ML20005F109
| ML20005F109 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/22/1989 |
| From: | Carr K NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Dimeglio A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF TEST, RESEARCH & TRAINING |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20005F110 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9001120297 | |
| Download: ML20005F109 (2) | |
Text
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December 22, 1989 CHAIRMAN Mr. A. Francis DiMeglio Chairman National Organization of Test.
Research, and Training Reactors Dimetor, R.I. Atomic Energy Comission Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center South Ferry Road Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882-1197
Dear Mr. DiMeglio:
I am responding to your letter of November 17, 1989, in which you reouest that the inspection function for rion-power reactors (NPRs) be centralized in the Non-Power Reactor, Decomissioning, and Environmental Project Directorate
.(PDNPRDE), and that the Comission reexamine the issue of operator requalifica-tion programs at NPR facilities.
At your recent TRTR meeting in North Carolina, Comissioner Rogers and members of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Comission (NRC) staff presented details of a plan that was under development to enhance the inspection program for NPRs.
This plan provides for increased headquarters oversight and attention to NPRs and an NPR inspector training program. The inspection function will still be maintained at the regional offices in order to satisfy the need for continuity and expertise in hanaling emergency situations, dealing with State and local i
officials and the media, and being familiar with the facility in the event of an incident.
This plan has been approved by the Commission, with all Comissioners agreeing, i
We believe that the strong leadership role and the significant participation of l-PDNPRDE in the inspection program, in conjunction with inspector training, will I
meet our mutual goal of high-ouclity inspections conducted by knowledgeable individuals. After a sufficient period in which to gain experience with the NPR inspection program, the staff will reassess the program, and if necessary, l
recomend changes to the Comission.
l l
The points you presented regarding NRC-administered operator requalification l
examinations at NPR facilities are similar to those expressed by your two I
predecessors as TRTR Chairman, Dr. Voth and Mr. Raby, in letters to the Com-missioners and NRC staff members.
As indicated in responses to them, we believe long-term licensed persoanel at NPR facilities should participate in requalification programs and should pass an NRC-administered comprehensive requalification examination.
We recognize, however, that the TRTR comunity has special needs and charac-i I
teristics, and the staff has developed a proposal that incorporates the uni-queness of NPRs while still meeting regulatory requirements established in 10 i
CFR Part 55.
In addition, the staff is in the process of centralizing the NPR operator licensing function to provide a focused and knowledgeable corps of examiners, q
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tir. A. Francis DiMeglio 2
4 The staff's plan for proceeding with requalification programs at NPR facilities was discussed at your recent TRTR meeting. A key factor in determining the extent and applicability of the NRC's requalification examination process is the relative risk to the public posed by NPRs. The staff's approach to NPR requalification examinations will parallel the inspection program in this regard.
If subsequent evaluations reveal a significantly lower level of risk associated with NPR operations, then both the inspection and the operator licensing programs will be appropriately modified. The Commission's goal is to ensure that NPR requalification programs are performance based and effective in maintaining the level of operator skills and knowledge, particularly as they apply to areas pertinent to the protection of the public health and safety.
The staff will provide the TRTR community the opportunity to participate in the NPR requalification program development through pilot tests that will be conducted in 1990. An opportunity such as this was provided to the licensees of nuclear power reactors, and the licensees found that participation worked well. The NRC is committed to conducting the NPR requalification program, but recogn12es that it must be executed such that the fiscal and operational burden on NPRs is reasonable.
This necessity underscores the importance of your participating with the staff in developing the program through the pilot tests.
I trust that this response addresses your concerns.
Sincerely,
_a h,
Kenneth M. Carr J