80_FR_42203 80 FR 42067 - Power Reactor In-Core Monitoring

80 FR 42067 - Power Reactor In-Core Monitoring

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 136 (July 16, 2015)

Page Range42067-42068
FR Document2015-17442

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has received a petition for rulemaking (PRM) requesting that the NRC amend its ``Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities'' regulations to require all nuclear power plant (NPP) licensees to use in-core monitoring devices at different elevations and radial positions throughout the reactor core. The PRM was submitted by Mr. Mark Edward Leyse (the petitioner) on March 13, 2015, docketed by the NRC on April 24, 2015, and assigned Docket No. PRM-50-111. The NRC is examining the issues raised in this PRM to determine whether they should be considered in rulemaking. The NRC is not requesting public comment on this PRM at this time.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 136 (Thursday, July 16, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 136 (Thursday, July 16, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42067-42068]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-17442]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 136 / Thursday, July 16, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 42067]]



NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

10 CFR Part 50

[Docket No. PRM-50-111; NRC-2015-0124]


Power Reactor In-Core Monitoring

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Petition for rulemaking; notice of docketing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has received a 
petition for rulemaking (PRM) requesting that the NRC amend its 
``Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities'' 
regulations to require all nuclear power plant (NPP) licensees to use 
in-core monitoring devices at different elevations and radial positions 
throughout the reactor core. The PRM was submitted by Mr. Mark Edward 
Leyse (the petitioner) on March 13, 2015, docketed by the NRC on April 
24, 2015, and assigned Docket No. PRM-50-111. The NRC is examining the 
issues raised in this PRM to determine whether they should be 
considered in rulemaking. The NRC is not requesting public comment on 
this PRM at this time.

DATES: The NRC received the PRM on March 13, 2015, and docketed it on 
April 24, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2015-0124 when contacting the 
NRC about the availability of information for this PRM. You may obtain 
publicly-available information related to this PRM by any of the 
following methods:
     Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2015-0124. Address 
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-415-
3463; email: [email protected]. For technical questions, contact 
the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of 
this document.
     NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System 
(ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the 
ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and 
then select ``Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS, 
please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 
1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to [email protected]. The 
ADAMS accession number for each document referenced (if it is available 
in ADAMS) is provided the first time that it is mentioned in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
     NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public 
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room 01-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Natreon Jordan, Office of Nuclear 
Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 
20555-0001; telephone 301-415-7410; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. The Petitioner

    On March 13, 2015, Mr. Mark Edward Leyse, a consultant for public 
interest groups and the author and co-author of papers, filed PRM-50-
111 with the Commission (ADAMS Accession No. ML15113B143). In PRM-50-
111, Mr. Leyse requests that the NRC amend its ``Domestic Licensing of 
Production and Utilization Facilities'' regulations to require all NPP 
licensees to use in-core monitoring devices at different elevations and 
radial positions throughout the reactor core.
    Mr. Leyse previously submitted a similar PRM (PRM-50-105, ADAMS 
Accession No. ML12065A215) on February 28, 2012. Although only 
pertaining to pressurized water reactors, this earlier PRM requested 
that the NRC require all holders of operating licenses for NPPs to 
operate NPPs with in-core thermocouples at different elevations and 
radial positions throughout the reactor core to enable NPP operators to 
accurately measure a large range of in-core temperatures in NPP steady-
state and transient conditions. The NRC docketed and noticed Mr. 
Leyse's earlier PRM, in part based upon the NRC's determination that he 
had demonstrated sufficient interest in the subject matters raised in 
PRM-50-105 (77 FR 30435; May 23, 2012). Mr. Leyse's March 13, 2015, PRM 
provides a more extensive description of himself and his interest in 
the subject matter of the PRM, as compared with the discussion he 
provided in PRM-50-105.

