Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
magazine
Leading the way in Nuclear Information and Records Management
Inside
Issu
e #
04, S
pri
ng
201
9
Visit us at: NIRMA.org
Bridging the Gap: Effective Information
Management & Information Technology Processes
at NRC
Confident Digital Conversion—Microfiche,
ST Imaging / nextScan
Chronicles of NIM: A Retrospective on Information
Management in Nuclear Power, Kismet Consulting
2 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
Contents
Cover Photo: Entergy's Waterford 3 in Killona, La. Reprinted with permission from Entergy Corporation.
Feature Articles
Confident Digital Conversion—Microfiche By Matt Anderson, Vice President of Marketing, ST Imaging, nextScan
Bridging the Gap: Effective Information Management & Information Technology Processes at NRC
By Marna B. Dove, Electronic Records Manager, NRC
Chronicles of NIM: A Retrospective on Information Management in Nuclear Power
By Eugene Yang, Kismet Consulting
5
8
10
Contents
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 3
in every issue
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT—7
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT—12
SECRETARY NEWS—13
MEET THE NIRMA BOARD—14
PDBU NEWS—16
TREASURER REPORT—16
M&MBU NEWS—17
NOMINATING COMMITTEE—17
INDUSTRY NEWS—18
Stay Connected with NIRMA!
NIRMA is now using Constant Contact for emails. Be sure to add [email protected] to your safe senders list.
Inside NIRMA, our digital magazine, will be emailed to subscribers three times per year.
We are now on Twitter. Please follow us @NIRMAorg and if you haven’t already, like us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIn.
We value your feedback. Share your thoughts with our Communication Team at [email protected].
Thanks for reading. Keep in touch!
The Industry’s Leading High Production Conversion Scanner for
STRENGTH IN PRODUCTIVITYPERFORMANCE YOU CAN TRUST
The FlexScan is the only true multi-format conversion package equipped with cutting-edge hardware and powerful NextStarPlus workow production software. This gem is creating endless possibilities for institutions seeking top of the line productivity and superior image quality.
®
FlexScan delivers Enhanced and Powerful 3-in-1 Scanning Capabilities to consumers:
• Don’t let area scanning kill your productivity - Benet from 100% Guaranteed Image Capture and True Ribbon Scanning • Scan at speeds of up to 800 PPM• Deliver the highest image resolution and quantum efficiency through advanced optics and LuminTec™ lighting technology• Add on the optional FlexLoader for unattended scanning of microche
Don’t let productivity crash-and-burn. The exclusive NextStarPlus workow production software will steer microform conversion towards super-fast, on-track compliance. Your Productivity is your Protability.
• Maximize your workow and triple processing times with simultaneous Scan, Audit and Output • Quintuple your QA process with 5 standard audit workstations • Capture RAW Clarity in uncompressed 12-bit ribbon les – no pixel shifting!• Adjust Images with all the Post-Scan Image Enhancement Tools you need!• Output to unlimited digital formats and optional OCR
Microlm Microche Aperture Cards
Flexible. Powerful. Reliable. Efficient.
Schedule a FREE Demo Todayat www.nextscan.com
+1-208-514-4000
Built by , the industry’s leading microform conversion experts | www.nextscan.com | Follow Us :
hile fiche is a great medium for long term storage of documents and files, retrieving the contained
information can be challenging. Beyond the difficult nature of the medium, the three biggest challenges microfiche presents include the condition of the microfiche, how the documents were filmed onto the microfiche, and how the files should be sorted. In addition, conversion
should provide assurance that all the information was captured. Get the best results by ensuring your microfiche conversion scanner uses equipment capable of handling the rigors of microfiche scanning.
Since microfiche is a flat sheet, it is very stackable and made for simple storage. In perfect condition, a stack of microfiche should be able to be loaded and scanned automatically. However, multiple microfiche are
often kept together with a rubber band. Over months, years, and possibly decades, the tightness of the rubber band can begin to warp the microfiche. Now, instead of flat pieces of microfiche, you have microfiche that may curve from the middle to the edges. This may require individual attention and is not ideal for a quick conversion project.
Imperfections with fiche must be addressed before being able to properly convert the microfiche to a digital format. To keep microfiche stationary, it is placed between two pieces of glass. One effective solution to bent microfiche is to use a heavier piece of glass to hold the microfiche in place. This will also ensure the media is flat as it is being scanned. When converting, make sure your scanner is equipped for the condition of your microfiche.
Microfiche created today uses a machine called an archive writer. This machine essentially takes a
picture of an open digital file and records it onto the film. The microfiche is then processed using chemicals to create the visible image on the film. With so many variables, if one is not performed
properly there is a good chance of poorly produced images. Special high-definition scanners will be required to try and recover any indistinguishable information.
