ML20029C671
| ML20029C671 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/08/1994 |
| From: | Rogers K NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Brown G, Pell C HOUSE OF REP., SENATE |
| References | |
| CCS, NUDOCS 9404220056 | |
| Download: ML20029C671 (34) | |
Text
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k UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION g
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April 8, 1994 CHAIRMAN The Honorable C':iborne Pell United States Senate Washington, D.C.
20510
Dear Senator Pell:
I am responding to your letter of February 28, 1994, in which you request informatirm -
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) metrication activities.
The annual metrication reports required under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-418) have been included each year in our budget submittal to the Congress. We also have been sending copies of our annual report to the head of the Metric Program at the Department of Commerce.
Copies of these reports, beginning with the first submitted in 1990, are enclosed (Enclosure 1). Answers to your specific questions are also enclosed (Enclosure 2).
The NRC belie /es that its metrication policy statement, which was published in the Federal Register (57 FR 46202) on October 7,1992 (Enclosure 3), addresses your concerns.
In the policy statement, the Commission states that it will:
(1) affirm its wppert and encouragement of the use of the metric system of measurement by the licensed nuclear industry, (2) work with industry and national standards organizations to bring about the use of metric units in standards-setting activities, (3) revise existing regulatory documents as needed to facilitate use of metric units by NRC licensees and license applicants, (4) publish all future regulatory documents such as rules, regulatory guides, and standards in dual units, and (5) revisit the policy in three years from the date of its having taken effect to determine if the policy should be revised.
Further, the NRC's policy is designed to accommodate any licensee who may wish to operate in the motric system of measurement, but it is not intended to interfere with the ability of licensees and applicants to respond to market forces in determining the extent and timing for their use of the metric system of measurement.
Requiring licensees, through rulemaking, to use tb: metric system was considered by the Commission.
However, as no corresponding improvement in the public health and safety would result but costs would be incurred by licensees, the Commission determined that rulemaking to require the use of metric by the licensed nuclear industry would be counter to both the intent of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and the regulatory mission of the NRC.
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This should bring you up to date concerning the NRC's metrication activities.
Should you require any additional information, please contact Eric Beckjord, NRC's Metric Executive, who may be reached on (301) 492-3700.
Sincerely,
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)%wbA Kenneth C. Rogers Acting Chairman
Enclosures:
1.
Annual Metrication Reports 2.
Response to Specific Questions 3.
NRC's Metrication Policy Statement 1
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'o UNITED STATES g
g NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
- K WASHINGTON, D, C. 20555 t
April 8, 1994 CHAIRMAN The Honorable George E. Brown, Jr.
United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
20515
Dear Congressman Brown:
I am responding to your letter of February 28, 1994, in which you request information on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) metrication activities.
The annual metrication reports required under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-418) have been included each year in our budget submittal to the Congress.
We also have been sending copies of our annual report to the head of the Metric Program at the Department of Commerce.
Copies of these reports, beginning with the first submitted in 1990, are enclosed (Enclosure 1). Answers to your specific questions are also enclosed (Enclosure 2).
The NRC believes that its metrication policy statement, which was published in the Federal Reaister (57 FR 46202) on October 7, 1992 (Enclosure 3), addresses your concerns.
In the policy statement, the Commission states that it will:
(1) affirm its support and encouragement of the use of the metric system of measurement by the licensed nuclear industry, (2) work with industry and national standards organizations to bring about the use of metric units in standards-setting activities, (3) revise existing regulatory documents as needed to facilitate use of metric units by NRC licensees and license applicants, (4) publish all future regulatory documents such as rules,
)
regulatory guides, and standards in dual units, and (5) revisit the policy in j
three years from the date of its having taken effect to determine if the i
policy should be revised.
I Further, the NRC's policy is designed to accommodate any licensee who may wish to operate in the metric system of measurement, but it is not intended to interfere with the ability of licensees and applicants to respond to market forces in determining the extent and timing for their use of the metric system
]
of measurement.
Requiring licensees, through rulemaking, to use tha metric system was considered by the Commission. However, as no correspona;ng improvement in the public health and safety noild result but costs would be incurred by licensees, the Commission determineo that rulemaking to require the use of metric by the licensed nuclear industry would be counter to both the intent of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and the regulatory mission of the NRC.
j i
This should bring you up to date concerning NRC's metrication activities.
Should you require any additional information, please contact Eric Beckjord, NRC's Metric Executive, who may be reached on (301) 492-3700.
Sincerely, A.
Kenneth C. Rogers Acting Chairman
Enclosures:
1.
Annual Metrication Reports 2.
Response to Specific Questions 3.
NRC's Metrication Policy Statement q
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i Uolu$$~e" BUDGET ESTIMATES FISCAL YEAR 1991 f
January 1990 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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January 1990 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION This report is in response to Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal government agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
During FY 1989, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Comission has shown its comitment to developing a metrication policy by having participated in both the Interagency Committee on Metric Policy (ICMP) and the Metrication Operating Committee (MOC), and by initiating plans to implement the Act within the NRC t~
the extent practicable.
l Within the NRC, the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) h'as the responsibility to develop, for Comission consideration, a policy statement addressing utilization of the metric system of weights and measures in NRC's activities.
