ML20043C529
| ML20043C529 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Comanche Peak  |
| Issue date: | 03/30/1989 |
| From: | Rosenthal A NRC ATOMIC SAFETY & LICENSING APPEAL PANEL (ASLAP) |
| To: | Carr, Roberts, Zech NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20042D040 | List: |
| References | |
| FOIA-90-6 NUDOCS 9006050295 | |
| Download: ML20043C529 (2) | |
Text
_. _
ce Cle UNITED STATES
'I n
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 5
W ASHIfvGT ON, D. C. 20555
'*,..... /
MAR 3 01999 MEMORANDUM FOR:
Chairman Zech C
issioner Roberts omissioner Carr Comissioner Rogers Comissioner Curtiss FROM:
Judge Alan S. Rosenthal l
SUBJECT:
INQUIRY INTO ALLEGED TRAVEL ABUSE BY NRC EMPLOYEES l-l The attached Memorandum Report documents the results of an Office of Inspector I
and Auditor. (01A) inquiry into an allegation that l
U.S. Nucicar Regulatory Comission (NRC), had accepted transportation on a Louisiana Power and Light Company (LP&L) corpo-rate aircraft from New Orleans, LA, to the Waterford Nuclear Power Plant (Waterford) which is owned and operated by LP&L.
The alleger related that, in opinion, there was an appearance of impropriety on the part of by accepting the transportation.
Conclusions 01A's inquiry did not substantiate the original allegation concerning using a licensee's aircraft to travel between New Orleans, LA, and Waterfora.
However, OIA learned that in April 1986 accompanied Texas Utilities Generating Company -
l (TUGCO), in a TUGC0 owned airplane from Dallas /Ft. Worth Airport (DFW) to the l-vicinity (of Granbury, TX, the location of TUGCO's Comanche Pea l-Station ComanchePeak). Upon landing in Granbury, TX, h aveled with to Comanche Peak in ground transportation provided by TUGCO. The return trip to DFW Airport was completed in the same The purpose of the NRC visit to Comanche Peak was to talk to a group
~
manner.
of TUGC0 employees who were thought to have concerns pertaining to Comanche Peak.
FREEDOM 0F INFORMATION/ PRIVACY ACT EXEMPTION (b)(5)(6)(7)(C)
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O!A's inquiry substantiated that NRC reimbursed TUGC0 for the cost of the air and ground transportation between DFW Airoo_rt and Comanche Peak.
Consequent-ly, there was no violation of the croscriot_ ion in 10 rFR 0.735.a2 concerning the use of free transportation by NRC employees.
However, OlA believes that, in light of the purpose of the trip to Comanche Peak, i.e., to talk to utility employees about concerns they may have had pertaining to Comanche Peak,Tak._
the travel arrangements used by the NRC officials may have created the appen af a loss of comolete independence and impartiality on the part of NRC. 01A believes the Executive Director for Operations, in conjunction wittrthe Office ef the General Counsel, should issue cuidance to the NRC staff concerning when the use of transportation provided by licensees is appropriate.
During its inquiry 01A noted that NRC reimbursed TUGC0 for the cost of the-air and surface transportation between DFW Airport and Comanche Peak.
It appeared, however, that NRC incorrectly calculated the cost to the government for the round trip.
NRC reimbursemen_t_10 TUGCo was based _on the cost for cQ.n.gstr_clal air transportation for the same round trip.
Instead, NRC sfiould
-~-
have reimbursed TUGC0 an amount calculated by pro-rating the actual cost of the trip to TUGC0 among all passengers in the atFp1Rit.
In accordance with the provisions of NRC Manual Chapter 0702-0320, please advise OIA within 30 days from the date of this report what action, if any, was taken on the basis of the report.
{ h I.
Wu Judge Alan S. Rosenthal
Attachment:
As stated cc:
V. Stello, EDO 9
____