REGULATIONS AND AMENDMENTS PUT INTO EFFECT - FY 1999

Minor Revision of Design Basis Accident Dose Limits for Independent Spent Fuel

Storage and Monitored Retrievable Storage Installations - Part 72

On October 13, 1998 (63 FR 54559), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective November 12, 1998, which amends the design-basis accident dose limits

of Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations and Monitored Retrievable Storage

Installations to conform to the dose calculational methodology currently used in the regulations

that specify standards for protection against radiation and makes a minor change to match the

Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations.

Criticality Accident Requirements - Parts 50 and 70

On November 12, 1998 (63 FR 63127), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective December 14, 1998, giving licensees of light-water nuclear power

reactors greater flexibility in meeting the requirement that licensees authorized to possess more

than a small amount of special nuclear material maintain a criticality monitoring system in each

area in which the material is handled, used, or stored.

Streamlined Hearing Process for NRC Approval of License Transfers - Parts 2 and 51

On December 3, 1998 (63 FR 66721), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective immediately, to provide specific uniform procedures and rules of practice

for handling requests for hearings associated with license transfer applications involving

material and reactor licenses, as well as licenses issued under the regulations governing the

independent storage of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. 

Transfer of Rulemaking Functions - Part 1

On December 17, 1998 (63 FR 69543), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective immediately, to reflect the transfer of the rulemaking functions and

responsibilities from the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research to the Office of Nuclear Material

Safety and Safeguards and the Office Nuclear Reactor Regulation.

Procedures Applicable to Proceedings for the Issuance of Licenses for the Receipt of

High-Level Radioactive Waste at a Geologic Repository - Part 2

On December 30, 1998 (63 FR 71729), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective January 29, 1999, to allow application of technological developments that

have occurred after the original rule was adopted in 1989, while achieving the original goals of

facilitating the NRC’s ability to comply with the schedule for decision on the construction

authorization for the repository contained in Section 114(d) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and

providing for a thorough technical review of the license application and equitable access to

information for the parties to the hearing.

Changes to Quality Assurance Programs - Part 50

On February 23, 1999 (64 FR 9030), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective April 26, 1999, to permit power reactor licensees to make certain quality
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assurance program changes without obtaining NRC approval of these changes in advance. 

The companion proposed rule was published on February 23, 1999 (64 FR 9035).

Frequency of Reviews and Audits for Emergency Preparedness Programs, Safeguards

Contingency Plans, and Security Programs for Nuclear Power Reactors - Parts 50 and 73

On March 29, 1999 (64 FR 14814), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective April 28, 1999, to allow nuclear power reactor licensees the option to change the

frequency of independent reviews and audits of their emergency preparedness programs,

safeguard contingency plans, and security programs. 

Conformance to National Policies for Access to and Protection of Classified Information

- Parts 2, 10, 11, 25, and 95

On April 1, 1999 (64 FR 15636), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations to

conform the requirements for the protection of and access to classified information to new

national security policy documents. This amendment, effective May 3, 1999, is necessary to

ensure that classified information in the possession of NRC licensees, certificate holders, and

others under the NRC’s regulatory requirements is protected in accordance with current

national policies.

Radiological Criteria for License Termination of Uranium Recovery Facilities - Part 40

On April 12, 1999 (64 FR 17506), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective June 11, 1999, regarding decommissioning of licensed thorium mills and uranium

recovery facilities to provide specific radiological criteria for the decommissioning of lands and

structures. 

Elimination of Reporting Requirement and 30-Day Hold in Loading Spent Fuel After

Preoperational Testing of Independent Spent Fuel Storage or Monitored Retrievable

Storage Installation - Part 72

On April 12, 1999 (64 FR 17510), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective May 12, 1999, to eliminate the requirement that a report of the preoperational testing

of an independent spent fuel storage installation or monitor retrievable storage installation be

submitted to the NRC at least 30 days before the receipt of spent fuel or high-level radioactive

waste. 

