The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a final rule and associated regulatory guide providing an alternative avenue for small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors to satisfy emergency preparedness (EP) requirements. The rulemaking allows SMRs and advanced reactor license applicants to develop performance-based EP programs instead of using the current prescriptive offsite radiological emergency planning requirements originally designed for large light-water reactors (LWRs).

Facilities covered by the final rule are limited to SMRs (defined by the rule as LWRs generating 1,000 MW thermal power or less per module), advanced reactors (i.e., non-LWRs), research and test reactors, andSource: NRC medical radioisotope production facilities. The rulemaking excludes LWRs licensed to produce greater than 1,000 MW thermal power, fuel cycle facilities and existing research and test reactors, all of which will remain subject to existing EP requirements.

The final rule provides an EP framework that includes requirements for demonstrating effective response in drills and exercises for emergency and accident conditions. A requirement for a hazard analysis covers any facility contiguous to or near an SMR or other new technologies that considers any hazard that would adversely impact the implementation of emergency plans developed under this framework.

Emergency response teams must demonstrate the ability to assess radiological conditions as well as general plans for reentry after an emergency. Licensees must establish an emergency planning zone for the area within which the public dose would exceed 10 millisieverts over 96 hours after a release.

Effective December 18. 2023, the rule applies both to existing and future SMRs and advanced reactors.