ML20209F716
| ML20209F716 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/29/1999 |
| From: | Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | J. J. Barton, Domenici P, Inhofe J, Packard R HOUSE OF REP., HOUSE OF REP., APPROPRIATIONS, SENATE, SENATE, APPROPRIATIONS, SENATE, ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC WORKS |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20209F722 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9907160114 | |
| Download: ML20209F716 (10) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES
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June 29, 1999 CHARMAN The Honorable James M. Inhofe, Chairman Subcommittee on Clean Air, Wetlands, Private Property and Nuclear Safety Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
4 The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the sixth report which covers the month of May (enclosed).
In my April report, I highlighted the substantial progress that we were making on licensing and regulatory improvement initiatives. The staff continues to make progress on these and other important matters. Work is progressing on several risk-informed technical specification revisions that will maintain safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden at twelve Combustion Engineering designed and seven Babcox & Wilcox designed reactor plants, and the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.
Durir; 'he past month, the staff has conducted meetings with its stakeholder;. b prepare for the commencement of the pilot program for the new reactor licensee oversight process. This oversight process was developed to replace the current reactor inspection, assessment, and enforcement processes. For example, it will replace the Systematic Assessment of Licensee Performance and the Senior Management Meeting processes for assessing licensee performance. In addition, the process adds other improvements to the manner in which the NRC evaluates and responds to reactor licensee performance. The Commission believes that this new assessment and oversight process, when fully implemented following the completion of the piloi program, will maintain safety, enhance public confidence, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.
Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:
approved an ambitious plan to reduce significantly the number of NRC employees with
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top-level security clearances ("O" level clearances) as part of the continuing agency k
emphasis on increased efficiency and effectiveness. This planned reduction will ensure n/
continued safeguarding of sensitive information while at the same time result in potential
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annual savings of $350,000.
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approved the limited first-time use of a new technology -- referred to as the electrosleeve process -- as an alternative repair technique for steam generator tubes at the Callaway plant, operated by AmerUE.
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published a proposed rule that would certify the Westinghouse AP600 plant design.
Final design approval (FDA) of the AP600 was granted in the Fall of 1998. Once certified, a utility that wishes to build and operate a new nuclear power plant could choose to use the design and reference it in an application for a combined operating license under 10 CFR Part 52.
formally notified Secretary Richardson that NRC has completed another milestone in its interactions with the Department of Energy (DOE) program to produce tritium in a commercial light water reactor. The latest milestone was achieved when the Commission approved the staff safety evaluation report on the DOE technical report on a tritium production core.
issued a draft environmentalimpact statement (EIS) on the proposed renewal of the operating licenses for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1,2, and 3. The draft EIS concludes that there are no environmental impacts that would preclude renewal for any of the three Oconee plants.
issued a license amendment approving a plan for the Atlas Corporation to stabilize in place its eranium mill tailings pile near Moab, Utah.
requested public comment through the Federal Reaister on the intent of the NRC to implement revisions to the regulations under the Government in the Sunshine Act.
Unless the Commission takes further action, non-Sunshine Act discussions may be held beginning July 1,1999.
continued completion of licensing actions at a rate greater than NRC Derformance Plan output measures and continued to reduce the licensing action inventory, I have enclosed the May update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.
In addition, I note for your attention that Section IV will be deleted from future reports as a result of the Commission's decision to discontinue the NRC Watch List.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additional information.
Sincerely, UNL
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Enclosures:
- 1. May Monthly Report 2.' Tasking Memorandum cc: Senator Bob Graham 3
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UNITED STATES 7
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20666-0001 e
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June 29, 1999 CHARMAN The Honorable Joe Barton, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Power Committee on Commerce United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the sixth report which covers the month of May (enclosed).
In my April report, I highlighted the substantial progress that we were making on licensing and regulatory improvement initiatives. The staff continues to make progress on these and other important matters. Work is progressing on several risk-informed technical specification revisions that will maintain safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden at twelve Combustion Engineering designed and seven Babcox & Wilcox designed reactor plants, and the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.
