Incorporation by Reference of ASME BPV and OM Code Cases

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations to incorporate by reference NRC Regulatory Guides listing Code cases published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) which the NRC has reviewed and found to be acceptable for use. These Code cases provide alternatives to requirements in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPV Code) and the ASME Code for Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants (OM Code) pertaining to construction, inservice inspection and inservice testing of nuclear power plant components. This action incorporates by reference three regulatory guides that address NRC review and approval of ASME- published Code cases. Therefore, the Code cases listed in these regulatory guides are incorporated by reference into the NRC's regulations.