Another issue a microfiche user may experience is if the files were not filmed straight, or the images are skewed on the microfiche. This happens when the microfilmer does not line up the documents correctly.
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 5
W
CONFIDENT DIGITAL
CONVERSION — MICROFICHE
By Matt Anderson, Vice President of Marketing
Continued on next page.
The simplest solution is to use available software technology to deskew the document, which should be a feature of any conversion software package.
One aspect often overlooked in the conversion of microfiche is refiling the documents to their original position. Many times, these files are in sequential order or filed by date. This can require a manual process, but an autoloader will increase the output and workflow
efficiency. Specially designed to hold and feed hundreds of microfiche, an autoloader will automatically move the fiche into the scanning area, scan the entire document, and move the microfiche to a holding tray. Not only does this preserve the stack order, it also frees up the operator for other tasks.
Finally, the best way to achieve a 100% capture rate is with a line scanner. Cameras and imaging systems utilize different techniques and components for capturing images. Two common methods for capture are line scan and area scan. Line scanning technology is best
applied to large, high-resolution and/or high-speed capture, such as high-speed microfiche conversion. This technology allows for movement of the media during the continuous capture process. In contrast, the area scan method relies on the software to determine each frame, move to position, stop to capture, and then find the next frame. Not only is that a longer process, but it may fail to capture all information of the microfiche.
Your archives hold some of the most important documents in your plant. Many may have been there for decades. Make sure to use a system designed to meet the challenges of scanning microfiche. Whether the media is flat, curved, skewed, straight, ordered or not, your scanner should create an exact digital replica of your documents. Don’t leave your conversion project to chance.
nextScan manufactures a wide range of scanners designed for the high-speed conversion of both microfilm, microfiche, and aperture cards. For more information on our microfilm conversion scanners, call us at 208-514-4000 or email us at [email protected].
6 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
Your archives hold some of the most important documents in
your plant. Many may have been there for decades. Make sure to
use a system designed to meet the challenges of scanning microfiche.
NOT A MEMBER OF NIRMA? As a NIRMA member, you will receive exclusive access to the full collection of our products and services. Membership includes access to technical guidelines and position papers, proceedings from prior conferences, archived newsletters and magazines, and access to our web Question & Answer (Q&A) section. Our Q&A is an effective means of soliciting
support and information from NIRMA's members all over the world.
Membership is granted by either registering for our Annual Conference (click here to register) or by accessing our website at nirma.org.
The annual individual NIRMA membership is $250.
Corporate Memberships are available at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
For additional information contact NIRMA Administrator at [email protected].
Click here to join NIRMA today.
Goals 1. Further, develop relationships
with Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and industry organizations.
2. Develop and maintain information management
standards at an excellent level.
3. Provide cutting-edge technology assessment and education to our stakeholders.
4. Provide education and training on information and records management and the latest technologies such as electronic document management systems,
electronic records management systems, and knowledge management applications.
5. Increase Membership and Conference Attendance.
We can all work together to achieve NIRMA’s goals!
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 7
From the President
Michelle M. Smith
STP Supervisor of Electronic Records Management & Automation
Vision To be the internationally recognized authority for information and records management professionals in regulated nuclear industries or agencies and their regulators.
Mission To support regulated nuclear and selected industries, agencies, and/or their regulators in the development, implementation and administration of documents, records, and information management processes to facilitate cost-effective operation and regulatory compliance.
Core Values To promote professionalism, continuing education, accountability, teamwork, integrity, respect, and excellence in all endeavors.
IRMA is a Not-For-Profit Corporation governed by a Board of Directors, and has members from the
United States and International communities. Three Business Units constitute the tactical organization where committee work takes place
on topics mentioned below, as well as organization business.
NIRMA is the nuclear industry’s leader in information management. Since 1976 NIRMA has been uniquely qualified to provide guidance to commercial and
Department of Energy (DOE) facilities in the areas of quality records’ programs, regulatory compliance activities, electronic records initiatives, document management technologies and knowledge management issues.
N
As NIRMA president, I want to share how we can work together to make positive changes and build lasting relationships for our Industry. NIRMA’s 2019 Strategic Plan is listed below. The challenge for each of us is to do our part to help achieve success by having NIRMA continue to remain the nuclear industry’s leader in information management.
2019 NIRMA Strategic Plan
8 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
ften the connection between successfully supporting Records Management (RM)
requirements in an Information Technology (IT) environment is a struggle and affects an organization’s ability to implement effective overall Information Management (IM) strategies. Even with the maturity of technology today, the ability to support RM requirements continues to be challenging. If IM and IT staff in an organization understand the differences in terminology, governance expectations, mandates, laws, and strategic initiatives, then collaboration becomes increasingly cohesive and holistic allowing for successful transformations. At the NRC, IM and IT staff are executing
Electronic Records Management (ERM) initiatives together as much as possible to bridge the gap and proactively incorporate RM requirements upfront and throughout IT system development and implementation.
