ML25105A002
| ML25105A002 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Erwin |
| Issue date: | 04/15/2025 |
| From: | Bradley Davis NRC/RGN-II/DFRSS/FOB1 |
| To: | Dailey R Nuclear Fuel Services |
| References | |
| IR 2025001 | |
| Download: ML25105A002 (1) | |
Text
Enclosure Ronald K. Dailey President Nuclear Fuel Services, INC.
P.O. Box 337 Erwin, TN 37650-0337
SUBJECT:
NUCLEAR FUEL SERVICES - INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 07000143/2025001
Dear Ronald K. Dailey:
On March 31, 2025, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at Nuclear Fuel Services. On April 9, 2025, the NRC inspectors discussed the results of this inspection with Danielle Rogers and other members of your staff. The results of this inspection are documented in the enclosed report.
No violations of more than minor significance were identified during this inspection.
This letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be made available for public inspection and copying at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html and at the NRC Public Document Room in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for Withholding.
Sincerely, Bradley J. Davis, Chief Projects Branch 1 Division of Fuels, Radiological Safety, and Security Docket No. 07000143 License No. SNM-124
Enclosure:
As stated cc w/ encl: Distribution via LISTSERV April 15, 2025 Signed by Davis, Bradley on 04/15/25
SUNSI Review X
Non-Sensitive
Sensitive X
Publicly Available
Non-Publicly Available OFFICE RII/DFRSS RII/DFRSS RII/DFRSS NAME L. Cooke R. Skokowski B. Davis DATE 4/15/25 4/15/25 4/15/25
3 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Inspection Report Docket Number:
07000143 License Number:
SNM-124 Report Number:
07000143/2025001 Enterprise Identifier:
I-2025-001-0040 Licensee:
Nuclear Fuel Services, INC.
Facility:
Nuclear Fuel Services Location:
Erwin, TN Inspection Dates:
January 01, 2025 to March 31, 2025 Inspectors:
M. Day, Fuel Facility Inspector L. Harris, Senior Resident Inspector N. Peterka, Senior Fuel Facility Inspector R. Skokowski, Senior Resident Inspector Approved By:
Bradley J. Davis, Chief Projects Branch 1 Division of Fuels, Radiological Safety, and Security
4
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring the licensees performance by conducting an integrated inspection at Nuclear Fuel Services, in accordance with the fuel cycle facility inspection program. This is the NRCs program for overseeing the safe operation of licensed fuel cycle facilities. Refer to https://www.nrc.gov/materials/fuel-cycle-fac.html for more information.
List of Violations No violations of more than minor significance were identified.
Additional Tracking Items None.
5 PLANT STATUS The following facility process areas were operating during the inspection period: Fuel Manufacturing Facility (FMF) and the Blended Low Enriched Uranium (BLEU) Preparation Facility (BPF), which includes the Uranium-Oxide (U-Oxide), solvent extraction and the down blending lines. Normal support services and departments were operational during the inspection period.
INSPECTION SCOPES Inspections were conducted using the appropriate portions of the inspection procedures (IPs) in effect at the beginning of the inspection unless otherwise noted. Currently approved IPs with their attached revision histories are located on the public website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/insp-manual/inspection-procedure/index.html. Inspections were declared complete when the IP requirements most appropriate to the inspection activity were met consistent with Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 2600, Fuel Cycle Facility Operational Safety and Safeguards Inspection Program. The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel to assess licensee performance and compliance with Commission rules and regulations, license conditions, site procedures, and standards.
SAFETY OPERATIONS 88020 - Operational Safety The inspectors evaluated selected aspects of the licensees Operational Safety program to verify compliance with selected portions of 10 CFR 70, including 70.61 and 70.62, as well as Chapters 3, "Integrated Safety Analysis," and 11, Management Measures, of the facilitys license application, and applicable licensee procedures.
Identification of Safety Controls and Related Programs (IP Section 02.01)
The inspectors selected specific process areas for inspection based on the safety basis information of the facility, the risk/safety significance of the process areas, the description of plant changes submitted to the NRC, and past plant performance documentation. For the process areas of interest, the inspectors selected a sample of accident sequences in nuclear criticality safety, and chemical safety based on the information provided in the integrated safety analysis (ISA) summary. The inspectors conducted a general plant tour of the fuels complex. The process areas and accident sequences selected to focus on are listed below:
fire and criticality safety accident sequences in Area 800 of the Fuel Manufacturing Facility (FMF) fire and criticality safety accident sequences in Area E of the FMF Review of Safety Controls and Related Programs (IP Section 02.02)
The inspectors reviewed information related to administrative, enhanced administrative, and passive safety controls or items relied on for safety (IROFS) for the accident sequences selected above, including the identification of the licensees assumptions and bounding cases as they apply to each of the selected accident sequences, safety controls, or IROFS.
