ML120790400

Teleconference Between Aerotest and the NRC Status Since 1/24/2012 Letter Regarding Negotiations

ML120790400
Person / Time
Site:	Aerotest
Issue date:	03/12/2012
From:	Traiforos S Research and Test Reactors Licensing Branch
To:	Research and Test Reactors Licensing Branch
Traiforos S
References
Download: ML120790400 (2)

Text

NOTE TO: File FROM: Spyros Traiforos, Project Manager for Aerotest DATE: March 12, 2012

SUBJECT:

Minutes from the informal conference call of March 9, 2012, between the licensee (Aerotest Operations, Inc.) and the NRC Conference call attendees:

NRC Jessie Quichocho, Chief Research and Test Reactors Licensing Branch Suzan Uttal, OGC Spyros Traiforos, PM for Aerotest Aerotest Dario Brisighella, President, Aerotest Operations, Inc.

Mike Anderson, Corporate Secretary, Aerotest Operations, Inc.

Jay Silberg, Pillsbury, Counsel for Aerotest Operations, Inc.

Purpose For NRC and Aerotest to discuss the progress that Aerotest has made since their letter dated January 24, 2012. The discussion was limited to generic issues, regulatory processes and scheduler information.

Background Information In a letter dated January 24, 2012, Aerotest stated that by the end of March 2012, it would inform the NRC that either:

1. Negotiations for acquisition have ended, then submit a decommissioning plan and application for possession - only license amendment to the NRC by the end of April 2012; or

2. Negotiations have resulted in a selected offeror, then submit schedule for submission of a license transfer application and a date to resume commercial operation of reactor.

Discussion The licensee (Aerotest Operations, Inc.) stated that they met with three potential buyers and made recommendations to their board of directors for one buyer. Aerotest expects to have a letter of commitment from the potential buyer by the end of next week (March 16, 2012). Soon thereafter, Aerotest would like to meet with the NRC to introduce the buyer and discuss pre-1

application activities for a license transfer. Aerotest stated that they will submit a schedule for submission of a license transfer application and a date to resume commercial operation of reactor consistent with their letter of January 24th. The NRC staff stated that they would like to review the proposed license transfer schedule. The NRC stated that it would be unacceptable if Aerotest were to operate the reactor prior to a complete license transfer to resolve the foreign ownership issue. The NRC also stated that NRC management is closely monitoring Aerotests progress in keeping with their commitments of the January 24th letter.

The NRC inquired about the progress that has been made in completing the decommissioning plan and the possession-only license amendment in parallel to Aerotests efforts in seeking a buyer. The licensee stated that, regarding the decommissioning plan, they have gotten comments from their contractor and that the work is ongoing. Additionally, Aerotest stated that they do not support a possession-only license amendment application at this time but have made progress in developing one.

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