REGULATIONS AND AMENDMENTS PUT INTO EFFECT - FY 1985

Training and Qualifications of Civilian Nuclear Power Plant Personnel and Operator's

Licenses - Part 55

On October 24, 1984 (49 FR 42693), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective November 23, 1984, governing the training and qualifications of civilian

nuclear power plant personnel. The amendment conforms the literal language of the regulations

to the long-standing agency practice of treating the satisfactory completion of an NRC approved

program for training reactor operators as the equivalent of actual operating experience at a

reactor.

Environmental Qualification of Electrical Equipment; Removal of June 30, 1982 Deadline

- Part 50

On November 19, 1984 (49 FR 45571), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective immediately, that deletes a June 30, 1982, deadline for the environmental

qualification of electrical equipment from power plant operating licenses. The final rule specifies

the schedule for environmental qualification that licensees of operating power plants are

expected to meet.

Export and Import of Nuclear Equipment and Material - Part 110

On December 3, 1984 (49 FR 47191), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective January 2, 1985, pertaining to the export and import of nuclear equipment

and material. The amended regulations expand the authority to export nonsensitive nuclear

equipment and minor quantities of nuclear material without applying for and obtaining a specific

NRC license authorizing the action.

Hydrogen Control Requirements - Part 50

On January 25, 1985 (50 FR 3498), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that improves hydrogen control capability for boiling water reactors with MARK III containments

and for pressurized water reactors with ice condenser containments. The amendments,

effective February 25, 1985, require improved hydrogen control systems that can handle large

amounts of hydrogen during and after an accident.

Criteria and Procedures for Determining the Adequacy of Available Spent Nuclear Fuel

Storage Capacity - Parts 1 and 53

On February 11, 1985 (50 FR 5548), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective March 13, 1985, that establishes procedures and criteria for determining

whether a person owning or operating a civilian nuclear power reactor cannot reasonably

provide adequate spent nuclear fuel storage capacity. This determination is necessary before

the Department of Energy may enter into contractual arrangements to provide interim Federal

storage capacity for limited amounts of spent nuclear fuel.
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Amended Material Control and Accounting Requirements for Special Nuclear Material of

Low Strategic Significance - Parts 70 and 74

On February 25, 1985 (50 FR 7575), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations concerning material control and accounting (MC&A) requirements for licensees

possessing and using quantities larger than one effective kilogram of special nuclear material of

low strategic significance. The amendments, effective March 27, 1985, reform the MC&A

regulations for fuel cycle facilities by establishing a grading of requirements between those

applicable to more strategically significant forms of special nuclear material and those

applicable to low enriched uranium.

Implementation of the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material - Parts 40,

70, 73 and 110

On March 28, 1985 (50 FR 12221), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

to bring them into accord with the provisions of the Convention on the Physical Protection of

Nuclear Material. The amendments, which become effective 30 days after the 21st country

ratifies the Convention, will result in strengthened protection of shipments of

Convention-defined materials during international transport.

Exceptions to Notice and Comment Rulemaking Procedures - Part 2

On April 2, 1985 (50 FR 13006), the NRC published an amendment to its rules of

practice, effective May 3, 1985, that revised the Commission's rulemaking procedures. The final

rule clarifies the Commission's use of the exceptions to notice and comment rulemaking

contained in the Administrative Procedure Act.

Regional Nuclear Materials Licensing For Certain Federal Facilities - Parts 30, 40, and 70

On April 15, 1985 (50 FR 14692), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective April 1, 1985, that further decentralized the licensing process for materials licensees.

The amendment extends to the Regional Offices the same licensing authority for certain

Federal licensees that they possess for non-Federal activities.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness - Part 50

On May 8, 1985 (50 FR 19323), the NRC published an amendment, effective

immediately, that revised its emergency planning and preparedness regulations for nuclear

power reactors. This amendment, made in response to a decision by the United States Court of

Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, removes the provision stating that emergency

preparedness exercises are not required for any initial licensing decision.

