INFORMATION REPORT

December 1, 2003 SECY-03-0207

For: The Commissioners

From: William M. Dean, Assistant for Operations, Office of the EDO

Subject: SECY-03-0207 WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK 

ENDING NOVEMBER 21, 2003

Contents Enclosure

Nuclear Reactor Regulation A

Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards B

Nuclear Regulatory Research C

Nuclear Security and Incident Response D*

General Counsel E*

Administration F

Chief Information Officer G

Chief Financial Officer H

Human Resources I

Small Business & Civil Rights J*

Enforcement K*

State and Tribal Programs L*

Public Affairs M

International Programs N

Office of the Secretary O

Region I P

Region II P

Region III P*

Region IV P

Executive Director for Operations Q*

Congressional Affairs R

*No input this week.

/RA/

William M. Dean

Assistant for Operations, OEDO

Contact:

A. Boland, OEDO
December 1, 2003 SECY-03-0207

For: The Commissioners

From: William M. Dean, Assistant for Operations, Office of the EDO

Subject: SECY-03-0207 WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK 

ENDING NOVEMBER 21, 2003

Contents Enclosure

Nuclear Reactor Regulation A

Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards B

Nuclear Regulatory Research C

Nuclear Security and Incident Response D*

General Counsel E*

Administration F

Chief Information Officer G

Chief Financial Officer H

Human Resources I

Small Business & Civil Rights J*

Enforcement K*

State and Tribal Programs L*

Public Affairs M

International Programs N

Office of the Secretary O

Region I P

Region II P

Region III P*

Region IV P

Executive Director for Operations Q*

Congressional Affairs R

*No input this week.

/RA/

William M. Dean

Assistant for Operations, OEDO

Contact:

A. Boland, OEDO

DISTRIBUTION:

Central File

Public Document Name: C:\WIR\Week1121.WPD

OEDO AO/OEDO

ABoland WMDean

12/01/03 12/01/03
WEEKLY INFORMATION REPORT - WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 21, 2003

The Weekly Information Report is compiled by the Office of the EDO and includes highlights of

Headquarters and Regional Office activities. 

Contact: A. Boland, OEDO by E-mail: @nrc.gov. 

Use GO TO (Ctrl+Home) to advance to the page number for a specific Office.

PgDn and PgUp can also be used to advance through the text.

OFFICE Page OFFICE Page

NRR 2 STP *

NMSS 4 OPA 17

RES 8 IP 18

NSIR * SECY 19

OGC * Region I 20

ADM 10 Region II 21

CIO 11 Region III *

CFO * Region IV 23

HR 15 OEDO *

SB/CR * OCA 24

OE *

*No input this week
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE A

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Dresden Unit 2 Startup - Bypassing of Containment Pressure Suppression Function

On November 10, 2003, the plant was in startup mode. After completing the Unit 2 Refueling

Outage 18 (D2R18), control room operators determined that both the torus and drywell purge

valves were simultaneously left open, thus directly connecting the torus air space to the drywell. 

This bypassed the pressure suppression function of the torus water and put the unit in an

unanalyzed condition. The containment pressure suppression function is credited in the

loss-of-coolant accident analysis to limit drywell pressure. It accomplishes this by condensing

steam from the drywell as it passes through torus water. Control room operators immediately

restored proper valve alignment. The licensee reported the incident to the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC), performed a prompt investigation, and implemented interim corrective

actions. A more in depth root cause evaluation will be conducted by the licensee. The NRC

resident inspectors are following the licensee’s root cause determination and corrective action.