Codes and Standards: IEEE National Consensus Standard - Part 50

On April 13, 1999 (64 FR 17944), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective May 13, 1999, to incorporate by reference IEEE Std. 603-1991, a national consensus

standard for power, instrumentation, and control portions of safety systems in nuclear power

plants.
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Initial Licensed Operator Examination Requirements - Part 55

On April 23, 1999 (64 FR 19868), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective October 20, 1999, to allow nuclear power facility licensees to prepare, proctor, and

grade the required operating tests that the NRC uses to evaluate the competence of individuals

applying for operator licenses at those plants.

Government in the Sunshine Act Regulations - Part 9

On May 10, 1999 (64 FR 24936), the NRC published a notice announcing its intent to

implement a final rule published and made effective on May 21, 1985 (50 FR 20889), that

amended its regulations applying the Government in the Sunshine Act. This action is

necessary to complete resolution of this issue.

Formal and Informal Adjudicatory Hearing Procedures; Clarification of Eligibility To

Participate - Part 2

On June 1, 1999 (64 FR 29212), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective August 2, 1999, to clarify that Federally recognized Indian tribal governments are

entitled to participate in these proceedings on the same basis as other governmental units. The

companion proposed rule was published on June 1, 1999 (64 FR 29246).

Informal Hearing Procedures for Adjudications in Materials and Operator Licensing

Proceedings: Minor Amendments - Part 2

On June 1, 1999 (64 FR 29213), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective immediately, to correct a cross-referencing error in the provisions concerning the

method of filing documents and to change the method of service of pleadings on the NRC staff.

Revision of Fee Schedules; 100% Fee Recovery, FY 1999 - Parts 170 and 171

On June 10, 1999 (64 FR 31448), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations,

effective August 9, 1999, to implement the Omnibus Budge Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA90), as amended, which mandates that the NRC recover approximately 100 percent of its

budget authority in Fiscal Year 1999, less amounts appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund. 

Miscellaneous Changes to Licensing Requirements for the Independent Storage of Spent

Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste - Part 72

On June 22, 1999 (64 FR 33178), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

to correct several inconsistencies and to clarify certain sections of its regulations pertaining to

the storage of spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The amendments, effective August

23, 1999, differentiate the requirements for the storage of spent fuel under wet and dry

conditions, clarify requirements for the content and submission of various reports, and specify

that quality assurance records must be maintained as permanent records when identified with

activities and items important to safety.
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Monitoring the Effectiveness of Maintenance at Nuclear Power Plants - Part 50

On July 19, 1999 (64 R 38551), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations to

require that licensees assess the effect of equipment maintenance on the plant’s capability to

perform safety functions before beginning maintenance activities on structures, systems, and

components within the scope of the maintenance rule. These amendments become effective

120 days after issuance of Revision 3 to Regulatory Guide 1.160, “Monitoring the Effectiveness

of Nuclear Power Plants.”

Requirements for Those Who Possess Certain Industrial Devices Containing Byproduct

Material To Provide Requested Information - Part 31

On August 4, 1999 (64 FR 42269), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

to add an explicit requirement that general licensees, who possess certain measuring, gauging,

or controlling devices that contain byproduct material, provide the NRC with information

concerning these devices. This amendment, effective October 4,1999, is intended to help

ensure that devices containing byproduct material are maintained and transferred properly and

are not advertently discarded.

Certification Renewal and Amendment Processes - Part 76

On August 17, 1999 (64 FR 44645), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

governing the U.S. Enrichment Corporation’s gaseous diffusion plants to modify the certification

renewal and amendment processes. The amendment, effective September 16, 1999, modifies

the process for certificate renewals, establishes a process for certificate amendments

comparable to the process currently used to amend a fuel cycle license, revises the appeal

process for amendments, eliminates the “significant” designation for amendments, simplifies

the criteria for persons who are eligible to file a petition for review of an amendment action,

removes references to the initial application because the initial certificates have been issued,

and lengthens the time periods associated with filing a petition for review.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: (HI-STAR 100) Addition - Part 72

On September 3, 1999 (64 FR 48259), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective October 4, 1999, to add the Holtec International HI-STAR 100 cask

system to the list of approved spent fuel storage casks.

