Previously, this review has been performed semiannually, but beginning in 1999 the assessment will be annual. The review is performed by senior NRC managers who then present their assessments to the Commission in a public meeting. Since June 1993 the managers have also identified plants where performance is declining, but which do not warrant being placed on the Watch List. The senior managers' evaluations are drawn from inspections of the plants by NRC inspectors, NRC managers' visits to the plants, performance data, events and information reported by the utilities, and other information. The first watch list was issued in October 1986.
Additional background is available.
Plants Removed from the List of Problem Facilities. Plants in this category have taken effective action to correct identified problems and to implement programs for improved performance. No further NRC special attention is necessary beyond the regional office's current level of monitoring to ensure improvement continues. Plants Authorized to Operate that the NRC will Monitor Closely. Plants in this category are having or have had weaknesses that warrant increased NRC attention from both headquarters and the regional office.