Ongoing ERM at NRC The NRC continues to support efforts to change outdated IM processes by introducing ERM strategies alongside standard IT practices. ERM provides a foundation for business logic that supports capture, control, maintenance, and disposition of electronic records. This includes the
ability to declare electronic files as records and associate them with file codes and corresponding disposition authorities in a manner that guarantees conformance with Federal recordkeeping statutes and regulations. As part of agency ERM initiatives, systems that create or maintain data must have rules built in to ensure the information lifecycle has electronic records management capabilities or documented mitigation strategies. At the NRC, facilitating the transition to more comprehensive ERM processes is being accomplished incrementally where RM requirements are incorporated via manual or automated processes during all system lifecycle phases, and in conjunction with Project Management activities and Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) activities. In addition, RM staff are evaluating new and legacy systems to ensure that the National
BRIDGING THE GAP:
EFFECTIVE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY PROCESSES AT NRC
By Marna B. Dove Electronic Records Manager, NRC
O
The NRC is striving to keep pace with innovative records management
approaches by evaluating new capture and workflow technologies that support the full lifecycle of agency information regardless of where the electronic information
resides.
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 9
Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) Universal ERM Requirements for transferring data to NARA are supported.
RM – Managing records “in place”
As a result of the collaboration efforts between IM and IT professionals, the NRC is moving toward coordinating RM requirements for records and information assets where they reside, such as on SharePoint, rather than enforcing that authoritative records must be placed in the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS), the agency’s records repository. This is consistent with Industry which is moving away from standalone systems to accomplish electronic record storage and recordkeeping in favor of applications that support electronic document and content management for capture, storage, search, access, and integrated workflows. The NRC is striving to keep pace with innovative records management approaches by evaluating new capture and
workflow technologies that support the full lifecycle of agency information regardless of where the electronic information resides.
Agency Risks are Minimized by Bridging the
Gap As the NRC comes closer to achieving full compliance with ERM standards, risks to the agency are minimized, IM is less burdensome on staff, and ease-of-access to regulatory information is enhanced. Incorporating strategic ERM standards permits the NRC to continue to develop well-defined RM requirements and a better understanding of what agency records are, where they originate from, and where they reside. Using IM practices in conjunction with IT processes supports information access in a timely manner for all NRC stakeholders while also supporting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, eDiscovery, and Congressional requests and inquiries, all of which reduce risk to the agency.
The ability to apply mandated records retentions and disposition requirements to all agency systems is integral to the success of IT projects and requires IM expertise and input. Risk of unauthorized access, use, alteration, alienation, or deletion of any NRC information is mitigated by implementing IM and IT practices together. Achieving compliance with Federal recordkeeping requirements including NARA’s Universal ERM Requirements as part of IT processes reduces the risks associated with maintaining a significant volume of obsolete electronic data that will continue to grow and become unmanageable. Since a large percentage of NRC’s regulatory information is permanent and historically significant, IM professionals work in tandem with IT professionals on all projects to manage the agency’s information assets. NRC’s coordinated effort to bridge the gap between IT and IM demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to achieve automated solutions for information management that ensure the integrity of NRC information collections.
Marna has been with the federal government for over 25 years and with
NRC for 14 years. As a Senior Program Analyst and Electronic
Records Manager, she enjoys working with information technology teams and representing IM for the agency. She welcomes new knowledge and best
practices as the rapid pace of technology continues to challenge
organizations. Feel free to contact her at [email protected] to share new
insights!
NRC’s coordinated effort to bridge the gap between IT and IM
demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to achieve automated
solutions for information management that ensure the integrity of NRC information
collections.
10 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
By Eugene Y. Yang, Principal Consultant,
KISMET Consulting, Inc.
ne of the frequent questions I get is, “how did all of this electronic records stuff get started?” I have been fortunate to have implemented or
consulted through the “golden age” of managing electronic records. This issue’s column is the second part of a two-part series that was introduced in the Fall 2018 Magazine. In the last issue, I laid out the regulatory basis for recordkeeping, how the industry responded to the requirements, and a revolutionary approach was taken to establish an electronic medium as the official record medium for quality assurance records. In this column, I’ll discuss the continued evolution in managing electronic records.
Part 2: Revolutionary Evolution?
