ML23263B067: Difference between revisions

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{{#Wiki_filter:September 21, 2023 EA-23-018 Larry B. Cutlip President American Centrifuge Operating, LLC 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830
{{#Wiki_filter:EA-23-018 Larry B. Cutlip President American Centrifuge Operating, LLC 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830


==SUBJECT:==
==SUBJECT:==
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==Dear Larry B. Cutlip:==
==Dear Larry B. Cutlip:==
The enclosed Confirmatory Order is being issued to American Centrifuge Operating, LLC (ACO) as a result of a successful agreement reached during an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation session conducted on June 27, 2023. The enclosed commitments were made by ACO as part of a settlement agreement between ACO and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The settlement agreement concerns apparent violations of NRC requirements as described in the public cover letter of the NRC inspection report 07007004/2023401 dated March 30, 2023 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) ML23074A222).
The enclosed Confirmatory Order is being issued to American Centrifuge Operating, LLC (ACO) as a result of a successful agreement reached during an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation session conducted on June 27, 2023. The enclosed commitments were made by ACO as part of a settlement agreement between ACO and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The settlement agreement concerns apparent violations of NRC requirements as described in the public cover letter of the NRC inspection report 07007004/2023401 dated March 30, 2023 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) ML23074A222).
Our letter also informed you that the apparent violations were being considered for escalated enforcement action in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy and provided you an opportunity to (1) respond to the apparent violations in writing; (2) request a predecisional enforcement conference (PEC); or (3) request ADR. In response to the letter, ACO requested ADR to resolve differences it had with the NRC concerning the apparent violations.
Our letter also informed you that the apparent violations were being considered for escalated enforcement action in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy and provided you an opportunity to (1) respond to the apparent violations in writing; (2) request a predecisional enforcement conference (PEC); or (3) request ADR. In response to the letter, ACO requested ADR to resolve differences it had with the NRC concerning the apparent violations.
An ADR mediation session was held on June 27, 2023, during which a preliminary agreement was reached. The elements of the preliminary agreement were formulated and are incorporated in the enclosed Confirmatory Order (Enclosure 1). This Confirmatory Order confirms the commitments made as part of the preliminary settlement agreement. ACO consented to issuing this Confirmatory Order and has waived its right to a hearing (Enclosure 2).
An ADR mediation session was held on June 27, 2023, during which a preliminary agreement was reached. The elements of the preliminary agreement were formulated and are incorporated in the enclosed Confirmatory Order (Enclosure 1). This Confirmatory Order confirms the commitments made as part of the preliminary settlement agreement. ACO consented to issuing this Confirmatory Order and has waived its right to a hearing (Enclosure 2).
In consideration of the commitments delineated within the Confirmatory Order, the NRC has agreed to not cite the violations and agreed to not propose a civil penalty for all matters discussed within the NRCs inspection report to ACO dated March 30, 2023.
In consideration of the commitments delineated within the Confirmatory Order, the NRC has agreed to not cite the violations and agreed to not propose a civil penalty for all matters discussed within the NRCs inspection report to ACO dated March 30, 2023.September 21, 2023 L. Cutlip 2 Pursuant to Section 223 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, any person who willfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate, any provision of this Order shall be subject to criminal prosecution as set forth in that section. Violation of this order may also subject the person to civil monetary penalty.
 
L. Cutlip                                           2 Pursuant to Section 223 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, any person who willfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate, any provision of this Order shall be subject to criminal prosecution as set forth in that section. Violation of this order may also subject the person to civil monetary penalty.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Section 2.390, of the NRC's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a copy of this letter and its enclosures will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room and from the NRCs Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To the extent possible, your response should not include any personal privacy, proprietary, or safeguards information so that it can be made available to the Public without redaction. The Confirmatory Order (Enclosure 1) will be published in the Federal Register. The NRC also includes significant enforcement actions on its Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/enforcement/actions/.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Section 2.390, of the NRC's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a copy of this letter and its enclosures will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room and from the NRCs Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To the extent possible, your response should not include any personal privacy, proprietary, or safeguards information so that it can be made available to the Public without redaction. The Confirmatory Order (Enclosure 1) will be published in the Federal Register. The NRC also includes significant enforcement actions on its Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/enforcement/actions/.
Sincerely, Signed by Dudes, Laura on 09/21/23 Laura A. Dudes Regional Administrator Region II Docket No. 07007004 License No. SNM-2011
Sincerely, Laura A. Dudes Regional Administrator Region II Docket No. 07007004 License No. SNM-2011


==Enclosures:==
==Enclosures:==
: 1. Confirmatory Order
: 1. Confirmatory Order
: 2. Consent and Hearing Waiver Form cc w/enclosures: Distribution via LISTSERV
: 2. Consent and Hearing Waiver Form cc w/enclosures: Distribution via LISTSERV Signed by Dudes, Laura on 09/21/23


