ML26022A367
| ML26022A367 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | BWX Technologies |
| Issue date: | 01/26/2026 |
| From: | Eric Michel NRC/RGN-II/DFRSS/FOB2 |
| To: | Markle H BWXT |
| References | |
| IR 2025004 | |
| Download: ML26022A367 (0) | |
Text
Howard Markle Vice President and General Manager Nuclear Operation Group, Inc.
BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 785 Lynchburg, VA 24505-0785
SUBJECT:
BWXT NUCLEAR OPERATION GROUP, INC. - INTEGRATED INSPECTION REPORT 07000027/2025004
Dear Howard Markle:
On December 31, 2025, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed an inspection at BWXT Nuclear Operation Group, Inc. On January 22, 2026, the NRC inspectors discussed the results of this inspection with you 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.
Due to the temporary cessation of government operations, which commenced on October 01, 2025, the NRC began operating under its Office of Management and Budget-approved plan for operations during a lapse in appropriations. Consistent with that plan, the NRC operated at reduced staffing levels throughout the duration of the shutdown. However, the NRC continued to perform critical health and safety functions and make progress on other high-priority activities associated with the ADVANCE Act and Executive Order 14300. On November 13, 2025, following the passage of a continuing resolution, the NRC resumed normal operations.
However, due to the 43-day lapse in normal operations, the NRC modified the facilitys inspection plan (ML25344A465) considering inspection of partial samples, previously inspected, and deferred inspections in accordance with IMC 2600.
January 26, 2026
H. Markle 2
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, Eric C. Michel, Chief Fuels Oversight Branch 2 Division of Fuels, Radiological Safety, and Security Docket No. 07000027 License No. SNM-42
Enclosure:
As stated cc w/ encl: Distribution via GovDelivery Signed by Michel, Eric on 01/26/26
SUNSI Review X
Non-Sensitive
Sensitive X
Publicly Available
Non-Publicly Available OFFICE DFRSS DFRSS DFRSS DFRSS NAME M. Doyle C. Oelstrom N. Pitoniak E. Michel DATE 1/23/2026 1/23/2026 1/23/2026 1/26/2026
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Inspection Report Docket Number:
07000027 License Number:
SNM-42 Report Number:
07000027/2025004 Enterprise Identifier:
I-2025-004-0034 Licensee:
Nuclear Operation Group, Inc.
Facility:
BWXT Nuclear Operation Group, Inc.
Location:
Lynchburg, VA Inspection Dates:
October 01, 2025 to December 31, 2025 Inspectors:
M. Doyle, Senior Resident Inspector Approved By:
Eric C. Michel, Chief Fuels Oversight Branch 2 Division of Fuels, Radiological Safety, and Security
2
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring the licensees performance by conducting an integrated inspection at BWXT Nuclear Operation Group, Inc., 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.
3 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 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.
Radiation Work Permit (RWP) (IP Section 03.09)
The inspectors reviewed and observed the radiation work permit (RWP) listed below to determine whether the RWP contains the information required by Chapter 4, Radiation Safety of the license application, the Radiation Protection Manual, and implementing procedures:
RWP 25-0068, Prepare for installation and install furnace equipment per SER 24-030 approved at-risk work scope, conducted on November 24, 2025 Annual Security and Emergency Preparedness Drills/Exercises (IP Section 03.10)
The inspector observed the licensees performance during the emergency preparedness drill listed below to determine they were being implemented in accordance with 10 CFR 70.22(I)(3), chapter 8 of the license application, and the Emergency Plan. In addition, the inspector observed the licensees graded biennial exercise conducted on October 29, 2025 to verify compliance with 10 CFR 70.32(i).
On October 2, 2025, the inspector observed the annual evacuation drill for all employees on the first shift. The inspector performed verification checks for the personnel accountability system to verify compliance with 10 CFR 70.24(a)(3).
On October 29, 2025, the inspector observed a biennial emergency planning exercise (EPX). The exercise simulated severe weather impacting the site causing personnel injuries, and chemical spills. The inspector observed the EPX from the emergency operations center (EOC) and in the plant at the location of the simulated emergency. The BWXT emergency team and the
4 Concord fire department both responded to the simulated emergency. They rendered aid to injured personnel, responded to uncontrolled chemical releases to the environment, decontaminated plant personnel, and transported injured people to local hospitals. The inspector attended the hotwash conducted immediately after the conclusion of the EPX.
88135.04 - Resident Inspection Program Operational Safety The inspectors evaluated whether the material condition and as-found configuration of selected site structures, systems, and components, documentation, personnel, and items relied on for safety (IROFS) to verify compliance with 10 CFR Part 70, the license, the safety analysis report (SAR) and/or license application, and licensee policies and procedures; and determine whether they are appropriate, available, and reliable to protect worker and public safety during normal, off-normal, and accident conditions.
