81_FR_41728 81 FR 41605 - Exelon Generation Company, LLC; Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2, and Byron Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2

81 FR 41605 - Exelon Generation Company, LLC; Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2, and Byron Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 123 (June 27, 2016)

Page Range41605-41608
FR Document2016-15144

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing an exemption in response to a February 23, 2016, request from Exelon Generation Company, LLC, requesting an exemption to allow use of a different fuel rod cladding material (Optimized ZIRLO<SUP>TM</SUP>).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 123 (Monday, June 27, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 123 (Monday, June 27, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41605-41608]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15144]


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

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket Nos. STN 50-456, STN 50-457, STN 50-454 and STN 50-455; NRC-
2016-0124]


Exelon Generation Company, LLC; Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2, 
and Byron Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Exemption; issuance.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing an 
exemption in response to a February 23, 2016, request from Exelon 
Generation Company, LLC, requesting an exemption to allow use of a 
different fuel rod cladding material (Optimized ZIRLOTM).

ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2016-0124 when contacting the 
NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You 
may obtain publicly-available information related to this document 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2016-0124. 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 this 
document.
     NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public 
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel S. Wiebe, Office of Nuclear 
Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington DC 
20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-6606, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon or the licensee) is the 
holder of renewed Facility Operating License Nos. STN 50-456, STN 50-
457, STN 50-454 and STN 50-455, which authorize operation of the 
Braidwood Station (Braidwood), Units 1 and 2, and the Byron Station 
(Byron) Unit Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. The license provides, among 
other things, that the facility is subject to all rules, regulations, 
and orders of the NRC now or hereafter in effect.
    The Braidwood facility consists of two pressurized-water reactors 
located in Will County in Illinois and the Byron facility consists of 
two pressurized-water reactors located in Ogle County in Illinois.

II. Request/Action

    Pursuant to section 50.12 of title 10 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (10 CFR), ``Specific exemptions,'' the licensee has, by 
letter dated February 23, 2016 (ADAMS Accession No. ML16055A149), 
requested an exemption from 10 CFR 50.46, ``Acceptance criteria for 
emergency core cooling systems [ECCS] for light-water nuclear power 
reactors,'' and 10 CFR part 50, appendix K, ``ECCS Evaluation Models,'' 
to allow the use of fuel rod cladding with Optimized ZIRLOTM 
alloy for future reload applications. The regulations in 10 CFR 50.46 
contain acceptance criteria for the ECCS for reactors fueled with 
zircaloy or ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding material. In addition, 
paragraph I.A.5 of appendix K to 10 CFR part 50 requires that the 
Baker-Just equation be used to predict the rates of energy release, 
hydrogen concentration, and cladding oxidation from the metal/water 
reaction. The Baker-Just equation assumes the use of a zirconium alloy, 
which is a material different from Optimized ZIRLOTM. Thus, 
the strict application of these regulations does not permit the use of 
fuel rod cladding material other than zircaloy or ZIRLOTM. 
Because the material specifications of Optimized ZIRLOTM 
differ from the specifications for zircaloy or ZIRLOTM, and 
the regulations specify a cladding material other than Optimized 
ZIRLOTM, a plant-specific exemption is required to allow the 
use of, and application of these regulations to, Optimized 
ZIRLOTM at Braidwood and Byron Stations.
    The exemption request relates solely to the cladding material 
specified in these regulations (i.e., fuel rods with zircaloy or 
ZIRLOTM cladding material). This exemption would allow 
application of the acceptance criteria of 10 CFR 50.46 and 10 CFR part 
50, appendix K, to fuel assembly designs using Optimized 
ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding material. In its letter dated 
February 23, 2016, the licensee indicated that it was not seeking an 
exemption from the acceptance and analytical criteria of these 
regulations. The intent of the request is to allow the use of the 
criteria set forth in these regulations for the use of Optimized 
ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding material at Braidwood and Byron 
Stations.

[[Page 41606]]

III. Discussion

    Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.12, the Commission may, upon application by 
any interested person or upon its own initiative, grant exemptions from 
the requirements of 10 CFR part 50 when: (1) The exemptions are 
authorized by law, will not present an undue risk to public health or 
safety, and are consistent with the common defense and security; and 
(2) when special circumstances are present. Under 10 CFR 
50.12(a)(2)(ii), special circumstances include, among other things, 
when application of the specific regulation in the particular 
circumstance would not serve, or is not necessary to achieve, the 
underlying purpose of the rule.

Special Circumstances

    Special circumstances, in accordance with 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii), 
are present whenever application of the regulation in the particular 
circumstances is not necessary to achieve the underlying purpose of the 
rule. The underlying purpose of 10 CFR 50.46 and appendix K to 10 CFR 
part 50 is to establish acceptance criteria for ECCS performance to 
provide reasonable assurance of safety in the event of a loss-of-
coolant accident (LOCA). Although the regulations in 10 CFR 50.46 and 
appendix K are not expressly applicable to Optimized ZIRLO\TM\, the 
evaluations described in the following sections of this exemption show 
that the purpose of the regulations are met by this exemption in that, 
subject to certain conditions, the acceptance criteria are valid for 
Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel cladding material, Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ would 
maintain better post-quench ductility, and the Baker-Just correlation 
conservatively bounds LOCA scenario metal-water reaction rates and is 
applicable to Optimized ZIRLO\TM\. Thus, a strict application of the 
rule (which would preclude the applicability of ECCS performance 
acceptance criteria to, and the use of, Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel 
cladding material) is not necessary to achieve the underlying purposes 
of 10 CFR 50.46 and appendix K to 10 CFR part 50. The purpose of these 
regulations is achieved through application of the specific 
requirements to use the Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod cladding material. 
Therefore, the special circumstances required by 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii) 
for the granting of an exemption exist.

