ML20211F469

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Forwards Eighth Rept on Status of NRC Licensing & Regulatory Duties Which Covers Month of July.July Update to Tasking Memo Which Delineates Specific Initiatives Completed by Agency Since August 1998 & Future Milestones Encl
ML20211F469
Person / Time
Issue date: 08/17/1999
From: Dicus G, The Chairman
NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
To: J. J. Barton, Domenici P, Inhofe J, Packard R
HOUSE OF REP., APPROPRIATIONS, HOUSE OF REP., ENERGY & COMMERCE, SENATE, SENATE, APPROPRIATIONS, SENATE, ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC WORKS
Shared Package
ML20211F474 List:
References
NUDOCS 9908300343
Download: ML20211F469 (16)


Text

f UNITED STATES g

i NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 1

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August 17, 1999 CHAIRMAN The Honorable James M. Inhofe, Chairman Subcommittee on Clean Air, Wetlands, Private Property and Nuclear Safety Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Mr. Chairman:

The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the eighth report which covers the month of July (Enclosure 1).

The June report highlighted several important actions we had taken, including the Commission's affirmation of a change to 10 CFR 50.59," Changes, tests, and experiments;" a final rule change to 10 CFR 50.65, the maintenance rule; an important Commission ruling eliminating anti-trust contentions in license transfer oroceedings; app' oval of the export of 130 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to Canada to be used for targets in two new medical isotope production reactors; and approval of the staff's recommendations to fundamentally revise the NRC Enforcement Policy.

Since our June report, the Commission approved a staff proposal for r;sk informing 10 CFR Part 50, our reactor regulations. This effort will proceed in phases with the first phase focusing on changing the scope of several critics' oles, such as the maintenance rule. The overall effort is expected to take several years to complete. This initiative offers an enormous opportunity to better focus both NRC and licensee resources on design and operationalissues commensurate with their importance to public health and safety.

The Commission may soon begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions," under regulations it adopted in 1985 but deferred implementing until now. In the May report, the Commission f

reported that it was seeking public comments on its intent to implement revisions to the

/

regulations under the Government in the Sunshine Act. In order to give the agency time to

/

consider any comments from the public, the Commission decided that no "non-Sunshine Act discussions" would be held before July 1 at the earliest. In light of the comments we received, the Commission subsequently determined that the comments warranted further discussion, and w {L

  • that a second Federal Register notice would therefore be issued. On July 16, the Commission approved a Federal Register notice that responded to the comments received and announced i

that the Commissioners would not begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions" until August 23, at the earliest.

99o83003430'7 gacW'ocEceoa I

3 in addition t,o those issues that are discussed in Enclosure 1, the NRC staff also has:

proposed changes to 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73 that would reduce reporting requirements for licensees to report certain events or plant conditions. This rule change will improve effectiveness and efficiency, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, and maintain safety.

met with the stakeholders to discuss the draft environmental impact statement for Oconee Nuclear Station license renewal. Additionally, the NRC staff was informed that Virginia Electric and Power Company (North Anna Units 1 and 2 and Surry Units 1 and 2); Omaha Public Power District (Fort Calhoun); and PECO Energy Company (Peach Bottom Units 2 and 3) intend to submit license renewal applications starting in late 2001.

completed a 10-year renewal of the license for Nuclear Fuel Service in Erwin, Tennessee.

began preparation of a new rule that would require nuclear power plant licensees to conduct more frequent plant security drills and exercises to test the adequacy of their programs for safeguarding their plants froin terrorists' attacks.

I have enclosed (Enclosure 2) the July update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additional information.

Sincerely, i

w (eta Joy Dicus

Enclosures:

1. July Monthly Report
2. Tasking Memorandum i

cc: Senator Bob Graham i

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August 17, 1999 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Joe Barton, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Power Committee on Commerce United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Chairman:

The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the stctus of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the eighth report which covers the month of July (Enclosure 1).