In order to solicit comments from other NRC offices, in March 1989, the Director of RES appointed an ad hoc committee on metrication. The committee had members from representative NRC offices and was tasked with the responsibility to identify those NRC activities which are candidates for metric conversion. The committee investigated a wide range of areas and completed its task in July 1990.
Their findings and recommendations suggested additional actions, some of which have been initiated.
The recommendations included:
1.
Organize a 2-day workshop to solicit coments from those outside NRC; 2.
Organize a meeting between the NRC and other governmental agencies (e.g.
DOE and EPA) to discuss the comittee's findings as they affect comon issues and overlapping areas of responsibility, such as high-level waste and advanced reactor activities; 3.
Issue a policy statement regarding the NRC's conversion to the metric system; 4
Develop an implementation plan that includes issuing specific guidance dealing with metric conversion; and, 5.
Establish an oversight committee composed of senior representatives fres HRC program offices to oversee implementation of the metric conversion.
178
2 Some of these activities have already been effected in FY 1990. A standing comittee composed of senior representatives from the NRC program offices was established in October 1989. The coenittee's responsibilities are to: provide guidance for the development of a metrication polic,y statement for NRC; develop an implementation plan; provide oversight of the implementation of metric conversion; and prepare the annual metrication report to Congress.
Another recomendation has been acted on in FY 1990 was the metrication workshop. A "Public Workshop on NRC Conversion to the Metric System" was held on November 14 and 15, 1989 in Baltimore, Maryland. The workshop's purpose was to collect information that will assist the NRC'in developing its policy and potential plans for converting its activities to the metric system. The workshop was attended by approximately 75 representatives of regulated industries, state and local governments, academia, the public, the NRC and other Federal entities. A good deal of information was received on the benefits and disadvantages of metrication in the areas in which the NRC regulates.
The NRC's metrication goals for the remainder of FY 1990 and FY 1991 include collecting additional information from outside the NRC, especially emphasizing the coordination of our work with those agencies having related or overlapping responsibilities. The NRC also hopes to gain a better understanding of other countries' metrication experiences especially in the nuclear area, e.g.,
Canada. ThemaingoalisthedevelopmentoftheNRCmetricationpolicy statement for Comission consideration. Development of an implementation plan will be undertaken after the issuance of the policy statement.
t 179
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BUDGEI ESTIMATES FISCAL YEARS T
1992 -1993 February 1991 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission O
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Report on Metrication December 1990 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION This' report is in response to Public Law 100-418, section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal Government agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
During FY 1990, the NRC continued its commitment to metrication through staff efforts to develop for Commission approval a draft metrication policy implementing the provisions of the act.
In addition, the NRC participated in the activities of both the Interagency Council on Metric Policy and the Metrication Operating Committee.
To facilitate both the development of the draft metrication policy and the Commission review of that draft policy, the staff has been examining the metrication experiences and activities of other countries and industries.
In particular, the staff has contacted the Canadian nuclear industry, its regulators, the developers of the next generation of nuclear power reactors, and other U.S. agencies with related or overlapping responsibilities in the nuclear Contacts were also made with representatives of other industries in the area.
1 U.S. that deal in metric units, including air and rail carriers.
The NRC's major metrication objectives for FY 1991 will be the issuance of the NRC's metrication policy statement and the continued active participation in the Interagency Council on Metric Policy and Metrication Operating Committee.
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NUREG-1100 Voluma 8
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BUDGET ESTIMATES FISCAL YEAR 1993 4
January 1992 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission sk# AEGO l
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Special Supportino Tables January 1992 U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT ON CONGRESS ON METRICATION This report is in response to Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal government agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
During FY 1991, the staff of the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued its committrent to metrication by developing for Commission approval a proposed metrication policy implementing the provisions of the Act.
In i
addition, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission participated in the activities of both the Interagency Council on Metric Policy (ICMP) and the Metrication Operating Committee (MOC).
The N0C's major metrication objectives for FY 1992 will be the Federal Reqister publication during February of the NRC's proposed metrication policy statement for public comment; issuance of metrication guidance to the staff; establishment of the metric system of measurement in procurements, grants, and other business-related activities to the extent practical; and the continued active pa-ticipation in the ICMP and the MDC.
Proposed Statement of Policy to be published in the Federal Register for public comment The NPC supports and encourages the use of the metric system of measurement by the licensed nuclear industry.
In order to facilitate the use of the metric syster by licensees and applicants, beginning September 30, 1992, the NRC will publish all regulatory actions and related documents in dual units.
These include new regulations, major amendments to existing regulations, regulatory guides, and NUREG-series documents. The NRC will modify existing documents and procedures as needed to f acilitate use of the metric system by licensees and applicants.
In addition, the NRC will initiate a program of staff training in
!ne retric system.
- Further, through its participation on national, international, professional, and industry standards organizations and committees and through its work with other industry organizations and groups, the NRC will encourage and further the use of the metric system in formJlating and adopting stancards and policies for the licensed nuclear industry.
However, should the use of any particular system prove to be detrimental to the public health and safety, the Commission will proscribe, by regulation, order, or other appropriate means, the use of that system. In particular, all event reporting and emergency response communications between licensees, the NRC and State and local authorities will be in the English system of measurement.
