[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26303-26310]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-12751]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
10 CFR Part 50
RIN 3150-AI37
[NRC 2009-0014]
Incorporation by Reference of Regulatory Guide 1.84, Revision 35,
and Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16, Into 10 CFR 50.55a
AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The NRC is proposing to amend its regulations to incorporate
by reference the latest revisions of two regulatory guides (RG) that
would approve new and revised code cases published by the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These are RG 1.84, ``Design,
Fabrication, and Materials Code Case Acceptability, ASME Section III,''
Revision 35, and RG 1.147, ``Inservice Inspection Code Case
Acceptability, ASME Section XI, Division 1,'' Revision 16. This action
would allow the use of the code cases listed in these RGs as
alternatives to requirements in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
(BPV) Code regarding the construction and inservice inspection (ISI) of
nuclear power plant components. Concurrent with this action, the NRC is
publishing a notice of the issuance and availability of the RGs in the
Federal Register.
DATES: Submit comments by August 17, 2009. Comments received after this
date will be considered if it is practical to do so, but the Commission
is able to ensure consideration only of comments received on or before
this date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any one of the following methods.
Please include the number RN 3150-AI37 in the subject line of your
comments. Comments submitted in writing or in electronic form will be
made available for public inspection. Because your comments will not be
edited to remove any identifying or contact information, the NRC
cautions you against including any information in your submission that
you do not want to be publicly disclosed.
Federal e Rulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and
search for documents filed under Docket ID NRC-2009-0014. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher at 301-492-3668, e-mail
[email protected].
Mail comments to: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attn: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff.
E-mail comments to: [email protected]. If you do not
receive a reply e-mail confirming that we have received your comments,
contact us directly at 301-415-1677.
Fax comments to: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at
301-415-1101.
Publicly available documents related to this rulemaking, including
comments, may be viewed electronically on the public computers located
at the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR), O1-F21, One White Flint North,
11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. The PDR reproduction
contractor will copy documents for a fee.
Publicly available documents created or received at the NRC after
November 1, 1999, are available electronically at the NRC's Electronic
Reading Room at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. From this
site, the public can gain entry into ADAMS, which provides text and
image files of NRC's public documents. If you do not have access to
ADAMS or if there are problems in accessing the documents
[[Page 26304]]
located in ADAMS, contact the PDR Reference staff at 800-397-4209, 301-
415-4737, or by e-mail to [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Manash K. Bagchi or L. M. Padovan,
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, telephone 301-415-2905, e-mail
[email protected], or 301-415-1423, e-mail [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The ASME develops and publishes the ASME BPV Code, which contains
requirements for the design, construction, and ISI of nuclear power
plant components, and the Code for Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear
Power Plants (OM Code), which contains requirements for inservice
testing (IST) of nuclear power plant components. In response to BPV and
OM Code user requests, the ASME develops ASME Code Cases which provide
alternatives to BPV and OM Code requirements under special
circumstances.
The NRC approves and/or mandates the use of the ASME BPV and OM
Code in 10 CFR 50.55a through the process of incorporation by
reference. As such, each provision of the ASME Codes incorporated by
reference into, and mandated by, Sec. 50.55a constitutes a legally-
binding NRC requirement imposed by rule. As noted above, ASME Code
Cases, for the most part, represent alternative approaches for
complying with provisions of the ASME BPV and OM Codes. Accordingly,
the NRC periodically amends Sec. 50.55 to incorporate by reference NRC
RGs listing approved ASME Code Cases which may be used as alternatives
to the BPV Code and the OM Code. See 68 FR 40469 (July 8, 2003).
This rulemaking is the latest in a series of rulemakings which
incorporate by reference new versions of several RGs identifying new
and revised \1\ ASME Code Cases which are approved for use, either
unconditionally or with conditions. In developing these RGs, the NRC
staff reviews ASME BPV and OM Code Cases, determines the acceptability
of each Code Case, and publishes its findings in RGs. The RGs are
revised periodically as new code cases are published by the ASME. The
NRC incorporates by reference the RGs listing acceptable and
conditionally acceptable ASME Code Cases into 10 CFR 50.55a. Currently,
NRC RG 1.84, Revision 34, ``Design, Fabrication, and Materials Code
Case Acceptability, ASME Section III;'' RG 1.147, Revision 15,
``Inservice Inspection Code Case Acceptability, ASME Section XI,
Division 1;'' and RG 1.192, ``Operation and Maintenance Code Case
Acceptability, ASME OM Code,'' are incorporated into the NRC's
regulations at 10 CFR 50.55a, Codes and standards.
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\1\ ASME Code Cases can be categorized as one of one of two
types: new and revised. A new Code Case provides for the first time
an alternative to specific ASME Code provisions or addresses a new
need. A revised Code Case is a revision (modification) to an
existing Code Case to address, for example, technological
advancements in examination techniques or to address NRC conditions
imposed in one of the regulatory guides which have been incorporated
by reference into 10 CFR 50.55a.
