Inconsistency Between Requirements of 10 CFR 50.54(t) and Standard Technical Specifications for Performing Audits of Emergency Preparedness Programs (Generic Letter No. 82-17)

                                UNITED STATES
                        NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555

                               October 1, 1982

TO ALL LICENSEES AND APPLICANTS FOR OPERATING POWER REACTORS AND HOLDERS OF 
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS FOR POWER REACTORS 

Gentlemen: 

SUBJECT:  INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN REQUIREMENTS OF 10 CFR 50.54(t) AND STANDARD
          TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMING AUDITS OF EMERGENCY
          PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS 
          (Generic Letter No. 82-17) 

Section 50.54(t) of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations requires 
that each nuclear power reactor licensee provide for an independent review 
of its emergency preparedness program at least every 12 months. 

It has come to our attention that the Standard Technical Specifications in 
use by a number of licensees and some existing plant-specific Technical 
Specifications require that this independent audit be carried out every 24 
months. 

All licensees are required to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 50.54(t), 
notwithstanding any provision that may have been in their Technical 
Specifications prior to the issuance of 10 CFR 50.54(t) or that have been 
added since its issuance. 

Accordingly, you are requested to assure that your provisions for carrying 
out an independent audit of your emergency preparedness program is in 
accordance with 10 CFR 50.54(t). If your Technical Specifications contain a 
provision that is less frequent than the regulations, you should request the
staff to modify your technical specifications to conform to the rule. 
Because this Technical Specification is clarifying and made at the request 
of the Commission, you are not required to remit a license fee for the 
change. 

This request has been approved by OMB Clearance Number 3150-0011, which 
expires April 30, 1985. 

                              Sincerely, 


                              Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director 
                              Division of Licensing 




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