U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Washington, DC 20555-0001

NUREG/BR-0355

July 2008

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Construction Inspection Program 

Public ParticipationPublic involvement in, and information about, our activities is a cornerstone of ensuring strong, fair regulation of the nuclear industry. We recognize the public’s interest in the proper regulation of nuclear activities and provide opportunities for citizens to be heard. We encourage your participation and comments. For information on public involvement in new reactor licensing activities, visit the public involvement Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/ reactors/new-licensing/public-involvement.htmlTo learn about future meetings, visit the public 

meeting schedule Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/publicmeetings/index.cfmThe U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission broadcasts public Commission meetings over the Internet as a means of improving communications with the public. Upcoming Webcasts are announced via the NRC 

Web page: http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/publicmeetings

Location of Projected New Nuclear Power Reactors
Introduction

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent Federal agency responsible for regulating non-military uses of nuclear technology. The NRC was created by the Energy Reorganization Act, signed into law in 1974.The NRC does not operate or construct nuclear plants. It regulates the safe operation and construction of test, research, and commercial nuclear plants.The NRC’s Construction Inspection Program will be utilized during the construction of the next generation of U.S. nuclear reactors. The NRC began developing the Construction Inspection Program several years ago, identifying lessons learned from previous construction inspections during the 1980s, and updating the program for current nuclear power plant construction. The program is an important part of the NRC’s licensing and oversight mission.BackgroundThe NRC created the Offi ce of New Reactors (NRO) to ensure that the infl ux of applications would not have an adverse impact on the oversight of existing reactors. 

NRO’s Division of Construction Inspection and Operational Programs (DCIP) is the lead offi ce carrying out regulatory activities related to new reactors, in order to protect public health, safety, and the environment. NRO conducts its activities transparently to earn the public’s trust.DCIP develops policy and provides overall program management and planning for the Construction Inspection Program.The NRC’s Center for Construction Inspection, located in Atlanta, will take the lead in implementing the Construction Inspection Program to oversee construction activities in the United States. 

What We RegulateThe NRC regulates the construction and operation of commercial nuclear power facilities. The NRC decides whether to issue standard design certifi cations, early site permits, construction permits, operating licenses, and combined licenses for commercial nuclear power facilities. The NRC also regulates the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

How We RegulateThe NRC regulates the construction of new Reactors, ensuring activities are accomplished in accordance with both NRC regulations and the specifi c requirements of the license. The NRC will utilize a combination of resident inspectors, stationed at each construction site, and specialist inspectors from both the regional offi ces and NRC headquarters, located in the greater Washington, D.C., area. These inspectors directly observe work activities to ensure they are being accomplished as required. The results of these inspection will be publicly available on our Web page.NRC implements programs and procedures to systematically assess and coordinate the follow-up of all new reactor construction-related issues. NRC monitors and evaluates lessons learned from industry activities, both foreign and domestic.NRC also reviews the quality assurance programs at vendors, fabricators, applicants, and construction licensees and implements the quality assurance and vendor inspection programs. 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Protecting People and the Environment

Tioga Pipe Vendor Inspection

Limerick Nuclear Power Plant

Levy County site Inspection