Degradation of Control Rod Drive Mechanism Nozzle and Other Vessel Closure Head Penetrations; Issued

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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued Generic Letter 97-01 to notify all holders of operating licenses for pressurized water reactors (PWRs), except those who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel, of the need for information concerning their programs for ensuring the timely inspection of control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) and other vessel closure head penetrations. The information requested is needed by the NRC staff to verify compliance with 10 CFR 50.55a and 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix A, GDC 14, and to determine whether an augmented inspection program, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.55a(g)(6)(ii), is required. The proposed generic letter is a ``rule'' for purposes of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (5 U.S.C., Chapter 8). The staff has received confirmation from the Office of Management and Budget that the generic letter is a non-major rule. This generic letter is available in the NRC Public Document Room under accession number 9703260336.