Industry Engagement
In 1989, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) convened a working group, known as Nuclear Construction Issues Group 10 (NCIG-10) to discuss the ramifications of Generic Letter 88-18, “Plant Record Storage on Optical Disks.” The result was the publication of EPRI-NP-6295, “Guidelines for Quality Records in Electronic Media for Nuclear Facilities.” This document provided guidance for the creation, storage, retrieval, control, and approval of quality records in electronic media for nuclear facilities. The idea was to provide a consistent approach to the management of electronic records.
NIRMA Steps Up
Building on this work, but at a deeper level by bringing a programmatic sense to the situation, as well
as to move beyond optical disk usage, NIRMA, under the leadership of Bruce Evans, then chair of the Regulations Committee, began the development of a series of technical guidelines (TGs). Based on “the rubber meets the road” work Bruce was doing with Commonwealth Edison (now Exelon Corporation), four NIRMA TGs were developed:
The TGs were developed over a three-to-four-year period, culminating in 1998, when all four TGs were published to the NIRMA membership. Subsequently, Bruce, along with NIRMA members from the nuclear power utilities, lobbied the NRC tirelessly to ask how they may be utilized for the industry. In mid-1999, Bruce received word that the TGs were reviewed within the agency and that a Regulatory Issue Summary (RIS) would be published. Hence, on October 23, 2000, the NRC issued RIS 00-18, “Guidance on Managing Quality Assurance Records
O
in Electronic Media.” RIS 00-18 is cited in standard review plans by the NRC when evaluating licensing applications, as well as in quality assurance topical reports by companies. Additionally, RIS 00-18 and the NIRMA TGs have been cited in international guidance most by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Evolution Continues
But, as with all guidance, the 1998 TGs became dated, based on mid-1990’s vintage technologies. Because of the document review cycles of NIRMA, the four TGS were updated several times. However, a concerted effort was taken in late 2010 and early 2011, recognizing advances in technology, methods, and philosophy, to update and synchronize all four TGs. Where the 1998 versions established the “why and the what”, the 2011 versions, while maintaining those perspectives, provided more of the “how”. The struggle after that was how to get the 2011 versions into the industry’s quality assurance compliance envelope, since nuclear plants were reticent on using anything outside of what the NRC endorsed (which were the 1998 versions). Direct discussions held with the NRC went for naught to either develop a new communication (e.g., another RIS), or modify the current RIS to open the endorsement to include both the 1998 and 2011 versions.
However, Duke Energy, due to a significant enterprise electronic work management system upgrade that also included a major upgrade to their electronic content management platform, submitted a request to the NRC to change their quality assurance topical report to use the 2011 versions as the compliance basis. On May 26, 2015, the NRC provided a response that stated, according to staff review, the requested change will continue to satisfy the requirements of 10 CFR 50 Appendix B and is therefore acceptable; a safety evaluation report (SER) by the NRC was attached to the letter. [Note: PP06, “Position Paper on Alternative Approaches in the Implementation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Issue Summary (RIS) 00-18” provides further detail on this latter point.] So, as I’ve come to see it, it’s really been a combination of revolution AND evolution. The revolution was the use of information technologies enabling the management of records in electronic format, with seminal work by key utilities that led to GL 88-18. The evolution is the process, information, technology, and organizational changes through RIS 00-18 and the Duke SER that have occurred over the past 30 years or so from where paper was dominant to today, where a record is created, stored, and maintained all electronically and “never sees the light of day.”
Eugene has been a member of NIRMA for over 32 years. At the time he joined, NIRMA had only been in existence for 11 years. He would love to hear about stories and anecdotes from others, so please email him at [email protected].
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 11
On May 26, 2015, the NRC provided a response
that stated,
the requested change will continue to satisfy the
requirements of 10 CFR 50 Appendix B
and is therefore acceptable.
Announcing the 2019 Nuclear Information Management
Conference
By Janice Hoerber, NIRMA Vice President
e are looking forward to a terrific lineup of speakers and topics for the August 2019 NIRMA conference!
The Call for Papers is posted to interest speakers and solution providers on a variety of relevant topics for the nuclear industry. Submit your 100-150 word abstract of a presentation to Janice Hoerber, NIRMA Vice President at [email protected] by March 15, 2019.
This year's NIRMA conference
theme will focus on technology
demonstrations and sharing of
process efficiencies.
This information can be brought back to your workplace for immediate impact. These are the means toward continuous improvement and helping drive your company's costs down. The NIRMA conference offers a forum for excellent networking. Bring a colleague, particularly someone from Information Technology, Engineering and Records Management to benefit your company. The conference schedule will be packed with learning opportunities as well as knowledge sharing among peers and the regulators. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will be present to status current topics with us. We anticipate having exciting vendor exhibits and industry updates on Mobility initiatives and Electronic Work Packages generating QA
Records with electronic signatures (paperless). Other newer topics of interest will include records capture for Digital Plant Systems, Training & Learning records from video, voice, and virtual reality wearables, Common Design Change Process for Nuclear Engineering, and Information Management in the cloud. The beautiful JW Marriott Las Vegas property in Summerlin, Nevada will once again host the 2019 NIRMA conference.
