Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 151ab883-1221-4a79-88d6-a2631cce2239
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Reactors (Rev. 1)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2134/ML21347A080.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-05
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.184
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
sort for decommissioning. The expectation is that licensees would select this method only under unique decommissioning circumstances. Entombment would be used only if this option provides more benefit than harm to public health and safety and the environment and does not create a legacy situation that future generations must manage. If the ENTOMB method is used, the provisions in 10 CFR Part 20, Subpart E related to unrestricted or restricted use still apply. The Decommissioning GEIS found ENTOMB to be an acceptable decommissioning method. Supplement 1 to NUREG-0586 recognizes that some combination of the first two methods (DECON and SAFSTOR) would also be an acceptable decommissioning approach. For example, the licensee could conduct a partial decontamination of the plant followed by a storage period and then complete the decontamination and dismantlement in preparation for license termination. As shown in Figure 1, the decommissioning regulations require a licensee to submit written certification to the NRC within 30 days of determining to permanently shutdown a power reactor. Before or within 2 years after permanent cessation of operations, the licensee is required to submit a PSDAR. No major decommissioning activities may be performed until 90 days after the NRC has received both the PSDAR and the certification that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel. Major decommissioning activities are defined as any activity that results in permanent removal of major radioactive components that permanently modifies the structure of the containment or results in dismantling components for shipment containing greater-than-Class-C waste. Decommissioning of the site (including a general license ISFSI) must be completed within 60 years of permanent cessation of operations unless the NRC approves an extended timeline for decommissioning the facility or the general license ISFSI in accordance with 10 CFR 50.82(a)(3) or 10 CFR 52.110 (c) when necessary to