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	NRC NEWS U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, REGION II 61 Forsyth Street, Suite 23T85, Atlanta, GA 30303
	CONTACT:	Ken Clark (Phone: 404/562-4416, E-mail: kmc2@nrc.gov )
		Roger Hannah (Phone 404/562-4417, E-mail: rdh1@nrc.gov )

No: II-98-29

April 10, 1998

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff will hold a meeting with officials of Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Columbia, South Carolina at noon on Thursday, April 16 at the company's Commercial Nuclear Fuel Division to discuss the plant's regulatory performance.

NRC officials will discuss the latest licensee performance review which evaluated safety operations, safeguards, radiological controls, facility support and licensing activities from January 1, 1996 through January 31 of this year. The NRC uses this periodic assessment of licensed fuel facilities to plan its inspection program for the next year as well as to give the company feedback on its performance.

The NRC identified several strengths in worker safety training and the overall reduction in worker exposures to radioactivity. In a letter to Westinghouse, NRC Regional Administrator Luis Reyes also said the NRC staff recognized the company's effort to enhance the Fundamental Nuclear Material Control Plan. He also noted a recent improvement in communications with NRC in reporting events at the facility.

The NRC review also found several areas needing improvement, especially the management control program to assure plant activities are in compliance with license conditions. In his letter, Reyes identified additional challenges such as assuring management expectations are being met by workers and ensuring the quality of safety programs despite staffing cuts.

Based on the review, the NRC has decided to generally maintain its current overall level of inspection effort. Increased inspections in nuclear criticality safety and management controls will be offset by fewer inspections in radiation protection and waste management. The NRC staff will also pay particular attention to Westinghouse actions to improve emergency preparedness.

The April 16 meeting is open to interested members of the public and the media for observation, and NRC officials will be available at the conclusion of the meeting to answer any questions.

EDITORS: Copies of the cover letter and summary outline of the NRC licensee performance review of Westinghouse are available from this office.