ML20128H165

Informs That NRC Issued Initial Certification Decision on Usec Two Gaseous Diffusion U Enrichment Plants,Paducah,Ky & Piketon,Oh.Decision Follows Determination by NRC That Usec Certification Application Adequate

ML20128H165
Person / Time
Site:	Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, 07007001
Issue date:	09/20/1996
From:	Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
To:	Domenici P, Myers J HOUSE OF REP., APPROPRIATIONS, SENATE, APPROPRIATIONS
Shared Package
ML20128G962	List: ML20128G959 ML20128H165 ML20128H193
References
NUDOCS 9610090257
Download: ML20128H165 (2)

Text

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. M*h UNITED STATES y 4g NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON. D.C. 206SN201

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f CHAIRMAN September 20, 1996 The Honorable John T. Myers, Chairman Sucommittee on Energy and Water Development Committee on Appropriations United States House of Representatives Washington, D. C. 20515

Dear Mr. Chairman:

This letter is to inform you that the NRC staff has issued its initial cenification decision on the United States Enrichment Corporation's (USEC's) two gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment plants in Paducah, Kentucky, and Piketon, Ohio. The cenification decision is required by the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The decision follows a determination by the NRC staff that USEC's cenification application provides adequate assurance that the USEC plants will continue to be operated safely. The certification decision will become final in 60 days, unless the Commission takes funher action in response to any petitions requesting review of the decision. NRC intends to assume regulatory jurisdiction from the U.S.

Department of Energy on March 3,1997, following a transition period.

Consistent with a recent statutory change enacted in the USEC Privatization Act (Public Law 104-134), allowing a cenification period of up to 5 years, the initial certificates will be effective for a period 2 years, with expiration dates of December 31,1998. USEC will be required to file an application for cenification renewal by April 15, 1998.

The Energy Policy Act also requires that NRC report annually to Congress on the status of health, safety, and environmental conditions at the enrichment plants. Our initial repon to Congress on the status of USEC's compliance will be issued in approximately one year.

Enclosed is a copy of the notice of issuance of the cenification decision that has been forwarded for publication in the Federal Renister.

Sincerely,

.gS.Aj !  %

Shirley Ann Jackson

Enclosure:

Federal Renister Notice ,

cc: Representative Tom Bevill 9610090257 960920 PDR ADOCK 07007001 C PDR

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CHAIRMAN September 20, 1996 The Honorable Pete V. Domenici, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Committee on Appropriations United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Mr. Chairman:

This letter is to inform you that the NRC staff has issued its initial certification decision on the United States Enrichment Corporation's (USEC's) two gaseous diffusion uranium l enrichment plants in Paducah, Kentucky, and Piketon, Ohio. The cenification decision is required by the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The decision follows a determination by the .

NRC staff that USEC's certification application provides adequate assurance that the USEC l plants will continue to be operated safely. The certification decision will become final in 60 days, unless the Commission takes funher action in response to any petitions requesting review of the decision. NRC intends to assume regulatory jurisdiction from the U.S.

Depanment of Energy on March 3,1997, following a transition period.

Consistent with a recent statutory change enacted in the USEC Privatization Act (Public Law 104-134), allowing a certification period of up to 5 years, the initial certificates will be effective for a period 2 years, with expiration dates of December 31,1998. USEC will be required to file an application for cenification renewal by April 15, 1998.

The Energy Policy Act also requires that NRC report annually to Congress on the status of health, safety, and environmental conditions at the enrichment plants. Our initial repon to Congress on the status of USEC's compliance will be issued in approximately one year.

Enclosed is a copy of the notice of issuance of the certification decision that has been forwarded for publication in the Federal Renister.

Sincerely, A- N'~-

Shirley Jackson

Enclosure:

Federal Register Notice cc: Senator J. Bennett Johnston