IR 07100708/2025201
| ML25205A110 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07100708 |
| Issue date: | 07/25/2025 |
| From: | Gerond George NRC/NMSS/DFM/IOB |
| To: | Stilwell W Westinghouse, Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility |
| References | |
| IR 2025201 | |
| Download: ML25205A110 (1) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION INSPECTION REPORT NO. 710708/2025201
Dear Willliam Stilwell:
This letter refers to the inspection conducted on May 27 to 30, 2025, at the Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins, South Carolina. The inspection team held a debrief at the end of the onsite inspection on May 30, 2025. Following in-office review, the team held a final exit teleconference on June 26, 2025. The purpose of the inspection was to verify and assess the adequacy of WEC's implementation and compliance with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements for the design, modification, fabrication, assembly, testing, maintenance, and procurement of the transportation packagings for which WEC is the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) holder. The inspection scope included reviews of records and interviews with personnel to determine whether transportation packagings are designed and maintained in accordance with the commitments and requirements specified in the applicable safety analysis report for packaging, the NRCs corresponding safety evaluation report, Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR)
Part 71, WECs NRC-approved quality assurance program, and the CoC. The enclosed report presents the results of this inspection.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your NRC-approved QAP as they relate to public health and safety, and to confirm compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations, and with the conditions of the applicable CoCs. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selected examination of procedures and representative records, observations of activities, and interviews with personnel.
No violations of more than minor significance were identified during this inspection.
July 25, 2025 In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any), will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room (PDR) or from the NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. The PDR is open by appointment. To make an appointment to visit the PDR, please send an email to PDR.Resource@nrc.gov or call 1800-3974209 or 301415-4737, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time (ET), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Sincerely, Gerond George, Chief Inspection and Oversight Branch Division of Fuel Management Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Docket No. 710708
Enclosure:
Inspection Report No. 710708/2025201
Inspection Report
Docket No.:
710708
Report No.:
710708/2025201
Enterprise Identifier:
I20252010033
Certificate Holder:
Westinghouse Electric Company
Location:
Hopkins, SC
Inspection Dates:
May 2730, 2025
Inspectors:
Jeremy Tapp, Sr. Transportation and Storage Safety Inspector,
Team Leader
Raju Patel, Transportation and Storage Safety Inspector
Azmi Djapari, Transportation and Storage Safety Inspector
Gabriel Witter, General Engineer (Trainee)
Approved by:
Gerond George, Chief
Inspection and Oversight Branch
Division of Fuel Management
Office of Nuclear Material Safety
and Safeguards
SUMMARY
Westinghouse Electric Company
NRC Inspection Report 710708/2025201 This routine inspection performed at Westinghouse Electric Companys (WECs) facility in Hopkins, SC from May 27May 30, 2025, evaluated the ongoing activities related to the transportation of radioactive material in U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-approved transportation packagings. The purpose of the inspection was to verify and assess the adequacy of WECs transportation related activities to determine if they were performed in accordance with the requirements of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 71, Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Material, the Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) and safety analysis reports (SARs) for transportation packagings that WEC holds the CoC approval, and WECs NRC-approved quality assurance program (QAP).
Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC inspection team assessed that overall, the implementation of WECs QAP was adequate.
List of Findings and Violations
No violations of more than minor significance were identified.
Additional Tracking Items
None.
INSPECTION SCOPES
The inspection was conducted using the appropriate portions of Inspection Procedure (IP)86001, Design, Fabrication, Testing, and Maintenance of Transportation Packaging. Currently approved IPs are located on the public website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/insp-manual/inspection-procedure/index.html. The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel to assess CoC holder performance and compliance with Commission rules and regulations, license conditions, site procedures, and standards. The inspection was declared complete when the objectives of the IP were met, consistent with Inspection Manual Chapter 2690, Inspection Program for Storage of Spent Reactor Fuel and Reactor-Related Greater-Than-Class C Waste at Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations and for 10 CFR Part 71 Transportation Packagings.
