Panel Performance and Structure
The DCDEP was convened by PG&E as a volunteer, non-regulatory body created to foster and encourage open communication, public involvement and education on DCPP decommissioning plans and activities. In 2018, the DCDEP began a public outreach effort to both provide information and listen to the public, and to make recommendations to PG&E and the CPUC regarding various decommissioning activities. In order to be fully effective in conducting these responsibilities it is vital that the DCDEP have optimal structure and function. An internal assessment of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement and a review of outside resources for best practiceswas conducted at a public meeting on June 12, 2019 after one full year of operation. Information received at that meeting informed proposed changes to the DCDEP’s Charter. The full text of the proposed amendments can be viewed here.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is undertaking activities as directed by Section 108 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA) to develop a report identifying best practices for establishment and operation of local community advisory boards (CABs). As part of developing the report, the NRC plans to host a minimum of ten public meetings to discuss best practices and lessons learned associated with community advisory boards at decommissioning nuclear power reactors. In addition to these public meetings, the NRC has developed a questionnaire to collect information regarding the areas identified in NEIMA with respect to the creation and operation of CABs. These topics will include a description of the type of topics that might be brought before a community advisory board; how the board’s input could inform the decision-making process for various decommissioning stakeholders; how the board might interact with other State and Federal agencies to promote dialogue between the licensee and impacted stakeholders; and how the board could offer opportunities for public engagement throughout the decommissioning process. The NRC will issue a report to Congress in June 2020 identifying CAB best practices in accordance with NEIMA. Additional information about this effort can be viewed on the NRC website. https://www.nrc.gov/waste/decommissioning/neima-section-108.html
Vision, Goals and Recommendations
Through these vision statements, goals and recommendations, it is the intent of the DCDEP to evaluate the existing panel structure, study other community engagement panels and make recommendations to be considered by the PG&E and the CPUC.
Vision Statement
- The community engagement panel was established and should continue to operate to provide direct input on behalf of the local community to PG&E on decommissioning activities that are of concern to the surrounding communities
- The engagement panel should be in a form that would lead to the best possible recommendations on achieving a safe and effective decommissioning of the DCPP, including the management of Diablo Canyon Lands and the disposition of Facilities
Goals
Engagement Panel Review
- The DCDEP should perform a self-evaluation, looking at strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in how the goals set in the guiding charter have been fulfilled
- The DCDEP should evaluate other community engagement panels created as part of decommissioning efforts in California and other states in order to better understand how those panels are formed, how they have worked and if they have provided improved public outreach to their respective communities
- The DCDEP should seek input from local sources such as governmental and regulatory entities, as well as the Diablo Independent Safety Committee, for input on improving the DCDEP
- The DCDEP should review the existing guiding charter to determine if changes, additions or amendments should be made based on the information acquired through the efforts outlined in these goals
Recommendations
Engagement Panel Review
- Recommend that the DCDEP hold a public meeting in the second quarter of 2019 (June 12, 2019) to complete: (1) a self-evaluation of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement relative to fulfilling the goals outlined in the guiding Charter; (2) a review of the charter itself, taking into consideration community input; (3) an examination of examples of other community engagement panels established for decommissioning efforts; (4) a discussion with governmental, regulatory agencies and others about their role in the decommissioning process for DCPP; and (5) a review of the Karlin and Brown proposals that have already been received
- Recommend that the DCDEP forward the conclusions and recommendations of the self-evaluation to the CPUC for inclusion as an additional supplemental filing to the 2018 Triennial Report
- Recommend that the DCDEP commit to a process of continuous improvement, with similar reviews scheduled regularly