II. The Petition

    The petitioner requests that the NRC amend part 50 of Title 10 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations, ``Domestic Licensing of Production and 
Utilization Facilities,'' to require all NPP licensees to use in-core 
monitoring devices at different elevations and radial positions 
throughout the reactor core. The petitioner states that in the event of 
a severe accident, ``in-core temperature-monitoring devices would 
enable NPP operators to accurately measure in-core temperatures, 
providing crucial information to help them track the progression of 
core damage and manage the accident.''
    The petitioner asserts that the in-core monitoring devices would 
``enable NPP operators to accurately measure a large range of in-core 
temperatures in steady-state and transient conditions.'' The petitioner 
further states that, in the event of a severe accident, the in-core 
monitoring devices would give NPP operators crucial information to 
``help them track the progression of core damage and manage the 
accident.'' The petitioner states also that by improving the monitoring 
of in-core temperatures, the in-core monitoring devices ``could 
actually increase the electrical production of NPPs.'' For additional 
information, see the PRM in ADAMS under Accession No. ML15113B143.

III. Conclusion

    The NRC has determined that the PRM meets the threshold sufficiency 
requirements for a PRM under Sec.  2.802, ``Petition for rulemaking,'' 
and it has been docketed as PRM-50-111.
    The NRC will examine the issues raised in PRM-50-111 to determine 
whether they should be considered in rulemaking. The NRC is not 
requesting public comment on PRM-50-111 at this time.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 9th day of July, 2015.


[[Page 42068]]


    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Annette L. Vietti-Cook,
Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2015-17442 Filed 7-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7590-01-P

