Nuclear Regulators Test Spent Fuel Casks for Dramatic Tipover Accidents
Published Date: 3/13/2025
Rule
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating the rules for the HI-STORM 100 spent fuel storage system to improve safety checks for certain equipment combos. This change, effective May 27, 2025, updates how the system handles tipover accidents using new stress-based tests. Nuclear facilities using these casks should note the new criteria but won’t face extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
General-license use allowed from May 27, 2025
If you hold a general license under 10 CFR 72.210, you may load spent nuclear fuel into HI-STORM 100 casks that meet the criteria of Renewed Amendment No. 19 starting May 27, 2025. Comments on the direct final rule are due by April 14, 2025; if significant adverse comments are received by that date, the rule may be withdrawn.
New casks must meet updated tipover rules
Renewed Amendment No. 19 updates the acceptance criteria and method of evaluation (MOE) for HI-STORM 100 tipover accidents for equipment combinations using multipurpose canisters (MPCs) with Metamic-HT baskets by applying a new stress-based criteria and adjusting deflection criteria; these updates apply only to new casks fabricated and used under Renewed Amendment No. 19.
No significant safety or environmental impacts
The NRC found Renewed Amendment No. 19 does not significantly change the cask design or increase occupational or offsite radiation doses (remaining within 10 CFR part 20 limits) and issued a finding of no significant impact under NEPA.
Denial would raise costs via exemption requests
If the NRC denied approval of Renewed Amendment No. 19, any 10 CFR part 72 general licensee seeking to load spent fuel into HI-STORM 100 casks under the changes would have to request exemptions from Secs. 72.212 and 72.214, which would increase the administrative burden on the NRC and the costs to each licensee.
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