Conference Dates:
August 4-6, 2019
12 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
W
Tentative events:
• Educational Opportunities scheduled Saturday, August 3 and possibly Wednesday, August 7.
• Keynote speakers Sunday, August 4, and the Welcome Reception early evening.
• Vendor Exhibits & Raffles Monday, August 5 with new Solution Spotlight sessions.
• NIRMA Business Unit meetings , Wednesday, August 7 and tentatively Thursday, August 8.
Vendor exhibitor booths and location preference are available on a first-come basis! Continue checking the NIRMA website at www.nirma.org for conference details. We look forward to seeing you there!
Early Bird pricing is available for a limited time! Make your plans early to participate
in this year's NIRMA conference.
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 13
News from the Secretary
he newly reorganized Board of Directors (BOD) met face to face in February in Summerlin
Nevada. The Board discussed, reviewed and established: • the NIRMA 2019 BOD Goals,
• Budget,
• Strategic Plan, and
• SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
Additionally, the Board reviewed the 2018 Treasurer report of actuals vs budgeted, and reviewed and approved the Administrative Documents and procedures.
• Selected the 2019, Nominating Committee; Kathy Padilla, Southern Company and Lacey Green, STP
• ANSI Audit; Annual review for ANSI Essential Requirements - Completed
• Revised AP13, Development of ANSI/NIRMA Standards
• Revised AP06, External Liaison Procedures
• The Nuclear Specialist (NS) exam is now administered online
• Transitioned from NIRMA Newsletter to NIRMA Marketing Magazine
• Implemented Constant Contact to communicate and deliver the NIRMA Magazine, surveys and Monthly emails
• NIRMA Website Enhanced
• Approved AD01, NIRMA Style Guide
• Approved TG16, Software Quality Assurance Documentation and Records
• Published TG23, Turnover of Records and Incremental Handover of Information for Nuclear Facilities
• NIRMA established a Retiree’s rate for maintaining the NS membership/credentials
• NIRMA joined Twitter
• Set the 2019 NIRMA Strategic Plan and Goals
• Performed a SWOT Review
T
AUGUST 2018 BOARD ELECTION / REORGANIZATION RESULTS
The 2019 NIRMA Board of Directors:
President: Michelle Smith, STP
Vice President: Janice Hoerber, Ameren Services
Secretary: Lona Smith, STP
Treasurer: Anita Beren, GE Healthcare
Director of Infrastructure: Sheila Pearcy, CRA, Central Characterization Program/TFE
Director of Technical Programs: Rebecca Wessman, Xcel Energy
NIRMA 2018 Accomplishments:
14 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
n this edition, we will meet Lona Smith. Lona is Electronic Records Management Development Analyst at STPEGS where
she is responsible for providing technical guidance to Records Management and Document Control, revising work instructions and streamlining processes. Chief jack of all/Master of none. Lona began her Nuclear career at STP in 1979 and plans to end her Nuclear career with STP in year…….to be determined.... Lona has been a member of NIRMA since the early 1990s and has served in several leadership positions on the Board and previously with the Regulations Information Management Business Unit (RIMBU). Q: Tells us a little about yourself.
Lona: I am a dual citizen. I currently live in Austin and West Columbia Texas. My daughter (Alara), two grandbabies (Delilah 7 and Eddie 3) and my husband (Larry) all live in Austin. I have 1 biological daughter and my husband has a lot of children. Well he has one biological son (Tony), who is the daddy of our other grandson (Wyatt 13) and one stepson (Chris). Tony, Chris and Wyatt reside near me in West Columbia Texas. Did I
say my husband had a lot of kids, yeah 52+ foster children – several of which he still maintains relationships with. We are both midlife starter overs, both of us having lost our spouses. We have been married since 2010. I live/work in West Columbia Sunday thru Thursday and drive home to Austin on Thursday after work and stay thru Sunday evening when I drive back to West Columbia for another week of work. My husband is the Director of Maintenance for Community First Village, a development of Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Community First Village is a 51-acre planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the formerly chronically homeless. If you are ever in Austin Texas it is very much worth letting my husband, Larry Crawford give you
I
Honey dog sitting on the back porch, feeling at home.
Delilah and Eddie
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 15
the tour. Q: What was the first record album you ever owned? Lona: My older brother actually gave me my first albums (hand me downs I’m sure)
• Rolling Stones - Paint it Blank • Moody Blues - Knights in White
Satin • Allman Brothers – I don’t
remember which album. Q: What is your favorite all time movie line? Lona: This is hard…. I actually have several but two always come to mind.
