ML26064A120
| ML26064A120 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07007040 |
| Issue date: | 03/16/2026 |
| From: | NRC/NMSS/DFM/FFLB |
| To: | |
| References | |
| 20260305-70030 | |
| Download: ML26064A120 (0) | |
Text
Enclosure 2 MEETING
SUMMARY
(OPEN SESSION)
Subject:
SUMMARY
OF FEBRUARY 18, 2026, PARTIALLY CLOSED PRE-APPLICATION PUBLIC MEETING ON CHEMICAL SAFETY WITH GENERAL MATTER Date:
February 18, 2026 The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff held a public meeting with General Matter, Inc. (General Matter) to discuss chemical safety approach as part of pre-application activities for General Matters upcoming uranium enrichment facility license application. The session began with administrative remarks regarding building logistics, safety procedures, and introductions of both inperson and remote participants. The meeting was held as part of an ongoing series of preapplication engagements designed to ensure early alignment between General Matter and the NRC staff. These engagements support the development of a clear and welldefined safety basis ahead of the formal submittal of the future license application.
General Matter opened the technical portion of the discussion by outlining its intent to design, construct, and operate the Paducah facility in a manner that ensures protection of workers, the public, and the environment in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 70 and 10 CFR Part 51. The company emphasized its goal of restoring domestic uranium enrichment capacity and highlighted its targeted schedule, which anticipates initiating operations by 2030. As described by the regulatory and technical representatives, the chemical safety approach is integrated within the broader safety analysis framework and is focused on preventing and mitigating hazards associated with the handling, storage, and processing of uranium hexafluoride (UF) and related chemical byproducts.
During the overview, General Matter described how its chemical process safety program addresses applicable regulatory requirements, including the development of process safety information, detailed analysis of chemical hazards, and incorporation of engineered and administrative safety measures. The program evaluates potential chemical accident scenarios, their consequences, and the associated items relied upon to maintain adequate protection. The company highlighted its emphasis on defenseindepth, robust confinement of UF, control of hydrofluoric acid exposure potential, and strong configurationmanagement practices throughout facility construction and operation. In support of the NRC staffs future review, General Matter noted that it will submit a detailed chemical plume analysis by the end of the month, addressing both nearfield and farfield dispersion modeling consistent with NUREG1520, Standard Review Plan for Fuel Cycle Facilities License Application, and NUREG/CR6410, Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facility Accident Analysis Handbook.
Further discussion covered the scope of chemicals expected at the facility, exposure pathways considered in the analysis, and the use of industryrecognized exposure standards such as those from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Globally Harmonized System. General Matter reiterated that engineered controls are preferred wherever feasible and referenced design considerations informed by NUREG1601, Chemical Process Safety at Fuel Cycle Facilities, and emergency planning guidance relevant to large chemical release scenarios.
2 After the overview, the NRC staff invited questions from participants; none were raised by those in attendance or online. With no further questions, the NRC staff transitioned the meeting to the closed portion for discussion of sensitive information.
PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS Robert Mathis, NMSS/DFM/FFLB Jonathan Rowley, NMSS/DFM/FFLB