Changes to Requirements for Environmental Review for Renewal of Nuclear Power Plant

Operating Licenses - Part 51

On September 3, 1999 (64 FR 48496), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective October 4, 1999, to add to findings concerning the cumulative

environmental impacts of convergence of spent fuel shipments on a single destination, rather

than multiple destinations, and the environmental impact of transportation of higher enriched

and higher burnup spent fuel during the renewal term. 
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Electronic Availability of NRC Public Records and Ending of NRC Local Public Document

Room - Parts 1, 2, 7, 9, 50, 51, 52, 60, 62, 72, 75, 76, 100, and 110

On September 9, 1999 (64 FR 48942), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective October 12, 1999, to reflect the NRC’s decision to implement a new

document management system that permits the electronic storage, retrievable, and online

ordering of publicly available NRC official records through the NRC website.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: (VSC-24) Revision - Part 72

On September 22, 1999 (64 FR 51187), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective December 6, 1999, revising the Pacific Sierra Nuclear Associates VSC-24

cask system listing within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to include

Amendment No. 1 to the Certificate of Compliance. The companion proposed rule was

published on September 22, 1999 (64 FR 51270).

Industry Codes and Standards; Amended Requirements - Part 50

On September 22, 1999 (64 FR 51370), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations, effective November 22, 1999, to incorporate by reference more recent editions and

addenda of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and the ASME Code for Operation and

Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants for construction, inservice inspection, and inservice

testing.

REGULATIONS AND AMENDMENTS PROPOSED

Changes, Tests, and Experiments - Parts 50, 52 and 72

On October 21, 1998 (63 FR 56098), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations to clarify which changes, tests, and experiments conducted at a licensed facility

require evaluation, and the criteria that determine when NRC approval is needed before these

changes to a licensed facility can be implemented. The amendment also would add definitions

for terms that have been subject to differing interpretations, reorganize the rule language for

clarity, and revise the criteria for when prior NRC approval is needed. 

Requirements for Those Who Possess Certain Industrial Devices Containing Byproduct

Material To Provide Requested Information - Part 31

On December 2, 1998 (63 FR 66492), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that would add an explicit requirement that general licensees who possess certain

measuring, gauging, or controlling devices that contain byproduct material provide the NRC

with information concerning these devices.
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Reporting Reliability and Availability Information for Risk-Significant Systems and

Equipment - Part 50

On December 2, 1998 (63 FR 66497), the NRC published a notice of withdrawal of this

proposed rule that would have required licensees for commercial nuclear power reactors to

report to the NRC plant-specific summary reliability and availability data for certain risksignificant systems and equipment.

Elimination of Inconsistencies Between NRC Regulations and EPA High-Level Waste 

Standards - Part 60

On December 2, 1998 (63 FR 66498), the NRC published a notice of withdrawal of the

proposed rule that would have eliminated several inconsistencies with the general standards of

the Environmental Protection Agency to be developed for the disposal of high-level waste in

deep geologic repositories. The proposed rule was originally published on June 19, 1999 (51

FR 22288).

Acquisition Regulation (NRCAR) - 48 CFR Chapter 20

On December 8, 1998 (63 FR 67726), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that would govern the procurement of goods and services. This amendment would

meet the requirements of Public Law 103-355 (the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act - FASA)

and Public Law 104-106 (the Federal Acquisition Reform Act (FARA), and the Information

Technology Management Reform Act (ITMRA)). Both public laws modify and streamline

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements. 

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Addition - Part 72

On January 11, 1999 (64 FR 1542), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would add the Holtec International Hi-Star 100 cask system (Hi-Star) to the List of

Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks. 