6 This review was performed to verify that the controls or IROFS were available and reliable to perform their intended safety functions and that the design basis assumptions were reflected in the actual conditions in the field. The safety controls selected for review included:
administrative criticality safety IROFS: FA8-40 active engineered criticality safety IROFS: FMF-25 active engineered red oil IROFS-FAE-25 passive criticality safety IROFS: FA8-21, FAE-3 administrative fire safety IROFS: FIRE8-1, FIRE8-3 the inspectors also interviewed operators in area 800 Implementation of Safety Controls (IP Section 02.03)
For the selected safety controls listed above, the inspectors reviewed management measures to verify proper implementation in accordance with 10 CFR 70 and applicable sections of the license application. This review was performed to verify that selected safety controls or IROFS were present, available, and reliable to perform their safety function and that the design basis assumptions were reflected in the actual conditions in the field. The inspectors conducted the following activities to verify the implementation of selected safety controls:
reviewed licensee operating procedures for FMF (e.g. SOP 401-08-02 FMF Area 800 Alarm Response and Upset Conditions), that implement administrative IROFS reviewed selected NCS postings in FMF that implement criticality safety IROFS observed post maintenance test of safety related equipment (SRE) component in Area 600 Product Support Line of building 303 interviewed engineer, rad techs and supervisor performing SRE test in Area 600 discussed licensee process for conducting set point analysis (e.g. as built configuration, factor of safety, field walkdowns, critical parameters)
Safety Control Support Programs (IP Section 02.04)
The inspectors assessed additional management measures that support the availability and reliability of the selected safety controls to verify these were implemented in accordance with 10 CFR 70 and applicable sections of the license application. Specifically, the inspectors conducted the following:
observed shift turnover for FMF supervisors reviewed selected PIRCS entries related to operational safety (listed below),
and associated Investigation Reports and Corrective Action reports reviewed training records and plans for plant managers and individuals qualified in Area E and Area 800 reviewed program procedures (e.g. NFS-GH-56, NFS-GH-43-1, NFS-GH-43) observed activities in operating area 800 reviewed SRE Test Review spreadsheet with ISA staff (IAW NFS-GH-43-01) reviewed IROFS Evaluation Records for IROFS FAG-6 and FAG-8, to include related calibration data sheets and related investigation report.
7 88135.02 - Plant Status The inspectors routinely conducted walkdowns of licensee areas, observed operators, material control and accounting and security force personnel, inspected postings and licensee guidance documents, interviewed plant personnel, and discussed the results of operational and shift turnover meetings to gain insight into the status of facility activities, risk-inform the selection and implementation of the appropriate core inspection procedures, and ensure compliance with license and regulatory requirements.
Plant Tours (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors performed weekly tours of plant operating areas housing SNM to verify that licensed activities were conducted safely and in compliance with the license and 10 CFR 70, Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material.
Status Meetings (IP Section 03.02)
The inspectors attended and reviewed the results of licensee meetings on a routine basis to identify the status of plant activities and properly focus NRC inspection resources on activities with the higher safety significance:
Plan of the Day Meetings Safety and Security Review Council Problem Resolution Meetings Scheduled meetings with licensing, security, and facility management Record and Log Reviews (IP Section 03.03)
The inspectors reviewed selected records and logs to ensure they were developed, maintained, and reported, as required by applicable license and regulatory requirements.
Significant records selected for review are listed in the "Documents Reviewed" section of this inspection report.
Identification and Resolution of Problems (IP Section 03.05)
The inspectors reviewed selected issues to determine if the licensee was entering equipment, human performance, and other performance issues in a formalized program to identify, track, and assure correction of safety and safeguard significant problems in accordance with 10 CFR 70.62(a)(3) and applicable license requirements. The issues selected for review are listed in the "Documents Reviewed" section of this inspection report as Corrective Action Documents.