The June report highlighted several important actions we had taken, including the Commission's affirmation of a change to 10 CFR 50.59, " Changes, tests, and experiments;" a final rule change to 10 CFR 50.65, the maintenance rule; an important Commission ruling eliminating anti-trust contentions in license transfer proceedings; approval of the export of 130 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to Canada to be used for targets in two new medical isotope production reactors; and approval of the staff's recommendations to fundamentally revise the NRC Enforcement Policy.

Since our June report, the Commission approved a staff proposal for risk informing 10 CFR Part 50, our reactor regulations. This effort will proceed in phases with the first phase focusing on changing the scope of several critical rules, such as the maintenance rule. The overall effort is expected to take several years to complete. This initiative offers an enormous opportunity to better focus both NRC and licensee resources on design and operational issues commensurate with their importance to public health and safety.

The Commission may soon begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions," under regulations it adopted in 1985 but deferred implementing until now. In the May report, the Commission reported that it was seeking public comments on its intent to implement revisions to the regulations under the Govemment in the Sunshine Act. In order to give the agency time to consider any comments from the public, the Commission decided that no "non-Sunshine Act discussions" would be held before July 1 at the earliest. In light of the comments we received, the Comrnission subsequently determined that the comments warranted further discussion, and that a second Federal Register notice would therefore be issued. On July 16, the Commission approved a Federal Register notice that responded to the comments received and announced that the Commissioners would not begin holding "non Sunshine Act discussions" until August 23, at the earliest.

2 l

l am particularly pleased to report that we have concluded that the Year 2000 problem will not l

adversely affect the continued safe operation, or if necessary, the safe shutdown of commercial nuclear power plants. This conclusion is based upon our review of the responses from the nuclear power industry concerning Year 2000 readiness, our independent inspection efforts at all 103 operating units, and our ongoing regulatory oversight activities. We have reached this conclusion after many months of intense effort.

Regarding our highest priority -- the uninterrupted performance of plant safety systems -- all nuclear power plants report that no remaining Y2K-related problems exist that could directly affect the performance of safety systems or the capability for safe shutdown. While come plants have additional work remaining on systems not affecting reactor safety, the entire industry is on target to completo the necessary modifications to all administrative, monitoring, and power-related systems prior to January 1,2000. Our audits, inspection reviews, and other oversight activities have not identified any issues that would preclude all licensees from achieving complete Year 2000 readiness.

It is our judgment that nuclear power plants will be in a stable, safe condition during the Y2K transition. Nonetheless, we have established a policy that ensures that regulatory action, where appropriate, will be taken sufficien'.ly in advance of the Y2K rollover date -- that is, as soon as September 30, but no later than December 1,1999.

Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:

submitted to Congress a task force report saying NRC's existing regulatory structure a

could adaquately handle most of the technical, policy, and regulatory issues invo!ved in oversight of three Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities studied in a 15-month pilot program.

finalized the pilot applications for using risk informed insights to justify changes to programs for in-Service inspection, in-Service Testing, and Quality Assurance. Plant J

specific Technical Specifications were addressed similarly.

approved issuance of an interim enforcement policy that allows the use of " enforcement discretion" under certain circumstances for nuclear power plants during Y2K transition periods.

issued a preliminary safety evaluation report and proposed certificate of compliance for Holtec International's HI-STORM spent fuel storage system.

completed public meetings to describe the revised reactor oversight process in the vicinity of all pilot plants involved in the pilot program.

completed actions on a Generic Safety issue involving performance of safety-related a

power-operated valves.

accompanied by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management, met with representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency to discuss the Private Fuel Storage environmental impact statement.

j

3 in addition to those issues that are discussed in Enclosure 1, the NRC staff also has:

propo. sed changes to 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73 that would reduce reporting requirements for licensees to report certain events or p! ant conditions. This rule change willimprove effectiveness and efficiermy, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, and maintain safety.

met with the stakeholders to discuss the draft environmentalimpact statement for Oconee Nuclear Station license renewal. Additionally, the NRC staff was informed that Virginia Electric and Power Company (North Anna Units 1 and 2 and Surry Units 1 and 2); Omaha Public Power District (Fort Calhoun); and PECO Energy Company (Peach Bottom Units 2 and 3) intend to submit license renewal applications starting in late 2001.

completed a 10-year renewal of the license for Nuclear Fuel Service in Erwin, Tennessee.

s began preparation of a new rule that would require nuclear power plant licensees to a

conduct mole frequent plant security drills and exercises to test the adequacy of their programs for safeguarding their plants from terrorists' attacks.