Quad Cities Unit 1 - Steam Dryer Damage

On November 12, 2003, Quad Cities Unit 1 entered a forced outage to inspect and repair the

unit’s steam dryer. Thru-wall cracking was found in the upper dryer hood cover plate in the

270-degree azimuth of the dryer. The plate is a 1⁄2 inch thick cover plate welded in place with

internal bracing, and the cracking is in the base metal of the plate. A piece of the plate, 

approximately 7 by 9 inches, cracked off and is currently missing. Inspections of the main

steam lines have not indicated any evidence of the missing piece, and the licensee plans to

check the annulus of the reactor for the missing piece next. Initial inspections inside the steam

dryer also identified cracking and damage to internal support bracing. The licensee has

assembled a team of Exelon, General Electric, and industry experts to assess the damage and

develop repairs and corrective actions. 

Public Meeting with South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company (STPNOC) to discuss

Proposed Risk-Informed Inservice Testing Program

On November 18, 2003, NRR staff met with representatives of STPNOC to discuss a RiskInformed Inservice Testing (RI-IST) Program that might be proposed for implementation at STP

Units 1 and 2. During the meeting, the licensee addressed concerns raised by the NRC staff in

a letter dated May 29, 2003, regarding a previously proposed RI-IST Program that was

subsequently withdrawn by STPNOC. The licensee also described its categorization and

treatment processes for pumps and valves at STP under a newly proposed RI-IST Program

which is to be developed. In response to staff questions during the meeting, the licensee plans

to provide follow-up information on the categorization process for the proposed RI-IST

Program, and the differences with the categorization process used to support its previously

approved exemption from specific special treatment requirements in 10 CFR Part 50 for low

safety significant structures, systems, and components at STP. Upon completion of the NRC

staff review of the STPNOC follow-up information, the licensee intends to submit a request to

implement the proposed RI-IST Program as an alternative to the ASME Code IST provisions

incorporated by reference in the NRC regulations that provides an acceptable level of quality
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE A

and safety in accordance with 10 CFR 50.55a(a)(3). The NRC staff and licensee participants

considered the meeting successful in terms of clarifying the licensee’s plans for the proposed

RI-IST Program at STP.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE B

Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes Meeting

On November 12-13, 2003, the Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI)

held its semi-annual public meeting in Rockville, Maryland. Staff from different NRC offices, as

well as members of the public, industry, and societies participated in the meeting. The principal

topics discussed included: (1) an update on the National Material Pilot Project on operating

experience; (2) implementation of the proposed revisions to 10 CFR Part 35, “Medical Use of

Byproduct Material”; (3) training and experience under Part 35; (4) emerging technologies; 

(5) access to the Nuclear Materials Event Database; and (6) dose reconstruction. Of particular

interest was the presentation on medical events linked to the use of the Novoste Beta-Cath

intravascular brachytherapy device. At the request of NRC staff, ACMUI performed an

evaluation to determine the root cause of events involving the Novoste Beta-Cath device and

provided recommended actions that NRC staff could take to help reduce the numbers of events

involving this product.

Meeting Regarding International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Transportation Safety

Regulations

On November 10-14, 2003, staff from the Spent Fuel Project Office participated in the IAEA 

Second Review Panel of the Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, in

Bonn, Germany. Approximately 80 people attended the meeting, representing 23 countries,

industry, and modal organizations. The meeting was held for evaluation and disposition of

Member State comments regarding proposed changes to TS-R-1, the IAEA “Regulations for the

Safe Transport of Radioactive Material.” Of the 63 proposed changes to the regulations

submitted by Member States, 37 were accepted by the Review Panel. The Transport Safety

Standards Committee (TRANSSC) will forward recommendations for regulatory changes for

review and approval. Changes that TRANSSC approves will be incorporated in the edition of

the regulations scheduled for publication in 2005.

NRC/Department of Energy (DOE) Quarterly Quality Assurance and Management Meetings

On November 12-13, 2003, staff and senior managers from NRC and the DOE met, in two

public meetings, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss quality

assurance and programmatic issues concerning DOE’s potential license application for a

geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Video and audio connections were also

available with connections to the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses in San

Antonio, Texas, and NRC Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Various stakeholders, including

representatives from the State of Nevada, Nye County, Clark County, Lincoln County, the

General Accounting Office, industry, the Nevada Nuclear Waste Task Force, and members of

the public attended the meeting. 

