ML20154H650

Forwards Rept of NRC Investigation Re Harassment & Intimidation of Authorized Nuclear Inspectors.Investigation Revealed That Four Authorized Operators Were Either Coerced, Pressured,Harassed or Threatened by Mgt.W/O Encl

ML20154H650
Person / Time
Site:	Browns Ferry, Sequoyah, 05000000
Issue date:	09/09/1988
From:	Grimes B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:	Mikesell W AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
References
NUDOCS 8809220086
Download: ML20154H650 (2)

Text

f S:ptcmber 9, 1988 Mr. Walter R. Mikesell, Vice Chairman

• " American Society of Mechanical Engineers 70F MS DOC 33SMG Council on Codes and Standards c/o Robert Cloud and Associates 125 University Avenue Oristel donment not wa11able to :tte Berkley, California 94710 certitied by O.d : w ) 'f% utoa U

Dear Mr. Hikesell:

In response to allegt.tions concerning harassment and intimidation of Authorizad Nuclear Inspectors at TVA plants, the NRC Office of Investigations conducted an extensive investigation to determine if these allegations were substantiated.

The conclusion of the investigation is that four of the nine authorized nuclear inspectors assigned to TVA were either coerced, pressured, harassed, intimi-dated and/or threatened by their management.

This, included one inspector who was directed by his management to accept the disposition of a non-conforming condition which did not meet code requirements.

As you know, the NRC depends to a great extent on the inspectior.s of the authorized nuclear inspectors to ensure that activities covered under the scope of the ASME Code are carried out in an appropriate manner. Activities that have the potential to adversely impact those inspection activities such as harassment or intimidation of inspection personnel are of great concern to the NRC.

In order to protect the integrity of the code inspection system, these activities must also receive priority attention from the ASME.

Enclosed is a copy of the report of the NRC investigation into the issue at TVA.

portions of the report dealing with personal privacy of individuals have been deleted. After the ASME staff responsible for oversight of the authorized nuclear inspector program have reviewed the report, ASME and the NRC should meet to discuss what actinns ASME will take on this issue. A similar letter forwarding the NRC Investagation Report is being forwarded to the National Board of Soiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company for their review and they will be asked to participate in this meeting. Mr. Ec Baker of the NRC staff will be contacting your office to arrange this meeting.

Sincerely, crialcal sisoed by:

Brian K. Grimes, Director Division of Reactor Inspection e809220006 000909 and Safeguards

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Mr. W. R. Mikesell September 9, 1988 cc: Mr. Melvin R. Green Managing Director Codes and Standard Departrnent Arnerican Society of Hechanical Engineers 345 East 47th Street New York, New York 10017 Nr. Donald J. Mcdonald Executive Director National hard of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors 1055 Crupper Avenue Colurnbus, Ohio 43225

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