I have enclosed (Enclosure 2) the July update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additional information.

Sincerely, oa Greta Joy Dieus

Enclosures:

1. July Monthly Report
2. Tasking Memorandum cc: Representative Ralph M. Hall

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UNITED STATES 4

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION p

August 17, 1999 CHARMAN The Honorable Ron Packard, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Committee on Appropriations United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Chairman:

The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the eighth report which covers the month of July (Enclosure 1).

The June report highlighted several important actions we had taken, including the Commission's affirmation of a change to 10 CFR 50.59, " Changes, tests, and experiments;" a final rule change to 10 CFR 50.65, the maintenance rule; an important Commission ruling eliminating anti-trust contentions in license transfer proceedings; approval of the export of 130 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to Canada to be used for targets in two new medical isotope production reactors; and approval of the staff's recommendations to fundamentally revise the NRC Enforcement Policy.

Since our June report, the Commission approved a staff proposal for risk informing 10 CFR Part 50, our reactor regulations. This effort will proceed in phases with the first phase focusing on changing the scope of several critical rules, such as the maintenance rule. The overall effort is expected to take several years to complete. This initiative offers an enormous opportunity to better focus both NRC and licensee resources on design and operational issues commensurate with their importance to public health and safety.

The Commission may Loon begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions," under regulations it adopted in 1985 but deferred implementing until now. In the May report, the Commission reported that it was seeking public comments on its intent to implement revisions to the regulations under the Government in the Sunshine Act. In order to give the agency time to consider any comments from the public, the Commission decided that no "non-Sunshine Act discussions" would be held before July 1 at the earliest. In light of the comments we received, the Commission subsequently determined that the comments warranted further discussion, and that a second Federal Register notice would therefore be issued. On July 16, the Commission approved a Federal Register notice that responded to the comments received and announced that the Commissioners would not begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions" until August 23, at the earliest.

4 2

I am particularly pleased to report that we have ccncluded that the Year 2000 prob adversely affect the continued safe operation, or if necessary, the safe shutdown of nuclear power plants. This conclusion is based upon our review of the responses from all 103 operating u.%, and our ongoing regulatory oversi conclusion after many months of intense effort.

Regarding our highest priority -- the uninterrupted performance of plant safety syste affect the performance of safety systems or the capability f plants have additional work remaining on systerr3 not affecting reactor safety the entire industry is on target to complete the necessary modifications to all administrat and power-related systems prior to January 1,2000. Our audits, inspection reviews, a oversight activities have not identified any issues that would preclude all licensees from achieving complete Year 2000 readiness.

It is our judgment that nuclear power plants will be in a stable, safe condition durin transition. Nonetheless, we have established a policy that ensures that regulatory ac appropriate, will be taken sufficiently in advance of the Y2K rollover date -- that is, as so re September 30, but no later than December 1,1999.

Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:

submitted to Congress a task force report saying NRC's existing regulatory structure a

could adequately handle most of the technical, policy, and regulatory issues involved pilot program. oversight of three Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities studie finalized the pilot applications for using risk-informed insights to justify changes to specific Technical Specifications were addressed similarly. prog discretion" under certain circumstances for nuclear power periods.

