ML24009A222
| ML24009A222 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/16/2024 |
| From: | Andrea Veil Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Dan Dorman NRC/EDO |
| Michael Balazik, NRR/DANU | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML23272A038 | List: |
| References | |
| OEDO-23-00322 | |
| Download: ML24009A222 (1) | |
Text
OFFICIAL USE ONLY - SENSITIVE INTERNAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL USE ONLY - SENSITIVE INTERNAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM TO:
Daniel H. Dorman, Executive Director Office of the Executive Director for Operations FROM:
Andrea D. Veil, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
SUBJECT:
STAFF RESPONSE TO THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERALS SPECIAL INQUIRY INTO THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONS OVERSIGHT OF RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS CASE NO. I2100162 This memorandum transmits the staffs review of the special inquiry by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) into the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRC) oversight of research and test reactors (RTRs) (OIG CASE No. I2100162, dated September 29, 2023). It assesses the reports findings, observations, and assertions using established inspection guidance. This memorandum provides recommendations for actions to take as a result of this inquiry. The staff plans to implement the identified actions by October 31, 2024.
After reviewing the special inquiry, the staff determined that many of OIGs underlying observations were previously identified by the staff as part of their self-assessment activities.
The staffs internal self-assessment of the NRCs RTR oversight program found no significant gaps; however, several enhancements to internal processes and procedures were identified.
The staff has determined that the combination of site-specific licensing bases, a robust emergency response infrastructure, and the current oversight program are appropriately risk-informed and continue to provide adequate protection to public health and safety and the environment for RTRs.
The staff acknowledges OIGs important role and its efforts to assess the NRCs oversight program for the nations RTRs and the findings documented in their special inquiry report.
External and internal assessments of NRC programs, such as this report, offer valuable opportunities to gain insights and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our programs in continuing to protect public health and safety. As enclosed, the staff offers clarifying comments on the specific findings and observations of this inquiry, including recommended actions to further improve oversight and guidance.
Enclosure:
As stated CONTACT: Holly D. Cruz, NRR/DANU (301) 415-1053 January 16, 2024 Taylor, Robert signing on behalf of Veil, Andrea on 01/16/24
Memorandum: ML24009A222
Enclosure:
ML24009A209 NRR-106 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPL/PM NRR/DANU/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NRR/DANU/UNPL/BC NAME MBalazik NParker TTate HCruz DATE 1/11/2024 1/11/2024 1/11/2024 1/11/2024 OFFICE NRR/DANU/D NRR/DD NRR/D NAME MShams RTaylor AVeil (RTaylor for)
DATE 1/11/2024 1/16/2024 1/16/2024