Delegation of Subpoena Authority - Part 1

On May 20, 1985 (50 FR 20741), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that reflected the Commission's decision to delegate the authority to issue subpoenas to the

Office of Investigations where necessary or appropriate for the conduct of investigations. This
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amendment, effective June 19, 1985, permits the Office of Investigations to issue a subpoena

independently during the course of an investigation.

Export of Reprocessing Plant Components - Part 110

On May 20, 1985 (50 FR 20742), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that further clarified the list of components considered especially designed or prepared for use

in a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant and therefore subject to the Commission's export licensing

authority. This amendment, effective May 21, 1985, implements a decision of the multilateral

Non-Proliferation Treaty Exporters Committee.

Government in the Sunshine Act Regulations - Part 9

On May 21, 1985 (50 FR 20889), the NRC published an interim rule, effective

immediately, to conform its definition of "meeting" under the Government in the Sunshine Act to

the statutory intent as clarified in a recent Supreme Court decision. As a result of this change,

background briefings and generalized discussions of agency business are not considered

"meetings" for Sunshine Act purposes.

Update of NRC Addresses and Copying Charges for Environmental Documents - Parts I

and 51

On May 22, 1985 (50 FR 21036), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective immediately, that updated the addresses of NRC's principal offices and conformed the

charges for the reproduction of environmental documents at the NRC's Public Document Room

to the charges found in 10 CFR Part 9.

Charges for the Production of Records - Part 9

On June 18, 1985 (50 FR 25204), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective immediately, that revised the charges for copying records available in the NRC's

Public Document Room.

Conduct of Employees; Minor Amendments - Part 0

On June 21, 1985 (50 FR 25697), the NRC published an amendment to its standards of

conduct for employees. The amendment, effective immediately, codifies provisions of the Ethics

in Government Act of 1978 relating to the reporting of assets by senior NRC officials. This

amendment also makes several additional minor changes to the regulations governing the

communication of scientific or technological information to the NRC by former employees, the

acceptance of gifts, meals, and entertainment from foreign governments, and the publication of

the prohibited securities list.

Public Records; Freedom of Information Act; Granting Appeals - Part 9

On July 2, 1985 (50 FR 27214), the NRC published an amendment to its Freedom of

Information Act (FOIA) regulations. The amendment, effective July 1, 1985, provides that

appeals from an initial denial of a FOIA request be decided by the Secretary of the
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Commission, with the advice and concurrence of the Office of the General Counsel, instead of

being decided by the Commission.

Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Geologic Repositories - Part 60

On July 22, 1985 (50 FR 29641), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective immediately, for the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes in geologic repositories.

This amendment sets out specific criteria for the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes within

the unsaturated zone. This action is necessary to assure that NRC regulations address

considerations relevant to all geologic repositories.

Analysis of Potential Pressurized Thermal Shock Events - Part 50

On July 23, 1985 (50 FR 29937), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective immediately, for light water nuclear power plants. The amendment establishes a

screening criterion related to the fracture resistance of pressurized water reactor vessels during

pressurized thermal shock events, requires analyses and schedules for implementation of flux

reduction programs that are reasonably practicable to avoid exceeding the screening criterion,

and requires that detailed safety operations be performed before plant operation beyond the

screening criterion will be considered.

Minor Clarifying Amendments; Definitions - Parts 1, 20, and 50

On August 23, 1985 (50 FR 34085), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

pertaining to the domestic licensing of production and utilization facilities. The amendment,

effective immediately, rearranged the definitions section from a listing by alphabetical

designators to an undesignated alphabetical listing by term.

Physician's Use of Radioactive Drugs - Part 35

On September 10, 1985 (50 FR 36866), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that allows medical licensees to use certain radioactive drugs for specified clinical

purposes. The amendment, effective immediately, allows the use of specified drugs for

particular procedures without requiring a physician or hospital to apply for an amendment to

their license.