Audits (IP Section 03.07)
The inspectors reviewed a sample of internal and/or external audits performed since the previous inspection to determine whether they have been performed in accordance with 10 CFR 70.22(h)(1), implementing procedures, and license requirements:
Fourth Quarter 2024 Safety Audits ISA and Fire Protection Programs Fourth Quarter 2024 Environmental Safety Inspections/Audits
8 2024 Licensing and Integrated Safety Analysis (ISA) Triennial Assessment Report Preformed for Nuclear Fuels Service, Inc.
Radiation Work Permit (RWP) (IP Section 03.09)
The inspectors reviewed and observed the RWPs (also known as safety work permits or SWPs) listed below to determine whether they contained the information required in Chapter 4, "Radiation Safety," of the license application; the Radiation Protection Manual; and licensee implementing procedures:
SWP 18978, 300-CMPLX SWP 25-59-001 302 RMA A/B/C 88135.04 - Resident Inspection Program Operational Safety The inspectors reviewed the material condition and as-found configuration of selected site structures, systems, and components (SSCs); reviewed corresponding documentation, and interviewed licensee personnel to verify compliance with 10 CFR Part 70 and the license application. The inspectors also verified whether the selected SSCs were available and reliable to adequately protect plant workers and the public during normal, off normal, and accident conditions.
Operations Safety Walkdown (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors performed walk-downs and evaluated the safety controls/IROFS listed below associated with the building 303 Areas 300-500 processing areas.
N303XDRAINH0401 300-18 300-19 300-23 N303XFILTER0512 88135.05 - Resident Inspection Program Fire Protection (Annual/Quarterly)
The inspectors evaluated the operational status and material condition of selected fire protection SSCs to verify compliance with the fire protection program as described in Chapter 7, Fire Safety of the license application, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 801, Standard for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials, as applicable.
Also, the inspectors evaluated fire brigade training and performance to verify compliance with the fire protection program as described in Chapter 7, Fire Safety of the license application, and NFPA 600, "Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades."
9 Fire Area Walkdown (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors walked down and reviewed the documents listed below for two fire areas of the facility:
310 Building o
Pull Stations o
Detection devices o
Sprinkler testing o
Fire extinguisher inspections o
Combustible control inspections o
Flammable cabinet inspections o
Damper inspections o
310 Hydrants Areas 300-500 o
Fire-43 o
Fire3-1 o
Fire5-1 88135.19 - Post Maintenance Testing The inspectors evaluated post-maintenance test activities to verify compliance with Chapter 11, Management Measures, of the license application; and test procedures or work orders (WOs) to confirm functional capability of selected IROFS and safety controls following maintenance.
Post-Maintenance Testing (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors reviewed the post-maintenance tests listed below. The inspectors either observed the tests directly or reviewed test results.
N333LEVLIT4C01A associated with work order 314741 building 333 N302XWOGVNT0E02, area E, associated with equipment change request ECR-20241572 88135.22 - Surveillance Testing The inspectors evaluated IROFS and safety controls that required periodic surveillance or calibration tests to ensure they were available and reliable to perform their function when needed; to verify compliance with Chapter 11, Management Measures, of the license application, and the requirements of 10 CFR 70.61 and 70.62; and to verify the IROFS maintained their operational readiness consistent with the ISA Summary.
Surveillance and Calibration Testing (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors reviewed the three surveillance and/or calibration tests listed below. Tests were observed directly and the test results were reviewed.
N303XVALVEB874E1, area 800 N307VALVEBAB870, area 800 N303XFURPSLR772, 303 area 600
10 SOP 250, Monthly Generator and UPS [Uninterruptible Power Supply]
Transfer Test INSPECTION RESULTS No issues were identified.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
On April 9, 2025, the inspectors presented the integrated inspection results to Danielle Rogers and other members of the licensee staff.
On February 27, 2025, the inspectors presented the operational safety inspection results to Jeff Messaros and other members of the licensee staff.