Authorized by Law

    This exemption would allow the use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod 
cladding material for future reload operations at Braidwood and Byron 
Stations. As stated above, 10 CFR 50.12 allows the NRC to grant 
exemptions from the requirements of 10 CFR part 50 provided that 
special circumstances are present. As described above, the NRC staff 
has determined that special circumstances exist to grant the requested 
exemption. In addition, granting the exemption will not result in a 
violation of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, or the 
Commission's regulations. Therefore, the exemption is authorized by 
law.

No Undue Risk to Public Health and Safety

    Section 10 CFR 50.46 requires that each boiling or pressurized 
light-water nuclear power reactor fueled with uranium dioxide pellets 
within cylindrical zircaloy or ZIRLO\TM\ cladding must be provided with 
an ECCS that must be designed so that its calculated cooling 
performance following a postulated LOCA conforms to the criteria set 
forth in paragraph (b) of section 10 CFR 50.46. The underlying purpose 
of 10 CFR 50.46 is to establish acceptance criteria for adequate ECCS 
performance. As previously documented in the NRC staff's safety 
evaluation dated June 10, 2005 (ADAMS Accession No. ML051670395), of 
topical reports submitted by Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC 
(Westinghouse), and subject to compliance with the specific conditions 
of approval established therein, the NRC staff found that Westinghouse 
demonstrated the applicability of these ECCS acceptance criteria to 
Optimized ZIRLOTM. Ring compression tests performed by 
Westinghouse on Optimized ZIRLOTM (see WCAP-14342-A & CENPD-
404-NP-A at ADAMS Accession No. ML062080569) demonstrate an acceptable 
retention of post-quench ductility up to 10 CFR 50.46 limits of 2,200 
degrees Fahrenheit and 17 percent equivalent clad reacted. Furthermore, 
the NRC staff has concluded that oxidation measurements provided by the 
licensee in letter LTR-NRC-07-58 from Westinghouse to the NRC, ``SER 
Compliance with WCAP-12610-P-A & CENPD-404-P-A, Addendum 1-A, 
`Optimized ZIRLOTM,' '' dated November 6, 2007 (public 
version located at ADAMS Accession No. ML073130560), illustrate that 
oxide thickness and associated hydrogen pickup for Optimized 
ZIRLOTM at any given burnup would be less than both 
zircaloy-4 and ZIRLOTM. Hence, the NRC staff concludes that 
Optimized ZIRLOTM would be expected to maintain better post-
quench ductility than ZIRLOTM. This finding is further 
supported by an ongoing LOCA research program at Argonne National 
Laboratory, which has identified a strong correlation between cladding 
hydrogen content (caused by in-service corrosion) and postquench 
ductility.
    Westinghouse, in letters dated January 4, 2007 (ADAMS Accession 
Nos. ML070100385 and ML070100388), November 6, 2007 (ADAMS Accession 
Nos. ML073130556 and ML073130560), December 30, 2008 (ADAMS Accession 
Nos. ML080390451 and ML080390452), February 5, 2009 (ADAMS Accession 
Nos. ML090080380 and ML090080381), July 26, 2010 (ADAMS Accession Nos. 
ML102140213 and ML102140214), February 25, 2013 (ADAMS Accession Nos. 
ML13070A188 and ML13070A189), and February 9, 2015 (ADAMS Accession 
Nos. ML15051A427 and ML15051A429), provided information that confirmed 
the models' applicability for burnups up to 62 GWD/MTU for Westinghouse 
fuels.
    In addition, the provisions of 10 CFR 50.46 require the licensee to 
periodically evaluate the performance of the ECCS, using currently 
approved LOCA models and methods, to ensure that the fuel rods will 
continue to satisfy 10 CFR 50.46 acceptance criteria. In its letter 
dated February 23, 2016, the licensee stated that it will evaluate fuel 
assemblies using Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod cladding material using 
NRC-approved methods and models to address the use of Optimized 
ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod cladding. The NRC staff concludes that granting the 
exemption to allow the licensee to use Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod 
cladding material and apply 10 CFR 50.46 criteria would not diminish 
this requirement of periodic evaluation of ECCS performance. Thus, the 
underlying purpose of the rule to maintain post-quench ductility in the 
fuel cladding material through ECCS performance criteria will continue 
to be achieved for Braidwood and Byron Stations.
    Paragraph I.A.5 of Appendix K to 10 CFR part 50 states that the 
rates of energy release, hydrogen concentration, and cladding oxidation 
from the metal-water reaction shall be calculated using the Baker-Just 
equation. Since the Baker-Just equation presumes the use of zircaloy 
clad fuel, strict application of this provision of the rule would not 
permit use of the equation for Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod 
cladding material for determining acceptable fuel performance. The 
underlying purpose of this regulation, however, is to ensure that 
analyses of fuel response to LOCAs are conservatively calculated. In 
its evaluation of the approved topical reports, the NRC staff 
previously found

[[Page 41607]]

that metal-water reaction tests performed by Westinghouse on Optimized 
ZIRLOTM (see Appendix B of WCAP-12610-P-A and CENPD-404-P-A, 
Addendum 1-A) demonstrate conservative reaction rates relative to the 
Baker-Just equation, and that the Baker-Just equation conservatively 
bounds post-LOCA scenarios of, and applicable to, Optimized 
ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding. Thus, the NRC staff determined 
that the strict application of Appendix K, Paragraph I.A.5 (which would 
preclude its applicability to, and the use of, Optimized 
ZIRLOTM) is not necessary to achieve the underlying purpose 
of the rule in these circumstances. Since these evaluations demonstrate 
that the underlying purpose of the rule will be met, there will be no 
undue risk to the public health and safety.

Consistent With the Common Defense and Security

    The licensee's exemption request is to allow the application of an 
improved fuel rod cladding material to the regulations in 10 CFR 50.46 
and paragraph I.A.5 of appendix K to 10 CFR part 50. In its letter 
dated February 23, 2016, the licensee stated that all the requirements 
and acceptance criteria will be maintained. The licensee is required to 
handle and control special nuclear material in these assemblies in 
accordance with its approved procedures. This change to reactor core 
internals is adequately controlled by NRC requirements and is not 
related to security issues. Therefore, the NRC staff determined that 
this exemption does not impact, and thus is consistent with, the common 
defense and security.

Environmental Considerations

    The NRC staff determined that the exemption discussed herein meets 
the eligibility criteria for the categorical exclusion set forth in 10 
CFR 51.22(c)(9) because it is related to a requirement concerning the 
installation or use of a facility component located within the 
restricted area, as defined in 10 CFR part 20, and issuance of this 
exemption involves: (i) No significant hazards consideration, (ii) no 
significant change in the types or a significant increase in the 
amounts of any effluents that may be released offsite, and (iii) no 
significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation 
exposure. Therefore, in accordance with 10 CFR 51.22(b), no 
environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be 
prepared in connection with the NRC's consideration of this exemption 
request. The basis for the NRC staff's determination is discussed as 
follows with an evaluation against each of the requirements in 10 CFR 
51.22(c)(9)(i) through (iii).

Requirements in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(i)

    The NRC staff evaluated whether the exemption involves no 
significant hazards consideration using the standards described in 10 
CFR 50.92(c), as presented below:
    1. Does the proposed exemption involve a significant increase in 
the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The proposed exemption would allow the use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ 
fuel rod cladding material in the reactors. The NRC approved topical 
report WCAP-12610-P-A and CENPD-404-P-A, Addendum 1-A ``Optimized 
ZIRLO\TM\,'' prepared by Westinghouse, addresses Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ 
and demonstrates that Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ has essentially the same 
properties as currently licensed ZIRLO[supreg]. The fuel cladding 
itself is not an accident initiator and does not affect accident 
probability. Use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel cladding material will 
continue to meet all 10 CFR 50.46 acceptance criteria and, therefore, 
will not increase the consequences of an accident.
    Therefore, the proposed exemption does not involve a significant 
increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously 
evaluated.
    2. Does the proposed exemption create the possibility of a new or 
different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated?
    Response: No.
    The use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod cladding material will not 
result in changes in the operation or configuration of the facility. 
Topical Reports WCAP-12610-P-A and CENPD-404-PA demonstrated that the 
material properties of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ are similar to those of 
standard ZIRLO[supreg]. Therefore, Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod 
cladding material will perform similarly to those fabricated from 
standard ZIRLO[supreg], thus precluding the possibility of the fuel 
cladding becoming an accident initiator and causing a new or different 
type of accident.
    Therefore, the proposed exemption does not create the possibility 
of a new or different kind of accident from any previously evaluated.
    3. Does the proposed exemption involve a significant reduction in a 
margin of safety?
    Response: No.
    The proposed exemption will not involve a significant reduction in 
the margin of safety because it has been demonstrated that the material 
properties of the Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ are not significantly different 
from those of standard ZIRLO[supreg]. Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ is expected 
to perform similarly to standard ZIRLO[supreg] for all normal operating 
and accident scenarios, including both LOCA and non-LOCA scenarios. For 
LOCA scenarios, where the slight difference in Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ 
material properties relative to standard ZIRLO[supreg] could have some 
impact on the overall accident scenario, plant-specific LOCA analyses 
using Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ properties will demonstrate that the 
acceptance criteria of 10 CFR 50.46 have been satisfied.
    Therefore, the proposed exemption does not involve a significant 
reduction in a margin of safety.
    Based on the above evaluation of the standards set forth in 10 CFR 
50.92(c), the NRC staff concludes that the proposed exemption involves 
no significant hazards consideration. Accordingly, the requirements of 
10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(i) are met.

Requirements in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(ii)

    The proposed exemption would allow the use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ 
fuel rod cladding material in the reactors. Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ has 
essentially the same material properties and performance 
characteristics as the currently licensed ZIRLO[supreg] cladding. Thus, 
the use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod cladding material will not 
significantly change the types of effluents that may be released 
offsite, or significantly increase the amount of effluents that may be 
released offsite. Therefore, the requirements of 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(ii) 
are met.

Requirements in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(iii)

    The proposed exemption would allow the use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ 
fuel rod cladding material in the reactors. Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ has 
essentially the same material properties and performance 
characteristics as the currently licensed ZIRLO[supreg] cladding. Thus, 
the use of Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod cladding material will not 
significantly increase individual occupational radiation exposure, or 
significantly increase cumulative occupational radiation exposure. 
Therefore, the requirements of 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(iii) are met.

Conclusion

    Based on the above, the NRC staff concludes that the proposed 
exemption meets the eligibility criteria for the categorical exclusion 
set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Therefore, in accordance

[[Page 41608]]

with 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or 
environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the NRC's 
proposed issuance of this exemption.

IV. Conclusions

    Accordingly, the Commission has determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR 
50.12, the exemption is authorized by law, will not present an undue 
risk to the public health and safety, and is consistent with the common 
defense and security. Also, special circumstances pursuant to 10 CFR 
50.12(a)(2)(ii) are present. Therefore, the Commission hereby grants 
Exelon an exemption from the requirements of 10 CFR 50.46 and appendix 
K to 10 CFR part 50, to allow the application of those criteria to, and 
the use of, Optimized ZIRLO\TM\ fuel rod cladding material at the 
Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2, and Byron Station Unit Nos. 1 and 2.
    This exemption is effective upon issuance.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 20th day of June 2016.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Anne T. Boland,
Director, Division of Operating Reactor Licensing, Office of Nuclear 
Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2016-15144 Filed 6-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7590-01-P



                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2016 / Notices                                              41605

