Use of mixed uranium--plutonium oxide fuels in light-water nuclear power reactors

The proposed amendments extend acceptance criteria for emergency core cooling systems (ECCS) for light-water nuclear power reactors to such reactors fueled with mixed-oxide pellets within cylindrical Zircaloy cladding and impose additional standards for use of mixed-oxide fuel in light-water nuclear power reactors under specified conditions. Proposals also provide that, under specified conditions, an amendment of an existing license to authorize the substitution of a mixed-oxide fuel for a portion of the uranium oxide fuels to be included among those categories of action for which preparation of an environmental impact statement, negative declaration, or environmental impact statement is not required. Assessment of environmental effects is extended to include no recycle, recycle of uranium, and recycle of uranium and plutonium plus the effects of transportation of nuclear fuel and solid waste in connection with LWR reactor operation