Requirements Concerning the Accessible Air Gap for Generally Licensed Devices -

Parts 31 and 32

On January 20, 1999 (64 FR 3052), the NRC published a notice of withdrawal of the 

proposed rule that would have provided additional regulatory control over certain measuring,

gauging, and controlling devices to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to individuals

resulting from the use of the devices that contain radioactive sources. The proposed rule was

originally published on November 27, 1992 (57 FR 56287). 

Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in a Proposed Geologic Repository at Yucca

Mountain, Nevada - Parts 2, 19, 20, 21, 30, 40, 51, 60, 61, and 63

On February 22, 1999 (64 FR 8640), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that proposes licensing criteria for disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level

radioactive wastes in the proposed geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.
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Changes to Quality Assurance Programs - Part 50

On February 23, 1999 (64 FR 9035), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that would permit power reactor licensees to make certain quality assurance

changes without obtaining NRC review and approval of these changes in advance. The

companion final rule was published on February 23, 1999 (64 FR 9030).

Changes to Requirements for Environmental Review for Renewal of Nuclear Power Plant

Operating Licenses - Part 51

On February 26, 1999 (64 FR 9884), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that would expand the generic findings that are currently codified in the regulations

to include the cumulative environmental impacts of transporting spent fuel to the proposed

repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, and account for the environmental impacts of

transportation attributable to use of higher enriched fuel and higher burnup during the renewal

term. 

Use of Alternative Source Terms at Operating Reactors - Parts 21, 50, and 54

On March 11, 1999 (64 FR 12117), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would allow holders of operating licenses for nuclear power plants to voluntarily replace the

traditional source term used in design-basis accident analyses with alternative source terms.

Revision of Fee Schedules; 100% Fee Recovery, FY 1999 - Parts 170 and 171

On April 1, 1999 (64 FR 15876), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would implement the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA-90), as amended,

which mandates that the NRC recover approximately 100 percent of its budget authority in

Fiscal Year 1999, less amounts appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund. 

Energy Compensation Sources for Well Logging and Other Regulatory Clarifications -

Part 39

On April 19, 1999 (64 FR 19089), the NRC published an amendment that would modify

its regulations dealing with low activity energy compensation sources; tritium neutron generator

target sources; specific abandonment procedures in the event of an immediate threat; changes

to requirements for inadvertent intrusion on an abandoned source; the modification of an

existing generic exemption; the removal of an obsolete date; and updating regulations to be

consistent with the Commission’s metrication policy.

Industry Codes and Standards; Amended Requirements - Part 50

On April 27, 1999 (64 FR 22580), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would eliminate the requirement for licensees to update their inservice inspection and

inservice testing programs beyond a baseline edition and addenda of the American Society of

Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
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Electronic Availability of NRC Public Records and Ending of NRC Local Public Document

Room Program - Parts 1, 2, 7, 9, 50, 51, 52, 60, 62, 72, 75, 76, 100, and 110

On May 7, 1999 (64 FR 24531), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would reflect the NRC’s decision to implement a new document management system that

would permit the electronic storage, retrievable, and online ordering of publicly available NRC

official records through the NRC Website.

AP600 Design Certification - Part 52

On May 20, 1999 (64 FR 27626), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would certify the AP600 standard plant design under Subpart B of 10 CFR Part 52.

Formal and Informal Adjudicatory Hearing procedures; Clarification of Eligibility To

Participate - Part 2

On June 1, 1999 (64 FR 29246), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would clarify that Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments are entitled to participate

in adjudicatory proceedings conducted under NRC’s Rules of Practice on the same basis as

other governmental units. The companion final rule was published on June 1, 1999 (64 FR

29212).

Consideration of Potassium Iodide in Emergency Plans - Part 50

On June 14, 1999 (64 FR 31737), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would require that consideration be given to include potassium iodide as a protective

measure for the general public that would supplement sheltering and evacuation.