11 DOCUMENTS REVIEWED Inspection Procedure Type Designation Description or Title Revision or Date 40103, 40210 Investigation Reports 2024 43643, 50317 Corrective Action Reports 11/2024 Corrective Action Documents 99179, 92725, 99201, 92685, 100968, 101724, 101807, 101717, 101106, 101265, 101301, 101704, 101939, 103706 Sample of PIRCS Various 302-F0050-D Area E P&ID, Sheet 1 2/25/2025 306-F0016-D Area 800 Piping and Instrumentation Diagram Sheet 4 10/22/2024 Drawings 307-F0304-D Area 800 Piping and Instrumentation Diagram Sheet 11 12/04/2024 21T-25-0019 NFS Site Integrated Safety Analysis Summary Rev. 23 21X-23-0018 ISA Risk Assessment for Fuel Areas 800 and 800 Auxiliary Rev. 7 21X-24-0056 ISA Safety Basis Risk Assessment Support and Justification for Buildings 302 and 303, Areas B, D, and E Rev. 8 21X-25-0002 Items Relied on for Safety and Safety Related Equipment
- Buildings 306 and 307 Area 800 Rev. 39 54X-13-0005 CCE Item Requirements in Table 6-1 of the NCSE for Area 800 IROFS 302-EURECOV Items Relied on For Safety and Safety-Related Equipment - Uranium Recovery Facility Area E Rev. 18 SA-00009 Setpoint Analysis for FAE-019 09/29/2016 SA-00142 Setpoint Analysis for FAE-003, FAE-010 07/27/2015 SA-00154 Setpoint Analysis for FA8-021, FPV-005 11/07/2019 Engineering Evaluations SA-00358 Setpoint Analysis for FAE-026 12/18/2019 OT-302-800 Area 800 Operator Training 5/17/24 Miscellaneous OT-302-E 302 Area E Training 06/2019 Operability Evaluations FM-NFS-GH-56-2 IROFS Evaluation Record Rev. 0 88020 Procedures NFS-GH-43 Safety Related Equipment Control Program Rev. 34
12 Inspection Procedure Type Designation Description or Title Revision or Date NFS-GH-43-01 Safety-Related Equipment Writer's and Reviewer's Guide Rev. 14 NFS-GH-56 Management Measures Identification and Implementation for IROFS Rev. 14 NFS-HS-A-68 ISA Risk Assessment Procedure Rev. 11 NFS-M-17 Calibration System Manual Rev. 35 SOP 401-08-01 FMF Area 800 Reference Only Rev. 7.A SOP 401-08-02 FMF Area 800 Alarm Response and Upset Conditions Rev 0.A SOP 401-08-T3 FMF Area 800 Type 3X and Other Related Fuel Types Rev. 0.B SOP 401-08-T4 FMF Area 800 Type 4N and Other Related Fuel Types Rev 0.E SOP 401-08F FMF Area 800 Blowers, Gas Supply, Freeze Protection and Bump Test Checks Rev. 0.A SOP 401-25-302 FMF Area E Building 302 Rev. 31 ISA Triennial Audit ISAUD-20240006 Opportunities for Improvement - Actions Taken 2024 Self-Assessments ISAUD-20240006 2024 Licensing and Integrated Safety Analysis Triennial Assessment Report Performed for Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc.
02/04/2025 N302PSLCWSCWS02 IROFS FMF-21 Annual SRE Test 05/14/2024 N302PSLPAIRPA01 IROFS FMF-25 Annual SRE Test 07/02/24 N302XCONDEN0E02 IROFS FAE-47 Annual SRE Test 02/07/25 N302XXXXTSH0E01 IROFS FAE-25 Annual SRE Test 1/09/2025 N306VALVEBAA858 IROFS FA8-40 Annual SRE Test 06/11/2024 N306XOVRFLOA802 IROFS FA8-21 Annual SRE Test 01/12/2025 N307VALVEBAB8D4 IROFS FA8-40 Annual SRE Test 09/25/2024 Work Orders WR #34412A Remove section of WOGVNT to selected fittings 10/26/2024 105183 Regulatory/Outside Agency Commitments 04/10/2025 105183 Corrective Action Document 04/10/2025 Corrective Action Documents 92409, 104665 Corrective Action Reports 02/07/2025 LOA-2427G-043 Disposal of inline Monitor/Blowback Drained Solutions 01/21/2025 NFS-HS-A-68 ISA Rick Assessment Procedure 11 NFS-OPS-001 Conduct of Operations 23 Procedures SOP 401-04A-302 FMF Area 400 Storage Building 302 22 88135.02 Self-56N-25-0002 - QAS-2024 Licensing and ISA Triennial Assessment 02/04/2025
13 Inspection Procedure Type Designation Description or Title Revision or Date Assessments 01-05 SOP 250 Maintenance Operations and Testing of UPS/Generator System Rev 20 88135.22 Procedures SOP 250 Attachment C
Monthly Generator and UPS Transfer Test 03/19/2025