Discussion topics at the Quality Assurance meeting included: (1) status of significant corrective

actions; and (2) program improvements, metrics, and effectiveness regarding the license

application, procedural compliance, corrective action program, and staff accountability. 
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE B

Discussion topics at the Management meeting included: (1) DOE and NRC Program Updates;

(2) Status of DOE’s FY 2004 budget; (3) key technical issue resolution; (4) safety-conscious

work environment; and (5) license application status. At the conclusion of each meeting,

participants from DOE and NRC reviewed the status of previous meetings’ action items, closed

most of them, and identified some new action items.

Amendment Request Meeting with Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS)

On November 19, 2003, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards staff met with NFS to

initiate the review of the amendment request for the Oxide Conversion Building and the Effluent

Processing Building in the Blended Low-Enriched Uranium (BLEU) Complex. Office of Nuclear

Security and Incident Response staff attended the meeting also. This is the third and final

amendment request for the BLEU Project at NFS. An acceptance review is almost complete

and the NRC staff expects to publish a notice of receipt and opportunity to request a hearing in

the Federal Register soon. During the open portion of the meeting, NFS provided an overview

of the amendment and the proposed licensing schedule. A member of the public attended and

asked several questions. During the closed portion of the meeting, NFS provided a more

detailed briefing of proprietary information in its request.

Proposed Rule Revision of 10 CFR Part 72.214

On November 20, 2003, the Executive Director for Operations (EDO) approved a proposed rule

which revises 10 CFR Part 72.214, “List of approved spent fuel storage casks,” for the

Transnuclear, Inc., Standardized NUHOMS® Horizontal Modular Storage System (Standardized

NUHOMS® System) to include Amendment No. 7 in Certificate of Compliance (CoC) Number

1004. Amendment No. 7 which will incorporate changes in support of the Amergen Corporation

plans to load damaged fuel and additional fuel types at its Oyster Creek Nuclear Station. 

Specifically, the amendment will add damaged Boiling Water Reactor spent fuel assemblies

and additional fuel types to the authorized contents of the NUHOMS®-61BT Dry Shielded

Canister under a general license. In addition, the amendment includes three minor changes to

the Technical Specifications to correct inconsistencies and remove irrelevant references.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE C

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Post-Storage Characterization and Creep Testing of Spent Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)

Fuel Rods

The Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) has completed an experimental program

post-storage characterization and creep testing of representative PWR fuel rods, stored for

over 15 years in a dry storage cask. The objective of the program was to provide a technical

basis supporting the revision of Interim Staff Guidance (ISG-11), which will be used by NRC to

grant license extensions for dry storage casks. The experimental program and the results are

documented in NUREG/CR-6831. The results are also summarized in a research information

letter (RIL). 

The results suggest that the PWR spent fuel cladding, after 15 years in a dry storage

environment, retained sufficient structural integrity to remain as a barrier to fission product

release. The results provide a sound technical basis in support of Revision 2 of Interim Staff

Guidance (ISG-11), and for granting an extension of cask licenses, thereby reducing regulatory

burden on licensees while maintaining the safety of spent fuel storage. Note that the results

are valid for spent fuel with a burnup limit of 45 gigawatt days per metric ton of uranium

(GWd/MTU). RES is currently conducting a similar experimental program for high burnup spent

fuel cladding (burnup in excess of 45 GWd/MTU). 

Public Meeting on Generic Safety Issue (GSI)-191 

On November 19, 2003, RES staff and management participated in the public meeting on

GSI-191, “Assessment of Debris Accumulation on PWR Sump Performance.” The purpose of

the meeting was to discuss NRC’s and industry’s activities associated with the resolution of

GSI-191. RES staff presented a summary of technical findings from recent NRC research

related to debris impact on PWR sump performance. Extensive discussions were also held

with industry representatives on integrated tests to assess the overall chemical effects on

debris formation, transport, and head loss across PWR sump screens.