ML23263B067(Cover letter)
ML23263B067(Cover letter)
Entire Report:             X Non-Sensitive                         X Publicly Available X SUNSI Review             Sensitive                             Non-Publicly Available Cover Letter Only:         X Non-Sensitive                         X Publicly Available X SUNSI Review             Sensitive                             Non-Publicly Available OFFICE           RII: DFFI RII: DFFI       RII: EICS     RIII: ORA RII: ORA         HQ: OGC NAME             LPitts   AMasters       MKowal       SLewman   MMiller         JMaltese (NLO)
Entire Report: X Non-Sensitive X Publicly Available X SUNSI Review Sensitive Non-Publicly Available Cover Letter Only: X Non-Sensitive X Publicly Available X SUNSI Review Sensitive Non-Publicly Available OFFICE RII: DFFI RII: DFFI RII: EICS RIII: ORA RII: ORA HQ: OGC NAME LPitts AMasters MKowal SLewman MMiller JMaltese (NLO)
DATE             8/10/2023 7/21/2023       8/15/2023     8/11/2023 9/6/2023         8/25/2023 OFFICE           HQ: NSIR HQ: OE         RII: ORA NAME             CErlanger DPelton         LDudes Date             8/22/2023 8/22/2023       9/21/2023 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION In the Matter of                                )            Docket Number 07007004
DATE 8/10/2023 7/21/2023 8/15/2023 8/11/2023 9/6/2023 8/25/2023 OFFICE HQ: NSIR HQ: OE RII: ORA NAME CErlanger DPelton LDudes Date 8/22/2023 8/22/2023 9/21/2023
                                                )
American Centrifuge Operating, LLC              )            License Number SNM-2011
                                                )
American Centrifuge Operating Oak Ridge        )            EA-23-018 CONFIRMATORY ORDER MODIFYING LICENSE I
American Centrifuge Operating, LLC (ACO or Licensee) is the holder of Materials License No. SNM-2011 issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) pursuant to Part 95 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR).
The license authorizes the operation of the ACO facility in Piketon, Ohio (ACO-Piketon), the ACO facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (ACO-OR), and the ACO headquarters facility in Bethesda, Maryland, in accordance with conditions specified therein.
This Confirmatory Order (CO) is the result of an agreement reached during an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation session conducted on June 27, 2023, in Rockville, Maryland.
II On March 30, 2023, the NRC issued Special Inspection Report (IR) 07007004/2023401 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) ML23074A222, public cover letter) to ACO-OR which documented the identification of apparent violations that were Enclosure 1


being considered for escalated enforcement action in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy. The apparent violations involved the licensees failure to meet regulatory requirements.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Details regarding the apparent violations contain security-related information and are therefore documented in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.
By the same letter, dated March 30, 2023, the NRC notified ACO of the results of the inspection with an opportunity to: (1) provide a response in writing, (2) attend a predecisional enforcement conference or (3) participate in an ADR mediation session in an effort to resolve these concerns.
In response to the NRCs letter of March 30, 2023, ACO requested the use of the NRCs ADR process to resolve differences it had with the NRC. On June 27, 2023, the NRC and ACO met in an ADR session mediated by a professional mediator arranged through the U.S.
Department of Energy. The ADR process is one in which a neutral mediator, with no decision-making authority, assists the parties in reaching an agreement on resolving any differences regarding the dispute. This Confirmatory Order is issued pursuant to the agreement reached during the ADR process.
III During the ADR session, ACO and the NRC reached a preliminary settlement agreement. The elements of the agreement include the following:
: 1. ACO acknowledged that the violations occurred as documented in NRC IR number 07007004/2023401 (ADAMS Accession No. ML23074A222, public cover letter) issued on March 30, 2023, and as described in Section II of this Order.
: 2. In recognition of the prompt and comprehensive corrective actions taken in response to the apparent violations, as documented in this CO, discussed at the ADR, and documented in IR 07007004/2023401 issued on March 30, 2023, ACO is not required to provide a written response in accordance with 10 CFR 2.201. The licensee initiated a root cause analysis investigation and established additional corrective actions based on results from that investigation. Corrective actions and enhancements completed by ACO contain security-related information and are therefore contained in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.
: 3. For the purposes of this agreement, portions of the Confirmatory Order, as designated herein, will apply to ACO Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge), ACO-Piketon (Piketon), or both.
: 4. Based on ACOs review of the incident and NRCs concerns with respect to precluding recurrence of the violations, ACO agrees to implement corrective actions and enhancements that contain security-related information and are therefore documented in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.


Within 15 months from the date of the Confirmatory Order, ACO will submit to the NRC for approval a revision to the Oak Ridge and Piketon Standard Practice Procedure Plans to reflect the commitments which include marking requirements, searching requirements, training, and root cause evaluation criteria. Details regarding the commitments contain security-related information and are in the described in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.
In the Matter of ) Docket Number 07007004
: 5. Upon implementation of all the actions required of ACO in the Confirmatory Order, ACO will notify the NRC Region II Regional Administrator.
)
: 6. The NRC considers the corrective actions discussed above to be appropriately prompt and comprehensive to address the causes which resulted in the incidents discussed in the NRCs IR dated March 30, 2023.
American Centrifuge Operating, LLC ) License Number SNM-2011
: 7. In consideration of the commitments delineated above, the NRC agrees not to cite the violations and agrees not to propose a civil penalty for all matters discussed in the NRCs IR dated March 30, 2023.
)
: 8. The NRC agrees that the Confirmatory Order will not count as escalated enforcement in the civil penalty assessment process for future enforcement cases involving ACO.
American Centrifuge Operating Oak Ridge ) EA-23-018
: 9. The Regional Administrator, NRC Region II, may relax or rescind, in writing, any of the above conditions of the Confirmatory Order upon a showing by ACO of good cause.
: 10. The NRC and ACO agree that the above elements will be incorporated into issuance of a Confirmatory Order, with a Waiver of Hearing Rights.
: 11. This agreement is binding upon successors and assigns of ACO.
Based on the completed actions described above, and the commitments described in Section V below, the NRC agrees to not pursue any further enforcement action based on the apparent violations identified in the NRCs {{letter dated|date=March 30, 2023|text=March 30, 2023, letter}} and the Order will not count as escalated enforcement in the civil penalty assessment process for future enforcement cases involving ACO.
On September 12, 2023, ACO consented to issuing this Confirmatory Order with the commitments, as described in Section V below. ACO further agreed that this Confirmatory Order is to be effective upon issuance, the agreement memorialized in this Confirmatory Order settles the matter between the parties, and that ACO has waived its right to a hearing.
IV I find that ACOs actions completed and planned, as described in Section III above, combined with the commitments as set forth in Section V are acceptable and necessary, and conclude that with these commitments the public health and safety are reasonably assured. In view of the foregoing, I have determined that public health and safety require that ACOs commitments be confirmed by this Confirmatory Order. Based on the above and ACOs consent, this Confirmatory Order is effective upon issuance.


