PROPOSED RULE: "REGULATORY
IMPROVEMENTS FOR PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION FACILITIES TO
DECOMMISSIONING" - The proposed rule would result in changes in
recordkeeping and reporting burden relative to existing rules by
creating a regulatory framework for production and utilization
facility licensees transitioning to decommissioning and amending
existing regulations that relate to the decommissioning of
production and utilization facilities. Decommissioning nuclear
power reactor licensees and the NRC have expended substantial
resources processing licensing actions for nuclear power reactors
during their transition period to decommissioning status. Licensees
that are currently transitioning to decommissioning have been
requesting NRC review and approval of licensing actions, informed
by the low risk of an offsite radiological release posed by a
decommissioning reactor. Specifically, the licensees are seeking
NRC approval of exemptions and license amendments to revise
requirements to reflect the reduced operations and risks posed by a
permanently shutdown and defueled reactor. The proposed rule would,
on balance, reduce the paperwork burden imposed on production and
utilization facility licensees transitioning to decommissioning by
establishing a graded approach to the requirements imposed on these
facilities. A graded approach would adjust the level of analysis,
documentation, and actions necessary to comply with safety
requirements and criteria commensurate with several factors,
including magnitude of any credible hazard involved, and the
balance between radiological and non-radiological hazards as
applicable to the level within the decommissioning process. The NRC
expects that these proposed changes would enhance the efficiency of
the decommissioning process and reduce the overall burden on
licensees.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.