“I hoped it was you” from You Got Mail, and
“You tell them that our lives can change with every breath we take... and tell 'em to hold on like hell to what they've got: each other, and a mother who would die for them and almost did... You tell them we've all got
meanness in us, but we've got goodness too. And the only thing worth living for is the good. And that's why we've got to make sure we pass it on” from Where the Heart Is.
Q: You step outside your office and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do? Lona: Make a meaningful contribution to aid the homeless in America. And go on my “dreamed of” vacation. First, to explore North America and then on to other countries I wish to explore.
Q: You are magically transformed into a Disney character. Which one are you and why? Lona: Moana because Moana is brave, fierce and determined. She does not give up, she faces her fears. She is strong and committed to the cause! Q: If you could time travel, where would you go (and when)? Lona: For me personally, there are two years I would like to go back to and have a “do over”, as both were life altering times: 1975 or 2000.
My grandson, Eddie pretending to drive my ranger.
Zeus, our Hurricane Harvey rescue. He loves wearing his cowboy hat.
Professional Development
Business Unit News
By Tammy Cutts, PDBU Director
Anita S. Beren NIRMA Treasurer
can’t believe we are already three months into 2019; before we know it, the conference will be upon us! There are three opportunities for professional development for you to consider, and
it’s not too soon to start. First, I need a co-director to help with PDBU activities for NIRMA. This is a great way to begin to get involved in NIRMA leadership if you are looking toward advancing your role and involvement in NIRMA. The business unit is responsible for arranging educational and development opportunities for members. I can see the horizon and the sun is setting on my nuclear career. My plant has announced plans to close in a few years, so I welcome the opportunity to work with another individual and prepare them for the role before that day comes. Second, consider professional certifications. The Certified Records Analyst (CRA) is a stand-alone certification, but it can also be used to begin your path to obtaining the Certified Records Manager (CRM) certification. If you have a certification, why not add to it with a specialist designation? CRAs and CRMs are both eligible to earn the Nuclear Specialist (NS) designation. CRMs in the government field are also eligible to earn the Federal Specialist designation. Finally, I encourage anyone interested to consider leading a session at the NIRMA conference. This is a
particularly good opportunity for individuals holding professional certifications that need to accumulate maintenance credits for that certification. At the same time, it can be excellent practice in public speaking and a fantastic way to let others know what lessons have been learned, or what you think is a strength for your organization. Please consider the above. If you have any questions, contact me at [email protected].
Financial Holdings as of: 12/31/18
Checking Account $ 13,482.59 Investment Account $ 108,123.63 TOTAL $ 121,606.22 Income: $159,929.65 Expenses: $171,474.66 Net Income Loss $ 11,545.01
16 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
I
Urgent Request for PDBU Co-Director!
Please consider serving NIRMA in the
Professional Development Business Unit! Help lead and contribute ideas for
training and educational opportunities for our membership.
Contact [email protected]
n our October 2018 article, we told you of our excitement about the Chief Nuclear Officer, Tim
Powell, of STP who agreed to share with his fellow CNO’s the value of NIRMA and solicit support to attend the 2019 NIRMA Conference. Results were not as hopeful as anticipated. Subsequently, you will have seen a couple of our email messages asking for your help. We are trying to establish contacts at a number of nuclear facilities where we have no members, and have listed the sites in which we are interested. To date, we have received no input on these sites. Please keep your
eyes out for our monthly messages for sites where we have no connections. We also are soliciting your help at your own facility. We want to identify additional Records, Document Control, and IT people to whom we can market NIRMA, where we can increase our visibility which can translate into increased conference attendance and increased vendor participation. Something each of you can do is submit names of colleagues in our own facilities or offices in key roles to whom NIRMA would offer value. Send contact information to Bruce Walters,
[email protected]. We may know the Document Control Manager, but not the IT or Records Manager. Consider helping us this way. And if you are interested in supporting the membership of NIRMA, perhaps you could join our team. Bruce sends out call-in instructions for our monthly conference calls to be held the 1st Wednesday of each month, and will gladly add you to the list. It’s your organization. Help us help you out!
MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING (M&M)
Business Unit News
By Bruce Walters, M&MBU Director
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 17
he election for the NIRMA Board of Directors will occur in July and we need your
help in filling two Board positions. After the election, the new Board will meet, reorganize and will announce who is filling which position. Please consider nominating yourself or other individuals who you consider qualified to fill these leadership roles for the Association.
