ML25343A206
| ML25343A206 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/01/2025 |
| From: | Tanya Smith NRC/NSIR/DPR |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML25343A206 (0) | |
Text
Todd Smith, PhD Senior Level Advisor U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Modernizing Emergency Planning Regulations
Emergency preparedness Radiological emergency preparedness ensures protective actions can and will be taken is an independent layer of defense in depth provides dose savings is risk-informed
4 ARDP Awardees ARC-20 Demo Reactors In Licensing Review Risk Reduction Preapplication RTR Research/Test Reactor LEGEND High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGR)
Liquid Metal Cooled Fast Reactors (LMFR)
Molten Salt Reactors (MSR)
TRISO Fuel Westinghouse Columbia Basin Hydromine Lead-Cooled Micro Reactors Framatome X-energy (Xe-100)*
StarCore MIT General Atomics*
General Atomics (EM2)
- GEH PRISM (VTR)
ARC Clean Technology
- TerraPower/GEH (Natrium)*
Sodium-Cooled Kairos (Hermes l RTR)
Liquid Salt Cooled Kairos
- ThorCon Flibe Elysium Alpha Tech Muons Southern (TP MCRE) l RTR ACU l RTR Terrestrial
- TerraPower (MCFR)
Liquid Salt Fueled UIUC / Ultra Safe l RTR*
Stationary Oklo
- Small Modular Light Water Reactors Boiling Water Reactor GEH BWRX-300*
Holtec SMR-300
- Pressurized Water Reactors Westinghouse AP300*
NuScale US600 NuScale US460 Westinghouse (eVinci)
- BWX Technologies X-energy Radiant
- Alpha Tech Nano Nuclear Energy Ultra Safe Nuclear Transportable EP is evolving with the advanced reactor landscape
NRC applies a graded approach to EP Risk-informed to balance the regulatory burden commensurate to the facility risks and hazards Existing NRC regulations have always used a graded approach to EP Power reactors Low-power testing and decommissioning Research and test reactors Fuel Fabrication Facilities Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations Monitored Retrievable Storage
Major provisions of alternative EP regulations The final rule in 10 CFR 50.160 provides an alternative framework for small modular reactors and other new technologies:
technology inclusive, performance based performance demonstration in drills and exercises regulatory framework proportional to facility risks required EP planning activities set commensurate to radiological risk (consequences) hazard analysis for contiguous facilities ingestion planning capabilities scalable EPZ according to planning needs
Performance demonstration in drills and exercises Response functions demonstrate capabilities Event classification and mitigation Protective actions Communications Command and control Staffing and operations Radiological assessment Re-entry Critiques and corrective actions
Planning activities commensurate to technology Planning activities ensure readiness for all facilities Prepare and issue public information during emergencies Implement the emergency plan in coordination with the security plan Voice and data communications with the NRC Identify emergency facilities where effective direction and control can be exercised in an emergency Site familiarization training for offsite support Maintain the emergency plan
Additional planning elements for higher risk Planning ensures communication, coordination, and cooperation with offsite response organizations Additional planning elements for EPZs beyond the site boundary:
contacts and arrangements public protective actions evacuation time estimate within the EPZ primary and backup offsite response facilities making and communicating dose projections periodic public emergency planning information and alert & notification general re-entry plans after an emergency drill and exercise programs with offsite response
Hazard analysis identifies other considerations Address the impact on emergency plan implementation from:
contiguous or nearby facilities and other credible hazards potential impacts of industrial plants, other reactors, transportation systems, or combination of factors site-specific, credible hazards from other facilities that may require additional EP considerations
The EPZ is a planning tool The EPZ determination considers form and function:
the area within which public dose is projected to exceed 10 mSv TEDE over 96 hours0.00111 days <br />0.0267 hours <br />1.587302e-4 weeks <br />3.6528e-5 months <br /> considering:
accident likelihood source term timing of the accident sequence meteorology the area within which predetermined, prompt protective measures are warranted Scalable EPZ to support planning needs
The future of protection strategies is risk-informed Major strategies for managing risk Risk management is not about avoiding risks, but about navigating through them with wisdom and preparedness.
Risk Analysis: Fundamental Principles, Society for Risk Analysis, Herndon, VA, August 2018. https://www.sra.org/risk-analysis-introduction/risk-analysis-fundamental-principles/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-risk-management-wisdom-preparedness-zane-edwards
Emphasizes capabilities and readiness to respond Identification of major exposure pathways for ingestion Identify resources available at all levels of government to sample, assess, and implement a quarantine or embargo of food and water to prevent ingestion Ensures ingestion pathway planning is in place
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Digital Twins Artificial Intelligence Geographic Information Systems Federal capabilities Technology propels the future of EP
Risk-informed performance-based EP regulations prepare us for the future
Contact:
Todd Smith todd.smith@nrc.gov