V Accordingly, pursuant to Sections 81, 161b, 161i, 161o, 182 and 187 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Commission's regulations in 10 CFR 2.202 and 10 CFR Part 95, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, EFFECTIVE UPON ISSUANCE, THAT ACO License No. SNM-2011 IS MODIFIED AS FOLLOWS:
CONFIRMATORY ORDER MODIFYING LICENSE
Within 15 months from the date of the Confirmatory Order, ACO will submit to the NRC for approval a revision to the Oak Ridge and Piketon Standard Practice Procedure Plans to reflect the commitments which include marking requirements, searching requirements, training, and root cause evaluation criteria. Details regarding the commitments contain security-related information and are in the described in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.
This agreement is binding upon successors and assigns of ACO. The Regional Administrator, Region II, may, in writing, relax or rescind any of the above conditions upon demonstration by ACO or its successors of good cause.
VI Procedures for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) for Contention Preparation:
A. This Confirmatory Order contains instructions regarding how potential parties to this proceeding may request access to documents containing SUNSI.


B. Within 10 days after publication of this notice of hearing and opportunity to petition for leave to intervene, any potential party who believes access to SUNSI is necessary to respond to this notice may request such access. A "potential party" is any person who intends to participate as a party by demonstrating standing and filing an admissible contention under 10 CFR 2.309. Requests for access to SUNSI submitted later than 10 days after publication of this notice will not be considered absent a showing of good cause for the late filing, addressing why the request could not have been filed earlier.
I
C. The requester shall submit a letter requesting permission to access SUNSI to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, Attention: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff, and provide a copy to the Associate General Counsel for Hearings, Enforcement and Administration, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20555-0001. The expedited delivery or courier mail address for both offices is: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. The e-mail addresses for the Office of the Secretary and the Office of the General Counsel are Hearing.Docket@nrc.gov and OGCmailcenter@nrc.gov, respectively1. The request must include the following information:
 
American Centrifuge Operating, LLC (ACO or Licensee) is the holder of Materials
 
License No. SNM-2011 issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or
 
Commission) pursuant to Part 95 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR).
 
The license authorizes the operation of the ACO facility in Piketon, Ohio (ACO-Piketon), the
 
ACO facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (ACO-OR), and the ACO headquarters facility in
 
Bethesda, Maryland, in accordance with conditions specified therein.
 
This Confirmatory Order (CO) is the result of an agreement reached during an
 
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation session conducted on June 27, 2023, in
 
Rockville, Maryland.
 
II
 
On March 30, 2023, the NRC issued Special Inspection Report (IR) 07007004/2023401
 
(Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) ML23074A222, public
 
cover letter) to ACO-OR which documented the identification of apparent violations that were Enclosure 1 being considered for escalated enforcement action in accordance with the NRC Enforcement
 
Policy. The apparent violations involved the licensees failure to meet regulatory requirements.
 
Details regarding the apparent violations contain security-related information and are therefore
 
documented in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.
 
By the same letter, dated March 30, 2023, the NRC notified ACO of the results of the
 
inspection with an opportunity to: (1) provide a response in writing, (2) attend a predecisional
 
enforcement conference or (3) participate in an ADR mediation session in an effort to resolve
 
these concerns.
 
In response to the NRCs letter of March 30, 2023, ACO requested the use of the NRCs
 
ADR process to resolve differences it had with the NRC. On June 27, 2023, the NRC and ACO
 
met in an ADR session mediated by a professional mediator arranged through the U.S.
 
Department of Energy. The ADR process is one in which a neutral mediator, with no decision-
 
making authority, assists the parties in reaching an agreement on resolving any differences
 
regarding the dispute. This Confirmatory Order is issued pursuant to the agreement reached
 
during the ADR process.
 
