NRC: Meeting SRM M070308C - Staff Requirements - Briefing on Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Programs, Performance, and Plans, 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 8, 2007, Commissioners' Conference Room, One White Flint North, Rockville, Maryland (Open to Public Attendance)

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IN RESPONSE, PLEASE
REFER TO: M070308C

March 22, 2007

MEMORANDUM TO:	Luis A. Reyes Executive Director for Operations
	Karen D. Cyr General Counsel
	Eliot B. Brenner, Director Office of Public Affairs
FROM:	Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary /RA/
SUBJECT:	STAFF REQUIREMENTS - BRIEFING ON OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION PROGRAMS, PERFORMANCE, AND PLANS, 1:00 P.M., THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2007, COMMISSIONERS' CONFERENCE ROOM, ONE WHITE FLINT NORTH, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (OPEN TO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE)

The Commission was briefed by the NRC staff on recent accomplishments in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) and the challenges facing it.

Staff should brief the Commissioner Technical Assistants on the resources being applied to oversight, inspection, and licensing activities for research and test reactors, and on related knowledge transfer activities. Significant issues concerning these reactors should be brought to the Commission's attention promptly.

With regard to the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA's) potential resumption of construction of Watts Bar Unit 2, staff should consult with the Office of the General Counsel on whether re-notice of opportunity for hearing would be required or appropriate in this case. The staff should keep the Commission fully informed of issues that may arise relating to TVA's final decision.

Staff should improve its communication with the public and other stakeholders on reactor oversight. At the time of issuance of annual reactor oversight program assessment letters to the licensees, a press release should be issued summarizing the status of the fleet of reactors. Staff should also try to issue timely factual information of how international events may or may not be applicable to U.S. reactors.

The staff should work with OPM to prioritize the security investigation process for new NRC employees. New employees who must have access to classified information to perform their duties should be given higher priority.

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