                                                  security numbers, home addresses, or                    2016, request from Exelon Generation                      The Braidwood facility consists of
                                                  home phone numbers in their filings,                    Company, LLC, requesting an                            two pressurized-water reactors located
                                                  unless an NRC regulation or other law                   exemption to allow use of a different                  in Will County in Illinois and the Byron
                                                  requires submission of such                             fuel rod cladding material (Optimized                  facility consists of two pressurized-
                                                  information. With respect to                            ZIRLOTM).                                              water reactors located in Ogle County in
                                                  copyrighted works, participants are                                                                            Illinois.
                                                                                                          ADDRESSES:   Please refer to Docket ID
                                                  requested not to include copyrighted
                                                                                                          NRC–2016–0124 when contacting the                      II. Request/Action
                                                  materials in their submission, except for
                                                                                                          NRC about the availability of
                                                  limited excerpts that serve the purpose                                                                           Pursuant to section 50.12 of title 10 of
                                                                                                          information regarding this document.
                                                  of the adjudicatory filings and would                                                                          the Code of Federal Regulations (10
                                                                                                          You may obtain publicly-available
                                                  constitute a Fair Use application,                                                                             CFR), ‘‘Specific exemptions,’’ the
                                                                                                          information related to this document
                                                  participants are requested not to include                                                                      licensee has, by letter dated February
                                                                                                          using any of the following methods:
                                                  copyrighted materials in their
                                                  submission.                                                • Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to                23, 2016 (ADAMS Accession No.
                                                                                                          http://www.regulations.gov and search                  ML16055A149), requested an exemption
                                                     If a person other than CampCo                                                                               from 10 CFR 50.46, ‘‘Acceptance criteria
                                                  requests a hearing, that person shall set               for Docket ID NRC–2016–0124. Address
                                                                                                          questions about NRC dockets to Carol                   for emergency core cooling systems
                                                  forth with particularity the manner in
                                                                                                          Gallagher; telephone: 301–415–3463;                    [ECCS] for light-water nuclear power
                                                  which his interest is adversely affected
                                                                                                          email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. For                    reactors,’’ and 10 CFR part 50, appendix
                                                  by this Confirmatory Order and shall
                                                                                                          technical questions, contact the                       K, ‘‘ECCS Evaluation Models,’’ to allow
                                                  address the criteria set forth in 10 CFR
                                                                                                          individual listed in the FOR FURTHER                   the use of fuel rod cladding with
                                                  2.309(d) and (f).
                                                                                                          INFORMATION CONTACT section of this                    Optimized ZIRLOTM alloy for future
                                                     If a hearing is requested by a person
                                                  whose interest is adversely affected, the               document.                                              reload applications. The regulations in
                                                  Commission will issue a separate Order                     • NRC’s Agencywide Documents                        10 CFR 50.46 contain acceptance
                                                  designating the time and place of any                   Access and Management System                           criteria for the ECCS for reactors fueled
                                                  hearings, as appropriate. If a hearing is               (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly                       with zircaloy or ZIRLOTM fuel rod
                                                  held, the issue to be considered at such                available documents online in the                      cladding material. In addition,
                                                  hearing shall be whether this                           ADAMS Public Documents collection at                   paragraph I.A.5 of appendix K to 10 CFR
                                                  Confirmatory Order should be                            http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/                         part 50 requires that the Baker-Just
                                                  sustained.                                              adams.html. To begin the search, select                equation be used to predict the rates of
                                                     In the absence of any request for                    ‘‘ADAMS Public Documents’’ and then                    energy release, hydrogen concentration,
                                                  hearing, or written approval of an                      select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS                         and cladding oxidation from the metal/
                                                  extension of time in which to request a                 Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS,                     water reaction. The Baker-Just equation
                                                  hearing, the provisions specified in                    please contact the NRC’s Public                        assumes the use of a zirconium alloy,
                                                  Section V above shall be final 30 days                  Document Room (PDR) reference staff at                 which is a material different from
                                                  after issuance of the Confirmatory Order                1–800–397–4209, 301–415–4737, or by                    Optimized ZIRLOTM. Thus, the strict
                                                  without further order or proceedings. If                email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The                     application of these regulations does not
                                                  an extension of time for requesting a                   ADAMS accession number for each                        permit the use of fuel rod cladding
                                                  hearing has been approved, the                          document referenced (if it is available in             material other than zircaloy or
                                                  provisions specified in Section V shall                 ADAMS) is provided the first time that                 ZIRLOTM. Because the material
                                                  be final when the extension expires if a                it is mentioned in this document.                      specifications of Optimized ZIRLOTM
                                                  hearing request has not been received.                     • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and                    differ from the specifications for
                                                                                                          purchase copies of public documents at                 zircaloy or ZIRLOTM, and the
                                                    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 20th day
                                                  of June, 2016.
                                                                                                          the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One                        regulations specify a cladding material
                                                                                                          White Flint North, 11555 Rockville                     other than Optimized ZIRLOTM, a plant-
                                                    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
                                                                                                          Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.                       specific exemption is required to allow
                                                  Patricia K. Holahan,
                                                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel                  the use of, and application of these
                                                  Director, Office of Enforcement.                                                                               regulations to, Optimized ZIRLOTM at
                                                                                                          S. Wiebe, Office of Nuclear Reactor
                                                  cc: State of California                                                                                        Braidwood and Byron Stations.
                                                                                                          Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–15143 Filed 6–24–16; 8:45 am]             Commission, Washington DC 20555–                          The exemption request relates solely
                                                  BILLING CODE 7590–01–P                                  0001; telephone: 301–415–6606, email:                  to the cladding material specified in
                                                                                                          Joel.Wiebe@nrc.gov.                                    these regulations (i.e., fuel rods with
                                                                                                          SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             zircaloy or ZIRLOTM cladding material).
                                                  NUCLEAR REGULATORY
                                                                                                                                                                 This exemption would allow
                                                  COMMISSION                                              I. Background                                          application of the acceptance criteria of
                                                  [Docket Nos. STN 50–456, STN 50–457, STN                   Exelon Generation Company, LLC                      10 CFR 50.46 and 10 CFR part 50,
                                                  50–454 and STN 50–455; NRC–2016–0124]                   (Exelon or the licensee) is the holder of              appendix K, to fuel assembly designs
                                                                                                          renewed Facility Operating License Nos.                using Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod
                                                  Exelon Generation Company, LLC;                         STN 50–456, STN 50–457, STN 50–454                     cladding material. In its letter dated
                                                  Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2, and                   and STN 50–455, which authorize                        February 23, 2016, the licensee
                                                  Byron Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2                        operation of the Braidwood Station                     indicated that it was not seeking an
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  AGENCY:  Nuclear Regulatory                             (Braidwood), Units 1 and 2, and the                    exemption from the acceptance and
                                                  Commission.                                             Byron Station (Byron) Unit Nos. 1 and                  analytical criteria of these regulations.
                                                  ACTION: Exemption; issuance.                            2, respectively. The license provides,                 The intent of the request is to allow the
                                                                                                          among other things, that the facility is               use of the criteria set forth in these
                                                  SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory                    subject to all rules, regulations, and                 regulations for the use of Optimized
                                                  Commission (NRC) is issuing an                          orders of the NRC now or hereafter in                  ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding material at
                                                  exemption in response to a February 23,                 effect.                                                Braidwood and Byron Stations.