Risk-Informed Inservice Inspection Training

From November 10-14, 2003, in response to an invitation, a staff member from RES traveled to

South Korea to provide technical training to Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) on RI-ISI 

methodologies and implementation. The staff member also visited the Korea Electric Power

Research Institute (KEPRI) and made a presentation on the status of RI-ISI activities in the

U.S. In addition, the KINS staff members presented the Korean approach and status for

implementation of risk-informed regulation (RIR) and pilot RI-ISI application. 

Issuance of the Report on Containment Debris Chemical Tests

On November 19, 2003, RES staff made public the contractor report (draft NUREG) on

chemical tests “Small Scale Experiments: Effects of Chemical Reactions on Debris Bed head

Loss.” The independent peer review comments will be included as attachments. This work was
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE C

done in response to a concern raised by the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

(ACRS). This study was performed to assess the potential for chemically induced corrosion

products to impede the performance of emergency core cooling system recirculation after a

loss-of coolant accident (LOCA) at PWR plants.

Issuance of Regulatory Guide 1.82, Revision 3

On November 19, 2003, RES staff issued Revision 3 to Regulatory Guide 1.82, “Water Sources

for Long-Term Recirculation Cooling Following a Loss-of-Coolant Accident.” This Regulatory

Guide describes methods acceptable to the NRC staff for implementing regulatory

requirements related to PWR post-LOCA sump performance and methods for evaluating sump

screen vulnerability to clogging due to debris from a LOCA.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE F

Office of Administration 

Items of Interest 

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Publication of Advance Notice of Proposed

Rulemaking Regarding the Disposal of Low-Activity Radioactive Waste: Request for Comment

(Part 61)

A document announcing the publication of an EPA advance notice of proposed rulemaking was

published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2003 (68 FR 64993). EPA is requesting

comment on a number of issues associated with the disposal of mixed waste, that is waste

characterized as hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and

radioactive waste under the Atomic Energy Act. The comment period for this action closes

March 17, 2004.

Minor Changes to Decommissioning Trust Fund Provisions (Part 50 - AH32)

A direct final rule that amends regulations pertaining to decommissioning trust fund provisions

was published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2003 (68 FR 65386). This action

corrects typographical errors and clarifies provisions concerning notification requirements,

investment prohibitions, and the option for licensees to retain existing license conditions. The

direct final rule becomes effective December 24, 2003.

The companion proposed rule for this direct final rule was published in the Federal Register on

November 20, 2003 (68 FR 65415). The comment period closes December 22, 2003.

Contract Award

As a result of a small business set-aside acquisition, a firm fixed price type contract, No.

NRC-10-04-413 entitled, “Building Operation and Management Services,” was awarded to

Urban/Meridian Joint Venture on November 18, 2003. The contractor shall provide all labor and

materials to operate and maintain all architectural, engineering, mechanical, and electrical

building systems for the One White Flint North and Two White Flint North buildings. The

contract runs for 13 months with four option periods. 
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE G

Chief Information Officer

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Meeting Held with the Small Business Administration (SBA) about Electronic Government

(e-Gov) Business Gateway

Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) staff participated in a meeting with the SBA to

discuss the NRC’s role in the e-Gov Business Gateway Project and the financing strategy that

was used to determine NRC’s contribution. As a result of the meeting, the SBA agreed that

NRC’s contribution was inconsistent with contributions from similar size agencies. They agreed

to meet with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the proper interpretation

of the data that was provided by OMB from NRC’s Government Paperwork Elimination Act

(GPEA) plan.

Information Technology (IT) Security

NRC’s online computer security training courses have been updated to reflect the latest

guidance from the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). A network

announcement was distributed and all employees and contractors with IT system access have

begun taking the updated course. FISMA requires that the computer security awareness

course be completed annually. NRC also conducted its annual "Computer Security Awareness

Day" on November 20th. The event was very successful in accomplishing its goal of enhancing

computer security awareness at NRC as the event well attended by NRC staff.

Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Requests received during the period of

November 14 through November 20, 2003:

Allegations RIII-93-A-0008, RII-96-A-0246, RIII-97-A-0103, RII-97-A0258, RIII-97-A-0257, RIII-98-A-0013 and NRR-98-A-0022, complete

files and related investigation files; Toledo Edison Allegations, dated

3-12-94

FOIA/PA-2004-0051

NUREG/CR-5504, permission to use figure 7.6 in international journal FOIA/PA-2004-0052

Purchase orders and/or contracts for lodging facilities in Las Vegas

NV, 10-2002 to 10-2003

FOIA/PA-2004-0053

Contract NRC3303314, Ruland & Associates, releasable portions of

Section B & relevant attachments, and bidder’s list

FOIA/PA-2004-0054

Allegation NRR-99-A-0002, including all correspondence FOIA/PA-2004-0055
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE H

Chief Financial Officer

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Draft FY 2004-2009 Strategic Plan

On November 18, 2003, the draft Strategic Plan was placed on the agency’s internal web site,

and on November 19, 2003, on the external web site for comment by interested stakeholders. 

A network announcement, press release, and Federal Register notice on this matter provide

information about the availability of the draft plan and how to comment. In addition, a

communication plan on the draft Strategic Plan was developed by Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

and the EDO and circulated to office directors and regional administrators with guidance on

encouraging stakeholders to comment. Further, key stakeholders in Congress and OMB are

being sent a copy of the draft plan for their review. The comment period ends December 31,

2003. 

e-Payroll Update

The Department of Interior’s (DOI) Federal Personnel/Payroll System (FPPS) became the

agency system of record effective November 2, 2003. FPPS will produce NRC’s first payroll for

Pay Period 24, 2003. NRC’s official pay day will remain the second Tuesday following the end

of the pay period (the pay date for Pay Period 24 is November 25, 2003). DOI provides a

special feature called "Accelerated Pay Day" which allows employees that use Direct Deposit to

generally have their net pay and allotments deposited into their account on the Friday before

the Tuesday pay day (the accelerated pay date for pay period 24 is November 21, 2003). 

DOI provides an employee self service system called Employee Express (EEX) to their

customers. Employee Express allows employees to view their Earnings and Leave Statement

(ELS) and to enter discretionary personnel/payroll actions using the Internet. EEX will be

mailing Personal Identification Number (PIN) letters to all NRC employees on November 21,

2003. 
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE I

Office of Human Resources

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Retirement

Diane Flack Technical Assistant for Materials & Security OCM

Departures

Scott Sun Student IT Specialist ACRS
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE M

Office of Public Affairs

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Media Interest

Criticism by Nevada officials of NRC’s decision to hold closed-door evaluations of the Energy

Department’s quality assurance program on the Yucca Mountain Project.

Provisions in proposed energy legislation approved by a congressional conference committee

that would benefit the nuclear industry.

Issuance of the U.S. - Canadian Joint Power System Outage Task Force interim report on the

causes of the August 14 blackout in the Northeast.

Press Releases

Headquarters:

03-147 NRC Seeks Public Comment On Implementation Of Reactor Oversight

Process (11/17)

03-148 NRC Announces Opportunity For Hearing On Application For Renewal Of

Farley Operating License (11/17)

03-149 NRC To Hold Public Meeting On Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 2, Application

For License Renewal (11/17)

03-150 NRC Announces Availability Of Application For Early Site Permit At Grand

Gulf Nuclear Plant Location (11/18) 

03-151 NRC Seeks Comments On Draft Strategic Plan (11/19)

03-152 NRC Announces Hearing On Early Site Permit For The North Anna Site 

 (11/20)

03-153 NRC Announces Opportunity For Hearing On Application To Renew

Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 2, Operating License (11/20)

03-154 NRC Considers Improvements Related To The Availability And Submission

Of Documents For A Potential Hearing on Yucca Mountain (11/20)

Regions:

III-03-068 Public Meeting November 20 On License Renewal Application For D.C.