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Description of NRC Approval of New and Amended ASME Code Cases
This proposed rule would incorporate by reference the latest
revisions of the NRC RGs that list acceptable and conditionally
acceptable ASME BPV Code Cases. RG 1.84, Revision 35, Draft Regulatory
Guide (DG) 1191, would supersede the incorporation by reference of
Revision 34; and RG 1.147, Revision 16, DG 1192, would supersede the
incorporation by reference of Revision 15. RG 1192 dated June 2003
would not be revised because there have been no new OM Code Cases
published by the ASME since the last NRC staff review.
The ASME Code Cases which are the subject of this rulemaking are
the new revised Section III and Section XI Code Cases listed in
Supplements 2 through 11 to the 2004 BPV Code, and Supplement 0
published with the 2007 Edition of the BPV Code (Supplement 0 also
serves as Supplement 12 to the 2004 Edition) of the code. The NRC
follows a three step process to determine acceptability of new and
revised ASME Code Cases and the need for conditions on the uses of
these Code Cases. This process was employed in the review of the ASME
Code Cases which are the subject of this proposed rule. First, NRC
staff actively participates with other ASME committee members with full
involvement in discussions and technical debates in the development of
new and revised code cases. This includes a technical justification in
support of each new or revised code case. Second, the NRC committee
representatives distribute the code case and technical justification to
other cognizant NRC staff to ensure an adequate technical review.
Finally, the proposed NRC position on each code case is reviewed and
approved by NRC management as part of the rulemaking amending 10 CFR
50.55a to incorporate by reference new revisions of the RGs listing the
relevant ASME Code Cases and conditions on their use. This regulatory
process, when considered together with the ASME's own process for
development and approval of ASME Code Cases, provides reasonable
assurances that the NRC approves for use only those new and revised
ASME Code Cases (with conditions as necessary) which provide reasonable
assurance of adequate protection to public health and safety and which
do not have significant adverse impacts on the environment.
Code Cases Approved Unconditionally for Use
The NRC concluded, in accordance with the process for review of
ASME Code Cases, that each of the ASME Code Cases listed in Table 1 is
technically adequate and consistent with current NRC regulations.
Table 1
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Code case No. Supplement Title
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Section III
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N-4-12..................................... 4 Special Type 403 Modified Forgings or Bars, Class and
CS, Section III, Division 1.
N-284-2.................................... 12 Metal Containment Shell Buckling Design Methods, Class
MC, Section III, Division 1.
N-373-3.................................... 3 Alternative postweld heat treatment (PWHT) Time at
Temperature for P-No. 5A or P-No. 5B Group 1
Material, Classes 1, 2, and 3 Section III, Division
1.
N-621-1.................................... 3 Ni-Cr-Mo Alloy Unified Numbering System (UNS) N06022)
Weld Construction to 800 [deg]F, Section III,
Division 1.
[[Page 26305]]
N-699...................................... 8 Use of Titanium Grade 2 (UNS R50400) Tube and Bar, and
Grade 1 (UNS R50250) Plate and Sheet for Class 1
Construction, Section III, Division 1.
N-725...................................... 4 Design Stress Values for UNS N06690 With Minimum
Specified Yield Strength of 35 Ksi (240 Mpa), Classes
2 and 3 Components, Section III, Division 1.
N-727...................................... 9 Dissimilar Welding Using Continuous Drive Friction
Welding for Reactor Vessel Control Rod Drive
Mechanism (CRDM)/Control Element Drive Mechanism
(CEDM) Nozzle to Flange/Adapter Welds, Class 1,
Section III, Division 1.
N-732...................................... 5 Magnetic Particle Examination of Forgings for
Construction, Section III, Division 1.
N-736...................................... 8 Use UNS S32050 Welded and Seamless Pipe and Tubing,
Forgings, and Plates Conforming to SA-249/SA-249M, SA-
479/SA-479M, and SA-240/SA-240M, and Grade CK35MN
Castings Conforming to ASTM A 743-03 for Construction
of Class 1, 2, and 3 Components, Section III,
Division 1.
N-738...................................... 6 NDE of Full Penetration Butt Welds in Class 2
Supports, Section III, Division 1.
N-741...................................... 7 Use of 22Cr-5Ni-3Mo-N (Alloy UNS S32205 Austenitic/
Ferritic Duplex Stainless Steel) Forgings, Plate,
Welded and Seamless Pipe Tubing, and Fittings to SA-
182, SA-240, SA-789, A 790-04a, SA-815, Classes 2 and
3, Section III, Division 1.
N-744...................................... 11 Use of Metric Units Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,
Section III, Division 1.
N-746...................................... 8 Use of 46Fe-24Ni-21Cr-6Mo-Cu-N (UNS N08367) Bolting
Materials for Class 2 and 3 Components, Section III,
Division 1.
N-756...................................... 12 Alternative Rules for Acceptability for Class 1
Valves, nominal pipe size (NPS) diameter nominelle
(DN 25) and Smaller with Non-Welded End Connections
Other than Flanges, Section III, Division III
N-759...................................... 11 Alternative Rules for Determining Allowable External
Pressure and Compressive Stresses for Cylinders,
Cones, Spheres, and Formed Heads, Section III,
Division 1.
