ML20203A908
| ML20203A908 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/26/1998 |
| From: | Travers W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Diaz N, Shirley Ann Jackson, Mcgaffigan E, Merrifield J, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| References | |
| GL-98-01, GL-98-1, NUDOCS 9902100130 | |
| Download: ML20203A908 (5) | |
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WASHINoToN. D.C. 20nM001 October 26, 1998 MEMORANDUM TO:
Chairman Jackson Commissioner Diaz Commissioner McGaffigan
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Cornissioner Merrifield r hk\\/m FROM:
William D. Travers Executive Director for Operatioris
SUBJECT:
STATUS OF Y2K PROGRAMS AT NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS The following is provided in order to update the Commission on the status of nuclear power plant licensee Y2K readiness programs based on information obtained by the staff since the previous status memorandum dated September 22,1998, in late September 1998, the staff began the sample audits of licensee Y2K programs. The staff has scheduled 12 audits, with at least one hold point, in which the staff will assess what has been learned to date. This review will also determine the extent to which further audits will be needed, and whether the scope remains sufficient. If we complete all 12 audits, they will continue through January 1999.
The first audit was completed on September 18,1998, at the Monticello plant and the audit report was issued on October 2,1998, and is available to the public on the NRC externalinternet website. In the near future, the staff expects to issue the audit reports for the second and third audits which were conducted at the Seabrook and Brunswick plants during the weeks of September 28,1998 and October 5,1998, respectively. The staff noted that Northern States Power, the Monticello licensee, began their Y2K program at Monticello in June 1998, which is somewhat later than virtually all other licensees.
Despite the late start, they appear to be able to achieve readiness per the Generic Letter (GL) 98-01 guidance based on limited computer use at the plant and assistance from the BWR Owners Group and a utility alliance. The staff has noted the following general observations from the audits to date:
1.
The guidance in NEl/NUSMG 97-07 as endorsed in GL 98-01 results in an effective O
Y2K readiness program.
2.
Management oversight and commitment in all aspects of the progrem is important to pOg the success'of the Y2K readiness efforts.
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There is limited use of computers in mission critical (those essential to safety and continued operation) nuclear power plant systems.
4.
Contingency planning efforts have barely begun but licensees are committed to the guidance in NE!/NUSMG 98-07 for this effort.
5.
Sharing of infonnation via owners groups and utility alliances is aiding licensees in their efforts.
6.
Licensees should ensure that the Y2K readiness program at the plant interfaces properly with the corporate level program.
The above observations and others resulting from the audits will be used by the staff to determine the need for additional generic action beyond that already taken on the Y2K problem.
From October 7 through 9,1998, members of the staff attended the semiannual Nuclear Utilities Software Management Group workshop and syr.1posium on Y2K Readiness in Nuclear Power Plants in Wilmington, NC. Most licensees were represented at the workshop and symposium. The workshop consisted of sessions on various specific Y2K readiness program topics including the detailed assessment process, embedded chip identification and susceptibility testing, and contingency planning. The staff presented information on the conduct of the Y2K readir,ess program audits and observations to date.
At the symposium, members of various organizations with broader Y2K problem responsibilities made presentations on their activities and perspectives on the issue. These included presentations by NRC, DOE, NERC, NEl, Nucleer Utility Owners Groups, and regional electric Orid reliability councils.
In addition to the above licensee Y2K readiness program oversight and interaction activities, in October 1998, the staff completed a draft of the proposed agency contingency plan describing those efforts the staff has developed to address potential unanticipated situations that may arise from Y2K problems at licensee facilities on January 1,2000. The draft plan is currently receiving coordination between the various offices involved and will be provided to the Commission later this quarter.
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l 3-l The staff has also agreed to participate in an NEl sponsored workshop on the Y2K problem i
- in Atlanta, GA on December 9 and 10,1998. This workshop will provide a forum for the staff and licensees to share information on the results of the audits to that time, plant specific issues arising from Y2K program implementation, and questions licensees may
'have concerning the second GL 98-01 response due by July 1,1999, i
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The staff has also agreed to participate in an NEl sponsored workshop on the Y2K problem in' Atlanta, GA on December 9 and 10,.1998. This workshop will provide a forum for the staff and licensees to share information on the results of the auze to that time, plant specific issues arising from Y2K program implementation, and questions licensees may E
have concerning the second GL 98-01 response due by July 1,1999.
'cc: SECY' OGC OCA OPA CFO CIO DISTRIBUTION:
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HICB Reading File HLThompson, 0-17G21 THiltz,0-16E15 l
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DOCUMENT NAME: MEMOY2K.COM (98-111) l>
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5.
Sharing of information via own rs groups and utility allianc:s is aiding lictnsses in their efforts.
6.
Licensees should ensure that the Y2K readiness program at the plant interfaces properly with the corporate level program.
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The above observations and others resulting from the audits will be used byfth'e staff to determine the need for additional generic action beyond that already t$pn on the Y2K problem.
j/
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From October 7 through 9,1998, members of the staff attended the semiannual NUSMG workshop and symposium on Y2K Readiness in Nuclear PopIr Plants in Wilmington, NC.
Most licensees were represented at the workshop and symposium. The workshop consisted of sessions on various specific Y2K readiness program topics including the detailed assessment process, embedded chip identiff' cation and susceptibility testing, and contingency planning. The staff presented info,rMation on the conduct of the Y2K readiness program audits and observations to,,date. At the symposium, members of various organizations with broader Y2K problem responsibilities made prasentations on their activities and perspectives on the issue.jThese included presentations by NRC, DOE, q
NERC, NEl, Nuclear Utility Owners Groups, and regional electric grid reliability councils.
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In addition to the above licensee Y,2'K readiness program oversight and interaction activities, in October 1998, the st'aff completed a draft of the proposed agency contingency plan describing th,ose efforts the staff has developed to address potential unanticipated situations that rnay arise from Y2K problems at licensee facilities on January 1,2000. The draft plan is currently receiving coordination between the various offices involved and will be provided to the Commission later this quarter.
The staff has also agre' d to participate in an NEl sponsored workshop on the Y2K problem in Atlanta, GA on D.ecember 9 and 10,1998. This workshop will provide a forum for the staff and licensee,s'to share information on the results of the audits to that time, plant
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specific issues arising from Y2K program implementation, and questions licensees may have concerning' the second GL 98-01 response due by July 1,1999.
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[ HICB Reading File HLThompson, 0-17G21
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EHayden, 0-2A13
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MChiramal, O-8H3 i
DOdOMENT NAME: MEMOY2K.COM (98-111)
To receive e copy of this document, Indicate in the box:
"C" = Copy without attachment / enclosure "E" = Copy with attachment / enclosure "N" = No copy OFFICE BC:H{pB:D,RCH
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NAME JWerrhi'dt' RLSpfedsard BSheron SCollins WTravers DATE 10//f/38 10/$/98 10/ /98 10/ /98 10/ /98 OFFICIAL RECORD COPYf f I,'
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