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                                                  41606                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2016 / Notices

                                                  III. Discussion                                         operations at Braidwood and Byron                      supported by an ongoing LOCA research
                                                    Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.12, the                         Stations. As stated above, 10 CFR 50.12                program at Argonne National
                                                  Commission may, upon application by                     allows the NRC to grant exemptions                     Laboratory, which has identified a
                                                  any interested person or upon its own                   from the requirements of 10 CFR part 50                strong correlation between cladding
                                                  initiative, grant exemptions from the                   provided that special circumstances are                hydrogen content (caused by in-service
                                                                                                          present. As described above, the NRC                   corrosion) and postquench ductility.
                                                  requirements of 10 CFR part 50 when:
                                                                                                          staff has determined that special                         Westinghouse, in letters dated January
                                                  (1) The exemptions are authorized by
                                                                                                          circumstances exist to grant the                       4, 2007 (ADAMS Accession Nos.
                                                  law, will not present an undue risk to                                                                         ML070100385 and ML070100388),
                                                                                                          requested exemption. In addition,
                                                  public health or safety, and are                                                                               November 6, 2007 (ADAMS Accession
                                                                                                          granting the exemption will not result in
                                                  consistent with the common defense                                                                             Nos. ML073130556 and ML073130560),
                                                                                                          a violation of the Atomic Energy Act of
                                                  and security; and (2) when special                                                                             December 30, 2008 (ADAMS Accession
                                                                                                          1954, as amended, or the Commission’s
                                                  circumstances are present. Under 10                                                                            Nos. ML080390451 and ML080390452),
                                                                                                          regulations. Therefore, the exemption is
                                                  CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii), special                                                                                   February 5, 2009 (ADAMS Accession
                                                                                                          authorized by law.
                                                  circumstances include, among other                                                                             Nos. ML090080380 and ML090080381),
                                                  things, when application of the specific                No Undue Risk to Public Health and                     July 26, 2010 (ADAMS Accession Nos.
                                                  regulation in the particular                            Safety                                                 ML102140213 and ML102140214),
                                                  circumstance would not serve, or is not                    Section 10 CFR 50.46 requires that                  February 25, 2013 (ADAMS Accession
                                                  necessary to achieve, the underlying                    each boiling or pressurized light-water                Nos. ML13070A188 and
                                                  purpose of the rule.                                    nuclear power reactor fueled with                      ML13070A189), and February 9, 2015
                                                  Special Circumstances                                   uranium dioxide pellets within                         (ADAMS Accession Nos. ML15051A427
                                                                                                          cylindrical zircaloy or ZIRLOTM                        and ML15051A429), provided
                                                    Special circumstances, in accordance                  cladding must be provided with an                      information that confirmed the models’
                                                  with 10 CFR 50.12(a)(2)(ii), are present                ECCS that must be designed so that its                 applicability for burnups up to 62 GWD/
                                                  whenever application of the regulation                  calculated cooling performance                         MTU for Westinghouse fuels.
                                                  in the particular circumstances is not                  following a postulated LOCA conforms                      In addition, the provisions of 10 CFR
                                                  necessary to achieve the underlying                     to the criteria set forth in paragraph (b)             50.46 require the licensee to
                                                  purpose of the rule. The underlying                     of section 10 CFR 50.46. The underlying                periodically evaluate the performance of
                                                  purpose of 10 CFR 50.46 and appendix                    purpose of 10 CFR 50.46 is to establish                the ECCS, using currently approved
                                                  K to 10 CFR part 50 is to establish                     acceptance criteria for adequate ECCS                  LOCA models and methods, to ensure
                                                  acceptance criteria for ECCS                            performance. As previously                             that the fuel rods will continue to satisfy
                                                  performance to provide reasonable                       documented in the NRC staff’s safety                   10 CFR 50.46 acceptance criteria. In its