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Section XI
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N-494-4.................................... 7 Pipe Specific Evaluation Procedures and Acceptance
Criteria for Flaws in Piping that Exceed the
Acceptance Standards, Section XI, Division 1.
N-496-2.................................... 2 Reaffirmed Helical-Coil Threaded Inserts, Section XI,
Division 1.
N-666...................................... 9 Weld Overlay of Class 1, 2, and 3 Socket Welded
Connections, Section XI, Division 1.
N-686-1.................................... 12 Alternative Requirements for Visual Examinations VT-1,
VT-2, and VT-3, Section XI, Division 1.
N-705...................................... 11 Evaluation Criteria for Temporary Acceptance of
Degradation in Moderate Energy Class 2 or 3 Vessels
and Tanks, Section XI, Division 1.
N-706-1.................................... 12 Alternative Examination Requirements of Table IWB-2500-
1 and Table IWC-2500-1 for Pressurized Water Reactor
(PWR) Stainless Steel Residual and Regenerative Heat
Exchangers, Section XI, Division 1.
N-712...................................... 2 Roll Expansion of Class 1 Control Rod Drive Bottom
Head Penetrations in Boiling Water Reactors (BWR),
Section XI, Division 1.
N-730...................................... 11 Class 1 Socket Weld Examinations, Section XI, Division
1.
N-731...................................... 5 Alternative Class 1 System Leakage Test Pressure
Requirements, Section XI, Division 1.
N-733...................................... 6 Mitigation of Flaws in NPS 2 (DN 50) and Smaller
Nozzles and Nozzle Partial Penetration Welds in
Vessels and Piping by Use of a Mechanical Connection
Modification, Section XI, Division 1.
N-735...................................... 11 Successive Inspection of Class 1 and 2 Piping Welds,
Section XI, Division 1.
N-739...................................... 11 Alternative Qualification Requirements for Personnel
Performing Class CC Concrete and Post-tensioning
System Visual Examinations, Section XI, Division 1.
N-753...................................... 10 Vision Tests, Section XI, Division 1.
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Code Case Approved for Use With Conditions
As a result of the NRC staff's review, the NRC determined that
certain code cases were technically inadequate or required supplemental
guidance. Accordingly, the NRC proposes to impose conditions upon the
use of these code cases. These ASME Code Cases are included in DG-1191
(RG 1.84, in Table 2, and in DG-1192 (RG-1.147) in Table 2. The NRC's
evaluation of the code cases and the reasons for the NRC's proposed
conditions are discussed in the following paragraphs. Notations have
been made to indicate the conditions duplicated from previous versions
of the regulatory guides.
The NRC requests public comment on these code cases as part of this
rulemaking. It should also be noted that the following paragraphs only
address those code cases for which the NRC proposes to impose condition
which are listed in the regulatory guides for the first time (e.g.,
Code Case N-532-4, which is listed in Supplement 9, has already been
approved in Revision 15 to RG 1.147).
4.5 Section III
Code Case N-570-1 [S8]
Type: Revised.
Title: Alternative Rules for Linear Piping and Linear Standard
Supports for Classes 1, 2, 3, and [Metal Cladding (MC)], Section III,
Division 1.
Code Case N-570-1 references American National Standards Institute
(ANSI)/American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) N690-1994 s1,
``Supplement No. 1 to the Specification for the Design, Fabrication,
and Erection of Steel Safety-Related Structures for Nuclear
Facilities.'' However, the AISC issued Supplement 2 on October 6, 2004.
Supplement 2 supersedes Supplement 1.
The updated supplement (Supplement 2) is consistent with NRC
positions and requirements for new reactor support design. Thus, the
NRC is proposing to condition Code Case N-570-1 to require that ANSI/
AISC N690-1994 s2, ``Supplement No. 2 to the Specification for the
Design, Fabrication, and Erection of Steel Safety-Related Structures
for Nuclear Facilities,'' be used when this code case is implemented.
[[Page 26306]]
4.6 Section XI
Code Case N-416-4 [S1]
Type: Revised.
Title: Alternative Pressure Test Requirement for Welded Repairs or
Installation of Replacement Items by Welding, Class 1, 2, and 3,
Section XI, Division 1.
The NRC proposes to condition Code Case N-416-4 to require that
nondestructive examination be performed for welded or brazed repairs
and fabrication and installation joints in accordance with the methods
and acceptance criteria of the applicable subsection of the 1992
Edition of Section III.
For certain welding repairs or replacements, the previous version
of this code case (Code Case N-416-3) permitted a system leakage test
to be performed in lieu of performing a hydrostatic pressure test
provided that certain requirements are met. One of the requirements was
that nondestructive examination (NDE) be performed on welded repairs,
fabrication, and installation joints in accordance with the methods and
acceptance criteria of the applicable subsection of the 1992 Edition of
Section III.
This NDE requirement was removed when Code Case N-416-4 was issued.
