ML24298A009
| ML24298A009 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/30/2024 |
| From: | Shannon Patterson NRC/OCM |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML24263A246 | List: |
| References | |
| M241030 | |
| Download: ML24298A009 (1) | |
Text
PERSPECTIVES AS A PART 40 LICENSEE From Idle State, to Full Operations, and Future Perspectives.
0 Sean Patterson Regulatory Affairs Manager Metropolis, IL
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
PRE-IDLE License Renewal Application Submittal
- Honeywell submitted License Renewal Application in February 2017.
- NRC accepted the Application in May 2017.
- The license was in timely renewal and working through the review process.
- The site was completing an annual shutdown.
Honeywell Announced Idling of Metropolis Uranium Conversion Facility.
- Announcement made in November 2017 due to market conditions.
- A phased approach was used to prepare the facility for idling.
- Removed product from the process and chemicals within site storage.
- Reduced the work force from 350 employees to 26 employees through May 2018.
- Relaxed select parts of the Security Order.
1 License Renewal Application Submittal Honeywell Announced Idling of Metropolis Uranium Conversion Facility
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
IDLE STATE Activities During Idle State
- NRC RII reduced core inspection modules and hours to reflect site activities.
- Continued to receive, sample, and ship uranium ore concentrates.
- Monitored status of ore concentrate drum and UF6 cylinder inventories.
- March 4, 2020, NRC License SUB-526 renewal granted for a 40-Year Term.
- Multiple license conditions for restart.
- Removed Calcium Fluoride ponds.
2 Activities During Idle State
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
RESTART ACTIVITIES February 19, 2021 - Honeywell announced a 2-Year Plan to restart the Metropolis facility.
- Established a timeline with Headquarters and Region II related to plant restart activities.
- Flexible inspection plan using existing Inspection Procedures.
- Leveraged the Smarter Inspection Program.
- Excellent coordination between Headquarters and RII to address License Conditions related to restart.
- Records related to License Conditions were reviewed and documented through site inspection reports.
- Security relaxation reversal was reviewed and approved by NRC.
Biennial Emergency Preparedness Drill was completed in May 2022.
All restart License Conditions were completed in October 2022.
NRC observed annual Site Emergency Preparedness Drill in March 2023.
3
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
RESTART PLAN
- Employees
- 61 Salaried
- 135 Hourly
- 200 Contractor
- Operator Qualifications
- Emergency Response Training 4
- Electrical Systems and Instrumentation
- Process and Fire Water
- Mitigation Systems
- Boilers and Control Systems
- Site Support Structures
- Seismic System
- Structures
- Vessels
- Piping
- Safety Systems
- Motors
- Pumps
- Valves Honeywell developed an extensive plan for restart including:
Staffing and Training Evaluation of Infrastructure Evaluation of Process Equipment
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
RESTART CHALLENGES Staffing
- Extended Idle State
- Significant number of employees retired.
- Decommissioning of nearby DOE Facility
- Competition due to expansion of local chemical plants in the area.
5 Infrastructure
- Utilities effected by extended shutdown.
- Total Boiler Replacement
- Mechanical Pump and electric motor attrition was higher than anticipated.
- Specialty Vendor Services Supply Chain Shortages
- Long lead time on specialty items
- Metal
- Raw Materials
- Vendors prior to idle, moved on to other markets - Carbon Components
- Lead time for repair parts was greater than pre-idle.
Metropolis overcame these challenges and began full operations in 2023.
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
PLANT UPGRADES
- Honeywell made significant capital investments.
- Repair or replacement of more than 1,000 piping circuits, and more than 100 vessels.
- Seismic retrofits were made to multiple support structures including the Administration Building, Laboratory, Sampling Plant, and Maintenance.
- New structures include the Operations Center (combination of 7 individual control rooms),
Laundry Facility, Health Physics Laboratory, and Boiler House.
6
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & FUTURE PERSPECTIVES Supporting various community programs and organizations.
- School Supply Drive
- Charity Events and Food Pantry Drives
- Local Emergency Planning Committee
- Emergency Management Services support
- Community Awareness Committee.
The site is fully staffed and operating 24/7 with full capacity expected within the next few years.
Honeywell would like to encourage the NRC to continue pursuing the Smarter Inspection program and continue efforts for annual fee transparency and predictability.
7 We provide safe and reliable production of UF6 in support of the worlds nuclear energy needs.