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Independent regulatory commissions

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Issues Exemptions in Response to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued multiple exemptions in response to requests from several nuclear power companies to extend training and requalification frequency requirements for security personnel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The exemptions, which were issued between May 20, 2020, and June 23, 2020, allow the licensees to extend certain training and requalification frequency requirements to ensure the implementation of security measures does not conflict with practices recommended to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NRC issued multiple exemptions to five nuclear power companies: Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Portland General Electric Company; Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company; and Yankee Atomic Electric Company.
  • The exemptions allow the licensees to extend training and requalification frequency requirements for security personnel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The exemptions were issued between May 20, 2020, and June 23, 2020.
  • The exemptions are based on the NRC's general criteria for security personnel in 10 CFR part 73, "Physical Protection of Plants And Materials."
  • The NRC is periodically providing compiled listings of related exemptions using a single Federal Register notice for COVID-19-related exemptions.
  • The exemptions are available on the NRC's website, and the public can access the documents through the NRC's Public Documents collection.

Statistics:

  • 5 nuclear power companies received exemptions: Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Portland General Electric Company; Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company; and Yankee Atomic Electric Company.
  • 7 exemptions were issued between May 20, 2020, and June 23, 2020.
  • The exemptions cover the following facilities:

+ Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station (4 exemptions)

+ Humboldt Bay Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (2 exemptions)

+ Trojan Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (2 exemptions)

+ Haddam Neck Plant Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (2 exemptions)

+ Yankee Rowe Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (2 exemptions)

Sources:

  • Federal Register, Volume 85, Number 131, July 8, 2020, pp. 42029-42032. (NRC-2020-0110)

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