Draft Commission Paper on Policy Issues Related to Non-Light-Water Reactor Designs

December 13, 2002

The Honorable Richard A. Meserve
Chairman
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Dear Chairman Meserve:

During the 498th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards, December 5-7, 2002, we met with representatives of the NRC's Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) to discuss the subject draft Commission paper. We also had the benefit of the referenced documents.

The RES staff has identified seven technical issues with policy implications that need resolution prior to certification reviews of advanced non-light-water reactor designs. The staff has also provided options for resolving those issues and has recommended the preferred options. We agree with the staff's recommended preferred options for each of the seven issues.

We commend the staff on its thoughtful study and look forward to further interactions on this subject.

Sincerely,

/RA/

George E. Apostolakis
Chairman

References:

1. Draft Predecisional SECY paper, undated, from William D. Travers, Executive Director for Operations, NRC, to the Commission, Subject: Policy Issues Related to Licensing Non-Light-Water Reactor Designs.
2. U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NUREG-1226, "Development and Utilization of the NRC Policy Statement on the Regulation of Advanced Nuclear Power Plants."

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