IP 86001 - Design, Fabrication, Testing, and Maintenance of Transportation Packaging Quality Assurance Program (IP Section 02.02)
The team verified that WECs activities related to transportation packagings are being conducted in accordance with the CoCs, as well as the NRC-approved QAP, and that implementing procedures are in place and effective.
The team reviewed WECs 10 CFR Part 71 QAP, Quality Management System-A, revision 8.1 and associated implementing procedures to verify and evaluate the effectiveness of the QAP implementation. The team performed reviews of the quality program, policies, and procedures, and discussed portions of these documents with selected personnel to determine whether WEC adequately controlled and implemented activities subject to 10 CFR Part 71 regulations. The team also reviewed the previous two revisions of the QAP to determine if changes made without prior NRC review and approval were performed in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 71.106, as applicable.
The team reviewed the QAP authorities and responsibilities to determine if they were clearly defined and documented, and the quality assurance (QA) organization functioned as an independent group. In addition, the team reviewed the QAP to determine if commercial grade dedication activities are performed by WEC. The team reviewed WECs graded approach to quality as documented in the QAP to verify WEC identified important-tosafety (ITS)components in its packaging designs in a graded approach as described.
10 CFR Part 21 (IP Section 02.03)
The team verified that provisions are in place for reporting defects which could cause a substantial safety hazard, as required by 10 CFR Part 21, Reporting of Defects and Noncompliance. The team reviewed WECs implementing quality procedures to verify whether provisions were in place for reporting defects that could cause a substantial safety hazard from the nonconformances and quality issues identified. The team reviewed selected records and interviewed personnel to verify that WEC effectively implemented a nonconformance control program in accordance with their NRC-approved QAP and the requirements of 10 CFR Part 21.
The team requested a list of 10 CFR Part 21 evaluations and notifications associated with any transportation activities and interviewed personnel to verify if WEC was familiar with the implementing procedure. The team also reviewed postings within the facility to determine whether WEC complied with 10 CFR 21.6, "Posting requirements."
Design Control (IP Section 02.04)
The team interviewed selected personnel and reviewed selected design documentation to determine that adequate design controls are implemented. The team focused its review on the areas of design modifications, quality classification evaluation for ITS components, review and control of design calculations, and verification and validation (V&V) of software programs.
Specifically, the team reviewed WEC design activities related to CoCs No. 71-9380 and 71-9297 for the Type B and Type A Traveller packages, respectively.
The team conducted interviews with design engineering personnel to review the design change process, including the initiation, analysis, verification, and approval of engineering change notices (ECNs). The team reviewed a sample of ECNs and design documentation associated with the Traveller package, including justification for safety classification of components such as the top axial restraint, bottom support spacer, and neutron poison plates to verify the components were adequately classified. The team also reviewed WECs design review process and associated documentation, including the sequence of internal design review meetings from design concept initiation to final design reviews to ensure conformance with quality procedures.
The team reviewed WECs use of the LS-DYNA software to perform structural analyses and support design work for the Traveller package. The team reviewed the V&V documentation of the software to assess whether it had been appropriately qualified for its intended application. In addition, the team reviewed a sample of hand calculations performed to independently verify the results of LS-DYNA simulations.
Fabrication, Assembly, Maintenance and Testing (IP Sections 02.05 and 02.06)
The team reviewed selected drawings, procedures and records, and observed selected activities being performed to determine whether the fabrication, test, and maintenance activities meet SAR design commitments and requirements documented in the CoC. The team also observed activities affecting safety aspects of the packaging (such as fabrication, assembly, and testing) to verify that they are performed in accordance with approved methods, procedures, and specifications.
The team performed a walkdown of transportation packagings used and stored onsite at WEC to assess their material condition and quality controls. This included the Traveller/Traveller XL and MCC-3, MCC-4, and MCC-5 packagings. The team reviewed maintenance activities for the Traveller packaging as it was the primary package used at WEC to transport fresh fuel.
