1

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

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 70Part 50

Production and Utilization

Special Nuclear Material

6

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

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