Factors to include in your consideration are length of time as a NIRMA member, committee activities, service to NIRMA, professional qualification, and desire and ability to serve on the Board. The term is three years.
Please send your nominations to Nominating Committee members, Kathy Padilla at [email protected] or Lacey Green at [email protected] by April 15, 2019.
Kathy Padilla Lacey Green
T
NIRMA BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S Nominating committee
By Kathy Padilla and Lacey Green
I
18 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
As rising carbon emissions threaten our climate, the United States faces a turning point. The choices we make about where we get our electricity will affect our ability to protect the climate, as well as meet America’s growing energy needs.
“How do we make sure we’re meeting America’s demand for electricity while also making the right choices ... to protect our environment?” asked Maria Korsnick, NEI president and chief executive office, at the Jan. 24 U.S. Energy Association’s annual State of the Energy Industry Forum.
Solving our nation’s energy and climate challenges is more complex than replacing carbon-emitting sources with intermittent renewables, such as solar and wind. These renewable sources are dependent on the sun shining or the wind blowing, and in most cases, they are backed up with gas plants which emit carbon.
Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, with two paths in front of us. We can take the path that will diversify our energy mix: one that makes room for wind, solar and natural gas—but also for … nuclear. Or we take the other path, one that doesn’t invest in nuclear, that leads to higher emissions. I think the choice is clear.
— Maria Korsnick, NEI's President and CEO
America’s nuclear plants are highly efficient, operating at an average 92 percent capacity across the fleet; this
is up more than 20 points compared with two decades ago. In addition, the nuclear sector employs nearly a half million people, and nuclear facilities are economic engines for communities that host them.
The problem is that some U.S. nuclear plants have been forced to close and others—like several plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania—are danger of shutting down. This poses risks for states such as Pennsylvania, where nuclear not only employs 16,000 skilled workers, it produces 42 percent of the state’s electricity and 93 percent of its clean energy.
Nuclear energy’s ability to produce always-on, emission-free power is gaining it new recognition from groups, such as the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Nature Conservancy, and even Google, which have come to the conclusion that having nuclear as an option is essential for cutting carbon.
“The scale of clean energy produced by nuclear is simply unmatched,” Korsnick said.
“We need to partner together—keep the solid nuclear foundation and build more emission-free options. Instead of abandoning nuclear, we need to embrace it and recognize there is no successful climate solution without it."
Article reprinted with
permission of NEI. Read full article here.
NEI’s Korsnick: Choose Nuclear for a Fully Powered, Clean Energy Future
NEI Statement on Green New Deal
WASHINGTON,D.C.—Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) &Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced their Green New Deal resolution. The following statement can be attributed to Maria Korsnick, president & CEO at Nuclear Energy Institute:
"We commend efforts to promote the adoption of clean and zero-emission sources of electricity to address climate change. Nuclear energy operates 24/7, generates 20 percent of U.S. electricity and more than 50 percent of our carbon-free generation, more than all other sources of zero-carbon electricity combined. Any approach to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions requires all clean energy technologies, including nuclear, to work together to address that urgent problem.
"There is a growing consensus among climate advocates, including the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, The Nature Conservancy, and even The Union of Concerned Scientists, that any climate solution must include nuclear energy. Former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said this week that the notion of achieving a grid composed of 100% renewables by 2050 is 'not realistic'."
Article reprinted with permission of NEI. Read full article here.
Inside NIRMA NIRMA.org Spring 2019 19
NEI Senior Director of Federal Programs Bob Powers gives a glimpse of some of the biggest upcoming legislative issues in nuclear energy they’ll face. Here’s some of the things he’ll be sharing with the new Congress.
The Climate and Clean Energy Debate Needs to Include Nuclear Our nation’s fleet of reactors produce more than 56 percent of the country’s emissions-free electricity. Climate change conversations are likely to occur in the 116th Congress and we will work to ensure legislators understand the vital importance of both preserving the existing fleet and enabling the nuclear reactors of tomorrow. In the last few months, a diverse group of companies, environmental groups and nongovernmental organizations has come forward to acknowledge that we will need help from America’s number one emissions-free energy source to find a viable, affordable solution to reducing emissions. That means preserving America’s existing nuclear power plants and building a pathway to licensing and constructing small modular reactors and advanced reactors.
Nuclear Power Plants Are a Key Part of America’s Infrastructure Infrastructure is more than roads, bridges and ports. It’s also the vast electrical grid. Baseload generating stations like nuclear power plants are an essential part of the
infrastructure that provides electricity around-the-clock to America’s homes, businesses and schools. They also provide jobs: America’s nuclear power plants directly employ nearly 100,000 people in high-quality, long-term jobs. This number climbs to 475,000 when you include secondary jobs. Infrastructure funding is one of the key places Republicans and Democrats could come together. President Trump touted the importance of infrastructure in his campaign and Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has emphasized the bipartisan potential of infrastructure for the new Congress. Chronic underinvestment in America’s infrastructure could cost every U.S. family $3,400 per year over the next decade and lead to longer-lasting blackouts. Any deal on infrastructure funding should take into account the importance of preserving our existing nuclear power plants.