Access to and Protection of National Security Information and Restricted Data - Parts 25

and 95

On September 11, 1985 (50 FR 36983), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations incorporating an exception to personal security background investigation

requirements for access to certain Communications Security information. The amendments,

effective October 11, 1985, also provide a procedure to ensure that a licensee obtains prior

NRC approval before making any substantive changes to the licensee's security plan.
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Procedures for Production or Disclosure of Records or Information in Response to

Subpoenas or Demands of Courts or Other Authorities - Part 9

On September 17, 1985 (50 FR 37642), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that prescribes procedures for the production of documents or the disclosure of

information in response to subpoenas or demands of courts or other judicial or quasi-judicial

authorities in State and Federal proceedings. The amendment, effective October 17, 1985,

clarifies Commission procedures regarding subpoenas or other judicial or quasi-judicial

demands on NRC employees to produce NRC records or disclosure information and ensures

that the responsibility for determining the response to the demands is placed on the appropriate

Commission official.

Revision of Backfitting Process for Power Reactors - Parts 2 and 50

On September 20, 1985 (50 FR 38097), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations concerning "backfitting," a process which can include both plant specific and

generic changes applied to one or more classes of power reactors. The amendment, effective

October 21, 1985, establishes standards and an agency discipline for the future management

of backfitting for power reactors.

Codes and Standards for Nuclear Power Plants - Part 50

On September 26, 1985 (50 FR 38970), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations incorporating by reference the Winter 1982 Addenda, Summer 1983 Addenda,

Winter 1983 Addenda, Summer 1984 Addenda, and 1983 Edition of Section III, Division I of the

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME Code) and

the Winter 1982 Addenda, Summer 1983 Addenda, and 1983 Edition of Section XI, Division I of

the ASME Code. The amendment, effective October 28, 1985, permits the use of improved

methods for construction and inservice inspection of nuclear power plants.

Criteria and Procedures for Determining Eligibility for Access to or Control Over Special

Nuclear Material - Part 11

On September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39076), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations allowing the use of information on file with the Federal government for individuals

possessing current active clearances based on equivalent investigations. The amendment,

effective October 28, 1985, applies to initial special nuclear material "U" and "R" access

authorization applications and for the renewal of "U" access authorizations. The amendment

eliminates unnecessary administrative and investigative costs to licensees for affected

individuals and reduces NRC administrative costs.
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REGULATIONS AND AMENDMENTS PROPOSED

Industrial Radiography Radiation Surveys and Licensee's Performance Inspection

Program - Part 34

On October 4, 1984 (49 FR 39168), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would amend its regulations pertaining to industrial radiography. The proposed rule would

require that an industrial radiography licensee perform an additional survey of any radiography

device any time the device is put into storage and maintain a record of this storage survey in

place of the previously required record of the survey of the device made after the last exposure.

The proposed rule would also require that each license application describe the program the

licensee will use to evaluate the performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant

at intervals not exceeding 3 months to ensure that they are following the Commission's

regulatory requirements and the licensee's operating and emergency procedures.

Changes in Property Insurance Requirements for NRC Licensed Nuclear Power Plants -

Part 50

On November 8, 1984 (49 FR 44645), the NRC published a notice of proposed

rulemaking that would amend regulations requiring that licensees maintain substantial amounts

of on-site property insurance to assist in the decontamination of their licensed reactors. The

proposed rule would increase the amount of insurance required and impose a decontamination

priority on any proceeds from the insurance.

Uranium Mill Tailings Regulations: Conforming NRC Requirements to EPA Standards -

Part 40

On November 26, 1984 (49 FR 46418), the NRC published a notice of proposed

rulemaking that would amend its regulations governing the disposal of uranium mill tailings. The

proposed changes are intended to conform existing NRC regulations to the regulations

published by the Environmental Protection Agency for the protection of the environment from

these wastes.

Operator's Licenses and Conforming Amendments - Parts 50 and 55

On November 26, 1984 (49 FR 46428), the NRC published a notice of proposed

rulemaking concerning its operator licensing regulations. The proposed rule would (1) clarify the

regulations for the issuance of licenses to operators and senior operators; (2) revise the

requirements and scope of written examinations and operating tests for operators and senior

operators including a requirement for a simulation facility; (3) codify procedures for the

administration of requalification examinations; and (4) describe the form and content for

operator license applications.

Revision of Backfitting Process for Power Reactors - Parts 2 and 50

On November 30, 1984 (49 FR 47034), the NRC published a notice of proposed

rulemaking that addresses the "backfitting" issue. The proposed rule would establish
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requirements for the long-term management of its review process for the implementation of

new regulatory requirements on power reactors.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness for Production and Utilization Facilities - Part 50

On December 21, 1984 (49 FR 49640), the NRC published a notice of proposed

rulemaking that would amend its regulations concerning emergency planning and preparedness

for nuclear power reactors. The proposed regulations would make previous Commission rulings

that consideration of potential impacts of earthquakes an emergency planning for nuclear

reactor sites is not required explicit in its regulations.

Criteria for Reopening Records in Formal Licensing Proceedings - Part 2

On December 27, 1984 (49 FR 50189), the NRC published a notice of proposed

rulemaking that would codify NRC case law criteria for reopening a closed evidentiary record in

a formal licensing proceeding and would further specify the documentary bases for motions to

reopen. The proposed rule is intended to facilitate proper and timely consideration of motions

by adjudicatory boards while maintaining fairness to all other parties to a proceeding.

Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste in Geologic Repositories; Amendments to

Licensing Procedures - Part 60

On January 17, 1985 (50 FR 2579) the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would revise procedures with respect to NRC reviews of license applications for disposal of

high-level radioactive waste in geologic repositories. The proposed revisions reflect provisions

of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 relating to site characterization and the participation of

States and Indian tribes in the process of siting, licensing, and developing disposal facilities.

Decommissioning Criteria for Nuclear Facilities - Parts 30, 40, 50, 51, 70 and 72

On February 11, 1985 (50 FR 5600), the NRC published a notice of proposed

rulemaking that would set forth technical and financial criteria for decommissioning licensed

facilities. The proposed rule is intended to ensure that all licensed facilities will be

decommissioned in a safe and timely manner and that adequate licensee funds will be available

for decommissioning.

Access to and Protection of National Security Information and Restricted Data - Parts 25

and 95

On March 13, 1985 (50 FR 10064), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would amend its regulations to incorporate a recently approved exception to the personnel

security background investigation for access to certain Communications Security information.

The proposed rule would also provide a procedure to ensure that a licensee obtains prior NRC

approval before making any substantive changes to the licensee's security plan.
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Communications Procedures Amendments - Part 50

On March 26, 1985 (50 FR 11884), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would establish procedures for submitting correspondence, reports, applications, or other

written communications concerning the domestic licensing of production and utilization facilities.

The proposed changes are intended to resolve problems that have developed in the submission

of applications and reports by indicating the correct mailing address for written communications

and specifying the number of copies required to facilitate NRC action.

Licenses and Radiation Safety Requirements For Well-Logging Operations - Parts 19, 20,

21, 30, 39, 40, 51, 70, 71, and 150

On April 8, 1985 (50 FR 13797), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would specify radiation safety requirements for the use of licensed material in well-logging

operations. The proposed rule is intended to consolidate regulations applicable to well-logging

operations, provide uniform safety requirements in NRC and Agreement State regulations, and

reduce the risks of accidents involving the rupture of a radioactive source in well-logging

operations.

Criteria for an Extraordinary Nuclear Occurrence - Part 140

On April 9, 1985 (50 FR 13978), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would revise the criteria for an "extraordinary nuclear occurrence". The proposed rule is

intended to simplify the administrative criteria used in making an extraordinary nuclear

occurrence determination and avoid the problems encountered by applying the existing criteria

to the accident at Three Mile Island.

Physician's Use of Radioactive Drugs - Part 35

On April 22, 1985 (50 FR 15752), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would amend its regulations to allow medical licensees to use certain radioactive materials

for specified clinical procedures. The proposed rule would allow the use of specified drugs for

particular procedures without requiring a physician or hospital to apply for an amendment to

their license.

Specific Exemptions - Part 50

On April 26, 1985 (50 FR 16056) the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would clarify the standards that will be applied by the Commission when it considers

whether to grant exemptions from the regulatory requirements codified in 10 CFR Part 50.