After 3 years, the kommission will assess the state of metric use by the licensed nuclear industry in tre United States to determine whether this policy should be modified.
Lastly, the NRC will follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation in executing procurements.
i 175
NUREG-1100 Volume 9 BUDGET ESTIMATES FISCAL YEARS 1994-1995 0
e April 1993 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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Soecial Succortina Tables U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION This report is in response to Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal Governm2nt agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
The major metrication activities within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 1992 dealt with (a) assistance to the staff in using the metric system, and (b) the publication of the NRC's metrication policy statement. These activities are further described below:
(a)
In early 1992, the NRC obtained a metric conversion program, METRIC-X for use on all of the NRC's computers. This program allows the staff to make easy, accurate, and consistent metric conversions.
Also, the NRC published and provided copies to all employees of the " Quick Reference Metric Conversion Tables," NRC Form 535.
The tables provide the conversion factors for the types of units used most at the NRC.
(b)
The NRC published its metrication policy statement for comment in the Federal Reaister on February 10, 1992.
After consideration of comments received, the statement was revised and published in the Federal Reaister on October 7, 1992.
The statement notes that "After 3 years, the Commission will assess the state of metric use by the licensed nuclear industry in the United States to determine whether this policy should be modified."
i The NRC's major metrication objective for 1993 will be the on going assessment of the state of metric use by the NRC's licensees and the effectiveness of the NRC's metrication policy.
200
Uolu"$$7 BUDGET ESTIMATES FISCAL YEAR 1995 t
February 1994 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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Special Supportine TaNes
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U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION This report is in response to Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal Government agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
The major metrication activities within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)in 1993 dealt with the ongoing assessment of (a) the state of metric use by the NRC's licensees and (b) the effectiveness of the NRC's metrication policy. NRC's metrication transition, as called for in its policy statement, appears to be working smoothly. In January 1993, the NRC began publishing rulemakings and other regulatory actions in dual units (metric followed parenthetically by inch-pound).
In June 1993, the NRC's Executive Director for Operations responded to a letter from the Honorable John D. Dingell, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce of the United States House of Representatives, addressed to the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)in which Chairman Dingell discussed the application of the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, as amended, and Executive Order 12770," Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs."
The NRC response reiterated its support and encouragement of the use of the metric system of measurement by its licensees, and described its metrication policy.
In October 1993, the NRC's Metric Executive voted affirmative for publication of" Federal Agency Guidance on the Use of the Metric System in Acquisitions." The NRC will adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the General Service Administration's (GSA) metrication program for its own purchases, as the majority of the NRC's purchases for goods are made through the GSA's Federal Supply Schedules.
The NRC's metrication objectives for 1994 will continue to be the ongoing assessment of the state of metric use by the NRC's licensees and the effectiveness of the NRC's metrication policy.
195
~.
JAN 4 1991 Alan H. Whelihan, Chairwan Metrication Operating Committee Metric Progrant Office U.S. Department of Commerce Rm. 4845H Washington, DC 20230
Dear Mr. Whelihan:
Please find enclosed a copy of the "U.S. Nuclear. Regulatory Commission Report to the Congress on Metrication" covering metrication accomplishments of FY 1990 and those planned for FY 1991. As with last year's ' report, this.one 4
will be contained as an appendix in the NRC's annual budget report to the.
Congress.
This report is being provided to you in response to the request made at the October 10, 1990 meeting of the Metrication Operating Committee. Should you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Brian Richter,(301)492-3763.
Sincerely,
/s/
Frank A. Costanzi, Chairnan NRC Metrication Oversight Committee Enclosed:
- As stated Distribution: MEM0 TO MR. WHELIHAN subj-circ-chron Metric rdg file Costanzi Bahadur DiPalo Richter Offe:DRA:RES DRA:RES DRA:RES ESA Name: Richter
- DiPalo*
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Cs f14-Date:12/12/90 12/12/90 12/14/90 1/4/91 0FFICIAL RECORD COPY t
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December 1990 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION This report is in response to Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omn' bus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal Government agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
During FY 1990, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued its commitment to metrication through staff efforts to develop for Commission approval a draft metrication policy implementing the provisions of the Act.
In addition,-the Nuclear Regulatory Commission participated in the activities of both the Interagency Council on Metric Policy (ICMP) and the Metrication OperatingCommittee(MOC).
To facilitate both the development of the draft metrication policy and the Commission review of that draft policy, the staff has been examining the metrication experiences and activities of other countries and industries.
In particular, the staff has contacted the Canadian nuclear industry..its-regulators, the developers of the next generation of nuclear power reactors, and other U.S. agencies with related or overlapping responsibilities in the nuclear area.
Contacts were also made with representatives of other industries in the U.S. that deal in metric units including air and rail carriers.
The NRC's major metrication objectives for FY 1991 will be the issuance of the NRC's metrication policy statement and the continued active participation in the ICMP and M0C.
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JAN ! 4 199; i
Mr. Gary P. Carver, Chairman Metrication Oversight Committee Office of Metrication Programs U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Stds. & Tech.
j Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Dear Mr. Carver:
Please find enclosed a copy of the "U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Report i
to the Congress on Metrication" covering metrication accomplishments of FY 1991 and those planned for FY 1992. As with the previous reports, this one will be contained as an hppendix in the NRC's annual budget report to the Congress. Also enclosed is a floppy disc with the report on it in Word
. Perfect 5.1.