Specifically, the team reviewed the procedures for refurbishment and recertification of Traveller packagings to verify adequacy and conformance to the SAR. The team also reviewed refurbishment and recertification documentation for a sample of Traveller packagings currently being used by WEC. Documentation included certifications, welding and inspection reports, completed inspection checklists, and special routings for non-routine maintenance items.
Further, the team observed Traveller maintenance activities that were ongoing while onsite and interviewed personnel associated with those activities to verify conformance to site quality procedures and SAR requirements. Specifically, the team observed Traveller 18-month refurbishment activities and shock mount replacement, as well as preparation for loading fresh fuel.
In addition, the team reviewed activities associated with Liqui-Rad (LR) Transport Unit packagings owned by WEC. As a result of the identification of corrosion on LR packagings during an NRC inspection at Nuclear Fuel Services (Inspection Report 71-0249/2023-201),
WEC took actions to perform refurbishment of the affected packagings. The team observed refurbishment activities at the contractor location, interviewed personnel, and reviewed quality procedures to determine the adequacy of the work being performed and if it was in accordance with the SAR and procurement requirements.
The team reviewed a sample of measuring and test equipment (M&TE) used for maintenance activities. The sample included a digital caliper, torque wrench, breakaway torque wrench, torque wrench calibrator, torque tester, and a 48 x 72 surface plate. The team toured the tool and gage lab on site to verify that M&TE were controlled, calibrated and maintained in accordance with WECs tool and gage lab control procedure. Calibration records were reviewed to verify calibration dates and due dates, the standards used, and traceability of the M&TE.
Procurement (IP Section 02.07)
The team reviewed selected drawings and records, and interviewed selected personnel, to verify that the procurement specifications for materials, equipment, and services received by the QAP holder meet the design requirements.
The team reviewed selected records and interviewed selected personnel to verify that the procurement specifications for equipment and services received by WEC met the design requirements. The team selected a sample of procurement documents from approved suppliers that included the purchase of O-rings, acetate plugs for Traveller packagings, maintenance services, helium leak test standards and calibration services. The team also reviewed WECs processes and procedures that address procurement to determine they are adequate to ensure that any procured material, services, and equipment meet the design specifications.
Nonconformance and Corrective Action Programs (IP Section 02.08)
The team reviewed selected records and interviewed selected personnel to verify that a nonconformance control program is effectively implemented, and that corrective actions for identified deficiencies are technically sound and completed in a timely manner. The review included an evaluation of how WECs nonconformance control program and corrective action program addressed materials, parts, and components that do not conform to requirements and identified quality deficiencies. The team also reviewed provisions for reporting defects that could cause a substantial safety hazard within these programs.
Specifically, the team reviewed a sample of nonconformance reports (NCRs) and issue reports (IRs) since the last NRC inspection in 2020, including an IR generated because of a previous NRC identified violation to ensure adequate corrective actions were implemented to correct the issues. The team also sampled IRs initiated from 10 CFR 71.95 evaluation reports. The team interviewed personnel regarding the Model No. Liqui-Rad Transport Unit Package corrosion issue to verify if WEC had taken actions to address this issue to prevent future recurrence.
The team focused the NCR review on use-asis and repair type dispositions to evaluate how WEC technically justified the approved dispositions. The IRs were reviewed to determine whether WEC completed corrective actions for identified deficiencies in a technically sound and timely manner, including assessment of reporting in accordance with 10 CFR Part 21 and 10 CFR Part 71 requirements. The team also reviewed five 10 CFR 71.95 reports initiated by WEC from 2020 through 2025, to determine whether WEC had addressed and resolved the issues through their CAP in a timely manner. The performance monitoring and trending report for 2024 was reviewed to verify it was performed as required and comprehensive in nature.
Personnel Training and Certifications (IP Section 02.09)
The team reviewed selected records and procedures, interviewed selected personnel, and observed selected activities to verify that individuals performing activities affecting quality are properly trained and qualified. The team verified that management and QA staff are cognizant and provide appropriate oversight.
