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Updating the Regulatory Framework for Spent Fuel Reprocessing

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?.

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Updating the Regulatory Framework for Spent Fuel Reprocessing

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  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Starting point Part 50 Part 70 Production and Utilization Special Nuclear Material

  6. So far…

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

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