Should you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Brian Richter, (301) 492-3763.
Sincerely,
/
Frank A. Costanzi, Chairman NRC Metrication Oversight Committee
Enclosure:
As stated 1
Distribution: [GCARVER]
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Date:
1//3/92 1/l3/92 1//3/92 0FFICIAL RECORD COPY
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December 1991 U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION 1
This report is in response to the Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal Government agency to report to the Congress onsits metrication activities for i
the preceding year pnd plans for the coming year.
During FY 1991, the staff of the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued its commitment to metrication by developing for Commission approval l
a draft metrication policy implementing the provisions of the Act. The draft policy statement has been sent to the Commission for their comments or consent by December 18, 1991.
In addition, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission j
participated in the activities of both the Interagency Council on Metric Policy (ICMP) and the Metrication Operating Committee (HOC).
i The NRC's major metrication objectives for FY 1992 will be the issuance of the NRC's metrication policy statement; issuance of metrication guidance to the staff; establishment of the metric system of measurement in procurements, grants, and other business-related activities to the extent practical; and the continued active participation in the ICMP and MOC.
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JAN 2 01983 Dr. Gary P. Carver, Chairman Metrication Oversight Committee Office of Metrication Programs U. S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Stds. & Tech.
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Dear Dr. Carver:
Please find enclosed a copy of the "U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Report to the Congress on Metrication" covering metrication accomplishments of FY 1992 and those planned for FY 1993. As with the previous reports, this one will be incorporated as an appendix in the NRC's annual budget report to the Congress.
Also enclosed is a floppy disc containing a Wordperfect 5.1 version of the report.
Should you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Brain Richter, (301) 492-3763.
Sincerely, Frank A. Costanzi, Chairman NRC Metrication Oversight Committee
Enclosure:
As stated Distribution:
RDB:CRA-subj-cir-chron FCostanzi SBahadur SFeld BRichter (CARVER.RI Offc: DRAL B
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December 1992 U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION This report is in response to Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal Government agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
)
The major metrication activities within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 1992 dealt with (a) assistance to the staff in using the metric system, and (b) the publication of the NRC's metrication policy statement.
These activities are further described below.
(a)
In early 1992, the NRC obtained a metric conversion program, NETRIC-X for use on all of the NRC's computers.
This program allows the staff to make easy, accurate, and consistent metric conversions. Also, the NRC published and provided copies to all employees of the " Quick Reference Metric Conversion Tables," NRC form 535. The tables provide the conversion factors for the types of units used most at the NRC.
(b)
The NRC published its metrication policy statement for comment in the Federal Reaister on February 10, 1992. After consideration of comments received, the statement was revised and published in the Federal Reaister on October 7, 1992. The statement notes that "After 3 years, the Commission will assess the state of metric use by the licensed nuclear industry in the United States to determine whether this policy should be modified."
The NRC's major metrication objective for 1993 will be the on going assessment of the state of metric use by the NRC's licensees and the effectiveness of the NRC's metrication policy.
i Dr. Gary Carver, Chair Metrication Oversight Committee Office of Metrication Programs 07 U.S. Department of Commerce
/g National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Dear Dr. Carver:
Please find enclosed a copy of the 'U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Report to the Congress on Metrication," covering metrication accomplishments of FY 1993 and those planned for FY 1994. Ar with previous reports, this one will be contained as an appendix in the NRC's annual budget report to the Congress. Also enclosed is a floppy disc with the report on it in Wordperfect 5.1.
Should you have any questions or need any additional infonsation, please contact Brian Richter, (301) 492-3763.
Sincerely.
Frank A. Costanzi, Chairman l
NRC Metrication Oversight Comittee r
Enclosures:
As stated Distribution: RDB:Rdg/subj Cir/Chron BMorris FCostanzi SBahadur SFeld BRichter g1..
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[ANLRPT. NET]
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December 1993
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U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REPORT TO CONGRESS ON METRICATION This report is in response to Public Law 100-418, Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, which requires each Federal Government agency to report to the Congress on its metrication activities for the preceding year and plans for the coming year.
l The major metrication activities within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 1993 dealt with the ongoing assessment _of (a) the state of metric use by the NRC's licensees and (b) the effectiveness of the NRC's metrication policy. NRC's metrication transition as called for in its policy statement -
appears to be working smoothly.
In January 1993, the NRC began publishing j
rulemakings and other regulatory actions in dual units (metric followed
_i' parenthetically by inch-pound).
In June 1993, the NRC's Executive Director for Operations responded to a i
letter from the Honorable John D. Dingell, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce of the United States House of Representatives, addressed to the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in which Chairman Dingell discussed the application of the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, as mnded, and Executive Order 12770, " Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs." The NRC response reiterated its support and encouragement of the use of the metric system of measurement by its licensees, and described its metrication policy statement.
In October 1993, the NRC's Metric Executive voted affirmative for publication of " Federal Agency Guidance on the Use of the Metric System in Acquisitions."