The team reviewed procedures and documents regarding training, qualification, and certification of personnel involved in quality activities. The team reviewed the qualifications and training for selected lead auditors to determine if they met the requirements stated in the QAP. The team also reviewed the qualification records of engineering personnel responsible for performing design activities and approving design changes related to the Traveller package. In addition, the team reviewed training records for a random sample of personnel in quality-related positions to determine if they received the required indoctrination to and familiarization with the QAP.
The team also reviewed selected records and procedures, interviewed personnel, and discussed the maintenance activities affecting the safety aspects of the Traveller packaging to verify that WEC provided oversight and had trained and qualified individuals performing maintenance activities, including welding, inspection and nondestructive examination.
Audit Program (IP Section 02.10)
The team verified that audits of the QAP and activities affecting the safety aspects of the packaging are scheduled, have been performed as scheduled, and that identified deficiencies have been satisfactorily resolved in a timely manner.
The team reviewed the WEC audit program to determine whether WEC scheduled, planned, and performed internal audits in accordance with applicable regulations and QAP requirements.
The team reviewed a sample of internal audits conducted between 2022 and 2024 to determine if all applicable QAP elements were audited annually and in accordance with the established audit schedules.
The team reviewed a sample of external audits and supplier evaluations for the suppliers of procured components and services to determine if each supplier was audited either by the Nuclear Industry Assessment Corporation (NIAC) with an audit report evaluated and accepted by WEC as required, or audited by WEC itself and an annual assessment performed for continued placement on the qualified suppliers list. The team determined whether the scope of the NIAC audits were comprehensive and applicable to WECs procurement activities.
The team determined for audits that identified findings, whether corrective actions were entered into the CAP as required, and closures were verified either during the same audit or in the subsequent years audit, as documented in follow-up audit reports.
INSPECTION RESULTS
No violations of more than minor significance were identified.
EXIT MEETING/DEBRIEFS The team verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
- On May 30, 2025, the team presented the preliminary inspection results to William Stilwell, Nuclear Fuel Transport Director, and other members of the CoC holders staff.
- On June 26, 2025, after in-office review, the team presented the final inspection results to William Stilwell, Nuclear Fuel Transport Director, and other members of the CoC holders staff.
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Inspection
Procedure
IP 86001 - Design, Fabrication, Testing, and Maintenance of
Transportation Packaging
Type
Designation
Description or Title
Revision
or Date
W-21-180
Internal Audit Report
9/21/2021
W-22-54
Internal Audit Report
2/9/2022
W-2023-19
Internal Audit Report
2/11/2023
W-2024-38
Internal Audit Report
2/9/2024
WES-2025-102
Audit of EnergySolutions, Barnwell
facility
2/27/2025
WES-2022-157
Audit of Leak Testing Specialists, Inc.
4/28/2022
WES-2024-105
Audit of Carolina Energy Solutions,
8/2/2024
WEC Annual Evaluation of
EnergySolutions
3/6/2024
WEC Supplier Annual Evaluation of
Leak Testing Specialists Inc.
4/10/2024
WEC Supplier Annual Evaluation of
Carolina Energy Solutions
3/1/2024
Audits
WES-2024-169
Audit of ANSYS, Inc.
