Here's an audit report: NSP's Monticello Nuclear Plant

http://www.nrc.gov/NRC/Y2K/Audit/Y2K50263.html

-- Anonymous, January 27, 1999

Answers

Everyone should read this audit if only to get a feel for how an audit team expresses disapproval and concern using only the mildest of terms. I've excerpted part and my comments are in brackets:

"The audit team was under the impression that all nuclear power plant licensees had started their facility-specific Y2K program by early 1998 because NEI/NUSMG 97-07 was provided to senior utility management in November 1997. The MNGP Year 2000 Readiness Project was formally started in June 1998 and incorporated into the NSP corporate Y2K program at that time." [Surprise, surprise! They didn't start until until 8 months after they were notified.)

"The licensee was aware of the Y2K problem in late 1996 and had initiated an ad-hoc evaluation of some MNGP computer systems (e.g., plant process computer, plant security computer, and the turbine electronic pressure regulator) in 1997. The MNGP project is at the initial assessment stage now which is expected to be completed by October/November 1998. The overall MNGP Y2K project is scheduled to be completed by July 1999 with readiness achieved at that time. The audit team considers the schedule to be an ambitious one." [ "considers the schedule to an ambitious one" - I think this is as close as we'll ever see an audit team come to saying, "We don't think they'll make it."]

[The following are the reasons the audit team came up with to give them the benefit of the doubt. Hope springs eternal and all that.] "However, the licensee appears to be able to meet the project schedule since (1) the number of software items at the site that are to be assessed for Y2K vulnerabilities (290 software items and around 500 embedded components per initial inventory) is not large, and (2) the licensee appears to have already identified and begun upgrades to major critical computer systems and components for Y2K compliance/readiness, and (3) licensee participation in BWR Owners Group and utility alliance efforts is permitting a more rapid assessment and remediation of systems and equipment because of information sharing than if the licensee had to proceed on its own."

[Next they throw in a "note" which only reaffirms their initial skepticism. Major tasks yet to be done. I'd "note" that, too.] "The audit team notes that detailed assessment, including some testing and remediation, and subsequent associated testing of some remaining critical systems and components are major tasks yet to be done."

I'd love to be able to hear what the members of this audit team had to say in the privacy of their own homes. Anyone want to bet there was gnashing of teeth?

-- Anonymous, January 27, 1999