                                                  assurance of safety in the event of a loss-             evaluation dated June 10, 2005 (ADAMS                  letter dated February 23, 2016, the
                                                  of-coolant accident (LOCA). Although                    Accession No. ML051670395), of topical                 licensee stated that it will evaluate fuel
                                                  the regulations in 10 CFR 50.46 and                     reports submitted by Westinghouse                      assemblies using Optimized ZIRLOTM
                                                  appendix K are not expressly applicable                 Electric Company, LLC (Westinghouse),                  fuel rod cladding material using NRC-
                                                  to Optimized ZIRLOTM, the evaluations                   and subject to compliance with the                     approved methods and models to
                                                  described in the following sections of                  specific conditions of approval                        address the use of Optimized ZIRLOTM
                                                  this exemption show that the purpose of                 established therein, the NRC staff found               fuel rod cladding. The NRC staff
                                                  the regulations are met by this                         that Westinghouse demonstrated the                     concludes that granting the exemption
                                                  exemption in that, subject to certain                   applicability of these ECCS acceptance                 to allow the licensee to use Optimized
                                                  conditions, the acceptance criteria are                 criteria to Optimized ZIRLOTM. Ring                    ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding material and
                                                  valid for Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel                        compression tests performed by                         apply 10 CFR 50.46 criteria would not
                                                  cladding material, Optimized ZIRLOTM                    Westinghouse on Optimized ZIRLOTM                      diminish this requirement of periodic
                                                  would maintain better post-quench                       (see WCAP–14342–A & CENPD–404–                         evaluation of ECCS performance. Thus,
                                                  ductility, and the Baker-Just correlation               NP–A at ADAMS Accession No.                            the underlying purpose of the rule to
                                                  conservatively bounds LOCA scenario                     ML062080569) demonstrate an                            maintain post-quench ductility in the
                                                  metal-water reaction rates and is                       acceptable retention of post-quench                    fuel cladding material through ECCS
                                                  applicable to Optimized ZIRLOTM.                        ductility up to 10 CFR 50.46 limits of                 performance criteria will continue to be
                                                  Thus, a strict application of the rule                  2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and 17 percent                achieved for Braidwood and Byron
                                                  (which would preclude the applicability                 equivalent clad reacted. Furthermore,                  Stations.
                                                  of ECCS performance acceptance criteria                 the NRC staff has concluded that                          Paragraph I.A.5 of Appendix K to 10
                                                  to, and the use of, Optimized ZIRLOTM                   oxidation measurements provided by                     CFR part 50 states that the rates of
                                                  fuel cladding material) is not necessary                the licensee in letter LTR–NRC–07–58                   energy release, hydrogen concentration,
                                                  to achieve the underlying purposes of                   from Westinghouse to the NRC, ‘‘SER                    and cladding oxidation from the metal-
                                                  10 CFR 50.46 and appendix K to 10 CFR                   Compliance with WCAP–12610–P–A &                       water reaction shall be calculated using
                                                  part 50. The purpose of these                           CENPD–404–P–A, Addendum 1–A,                           the Baker-Just equation. Since the
                                                  regulations is achieved through                         ‘Optimized ZIRLOTM,’ ’’ dated                          Baker-Just equation presumes the use of
                                                  application of the specific requirements                November 6, 2007 (public version                       zircaloy clad fuel, strict application of
                                                  to use the Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod                   located at ADAMS Accession No.                         this provision of the rule would not
                                                  cladding material. Therefore, the special               ML073130560), illustrate that oxide                    permit use of the equation for
                                                                                                          thickness and associated hydrogen                      Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding
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                                                  circumstances required by 10 CFR
                                                  50.12(a)(2)(ii) for the granting of an                  pickup for Optimized ZIRLOTM at any                    material for determining acceptable fuel
                                                  exemption exist.                                        given burnup would be less than both                   performance. The underlying purpose of
                                                                                                          zircaloy-4 and ZIRLOTM. Hence, the                     this regulation, however, is to ensure
                                                  Authorized by Law                                       NRC staff concludes that Optimized                     that analyses of fuel response to LOCAs
                                                    This exemption would allow the use                    ZIRLOTM would be expected to                           are conservatively calculated. In its
                                                  of Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod                           maintain better post-quench ductility                  evaluation of the approved topical
                                                  cladding material for future reload                     than ZIRLOTM. This finding is further                  reports, the NRC staff previously found