5/24/2024
QC30607
Torque Wrench
3/10/2025
QC27226
Tool Overview - Digital Caliper
5/14/2025
QC17651
Torque Analyzer (EZ TORQ)
1/9/2025
QC05304
Gage Blocks Set
7/9/2024
QC10970
Torque Tester
9/1/2021
Calibration
Documents
CM27876
20-150 ft/lb Breakaway Torque Wrench
3/4/2025
IR-2019-1818
Source 71.95 Report LTR-LCPT-19-03
1/30/2019
IR-2019-18073
Source: 2019 NRC Inspection
Identified Issue
2/12/2019
IR-2019-18112
Source: 2019 NRC Inspection
Identified Issue
2/12/2019
Corrective
Actions
IR-2020-1360
Source: 2019 NRC Inspection identified
issue
2/3/2020
IR-2020-4142
Source: 71.95 Report LTR-LCPT-20-08
3/27/2020
IR-2021-9214
Source: 71.95 Report LTR-LCPT-21-13
8/24/2021
IR-2022-11146
Source: 71.95 Report LTR-LCPT-22-24
2/14/2022
IR-2024-2239
Source: 71.95 Report LTR-LCPT-24-10
5/5/2024
IR-2024-7267
Source: Internal Audit Corrective Action
5/7/2024
IR-2024-1472
Water found in bottom of Traveller
Container during PEMQ Fuel Receipt
2/13/2024
23-518
IR 2023-518
23-519
IR-2023-519
231241
IR 20231241
241387
IR20241387
241472
IR 20241472
25-452
IR-2025-452
251387
IR 20251387
252816
IR 20252816
25-5481
IR 2025-5481
25-5540
IR-2025-5540
25-5708
IR-2025-5708
0004127
ECN-0004127
0003840
ECN-0003840
0003752
ECN-0003752
Design Change
Request
0004203
ECN-0004203
CN-NFPE-07-179
Installation testing of LS-DYNA Version
970 Revision 5434a
CN-LCPT-22-01
Traveller STD & XL 8-Inch Rod Pipe
Loose Rod Content Criticality Safety
Analysis
CN-NFPE-23-005
Traveller 8-Inch Loose Rod Pipe Finite
Element Drop Test Analysis
CN-NFPE-23-006
Traveller 8-Inch Loose Rod Pipe
Structural and Thermal Evaluations
PE-TECH-24-050
Fuel Assembly and Shipping Package
Contract Engineer Qualifications
PE-TEST-24-010
Traveller 8-Inch Loose Rod Pipe Final
Verification Drop Test Report
Mechanical Design Manual Volume 3,
Shipping Containers, Chapter 5,
Classification of Parts
6/3/2024
SFDT-19-70
Traveller Type B Shipping Package
Safety Related Assembly and Part
Classification
Design
Documents
MD1-04-110
Traveller STD Shipping Package
Safety Related Part Classification
PS134B
CoC for Acetate Plug
8/12/2024
PO 4160204488
Acetate Plug
3/21/2024
PO 4500883957
LR-230 Package Refurbishment
6/26/2023
PO 4500796907
Calibration Services
3/31/2020
Procurement
Documents
PO 4500796907
Calibration Services
CN-3
PO 4500916579
Calibration Services
8/26/24
PO 4500916579
Calibration Services
CN-1
LCPT-23-05
Technical and Quality Requirements
for Liqui-Rad Refurbishment Project
2/16/2024
LTR-LCPT-24-09
WEC/Orano TN Approval of Energy
Solutions Liqui-Rad Packaging
Refurbishment Procedure
4/10/2024
CF-75B-018
Traveller Refurbishment Verification
Checklist
CF-MN-WI-008
Westinghouse Liqui-Rad Packaging
Refurbishment Exploratory Rework
CF-MN-WI-009
Westinghouse Liqui-Rad Packaging
Refurbishment Rework
CF-MN-WI-010
Westinghouse Liqui-Rad Packaging
Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) Inspection
CF-MN-WI-011
Westinghouse Liqui-Rad Packaging
Internal Foam Exploratory Work
COP-836052
Annual Maintenance and Inspection of
LR-230 Shipping Packagings
ES-QA-PR-007
QC Personnel Qualification and
Certification
TRS-225-1
Traveller Shipping Package Visual
Guidelines
QCI-000140
Tool and Gage Control Lab
QCI-000150
Qualification of Welding Procedures
and Personnel
QCI-000210
Receiving Inspection
