ML23038A202
| ML23038A202 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/09/2023 |
| From: | Bethany Cecere NRC/NMSS/DMSST/ASPB |
| To: | Meinholdt J State of KS, Dept of Health & Environment |
| Shared Package | |
| ML23038A200 | List: |
| References | |
| Download: ML23038A202 (3) | |
Text
Jason Meinholdt, Director Radiation Control Program Kansas Department of Health & Environment 1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 330 Topeka, KS 66612-1365
SUBJECT:
STATE LIAISON OFFICER APPOINTMENT
Dear Mr. Meinholdt:
I am pleased to learn of your appointment as the State Liaison Officer (SLO) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the State of Kansas. I would like to take this opportunity to provide some general information about the role of the SLO in serving as the principal communications liaison between the NRC and your State.
The SLO Program was established in 1976 in response to recommendations from the National Governors Association and other organizations to improve cooperation between the NRC and the States. The NRC relies on the Governor-appointed SLOs to act as the primary communication channel between the States and the NRC. The SLO serves as the key person in the State to keep the Governor informed on issues under the NRCs jurisdiction (specifically matters addressing nuclear regulation, nuclear security, and radiological public health and safety) and provides the NRC with State information on these issues. I have included with this letter an NRC brochure - NUREG/BR-0520, State Programs at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Enclosure 1) - that describes some of the NRCs interactions with States, including the SLO Program. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission State Liaison Officer Program (Enclosure 2), describes the program in greater detail, including the responsibilities of the SLO.
Also enclosed you will find an NRC procedure - Management Directive 5.2, Cooperation with States at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants and Other Nuclear Production or Utilization Facilities (Enclosure 3). This management directive contains the NRCs policy on cooperation with States and more detailed information about the SLO program and responsibilities. I encourage you to review this document.
Communications Mr. Ryan Alexander, our Regional SLO in the NRC Region IV office, located in Arlington, Texas, will be your primary contact for routine communications. You will continue to receive copies of NRC documents and reports on a regular basis to keep you informed of matters that are of interest to your State. In addition, I encourage you to visit the NRCs Web site at www.nrc.gov, where you will find information about the agencys mission and programs. The Stay Connected section contains links to multiple social media tools that can help you stay informed of NRC-related news. One of these features, RSS feeds, allows you to subscribe to a variety of agency updates and may be particularly useful. Also, the NRC conducts a National State Liaison Officer Conference, usually every 2-3 years, and regional meetings as needed, to February 9, 2023 J. Meinholdt 2 discuss matters of mutual regulatory interest. Due to COVID travel restrictions in 2020-2022, a National SLO Conference was held virtually in March 2022. Plans are in the works for the next event.
Handling of Sensitive Information The SLO serves as the primary individual in the State who is responsible for handling sensitive information, including Safeguards Information (SGI), from the NRC. The SLO is responsible for ensuring that recipients of such information have a need-to-know and for implementing the appropriate measures for storing and protecting the information from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 73.21. Please find enclosed NRC Regulatory Guide 5.79, Protection of Safeguards Information (Enclosure 4). This document describes a method that the NRC considers acceptable for use in establishing an information protection system and implementing the specific requirements for the protection of SGI.
In closing, I want to emphasize that the NRCs cooperative relationships with States are essential to accomplishing the agencys mission of protecting public health and safety, providing for common defense and security, and protecting the environment. We hope that this relationship will be beneficial for both the State of Kansas and the NRC. Your role in continuing this vital relationship is important. We look forward to our continued work with you.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Ryan Alexander at (817) 200-1267 or ryan.alexander@nrc.gov.
In the event of his unavailability, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Jeffery Lynch of my staff at (301) 415-5041 or jeffery.lynch@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Bethany Cecere, Acting Branch Chief State Agreement and Liaison Programs Branch Division of Materials Safety, Security, State and Tribal Programs Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
Enclosures:
- 1. NUREG/BR-0520, State Programs at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- 2. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission State Liaison Officer Program
- 3. Management Directive 5.2, Cooperation with States at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants and Other Nuclear Production or Utilization Facilities
- 4. Regulatory Guide 5.79, Protection of Safeguards Information cc: R. Alexander (w/o Enclosures)
Signed by Cecere, Bethany on 02/09/23
ML23038A200; Ltr ML23038A202