NRC: Staff Requirements - SECY-01-0070 - Plan for Preapplication Activities on the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR)

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June 19, 2001

MEMORANDUM TO:	William D. Travers Executive Director for Operations
FROM:	Andrew L. Bates, Acting Secretary /RA/
SUBJECT:	STAFF REQUIREMENTS - SECY-01-0070 - PLAN FOR PREAPPLICATION ACTIVITIES ON THE PEBBLE BED MODULAR REACTOR (PBMR)

The Commission has approved the staff's recommendation to proceed with preapplication activities on the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR), including the DOE-sponsored high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology assessment and transfer activities, described in Attachment 2 of SECY-01-0070. The staff should keep the Commission informed of its progress on preapplication activities and promptly notify the Commission when policy issues are identified for resolution. The staff should also identify issues that the NRC is not able to resolve without Congressional action, and promptly bring these issues to the Commission's attention.

Experience with previous design certification reviews has shown that the staff evaluation of the applicant's testing programs can be a critical issue, particularly if the tests are conducted outside of the U.S. In light of the unique features of the PBMR and the possibility that testing could include work outside the U.S., the staff should include review of information relevant to the planned testing program within the scope of its preapplication activities.

cc:	Chairman Meserve Commissioner Dicus Commissioner Diaz Commissioner McGaffigan Commissioner Merrifield OGC CFO OCA OIG OPA Office Directors, Regions, ACRS, ACNW, ASLBP (via E-Mail) PDR