When Code Case N-416 was originally developed, the NRC agreed to the
performance of system leakage testing in lieu of hydrostatic testing
provided that NDE performed in conjunction with the repair met the
requirements of the 1992 Edition of Section III. The reason for this
stipulation is that some construction codes are less rigorous than
others, depending on when the provisions were developed. The NRC
believes that to justify the elimination of the NDE provision a
hydrostatic pressure test would be required. It is the NRC's position
that a system leakage pressure test does not provide an equivalent
level of safety as a hydrostatic pressure test. The higher pressure of
the hydrostatic pressure test would make any potential leakage more
evident than if a system leakage test was performed, particularly in
the case of smaller defects. In as much as the NRC believes that a
hydrostatic pressure test would not be effective in this situation, the
more rigorous NDE requirements of Section III must be performed (as is
currently required by N-416-3).
As discussed above, the NDE provision is contained in Code Case N-
416-3. Code Case N-416-3 was approved in Revision 14 of Regulatory
Guide 1.147 (August 2005), which has already been implemented by
licensees. Thus, requiring the performance of NDE after these repairs
and replacements is not a new position and is merely the continuation
of current practice. It should be noted that the NDE requirement was
also removed from paragraph IWA-4540(a) of the 2003 Addenda to Section
XI. The NRC imposed a condition similar to the one discussed above for
Code Case N-416-3 in 10 CFR 50.55a on the use of IWA-4540(a) in the
2003 Addendum to Section XI.
Code Case N-504-4 [S10]
Type: Revised.
Title: Alternate Rules for Repair of Classes 1, 2, and 3 Austenitic
Stainless Steel Piping, Section XI, Division 1.
Revision 3 to this code case was conditionally approved in Revision
15 to RG 1.147 to require that Section XI, Nonmandatory Appendix Q,
``Weld Overlay Repair of Class 1, 2, and 3 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Piping Weldments,'' must also be met. The NRC has determined that N-
504-4 is acceptable with the same condition. Accordingly, the
regulatory position has not changed.
Code Case N-638-4 [S11]
Type: Revised.
Title: Similar and Dissimilar Metal Welding Using Ambient
Temperature Machine (GTAW) Temper Bead Technique, Section XI, Division
1.
The same conditions applied to the previous version of the code
case (N-638-1) which was approved in Revision 15 to RG 1.147 (Revisions
2 and 3 to the code case were published by the ASME between regulatory
guide cycles). Accordingly, the NRC's position has not changed.
Code Case N-661-1 [S7]
Type: Revised.
Title: Alternative Requirements for Wall Thickness Restoration of
Class 2 and 3 Carbon Steel Piping for Raw Water Service, Section XI,
Division 1.
With regard to Code Case N-661-1, the NRC is proposing to retain
conditions (a) and (c) of the following three conditions that were
imposed on Code Case N-661 in RG 1.147, Revision 15:
(a) If the root cause of the degradation has not been determined,
the repair is only acceptable for one cycle.
(b) Weld overlay repair of an area can only be performed once in
the same location.
(c) When through-wall repairs are made by welding on surfaces that
are wet or exposed to water, the weld overlay repair is only acceptable
until the next refueling outage.
Code Case N-661-1 uses the term ``one fuel cycle.'' It is unclear
what one fuel cycle actually infers if a repair is performed in mid-
cycle. It may be interpreted that the repair is acceptable for the
remainder of the current fuel cycle plus the subsequent fuel cycle. As
can be seen from the conditions above, other terms such as ``one
cycle'' have been used. To be unambiguous and ensure that a suitable
re-inspection frequency has been established when the cause of the
degradation is unknown or when the potential for hydrogen cracking
exists due to the welding conditions, the term ``next refueling
outage'' has been adopted in condition (a) rather than the term ``one
cycle.'' There is no change needed regarding condition (c).
With regard to condition (b) on Code Case N-661, ASME made
technical changes to the code case to address the NRC's concerns. The
NRC finds the changes acceptable and thus condition (b) has been
deleted relative to the implementation of Code Case N-661-1.
Code Case N-751 [S11]
Type: New.
Title: Pressure Testing of Containment Penetration Piping, Section
XI, Division 1--When a 10 CFR [Part] 50, Appendix[-]J, Type[-]C, test
is performed as an alternative to the requirements of IWA-4540 (IWA-
4700 in the 1989 edition through the 1995 edition) during repair and
replacement activities, nondestructive examination must be performed in
accordance with IWA-4540(a)(2) of the 2002 Addenda of Section XI.
The code case would allow an Appendix-J Type-C test to be performed
as an alternative to the ASME Code requirement to pressure test piping
that penetrates a containment vessel if the piping and isolation valves
that are part of the containment system are Class 2 and the balance of
the piping system is outside the scope of Section XI. However, in IWA-
4540 of the 2003 addenda and later edition and addenda of the ASME
Code, the NDE requirement associated with the system leakage test has
been removed. For the plants that used the ASME B31.1 Code for
construction, there was no requirement to volumetrically examine
certain piping components during fabrication. Section XI requires NDE
per the construction code as part of repair/replacement activities.
