ML18057A264

Provides Response to NRC Requalification Exam Rept Dtd 900410 on NRC Concerns Re Facility & Training Ctr Staffing. Adequate Staffing Will Be Maintained to Ensure Operator Requalification Program Successful

ML18057A264
Person / Time
Site:	Palisades
Issue date:	06/11/1990
From:	Berry K CONSUMERS ENERGY CO. (FORMERLY CONSUMERS POWER CO.)
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
NUDOCS 9006150149
Download: ML18057A264 (2)

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' consumers Power Director POWERiNii Nuclear licensing NllCHlliAN'S PROliRESS General Offices: 1945 West Parnell Road, Jackson, Ml 49201 * (517) 788-1636 June 11 , 1990 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555 DOCKET 50-255 - LICENSE DPR PALISADES PLANT -

RESPONSE TO NRC REQUALIFICATION EXAMINATION REPORT The Requalification Examination Report dated April 10, 1990 assigned an overall program evaluation of satisfactory for the requalif ication program at Palisades. However, the report also expressed the NRC's concern regarding facility and training center staffing. The report cited the poor quality

. regarding "attention to detail" in the written examination submitted to the

• NRc for approval. Further, deficiencies concerning the written question bank similar to those identified during the April 1989 examination were noted.

The NRC concluded these deficiencies suggest either a lack of staffing availability or a lack of commitment by Consumers Power to ensure that the requalification program is successful. The NRC requested a written response within (60) days regarding this matter.

Consumers Power Company is committed to ensuring the licensed operator requalification program is successful. This commitment was demonstrated by the completion of the minimum examination bank requirements of 700 written questions, 75 Job Performance Measures (JPMs) and 15 simulator scenarios before our April 1989 examination. Completion of these minimum requirements was accomplished ahead of most other utilities, using only the Consumers Power staff.

During the eight months between the April 1989 examination and the next submittal of the exam materials in January 1990 a significant, yet temporary shortage of instructors occurred due to medical problems. Despite these temporary resource problems, the revision of the examination materials and conduct of the licensed operator training program remained the highest priority items. During the examination development period, medical problems continued to plague our training resources. This forced the individuals involved in exam development to cover other commitments such as an INPO evaluation.

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While we acknowledge our responsibility to maintain sufficient staff to accommodate losses due to turnover, injury and illness, we feel these circumstances were unusual and unlikely to repeat to this degree. We are also continuing to evaluate our resource needs considering upcoming changes to ES-601 and will maintain adequate staffing to ensure the operator requalification program is successful.

Kenneth W Berry Director, Nuclear Licensing CC "Administrator, Region III, USNRC NRC Resident Inspector - Palisades OC0690-0038-NL02