00-30906. List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: TN-32 Revision

AGENCY:

Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION:

Direct final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations by revising the Transnuclear, Inc. TN-32 cask system listing within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to include Amendment No. 1 to the Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This amendment will allow holders of power reactor operating licenses to store spent fuel in the cask under the revised conditions. The changes proposed for Amendment No. 1 to the TN-32 CoC include the addition of the B&W/FCF 17 x 17 Mark BW assembly to the Technical Specification for “Fuel to be stored in the TN-32 Cask,” with revised bounding characteristics, and (2) a revised TS for “Site Specific Parameters and Analysis,” to allow analysis of verification of allowable seismic loads.

DATES:

The final rule is effective February 20, 2001, unless significant adverse comments are received by January 4, 2001. If the rule is withdrawn, timely notice will be published in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES:

Submit comments to: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attn: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff. Deliver comments to 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Federal workdays.

You may also provide comments via the NRC's interactive rulemaking website (http://ruleforum.llnl.gov). This site provides the capability to upload comments as files (any format) if your web browser supports that function. For information about the interactive rulemaking site, contact Ms. Carol Gallagher [phone]; e-mail [e-mail].

Certain documents related to this rule, including comments received by the NRC, may be examined at the NRC Public Document Room, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. These documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically via the rulemaking website.

Documents created or received at the NRC after November 1, 1999, are also available electronically at the NRC's Public Electronic Reading Room on the Internet at http://www.nrc.gov/​NRC/​ADAMS/​index.html. From this site, the public can gain entry into the NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS), which provides text and image files of NRC's public documents. For more information, contact the NRC Public Document Room (PDR) Reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Roger W. Broseus, telephone [phone], e-mail [e-mail], of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Section 218(a) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, as amended (NWPA), requires that “[t]he Secretary [of the Department of Energy (DOE)] shall establish a demonstration program, in cooperation with the private sector, for the dry storage of spent nuclear fuel at civilian nuclear power reactor sites, with the objective of establishing one or more technologies that the [Nuclear Regulatory] Commission may, by rule, approve for use at the sites of civilian nuclear power reactors without, to the maximum extent practicable, the need for additional site-specific approvals by the Commission.” Section 133 of the NWPA states, in part, that “[t]he Commission shall, by rule, establish procedures for the licensing of any technology approved by the Commission under Section 218(a) for use at the site of any civilian nuclear power reactor.”

To implement this mandate, the NRC approved dry storage of spent nuclear fuel in NRC-approved casks under a general license by publishing a final rule in 10 CFR Part 72 entitled “General License for Storage of Spent Fuel at Power Reactor Sites” (55 FR 29181; July 18, 1990). This rule also established a new Subpart L within 10 CFR Part 72, entitled “Approval of Spent Fuel Storage Casks,” containing procedures and criteria for obtaining NRC approval of spent fuel storage cask designs. The NRC subsequently issued a final rule on March 20, 2000 (65 FR 14790) that approved the TN-32 cask design and added it to the list of NRC-approved cask designs in § 72.214 as Certificate of Compliance Number (CoC No.) 1021.

Discussion

On April 23, 1999, and February 29, 2000, the certificate holder (Transnuclear, Inc.) submitted applications to the NRC to amend the Certificate of Compliance (CoC, No. 1021) to allow holders of power reactor operating licenses to store spent fuel in the cask under revised conditions. The changes requested include: (1) Addition of B&W/FCF 17 x 17 Mark BW assembly to Technical Specification (TS) 2.1, “Fuel to be stored in the TN-32 Cask,” with revised bounding characteristics, and (2) revision of the TS 4.3.3, “Site Specific Parameters and Analysis” to allow analysis of verification of allowable seismic loads. No other changes to the TN-32 cask system design were requested in this application. The NRC staff performed a detailed safety evaluation of the proposed CoC amendment request and found that the proposed changes do not reduce the safety margin. In addition, the NRC staff has determined that the changes do not pose any increased risk to public health and safety.

This direct final rule revises the TN-32 cask design listing in § 72.214 by adding Amendment No. 1 to CoC No. 1021. The amendment consists of two changes to the TSs. The first allows the storage of an additional type of spent fuel in the TN-32 cask system, with its bounding characteristics. The second changes the site-specific seismic horizontal and vertical acceleration limits from discrete values to two equations. The latter change increases a general licensee's flexibility by making the technical specification more performance based. The particular TSs being changed are identified in the NRC Staff's Safety Evaluation Report (SER) for Amendment No. 1.