Cook Nuclear Plant (11/18)

III-03-069 NRC To Discuss Safety Significance Of Loss Of Offsite Power Event At

Palisades (11/21) 
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE N

Office of International Programs

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Visit of Louisa Zondo, South Africa

On November 20, 2003, Louisa Zondo, Chief Executive Officer, National Nuclear Regulator of

South Africa, met with Commissioner Merrifield to update him on the licencing status of the

Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR). Additionally, Ms. Zondo met with the staff to discuss the

NRC/Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) interface relating to reactor operator

training, and to be briefed on current NRC research activities.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE O

Office of the Secretary

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Document Released

to Public

Date Subject

Decision Documents

1. SRM-SECY-02-0196 11/17/03 Recommendations Stemming From the

Systematic Assessment of Exemptions from

Licensing in 10 CFR Parts 30 and 40; and a

Rulemaking Plan for Risk-Informing 10 CFR

Parts 30, 31, and 32

Commission Voting

Record on 02-0196

11/17/03 (same)

2. SRM-SECY-03-0069 11/17/03 Results of the License Termination Rule

Analysis

Commission Voting

Record on 03-0069

11/17/03 (same)

3. SECY-03-0186 10/29/03 Options and Recommendations for NRC

Deferring Active Regulation of GroundWater Protection at In Situ Leach Uranium

Extraction Facilities

SRM-SECY-03-0186 11/19/03 (same)

Commission Voting

Record on 03-0186

11/19/03 (same)

4. Commission Voting

Record on 03-0141

11/19/03 Final Rule to Revise 10 CFR Part 71 to be

Compatible with IAEA Transportation Safety

Standards [TS-R-1] and make other NRCInitiated Changes

Information Papers

1. SECY-03-0181 10/27/03 Update of the Risk-Informed Regulation

Implementation Plan

2. SECY-03-0196 11/13/03 SECY-03-0196 Weekly Information Report -

Week Ending November 7, 2003

3. SECY-03-0190 11/3/03 Status Report on Power Uprates
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE O

Memoranda

1. M031120A 11/20/03 Staff Requirements - Affirmation Session:

SECY-03-0141 - Final Rule to Revise 10

CFR Part 71 to be Compatible with IAEA

Transportation Safety Standards [TS-R-1]

and make other NRC-Initiated Changes

Commission Correspondence

1. Letter to David Lochbaum, Union of Concerned Scientists, dated November 12, 2003,

responds to letter providing comments for consideration during the development of the

enforcement Alternative Dispute Resolution pilot program.

Federal Register Notices Issued

1. Advisory Committee on Nuclear Waste Seeks Qualified Candidates - Notice.

2. Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards Meeting (12/03/03).

3. 10 CFR Part 2 - Licensing Proceeding for the Receipt of High-Level Radioactive Waste at a

Geologic Repository: Licensing Support Network, Submissions to the Electronic Docket.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE P

Region I

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Haddam Neck Community Decommissioning Advisory Committee Meeting

On November 18, 2003, Region I staff attended the Haddam Neck (CT) Community 

Decommissioning Advisory Committee (CDAC) meeting. The licensee discussed recent site

activities regarding safety performance, radiological exposure performance, status of

decommissioning, and status of groundwater monitoring. The NRC provided an overview of

recent inspection findings, confirmatory measurements inspection results, and future planned

inspection activities. Confirmatory measurements were performed by an NRC contractor on

selected open land area survey units for which the licensee had completed final status surveys. 

The NRC confirmed that the licensee’s results were below the approved guidelines for release

for unrestricted use. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP)

presented an overview of the residential well groundwater investigation, which included

sampling and analysis of fish. The CTDEP confirmed that the licensee’s results for offsite

groundwater and fish were less than the minimum detectable activity for plant related

radionuclides. The meeting was open to the public; approximately 35 people attended. 

