NRC Makes More Security Information Publicly Available

April 10, 2006

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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a staff recommendation to make more security-related information public as part of the reactor oversight process (ROP). Previously, NERC considered information about security reviews of commercial nuclear power plants to be sensitive information.

The ROP monitors performance at nuclear power plants in three areas: reactor safety, radiation safety and safeguards. NRC plant performance reviews in these areas use both objective performance indicators obtained from licensees and NRC inspection results to determine if plants are meeting safety and security requirements. Those plants with problems receive greater scrutiny from the NRC to ensure that problems are corrected.

According to the directive from NRC, cover letters for future security inspection reports will be made publicly available. The cover letter contains a summary statement of the security inspection and indicates whether security findings were identified at the plant. The statement would also indicate if the identified deficiencies were promptly corrected or if actions were taken to compensate for the problem. The statement would not, however, describe specific security issues, as that information might impact the security of the facility.

"This initiative improves the balance between the agency's goal to be open in carrying out our regulatory responsibilities while also protecting sensitive information that could aid those with malevolent intentions," said Luis Reyes, the agency's executive director for operations.

Source: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).