ML20195G722

Forwards Latest Version of Part 55 Rulemaking Package. Another Copy,With All Changes Identified in Redlines & Strikeouts, Provided to Operator Licensing Branch Chiefs Via Electronic Mail

ML20195G722
Person / Time
Issue date:	09/16/1998
From:	Spessard R NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned)
To:	Grobe J, Mallett B, Wiggins J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I), NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II), NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
Shared Package
ML20195E260	List: ML20195G523 ML20195G547 ML20195G579 ML20195G597 ML20195G624 ML20195G633 ML20195G670 ML20195G722 ML20195G775 ML20195G802 ML20195G817 ML20195G832 ML20195G844 ML20195G851 ML20195G857
References
FRN-64FR19868, RULE-PR-55 AF62-2, AF62-2-013, AF62-2-13, NUDOCS 9906160152
Download: ML20195G722 (1)

Text

I .

fW In.- 7 y

/*"%t UNITED STATES pg, j

s* NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 2 WASHINGTON, D.C. 2006tHlo01

%..... September 16, 1998 MEMORANDUM TO: James T. Wiggins, Director Division of Reactor Safety, Ri Bruce S. Mallett, Director Division of Reactor Safety, Ril John A. Grobe, Director .

Division of Reactor Safety, Rlli Arthur T. Howell, Director Division of Reactor Safety, RIV FROM: R. Lee Spessard, Director .

Division of Reactor Controls and Human Factors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

SUBJECT:

PART 55 RULEMAKING In an effort to keep you informed, I am attaching the latest version of the subject rulemaking package.' Another copy, with all the changes identified in " redlines and strikeouts," has been provided to your Operator Licensing Branch Chiefs via electronic mail.

As you are aware, the staff originally took the position that the backfit rule does not apply to this rulemaking. However, the Committee To Review Generic Requirements (CRGR) has asserted that the staff did not demonstrate an adequate basis to support its position and that the position could not be sustained if challenged. Absent an argument for taking exception to the backfit rule, the CRGR recommended that the provisions of the proposed rule be implemented on a voluntary basis, which would not be a backfit. Consequently, after considering alternatives, the staff has decided to revise the final rulemaking to allow, rather than require, facility licensees to prepare their own licensing examinations. Those facility licensees that elect to prepare their own examinations will be required to do so in accordance with the guidance in NUREG-1021

" Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors," and to establish, implement, and maintain procedures to control examination security and integrity. Conforming changes have yet to be made in final Revision 8 of NUREG-1021.

In light of the significance of these changes and their potential impact on the operator licensing program, I have decided to once again afford you the opportunity to review and comment on the final rulemaking package. If you do have comments, please submit only one set that reflects the region's perspective on the issues. For your information, the rulemaking package is currently due to the Executive Director for Operations (EDO) on October 9,1998. So, in order for us to be able to give your comments the consideration they deserve, please submit them directly to Robert Gallo, Chief, HOHB, by close of business on September 25,' 1998.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me on 301-415-1004 or Robert Gallo on 301-415-1031.

l

Attachment:

As stated 9906160152 990608 PDR PR 55 64FR19868 PDR 9 706/40/ 6 .

.