Congress Can Boost the Next Generation of Nuclear Power Plants Advanced nuclear technology (whether it’s the development of new nonlight water reactors, small modular reactors, micro-reactors or advanced fuels) enjoyed bipartisan support in the 115th Congress. The last Congress saw bipartisan efforts on a variety of legislative initiatives (which resulted in over $2.5 billion in funding for
the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy in the 115th Congress) seeking to advance the next generation of reactors and fuels. We look forward to ensuring that conversation continues and will also seek to bring even more members of Congress into the conversations about how long-term funding for the research, development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology can bring jobs, boost exports, help the climate and improve America’s national security.
Nuclear Regulation Needs to Be Right-Sized You would be hard pressed to find any industry in America which takes safety as seriously as the U.S. nuclear industry. U.S. nuclear plants are among the safest and most secure industrial facilities in the country. That being said, NEI and its members continue to see instances of unnecessary and burdensome regulation by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission which bring little safety benefits. While adequate NRC regulation is absolutely necessary, one of our core missions is working with congressional lawmakers to make them aware when regulation crosses the line and adds another layer of bureaucracy without adding significant safety benefits.
It’s Time to End the Used Fuel Stalemate Despite tens of billions of dollars paid by users of nuclear energy, for two decades the federal government has failed to meet its obligation to pick up the used nuclear fuel safely stored at nuclear plants around the country.
The Top 7 Nuclear Issues Every New Congress Member Should Know
Article reprinted with permission of Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). Read full article here.
20 Spring 2019 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA
By Jax Jacobsen
In December, the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) and Battelle Energy Alliance to use part of NuScale’s planned 720 MW SMR plant in Idaho for research purposes.
The Carbon Free Power Project involves the construction of 12 NuScale 60-MW SMR modules at the DOE's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) by 2026-2017.
Under the MOU, one of the 60 MW modules will be ringfenced for the testing of non-electricity applications under the DOE's Joint Use Modular Plant (JUMP) research program. The DOE also plans to use a second module to supply power to INL facilities.
The remainder of the plant will supply power to UAMPS, which represents community-owned power networks located in Utah, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming.
The JUMP research program will examine a range of non-electricity applications, including thermal energy for industrial processes, desalination and hydrogen production, Shannon Bragg-Sitton, INL Systems Integration Manager and JUMP program director, told
Nuclear Energy Insider.
Expanding on previous research by NuScale, INL will also create a platform which allows operators to respond to renewable energy intermittency and deploy non-electricity applications during times of excess power supply, she said.
The research aims to support multiple applications for SMR reactors and open up new markets for growth, Bragg-Sitton said.
“Nuclear power plants are traditionally used for electricity rather than to support the thermal energy needs of industrial processes, but this paradigm is shifting,” she said.
New markets
The JUMP program has been divided into three phases. In Phase 1 (2018-2021), INL will create a prioritized list of non-electric use applications for nuclear power plants, develop a cost estimate, and create an integrated modeling, testing, and licensing plan with NuScale, utilities, and other potential end-users.
In Phase 2 (2021 to 2026), INL will perform benchtop testing and scaled non-nuclear demonstration of different operational regimes. In Phase 3, INL will execute the R&D plan when the plant enters operations in around 2027.
Applications to be examined include the production of thermal energy for industrial processes, desalination of portable water from brackish water or seawater, and hydrogen production.
Heating applications are seen as a key selling point for SMRs, particularly as companies and governments strive to meet carbon reduction targets. Storage efficiency, power-heat switching capability and infrastructure readiness will all influence the competitiveness of these plants.
Hydrogen production would involve the diversion of steam from NuScale power modules. The hydrogen could be used for applications such as ammonia production, refining, steam manufacturing or in the growing fuel cell market.
A 2014 study by NuScale and INL found that a 300 MW NuScale plant could supply the hydrogen demand of a mid-sized ammonia production plant, while a 600 MW plant could support a mid-sized refinery.
DOE Expands NuScale SMR Plan to Quantify Heat, Hydrogen Benefits
Article reprinted with permission of Nuclear Energy Insider. Read full article here.
Editors
Neal and Sandra Miller
Advertising
NIRMA Headquarters
Sarah Perkins
NIRMA Administrator
245 Sunnyridge Ave., #41
Fairfield, CT 06824
Click here to join NIRMA today.