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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2016 / Notices                                             41607

                                                  that metal-water reaction tests                         with an evaluation against each of the                 demonstrated that the material
                                                  performed by Westinghouse on                            requirements in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(i)                  properties of the Optimized ZIRLOTM
                                                  Optimized ZIRLOTM (see Appendix B of                    through (iii).                                         are not significantly different from those
                                                  WCAP–12610–P–A and CENPD–404–P–                                                                                of standard ZIRLO®. Optimized
                                                                                                          Requirements in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(i)
                                                  A, Addendum 1–A) demonstrate                                                                                   ZIRLOTM is expected to perform
                                                  conservative reaction rates relative to                    The NRC staff evaluated whether the                 similarly to standard ZIRLO® for all
                                                  the Baker-Just equation, and that the                   exemption involves no significant                      normal operating and accident
                                                  Baker-Just equation conservatively                      hazards consideration using the                        scenarios, including both LOCA and
                                                  bounds post-LOCA scenarios of, and                      standards described in 10 CFR 50.92(c),                non-LOCA scenarios. For LOCA
                                                  applicable to, Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel                   as presented below:                                    scenarios, where the slight difference in
                                                  rod cladding. Thus, the NRC staff                          1. Does the proposed exemption                      Optimized ZIRLOTM material properties
                                                  determined that the strict application of               involve a significant increase in the                  relative to standard ZIRLO® could have
                                                  Appendix K, Paragraph I.A.5 (which                      probability or consequences of an                      some impact on the overall accident
                                                  would preclude its applicability to, and                accident previously evaluated?                         scenario, plant-specific LOCA analyses
                                                  the use of, Optimized ZIRLOTM) is not                      Response: No.                                       using Optimized ZIRLOTM properties
                                                  necessary to achieve the underlying                        The proposed exemption would allow                  will demonstrate that the acceptance
                                                  purpose of the rule in these                            the use of Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod                  criteria of 10 CFR 50.46 have been
                                                  circumstances. Since these evaluations                  cladding material in the reactors. The                 satisfied.
                                                  demonstrate that the underlying                         NRC approved topical report WCAP–                        Therefore, the proposed exemption
                                                  purpose of the rule will be met, there                  12610–P–A and CENPD–404–P–A,                           does not involve a significant reduction
                                                  will be no undue risk to the public                     Addendum 1–A ‘‘Optimized ZIRLOTM,’’                    in a margin of safety.
                                                  health and safety.                                      prepared by Westinghouse, addresses                      Based on the above evaluation of the
                                                                                                          Optimized ZIRLOTM and demonstrates                     standards set forth in 10 CFR 50.92(c),
                                                  Consistent With the Common Defense                      that Optimized ZIRLOTM has essentially                 the NRC staff concludes that the
                                                  and Security                                            the same properties as currently                       proposed exemption involves no
                                                     The licensee’s exemption request is to               licensed ZIRLO®. The fuel cladding                     significant hazards consideration.
                                                  allow the application of an improved                    itself is not an accident initiator and                Accordingly, the requirements of 10
                                                  fuel rod cladding material to the                       does not affect accident probability. Use              CFR 51.22(c)(9)(i) are met.
                                                  regulations in 10 CFR 50.46 and                         of Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel cladding
                                                  paragraph I.A.5 of appendix K to 10 CFR                 material will continue to meet all 10                  Requirements in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(ii)
                                                  part 50. In its letter dated February 23,               CFR 50.46 acceptance criteria and,                        The proposed exemption would allow
                                                  2016, the licensee stated that all the                  therefore, will not increase the                       the use of Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod
                                                  requirements and acceptance criteria                    consequences of an accident.                           cladding material in the reactors.
                                                  will be maintained. The licensee is                        Therefore, the proposed exemption                   Optimized ZIRLOTM has essentially the
                                                  required to handle and control special                  does not involve a significant increase                same material properties and
                                                  nuclear material in these assemblies in                 in the probability or consequences of an               performance characteristics as the
                                                  accordance with its approved                            accident previously evaluated.                         currently licensed ZIRLO® cladding.
                                                  procedures. This change to reactor core                    2. Does the proposed exemption                      Thus, the use of Optimized ZIRLOTM
                                                  internals is adequately controlled by                   create the possibility of a new or                     fuel rod cladding material will not
                                                  NRC requirements and is not related to                  different kind of accident from any                    significantly change the types of
                                                  security issues. Therefore, the NRC staff               accident previously evaluated?                         effluents that may be released offsite, or
                                                  determined that this exemption does not                    Response: No.                                       significantly increase the amount of
                                                  impact, and thus is consistent with, the                   The use of Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel                   effluents that may be released offsite.
                                                  common defense and security.                            rod cladding material will not result in               Therefore, the requirements of 10 CFR
                                                                                                          changes in the operation or                            51.22(c)(9)(ii) are met.
                                                  Environmental Considerations
                                                                                                          configuration of the facility. Topical
                                                     The NRC staff determined that the                    Reports WCAP–12610–P–A and                             Requirements in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)(iii)
                                                  exemption discussed herein meets the                    CENPD–404–PA demonstrated that the                       The proposed exemption would allow
                                                  eligibility criteria for the categorical                material properties of Optimized                       the use of Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod
                                                  exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9)               ZIRLOTM are similar to those of                        cladding material in the reactors.
                                                  because it is related to a requirement                  standard ZIRLO®. Therefore, Optimized                  Optimized ZIRLOTM has essentially the
                                                  concerning the installation or use of a                 ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding material will                same material properties and
                                                  facility component located within the                   perform similarly to those fabricated                  performance characteristics as the
                                                  restricted area, as defined in 10 CFR                   from standard ZIRLO®, thus precluding                  currently licensed ZIRLO® cladding.
                                                  part 20, and issuance of this exemption                 the possibility of the fuel cladding                   Thus, the use of Optimized ZIRLOTM
                                                  involves: (i) No significant hazards                    becoming an accident initiator and                     fuel rod cladding material will not
                                                  consideration, (ii) no significant change               causing a new or different type of                     significantly increase individual
                                                  in the types or a significant increase in               accident.                                              occupational radiation exposure, or
                                                  the amounts of any effluents that may be                   Therefore, the proposed exemption                   significantly increase cumulative
                                                  released offsite, and (iii) no significant              does not create the possibility of a new               occupational radiation exposure.
                                                  increase in individual or cumulative                    or different kind of accident from any                 Therefore, the requirements of 10 CFR
                                                  occupational radiation exposure.
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                                                                                                          previously evaluated.                                  51.22(c)(9)(iii) are met.
                                                  Therefore, in accordance with 10 CFR                       3. Does the proposed exemption
                                                  51.22(b), no environmental impact                       involve a significant reduction in a                   Conclusion
                                                  statement or environmental assessment                   margin of safety?                                        Based on the above, the NRC staff
                                                  need be prepared in connection with the                    Response: No.                                       concludes that the proposed exemption
                                                  NRC’s consideration of this exemption                      The proposed exemption will not                     meets the eligibility criteria for the
                                                  request. The basis for the NRC staff’s                  involve a significant reduction in the                 categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR
                                                  determination is discussed as follows                   margin of safety because it has been                   51.22(c)(9). Therefore, in accordance


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                                                  41608                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2016 / Notices