Thus, if a B31.1 plant performs a repair to certain Class 2 or Class 3
piping, the construction code does not contain a provision for the NDE
(as required by Section XI). Volumetric examination after repair or
replacement is required to ensure high quality welds. A pressure test
is only capable of determining the leak-
[[Page 26307]]
tightness of a weld at the time of the pressure test. Volumetric
examination ensures high quality welds capable of performing their
design function for the life of the component. Therefore, the NRC
proposes a limitation on the use of Code Case N-751 so that when a 10
CFR Part 50, Appendix-J, Type-C test is performed as an alternative to
the requirements of IWA-4540 (IWA-4700 in the 1989 edition through the
1995 edition) during repair and replacement activities, NDE must be
performed in accordance with IWA-4540(a)(2) of the 2002 Addenda of
Section XI.
ASME Code Cases Not Approved for Use
ASME Code Cases which are currently issued by the ASME but not
approved for generic use by the NRC are listed in RG 1.193, ``ASME Code
Cases Not Approved for Use.'' The ASME Code Cases which are not
approved for use include those code cases on high-temperature gas-
cooled reactors; certain requirements in Section III, Division 2, that
are not endorsed by the NRC; liquid metal; and submerged spent fuel
waste casks. RG 1.193 complements RGs 1.84 and 1.147. It should be
noted that RG 1.193 is not part of this rulemaking as the NRC is not
proposing to adopt any of the code cases listed in this RG. Also, the
NRC is not seeking public comment on whether the NRC should approve any
of the ASME Code Cases in RG 1.193. The RG is merely discussed as a
matter of completeness.
Paragraph-by-Paragraph Discussion
Overall Considerations on the Use of ASME Code Cases
This rulemaking would amend 10 CFR 50.55a to incorporate by
reference RG 1.84, Revision 35, which would supersede Revision 34, and
RG 1.147, Revision 16, which would supersede Revision 15. The following
general guidance applies to the use of the ASME Code Cases approved in
the latest versions of the regulatory guides which are incorporated by
reference into 10 CFR 50.55a as part of this rulemaking.
The endorsement of a code case in NRC RGs constitutes acceptance of
its technical position for applications which are not precluded by
regulatory or other requirements or by the recommendations in these or
other RGs. The applicant and licensee are responsible for ensuring that
use of the code case does not conflict with regulatory requirements or
licensee commitments. The code cases listed in the RGs are acceptable
for use within the limits specified in the code case. If the RG states
an NRC condition on the use of a code case, then the NRC condition
supplements and does not supersede any condition(s) specified in the
code case, unless otherwise stated in the NRC condition.
ASME Code Cases may be revised for many reasons, e.g., to
incorporate operational examination and testing experience and to
update material requirements based on research result. On occasion, an
inaccuracy in an equation is discovered or an examination, as
practiced, is found not to be adequate to detect a newly discovered
degradation mechanism. Hence, when an applicant or a licensee initially
implements a code case, 10 CFR 50.55a requires that the applicant or
the licensee implement the most recent version of that code case as
listed in the RGs incorporated by reference. Code cases superseded by
revision are no longer acceptable for new application unless otherwise
indicated.
Section III of the ASME BPV Code applies only to new construction
(i.e., the edition and addenda to be used in the construction of a
plant are selected based on the date of the construction permit and are
not changed thereafter, except voluntarily by the applicant or the
licensee). Hence, if a Section III code case is implemented by an
applicant or a licensee and a later version of the code case is
incorporated by reference into Sec. 50.55a and listed in the RGs, the
applicant or the licensee may use either version of the code case
(subject, however, to whatever change requirements apply to its
licensing basis, e.g., 10 CFR 50.59).
A licensee's ISI and OM IST programs must be updated every 10 years
to the latest edition and addenda of Section XI and the OM Code,
respectively, that were incorporated by reference to 10 CFR 50.55a and
in effect 12 months prior to the start of the next inspection and
testing interval. Licensees who were using a code case prior to the
effective date of its revision may continue to use the previous version
for the remainder of the 120-month ISI or IST interval. This relieves
licensees of the burden of having to update their ISI or IST program
each time a code case is revised by the ASME and approved for use by
the NRC. Since code cases apply to specific editions and addenda and
since code cases may be revised because they are no longer accurate or
adequate, licensees choosing to continue using a code case during the
subsequent ISI interval must implement the latest version incorporated
by reference into 10 CFR 50.55a and listed in the RGs.
The ASME may annul code cases that are no longer required, are
determined to be inaccurate or inadequate, or have been incorporated
into the BPV or OM Codes. If an applicant or a licensee applied a code
case before it was listed as annulled or expired, the applicant or the
licensee may continue to use the code case until the applicant or the
licensee updates its construction Code of Record (in the case of an
applicant, updates its application) or until the licensee's 120-month
ISI/IST update interval expires, after which the continued use of the
code case is prohibited unless NRC approval is granted under 10 CFR
50.55a(a)(3). If a code case is incorporated by reference into 10 CFR
50.55a and later annulled by the ASME because experience has shown that
the design analysis, construction method, examination method, or
testing method is inadequate; the NRC will amend 10 CFR 50.55a and the
relevant RG to remove the approval of the annulled code case.
Applicants and licensees should not begin to implement such annulled
code cases in advance of the rulemaking.
Concurrent with this action, the NRC is publishing in the Federal
Register Notices of availability of these RGs listing acceptable ASME
BPV Code Cases.