During the past month, the staff has conducted meetings with its stakeholders to prepare for the commencemcr.t of the pilot program for the new reactor licensee oversight process. This oversight process was developed to replace the current reactor inspection, assessment, and enforcement processes. For example, it will replace the Systematic Assessment of Licensee Performance and the Senior Management Meeting processes for assessing licensee performance. In addition, the process adds other improvements to the manner in which the NRC evaluates and responds to reactor licensee performance. The Commission believes that this new assessment and oversight process, when fully implemented following the completion of the pilot program, will maintain safety, enhance public confidence, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.
Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:
approved an ambitious plan to reduce significantly the number of NRC employees with top-level security clarances ("O" level clearances) as part of the continuing agency emphasis on increased efficiency and effectiveness. This planned reduction will ensure continued safeguarding of sensitive information while at the same time result in potential annual savings of $350,000.
approved the limited first time use of a new technology -- referred to as the electrosleeve process -- as an alternative repair technique for steam generator tubes at the Callaway plant, operated by AmerUE.
2 published a proposed rule that would certify the Westinghouse AP600 plant design.
Final design approval (FDA) of the AP600 was granted in the Fall of 1998. Once certified, a utility that wishes to build and operate a new nuclear power plant could choose to use the design and reference it in an application for a combined operating license under 10 CFR Part 52.
I formally notified Secretary Richardson that NRC has completed another milestone in its interactions with the Department of Energy (DOE) program to produce tritium in a commercial light water reactor. The latest milestone was achieved when the Commission approved the staff safety evaluation report on the DOE technical report on a tritium production core.
issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed renewal of the operating licenses for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1,2, and 3. The draft EIS concludes that there are no environmental impacts that would preclude renewal for any of the three Oconee plants.
issued a license amendment approving a plan for the Atlas Corporation to stabilize in place its uranium mill tailings pile near Moab, Utah.
requested public comment through the Federal Reoister on the intent of the NRC to implement revisions to the regulations under the Government in the Sunshine Act.
Unless the Commission takes further action, non-Sunshine Act discussions may be held beginning July 1,1999.
continued completion of licensing actions at a rate greater than NRC Performance Plan output measures and continued to reduce the licensing action inventory, I have enclosed the May update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.
In adoition, I note for your attention that Section IV will be deleted from future reports as a result of the Commission's decision to discontinue the NRC Watch List.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additional information.
Sincerely, Shirley Ann Jackson
Enclosures:
l
- 1. May Monthly Report l
- 2. Tasking Memorandum cc: Representative Ralph M. Hall I
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 2055SM1 E
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June 29, 1999 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ron Packard, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Committee on Appropriations United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the sixth report which covers the month of May (enclosed).
In my April report, I highlighted the substantial progress that we were making on licensing and regulatory improvement initiatives. The staff continues to make progress on these and other important matters. Wo'rk is progressing on several risk-informed technical specification revisions that will maintain safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden at twelve Combustion Engineering designed and seven Babcox & Wilcox designed reactor plants, and the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.
i During the past month, the staff has conducted meetings with its stakeholders to prepare for the commencement of the pilot program for the new reactor licensee oversight process. This oversight process was developed to replace the current reactor inspection, assessment, and enforcement processes. For example, it will replace the Systematic Assessment of Licensee
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Performance and the Senior Management Meeting processes for assessing licensee performance. In addition, the process adds other improvements to the maner i wnich the NRC evaluates and responds to reactor licensee performance. TM Lommission believes that
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this new assessment and oversight process, when fully implemented following the completion of the pilot program, will maintain safety, enhance public confidence, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.
j Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:
approved an ambitious plan to reduce significantly the number of NRC employees with 1
top-level security clearances ("Q" level clearances) as part of the continuing agency emphasis on increased efficiency and effectiveness. This planned reduction will ensure continued safeguarding of sensitive information while at the same time result in potential annual savings of $350,000.
approved the limited first-time use of a new technology -- referred to as the electrosleeve process -- as an alternative repair technique for steam generator tubes at the Callaway plant, operated by AmerUE.
