exemption

ML20207K399
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	12/31/1986
From:	Miraglia F Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:	Lisa Clark MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CAMBRIDGE
References
NUDOCS 8701090410
Download: ML20207K399 (3)

Text

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Docket.No. 50-20 DISTRIBUTION:

1. Docket 4 File;,

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RCarter Mr. Lincoln Clark, Jr. "NRC PDR ' "" JDosa Director of Reactor Operations Local PDR AAdams Nuclear Reactor Laboratory HBerkow PBSS Rdg.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology FMiraglia 138 Albany Street TDorian, 0GC-BETH Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Olynch

SUBJECT:

WITHDRAWAL OF UNIQUE PURPOSE EXEMPTION REQUEST This responds to your letter of December 11, 1986 which withdrew your earlier request for a unique purpose exemption from the Commission's regulation requiring conversion of your research reactor from the use of high enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU). In your letter, you cited several points relating to your understanding of the regulation and its implementation, which form the bases for withdrawal of your request. You asked that we confirm the validity of your bases.

We have considered all of the points in your letter and are in agreement with the following:

(1) Should the government terminate development of the higher density fuels, such that a suitable LEU fuel does not become available as anticipated, MIT may then apply for an exemption.

(2) Pending the availability of government funding for conversion and a suitable LEU fuel, MIT should submit an annual request to the NRC for deferral of conversion. SuitabTe LEU fuel means that it is acceptable both to the NRC and to MIT.

(3) Withdrawal of the unique purpose exemption request does not preclude MIT from seeking NRC authorization to use Extended Life Aluminide Fuel (ELAF) until a suitable LEU fuel becomes available.

Should you-have any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Herbert Berkow on 301-492-8795.

Sincerely, original signed by Frank J. Miraglia 8701090410 861231 O PDR ADOCK 0500 Frank J. Miraglia, Director P Division of PWR Licensing-B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation cc: See next page * -

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%,,,,,# DEC 311986 Docket No. 50-20 Mr. Lincoln Clark, Jr.

Director of Reactor Operations Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Massachusetts Institute of Technology 138 Albany Street Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

SUBJECT:

WITHDRAWAL OF UNIQUE PURPOSE EXEMPTION REQUEST This responds to your letter of December 11, 1986 which withdrew your earlier request for a unique purpose exemption from the Commission's regulation requiring conversion of your research reactor from the use of high enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU). In your letter, you cited several points relating to your understanding of the regulation and its implementation, which form the bases for withdrawal of your request. You asked that we confirm the validity of your bases.

We have considered all of the points in your letter and are in agreement with the following:

(1) Should the government terminate development of the higher density fuels, such that a suitable LEU fuel does not become available as anticipated, MIT may then apply for an exemption.

(2) Pending the availability of government funding for conversion and a suitable LEU fuel, MIT should submit an annual request to the NRC for deferral of conversion. Suitable LEU fuel means that it is acceptable both to the NRC and to MIT. .

(3) Withdrawal of the unique purpose exemption request does not preclude MIT from seeking NRC authorization to use Extended Life Aluminide Fuel (ELAF) until a suitable LEU fuel becomes available.

Should you have any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Herbert Berkow on 301-492-8795.

Sincerely, chGth D)l0 -

FrankJ.Miragika, Director ,

Division of PWR Licensing-B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation cc: See next page l l

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,fs Massachusetts Institute of Docket No. 50-20 Technology cc: Mr. William J. Mulford City Manager City Hall Worcester, Massachusetts 01608 Assistant Secretary for Policy Executive Office of Energy Resources 100 Cambridge Street, Room 1500 Boston, Massachusetts 02202 Department of Environmental Quality Engineering 100 Cambridge Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 1

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