NRC Tweaks Holtec Nuclear Fuel Storage System Approval Details
Published Date: 2/4/2025
Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission updated the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel using Holtec International’s HI-STORM UMAX system. These changes clarify radiation safety limits and measurement details to keep things safe and clear. This update affects nuclear facilities using this storage system and takes effect April 21, 2025, with no expected extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Use Revised Holtec Casks Under General License
If you are a nuclear power reactor licensee, you can load spent fuel into Holtec HI-STORM UMAX casks that meet Revision 1 to Amendment Nos. 0–2 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1040 under the 10 CFR part 72 general license starting April 21, 2025. That means licensees do not have to request separate exemptions to use the approved modifications, which the NRC says would otherwise increase administrative burden and costs for each licensee.
Six-Month Implementation Requirement
General licensees using the CoC must implement the revised Certificate of Compliance within six months of the rule's effective date (i.e., by October 21, 2025) and perform written evaluations in accordance with 10 CFR 72.212(b)(5) to show the cask conforms to the revised CoC. The NRC describes the six-month timeframe as standard and noted the applicant and a general licensee recognized it.
Radiation and Environmental Safety Maintained
The NRC determined that Revision 1 to Amendment Nos. 0–2 will not cause a significant increase in occupational or offsite radiation exposures and that dose rates will remain within the limits of 10 CFR part 20. The NRC also found no significant environmental impacts and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for this action.
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