IR 05000271/2016001

IR 05000271/2016001, Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, Vernon, VT, and Exercise of Enforcement Discretion

ML16125A036
Person / Time
Site:	Vermont Yankee File:NorthStar Vermont Yankee icon.png
Issue date:	05/04/2016
From:	James Trapp NRC/RGN-I/DNMS/NMSB3
To:	Wamser C Entergy Nuclear Operations
References
EA-16-049 IR 2016001
Download: ML16125A036 (11)

Text

May 4, 2016

EA-16-049 Mr. Christopher Wamser Site Vice President Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station Vernon, VT 05354

SUBJECT: NRC INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000271/2016001, ENTERGY NUCLEAR OPERATIONS, INC., VERMONT YANKEE NUCLEAR POWER STATION, VERNON, VERMONT, AND EXERCISE OF ENFORCEMENT DISCRETION

Dear Mr. Wamser:

On March 31, 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed its quarterly inspection under Inspection Manual Chapter 2561, "Decommissioning Power Reactor Inspection Program," at the permanently shut down Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (VY). On-site inspections were performed on February 1-4, and March 29-31, 2016. In-office reviews of information supplied by Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. were also performed during the inspection period. The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commission's rules and regulations, and the conditions of your license. The inspection consisted of observations by the inspector, interviews with personnel, and a review of procedures and records. The results of the inspection were discussed with you and other members of the VY staff on April 18, 2016, and are described in the enclosed report. Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC has determined that one Severity Level IV violation of NRC requirements was identified and is described in the subject inspection report. This violation was evaluated in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, the current version of which is included on the NRC's Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/regulatory/enforcement/enforce-pol.html. However, in consideration of the circumstances in this case, the NRC has determined that it is appropriate to exercise enforcement discretion in accordance with Section 3.5 of the Enforcement Policy to refrain from issuing an enforcement action for this violation. Specifically, the staff recognizes that there were issues associated with the clarity of regulatory guidance on this issue. Current NRC regulations and guidance are included on the NRC's website at www.nrc.gov; select Radioactive Waste; Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities; then Regulations, Guidance and Communications. The current Enforcement Policy is included on the NRC's website at www.nrc.gov; select About NRC, Organizations & Functions; Office of Enforcement; Enforcement documents; then Enforcement Policy (Under 'Related Information'). You may also obtain these documents by contacting the Government Printing Office (GPO) toll-free at 1-866-512-1800. The GPO is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays). No reply to this letter is required. Please contact Steve Hammann, at 610-337-5399, if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Sincerely,/RA JNick f/ James Trapp, Director Division of Nuclear Materials Safety Docket No. 05000271 License No. DPR-28

Enclosure:

Inspection Report 05000271/2016001 w/Attachment cc w/encl: Distribution via ListServ