Paragraph 50.55a(b)
In paragraphs (b), and (b)(4) of 10 CFR 50.55a, the reference to
the revision number for RG 1.84 would be changed from ``Revision 34''
to ``Revision 35.'' In paragraph (b)(5) of 10 CFR 50.55a, the reference
to the revision number for RG 1.147 would be changed from ``Revision
15'' to ``Revision 16.'';
Paragraph 50.55a(f)(2), (f)(3)(iii)(A), (f)(3)(iv)(A), (f)(4)(ii),
(g)(2), (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), (g)(4)(i), and (g)(4)(ii)
In paragraphs (f)(2), (f)(3)(iii)(A), (f)(3)(iv)(A), (f)(4)(ii),
(g)(2), (g)(3)(i), (g)(3)(ii), (g)(4)(i), and (g)(4)(ii) of 10 CFR
50.55a, the reference to the revision number for RG 1.147 would be
changed from ``Revision 15'' to ``Revision 16.''
Availability of Documents
The NRC is making the documents identified below available to
interested persons through one or more of the following:
Public Document Room (PDR). The NRC PDR is located at 11555
Rockville Pike, Public File Area O-1F21, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. The Web site is located at http://regulations.gov.
The NRC's Public Electronic Reading Room. The NRC's public
electronic reading room is located at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm.html.
[[Page 26308]]
Table 2
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Document PDR Web e-Reading room
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Proposed Rule--Regulatory Analysis............ X X ML082540559
RG 1.84, Revision 35 (DG1191)................. X X ML080910389
RG 1.147, Revision 16 (DG1192)................ X X ML080910245
RG 1.193, Revision 2 (DG1193)................. X X ML080920854
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Voluntary Consensus Standards
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995,
Public Law 104-113, requires agencies to use technical standards
developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies unless the
use of such standards is inconsistent with applicable law or is
otherwise impractical. In this action, the NRC is amending its
regulations to incorporate by reference RGs that list ASME BPV Code
Cases approved by the NRC. ASME Code Cases, which are ASME-approved
alternatives to the provisions of ASME Code editions and addenda, are
national consensus standards as defined in Public Law 104-113 and OMB
Circular A-119. They are developed by bodies whose members (including
the NRC and utilities) have broad and varied interests.
The NRC reviews each Section III and Section XI Code Case published
by the ASME to ascertain whether it is consistent with the safe
operation of nuclear power plants. Those code cases found to be
generically acceptable are listed in the RGs that are incorporated by
reference in 10 CFR 50.55a(b). Those that are found to be unacceptable
are listed in RG 1.193, but licensees may still seek NRC's approval to
apply these code cases through the relief request process permitted in
10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3). Other code cases, which the NRC finds to be
conditionally acceptable, are also listed in the RGs that are
incorporated by reference along with the conditions under which they
may be applied. If the NRC did not conditionally accept ASME code
cases, it would disapprove these code cases entirely. The effect would
be that licensees would need to submit a larger number of relief
requests, which would be an unnecessary additional burden for both the
licensee and the NRC. For these reasons, the treatment of ASME BPV and
OM Code Cases and any conditions proposed to be placed on them in this
proposed rule does not conflict with any policy on agency use of
consensus standards specified in OMB Circular A-119.
Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact: Environmental
Assessment
This proposed action stems from the Commission's practice of
incorporating by reference the RGs listing the most recent set of NRC-
approved ASME code cases. The purpose of this proposed action is to
allow licensees to use the code cases listed in the RGs as alternatives
to requirements in the ASME BPV Code for the construction and ISI of
nuclear power plant components. This proposed action is intended to
advance the NRC's strategic goal of ensuring adequate protection of
public health and safety and the environment. It also demonstrates the
agency's commitment to participate in the national consensus standards
process under the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of
1995, Public Law 104-113.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires Federal
government agencies to study the impacts of their ``major Federal
actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment''
and prepare detailed statements on the environmental impacts of the
action and alternatives to the action (United States Code, Vol. 42,
Section 4332(C) [42 U.S.C. Sec. 4332(C)]; NEPA Sec. 102(C)).
The Commission has determined under NEPA, as amended, and the
Commission's regulations in Subpart A of 10 CFR Part 51 that this
proposed rule would not be a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment. Therefore, an
environmental impact statement is not required.
As alternatives to the ASME Code, NRC-approved code cases provide
an equivalent level of safety. Therefore, the probability or
consequences of accidents is not changed. There are also no
significant, non-radiological impacts associated with this action
because no changes would be made affecting non-radiological plant
effluents and because no changes would be made in activities that would
adversely affect the environment. The determination of this
environmental assessment is that there will be no significant offsite
impact to the public from this proposed action.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
This proposed rule increases the burden on licensees applying ASME
Code Case N-730 to maintain repair records of the current control drive
bottom head penetrations in BWRs for the life of the reactor vessel (10
CFR 50.55a). The public burden for this information collection is
estimated to average 5 hours per request. Because the burden for this
information collection is insignificant, Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) clearance is not required. Existing requirements were
approved by the OMB approval number 3150-0011.
