ML032521459
| ML032521459 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/17/2003 |
| From: | Zimmerman R NRC/NSIR/DIRO |
| To: | Colvin J Nuclear Energy Institute |
| Rosano R NSIR/PMDA 301-415-7118 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML032521452 | List: |
| References | |
| G20030521 | |
| Download: ML032521459 (2) | |
Text
September 17, 2003 Mr. Joe F. Colvin President and Chief Executive Officer Nuclear Energy Institute 1776 I Street, N. W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Mr. Colvin:
This is in response to your letter to Chairman Nils J. Diaz, dated August 29, 2003 concerning the organizational changes in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and a process for discussing, clarifying, and resolving issues related to implementation of the April 29, 2003, orders on the revised design basis threat. Your letter also requested a meeting with the NRC Commissioners to discuss outstanding policy issues related to the design basis threat (DBT) requirements and the role of force-on-force drills as related to implementation of the DBT. In addition, your letter also mentioned issues pertaining to security force work hours and fatigue. I have been asked to respond to your letter.
As you know, the NRC is fully committed to meeting with authorized stakeholders to understand and resolve issues as we develop new guidance and requirements in the field of security.
Although the sensitive nature of the details of security limits public discussion, the NRC staff has met with members of the nuclear industry on numerous occasions in recent months to gain insights and develop more informed recommendations for the Commission. Recent meetings between the NRC staff and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) have occurred on June 3, 2003, to discuss comments on the security force training and fatigue orders; on July 8, August 7-8, and August 20, 2003, to discuss the pilot program on force-on-force exercises; and on September 4, 2003, to discuss current results of vulnerability assessments and mitigating strategies. As of September 2003, the staff has initiated weekly closed meetings with NEI and the licensee representatives to discuss security, contingency, and training and qualification plan changes needed to support compliance with the April 29, 2003, design basis threat order. Later this month, the staff will hold a public meeting to be attended by industry and NEI representatives to discuss a draft order and compensatory measures proposing work-hour limitations on security force personnel to address fatigue with respect to decommissioning reactor and independent spent fuel storage facility licensees. The staff will also meet in closed session with industry and NEI representatives to discuss a draft Order and compensatory measures related to access authorization at the same types of facilities.
The Commission is committed to the continued exchange of information and ideas between the NRC and authorized stakeholders on security topics. To this end, and recognizing the particular significance of enhancements in the area of security, the Chairman established the position of Deputy Executive Director for Homeland Protection and Preparedness to raise the visibility of work in the area of security and bolster the staffs efforts to provide timely, technically sound, and constructive guidance consistent with the Commissions decisions. The NRC has also
established the Nuclear Security Steering Committee whose purpose is to provide advice and counsel to the Director of the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR) on the
J. Colvin development and implementation of enhanced security requirements for NRC-licensed activities.
This Steering Committee is chaired by the Director of NSIR and includes the Deputy Directors from NRCs major programmatic offices, the Deputy General Counsel, and one Deputy Regional Administrator.
The Chairman agrees that meeting with representatives of NEI and the industry to discuss the issues raised in your letter could assist in exchanging valuable information. This is especially appropriate given the Commissions extensive involvement in developing and issuing the Orders on the revised DBT and security force work hour controls, as well as close oversight of the Force-on-Force Exercise Program. A meeting has been scheduled for September 25, 2003, where these issues can be discussed.
Sincerely,
/RA by Michael F. Weber for/
Roy P. Zimmerman, Director Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response Operations cc:
Chairman Nils J. Diaz Commissioner Edward McGaffigan Commissioner Jeffrey S. Merrifield William D. Travers William F. Kane Samuel J. Collins
J. Colvin development and implementation of enhanced security requirements for NRC-licensed activities.
This Steering Committee is chaired by the Director of NSIR and includes the Deputy Directors from NRCs major programmatic offices, the Deputy General Counsel, and one Deputy Regional Administrator.
The Chairman agrees that meeting with representatives of NEI and the industry to discuss the issues raised in your letter could assist in exchanging valuable information. This is especially appropriate given the Commissions extensive involvement in developing and issuing the Orders on the revised DBT and security force work hour controls, as well as close oversight of the Force-on-Force Exercise Program. A meeting has been scheduled for September 25, 2003, where these issues can be discussed.
Sincerely, Roy P. Zimmerman, Director Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response Operations cc:
Chairman Nils J. Diaz Commissioner Edward McGaffigan Commissioner Jeffrey S. Merrifield William D. Travers William F. Kane Samuel J. Collins DISTRIBUTION: G2003052/NSIR-03-0390 PMDA R/F RIDSNsirOd RIDSNsirDns RIDSNsirDiro JCrutchley JShea ADAMS Accession Package: ML032521452 Incoming: ML032470825 Letter: ML032521459 DISTRIBUTION: NSIR R/F
- See previous concurrence DOCUMENT NAME: G:\\.wpd TEMPLATE NO.: EDO-002
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DATE 09/10/03 09/10/03 09/ 12 /03 OFFICE D:NSIR OGC NRR/OD(A)
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DATE 09/12/03 09/ 12 /03 09/ 12 /03 OFC:
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09/17/03 CJP for OFFICIAL RECORD COPY