Holtec international's HI-STORM spent fuel storage system. is completed public meetings to describe the revised reactor oversight process in the vicinity of all pilot plants involved in the pilot program.

completed actions on a Generic Safety issue involving performance of safety-related power-operated valves.

accompanied by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of discuss the Private Fuel Storage environmentalimpact statem

3 in addition to those issues that are discussed in Enclosure 1, the NRC staff also has:

proposed changes to 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73 that would reduce reporting requirements a

for licensees to report certain events or plant conditions. This rule change will improve effectiveness and efficiency, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, and maintain safety.

met with the stakeholders to discuss the draft environmental impact statement for Oconee Nuclear Station license renewal. Additionally, the NRC staff was informed that Virginia Electric and Power Company (North Anna Units 1 and 2 and Surry Units 1 and 2); Omaha Public Power District (Fort Calhoun); and PECO Energy Company (Peach

'30ttom Units 2 and 3) intend to submit license renewal applications starting in late 2001.

completed a 10-year renewal of the license for Nuclear Fuel Service in Erwin, Tennessee.

began preparation of a new rule that would require nuclear power plant licensees to conduct more frequent plant security drills and exercises to test the adequacy of their programs for safeguarding their plants from terrorists' attacks.

I have enclosed (Enclosure 2) the July update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency !nce August 1998 and future milestones.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additional information.

Sincerely, Greta Joy Dicus

Enclosures:

1.' July Monthly Report

2. Tasking Memorandum cc: Representative Peter J. Visclosky

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  • /

UNITED STATES p *'

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTo J, D.C. 2055!L-0001 e

August 17, 1999 CHAIRMAN l

The Honorable Pete V. Domenici, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development l

Committee on Appropriations United States Senate l

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Mr. Chairman:

The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the eighth report which covers the month of July (Enclosure 1).

The June report highlighted several important actions we had taken, including the l

Commission's affirmation of a change to 10 CFR 50.59," Changes, tests, and experiments;" a l

final rule change to 10 CFR 50.65, the maintenance rule; an important Commission ruling eliminating anti-trust contentions in license transfer proceedings; approval of the export of 130 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to Canada to be used for targets in two new medical l

isotope production reactors; and approval of the staff's recommendations to fundamentally I

revise the NRC Enforcement Policy.

l l

Since our June report, the Commission approved a staff proposal for risk informing i

10 CFR Part 50, our reactor regulations. This effort will proceed in phases with the first phase focusing on changing the scope of several critical rules, such as the maintenance rule. The overall effort is expected to take several years to complete. This initiative offers an enormous l

opportunity to better focus both NRC and licensee resources on design and operationalissues commensurate with their importance to public health and safety.

l The Commission may soon begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions," under regulations it l

adopted in 1985 but deferred implementing until now, in the May report, the Commission l

reported that it was seeking public comments on its intent to implement revisions to the l

regulations under the Govemment in the Sunshine Act. In order to give the agency time to consider any comments from the public, the Commission decided that no "non-Sunshine Act discussions" would be held before July 1 at the earliest. In light of the comments we received, the Commission subsequently determined that the comments warranted further discussion, and l

that a second Federal Register notice would therefore be issued. On July 16, the Commission approved a Federal Register notice that responded to the comments received and announr. A that the Commissioners would not begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions" until Aug M 23, at the earliest.

3 i

2 I am particularly pleased to report that we have concluded that the Year 2000 problem will not adversely affect the continued safe operation, or if necessary, the safe shutdown of commercial nuclear power plants. This conclusion is based upon our review of the responses from the nuclear power industry concerning Year 2000 readiness, our independent inspection efforts at i

all 103 operating units, and our ongoing regulatory oversight activities. We have reached this conclusion after many months of intense effort.

Regarding our highest priority -- the uninterrupted performance of plant safety systems -- all nuclear power plants report that no remaining Y2K-related problems exist that could directly affect the performance of safety systems or the capability for safe shutdown. While some j

plants have additional work remaining on systems not affecting reactor safety, the entire industry is on target to complete the necessary modifications to all administrative, monitoring, and power-related sistems prior to January 1,2000. Our audits, inspection reviews, and other oversight activities have not identified any issues that would preclude all licensees from achieving complete Year 2000 readiness.

