ML091671554

Letter from M. Grasmeder, May 2009, Re New Technology by Cassantec Ltd

ML091671554
Person / Time
Site:	Oyster Creek
Issue date:	06/16/2009
From:	Bellamy R NRC/RGN-I/DRP/PB6
To:	Grasmeder H - No Known Affiliation
BELLAMY rr
References
Download: ML091671554 (2)

Text

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION I 475 ALLENDALE ROAD KING OF PRUSSIA, PA 19406-1415 June 16, 2009 Mr. Martin Grasmeder 1072 Jennifer Lane Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Dear Mr. Grasmeder:

I am responding to a letter you wrote to Mr. David Lew of the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) office in King of Prussia, PA on May 29, pertaining to the use of a new technology being introduced by Cassantec Ltd. for monitoring critical equipment and the aging of plant systems in European nuclear power plants (NPPs). In your letter, you expressed concern about Exelons lack of willingness to consider this technology and indicated that they would only react to an NRC directive. You also asserted that Cassantec Ltd. should be given the opportunity to present this technology to the NRC to assist in our aging management programs and other safety evaluation reporting.

You should be aware that the NRC is responsible for ensuring that NPP operation does not pose an undue risk to public health and safety. We do that, in part, by ensuring that NPP licensees comply with stringent NRCs regulations. These requirements provide standards that all licensees must meet. We do not regulate how they meet these standards or how far above these standards they operate. The technology you propose falls into this category. Licensees are free to chose, procure, and manage the use of technology to meet our requirements in any manner they see fit. It would be inappropriate for NRC to mandate the use or non-use of a given technology or vendor. Therefore, we plan to take no further action on this aspect of your letter.

Regarding your request that Cassantec Ltd. be given an opportunity to present this technology to the NRC, we have forwarded this information and your contact information to the regional Branch Chief responsible for NPP License Renewal, who also oversees the review of aging management programs used by various licensees. If there is any interest on his part, he may contact you directly.

I trust this response has addressed your concerns. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact me at (610) 337-5200.

Sincerely,

/RA by G. Scott Barber Acting For/

Ronald Bellamy. Chief Projects Branch 6 Division of Reactor Projects

M. Grasmeder 2 Mr. Martin Grasmeder 1072 Jennifer Lane Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Dear Mr. Grasmeder:

I am responding to a letter you wrote to David Lew of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) office in King of Prussia, PA on May 29th pertaining to the use of a new technology being introduced by Cassantec Ltd. for monitoring critical equipment and the aging of plant systems in European nuclear power plants (NPPs). In your letter, you expressed concern about Exelons lack of willingness to consider this technology and indicated that they would only react to an NRC directive. You also asserted that Cassantec Ltd. should be given the opportunity to present this technology to the NRC to assist in our aging management programs and other safety evaluation reporting.

You should be aware that the NRC is responsible for ensuring that NPP operation does not pose an undue risk to public health and safety. We do that, in part, by ensuring that NPP licensees comply with stringent NRCs regulations. These requirements provide standards that all licensees must meet. We do not regulate how they meet these standards or how far above these standards they operate. The technology you propose falls into this category. Licensees are free to chose, procure, and manage the use of technology to meet our requirements in any manner they see fit. It would be inappropriate for NRC to mandate the use or non-use of a given technology or vendor. Therefore, we plan to take no further action on this aspect of your letter.

Regarding your request that Cassantec Ltd. be given an opportunity to present this technology to the NRC, we have forwarded this information and your contact information to the regional Branch Chief responsible for NPP License Renewal, who also oversees the review of aging management programs used by various licensees. If there is any interest on his part, he may contact you directly.

I trust this response has addressed your concerns. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact me at (610) 337-5200.

Sincerely,

/RA by G. Scott Barber Acting for/

Ronald Bellamy. Chief Projects Branch 6 Division of Reactor Projects SUNSI Review Complete: SB__ (Reviewer=s Initials) Letter: ML091671554 Attachments: ML091671161 DOCUMENT NAME: G:\DRP\BRANCH6\LETTER TO MARTIN GRASMEDER.DOC After declaring this document AAn Official Agency Record@ it will be released to the Public.

To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box: "C" = Copy without attachment/enclosure "E" = Copy with attachment/enclosure "N" = No copy OFFICE RI/DRP RI/ORA RI/DRP NAME SBarber /SB RBarkley/ RB RBellamy /GSB for DATE 06/16/09 06/16 /09 06/16 /09 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY