Emergency Preparedness Rulemaking - Final Rule Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Small Modular Reactors and Other New Technologies

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• Final Rule
• Key Documents
• Abstract

Final Rule​

Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Small Modular Reactors and Other New Technologies

Key Documents​

NRC Docket NRC-2015-0225
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, October 29, 2026

Abstract​

The NRC amended its regulations to include new alternative emergency preparedness requirements for small modular reactors and other new technologies. This final rule acknowledges technological advancements and other differences from large light-water reactors that are inherent in small modular reactors and other new technologies. The NRC concurrently issued Regulatory Guide 1.242, “Performance-Based Emergency Preparedness for Small Modular Reactors, Non-Light-Water Reactors, and Non-Power Production or Utilization Facilities.”

Major provisions of this final rule and guidance include the addition of:

• A new alternative performance-based EP framework, including requirements for demonstrating effective response in drills and exercises for emergency and accident conditions;
• A requirement for a hazard analysis of any facility contiguous to or near an SMR or ONT, that considers any hazard that would adversely impact the implementation of emergency plans developed under this framework;
• A scalable approach for determining the size of the plume exposure pathway emergency planning zone; and
• A requirement to describe ingestion response planning in the emergency plan, including the offsite capabilities and resources available to prevent contaminated food and water from entering the ingestion pathway.

Emergency Preparedness Rulemaking | Nuclear Regulatory Commission

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www.nrc.gov