It is our judgment that nuclear power plants will be in a stable, safe condition during the Y2K transition. Nonetheless, we have established a policy that ensures that regulatory action, where appropriate, will be taken sufficiently in advance of the Y2K rollover date -- that is, as soon as September 30, but no later than December 1,1999.

Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:

submitted to Congress a task force report saying NRC's existing regulatory structure could adequately handle most of the technical, policy, and regulatory issues involved in oversight of three Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities studied in a 15-month pilot program.

finalized the pilot applications for using risk-informed insights to justify changes to a

programs for Irt-Service inspection, in-Service Testing, and Quality Assurance. Plant specific Technical Specifications were addressed similarly.

approved issuance of an interim enforcement policy that allows the use of " enforcement discretion" under certain circumstances for nuclear power plants during Y2K transition periods.

issued a preliminary safety evaluation report and proposed certificate of compliance for Holtec International's HI-STORM spent fuel storage system.

completed public rneetings to describe the revised reactor oversight process in the vicinity of all pilot plants involved in the pilot program.

completed actions on a Generic Safety issue involving performance of safety-related power-operated valves.

accompanied by the Department of Interior's Bureau (of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management, met with representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency to discuss the Private Fuel Storage environmental impact statement.

3 in addition to those issues that are discussed in Enclosu s a also has:

for licensees to report certain events or plant condition ng requirements effectiveness and efficiency, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden a safety.

maintain Oconee Nuclear Station license renewal. Additionall ent for 2); Omaha Public Power District (Fort Calhoun);

a wasinformed that n

urry Units 1 and Bottom Units 2 and 3) intend to submit license renewal application y ompany(Peach s starting in late 2001.

completed a 10-year renewal of the license for Nuclear Fuel Service in E Tennessee.

rwin, began preparation of a new rule that would require nuclear powe conduct more frequent plant security drills and exercises to test the ade r plant licensees to programs for safeguarding their plants from terrorists' attacks quacyof their I have enclosed (Enclosure 2) the July update to the Tasking M the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998emorandum and future milestones.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additionali f n ormation.

Sincerely, W

Greta Joy Dicus

Enclosures:

1. July Menthly Report
2. Tasking Memorandum cc: Senator Harry Reid

[woto UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION O'

WASHINGTON, D.C. 205500001 e

August 17, 1999 CHAIRMAN '

The Honorable Pete V. Domenici United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Domenici:

The Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Senate Report 105-206, directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide a monthly report on the status of its licensing and regulatory duties. I am pleased to transmit the eighth report which covers the month of July (Enclosure 1).

The June report highlighted several important actions we had taken, including the Commission's affirmation of a change to 10 CFR 50.55, " Changes, tests, and experiments;" a I

final rule change to 10 CFR 50.65, the maintenance rula; an important Commission ruling eliminating anti-trust contentions in license transfer proceedings; approval of the export of 130 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to Canada to be used for targets in two new medical isotope production reactors; and approval of the staff's recommendations to fundamentally revise the NRC Enforcement Policy.

i Since our June report, the Commission approved a staff proposal for risk informing 10 CFR Part 50, our reactor regulations. This effort will proceed in phases with the first phase focusing on changing the scope of several critical rules, such as the maintenance rule. The overall effort is expected to take several years to complete. This initiative offers an enormous opportunity to better focus both NRC and licensee resources on design and operational issues commensurate with their importance to public health and safety.

The Commission mny soon begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions," under regulations it adopted in 1985 but deferred implementing until now. In the May report, the Commission reported that it was seeking public comments on its intent to imp! ament recisions to the regulations under the Government in the Sunshine Act. In oraer to give the agency time to consider any comments from the public, the Commission de.:ided that no "rion-Sunshine Act discussions" would be held before July 1 at the earliest. In light of the comments we received, the Commission subsequently determined that the comments warranted further discussion, and that a second Federal Register notice would therefore be issued. On July 16, the Commission approved a Federal Register notice that responded to the comments received and announced that the Commissioners would not begin holding "non-Sunshine Act discussions" until August 23, at the earlisst.

