NRC: Meeting SRM M081106C - Briefing on NRC International Programs, 1:30 P.M., Thursday, November 6, 2008, Commissioners’ Conference Room, One White Flint North, Rockville, Maryland (Open to Public Attendance)

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IN RESPONSE, PLEASE
REFER TO: M081106C

November 18, 2008

MEMORANDUM FOR:

Margaret M. Doane, Director
Office of International Programs

R. W. Borchardt
Executive Director for Operations

FROM:

Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary /RA/

SUBJECT:

STAFF REQUIREMENTS - BRIEFING ON NRC INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS, 1:30 P.M., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2008, COMMISSIONERS’ CONFERENCE ROOM, ONE WHITE FLINT NORTH, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (OPEN TO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE)

The Commission was briefed by the NRC staff on its accomplishments and challenges related to its international activities.

The NRC plays an internationally recognized leadership role in the regulation of nuclear facilities and radioactive materials. The staff should continue to update the Commission on notable returns the Agency receives for its investment in international activities, for example, research, operating experience, construction experience, multinational design evaluation program (MDEP), enrichment experience, ability to shape and influence international policy, etc.

Staff should keep the Commission informed of its preparations for the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission to the United States in 2010. Staff should track its resource expenditures for this effort, inform the Commission of the benefits of this activity to the Agency, and bring related policy issues to the Commission in a timely manner.

The Commission looks forward to receiving the proposed revision to 10 CFR Part 110 later this year. The staff should clarify language concerning the acceptance of foreign radioactive waste for disposal by NRC and Agreement State licensees, and notification thresholds for affected States.

The Commission continues to support the foreign assignee program and its mutual benefit to the NRC and the participants. Staff should consider ways to increase participation in the program.

Staff should ensure that MDEP continues to be a forum for information exchange for countries with mature nuclear programs, and does not become a shortcut for countries that are in the early stages of developing a program.

The staff should evaluate whether the use of rehired annuitants will accomplish the goals of conducting an internal self-assessment in preparation for the IRRS.

cc:	Chairman Klein Commissioner Jaczko Commissioner Lyons Commissioner Svinicki OGC CFO OCA OIG OPA Office Directors, Regions, ACRS, ASLBP (via E-Mail) PDR