ML20214C417
| ML20214C417 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Braidwood  |
| Issue date: | 09/04/1986 |
| From: | Dircks W NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| References | |
| OL-A-119, NUDOCS 8705200708 | |
| Download: ML20214C417 (2) | |
Text
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'3g,, JO DP.MA go ses MEMORANDUM FOR:
EDO Office Directors i---2.
Regional Administrators Wh FROM:
William J. Dircks Executive Director for Operations SU.BJECT:
RELEASE OF INFORlWTION TO LICENSEES
REFERENCE:
Memo, Dircks to Office Directors and Regional Administrators,
- Policy in Regard to Dealing with Those who Provide infomation to the NRC," dated January 6,1984 The reference above deals with the gereral issue of dealing in a prompt and efficient manner with information prcvided to NRC with due regard for confidentiality of those who provide such information. This memorandum deals with the narrower issue of release of such information to licensees / vendors.
In addition to the need for expeditiously resolving any issue related to safety, recent experience has shown that considerable resources are being used to deal with allegations for NTOL plants. The policy set forth in the memo is intended to improve this situation.
The principal guidance on this point is that the licensee / vender 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 compromisir.g the identity of the confidential source.
In such a case release shculd nomally not be made unless the release is necessary to prevent an imminent threat to the public he.alth and saf'ety.
I should be consulted in any case where it appears a nee eg 8705200708 860904 PDR ADOCK 05000456 G
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P-HUU }W '86 11:28 NNU Kh.01UN 48 PUI 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 ar. requesting that IE incorporate this policy in an appropriate Manual Chapter.
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