ML20248A236

Comments on SALP Rept 50-483/89-14,addressing SALP Recommendations in Area of Radiological Controls.Util Requested INPO-assist Visit to Evaluate Radiological Controls Program

ML20248A236
Person / Time
Site:	Wolf Creek
Issue date:	07/21/1989
From:	Withers B WOLF CREEK NUCLEAR OPERATING CORP.
To:	Martin R NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
Shared Package
ML20248A223	List: ML20248A217 ML20248A236
References
WM-89-0196, WM-89-196, NUDOCS 8908080224
Download: ML20248A236 (3)

Text

{{#Wiki_filter:-. .. l q J i W$LF CREEK NUCLEAR OPERATING CORPORATION Bart D. Witners President and Chief Execuuve Omcer July 21, 1989 WM 89-0196 R. D. Martin, Regional Administrator U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region IV 611 Ryan Plaza Drive, Suite 1000 Arlington, Texas 76011

Reference:

Letter dated June 2, 1989 from R. D. Martin, NRC, to B. D. Withers, WCNOC

Subject:

Docket No. 50-482: Comments on the Systematic Assessment of Licensee Performance Inspection Report 50-482/89-14 , Gentlemen: Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (WCNOC) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the report of the Systematic Assessment of Licensee Performance (SALP) for the Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS). WCNOC has reviewed the SALP Board's assessment and is in agreement with the 5 ratings provided. Based upon the identified declining trend in the Radiological Controls area, WCNOC has elected to provide comments to address the steps being taken to improve this area. The attachment addresses the SALP recommendations in the Radiological Controls area and reflects discussions held during the SALP meeting between WCNOC and the NRC Staff on June 23, 1989 at the WCGS Education Center. If you have any questiont concerning this matter, please contact me or Mr. O. L. Maynard of my staff. Very truly yours,

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90731 Bart D. Withers 8908080224$5000402 PDR ADOCK PNV President and Chief Executive Officer G BDW/jad Attachment ec: B. L. Bartlett (NRC), w/a E. J. Holler (NRC), w/a D. V. Pickett (NRC), w/a Doctment Control Desk (NRC), w/a PO Don 411/ BurPngton, KS 66839 / Phonn: (316) 364-8831 An Equal opportunity Employar M F HC/ VET

O F Attachment to WM 89-0196 Page 1 of 2 Radiological Controls Program Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (WCNOC) recognizes the need to strengthen the Radiological Controls Program at Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS). As a result of the concerns identified in Inspection Report 482/88-32 and the SALP Board's assessment that WCGS's performance has continued to decrease in effectiveness, a number of actions have been taken (as identified in letter dated February 28, 1989 from B. D. Withers, WCNOC to the NRC) nnd continue to be taken to improve performance. Some of the actions taken include management approval of a professional Health Physicist position, supervisory awareness and observation training of radiation pretsetion supervisors, the conduct of a seminar for the Health Physics Supervisors with the Quality Assurance organization on the various quality aspects of the Health Physics function, participation in and recognition of the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists Program, and establishment of monthly supervisory zeports on trends and statuo of the Radiological Controls Program. Recently, four individuals received their certificates as Radiation Protection Technologists. In response to the SALP Board's recommendation that WCGS management perform an evaluation of the occupational radiation safety pergram, WCNOC has requested an INPO Assist Visit to evaluate the Radiological Controls Program at WCGS. The INPO Assist Visit is scheduled to begin on August 7, 1989. The recommendatiola resulting from this evaluation vill be reviewed by WCGS management and where appropriate will be factored into the Radiological Controls Program. This independent evaluation and ongoing internal assessments will reverse the identified decrease in effectiveness and establish a strong Radiological Controls Program at WCGS. kCNOC assigned a consultant as acting Radiation Protection Manager for thirteen months to provide additional expertise and experience to the Health Physics organization. Upon expiration of the individuals contract, a detailed report containing observations and recommendations _was provided to the Radiation Protection Manager. These recommendations are being evaluated and implemented as appropriate to enhance WCGS performance. Quality Assurance Audit and Surveillance Program During the period April 1, 1988 through March 31, 1989, the Quality Assurance organization perfonmed six audits and thirty-three surveillance related to the Radiological Controls Program. The Quality Assurance organization is utilizing performance-based audit and surveillance techniques which has resulted in twenty Radiological Controls related surveillance being performed during the third refueling outage. Quality Assurance management has emphasized increased awareness to Radiological Controls aspects during all in-plant quality surveillance and audit activities and increased emphasis on the effectiveness and permanency of corrective action for quality findings. The Audit Team for Radiological Controls Program audits will normally be comprised of at least two individuals.

d -@ Attachment to WM 89-0196 i l Page 2 of 2 In May 1989, an extensive audit-(TE 50140-K249) of the Radiological Controls ,

       . Program was conducted.            During this audit, two Quality Program Violations and            i one          Quality     Program Deviation       were    identified. Additionally,    three         l Performance          Improvement       Recommendations     (PIR's)    were -initiated'  for-
                                                                                                           -{

consideration and evaluation. PIR's are issued in areas that are not noncompliance (a contrary too- ...) in order to improve the overall performance of a specific area (e.g. Radiological Control activities).z The actions described above will enhance the overall audit and surveillance program effectiveness in the Radiological Controls areas. J l _ ___________________.________._*_ _ _}}