Operations Safety Walkdown (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors evaluated the operational safety of the systems and subsystems of the following areas:
SAR 15.06, "Low Level Dissolution Process in Uranium Recovery" The inspector performed a walkdown of the low-level dissolvers in Uranium Recovery Verification of IROFS and postings SAR 15.34, "Filler Operations" Performed a walkdown with a plant engineer of the filler manufacturing production lines Verification of IROFS and postings Observed filler manufacturing operations 88135.05 - Resident Inspection Program Fire Protection (Annual/Quarterly)
The inspectors evaluated the operational status and material condition of fire protection systems, structures, and components (SSCs) to verify compliance with the fire protection program as described in Chapter 7, Fire Safety of the license application, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 801, Standard for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials, as required. The inspectors evaluated onsite fire brigade training and drill performance to verify compliance with standard/procedure/license application chapter including drill/training requirements (i.e., NFPA 600, Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades).
Fire Area Walkdown (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors walked down and evaluated the fire area listed below:
South End of Bays 6A, and 7A on December 23, 2025 Fire Brigade Drill Performance Sample (IP Section 03.02)
The inspectors evaluated the fire brigade fire training described below:
5 The inspector observed a live fire training exercise conducted on October 4, 2025. The live-fire exercise included the use of self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), the use of forcible entry tools (i.e., Halligan bar and flat-head axe) for gaining facility access, conducting search and rescue operations, and fighting structural fires.
88135.19 - Post Maintenance Testing The inspectors evaluated post-maintenance test activities to verify compliance with license application Chapter 11, Management Measures, and test procedures and/or work order (WO) instructions to confirm functional capability of the IROFS and/or safety control(s) following maintenance.
Post-Maintenance Testing (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors reviewed the two post-maintenance tests listed below. Tests were either observed directly, or test results were reviewed.
WO20374148, SC inline alarm #4 monthly test WO20399223, raffinate column level sensor IROFS not working 88135.22 - Surveillance Testing The inspectors evaluated IROFS and safety controls that required periodic surveillance and/or calibration tests to ensure they were available and reliable to perform their function when needed, to comply with license application Chapter 11, Management Measures, and the performance requirements of 10 CFR 70.61 and 70.62, and to maintain their operational readiness consistent with the Integrated Safety Analysis.
Surveillance and Calibration Testing (IP Section 03.01)
The inspectors reviewed the two surveillance and/or calibration tests listed below. Tests were either observed directly or test results were reviewed.
The inspector observed the weekly test of SAR 15.37, pickle area IROFS on November 24, 2025 The inspector observed the quarterly test of the emergency diesel generator 014 on December 1, 2025 INSPECTION RESULTS No issues were identified.
EXIT MEETINGS AND DEBRIEFS The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
6 On January 22, 2026, the inspector presented the integrated inspection results to Howard Markle and other members of the licensee staff.
7 DOCUMENTS REVIEWED Inspection Procedure Type Designation Description or Title Revision or Date CA202501433 UIR - Fire 10/05/2025 CA202501519 IH&S - UIR 10/17/2025 CA202501523 NCS - UIR 10/20/2025 CA202501538 Compliance w/ Instruction 10/20/2025 CA202501597 Lifting/Handling - Handling 10/29/2025 CA202501634 Fire - UIR 11/11/2025 CA202501660 Document Control 11/04/2025 CA202501676 Personnel Injury 11/25/2025 CA20250423 NCS - UIR 10/02/2025 Corrective Action Documents CA20250684 Product - UIR 10/31/2025 88135.02 Radiation Work Permits (RWPs) 25-0068 Prepare for installation and install of furnace equipment per SER 24-030 approved at-risk work scope Rev. 00 Corrective Action Documents CA202501727 Fabrication 12/04/2025 M11-F-038 Pharmacy Operations Rev. 14 OP-0061141 Operating procedure for low level leach hood operation Rev. 70 OP-0061143 Operating procedure for uranium recovery scrubber operation Rev. 37 OP-0061144 Operating Procedure for low level storage column operation Rev. 23 OP-0061167 Operating procedure for spill and leak handling emergency procedure Rev. 37 88135.04 Procedures OP-1003724 Filler manufacturing operations areas safety controls Rev. 38 88135.05 Fire Plans Map Section 19 Area: Bays 6A,, & 7A (south end) 12/10/2016 Miscellaneous N-307 Lockout/Tagout Permit Rev. 3 20374148 Inline #4 Monthly Test 10/9/2025 88135.19 Work Orders 20399223 Raf. transfer pump not working 10/31/2025 Procedures MP-P-011 Pickle Area Quality and Safety Checks Rev.36 88135.22 Work Orders WO20397795 Quarterly test of emergency diesel 014 12/01/2025