ML20134L097

Forwards Observation Rept 70-7002/96-08 on 961207-970124. Activities Consisted of Selective Exams of Procedures & Representative Records & Interviews W/Personnel

ML20134L097
Person / Time
Site:	Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant
Issue date:	02/18/1997
From:	Pederson C NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
To:	John Miller UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORP. (USEC)
Shared Package
ML20134L090	List: ML20134L087 ML20134L097 ML20134L105
References
NUDOCS 9702180270
Download: ML20134L097 (2)

Text

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[ "'%,4s UNITE 3 STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [

$ E REGION til E I 801 WARRENVILLE ROAD  !

k, USLE, ILLINOIS 6o532-4351

..... i l February 18, 1997 r

Mr. J. H. Miller Vice President - Production  ;

United States Enrichment Corporation Two Democracy Center 6903 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20817 i

SUBJECT:

PORTSM0UTH OBSERVATION REPORT 70-7002/96008(DNMS)  !

Dear Mr. Miller:

This refers to the observations and reviews conducted from December 7, 1996, l through January 24, 1997, of United States Enrichment Corporation activities i at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Our observations were discussed <

with you and Messrs. Dale Allen and Ron Gaston and members of their staffs l during, and at the conclusion of the observation period.  ;

i Areas reviewed during the observation period are identified in the report. ,

Within these areas, the activities consisted of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations during various shifts.

1 Based upon the areas observed, we continue to have significant concerns )

regarding the effectiveness of your corrective action program. Of particular  ;

concern was the December 16, 1996 movement of a uranium hexafluoride filled 1 cylinder by a straddle carrier before the cylinder's required cooldown period was met. The corrective actions from a similar event in 1994 were not 1 effective in preventing this precursor to a design basis accident. We will i continue to closely monitor your performance in this area.  !

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the Commission's regulations and the Department of Energy - Nuclear Regulatory Commission Memorandum of Understanding for the gaseous diffusion plants, a copy of this letter and the enclosed observation report will be placed in the NRC Public Document Room.

We have also provided the Department of Energy (DOE) a copy of this report for their review.

9702180270 970213 PDR ADOCK 07007002 i C PDR l

---J

J. H. Miller We will gladly discuss any questions you have concerning these observations.

Sincerely, derdd'"* u Gy a D. Pedersonr, Director 9 sion of Nuclear Materials Safety Docket No. 70-7002

Enclosure:

Observation Report No. 70-7002/96008(DNMS) cc w/ encl: S. A. Polsten, Paducah General Manager D. I. Allen, Portsmouth General Manager R. W. Gaston, Portsmouth Nuclear Regulatory Affairs Manager R. L. Woolley, Manager, Nuclear Regulatory Assurance and Policy, USEC Y. H. Faraz, NMSS cc w/o encl: R. M. DeVault, DOE