This report includes the highlights of the CRGR members' visits to nuclear facilities to obtain feedback on how the backfitting process is working. This report also includes the highlights of the CRGR Chairman and staff periodic meetings with industry-supported organizations to obtain industry feedback on the effectiveness of the backfitting process. Notwithstanding the NRC backfit procedures and programmatic controls, the Commission has been made aware of industry concerns via the meetings with industry representatives discussed above. Some concerns result from the licensing review process through requests for additional information. Although specific details have not been provided, the general concern has been provided to senior managers in NRR who are responsible for ensuring that unauthorized plant specific backfits are not imposed in the licensing review process.
Some concerns result from inspection activities.
Last year, the Commission expanded the scope of the CRGR Charter to include review of inspection guidance. This indicates a need for additional workshops with industry representatives and, although such workshops are not currently scheduled, they will be planned in the near future. Currently an independent NRC panel is reviewing a formal backfit appeal from Maine Yankee, and recommendations for further improvements in the backfit management process may be forthcoming from that review. In early September, NRC and NEI Senior Managers met on issues of mutual interest, including the backfit rule. In addition the staff backfit training and audit activities which are planned for FY 1999 may indicate additional specific areas in need of improvement.