ML20137P386
| ML20137P386 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant |
| Issue date: | 04/04/1997 |
| From: | Caniano R NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| To: | John Miller UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORP. (USEC) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20137P389 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9704090241 | |
| Download: ML20137P386 (2) | |
Text
-
.o April 4,1997 Mr. J. H. Miller Vice President - Production United States Enrichment Corporation Two Democracy Center 6903 Rockledge Drive Bethesda, MD 20817
SUBJECT:
PORTSMOUTH OBSERVATION REPORT 70-7002/97001(DNMS)
Dear Mr. Miller:
This refers to the observations and reviews conducted from January 25, 1997, through March 2, 1997, of United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) activities at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Our observations were discussed with you and Messrs. Dale Allen and Ron Gaston and membars of their staffs during, and at the conclusion of the observation period.
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.
Based upon the areas observed, the inspectors identified that an incomplete review of certification documents and a misinterpretation of NRC regulations by USEC resulted in stored cascade equipment containing deposits of SNM being left in USEC's possession.
In addition, USEC failed to notify the NRC of its intention to retain possession of the additional SiiM that could have resulted in their exceeding authorized possession limits. As a result, the NRC resident staff did not become aware of the problem until February 24, 1997, leaving very little time to resolve the issue prior to transition to NRC regulation. Violation of the possession limits for SNM after March 3,1997, could result in enforcement actions.
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 DOE a copy of this report for their review.
/
/ 1 9704090241 970404 PDR ADOCK 07007002 C
PDR lll%EhhSf.
l l
Mr. J. H. Miller l We will gladly discuss any' questions you have concerning these observations.
Sincerely, Original Signed by G. Shear for Roy J. Caniano, Acting Director Division of Nuclear Materials Safety Docket No.
70-7002 l
Enclosure:
Observation Report No. 70-7002/97001(DNMS) l cc w/ encl:
S. A. Polston, Paducah General Manager D. I. Allen, Portsmouth General Manager R. W. Gaston, Portsmouth Nuclear Regulatory Affairs Manager i
R. L. Woolley, Manager, Nuclear Regulatory Assurance and Policy, USEC l
Y. H. Faraz, NMSS R. M. DeVault, DOE bcc w/ encl:
A. B. Beach, RIII G. L. Shear, RIII bBiC(
)
I l
l l
l DOCUMENT NAME:
R:\\INSPRPTS\\GDP\\ PORT \\POR97001.DNM indic.t. in sn. b.
c - c.,y with..t.st.cn/ ci -t
- c.py with.tt.cnf..ci u-g g......,,.,sni.
e.e
.t.
0FFICE RIII
[RIII M
NAME Reidinger:1[
Caniano h 1 DATE 04//J/97 04/Q/97
)
0FFICIAL RECORD COPY i
-