Reporting Requirements for Nuclear Power Reactors - Parts 50 and 72

On July 6, 1999 (64 FR 36291), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would update the current event reporting requirements for nuclear power reactors,

including reducing or eliminating the reporting burden associated with events of little or no

safety significance, and to better align the requirements with the NRC’s need for information to

carry out its safety mission, including revising reporting requirements based on importance to

risk and extending the required reporting items consistent with the time needed for prompt NRC

action.

Requirements for Certain Generally Licensed Industrial Devices Containing Byproduct

Material - Parts 30, 31, 32, 170, and 171

On July 26, 1999 (64 FR 40295), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would include explicit requirements for a registration process that the NRC plans to initiate

through a related rulemaking, add a registration fee, and clarify which provision of the

regulations would apply to all general licenses for byproduct material. Also, the proposed rule

would modify the reporting, recordkeeping, and labeling requirements for specific licensees who

distribute these generally licensed devices.
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List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks; Revision, NUHOMS 24-P and NUHOMS 52-B

- Part 72

On July 29, 1999 (64 FR 41050), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would add an amended version of Certificate of Compliance Number 1004 to the list of

approved spent fuel storage cask designs.

Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material; Possession of a Critical Mass of Special

Nuclear Material - Part 70

On July 30, 1999 (64 FR 41338), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would govern the domestic licensing of special nuclear material (SNM) for licensees

authorized to possess a critical mass of SNM, that are engaged in one of the following

activities: enriched uranium processing, fabrication of uranium fuel or fuel assemblies, uranium

enrichment; enriched uranium hexafluoride conversion; plutonium processing; fabrication of

mixed-oxide fuel or fuel assemblies; scrap recovery of special nuclear material; or any other

activities involving a critical mass of SNM that the Commission determines could significantly

affect the public health and safety of the environment.

Elimination of the Requirement for Noncombustible Fire Barrier Penetration Seal

Materials and Other Minor Changes - Part 50

On August 18, 1999 (64 FR 44860), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would remove the requirement that fire barrier penetration seal materials be

noncombustible.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: (NAC-MPC) Addition - Part 72

On August 23, 1999 (64 FR 45918), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would add the NAC International Multi-Purpose Canister cask system to the List of

Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: (TN-68) Addition - Part 72

On August 23, 1999 (64 FR 45920), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would add the Transnuclear TN-68 cask system to the List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage

Casks.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: (TN-32) Addition - Part 72

On August 23, 1999 (64 FR 45923), the NRC published an amendment to its regulations

that would add the Transnuclear TN-32 cask system to the List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage

Casks.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: (VSC-24) Addition - Part 72

On September 22, 1999 (64 FR 51270), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that would revise the Pacific Sierra Nuclear Associates VSC-24 cask system listing
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within the List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks to include Amendment No. 1 to the

Certificate of Compliance.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Holtec HI-STORM 100 Addition - Part 72

On September 22, 1999 (64 FR 51271), the NRC published an amendment to its

regulations that would add the Holtec International HI-STORM 100 cask system to the List of

Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks.

ADVANCE NOTICES OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

Steam Generator Tube Integrity for Operating Nuclear Power Plants - Part 50

On December 2, 1998 (63 FR 66496), the NRC published a notice of withdrawal of an

ANPRM that requested comments on the Commission’s regulations pertaining to steam

generator tube integrity. The ANPRM was originally published on September 19, 1994 

(59 FR 47817).

Comprehensive Quality Assurance in Medical Use and a Standard of Care - Part 35

On December 2, 1998 (63 FR 66496), the NRC published a notice of withdrawal of an

ANPRM that requested comments on questions related to comprehensive quality assurance

and a standard of care in medical uses of byproduct material. The ANPRM was originally

published on October 2, 1987 (52 FR 36949).

Distribution of Source and Byproduct Material; Licensing and Reporting Requirements -

Parts 32 and 40

On December 14, 1998 (63 FR 68700), the NRC published a notice of withdrawal of an

ANPRM that requested comments for updating the licensing of source material and mill tailings.

The ANPRM was originally published on October 28, 1992 (57 FR 48749).