ML21089A087

Email to L.Modica NFS Purification and Conversion

ML21089A087
Person / Time
Site:	Erwin
Issue date:	03/26/2021
From:	James Downs NRC/NMSS/DFM/FFLB
To:	Modica L Erwin Citizens Awareness Network
JRDowns - NMSS/DFM/FFL - 301.415.7744
References
Download: ML21089A087 (2)

Text

From: Downs, James To: lcmodica@aol.com Cc: barboneal@charter.net; Ramsey, Kevin

Subject:

RE: What section of NFS"s license allows it to engage in U purification & conversion Date: Friday, March 26, 2021 3:07:00 PM Hi Linda, I am responding to your March 24th email to Kevin Ramsey. Recently, the lead NRC project management duties for NFS were assigned to me.

Regarding your question about the NFS license (current version at https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2019/ML20190A214), Condition S-1 states that licensed material is for use in accordance with the application.

Section 1.2.4.1 of their application (see Page 1-10 in https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1521/ML15217A013) states that processing operations include recovery and purification of low enriched uranium and high enriched uranium from process scrap materials, either internally generated or generated at other facilities.

Different conversion operations are also discussed in that section, however it is unclear what specific conversion service(s) would be performed under the new contract.

In addition, Appendix 1B (see Page 1-22) lists the authorized chemical and physical forms - including uranium in solid forms (i.e., metal).

Currently, the NRC has not received detailed information regarding how NFS plans to provide services under the new contract. NFS has requested a meeting with the NRC to discuss their plans. The meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2021, 1-3pm, but it will be closed to members of the public given the proprietary nature of NFS presentation (see NRC public meeting schedule at https://www.nrc.gov/pmns/mtg). However, NRC plans to publish a public meeting summary containing general information on the discussed topics and path forward.

I expect a decision regarding the need for a license amendment to be made shortly after that meeting. The submission of a license amendment will be driven by the requirements of 10 CFR 70.72 and any applicable license conditions. The NRCs environmental requirements will continue to be enforced at NFS regardless of whether a license amendment is needed.

Sincerely, James Downs Senior Project Manager U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission NMSS/DFM/FFLB 301-451-7744 From: <lcmodica@aol.com>

Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 7:03 PM To: Ramsey, Kevin <Kevin.Ramsey@nrc.gov>

Cc: barboneal@charter.net

Subject:

[External_Sender] What section of NFS's license allows it to engage in U purification &

conversion

Kevin, Regarding this new NFS deal with the NNSA --https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/contract-awarded-nuclear-fuel-services-uranium-purification-and-conversion -- what section of NFS's license allows it to engage in uranium purification & conversion?

Is this bomb-grade uranium ? HEU for the nuclear Navy?

What impurities will be removed? Are these chemical impurities? Radionuclide impurities? Both? Will those impurities go out the stacks &/or into liquid effluents?

With new emissions and effluents from new processes, why hasn't the NRC initiated an Environmental Review? Why isn't a License Amendment required?

Looking forward to your reply, Linda.

Linda Cataldo Modica, VP Erwin Citizens Awareness Network P.O. Box 1152 Jonesborough, TN 37659