Why does it take the NRC so long to make licensees change their plants, once an issue (such as the failure of Hemyc fire barriers) has been identified?
The NRC expects licensees to make changes to their plants, in a timely manner, to ensure compliance with the agency’s regulations. In imposing time frames within which licensees must modify their plants, the NRC considers the impact of the issues on public safety. With respect to issues like the failure of Hemyc fire barriers, the NRC allowed significant time because the agency needed additional time to research several outstanding questions regarding the capability of the Hemyc barrier. Nonetheless, the NRC determined that fire safety was maintained in the interim by other defenses (e.g., fire suppression systems, fire prevention mechanisms, and redundant safety systems) while the agency continued its research.
Related Questions
- Straddle plants - The Netback for Straddle plants according to Directive 024 is to be based on the licensees most recent five fiscal years. How should this information be provided?
- Why doesn’t the NRC test fire barriers, instead of relying on the word of licensees?
- What has prompted the NRC to issue RIS 2011-01?