The amended TN-32 cask system, when used under the conditions specified in the CoC, the Technical Specifications, and NRC regulations, will meet the requirements of Part 72; thus, adequate protection of public health and safety will continue to be ensured.

CoC No. 1021, the revised TSs, the underlying SER for Amendment No. 1, and the Environmental Assessment are available for inspection at the NRC Public Document Room, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. Single copies of the CoC may be obtained from Roger W. Broseus, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555, telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. An electronic copy of the proposed CoC and preliminary SER can be found in the NRC's Public Electronic Reading Room on the Internet at http://www.nrc.gov/​NRC/​ADAMS/​index.html.

Discussion of Amendments by Section

Section 72.214 List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks

Certificate No. 1021 is revised by adding the effective date of the initial certificate and the effective date of Amendment Number 1. In addition, two technical specifications are modified. The first allows the storage of an additional type of spent fuel in the TN-32 cask system with its bounding characteristics. The second changes the site-specific seismic horizontal and vertical acceleration limits from discrete values to two equations. The latter change increases a general licensee's flexibility by making the technical specification more performance based.

Procedural Background

This rule is limited to the changes contained in Amendment 1 to CoC No. 1021 and does not include other aspects of the TN-32 cask system design. The NRC is using the “direct final rule procedure” to promulgate this amendment because it represents a limited and routine change to an existing CoC that is expected to be noncontroversial; adequate protection of public health and safety continues to be ensured. This amendment is not considered to be a significant amendment by the NRC staff. The amendment to the rule will become effective on February 20, 2001. However, if the NRC receives significant adverse comments by January 4, 2001, then the NRC will publish a document that withdraws this action and will address the comments received in response to the amendment. These comments will be addressed in a subsequent final rule. The NRC will not initiate a second comment period on this action.

Agreement State Compatibility

Under the “Policy Statement on Adequacy and Compatibility of Agreement State Programs” approved by the Commission on June 30, 1997, and published in the Federal Register on September 3, 1997 (62 FR 46517), this rule is classified as compatibility Category “NRC.” Compatibility is not required for Category “NRC” regulations. The NRC program elements in this category are those that relate directly to areas of regulation reserved to the NRC by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (AEA), or the provisions of the Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although an Agreement State may not adopt program elements reserved to NRC, it may wish to inform its licensees of certain requirements via a mechanism that is consistent with the particular State's administrative procedure laws, but does not confer regulatory authority on the State.

Plain Language

The Presidential Memorandum dated June 1, 1998, entitled “Plain Language in Government Writing,” directed that the Government's writing be in plain language. The NRC requests comments on this direct final rule specifically with respect to the clarity and effectiveness of the language used. Comments should be sent to the address listed under the heading ADDRESSES above.

Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact: Availability

Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the NRC regulations in Subpart A of 10 CFR Part 51, the NRC has determined that this rule, if adopted, would not be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and, therefore, an environmental impact statement is not required. The rule will amend the CoC for the TN-32 cask system within the list of approved spent fuel storage casks that power reactor licensees can use to store spent fuel at reactor sites under a general license. This amendment will allow holders of power reactor operating licenses to store spent fuel in the cask under revised conditions. The changes proposed for Amendment No. 1 to the TN-32 CoC include: (1) Addition of B&W/FCF 17 x 17 Mark BW assembly to TS 2.1, “Fuel to be stored in the TN-32 Cask,” with revised bounding characteristics, and (2) revised TS 4.3.3, “Site Specific Parameters and Analysis” to allow analysis of allowable seismic loads. The environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact on which this determination is based are available for inspection at the NRC Public Document Room, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. Electronic copies the environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact can be found in the NRC's Public Electronic Reading Room on the Internet at http://www.nrc.gov/​NRC/​ADAMS/​index.html;​; single copies are available from Roger W. Broseus, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555, telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

This direct final rule does not contain a new or amended information collection requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Existing requirements were approved by the Office of Management and Budget, Approval Number 3150-0132.

Public Protection Notification

If a means used to impose an information collection does not display a currently valid OMB control number, the NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, the information collection.

Voluntary Consensus Standards

The National Technology Transfer Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-113) requires that Federal agencies use technical standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies unless the use of such a standard is inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. In this direct final rule, the NRC will revise the TN-32 cask system design listed in § 72.214 (List of approved spent fuel storage casks). This action does not constitute the establishment of a standard that establishes generally applicable requirements.

