ML20236T025

Expresses Appreciation Taking Time to Speak W/P Blanch in Nov 1997.Emphasizes Several Points Re re-establishing Atmosphere of Trust in Industry & at Millstone

ML20236T025
Person / Time
Site:	Millstone
Issue date:	12/13/1997
From:	Blanch P AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
To:	Mcgaffigan E NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
Shared Package
ML20236S908	List: ML20236S906 ML20236S985 ML20236T011 ML20236T025
References
FOIA-COR98-231 NUDOCS 9807270379
Download: ML20236T025 (1)

Text

/

Y PaulM. Blanch Energy Consultant T ~ ~

p gN December 13,1997 f~,, _yxI -

l Commissioner Edward McGaffigan CSG Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 LDL

Dear Mr. McGamgan,

Opibd: WEL gj. &// Leu Thanks very much for taking the time to speak with me last month in Ro"ckville MD. As I indicated in our discussions, I was in the DC area as a private citizen who is concerned about how I can support the nuclear power industry and increase the safe operation of the plants.

I feel our discussions were very productive and would like to emphasize several pints as they relate to re-establishing an atmosphere of tmst in the industry and at Millstone.

+ The Employee Concems Program (ECP) is making significant progress, although the raw numbers may not adequately reflect this progress. Many of the issues being brought to management's attention are personnel and human inources issues which do not directly relate to nuclear safety. While management takes these employee concerns seriously, I believe that the NRC should focus its attention ca those issues involving nuclear safety and 10 CFR 50.7.

• Little Harbor Consultants is adding significant value to the ECP and has been an important contributor in the establishment of a Safety Conscious Work Environment. The culture at Millstone is slowly improving due, in large part, to the clear message of"doing the right thing" from top management. Importantly, their message is sent by actions and not just words.

, + The NRC needs to funher impmve its public image. Public perception of the effectiveness of the regulatory agencies is a key factor in restoring confidence in

! the nuclear industry. It is my petreption that the NRC's mle change on the role of the public in decommissionmg, and the Commission's expectation for licensee self assessment, when that is noi the appointed standard for the NRC itself, have not helped the public image of the NRC. The recent NRC workshop on Public Communications is a good step, however, the NRC must first concentrate on the j re-establishment of public tmst, followed by honest and open communications.

l Once again, I thank you for your time and willingness to hear different points of i view. I look forward to continuing our discussions.

Sincerely,

b. $U ul M. Blanch 9 '

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