The NRC will adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the General Service Administration's (GSA) metrication program for its own purchases, as the majority of the NRC's purchases for goods are made through the GSA's Federal Supply Schedules.
The NRC's metrication objectives for 1994 will continue to be the ongoing assessment of the state of metric use by the NRC's licensees and the effectiveness of the NRC's metrication policy.
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DUESTION 1.
Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of
'1988 (P.L. 100-418) required Federal agencies to complete metric conversion activities "by a date certain and to the extent economically feasible by the end of the fiscal year 1992." Has the Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed metric conversion activities? If not, what is your target j
.i date for completion of metric conversion activities?
ANSWER The NRC has completed its metric conversion activities and is monitoring the use of the metric system by the licensed nuclear industry.
The NRC will determine whether this policy should be modified in the fall of 1995 as i
discussed in the. policy statement.
f
OVESTION 2.
P.L. 100-418 clearly states that "each agency of the Federal Government shall establish guidelines" to carry out the policy set to achieve, to the extent feasible, metric -
conversion.
Please describe your progress in developing and implementing guidelines for carrying out metric conversion policies and supply a copy of all relevant guidelines.
ANSWER The NRC's guidelines are in place, in the form of a policy published in the Federal Register (57 FR 46202) on October 7, 1992.
It covers NRC's metrication activities in the encouragement of industry metrication, work with standards-setting groups, monitoring licensees, and publishing documents, l
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DUESTION 3.
P.L. 100-418 requires Federal agencies to " seek out ways to increase understanding of the metric system of measurement through educational information and guidance and in Government publications." Please describe your agency's efforts to disseminate educational information on the metric system.
To what extent are metric units used in your publications?
ANSWER The NRC has designed and distributed to all employees its " Quick Reference Metric Conversion Tables" (Attachment 1).
The NRC also has obtained the Metric-X software conversion program and has made it available for use by all NRC employees, including those in the regions, through the NRC's Local Area Networks.
Further, as discussed in the policy statement, the NRC will encourage and further the use of the metric system in formulating and adopting standards and policies for the licensed nuclear industry through NRC's participation in national, international, professional, and industry standards organizations and committees and through its work with other industry organizations and groups.
j l
With respect to publications, the NRC has been publishing regulatory documents in dual units to facilitate the use of the metric system by licensees and applicants since January 7, 1993.
These documents include new regulations, major amendments to existing regulations, regulatory guides, NUREG-series documents, policy statements, information notices, generic letters, bulletins, and all written communications directed to the public. Documents specific to a licensee, such as inspection reports and docketed material dealing with a particular license, will be in the system of units employed by the licensee.
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OVESTION 4.
Executive Order 12770, #etric Usage in federal Government Programs, requires each Government agency to formulate and implement a metric transition plan.
Such a plan should specify the total scope of the metric transition task for your agency, including firm dates for all metric accomplish-ment milestones.
Please describe the progress the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has made in formulating and implementing a metric transition plan and submit a copy of your most recent plan.
If no plan currently, exists, when will such a plan be forthcoming?
ANSWER Again, the agency's October 3, 1992 policy statement discusses the NRC's commitment to accommodate licensees and applicants who wish to use the metric 1 of measurement and the NRC's promotion of metric through its involvement in standards organizations.
i
.i
i J
QUESTION 5.
Please describe the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's plans or specific initiatives to enhance cooperation with industry, especially small business, as it voluntarily converts to the i
metric system.
l ANSWXE As discussed throughout this response and in the October 3, 1992 policy statement, the NRC expresses its support and encouragement for use of the i
metric system of measurement by the licensed nuclear industry, and the NRC will work with industry and national standards organizations to bring i
about use of metric units in their respective activities.
j i
6202 Federal Register / Vol. 57. No.195 / Wedn:sday, October 7.1992 / Notiers Enclosure 3 epplicants,is designtd ta ellow them to i
respond to m:rkst forces in detarmining the extent and timing for their use of the metric system of measurement.%e policy also affects the NRC in that the NRC will adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the Ceneral Services Ariministration (CSA) metrication program for its own purchases.The policy affums that use of the metric system of measurement by Commisalon licensees is in accordance with protection of the public health and
- safety, ansertvt DATE: October 7,1992.
Acosis**** Documents reierenced in this policy statement are available for inspection in the NRC Public Document Room, 2120 L Street, NW. (lower level).
Washington, DC between 7:45 am and 4:15 pm.
FOst PUFTHER INPOfte4AT100d C0$(TACT:
Dr. Frank A. Costanzi. Chairman, NRC Metrication Oversight Committee. U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Washington. DC 20555, telephone: (301) 492-3700.
SUPPt.En8EffTARY 88sPOfts4AT104:
Background
On August 10,1988. Congress passed the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (the Act). (19 USC 2001 et seq.), which amended the Metne Conversion Act of1975,(15 USC 2054 et seq.). Section 5164 of the Act (15 USC 205a) designates the metric system as the prefsned system of weights and measures for United Statcs trade and commerce.Re Act also requires that all Federal agencies convert to the metnc system of measurement in thea procurements, grants, and other business-related activities by the end of fiscalyear(PY).1992 except to the extent that such use is impractical or is likely to cause significant inefiiciencies or loss of n'arkets to United States furs such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products m non metric units. " (section 5614(b)(211 Summary of Public Comments Conversion to the Metric System In response to the Act, the NRC aotMcy: Nuclear Regulatory published a metrication pobey atatement Commission.
for comment in the Federal Register on ACTIOGC policy stst'ement.
