In brief: Nuclear facilities with small modular reactors (SMRs) and other new technologies could take advantage of an alternative emergency preparedness framew

In brief: Nuclear facilities with small modular reactors (SMRs) and other new technologies could take advantage of an alternative emergency preparedness framework under a new Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposal and guidance. Existing regulations developed for large light-water reactors require a 10-mile plume emergency planning zone (EPZ) and 50-mile ingestion EPZ to prevent food and water contamination. Alternative performance-based emergency preparedness plans could set smaller EPZs for small modular reactors and other new technology such as non-light-water reactors and certain non-power production or utilization facilities. Critics, including some regulators, expressed concern about condensing the zone and the danger that may pose.