Material Balance Reports - Parts 40, 70, and 150

On May 10, 1985 (50 FR 19695), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

concerning the submission of source material and special nuclear material inventory reports.

The proposed rule would reduce the reporting burden for specific licensees without adversely

affecting the domestic safeguards program or the ability to satisfy existing international

commitments.
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Codes and Standards for Nuclear Power Plants - Part 50

On May 17, 1985 (50 FR 20574), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would incorporate by reference the Winter 1982 Addenda, Summer 1983 Addenda, Winter

1983 Addenda, Summer 1984 Addenda, and 1983 Edition of Section III, Division I, of the

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME Code) and

the Winter 1982 Addenda, Summer 1983 Addenda, and 1983 Edition of Section XI, Division I of

the ASME Code. The proposed rule would permit the use of improved methods for construction

and inservice inspection of nuclear power plants.

Adjudications; Special Procedures for Resolving Conflicts Concerning the Disclosure or

Nondisclosure of Information - Part 2

On May 22, 1985 (50 FR 21072), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would amend its rules of practice. The proposed rule would provide special procedures for

resolving conflicts concerning the disclosure or nondisclosure of information relating to an NRC

investigation or inspection not yet concluded or which would reveal the identity of a confidential

informant considered relevant and material to an adjudication.

Modification of General Design Criterion 4 Requirements for Protection Against Dynamic

Effects of Postulated Pipe Ruptures - Part 50

On July 1, 1985 (50 FR 27006), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would modify General Design Criterion 4 to allow demonstration of piping integrity by

analyses to serve as a basis for excluding dynamic effects associated with certain pipe

ruptures. These analyses constitute what is commonly referred to as the "leak before break"

concept.

Medical Use of Byproduct Material - Parts 30, 31, 32, 35, and 40

On July 26, 1985 (50 FR 30616), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would modify the process for licensing and regulating the medical use of radioactive

byproduct material. The proposed rule would consolidate and clarify the essential radiation

safety requirements applicable to the medical uses of byproduct materials. The proposed rule

would also provide licensees flexibility in the updating of their day-to-day radiation safety

procedures.

Minor Clarifying Amendments - Part 9

On August 1, 1985 (50 FR 31192), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would clarify its regulations pertaining to the availability of records under the Freedom of

Information Act by conforming them to reflect existing case law and long-standing agency

practice. The proposed rule would also conform reproduction costs charged at the Public

Document Room and other NRC offices for publicly available documents.
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Changes to Safeguards Reporting Requirements - Parts 70, 72, 73, and 74

On August 27, 1985 (50 FR 34708), the NRC published a notice of proposed rulemaking

that would clarify reporting requirements for NRC licensees and would improve the NRC

safeguards event data base by requiring more uniform safeguards event reports. The proposed

rule would eliminate unnecessary reporting and result in a more uniform and detailed reporting

and data analysis system which will provide feedback to the industry for improving safeguards

systems.

ADVANCE NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

Uranium Mill Tailings Regulations: Ground Water Protection and Other Issues - Part 40

On November 26, 1984 (49 FR 46425), the NRC published an advance notice of

proposed rulemaking announcing its intent to consider further amendments to its uranium mill

tailings regulations. This future rulemaking proceeding is intended to incorporate ground water

protection provisions and other requirements established by the Environmental Protection

Agency for similar hazardous wastes into NRC regulations.

Financial Responsibility Requirements Applicable to NRC Licensees for Cleanup of

Accidental and Unexpected Releases of Radioactive Materials - Parts 30, 40, 61, 70, and

72

On June 7, 1985 (50 FR 23960), the NRC published an advance notice of proposed

rulemaking announcing its intent to consider requiring certain materials licensees to

demonstrate that they possess adequate financial means to pay for cleanup of accidental

releases of radioactive materials. This document invites advice and recommendations on the

scope of this potential rulemaking, as well as the availability and cost to licensees of the various

forms of financial assurance.

Certification of Industrial Radiographers - Part 34

On September 19, 1985 (50 FR 38011), the NRC published a document withdrawing an

advance notice of proposed rulemaking requesting comments on a suggested requirement that

all industrial radiographers be certified by a third party approved by the NRC.