ML25168A175
| ML25168A175 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/20/1983 |
| From: | Ray J Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards |
| To: | Palladino N NRC/Chairman |
| References | |
| Download: ML25168A175 (1) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REACTOR SAFEGUARDS WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 Honorable Nunzio J. Palladino Chairman December 20, 1983 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Co1T111ission Washington, D. C.
20555
SUBJECT:
ACRS REPORT ON THE DECENTRALIZATION OF NRC REGULATORY ACTIVITIES
Dear Dr. Palladino:
The ACRS continues to maintain an interest in the proposed decentralization of NRC regulatory functions.
As stated in our letters of May 16 and July 17, 1983, our concerns are focussed on a possible negative impact on safety --
we have no desire to intrude on NRC management prerogatives.
There was a Committee discussion of the subject on December 16, 1983, following a Subcommittee meeting on December 14 in which we had the bene-fit of a useful discussion with the NRC Staff.
We also had the documents, SECY-83-422, "Decentralization of Operating Reactor Licensing Activities,"
and SECY-83-452, "Policy Statement on Regionalization."
The Policy Statement strongly implies that the decentralization process will continue indefinitely.
For example, such words as "to enlarge,"
"buil(:-up their licensing capability," "gradual expansion," etc. are used.
It is our understanding that this is not the intent of the Co11111ission.
We believe the Policy Statement should indicate clearly that it is not the intent to expand decentralization further during the two-year trial period.
We endorse the development of an audit program to measure the success of the pilot program.
The criteria proposed in the Policy Statement to be used to evaluate the pilot program should include indicators which will assess any safety implications of the pilot program.
We believe that such indicators can be developed.
The Policy Statement does not clearly distinguish between, and in certain cases confuses, those licensing actions that are being transferred to the regions only for technical review and those which have been, or will be, transferred with full authority for decision making.
Editorial clarifi-cation and consistency are needed if licensees and the public are to under-stand the Commission pol icy on decent ra l i zat ion.
There is inconsistency in wording as to whether the C0tm1ission intends to include two operating power reactors or two power stations in each of three regions in the pilot program.
We believe the wording should indicate two stations in each of three regions to provide the Co11111ission with maximum flexibility regarding the number of reactors to be included.
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Honorable Nunzio December 20, 1983 In view of the reduced scope of the proposed decentralization policy, we do not wish to raise any objection to the proposed pilot program.
We do wish to be kept informed of the progress of the program, the progress of the audit, and any progress in assessing the impact of the program on safety.
References:
Sincerely,
~~
J. J. Ray Chairman
- 1. SECY-83-452, "Policy Statement on Regionalization," November 4, 1983.
- 2.
SECY-83-422, "Decentralization of Operating Reactor Licensing Activities,"
October 14, 1983.
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