Regulatory Analysis

On July 18, 1990 (55 FR 29181), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an amendment to 10 CFR Part 72 to provide for the storage of spent nuclear fuel under a general license in cask designs approved by the NRC. Any nuclear power reactor licensee can use NRC-approved cask designs to store spent nuclear fuel if it notifies the NRC in advance, spent fuel is stored under the conditions specified in the cask's Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and the conditions of the general license are met. A list of NRC-approved cask designs is contained in § 72.214. On March 20, 2000 (65 FR 14790), the NRC issued an amendment to Part 72 that approved the TN-32 cask design by adding it to the list of NRC-approved cask designs in § 72.214. On April 23, 1999, and February 29, 2000, the certificate holder (Transnuclear, Inc.) submitted applications to the NRC to amend the Certificate of Compliance (CoC, No. 1021) to allow holders of power reactor operating licenses to store spent fuel in the cask under revised conditions. The changes requested include: (1) addition of B&W/FCF 17 x 17 Mark BW assembly to TS 2.1, “Fuel to be stored in the TN-32 Cask,” with revised bounding characteristics and (2) revision of TS 4.3.3, “Site Specific Parameters and Analysis” to allow analysis of verification of allowable seismic loads.

This rule will permit the changes requested by the certificate holder. The alternative to this action is to withhold approval of this amended cask system design and issue an exemption to each general license. This alternative would cost both the NRC and the utilities more time and money because each utility would have to pursue an exemption.

Approval of the direct final rule will eliminate the above described problem and is consistent with previous NRC actions. Further, the direct final rule will have no adverse effect on public health and safety. This direct final rule has no significant identifiable impact or benefit on other Government agencies. Based on the above discussion of the benefits and impacts of the alternatives, the NRC concludes that the requirements of the direct final rule are commensurate with the NRC's responsibilities for public health and safety and the common defense and security. No other available alternative is believed to be as satisfactory, and thus, this action is recommended.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

In accordance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, the NRC has determined that this action is not a major rule and has verified this determination with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget.

Regulatory Flexibility Certification

In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), the NRC certifies that this rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This direct final rule affects only the licensing and operation of nuclear power plants, independent spent fuel storage facilities, and Transnuclear, Inc. The companies that own these plants do not fall within the scope of the definition of “small entities” set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Small Business Size Standards set out in regulations issued by the Small Business Administration at 13 CFR Part 121.

Backfit Analysis

The NRC has determined that the backfit rule (10 CFR 50.109 or 10 CFR 72.62) does not apply to this direct final rule because this amendment does not involve any provisions that would impose backfits as defined. Therefore, a backfit analysis is not required.

List of Subjects In 10 CFR Part 72

• Criminal penalties
• Manpower training programs
• Nuclear materials
• Occupational safety and health
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Security measures
• Spent fuel

For the reasons set out in the preamble and under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended; and 5 U.S.C. 553; the NRC is adopting the following amendments to 10 CFR Part 72.

PART 72—LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDEPENDENT STORAGE OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL AND HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

1. The authority citation for Part 72 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 69, 81, 161, 182, 183, 184, 186, 187, 189, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 934, 935, 948, 953, 954, 955, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2099, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2282); sec. 274, Pub. L. 86-373, 73 Stat. 688, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2021); sec. 201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 10d—48b, sec. 7902, 10b Stat. 31b3 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91-190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 141, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2229, 2230, 2232, 2241, sec. 148, Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10151, 10152, 10153, 10155, 10157, 10161, 10168).

Section 72.44(g) also issued under secs. 142(b) and 148(c), (d), Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-232, 1330-236 (42 U.S.C. 10162(b), 10168(c),(d)). Section 72.46 also issued under sec. 189, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2239); sec. 134, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10154). Section 72.96(d) also issued under sec. 145(g), Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10165(g)). Subpart J also issued under secs. 2(2), 2(15), 2(19), 117(a), 141(h), Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2222, 2244, (42 U.S.C. 10101, 10137(a), 10161(h)). Subparts K and L are also issued under sec. 133, 98 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10153) and sec. 218(a), 96 Stat. 2252 (42 U.S.C. 10198).

2. In § 72.214, Certificate of Compliance 1021 is revised to read as follows:

§ 72.214

List of approved spent fuel storage casks.

* * * * *

Certificate Number: 1021

Initial Certificate Effective Date: April 19, 2000

Amendment Number 1 Effective Date: February 20, 2001

SAR Submitted by: Transnuclear, Inc.

SAR Title: Final Safety Analysis Report for the TN-32 Dry Storage Cask

Docket Number: 72-1021

Certificate Expiration Date: April 19, 2020

Model Number: TN-32, TN-32A, TN-32B

* * * * *

Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 16th day of November, 2000.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

William D. Travers,

Executive Director for Operations.