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l.
2 published a proposed rule that would certify the Westinghouse APS00 plant design.
l Final design approval (FDA) of the AP600 was granted in the Fall of 1998. Once certified, a utility that wishes to build and operate a new nuclear power plant could choose to use the design and reference it in an application for a combined operating license under 10 CFR Part 52.
l formally notified Secretary Richardson that NRC has completed another milestone in its interactions with the Department of Energy (DOE) program to produce tritium in a commercial light water reactor. The latest milestone was achieved when the Connnission approved the staff safety evaluation report on the DOE technical report on a tritium production core.
issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed renewal of the operating licenses for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1,2, and 3. The draft EIS concludes that there are no environmental impacts that would preclude renewal for any of the three Oconee plants.
issued a license amendment approving a plan for the Atlas Corporation to stabilize in place its uranium mill tailings pile near Moab, Utah.
requested public comment through the Federal Reaister on the intent of the NRC to implement revisions to the regulations under the Government in the Sunshine Act.
Unless the Commission takes further action, non-Sunshine Act discussions may be held beginning July 1,1999.
continued completion of licensing actions at a rate greater than NRC Pedormance Plan output measures and continued to reduce the licensing action inventory, I have enclosed the May update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.
In addition, I note for your attention that Section IV will be deleted from future reports as a result of the Commission's decision to discontinue the NRC Watch List.
Please do not hesitate to ct.ntact me if l may provide additional information.
Sincerely, f'
Enclosures:
- 1. May Monthly Report
- 2. Tasking Memorandum i
f cc: Representative Peter J. Visclosky l
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' UNITED STATES
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 2066f4001 June 29, 1999 cHARMAN The Honorable Pete V. Domenici, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Committee on Appropriations United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on
. the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the sixth report which covers the month of May (enclosed).
In my April report, I highlighted the substantial progress that we were making on licensing and regulatory improvement initiatives. The staff continues to make progress on these and other important matters. Work is progressing on several risk-informed technical specification revisions that will maintain safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden at twelve Combustion Engineering designed and seven odocox & Wilcox designed reactor plants, and the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.
During the past month, the staff has conducted meetings with its stakeholders to prepare for the commencement of the pilot program for the new reactor licensee ~ersight process. This oversight process was developed to replace the current reactor inspection, assessment, and enforcement processes. For example, it will replace the Systematic Assessment of Licensee Perforrnance and the Senior Management Meeting processes for assessing licensee performance, in addition, the process adds other improvements to the manner in which the NRC evaluates and responds to reactor licensee performance. The Commission believes that this new assessment and oversight process, when fully implemented following the completion of the pilot program, will maintain safety, enhance public confidence, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.
Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:
approved an ambitious plan to reduce significantly the number of NRC employees with top-level security clearances ("O" level clearances) as part of the continuing agency emphasis on increased efficiency and effectiveness. This planned reduction will ensure continued safeguarding of sensitive ; iformation while at the same time result in potential annual savings of $350,000.
approved the limited first-time use of a new technology -- referred to as the electrosteeve process - as an alternative repair technique for steam generator tubes at the Callaway plant, operated by AmerUE.
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l l
2 l
published a proposed rule that would certify the Westinghouse AP600 plant design.
Final design approval (FDA) of the AP600 was granted in the Fall of 1998. Once certified, a utility that wishes to build and operate a new nuclear power plant could choose to use the design and reference it in an application for a combined operating license under 10 CFR Part 52.
formally notified Secretary Richardson that NRC has completed another milestone in its interactions with the Department of Energy (DOE) program to produce tritium in a commerciallight water reactor. The latest milestone was achieved when the Commission approved the staff safety evaluation report on the DOE technical report on a tritium production core.
issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed renewal of the operating licenses for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1,2, and 3. The draft EIS concludes that there are no environmental impacts that would preclude renewal for any
]
of the three Oconee plants.
issued a license amendment approving a pian for the Atlas Corporation to stabilize in j
place its uranium mill tailings pile near Moab, Utah.
j requested public comment through the Federal Reaister on the intent of the NRC to implement revisions to the regulations under tne Gv.6mment in the Sunshine Act.
