updating the regulatory framework for spent fuel reprocessing
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Updating the Regulatory Framework for Spent Fuel Reprocessing. Thomas G. Hiltz Allen G. Croff U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Raymond G. Wymer Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Retired) June 3, 2010. Why Do We Need To Revise the Regulatory Framework Now?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Updating the Regulatory Framework for Spent Fuel Reprocessing
Thomas G. HiltzAllen G. Croff
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Raymond G. WymerOak Ridge National Laboratory (Retired)
June 3, 2010
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Why Do We Need To Revise the Regulatory Framework Now?
• Need to be prepared to effectively and efficiently review a potential new application
• Letters of intent / interest to Commission • Industry Working Group on Closing the Fuel Cycle
• Regulatory clarity is a key stakeholder factor
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Insights and Challenges -- NUREG-1909
• The NRC’s ACNW&M prepared a white paper: NUREG-1909– Documented reprocessing knowledge– Identified SNF reprocessing issues
• Multiple new streams: volatile elements, cladding, Cs, Sr, wastes > 100 nCi/g, Separated TRU elements– Nuclear material storage (Cs, Sr, TRU) and disposal (Cs,
Sr)– Waste classification– Appropriate waste forms and disposal sites– Impact on repository design and performance
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More Considerations from NUREG-1909• Determining distribution of radionuclides in
process and waste streams
• Recovered uranium handling and disposal
• Analysis and reliability of a complex integrated plant
• Facility design to facilitate decontamination and decommissioning
• Reconciling inconsistencies among IAEA, NRC and DOE limits on permissible Pu inventory differences
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Starting point
Part 70Part 50
Production and Utilization
Special Nuclear Material
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So far…
Mar 06 - Sep 08
GNEP Focus Eff ortSep 08 - J an 13
Commercial Focus Eff ort
J an 2006 Nov 2009
Apr 06 J ul 06 Oct 06 J an 07 Apr 07 J ul 07 Oct 07 J an 08 Apr 08 J ul 08 Oct 08 J an 09 Apr 09 Jul 09 Oct 09
J un 07 - Sep 10
I mplement DOE- NRC I nteragency Agreement
Sep 08
Cong. Staff Briefings
Mar 09
Complete GapAnalysis
Sep 08
SECY-08-0134
Feb 09
Public Meeting on NEI Whitepaper
Nov 07
SECY-07-0198
Oct 09
Stakeholder Mtgs
Jan
COMEXM-06-0003
Sep 08
Industry Forms Working Group
Dec 08
NEI and UCS Submittals
Mar 06
SECY-06-0066
Apr 08
First Letter of Industry Intent
May 07
SECY-07-0081 Sep 09
Public Webinar
Jun 09
SECY-09-0082
J un 08 - Nov 09
Steering Group/ Working Group
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Informed Approach for Developing Regulatory Framework for Reprocessing
• FY 2008 Staff Assessment (SECY-08-0134)
– Pace of NRC activities consistent with industry progress and commitments
– Focus on reprocessing regulatory framework considering most industrially mature and demonstrated technologies
– Complete “second order” gap analysis– Develop technical basis document for potential
rulemaking
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Regulatory Gaps - SECY-09-0082
• 23 gaps were identified and prioritized for need of resolution
• Gaps identified in areas of waste, safety and safeguards, and regulatory infrastructure
• Part 70 will be used as a basis• Proposed framework will not consider
advanced fuel cycles or fast reactors
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How fast and how much?...SECY-09-0082
• 5 FTE and $1.11 M (Technical Basis development and EIS)
• The staff continues to evaluate its schedule for completing the rulemaking technical basis
• Resources for proposed rulemaking and to begin development of guidance documents identified in staff’s FY11 budget request
• If resources are not made available, the schedule will be adjusted
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What will it take?
• Rulemaking that will involve complex technical, environmental, and policy issues
• Over 20 full-time equivalent• Meaningful and substantial stakeholder
involvement• Concurrent revision and development of
regulatory and review guidance• Continued industry progress and commitment
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Importance of International Cooperation
• Leverages experience and expertise
• Informs the safety framework
• Openness is critical element
• Information sharing must appropriately involve both regulators and the industry