Public Protection Notification
The NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a request for information or an information collection
unless the requesting document displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
Regulatory Analysis
The ASME Code Cases listed in the RGs to be incorporated by
reference provide voluntary alternatives to the provisions in the ASME
BPV Code for design, construction, and ISI of specific structures,
systems, and components used in nuclear power plants. Implementation of
these code cases is not required. Licensees use NRC-approved ASME Code
Cases to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden or gain additional
operational flexibility. It would be difficult for the NRC to provide
these advantages independently of the ASME Code Case publication
process without expending considerable additional resources. The NRC
has prepared a regulatory analysis addressing the qualitative benefits
of the alternatives considered in this proposed rulemaking and
comparing the costs associated with each alternative. The regulatory
analysis is available for inspection on public computers in the NRC
PDR, located at One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville,
Maryland 20852, Room O-1 F21. Copies of the regulatory analysis are
also available to the public as indicated under the Availability of
Documents heading in this preamble.
[[Page 26309]]
Regulatory Flexibility Certification
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), the
Commission certifies that this proposed rule would not impose a
significant economical impact on a substantial number of small
entities. This proposed rule would affect only the licensing and
operation of nuclear power plants. The companies that own these plants
are not ``small entities'' as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act
or the size standards established by the NRC (10 CFR 2.810).
Backfitting Analysis
The provisions in this proposed rulemaking would allow licensees to
voluntarily apply NRC-approved code cases, sometimes with conditions.
The voluntary implementation of an approved code case would not
constitute a backfit. Thus, the Commission finds that this proposed
rule does not involve any provisions that constitute a backfit as
defined in 10 CFR 50.109(a)(1) and that a backfit rule is not required.
Accordingly, a backfit analysis has not been prepared for this
rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 50
Antitrust, Classified information, Criminal penalties, Fire
protection, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations,
Nuclear power plants and reactors, Radiation protection, Reactor siting
criteria, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
For the reasons set forth 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 proposes to adopt
the following amendments to 10 CFR Part 50.
PART 50--DOMESTIC LICENSING OF PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION
FACILITIES
1. The authority citation for Part 50 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: Secs. 102, 103, 104, 105, 161, 182, 183, 186, 189,
68 Stat. 936, 937, 938, 948, 953, 954, 955, 956, as amended, sec.
234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135,
2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2239, 2282); secs. 201, as amended, 202,
206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842,
5846); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note); Energy
Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. 109-58, 119 Stat. 194 (2005).
Section 50.7 also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat.
2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102-486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42
U.S.C. 5841), Section 50.10 also issued under secs. 101, 185, 68
Stat. 955, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2131, 2235); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91-
190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332). Sections 50.13, 50.54(d), and
50.103 also issued under sec. 108, 68 Stat. 939, as amended (42
U.S.C. 2138). Sections 50.23, 50.35, 50.55, and 50.56 also issued
under sec. 185, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2235). Sections 50.33a,
50.55a and Appendix Q also issued under sec. 102, Pub. L. 91-190, 83
Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332). Sections 50.34 and 50.54 also issued
under sec. 204, 88 Stat. 1245 (42 U.S.C. 5844). Sections 50.58,
50.91, and 50.92 also issued under Pub. L. 97-415, 96 Stat. 2073 (42
U.S.C. 2239). Section 50.78 also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939
(42 U.S.C. 2152). Sections 50.80-50.81 also issued under sec. 184,
68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Appendix F also issued
under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2237).
2. Section 50.55a is amended by revising the introductory text of
paragraphs (b), (b)(4), and (b)(5), and paragraphs (f)(2),
(f)(3)(iii)(A), (f)(3)(iv)(A), (f)(4)(ii), (g)(2), (g)(3)(i),
(g)(3)(ii), (g)(4)(i) and (g)(4)(ii) to read as follows:
Sec. 50.55a Codes and Standards.
* * * * *
(b) The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and the ASME Code for
Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants, which are referenced
in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this section, were approved
for incorporation by reference by the Director of the Office of the
Federal Register pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. NRC
Regulatory Guide 1.84, Revision 35, ``Design, Fabrication, and
Materials Code Case Acceptability, ASME Section III'' [temporarily
designated DG-1191]; NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16,
``Inservice Inspection Code Case Acceptability, ASME Section XI,
Division 1'' [temporarily designated DG-1192]; and Regulatory Guide
1.192, ``Operation and Maintenance Code Case Acceptability, ASME OM
Code,'' (June 2003), have been approved for incorporation by reference
by the Director of the Office of the Federal Register pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. These Regulatory Guides list ASME Code
cases that the NRC has approved in accordance with the requirements in
paragraphs (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6) of this section. Copies of the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and the ASME Code for Operation
and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants may be purchased from the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Avenue, New York,
NY 10016. Single copies of NRC Regulatory Guides 1.84, Revision 35;
1.147, Revision 16; and 1.192 may be obtained free of charge by writing
the Reproduction and Distribution Services Section, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; or by fax to 301-415-
2289; or by e-mail to [email protected]. Copies of the ASME
Codes and NRC Regulatory Guides incorporated by reference in this
section may be inspected at the NRC Technical Library, Two White Flint
North, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852-2738, or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
http://www.archives.gov/federal register/code of federal regulations/
ibr locations.html.