Unless the Commission takes further action, non-Sunshine Act discussions may be held beginning July 1,1999.
j continued completion of licensing actions at a rate greater than NRC Performance Plan i
output measures and continued to reduce the licensing action inventory, I have enclosed the May update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.
1 in addition, I note for your attention that Section IV will be deleted from future reports as a result j
of the Commission's decision to discontinue the NRC Watch List.
I Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additionalinformation.
Sincerely,
&r QJ Shirley Ann Jackson
Enclosures:
- 1. May Monthly Report
- 2. Tasking Memorandum f
cc: Senator Harry Reid I
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UNITED STATES y*
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON. D.C. 20066 4001 3
%q June 29, 1999 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Pete V. Domenici United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Domenici:
The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the sixth report which covers the month of May (enclosed).
In my April report, I highlighted the substantial progress that we were making on licensing and regulatory improvement initiatives. The staff continues to make progress on these and other important matters. Work is progressing on several risk-informed technical specification revisions that will maintain safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden at twelve Combustion Engineering designed and seven Babcox & Wilcox designed reactor plants, and the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant.
During the past month, the staff has conducted meetings with its stakeholders to prepare for the commencement of the pilot program for the new reactor licensee oversight process. This oversight process was developed to replace the current reactor inspection, assessment, and enforcement processes. Fnr example, it will replace the Systematic Assessment of Licensee Performance and the Seniur Management Meeting processes for assessing licensee performance. In addition, the process adds other improvements to the manner in which the NRC evaluates and responds to reactor licensee performance. The Commission believes that this new assessment and oversight process, when fully implemented following the completion of the pilot program, will maintain safety, enhance public confidence, imorove effectiveness and efficiency, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.
Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:
approved an ambitious plan to reduce significantly the number of NRC employees with top-level security clearances ("O" level clearances) as part of the continuing agency emphasis on increased efficiency and effectiveness. This planned reduction will ensure continued safeguarding of sensitive information while at the same time result in potential annual savings of $350,000.
approved the limited first-time use of a new technology -- referred to as the electrosleeve process - as an alternative re. pair technique for steam generator tubes at the Callaway plant, operated by AmerUE.
F
~
2 published a proposed rule that would certify the Westinghouse AP600 plant design.
Final design approval (FDA) of the AP600 was granted in the Fall of 1998. Once certified, a utility that wishes to build and operate a new nuclear power plant could choose to use the design and reference it in an application for a combined operating license under 10 CFR Part 52.
formally notified Secretary Richardson that NRC has completed another milestone in its interactions with the Department of Energy (DOE) program to produce tritium in a commerciallight water reactor. The latest milestone was achieved when the Commission approved the staff safety evaluation report on the DOE technical report on a tritium production core.
. issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed renewal of the operating licenses for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1,2, and 3. The draft EIS concludes that there are no environmental impacts that would preclude renewal for any of the three Oconee plants.
issued a license amendment approving a plan for the Atlas Corporation to stabilize in place its uranium mill tailings pile near Moab, Utah.
requested public comment through the Federal Reaister on the intent of the NRC to
. implement revisions to the regulations under the Government in the Sunshine Act.
Unless the Commission takes further action, non-Sunshine Act discussions may be held beginning July 1,1999.
continued completion of licensing actions at a rate greater than NRC Performance Plan
{
output measures and continued to reduce the licensing action inventory, I have enclosed the May update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.
In addition, I note for your attention that Section IV will be deleted from future reports as a result of the Commission's decision to discontinue the NRC Watch List.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additional informatron.
Sincerely, 3
Enclosures:
j
- 1. May Monthly Report i
- 2. Tasking Memorandum I