Febnzary 10.1992 (57 FR 4891). As a result, comments were provided by sueensAsty:%e Nuclear Regulatory twelve responders, including five po=,r Commission (NRC) is issuing its policy reactor licensees, three standards on toetrication.This action is in organizations, one comment each from a response to the Omnibus Trade and reactor vendor, a materials beensee the Competitiveness Act of 1988. Executive Nuclear Management and Resourore Order 12770 of July 25,1991, as well as Council (NUMARC), and a joint lener concerns of certain NRC licensees and submitted by three individuals All other interested parties. De policy, commenters supported the policy which affects the NRC's licensees and However, the materials licensee stransiy I h
. tg ;
- ,e
- u. y w--
Federal RegInter / WL R. No.185 /.Wed-L y. Oct:ber 7,1902 / Notices dans i
advocated rulen: king to require heemeces to use the metric system of muld demonstrate that the action meesurement.ne analysis of b provided a safety or other benef t to provide more or all ofits technie.at commensurate with the met.ne NRC literature and standards in metric (SI advantages and diasdvantages of a does not believe that to be the case, and units and that the decision wn! be policy statement versus a rut-hg again believes that the market forces are heav0y innuenced by the desires of 1 was presented in the Federal Regista:
notice issuing the draft policy statement the best guides for this type of action, users ofits standards, such as the NRC for comment.%e basis of the NRC's A tax incentive for licensees and electric utnityindustry.
position was that no corresponding converting to the metric system before None of the standards organhations commented on the availability of improvement in the public health and the year 2000 w e also suggested by hardware.
safety would result, but costs would be these individuals.%1s recommendation incuned without benefit,if metrication is not possible for the NRC to pursue ANSI did not rapond and when contacted by telephone indicated that it because the NRC does not have taxing did not intend to comment.
were inade mandatory by a rulemaking.
authority.
%e commenter's argument was not persuasive, and the NRC continues to Lastly, the commenters suggested that For clarity, the Commission has i
believe that rulemaking is not the NRC make grants avaHable o decided to hat which documents will be appropriate at this time, parties requiring financial help and who pubhshed in dual units.nese NUMARC argued that because most choose to voluntardy convert to the documents include new regulations, of the analytical codes, references, and metric system. ne NRC's grants are major amendments to regulations, resource data, as weD as standards for research and development related and regulatory guides.NUREG eeries are meant to focus on new and documents, policy statements, component thes (Le., pipe sizes, improved technologies.%e NRC information notices, generic letters, fasteners, etc.) still generaUy use the English system in this courrtry, the believes conversion to matric is marketbulletins, and aH written primary units shown in regulatory driven, and use of grant funds for this cocamunications directed to the public.
documents presenting dual units abould purpose is not in keeping with the spirit..,-.
Reduction Act Statement be the measurement system in which the of either the NRC program or this action.
Afs policy statement contains no parameter was derived. with the Upon publication of the dritft poucy information couection requirements and, secondary unit clearly labeled and statement, the NRC sought enemat abown parenthetically.Three of the from several orgonhations involved in therefore,la not subject to the utilities commenting endorsed the developing national canaenaas requirements of the Paperwork NUMARC letter, liowever, b standards Specifically, the NRC Reduction Act of1980 (44 U.S.C. 3st et seq.).
inquired as to the impact of metrication Commission believes that b Engliah on NRC reguletkms as it relates to Statarnarzt Woucy unf ta should be provided in brackets National and International Standards,
%e NRC supports and encoursges the after b use of the International System 1~1-tW the extent to whidi sufBcient of Units been man (ST) since the 51 system hasguidancela presently ava8able to use of b metric systhm of measurement dated by Congrese to be the prefened system of weights and licensees and proepective appBeants cm by licensed nuclear industry. In order to measures for U.S. trede and Commerce the selectiosr of ametric equivalents of faciittste the use of the metric system by A letter submitted by three comanon mech =*=1 and elecideal Ucensees and applicanta, begmnina comt-te that have safety < elated January 7.1985, the NRC will publish the individuals also supported b policy functions. Letters were sent to the foHowing documents in dual units New statement. While they supported b American Na tional Standards lastitute regulations, major amendments to statement, they caDed for strong (ANSO, the American Society for
. NUREG.eeries docenents, policy existing regulations, regulatory guides.
incentives such as licensing of "new"ma W aB future American Society of(: h8 Testing and Materials AS3f), the statainents, information not2cas, generic appDcants in the industry to be in metric. For b NRC to Engineers (ASME), and the institste of lettars, bulletins, med all written require this type of action. it would need Electrical and Electronics Pn@mers, Inc. Docume commmasticos directed to the public.
to show that the twneDt of the action, (IEEE).
