ML20197G391
| ML20197G391 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/24/1984 |
| From: | Dircks W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20197G396 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8405160455 | |
| Download: ML20197G391 (2) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES
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, g. p WASHWGTON, D. C. 20555 gvj APR 2 4 PM MEMORANDUM FOR:
EDO Office Directors Regional Administrators FROM:
William J. Dircks Executive Director for Operations
SUBJECT:
RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO LICENSEES
REFERENCE:
Memo, Dircks to Office Directors and Regional Administrators, " Policy in Regard to Dealing with Those who Provide Information to the NRC," dated January 6,1984 The reference above deals with the general issue of dealing in a prompt and efficient manner with information provided to NRC with due regard for confidentiality of those who provide such infomation.
This memorandum deals with the narrower issue of release of such infomation to licensees / vendors.
In addition to'the need for expeditiously resolving any issue related to safety, recent experience has shown -that considerabler -
resources are being used to deal with allegations for NTOL plants.
The policy set forth in the memo is intended to improve this situation.
Th; principal guidance on this point is that the licensee / vendor should be advised of potential safety concerns raised by allegations as soon as feasible in order that appropriate review and subsequent action can be taken to protect the health and safety.
I expect that once information from allegers is received, and the Office / Region understands the information, that the licensee will be advised specifically by letter of the area of concern and will be requested to address it, subject to further audit by NRC.
However, the anonymity of sources should be protected and the effectiveness of investigations / inspections should not be compromised, i.e.,
premature release should not allow licensees the opportunity to cover up problems or appear to do so.
There are two exceptions to this guidance. The first exception is where we cannot release the information with sufficient detail to be of use to the licensee / vendor without compromising the identity of the confidential source.
In such a case release should normally not be made unless the release is necessary to prevent an imminent threat to the public health and safety.
I should be consulted in any case where it appears a need to release W05JMR5 e a
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_2 the identity of a confidential source. The second exception is where a licensee / vendor could compromise.an investigation or inspection because of knowledge gained from the release of information especially if wrongdoing is involved.
The Regional Administrator for inspections and the Director of the Office of Investigations for investigations should make the decision of whether or not to release the information to avoid compromising NRC action.
I recognize that when a large number of issues are raised at the same time, as has occurred with several plants as they approach issuance of an OL, the difficulties in executing this policy are enhanced.
However, at such a time, the requirement for a licensee to know where his problems lie is also high.
We should concentrate on organizing the process in order to deal with these particular situations.
I am requesting that IE incorporate this policy in an appropriate Manual Chapter.
(Sign:DE.B:n J.Ulmks William J. Dircks Executive Director for Operations DISTRIBUTION VStello/DEDROGR WJDircks/EDO JWRoe/ DEDO PARehm/0EDO GCunningham JLiebeman EDO r/f I
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IATE:4/24/84
- 4/15/84
- 4/
/84
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