III
 
During the ADR session, ACO and the NRC reached a preliminary settlement
 
agreement. The elements of the agreement include the following:
: 1. ACO acknowledged that the violations occurred as documented in NRC IR number
 
07007004/2023401 (ADAMS Accession No. ML23074A222, public cover letter) issued on
 
March 30, 2023, and as described in Section II of this Order.
: 2. In recognition of the prompt and comprehensive corrective actions taken in response to the
 
apparent violations, as documented in this CO, discussed at the ADR, and documented in
 
IR 07007004/2023401 issued on March 30, 2023, ACO is not required to provide a written
 
response in accordance with 10 CFR 2.201. The licensee initiated a root cause analysis
 
investigation and established additional corrective actions based on results from that
 
investigation. Corrective actions and enhancements completed by ACO contain security-
 
related information and are therefore contained in the non-public version of the Confirmatory
 
Order.
: 3. For the purposes of this agreement, portions of the Confirmatory Order, as designated
 
herein, will apply to ACO Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge), ACO-Piketon (Piketon), or both.
: 4. Based on ACOs review of the incident and NRCs concerns with respect to precluding
 
recurrence of the violations, ACO agrees to implement corrective actions and
 
enhancements that contain security-related information and are therefore documented in the
 
non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.
Within 15 months from the date of the Confirmatory Order, ACO will submit to the NRC
 
for approval a revision to the Oak Ridge and Piketon Standard Practice Procedure Plans
 
to reflect the commitments which include marking requirements, searching requirements,
 
training, and root cause evaluation criteria. Details regarding the commitments contain
 
security-related information and are in the described in the non-public version of the
 
Confirmatory Order.
: 5. Upon implementation of all the actions required of ACO in the Confirmatory Order, ACO will
 
notify the NRC Region II Regional Administrator.
: 6. The NRC considers the corrective actions discussed above to be appropriately prompt and
 
comprehensive to address the causes which resulted in the incidents discussed in the
 
NRCs IR dated March 30, 2023.
: 7. In consideration of the commitments delineated above, the NRC agrees not to cite the
 
violations and agrees not to propose a civil penalty for all matters discussed in the NRCs IR
 
dated March 30, 2023.
: 8. The NRC agrees that the Confirmatory Order will not count as escalated enforcement in the
 
civil penalty assessment process for future enforcement cases involving ACO.
: 9. The Regional Administrator, NRC Region II, may relax or rescind, in writing, any of the
 
above conditions of the Confirmatory Order upon a showing by ACO of good cause.
10.The NRC and ACO agree that the above elements will be incorporated into issuance of a
 
Confirmatory Order, with a Waiver of Hearing Rights.
 
11.This agreement is binding upon successors and assigns of ACO.
 
Based on the completed actions described above, and the commitments described in
 
Section V below, the NRC agrees to not pursue any further enforcement action based on the
 
apparent violations identified in the NRCs {{letter dated|date=March 30, 2023|text=March 30, 2023, letter}} and the Order will not count as
 
escalated enforcement in the civil penalty assessment process for future enforcement cases
 
involving ACO.
 
On September 12, 2023, ACO consented to issuing this Confirmatory Order with the
 
commitments, as described in Section V below. ACO further agreed that this Confirmatory
 
Order is to be effective upon issuance, the agreement memorialized in this Confirmatory Order
 
settles the matter between the parties, and that ACO has waived its right to a hearing.
 
IV
 
I find that ACOs actions completed and planned, as described in Section III above,
 
combined with the commitments as set forth in Section V are acceptable and necessary, and
 
conclude that with these commitments the public health and safety are reasonably assured. In
 
view of the foregoing, I have determined that public health and safety require that ACOs
 
commitments be confirmed by this Confirmatory Order. Based on the above and ACOs
 
consent, this Confirmatory Order is effective upon issuance.
V
 
Accordingly, pursuant to Sections 81, 161b, 161i, 161o, 182 and 187 of the Atomic
 
Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Commission's regulations in 10 CFR 2.202 and 10
 
CFR Part 95, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, EFFECTIVE UPON ISSUANCE, THAT ACO License
 
No. SNM-2011 IS MODIFIED AS FOLLOWS:
 
Within 15 months from the date of the Confirmatory Order, ACO will submit to the NRC
 
for approval a revision to the Oak Ridge and Piketon Standard Practice Procedure Plans to
 
reflect the commitments which include marking requirements, searching requirements, training,
 
and root cause evaluation criteria. Details regarding the commitments contain security-related
 
information and are in the described in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.
 
This agreement is binding upon successors and assigns of ACO. The Regional
 
Administrator, Region II, may, in writing, relax or rescind any of the above conditions upon
 
demonstration by ACO or its successors of good cause.
 
VI
 
Procedures for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) for
 
Contention Preparation:
 
A. This Confirmatory Order contains instructions regarding how potential parties to this
 
proceeding may request access to documents containing SUNSI.
B. Within 10 days after publication of this notice of hearing and opportunity to petition for
 
leave to intervene, any potential party who believes access to SUNSI is necessary to
 
respond to this notice may request such access. A "potential party" is any person who
 
intends to participate as a party by demonstrating standing and filing an admissible
 
contention under 10 CFR 2.309. Requests for access to SUNSI submitted later than 10
 
days after publication of this notice will not be considered absent a showing of good cause
 
for the late filing, addressing why the request could not have been filed earlier.
 
