ML22112A033
| ML22112A033 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/08/2022 |
| From: | Darrell Roberts NRC/EDO |
| To: | |
| Freeman S | |
| References | |
| Download: ML22112A033 (5) | |
Text
Licensing and Oversight Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic Darrell J. Roberts Deputy Executive Director for Reactor and Preparedness Programs Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Organizational agility
- Public and industry engagement Licensing during COVID-19 *Use of public web interface Pandemic *Focus workload management tool for related licensing actions
- Framework for expedited reviews
- Internal temporary staff review guides
Reactor Oversight during COVID-19 Initial Response Recovery Reduced onsite resident inspector coverage Continued updating interim guidance to Used hybrid team for inspections accommodate surges in COVID-19 Delayed or deferred inspections, as needed In Nov 2021, after re-entry, NRC returned to full Since some baseline inspections were not possible, implementation of the baseline inspection program assessed that public health and safety was No additional inspection activity planned as a result adequately maintained of COVID Lessons Learned Initial lessons learned captured throughout 2020 Currently, identifying longer term lessons There is no suitable remote substitute for some of the on-site functions that our inspectors perform
Reactor Oversight during COVID-19 Force-on-Force (FOF) Inspections
- 2020 Temporary halt to full inspections
- August 2020, modified procedure used to inspect elements of licensee protective strategy
- 2021 Modified FOF inspections that assessed strategy with minimum personnel
- Balance struck to meet requirements and provide continued safety for licensee and NRC personnel
- Tiered approach to account for site-specific conditions
- 2022 Full FOF inspection resumed
- Same options as 2021 plus additional option for full FOF inspection
Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards evaluation of inspection programs during the COVID-19 pandemic Based on internal and external feedback:
- On-site inspections continue to be the most effective and preferred method of inspection
- Keep the option to employ flexibilities (i.e. remote, hybrid, in-office reviews of records), when appropriate
- Specific inspection guidance is warranted for pandemic preparedness Report is available here