2 I am particularly pleased to report that we have concluded that the Year 2000 problem will not adversely affect the continued safe operation, or if necessary, the safe shutdown of commercial nuclear power plants. This conclusion is based upon our review of the responses from the nuclear power industry concerning Year 2000 readiness, our independent inspection efforte at all 103 operating units, and our ongoing regulatory oversight activities. We have reached this conclusion after many months of intense effort.

Regarding our highest priority -- the uninterrupted performance of plant safety systems -- all nuclear power plants report that no remaining Y2K-related problems exist that could directly affect the performance of safety systems or the capability for safe shutdown. While some plants have additional work remaining on systems not affecting reactor safety, the entire industry is on target to complete the necessary modifications to all administrStive, monitoring, and power-related systems prior to January 1,2000. Our audits, inspection reviews, and other oversight activities have not identified any issues that would preclude all licensees from achieving complete Year 2000 readiness.

It is our judgment that nuclear power plants will be in a stable, safe condition during the Y2K transition. Nonetheless, we have established a policy that ensures that regulatory action, where appropriate, will be taken sufficiently in advance of the Y2K rollover date -- that is, as soon as September 30, but no later than December 1,1999.

Since the last report, the Commission and NRC staff also:

submitted to Congress a task force report saying NRC's existing regulatory structure could adequately handle most of the technical, policy, and regulatory issues involved in oversight of three Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities studied in a 15-month pilot program.

finalized the pilot applications for using risk-informed insights to justify changes to programs for in-Service Inspection, in-Service Testing, and Quality Assurance. Plant specific Technical Specifications were addressed similarly.

approved issuance of an interim enforcement policy that allows the use of " enforcement discretion" under certain circumstances for nuclear power plants during Y2K transition periods.

issued a preliminary safety evaluation report and proposed certificate of compliance for Holtec International's HI-STORM spent fuel storage system.

completed public meetings to describe the revised reactor oversight process in the vicinity of all pilot plants involved in the pilot program.

completed actions on a Generic Safety issue involving performance of safety-related power-operated valves.

accompanied by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management, met with representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency to discuss the Private Fuel Storage environmental impact statement.

I 3

in addition to those issues that are discussed in Enclosure 1, the NRC staff also has:

proposed changes to 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73 that would reduce reporting requirements for licensees to report certain events or plant conditions. This rule change will improve effectiveness and efficiency, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, and maintain safety.

rnet with the stakeholders to discuss the draft environmental impact statement for Oconee Nuclear Station license renewal. Additionally, the NRC staff was informed that Virginia Electric and Power Company (North Anna Units 1 and 2 and Surry Units 1 and 2); Omaha Public Power District (Fort Calhoun); and PECO Energy Company (Peach Bottom Units 2 and 3) intend to submit license renewal applications starting in late 2001.

completed a 10-year renewal of the license for Nuclear Fuel Service in Erwin, Tennessee.

began preparation of a new rule that would require nuclear power plant licensees to conduct more frequent plant security drills and exercises to test the adequacy of their programs for safeguarding their plants from terrorists' attacks.

I have enclosed (Enclosure 2) the July update to the Tasking Memorandum which delineates the specific initiatives completed by the agency since August 1998 and future milestones.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may provide additional information.

Sincerely, Greta Joy Dicus

Enclosures:

1. July Monthly Report
2. Tasking Memorandum

l LIST OF ADDRESSEES The Honorable James M. Inhofe, Chairman Subcommittee on Clean Air, Wetlands, Private Property and Nuclear Safety Committee c1 Environment and Public Works United Statas Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 cc: Senator Bob Graham The Honorable Joe Barton, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Power Committee on Commerce United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 cc: Representative Ralph M. Hall The Honorable Ron Packard, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Committee on Appropriations United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 cc: Representative Peter J. Visclosky The Honorable Pete V. Domenici, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Committee on Appropriations United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 cc: Senator Harry Reid The Honorable Pete V. Domenici United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 l

l l

l

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