such as the reduction of nsk or irnprovement h administrative ASME and [EEE ree.panded that they as inspectico reports and dociated efficiency, would outweigh its costa. The supported the pohcy. Although ASTN matedal dealing with a particviar NRC believes that his activity is best noted that it could not schedule the license, wfIl be in the system of ernts appropriate committees to meet and employed by the bcensee. ~nus promect determined by the t.sarket forces, and disense the NRC's policy until after the documents applicable to all hcanseas, or reflects a general approach that only not by the NRC reqmrMg the action, especially if the action is not inf tiated in comment pedod expired, the ASTM to alllicensees of a given type m wtuch indkated that it requires the inclusion of a licensee may operste in the metric i
response to an issue ineobring pobtfc metric (SI) units in all 9,000 ASn(
health and safety. neee commenters standards, allowing the technical system will contain dual uni'.s.
also asked that any new self-supportmg committees to decide whether SI or otherwise Engush or metric uuta abe units at existing plants be Ucensed only English units are the prefened unit of are permissible. In dual unit documents, in the metric system. Ilowever, even if the first unit presented will be in the the self supporting unit were designed measurerneut used to the committee's and built in metric, the emergency document. If both units of measurement laternstional System of Units with the response activity le station-wide and, are need in the document, the orderin English unit shown in bracLetaMr therefore, must be in Enghsh units.
which they appear is determined by the NRC will modify existing docuseents These individuals also suggested that committa preparing the document, and procedures as needed to fadlita to use of the metic system by licensees the NRC only grant licenses to parties ne IEEn' stated that its policyls to and applicanta. In addition, the *dtC operating in metric after the year 2000.
provide teciecallitersture and will provids staff training as needed standards in the measurement system Purther, through its particfpa tece la Again, this type of requirement could that the indsstry requires. Pmtber, the na tional, interna tional, profes sional, and ordy be acoomplished by the NRC ifit IEEE stated thet it is studying the need industry standanis organizations and
46204 FederJ-Registar / Vol. 57, No.195 / Wednesday October 7, IE32 / Notices committees and through its won wf'la Rule Sc-6 continues exemptive relief
=
other industry organizations and gmups. received by Commission order to certain Executive Office Bui the NRC will encourage and further the use of the metric system in formulating investment companies that respond to Washington, DC 20503, and adopting standards and policies fot Revenue' Ruling 81-225 by orgaMring Dated. September 21,1992.
the licensed nuclear indus try. liowever, new companies and substituting them wg should the NRC conclude that the use of for existing companies without prior DePurySecretary.
any particular system of rnessurement Commission approval. Allof the be detrimental to the public health and respondents, together, incur an lFR Doc. s244279 Pued 104-02. 8 45 amj same coot smew safety, the qpmrnisalon will pmscribe.
estimated one burden bour annually complying with the rule.
by regulation, order, or other appmpriate means, the use of that Rule 10f4 permits, under certain I*'"*
- N D N d conditions, purchases of securities from ManagemM and W systent in particular all event repordng underwriting syndicates whose sad emergency respo,nse coramunications between licensees, the members include aff111sted persons of Agency Clearance Officer Kenneth A.
NRC, and State and local authorities the purthasing investment company.
Fogash,902) us4142.
will be in the English system of Each of the 800 respondents spends Upon Written Raquest Copy Available about two hours per year complying From: Securities and Exchange snessurement. After 3 years, the with the rule.
Commission will assess the state of C M a h h of N 5 metric use by the licensed nuclear Rule 17F1 furthers the objective set Information and Consumer Services.
industry in the United States to forth in section 17{l) of the 1940 Act 460 Fifth St. NW, Washington. DC determine whether this policy should be which makes it unlawful for any 20549.
mMified. !,astly, the NRC will follow the affihated person of a registered Feceral Acquisition Regulation and the investment company to engage in New Collection; Revisions of Curantly Appenved r Aut-f GeneralServices Administration certain types of fraudulent practices.
metricatloc program in executing
%e rule requires that companies adopt Form SB-1, File No. 2%374 codes of ethics designed to prevent such Form Sik2. File No. 2%3e6 i
procurements.
fraudulent practices ne 4.612 Form S-2. File No. 270-60 Dated at Rockville. Maryland this 30th dayr
" pen d W an maw of September 1981 six bours annually complying with the h M N h NW Regulation A. File No. 2%110 For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
1 rule.
gg Itule 1(c) and Form USS implement Form to-SB, File No. 270-367 5"'"'F 'N#""S**i" section 14 of the Act. and aquire Form to-KSB, File No. 270468
[FR Doc 9244312 FUed 104-42; a45 am]
registered peblic utility holdmg Fota 10-QSB, File No. 2%3a0
- CCot ***M companlee in file such annual and other Form &K, File No. 2%50 t
periodic and special reports as the
__._.m Commission may presaibe to keep to the ork Re A cb SECURTTIES AND EXCHANGE pfance wit (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities i
COMMM co b tan provisions and Exchange Commission has 1
of that Act Each of the 14 respondents submitted for OMB approval Form SB-1.
1 Rpts W Rh h N M annnay incurs an estimated 8.46 a form to register securities for sale y
1 Managemettt and Budget burd 1
ours to comply with this under the Securities Act of 1933 and for Agency Clearance Officer Kenneth A.
ne rules tmder 17 CFR part 257 revisions of currently approved F
Fogash. (202) 272-2142.
