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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
