ML20006F207
| ML20006F207 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/06/2020 |
| From: | Michael Lee Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Lee M, NRR, 415-1124 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20006F206 | List: |
| References | |
| Download: ML20006F207 (1) | |
Text
Reactor Oversight Process Enhancement Assessment Area
Background
The NRC staffs suggested enhancements include revising a) how the agency determines when inspection findings and/or performance indicators apply to where a nuclear power plant lands in the NRCs oversight categories (called the Action Matrix); b) how White and Yellow inspection findings are labeled; and c) how the agency notifies State, tribal and local representatives about White findings.
Changes Recommended by NRC Staff Prompt Closure of Greater than Green Findings If approved, greater than green (GTG) inspection findings would be closed once nuclear power plant operators resolve the issue, complete related actions, and the NRC confirms this via follow-up inspections/reviews. This would more efficiently remove GTG inspection findings from the Action Matrix, motivating plant operators to address these issues in a timely fashion.
Ensuring that we Properly Follow-up on Performance Indicators If approved, GTG performance indicators (even if the category returns to Green) would retain their status until corrective actions have been completed and verified as adequate by the 95% NRC. This will ensure plant operators promptly address intermittent issues.
0 100 Re"ning How the Agency Labels Inspection Findings Current Label Proposed Label The NRC staff provided a Nuclear Energy Institute recommendation to the Commission for consideration.
Low to Moderate Safety Low Safety Signi"cance The recommendation would reword White and Yellow Signi"cance inspection finding labels to better clarify the difference in those findings significance.
Substantial Safety Moderate Safety Signi"cance Signi"cance Qualitatively, a White signi"cance indicates an acceptable level of performance by the licensee, but outside the nominal risk range.
Cornerstone objectives are met with minimal reduction in safety High Safety Signi"cance High Safety Signi"cance margin Inspection Manual Chapter 0609, "Significance Determination Process" Modi"cation of Outreach Expectations to State and Local Of"cials If approved, the recommended minor changes to the Current Guidance Proposed Guidance Action Matrix would include clarifying the expectation "Outreach to State, local, and that Column 2 performance results be communicated to "State Governors" Tribal Of"cials based on State, local and tribal officials using existing relationships established protocols" and protocols.
Recommendations that Require Additional Evaluation The staff is considering additional ROP assessment enhancements, including:
Standardizing the process for addressing issues raised in industry communications Increasing the ROPs proactive features Assessment of Cross Cutting Issue Tools and Processes Using the Signi"cance Determination Process for Green Findings