Chernobyl Nuclear Accident Congressional Hearings Transcript

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Technical exchange and assistance visits by INPO teams to plants
operated by the international participants are now commonplace.
In 1985, INPO teams made 12 such visits, including a comprehensive
review of Japan's approach to nuclear plant operation by a
team of 22. The visit to Japan was headed by Mr. E. P. (Dennis)
Wilkinson, INPO's President Emeritus, and included team members
from INPO, seven U.S. utilities, Westinghouse, General Electric,
the Electric Power Research Institute and the National Nuclear
Accrediting Board.
International Program activities are coordinated closely with the
U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In 1983, a Memorandum of
Understanding was established with the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, which also provides for
coordination and information exchange. Currently a senior INPO
technical manager is filling an assignment in the Division of
Nuclear Safety at the IAEA.
Further, the Institute conducts periodic discussions with the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/Nuclear
Energy Agency in Paris, France, and with the Pacific Basin
Coordinating Committee. These forms of information exchange,
although limited, support our more extensive interactions with
the INPO international participants.
CONCLnSION
The U.S. nuclear utility industry took the initiative to
establish an organization that evaluates the performance of
nuclear electric plants, and one that promotes excellence in all
phases of plant operation. We have put that organization in
place, and in our first six years, have implemented the Kemeny
Commission recommendations— the lessons learned from TMI— that
are under our jurisdiction.
Progress has been achieved on many fronts, yet much remains to be
done.
We believe the foundation is in place for further progress. The
National Academy for Nuclear Training is a vital part of that
foundation, and the payback from improved training is now being
seen.
We are and will remain unrelenting in our quest for excellence.
We appreciate your interest and your support.