TAF-502-1
Traveller Shock Mount Replacement
TR-223
Weld Shipping Packaging
TR-225
Refurbish Traveller Shipping Package
TR-229
Traveller Recertification
Training and Qualification
33.2
Test Prospectus and Test Report
27.5
Computer Software Development and
Maintenance
31.9
Engineering Change Notice
W2-8.1-102
Engineering Peer Review
2.0
W2-8.3-101
Design Analysis
4.1
W2-8.4-101
Design Review
4.0
W2-8.5-101
Design Configuration Control
1.0
W2-8.5-106
Design Change
0.1
W2-8.6-105
External Computer Software
2.0
QMS-A
Quality Management System-A
8.1
QA-008
Nondestructive Test Certification
QA-600
Westinghouse Management
System/QA Program Implementation
Information Use
18.0
Program or
Procedure
QA-600-3
Quality Assurance Program For Fuel
Package Used in the Transportation of
10.0
Radioactive Material List of
Implementing Procedures
QA-608
Identification, Traceability and Control
of Materials, Parts and Components
QA-609
Control of Special Processes
QA-610
Inspection
QA-611
Test Control
QA-612
Control of Inspection, Measuring, and
Test Equipment
QA-613
Handling, Storage, Packing,
Preservation and Delivery
QA-617
Processing of Electronic Problem
Notice (EPN)
43.0
W2-2.5-200
Personnel Qualification and
Certification
1.1
W2-4.2-101
Internal Quality Assurance Audits
5.0
W2-5.1-101
Westinghouse Corrective Action
Program
10.1
W2-5.1-201
Identification and Reporting of
Conditions Adverse to Nuclear Safety
3.0
W2-9.4-101
Control of Purchased Items and
Services
8.2
W2-9.4-102
Deviation Notices
3.0
W2-9.5-101
Supplier QA Program Qualification and
Assessment
3.0
W2-9.5-102
Commercial Dedication Process
2.0
W2-9.5-102.W01
Alternate Method for Dedication of
Calibration and Testing Services
0.3
W2-9.5-104
Supplier Oversight
2.0
W2-9.5-105
Control of Suppliers on the ASL and
3.0
W2-9.8-100
Control of Measuring and Test
Equipment
2.0
W2-9.14-100
Control of Nonconforming Process
Outputs, Products, and Services
2.0
Disposition of Deviations and
Nonconforming Items
2.6
CA-204
Deviation Disposition
30.0
Regulatory Agency Communication
and Postings
13.0
QA-2.8
Qualification of Audit Personnel
2.2
QA-7.14
Annual Supplier Evaluation
4.0
PD-03-25
Traveller Shipping Package Safety
Related Part and System Classification
Procedure
LTR-LCPT-23-11
Submittal of 71.106(b) Report
8/9/2023
LTR-LCPT-19-03
Incorrect Criticality Safety Index Used
on labels on Traveller package
3/25/2019
Reports
LTR-LCPT-20-08
Security Seal incorrectly applied
5/19/2020
LTR-LCPT-21-13
Non-fixed contamination on the outside
of package exceeded regulatory limits
10/22/2021
LTR-LCPT-22-24
Port bolt missing
1/6/2023
LTR-LCPT-24-10
Locking Pin disengaged
4/15/2024
LTR-LCPT-21-11
Supplement for Amendment Request
Application for USA/9380/B(U)F-96 for
Model No. Traveller STD and XL
Packages
3/11/2022
LTR-LCPT-24-22
Supplement SAR for Renewal
Application for USA/9297/AF-96 for
Model No. Traveller STD, XL, and
VVER Packages
7/1/2024
WCAP-07109297-
P
Application for Certification of
Compliance for the Traveller PWR Fuel
Shipping Package
Safety Analysis
Reports
Liqui-Rad Transport Unit Safety
Analysis Report
PDSHIP02
TRAVELLER Polyurethane Foam
Specification
PDSHIP04
TRAVELLER Specification for Neutron
Poison
Specifications
PDSHIP05
TRAVELLER Shipping Package
Specification
11