Visits by Members of the Public to Nuclear Power Plants

UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20555

April 27, 1994


NRC ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER 94-06:  VISITS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NUCLEAR
    POWER PLANTS


Addressees


All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power
reactors.


Purpose


The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this administrative
letter to inform addressees of the existing NRC policy regarding visits by the
public to nuclear power plants.  This administrative letter does not transmit
or imply any new or changed requirements or staff positions.  No specific
action or written response is required.


Background


The American Nuclear Society (ANS) sent the NRC the findings of an ANS task
force that examined issues associated with tours inside nuclear power plants
for members of the public.  The task force concluded that, although NRC policy
on plant tours (outlined in 57 FR 33426) did not prevent a utility from taking
visitors into nuclear power plants, the tone of the policy was having a
chilling effect on corporate policies toward public tours.


The ANS task force concluded that visits to power plants can be important
contributors to public appreciation of the technology and safety design of
nuclear power plants.


Discussion


Attached is the NRC response to the president of ANS.  The response supports
the efforts by ANS to improve openness at power plants and clarifies the NRC
policy that may have resulted in ANS concerns.  As noted in the response, NRC
regulations do not prevent a licensee from escorting visitors inside the plant
or conducting tours by small groups of the public when the purpose of the tour
is to enhance public understanding of nuclear safety requirements.  The NRC
believes that such tours serve a legitimate purpose and are, therefore,
appropriate when due consideration is given to plant and personal safety.






9404210221.
                                        AL 94-06
                                        April 27, 1994
                                        Page 2 of 2


This administrative letter requires no specific action or written response.
If you have any questions about this letter, please contact the contact listed
below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project
manager.

/S/'D BY BKGRIMES


                        Brian K. Grimes, Director
                        Division of Operating Reactor Support
                        Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation


Contact:  Gene McPeek, NRR
             (301) 504-3210

Attachments:
1.  Letter to E. Fuller, President ANS
2.  List of Recently Issued NRC Administrative Letters