42067 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 136 Thursday, July 16, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER • NRC’s Agencywide Documents determination that he had demonstrated contains notices to the public of the proposed Access and Management System sufficient interest in the subject matters issuance of rules and regulations. The (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly- raised in PRM–50–105 (77 FR 30435; purpose of these notices is to give interested available documents online in the May 23, 2012). Mr. Leyse’s March 13, persons an opportunity to participate in the ADAMS Public Documents collection at 2015, PRM provides a more extensive rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ description of himself and his interest adams.html. To begin the search, select in the subject matter of the PRM, as ‘‘ADAMS Public Documents’’ and then compared with the discussion he NUCLEAR REGULATORY select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS provided in PRM–50–105. COMMISSION Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC’s Public II. The Petition 10 CFR Part 50 Document Room (PDR) reference staff at The petitioner requests that the NRC 1–800–397–4209, 301–415–4737, or by amend part 50 of Title 10 of the Code [Docket No. PRM–50–111; NRC–2015–0124] email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The of Federal Regulations, ‘‘Domestic ADAMS accession number for each Licensing of Production and Utilization Power Reactor In-Core Monitoring document referenced (if it is available in Facilities,’’ to require all NPP licensees ADAMS) is provided the first time that to use in-core monitoring devices at AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory it is mentioned in the SUPPLEMENTARY Commission. different elevations and radial positions INFORMATION section. throughout the reactor core. The ACTION: Petition for rulemaking; notice • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and of docketing. petitioner states that in the event of a purchase copies of public documents at severe accident, ‘‘in-core temperature- the NRC’s PDR, Room 01–F21, One SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory monitoring devices would enable NPP White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Commission (NRC) has received a operators to accurately measure in-core Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. petition for rulemaking (PRM) temperatures, providing crucial FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: requesting that the NRC amend its information to help them track the Natreon Jordan, Office of Nuclear progression of core damage and manage ‘‘Domestic Licensing of Production and Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear the accident.’’ Utilization Facilities’’ regulations to Regulatory Commission, Washington, require all nuclear power plant (NPP) The petitioner asserts that the in-core DC 20555–0001; telephone 301–415– licensees to use in-core monitoring monitoring devices would ‘‘enable NPP 7410; email: Natreon.Jordan@nrc.gov. devices at different elevations and radial operators to accurately measure a large SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: positions throughout the reactor core. range of in-core temperatures in steady- The PRM was submitted by Mr. Mark I. The Petitioner state and transient conditions.’’ The Edward Leyse (the petitioner) on March petitioner further states that, in the On March 13, 2015, Mr. Mark Edward 13, 2015, docketed by the NRC on April event of a severe accident, the in-core Leyse, a consultant for public interest 24, 2015, and assigned Docket No. monitoring devices would give NPP groups and the author and co-author of PRM–50–111. The NRC is examining operators crucial information to ‘‘help papers, filed PRM–50–111 with the the issues raised in this PRM to them track the progression of core Commission (ADAMS Accession No. determine whether they should be damage and manage the accident.’’ The ML15113B143). In PRM–50–111, Mr. considered in rulemaking. The NRC is petitioner states also that by improving Leyse requests that the NRC amend its not requesting public comment on this the monitoring of in-core temperatures, ‘‘Domestic Licensing of Production and PRM at this time. the in-core monitoring devices ‘‘could Utilization Facilities’’ regulations to DATES: The NRC received the PRM on require all NPP licensees to use in-core actually increase the electrical March 13, 2015, and docketed it on monitoring devices at different production of NPPs.’’ For additional April 24, 2015. elevations and radial positions information, see the PRM in ADAMS ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID throughout the reactor core. under Accession No. ML15113B143. NRC–2015–0124 when contacting the Mr. Leyse previously submitted a NRC about the availability of similar PRM (PRM–50–105, ADAMS III. Conclusion information for this PRM. You may Accession No. ML12065A215) on The NRC has determined that the obtain publicly-available information February 28, 2012. Although only PRM meets the threshold sufficiency related to this PRM by any of the pertaining to pressurized water reactors, requirements for a PRM under § 2.802, following methods: this earlier PRM requested that the NRC ‘‘Petition for rulemaking,’’ and it has • Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to require all holders of operating licenses been docketed as PRM–50–111. http://www.regulations.gov and search for NPPs to operate NPPs with in-core The NRC will examine the issues tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS for Docket ID NRC–2015–0124. Address thermocouples at different elevations questions about NRC dockets to Carol and radial positions throughout the raised in PRM–50–111 to determine Gallagher; telephone: 301–415–3463; reactor core to enable NPP operators to whether they should be considered in email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. For accurately measure a large range of in- rulemaking. The NRC is not requesting technical questions, contact the core temperatures in NPP steady-state public comment on PRM–50–111 at this individual listed in the FOR FURTHER and transient conditions. The NRC time. INFORMATION CONTACT section of this docketed and noticed Mr. Leyse’s earlier Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 9th day document. PRM, in part based upon the NRC’s of July, 2015. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 15, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1