                                                  with 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental                  Paul J. Turinsky, Board Member, U.S.                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      A
                                                  impact statement or environmental                         Nuclear Waste Technical Review                       copy of this ICR, with applicable
                                                  assessment need be prepared in                            Board                                                supporting documentation, may be
                                                  connection with the NRC’s proposed                      Timothy J. Dwyer, Group Lead, Nuclear                  obtained by contacting the U.S. Office of
                                                  issuance of this exemption.                               Weapons Program, Defense Nuclear                     Personnel Management, 1900 E Street
                                                                                                            Facilities Safety Board                              NW., Room 3316, Washington, DC
                                                  IV. Conclusions                                         Richard E. Tontodonato, Deputy                         20415, Attention: Strategic Goal 2 Team
                                                     Accordingly, the Commission has                        Technical Director, Defense Nuclear                  or sent via email to
                                                  determined that, pursuant to 10 CFR                       Facilities Safety Board                              customerexperience@opm.gov.
                                                  50.12, the exemption is authorized by                   Mark T. Welch, General Manager,                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office
                                                  law, will not present an undue risk to                    Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety                    of Management and Budget is
                                                  the public health and safety, and is                      Board                                                particularly interested in comments
                                                  consistent with the common defense                      DATES:  Effectively immediately and                    that:
                                                  and security. Also, special                             until December 31, 2016.                                  1. Evaluate whether the proposed
                                                  circumstances pursuant to 10 CFR                                                                               collection of information is necessary
                                                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
                                                  50.12(a)(2)(ii) are present. Therefore, the                                                                    for the proper performance of the
                                                                                                          further information about the formation
                                                  Commission hereby grants Exelon an                                                                             functions of the agency, including
                                                                                                          of the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical
                                                  exemption from the requirements of 10                                                                          whether the information will have
                                                                                                          Review Board’s Performance Review
                                                  CFR 50.46 and appendix K to 10 CFR                                                                             practical utility;
                                                                                                          Board, please contact Debra L. Dickson
                                                  part 50, to allow the application of those                                                                        2. Evaluate the accuracy of the
                                                                                                          at 703.235.4480, or via email at
                                                  criteria to, and the use of, Optimized                                                                         agency’s estimate of the burden of the
                                                                                                          dickson@nwtrb.gov, or via mail at 2300
                                                  ZIRLOTM fuel rod cladding material at                                                                          proposed collection of information,
                                                                                                          Clarendon Blvd., Suite 1300, Arlington,
                                                  the Braidwood Station, Units 1 and 2,                                                                          including the validity of the
                                                                                                          VA 22201.
                                                  and Byron Station Unit Nos. 1 and 2.                                                                           methodology and assumptions used;
                                                     This exemption is effective upon                       Authority: 42 U.S.C. 10262
                                                                                                                                                                    3. Enhance the quality, utility, and
                                                  issuance.                                                 June 20, 2016.                                       clarity of the information to be
                                                    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 20th day           Debra L. Dickson,                                      collected; and
                                                  of June 2016.                                           Director of Administration, U.S. Nuclear                  4. Minimize the burden of the
                                                    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.                Waste Technical Review Board.                          collection of information on those who
                                                  Anne T. Boland,                                         [FR Doc. 2016–15137 Filed 6–24–16; 8:45 am]            are to respond, including through the
                                                  Director, Division of Operating Reactor                 BILLING CODE P                                         use of appropriate automated,
                                                  Licensing, Office of Nuclear Reactor                                                                           electronic, mechanical, or other
                                                  Regulation.                                                                                                    technological collection techniques or
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–15144 Filed 6–24–16; 8:45 am]             OFFICE OF PERSONNEL                                    other forms of information technology,
                                                  BILLING CODE 7590–01–P                                  MANAGEMENT                                             e.g., permitting electronic submissions
                                                                                                                                                                 of responses.
                                                                                                          Submission for Review: OPM.GOV                            Overview: This survey that will be
                                                                                                          Feedback Tab Survey                                    accessed through a feedback tab that
                                                  NUCLEAR WASTE TECHNICAL                                                                                        will appear on each subpage of the
                                                                                                          AGENCY:  U.S. Office of Personnel
                                                  REVIEW BOARD                                                                                                   opm.gov Web site. OPM has enhanced
                                                                                                          Management.
                                                                                                                                                                 its focus on customer service by making
                                                  Formation of SES Performance Review                     ACTION: 60-Day notice and request for                  it a goal in the FY 2014–2018 Strategic
                                                  Board                                                   comments.                                              Plan (Goal 2). OPM is also part of the
                                                                                                          SUMMARY:   The Office of Personnel                     Customer Service Cross-Agency Priority
                                                  AGENCY: U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical                                                                           Goal Community of Practice. This
                                                  Review Board.                                           Management (OPM) offers the general
                                                                                                          public and other Federal agencies the                  survey will provide the agency with
                                                  ACTION: Notice.                                                                                                relevant information, particularly in
                                                                                                          opportunity to comment on a new
                                                                                                          information collection request (ICR)                   support of performance measures for
                                                  SUMMARY:    Section 4314(c)(1) through (5)                                                                     Strategic Goal 2.
                                                  of title 5 of the United States Code,                   3206–NEW, the OPM.GOV Feedback tab
                                                  requires each agency to establish in                    survey. As required by the Paperwork                   Analysis
                                                  accordance with regulations prescribed                  Reduction Act of 1995, (Pub. L. 104–13,
                                                                                                                                                                   Agency: Office of Personnel
                                                  by the Office of Personnel Management,                  44 U.S.C. chapter 35) as amended by the
                                                                                                                                                                 Management.
                                                  one or more SES Performance Review                      Clinger-Cohen Act (Pub. L. 104–106),
                                                                                                                                                                   Title: OPM.GOV Feedback Tab
                                                  Boards. Section 4314(c)(4) of title 5                   OPM is soliciting comments for this
                                                                                                                                                                 Survey.
                                                  requires that notice of appointment of                  collection.
                                                                                                                                                                   OMB Number: OMB Control No.
                                                  board members be published in the                       DATES:  Comments are encouraged and                    3260–NEW.
                                                  Federal Register. The following                         will be accepted until August 26, 2016.                  Frequency: Continuous access to the
                                                  executives have been designated as                      This process is conducted in accordance                survey link.
                                                  members of the Performance Review                       with 5 CFR 1320.1.                                       Affected Public: Individuals who visit
                                                  Board for the U.S. Nuclear Waste                        ADDRESSES: Interested persons are                      OPM.GOV.
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                                                  Technical Review Board:                                 invited to submit written comments on                    Number of Respondents: Unknown at
                                                  Jean M. Bahr, Board Member, U.S.                        the proposed information collection to                 this time, as survey will be administered
                                                    Nuclear Waste Technical Review                        the U.S. Office of Personnel                           via ‘‘open participation.’’ No firm
                                                    Board                                                 Management, 1900 E Street NW., Room                    sample size exists; however, target
                                                  Linda K. Nozick, Board Member, U.S.                     3316, Washington, DC 20415, Attention:                 completion is between 30,000 and
                                                    Nuclear Waste Technical Review                        Strategic Goal 2 Team or sent via email                60,000 unique responses over the span
                                                    Board                                                 to customerexperience@opm.gov.                         of a year.


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Document Created: 2016-06-25 02:07:26
Document Modified: 2016-06-25 02:07:26
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionExemption; issuance.
ContactJoel S. Wiebe, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-6606, email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 41605 

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