C. The requester shall submit a letter requesting permission to access SUNSI to the Office of
 
the Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001,
 
Attention: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff, and provide a copy to the Associate
 
General Counsel for Hearings, Enforcement and Administration, Office of the General
 
Counsel, Washington, DC 20555-0001. The expedited delivery or courier mail address for
 
both offices is: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville,
 
Maryland 20852. The e-mail addresses for the Office of the Secretary and the Office of the
 
General Counsel are Hearing.Docket@nrc.gov and OGCmailcenter@nrc.gov,
 
respectively1. The request must include the following information:
: 1. A description of the licensing action with a citation to this Federal Register notice;
: 1. A description of the licensing action with a citation to this Federal Register notice;
: 2. The name and address of the potential party and a description of the potential party's particularized interest that could be harmed by the action identified in C.(1); and 1 While a request for hearing or petition to intervene in this proceeding must comply with the filing requirements of the NRC's "E-Filing Rule," the initial request to access SUNSI under these procedures should be submitted as described in this paragraph.
: 2. The name and address of the potential party and a description of the potential party's
: 3. The identity of the individual or entity requesting access to SUNSI and the requester's basis for the need for the information in order to meaningfully participate in this adjudicatory proceeding. In particular, the request must explain why publicly available versions of the information requested would not be sufficient to provide the basis and specificity for a proffered contention.
 
D. Based on an evaluation of the information submitted under paragraph C.(3) the NRC staff will determine within 10 days of receipt of the request whether:
particularized interest that could be harmed by the action identified in C.(1); and
: 1. There is a reasonable basis to believe the petitioner is likely to establish standing to participate in this NRC proceeding; and
 
1 While a request for hearing or petition to intervene in this proceeding must comply with the filing requirements of the NRC's "E-Filing Rule," the initial request to access SUNSI under these procedures should be submitted as described in this paragraph.
: 3. The identity of the individual or entity requesting access to SUNSI and the
 
requester's basis for the need for the information in order to meaningfully participate
 
in this adjudicatory proceeding. In particular, the request must explain why publicly
 
available versions of the information requested would not be sufficient to provide the
 
basis and specificity for a proffered contention.
 
D. Based on an evaluation of the information submitted under paragraph C.(3) the NRC staff
 
will determine within 10 days of receipt of the request whether:
: 1. There is a reasonable basis to believe the petitioner is likely to establish standing to
 
participate in this NRC proceeding; and
: 2. The requester has established a legitimate need for access to SUNSI.
: 2. The requester has established a legitimate need for access to SUNSI.
E. If the NRC staff determines that the requester satisfies both D.(1) and D.(2) above, the NRC staff will notify the requestor in writing that access to SUNSI has been granted. The written notification will contain instructions on how the requestor may obtain copies of the requested documents, and any other conditions that may apply to access to those documents. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement or Affidavit, or Protective Order2 setting forth terms and conditions 2  Any motion for Protective Order or draft Non-Disclosure Affidavit or Agreement for SUNSI must be filed with the presiding officer or the Chief Administrative Judge if the presiding officer has not yet been designated, within 30 days of the deadline for the receipt of the written access request.


to prevent the unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure of SUNSI by each individual who will be granted access to SUNSI.
E. If the NRC staff determines that the requester satisfies both D.(1) and D.(2) above, the
F. Filing of Contentions. Any contentions in these proceedings that are based upon the information received as a result of the request made for SUNSI must be filed by the requestor no later than 25 days after the requestor is granted access to that information.
 
However, if more than 25 days remain between the date the petitioner is granted access to the information and the deadline for filing all other contentions (as established in the notice of hearing or opportunity for hearing), the petitioner may file its SUNSI contentions by that later deadline. This provision does not extend the time for filing a request for a hearing and petition to intervene, which must comply with the requirements of 10 CFR 2.309.
NRC staff will notify the requestor in writing that access to SUNSI has been granted. The
 
written notification will contain instructions on how the requestor may obtain copies of the
 
requested documents, and any other conditions that may apply to access to those
 
documents. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the signing of a Non-
 
Disclosure Agreement or Affidavit, or Protective Order2 setting forth terms and conditions
 
2 Any motion for Protective Order or draft Non-Disclosure Affidavit or Agreement for SUNSI must be filed with the presiding officer or the Chief Administrative Judge if the presiding officer has not yet been designated, within 30 days of the deadline for the receipt of the written access request.
to prevent the unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure of SUNSI by each individual who will
 
be granted access to SUNSI.
 
F. Filing of Contentions. Any contentions in these proceedings that are based upon the
 
information received as a result of the request made for SUNSI must be filed by the
 
requestor no later than 25 days after the requestor is granted access to that information.
 
However, if more than 25 days remain between the date the petitioner is granted access to
 
the information and the deadline for filing all other contentions (as established in the notice
 
of hearing or opportunity for hearing), the petitioner may file its SUNSI contentions by that
 
later deadline. This provision does not extend the time for filing a request for a hearing and
 
petition to intervene, which must comply with the requirements of 10 CFR 2.309.
 
G. Review of Denials of Access.
G. Review of Denials of Access.
: 1. If the request for access to SUNSI is denied by the NRC staff after a determination on standing and need for access, the NRC staff shall immediately notify the requestor in writing, briefly stating the reason or reasons for the denial.
: 1. If the request for access to SUNSI is denied by the NRC staff after a determination
: 2. The requester may challenge the NRC staffs adverse determination by filing a challenge within 5 days of receipt of that determination with: (a) the presiding officer designated in this proceeding; (b) if no presiding officer has been appointed, the Chief Administrative Judge, or if he or she is unavailable, another administrative judge, or an administrative law judge with jurisdiction pursuant to 10 CFR 2.318(a);
 
on standing and need for access, the NRC staff shall immediately notify the
 
requestor in writing, briefly stating the reason or reasons for the denial.
: 2. The requester may challenge the NRC staffs adverse determination by filing a
 
challenge within 5 days of receipt of that determination with: (a) the presiding officer
 
designated in this proceeding; (b) if no presiding officer has been appointed, the
 
Chief Administrative Judge, or if he or she is unavailable, another administrative
 
judge, or an administrative law judge with jurisdiction pursuant to 10 CFR 2.318(a);
 
or (c) officer if that officer has been designated to rule on information access issues.
or (c) officer if that officer has been designated to rule on information access issues.