Rhode Island Follow-up Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) Review

On November 17-18, 2003, a follow-up IMPEP review of the Rhode Island Agreement State

Program was conducted by staff from Region I and the Office of State and Tribal Programs. 

This review focused on the State’s performance for the indicator “Status of Materials Inspection

Program” over the last year and actions taken in response to recommendations made during

the IMPEP review conducted in November 2002. The review team determined that the State

performed all but one of its overdue inspections and conducted other core inspections at their

required frequencies.

Peach Bottom Augmented Inspection Team (AIT) Exit Meeting/Visit by Regional Administrator

The Region I Regional Administrator and NRC staff conducted an exit meeting with Exelon, the

Peach Bottom licensee, on the findings of an AIT inspection. The AIT inspection was conducted

to examine the licensee's performance during a complicated dual-unit scram after an electric

grid disturbance on September 15, 2003. The meeting was open for public observation. At the

end of the meeting the Regional Administrator and the NRC staff addressed public and media

questions.

Prior to the evening exit meeting, the Regional Administrator visited the Peach Bottom site. He 

was accompanied by the Director, Division of Reactor Projects, Deputy Director, Division of

Reactor Safety and other members of Region I staff. During the site visit, the Regional

Administrator discussed with Exelon staff plant performance issues and toured the facility. The

Regional Administrator also discussed with Exelon senior management several issues related

to performance of other Exelon plants, including Limerick, Three Mile Island and Oyster Creek.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE P

Pilot of Materials Security Temporary Instruction (TI)

On November 18-20, 2003, a team of inspectors from Region I’s King of Prussia and Atlanta

offices, along with staff from NSIR and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, piloted the use of

a TI for inspecting compensatory measures at the Ion Beam Applications (IBA) irradiator in New

Jersey. This pilot effort provided valuable insights into the content of the TI and the resources

needed to implement it at Agreement State and NRC-licensed irradiators.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE P

Region II

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Visit by Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear Official

On November 17, 2003, the Regional Administrator, accompanied by Mr. José Villadóniga of

the Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear in Spain, met with representatives at INPO in Atlanta,

Georgia and later met with Senior Managers in the Region II Office.

Region II Management Retreat

On November 18-19, 2003, the Regional Administrator, all regional Senior Managers and

Branch Chiefs attended the Region II Management Retreat in Athens, Georgia.

Duke Energy Corporation - Oconee Nuclear Plant

On November 21, 2003, the Regional Administrator visited the Oconee Nuclear Plant in

Seneca, South Carolina. The purpose of the visit was to tour the facility and meet with licensee

management and the resident inspectors.

Dominion Energy

A post-docketing inspection of Dominion Energy’s Early Site Permit (ESP) activities was

conducted on November 17-21, 2003. The objective of the inspection was to review data

collection methodologies and Quality Assurance controls in support of the ESP application.
November 21, 2003 ENCLOSURE P

Region IV

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

Predecisional Enforcement Conference (PEC) - State of Alaska Department of 

Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT)

On November 18 and 19, 2003, the Regional Administrator and members of the Region IV

staff, as well as selected members of the headquarters staff conducted a closed PEC, in the

Region IV office, with representatives of ADOT. The purpose of the PEC was to discuss six

apparent violations of NRC requirements involving exposure to licensee employees and to

discuss an apparent violation of employee protection requirements.
November 21, 2003 

Office of Congressional Affairs

Items of Interest

Week Ending November 21, 2003

CONGRESSIONAL HEARING SCHEDULE, NO. 40

OCA

Contact

DATE

&

PLACE

TIME WITNESS SUBJECT 

Combs 12/06/03

Kentucky

 9:00 TBA Cleanup at DOE’s Paducah Site Senators 

EnergyEnergy a