The NRC inspection program does not replace the licensee's programs or decrease its responsibilities. NRC's program independently assesses the effectiveness of the licensee's programs and provides feedback to the licensee for corrective action. Reactor inspections are conducted primarily by resident and region-based inspectors. Under a program initiated in 1977, resident inspectors are stationed at each nuclear power plant under construction and in operation. There are at least two resident inspectors assigned to each nuclear power plant site on a full-time basis.
Resident inspectors provide first-hand, independent knowledge of plant conditions and performance.
Resident inspectors live in the area of the nuclear power plant and maintain offices at the plant during regular business hours. In addition, resident inspectors spend a portion of their time at the plant during weekends and evenings. By assigning resident inspectors to reactor sites, the NRC significantly increased the agency's onsite monitoring of the plants. This increased time improves ability to observe licensee activities, verify compliance with requirements, and respond to events at the plant. Since a resident inspector inspects a single site, he or she acquires detailed knowledge of that plant and uses that knowledge to perform more efficient inspections.