H. Review of Grants of Access. A party other than the requester may challenge an NRC staff determination granting access to SUNSI whose release would harm that party's interest independent of the proceeding. Such a challenge must be filed with the Chief Administrative Judge within 5 days of the notification by the NRC staff of its grant of access.
H. Review of Grants of Access. A party other than the requester may challenge an NRC staff
If challenges to the NRC staff determinations are filed, these procedures give way to the normal process for litigating disputes concerning access to information. The availability of interlocutory review by the Commission of orders ruling on such NRC staff determinations (whether granting or denying access) is governed by 10 CFR 2.311.3 The Commission expects that the NRC staff and presiding officers (and any other reviewing officers) will consider and resolve requests for access to SUNSI, and motions for protective orders, in a timely fashion in order to minimize any unnecessary delays in identifying those petitioners who have standing and who have propounded contentions meeting the specificity and basis requirements in 10 CFR Part 2. Attachment 2 to this Order summarizes the general target schedule for processing and resolving requests under these procedures.
 
3  Requestors should note that the filing requirements of the NRC's E-Filing Rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007) apply to appeals of NRC staff determinations (because they must be served on a presiding officer or the Commission, as applicable), but not to the initial SUNSI request submitted to the NRC staff under these procedures.
determination granting access to SUNSI whose release would harm that party's interest
 
independent of the proceeding. Such a challenge must be filed with the Chief
 
Administrative Judge within 5 days of the notification by the NRC staff of its grant of
 
access.
 
If challenges to the NRC staff determinations are filed, these procedures give way to the
 
normal process for litigating disputes concerning access to information. The availability of


VII In accordance with 10 CFR 2.202 and 10 CFR 2.309, any person adversely affected by this Confirmatory Order, other than ACO, may request a hearing within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of issuance of this Confirmatory Order. Where good cause is shown, consideration will be given to extending the time to request a hearing. A request for extension of time must be made in writing to the Director, Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555, and include a statement of good cause for the extension.
interlocutory review by the Commission of orders ruling on such NRC staff determinations
All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including a request for hearing, a petition for leave to intervene, any motion or other document filed in the proceeding prior to the submission of a request for hearing or petition to intervene (hereinafter petition), and documents filed by interested governmental entities participating under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must be filed in accordance with the NRCs E-Filing rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007, as amended at 77 FR 46562, August 3, 2012). The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases to mail copies on electronic storage media. Participants may not submit paper copies of their filings unless they seek an exemption in accordance with the procedures described below.
All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including documents filed by an interested State, local governmental body, Federally recognized Indian Tribe, or designated agency thereof that requests to participate under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must be filed in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302. The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases, to mail copies on electronic storage media, unless an exemption permitting an alternative filing method, as further discussed, is


granted. Detailed guidance on electronic submissions is located in the Guidance for Electronic Submissions to the NRC (ADAMS Accession No. ML13031A056) and on the NRCs public website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html.
(whether granting or denying access) is governed by 10 CFR 2.311. 3
To comply with the procedural requirements of E-Filing, at least 10 days prior to the filing deadline, the participant should contact the Office of the Secretary by email at Hearing.Docket@nrc.gov, or by telephone at 301-415-1677, to (1) request a digital identification (ID) certificate, which allows the participant (or its counsel or representative) to digitally sign submissions and access the E-Filing system for any proceeding in which it is participating; and (2) advise the Secretary that the participant will be submitting a petition or other adjudicatory document (even in instances in which the participant, or its counsel or representative, already holds an NRC-issued digital ID certificate). Based upon this information, the Secretary will establish an electronic docket for the proceeding if the Secretary has not already established an electronic docket.
Information about applying for a digital ID certificate is available on the NRCs public website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/getting-started.html. After a digital ID certificate is obtained and a docket created, the participant must submit adjudicatory documents in Portable Document Format. Guidance on submissions is available on the NRCs public website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. A filing is considered complete at the time the document is submitted through the NRCs E-Filing system. To be timely, an electronic filing must be submitted to the E-Filing system no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date. Upon receipt of a transmission, the E-Filing system time-stamps the document and sends the submitter an email confirming receipt of the document. The E-Filing system also


distributes an email that provides access to the document to the NRCs Office of the General Counsel and any others who have advised the Office of the Secretary that they wish to participate in the proceeding, so that the filer need not serve the document on those participants separately. Therefore, applicants and other participants (or their counsel or representative) must apply for and receive a digital ID certificate before adjudicatory documents are filed to obtain access to the documents via the E-Filing system.
The Commission expects that the NRC staff and presiding officers (and any other
A person filing electronically using the NRCs adjudicatory E-Filing system may seek assistance by contacting the NRCs Electronic Filing Help Desk through the Contact Us link located on the NRCs public website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by email to MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov, or by a toll-free call at 1-866-672-7640. The NRC Electronic Filing Help Desk is available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Participants who believe that they have good cause for not submitting documents electronically must file an exemption request, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(g), with their initial paper filing stating why there is good cause for not filing electronically and requesting authorization to continue to submit documents in paper format. Such filings must be submitted in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(b)-(d). Participants filing adjudicatory documents in this manner are responsible for serving their documents on all other participants. Participants granted an exemption under 10 CFR 2.302(g)(2) must still meet the electronic formatting requirement in 10 CFR 2.302(g)(1), unless the participant also seeks and is granted an exemption from 10 CFR 2.302(g)(1).


Documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in the NRCs electronic hearing docket, which is publicly available at https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd, unless excluded pursuant to an order of the presiding officer. If you do not have an NRC-issued digital ID certificate as previously described, click cancel when the link requests certificates and you will be automatically directed to the NRCs electronic hearing dockets where you will be able to access any publicly available documents in a particular hearing docket. Participants are requested not to include personal privacy information such as social security numbers, home addresses, or personal phone numbers in their filings unless an NRC regulation or other law requires submission of such information. With respect to copyrighted works, except for limited excerpts that serve the purpose of the adjudicatory filings and would constitute a Fair Use application, participants should not include copyrighted materials in their submission.
reviewing officers) will consider and resolve requests for access to SUNSI, and motions for
The Commission will issue a notice or order granting or denying a hearing request or intervention petition, designating the issues for any hearing that will be held and designating the Presiding Officer. A notice granting a hearing will be published in the Federal Register and served on the parties to the hearing.
If a person (other than ACO) requests a hearing, that person shall set forth with particularity the manner in which his interest is adversely affected by this Confirmatory Order and shall address the criteria set forth in 10 CFR. 2.309(d) and (f).
If a hearing is requested by a person whose interest is adversely affected, the Commission will issue an order designating the time and place of any hearings. If a hearing is


held, the issue to be considered at such hearing shall be whether this Confirmatory Order should be sustained.
protective orders, in a timely fashion in order to minimize any unnecessary delays in
In the absence of any request for hearing, or written approval of an extension of time in which to request a hearing, the provisions specified in Section V above shall be final 30 days from the date of this Confirmatory Order without further order or proceedings. If an extension of time for requesting a hearing has been approved, the provisions specified in Section V shall be final when the extension expires if a hearing request has not been received.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regional Administrator NRC Region II Dated this 21st day of September 2023 Attachments: As stated


ALL FACILITIES OWNED AND OPERATED BY AMERICAN CENTRIFUGE OPERATING, LLC
identifying those petitioners who have standing and who have propounded contentions
: 1) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC Larry Cutlip President 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830
 
meeting the specificity and basis requirements in 10 CFR Part 2. Attachment 2 to this
 
Order summarizes the general target schedule for processing and resolving requests
 
under these procedures.
 
3 Requestors should note that the filing requirements of the NRC's E-Filing Rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007) apply to appeals of NRC staff determinations (because they must be served on a presiding officer or the Commission, as applicable), but not to the initial SUNSI request submitted to the NRC staff under these procedures.
VII
 
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.202 and 10 CFR 2.309, any person adversely affected by
 
this Confirmatory Order, other than ACO, may request a hearing within thirty (30) calendar days
 
of the date of issuance of this Confirmatory Order. Where good cause is shown, consideration
 
will be given to extending the time to request a hearing. A request for extension of time must be
 
made in writing to the Director, Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
 
Washington, DC 20555, and include a statement of good cause for the extension.
 
All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including a request for hearing, a
 
petition for leave to intervene, any motion or other document filed in the proceeding prior to the
 
submission of a request for hearing or petition to intervene (hereinafter petition), and
 
documents filed by interested governmental entities participating under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must
 
be filed in accordance with the NRCs E-Filing rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007, as amended
 
at 77 FR 46562, August 3, 2012). The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve
 
all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases to mail copies on electronic
 
storage media. Participants may not submit paper copies of their filings unless they seek an
 
exemption in accordance with the procedures described below.
 
All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including documents filed by an
 
interested State, local governmental body, Federally recognized Indian Tribe, or designated
 
agency thereof that requests to participate under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must be filed in accordance
 
with 10 CFR 2.302. The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve all
 
adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases, to mail copies on electronic storage
 
media, unless an exemption permitting an alternative filing method, as further discussed, is granted. Detailed guidance on electronic submissions is located in the Guidance for Electronic
 
Submissions to the NRC (ADAMS Accession No. ML13031A056) and on the NRCs public
 
website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html.
 
To comply with the procedural requirements of E-Filing, at least 10 days prior to the filing
 
deadline, the participant should contact the Office of the Secretary by email at
 
Hearing.Docket@nrc.gov, or by telephone at 301-415-1677, to (1) request a digital identification
 
(ID) certificate, which allows the participant (or its counsel or representative) to digitally sign
 
submissions and access the E-Filing system for any proceeding in which it is participating; and
 
(2) advise the Secretary that the participant will be submitting a petition or other adjudicatory
 
document (even in instances in which the participant, or its counsel or representative, already
 
holds an NRC-issued digital ID certificate). Based upon this information, the Secretary will
 
establish an electronic docket for the proceeding if the Secretary has not already established an
 
electronic docket.
 