* * * * *
(4) Design, Fabrication, and Materials Code Cases. Applicants and
licensees may apply the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code cases
listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.84, Revision 35 without prior NRC
approval subject to the following:
* * * * *
(5) In-service Inspection Code Cases. Licensees may apply the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code cases listed in Regulatory Guide 1.147,
Revision 16, without prior NRC approval subject to the following:
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(2) For a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear power
facility whose construction permit was issued on or after January 1,
1971, but before July 1, 1974, pumps and valves which are classified as
ASME Code Class 1 and Class 2 must be designed and be provided with
access to enable the performance of inservice tests for operational
readiness set forth in editions and addenda of Section XI of the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code incorporated by reference in paragraph
(b) of this section (or the optional ASME Code cases listed in NRC
Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16; or Regulatory Guide 1.192 that are
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section) in effect 6
months before the date of issuance of the construction permit. The
pumps and valves may meet the inservice test requirements set forth in
subsequent editions of this Code and addenda which are incorporated by
reference in paragraph (b) of this section (or the optional ASME Code
Cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16; or Regulatory
Guide 1.192 that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this
section), subject to the applicable limitations and modifications
listed therein.
(3) * * *
[[Page 26310]]
(iii) (A) Pumps and valves, in facilities whose construction permit
was issued before November 22, 1999, which are classified as ASME Code
Class 1 must be designed and be provided with access to enable the
performance of inservice testing of the pumps and valves for assessing
operational readiness set forth in the editions and addenda of Section
XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code incorporated by
reference in paragraph (b) of this section (or the optional ASME Code
cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16; or Regulatory
Guide 1.192 that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this
section) applied to the construction of the particular pump or valve or
the Summer 1973 Addenda, whichever is later.
* * * * *
(iv)(A) Pumps and valves, in facilities whose construction permit
was issued before November 22, 1999, which are classified as ASME Code
Class 2 and Class 3 must be designed and be provided with access to
enable the performance of inservice testing of the pumps and valves for
assessing operational readiness set forth in the editions and addenda
of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code incorporated
by reference in paragraph (b) of this section (or the optional ASME
Code Cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16, that are
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section) applied to
the construction of the particular pump or valve or the Summer 1973
Addenda, whichever is later.
* * * * *
(4) * * *
(ii) Inservice tests to verify operational readiness of pumps and
valves, whose function is required for safety, conducted during
successive 120-month intervals must comply with the requirements of the
latest edition and addenda of the Code incorporated by reference in
paragraph (b) of this section 12 months before the start of the 120-
month interval (or the optional ASME Code cases listed in NRC
Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16; or Regulatory Guide 1.192 that are
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section), subject to
the conditions listed in paragraph (b) of this section.
* * * * *
(g) * * *
(2) For a boiling or pressurized water-cooled nuclear power
facility whose construction permit was issued on or after January 1,
1971, but before July 1, 1974, components (including supports) which
are classified as ASME Code Class 1 and Class 2 must be designed and be
provided with access to enable the performance of inservice examination
of such components (including supports) and must meet the preservice
examination requirements set forth in editions and addenda of Section
XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code incorporated by
reference in paragraph (b) of this section (or the optional ASME Code
cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16, that are
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section) in effect 6
months before the date of issuance of the construction permit. The
components (including supports) may meet the requirements set forth in
subsequent editions and addenda of this Code which are incorporated by
reference in paragraph (b) of this section (or the optional ASME Code
cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16, that are
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section), subject to
the applicable limitations and modifications.
(3) * * *
(i) Components (including supports) which are classified as ASME
Code Class 1 must be designed and be provided with access to enable the
performance of inservice examination of these components and must meet
the preservice examination requirements set forth in the editions and
addenda of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section (or the
optional ASME Code cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision
16, that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this
section) applied to the construction of the particular component.
(ii) Components which are classified as ASME Code Class 2 and Class
3 and supports for components which are classified as ASME Code Class
1, Class 2, and Class 3 must be designed and be provided with access to
enable the performance of inservice examination of these components and
must meet the preservice examination requirements set forth in the
editions and addenda of Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section
(or the optional ASME Code Cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147,
Revision 16, that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of
this section) applied to the construction of the particular component.
* * * * *
(4) * * *
(i) Inservice examination of components and system pressure tests
conducted during the initial 120-month inspection interval must comply
with the requirements in the latest edition and addenda of the Code
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section on the date
12 months before the date of issuance of the operating license (or the
optional ASME Code cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision
16, that are incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this
section, subject to the conditions listed in paragraph (b) of this
section.
(ii) Inservice examination of components and system pressure tests
conducted during successive 120-month inspection intervals must comply
with the requirements of the latest edition and addenda of the Code
incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section 12 months
before the start of the 120-month inspection interval (or the optional
ASME Code cases listed in NRC Regulatory Guide 1.147, Revision 16, that
are incorporated by reference in paragraph (b) of this section),
subject to the conditions listed in paragraph (b) of this section.
* * * * *
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 12th day of May 2009.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
R.W. Borchardt,
Executive Director for Operations.
[FR Doc. E9-12751 Filed 6-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P