i-Nuclear Update: NRC proposing to strengthen onsite emergency response requirements by new rule

i-NUCLEAR

NRC proposing to strengthen onsite emergency response requirements by new rule by I-Nuclear The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering changes to onsite emergency response requirements for US nuclear reactors in the wake of the Fukushima accident last year. Following recommendations of its Japan Near Term Task Force report, NRC is proposing to issue a new rule to strengthen and integrate accident response procedures and associated training and exercises. Over time, U.S. nuclear power plants have put in place three onsite emergency response categories: Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs), Severe Accident Management Guidelines (SAMGs) and Extensive Damage Mitigation Guidelines (EDMGs). The NRC’s Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published April 18 in the Federal Register asks for comment on strengthening and integrating these procedures. The notice’s questions include: Should the NRC develop a new rule, or could the requirements for a stronger, more integrated response be accomplished by a different method? If a new rule is developed, what would be most effective way of providing guidance on the new requirements? Should SAMGs be standardized throughout the industry? What is the most effective strategy for linking EOPs with SAMGs and EDMGs? What additional accident scenarios should be considered for expanding SAMG technical guidelines as a result of the lessons learned in Japan? Should separate procedures be developed that clearly establish the command and control structures for large-scale events? Public comments should be submitted by June 18 through the regulations.gov website by searching for files under Docket ID NRC-2012-0031.