ML20206K506

Discusses Closure of OI Investigation 4-1998-04 Re Southern California Edison Led Joint Util Audit of Inst of Nuclear Power Operations Fitness for Duty & Access Authorization Programs.Synopsis from Subj Rept Encl

ML20206K506
Person / Time
Site:	San Onofre
Issue date:	04/30/1999
From:	Brockman K NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
To:	Ray H SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO.
References
NUDOCS 9905130183
Download: ML20206K506 (3)

Text

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/"'4c, UNITED STATES p *; NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

,E REGION IV 611 RYAN PLAZA DHIVE, sulTE 400 yj ARUNGToN, TEXAS 76011-8064 April 30, 1999 i

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l Harold B. Ray, Executive Vice President Southern California Edison Co.

n Onofre Nuclear Generating StfhptlC DOCUMENT ROOM

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San Clemente, California 92674-0128 99 MAY -o N O :48

SUBJECT:

CLOSURE OF INVESTIGATION (Ol 4-1998-041)

Dear Mr. Ray:

This letter is in reference to an investigation conducted by the NRC Office of Investigations (01) regarding a Southern Califomia Edison (SCE) led joint utility audit of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) Fitness for Duty (FFD) and Access Authorization (AA) Programs.

The Ol investigation was initiated in response to a concern that t' e audit team leader, an I employee of SCE, was coerced into removing an effectiveness statement from the audit report.

Based on the evidence developed during the investigation,01 did not substantiate that the audit team leader was coerced by SCE management. However, the evidence indicated that, as a result of apparent pressure exerted by INPO personnel on SCE senior management, the standard practices for documenting audit findings were not followed in this instance. The NRC plans no further action regarding this investigation and considers this case closed. Enclosed for your reference and information is a copy of the synopsis from O! 4-1998-041.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the NRC's " Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter and the l enclosure will be placed in the NRC Public Document Room.

1 Sincerely, l h

Ken E. B h

m , Director Division of Reactor Projects

Enclosure:

As stated Docket Nos.: 50-361 50-362 License Nos.: NPF-10 NPF-15 l

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-SYNOPSIS l

This investigation was initiated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Office of Investigations (OI), Region IV (RIV), )

. on' August 14, 1998, to determine if a joint utility audit team

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leader at Southern California Edison's (SCE) San Onofre Nuclear l Generating Station (SONGS) was coerced into removing an )

effectiveness statement from an audit report issued following the '

team's audit of'the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations' (INPO)

Access Authorization (AA) and Fitness-for-Duty (FFD) programs. '

l Based on the evidence, testimony, and documentation developed i during the investigation, the allegation that an audit team leader was coerced by SCE management was not substantiated. )

I However, the evidence indicates that standard practice was not followed in the processing of this INPO audit report by SCE, as a result of apparent pressure by INPO on SCE senior management.

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2 NOT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE WITHOUT APPROVAL OF FIELD OFFICE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS, REGION IV Case No.. 4-1998-041 1 h