42068 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 136 / Thursday, July 16, 2015 / Proposed Rules For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. http://www.archives.gov/federal_ postcard on which the following Annette L. Vietti-Cook, register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_ statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Secretary of the Commission. locations.html. Docket No. FAA–2014–0967; Airspace [FR Doc. 2015–17442 Filed 7–15–15; 8:45 am] FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace Docket No. 14–ASO–19.’’ The postcard BILLING CODE 7590–01–P Designations and Reporting Points, is will be date/time stamped and returned published yearly and effective on to the commenter. September 15. For further information, All communications received before you can contact the Airspace Policy and the specified closing date for comments DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Regulations Group, Federal Aviation will be considered before taking action Federal Aviation Administration Administration, 800 Independence on the proposed rule. The proposal Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20591; contained in this notice may be changed 14 CFR Part 71 telephone: 202–267–8783. in light of the comments received. A FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John report summarizing each substantive [Docket No. FAA–2014–0967; Airspace public contact with FAA personnel Docket No. 14–ASO–19] Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation concerned with this rulemaking will be Proposed Amendment of Class E Administration, P.O. Box 20636, filed in the docket. Airspace; Ponce, PR Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404) Availability of NPRMs 305–6364. AGENCY: Federal Aviation An electronic copy of this document SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: may be downloaded from and Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Authority for This Rulemaking comments submitted through http:// (NPRM). www.regulations.gov. Recently The FAA’s authority to issue rules published rulemaking documents can regarding aviation safety is found in also be accessed through the FAA’s Web SUMMARY: This action proposes to Title 49 of the United States Code. page at http://www.faa.gov/airports_ amend Class E Airspace at Ponce, PR, as Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/ the PONCE VHF Omni-Directional authority of the FAA Administrator. airspace_amendments/. Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, You may review the public docket Aid, (VORTAC) has been describes in more detail the scope of the containing the proposal, any comments decommissioned, requiring airspace agency’s authority. This rulemaking is received, and any final disposition in redesign at Mercedita Airport. This promulgated under the authority person in the Dockets Office (see the action is necessary for the safety and described in Subtitle VII, Part, A, ADDRESSES section for address and management of instrument flight rules Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and (IFR) operations at the airport. section, the FAA is charged with 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, DATES: Comments must be received on prescribing regulations to assign the use or before August 31, 2015. except Federal Holidays. An informal of airspace necessary to ensure the docket may also be examined between ADDRESSES: Send comments on this rule safety of aircraft and the efficient use of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to: U.S. Department of Transportation, airspace. This regulation is within the through Friday, except Federal Holidays Docket Operations, West Building scope of that authority as it would at the office of the Eastern Service Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 amend Class E airspace at Mercedita Center, Federal Aviation New Jersey SE., Washington, DC 20590– Airport, Ponce, PR. Administration, Room 350, 1701 0001; Telephone: 1–800–647–5527; Fax: Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 202–493–2251. You must identify the Comments Invited 30337. Docket Number FAA–2014–0967; Interested persons are invited to Persons interested in being placed on Airspace Docket No. 14–ASO–19, at the comment on this rule by submitting a mailing list for future NPRM’s should beginning of your comments. You may such written data, views, or arguments, contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking, also submit and review received as they may desire. Comments that (202) 267–9677, to request a copy of comments through the Internet at provide the factual basis supporting the Advisory circular No. 11–2A, Notice of http://www.regulations.gov. views and suggestions presented are Proposed Rulemaking distribution You may review the public docket particularly helpful in developing System, which describes the application containing the proposal, any comments reasoned regulatory decisions on the procedure. received, and any final disposition in proposal. Comments are specifically person in the Dockets Office between invited on the overall regulatory, Availability and Summary of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday aeronautical, economic, environmental, Documents for Incorporation by through Friday, except Federal holidays. and energy-related aspects of the Reference The Docket Office (telephone 1–800– proposal. This document proposes to amend 647–5527), is on the ground floor of the Communications should identify both FAA Order 7400.9Y, Airspace building at the above address. docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– Designations and Reporting Points, FAA Order 7400.9Y, Airspace 2014–0967; Airspace Docket No. 14– dated August 6, 2014, and effective Designations and Reporting Points, and ASO–19) and be submitted in triplicate September 15, 2014. FAA Order subsequent amendments can be viewed to the Docket Management System (see 7400.9Y is publicly available as listed in tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ ADDRESSES section for address and the ADDRESSES section of this proposed publications/. The Order is also phone number). You may also submit rule. FAA Order 7400.9Y lists Class A, available for inspection at the National comments through the Internet at B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic Archives and Records Administration http://www.regulations.gov. service routes, and reporting points. (NARA). For information on the Persons wishing the FAA to availability of this proposed acknowledge receipt of their comments The Proposal incorporation by reference material at on this action must submit with those The FAA is considering an NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to comments a self-addressed stamped amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 15, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 13:13:52
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 13:13:52
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionPetition for rulemaking; notice of docketing.
DatesThe NRC received the PRM on March 13, 2015, and docketed it on April 24, 2015.
ContactNatreon Jordan, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone 301-415-7410; email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 42067 
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR