IA-96-351, Discusses Importance of Meetings Between NRC Staff & Public
| ML20149L589 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/12/1996 |
| From: | Taylor J NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned) |
| To: | NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20147B843 | List: |
| References | |
| FOIA-96-351 NUDOCS 9604110262 | |
| Download: ML20149L589 (2) | |
Text
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4; nc e y ' k UNITED STATES l ,j,
't NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 l
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February 12, 1996 4
. MEMORANDUM T0: Office Directors and Regional Administrators FROM: James M. Taylor Executive Direc f.
for Operations y
i
SUBJECT:
MEETINGS BETWEEN NRC STAFF AND THE PUBLIC !
As we fulfill our regulatory responsibilities to protect the health and safety of the public, let us remember that meetings between the NRC and the public are often an important element.
We have recognized the value of such meetings in the past and have held them 4
on a variety of issues, often in response to intense expressions of public l interest. Public meetings can enhance the public's confidence in NRC and help !
clarify concerns before any decisions are made. NRC and the public will benefit more if the need for public meetings is considered early in the process.
The following are indicators that a public meeting may be appropriate:
e Strong public interest through correspondence or other communications, including the number or nature of comments in response to a notice on a proposed action.
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! + Indication of interest by local community groups in current or past riRC r^ actions involving the facility (e.g., letters to the agency; past hearings on a facility; related 2.206 petitions).
+ Congressional, State or local government interest on behalf of their constituents and requests for a meeting or other public outreach efforts.
+ Earlier public interest at other facilities on similar issues involved in making a licensing determination (e.g., license renewal or decommissioning decision).
+ 'The significance of the safety issues involved (e.g., following a significant plant event).
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l + Anticipated public interest in and strong public response to a significant NRC activity or decision which is to be announced (major team insection entrance / exit, restart approval, issuance of an order).
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As a reminder, investigative matters are not typically discussed in public meetings. If questions on investigative matters are expected at public meetings, an appropriate response should be discussed with the Office of Investigations or the Office of the Inspector General.
Each Office Director and Regional Administrator should be cognizant of the need for meetings with the public and should inform or make recommendations, as appropriate, to the ED0 or Deputy E00s when significant NRC activities are
- at the planning stage.
i j By copy of this memo, I am directing NRR to take the lead (coordinating with ADM) in revising NRC Management Directive 3.5, "Public Attendance at Certain l
Meetings Involving the NRC Staff," to reflect this guidance. Also, all Office Directors and Regional Administrators should review and update guidance documents and procedures (e.g., Inspection Manual, Project Manager Handbook) to identify appropriate points during the conduct of NRC activities when consideration should be given to holding public meetings.
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