Announcement of Forthcoming Public Meetings on Whistleblower Protection Activities

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

                               September 9, 1993


NRC ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER 93-04:  ANNOUNCEMENT OF FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
                                  ON WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACTIVITIES


Addressees

All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power
and research reactors and selected materials licensees.

Purpose

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this administrative
letter to inform addressees of forthcoming public meetings regarding
whistleblower protection.  This administrative letter does not transmit or
imply any new requirements or staff positions.  No specific action or written
response is required.

Background

On July 6, 1993, the NRC Executive Director for Operations established a
Review Team for reassessment of the NRC program for protecting whistleblowers
against retaliation.  The Review Team is to determine whether the Commission
has taken sufficient steps within its authority to create an atmosphere,
within the regulated community, in which individuals with safety concerns feel
free to engage in protected activities without fear of retaliation.  By
Federal Register Notice, 58 FR 41108, published August 2, 1993, the Review
Team requested public comment on whistleblower protection issues, and provided
a list of questions to aid in focusing discussion on these issues.  The
forthcoming public meetings will serve as an additional forum in which
interested individuals may express their views on the whistleblower protection
process.

Discussion

The NRC intends to hold public meetings at four locations to discuss current
whistleblower protection activities.  The NRC invites participation in these
meetings by any interested persons, including individuals who have made safety
allegations, other NRC licensee employees, licensee and contractor
representatives, and the public.  This action is intended to assist the NRC in
evaluating current whistleblower protection activities and in recommending
improvements for the regulatory process.





9309080276

                                                             AL 93-04
                                                             September 9, 1993
                                                             Page 2 of 3


The meetings will be held at the following locations, dates, and times:

1.Matagorda Hotel, 407 7th St., Bay City, Texas:  September 20, 1993,
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., and September 21, 1993, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon;

2.Embassy Suites, 3210 NW Grand Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona:  September 28, 1993,
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., and September 29, 1993, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon;

3.Radisson Hotel, 35 Governor Winthrop Blvd., New London, Connecticut: 
October 7, 1993, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., and October 8, 1993, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00
noon; and

4.Cleveland State Community College, Student Center, Foundation Room, Adkisson
Drive, Cleveland, Tennessee:  October 13, 1993, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., and
October 14, 1993, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

The meeting locations were chosen for their proximity to several nuclear
facilities from which the NRC has received a number of whistleblower
complaints in the past.  One morning and one evening meeting will be held in
each location, to permit participation by interested individuals regardless of
their work schedules.  Several NRC licensees have been specifically requested
to make short presentations at the morning meetings.  The Review Team welcomes
participation in either the morning or evening sessions by other reactor and
materials licensees, their employees, and other concerned individuals.

Individuals who wish to participate in these meetings are not required to give
advance notice of attendance.  However, in order to make the meetings more
efficient, individuals are encouraged to prepare their comments in advance.  A
sign-in sheet will be provided at each meeting (both morning and evening
sessions) for those who wish to make a presentation.  The amount of time
available for individual comments will be a function of the number of
interested participants at a given meeting.  Although not required by this
letter, licensees may wish to distribute this letter to employees for their
information.

Each meeting will be attended by some or all members of the NRC Review Team. 
The Review Team does not intend to offer NRC positions on specific cases;
rather, it seeks to invite comments that will increase NRC understanding of
what past or future approaches have been or will be effective in fostering
work environments in which individuals can raise safety concerns without fear
of retaliation.


                                                            AL 93-04
                                                            September 9, 1993
                                                            Page 3 of 3


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

                                    /S/'D BY BKGRIMES


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

Contacts:  Laban L. Coblentz, OE
           (301) 504-3553

           John T. Greeves, NMSS
           (301) 504-3334

Attachment:
List of Recently Issued NRC Administrative Letters