Upon written request copies available implement sections of the Act that e llections in Forma SB-2. S-2. and S-4.
forms to mgister securidea for sale e
from: Secunties and Exchange require registered holdmg companies under the Securities Act. Regulation A Commission. Office of Fdmgs.
and their subeldiary service companies an exemptica fmm the ngistration I
Information and Cortsumer Services, to preserve records for periods specified requirements of the Securities Act of 3
450 Fifth Street. NW., Washington, DC by Commission rule. ne 14 I
1933 and Forms 10-SB.10-KSB.1&QSD recordkeepers, together incur about one and FK for registration of a class of 20549.
J p*
annual burden hour to comply with securities, annual quarterly and I
requirements.
L Rule oc-6. File No. 2%100 The estimated everage burden bours periodic reporting respectively, under Rule 10f-3, File No. 2%237 are made solely for the purposes of the the Securities Exchange Act of1934. De Rule 17F1. File No. 2%239 Paperwork Reduction Act, and are not new form and revisions to existing g
foes constitute changes to the g
Rule 1(c). Form U5S. File No. 2%188derived frorn a comprehensive or even a integrated registration and reportin p part 257. File No. 2'D-252 representative survey or stud Notice is hereby g;ven that punuant costs of SEC rules and forms.y of the system for small business issuers; g to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 Direct general comments to Gary revisions to other collections are a result
'44 USC. 3501 et seg ), the Securities Waxman at the address below. Dtrect of the use of this new system.
Each of the estimated 250 respondents If snd Exchange Commission has any comments concerning the accuracy using Form SB-t incurs an average s
eobmitted for extension of OMB of the estimated average burden hours ipproval Rules oo-6,10f-3, and 17F1 for cornpliance with Securities and estimated 700 burden hours to comply S
mder the Investment Company Act of Exchange Conunission rules and forms with the Foem requirements.
O 940 (1940 Act). Also submitted for to Kenneth A. Fogash Deputy Executive Each of the 159 respondents using A
stension of OMD approvalla Rule 1(c).
Director. Securities and Exchange Form SB-2 incurs an average 925 burden R
'orm USS and part 157 unde-the Pubbc Commission, 450 Fifth Street. NW.,
hours to comply with the Form 4
requirements.
s f tility liolding Company Act of 1935 Washington, DC 20549, and Gary ActL Waxman. Clearance Officer. Office of Each of the 64 respondents usin6 em F
Management and Dudget. New S-2 incurs an average $00 burden hours 3
to cotnply with the Fortn requirements 33 i
Congress of the Enitch fptates Mlashington, DC 20515 February 28,1994 h!r. Ivan Selin Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20852
Dear Air. Selin:
As you know, section 5164 of the Omnibus Tmde and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P.L.
100-418) requires each Federal agency to "use the metric system of measurement in its procurements. gants, and other business-related activities, except to the extent that such use is impmetical or is likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms, such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products in non metric units.",
Furthermore, the law clearly states (15 U.S.C. 6 205a et seq.) that each agency "shall report to the Congress on the actions which it has taken during the previous fiscal year, as well as the i
actions which it plans for the fiscal year involved, to implement fully the metric system of measurement.
The provision became law because of a growing awareness that the failure of the U.S.
cconomy to adopt the international standard measurement system was increasingly huning the United States in international trade. As Congressional sponsorsof metric legislaiton and as Chainnen of Committees with legislative responsibility to assure that laws regarding the metric system of measurement are being implemented, we would appreciate your cooperation in this endeavor.
It is our understanding that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has never submitted a metric conversion rrport. If this understanding is correct, please state why you have not submitted a metric conversion report, and specify when such a report will be forthcoming.
Please respond to the following additional questions, in order that the Congress can properly monito; your agency's progress towards implementing the metric conversion law:
Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P.L.100-418) required Fedeml agencies to complete metric conversion activities "by a date certain and to the extent economically feasible by the end of the fiscal year 1992." Has the Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed metric conversion activities? If not, what is your target date for completion of metric conversion activities?
Mr. Ivan Selin February 28,1994 j
Page 2 P.L.100-418 clearly states that "each agency of the Federal Government shall establish guidelines" to carry out the policy set to achieve, to the extent feasible, metric conversion. Please describe your progress in developing and implementing guidelines for carrying out metric conversion policies and supply a copy of all relevant guidelines.
P.L. 100-418 requires Federal agencies to " seek out ways to increase understanding of the metric system of measurement through educational information and guidance and in Government publications."
Please describe your agency's efforts to disseminate educational information on the metric system. To what extent are metric units used in your publications?
Executive Order 127?0, Metnc Usage in Federal Government Programs, requires each Govemment agency to formulate and implement a metric transition plan. Such a plan should specify the total scope of the metric tmnsition task for your agency, including firm dates for all metric accomplishment milestones. Please describe the progress the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has made in formulating and implementing a metric tmnsition plan and submit a copy of your most recent plan. If no plan currently exists.
when will such a plan be fonhcoming?
Please describe the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's plans or specific initiatives to enhance coopemtion with industry, especially small business, as it voluntarily converts 10 the metric system.
We would appreciate your response to this letter by March 30, 1994. We appreciate your coopemtion in this matter.
Sincerely,
/_
l l C i IBORN PELL GEORGE BROWN, JR.
United States Senate Member of Congress
.