Information about applying for a digital ID certificate is available on the NRCs public
 
website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/getting-started.html. After a digital ID
 
certificate is obtained and a docket created, the participant must submit adjudicatory documents
 
in Portable Document Format. Guidance on submissions is available on the NRCs public
 
website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. A filing is considered
 
complete at the time the document is submitted through the NRCs E-Filing system. To be
 
timely, an electronic filing must be submitted to the E-Filing system no later than 11:59 p.m. ET
 
on the due date. Upon receipt of a transmission, the E-Filing system time-stamps the document
 
and sends the submitter an email confirming receipt of the document. The E-Filing system also distributes an email that provides access to the document to the NRCs Office of the General
 
Counsel and any others who have advised the Office of the Secretary that they wish to
 
participate in the proceeding, so that the filer need not serve the document on those participants
 
separately. Therefore, applicants and other participants (or their counsel or representative) must
 
apply for and receive a digital ID certificate before adjudicatory documents are filed to obtain
 
access to the documents via the E-Filing system.
 
A person filing electronically using the NRCs adjudicatory E-Filing system may seek
 
assistance by contacting the NRCs Electronic Filing Help Desk through the Contact Us link
 
located on the NRCs public website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by email
 
to MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov, or by a toll-free call at 1-866-672-7640. The NRC Electronic Filing
 
Help Desk is available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal
 
holidays.
 
Participants who believe that they have good cause for not submitting documents
 
electronically must file an exemption request, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(g), with their
 
initial paper filing stating why there is good cause for not filing electronically and requesting
 
authorization to continue to submit documents in paper format. Such filings must be submitted
 
in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(b)-(d). Participants filing adjudicatory documents in this
 
manner are responsible for serving their documents on all other participants. Participants
 
granted an exemption under 10 CFR 2.302(g)(2) must still meet the electronic formatting
 
requirement in 10 CFR 2.302(g)(1), unless the participant also seeks and is granted an
 
exemption from 10 CFR 2.302(g)(1).
Documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in the NRCs electronic
 
hearing docket, which is publicly available at https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd, unless excluded
 
pursuant to an order of the presiding officer. If you do not have an NRC-issued digital ID
 
certificate as previously described, click cancel when the link requests certificates and you will
 
be automatically directed to the NRCs electronic hearing dockets where you will be able to
 
access any publicly available documents in a particular hearing docket. Participants are
 
requested not to include personal privacy information such as social security numbers, home
 
addresses, or personal phone numbers in their filings unless an NRC regulation or other law
 
requires submission of such information. With respect to copyrighted works, except for limited
 
excerpts that serve the purpose of the adjudicatory filings and would constitute a Fair Use
 
application, participants should not include copyrighted materials in their submission.
 
The Commission will issue a notice or order granting or denying a hearing request or
 
intervention petition, designating the issues for any hearing that will be held and designating the
 
Presiding Officer. A notice granting a hearing will be published in the Federal Register and
 
served on the parties to the hearing.
 
If a person (other than ACO) requests a hearing, that person shall set forth with
 
particularity the manner in which his interest is adversely affected by this Confirmatory Order
 
and shall address the criteria set forth in 10 CFR. 2.309(d) and (f).
 
If a hearing is requested by a person whose interest is adversely affected, the
 
Commission will issue an order designating the time and place of any hearings. If a hearing is held, the issue to be considered at such hearing shall be whether this Confirmatory Order
 
should be sustained.
 
In the absence of any request for hearing, or written approval of an extension of time in
 
which to request a hearing, the provisions specified in Section V above shall be final 30 days
 
from the date of this Confirmatory Order without further order or proceedings. If an extension of
 
time for requesting a hearing has been approved, the provisions specified in Section V shall be
 
final when the extension expires if a hearing request has not been received.
 
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
 
Regional Administrator NRC Region II
 
Dated this 21st day of September 2023
 
Attachments: As stated ALL FACILITIES OWNED AND OPERATED BY AMERICAN CENTRIFUGE OPERATING, LLC
: 1) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC
 
Larry Cutlip President 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830
: 2) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC - Piketon (ACO-Piketon)
: 2) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC - Piketon (ACO-Piketon)
Docket No.: 07007004 License No.: SNM-2011 Mathew Snider Enrichment Operations Plant Manager/Operations Manager 3930 U.S. Route 23 South P.O. Box 628 Mail Stop 7560 Piketon, Ohio 45661
Docket No.: 07007004 License No.: SNM-2011
 
Mathew Snider Enrichment Operations Plant Manager/Operations Manager 3930 U.S. Route 23 South P.O. Box 628 Mail Stop 7560 Piketon, Ohio 45661
: 3) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC - Oak Ridge (ACO-OR)
: 3) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC - Oak Ridge (ACO-OR)
Docket No.: 07007004 License No.: SNM-2011 Mark McClure Site Director 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Attachment 1
Docket No.: 07007004 License No.: SNM-2011
 
Mark McClure Site Director 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830
 
Attachment 1 General Target Schedule for Processing and Resolving Requests for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information in this Proceeding
 
Day Event/Activity
 
0 Publication of Federal Register notice of hearing and opportunity to petition for leave to intervene, including order with instructions for access requests.
 
10 Deadline for submitting requests for access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) with information: supporting the standing of a potential party identified by name and address; describing the need for the information in order for the potential party to participate meaningfully in an adjudicatory proceeding.
 
60 Deadline for submitting petition for intervention containing: (i) demonstration of standing; and (ii) all contentions whose formulation does not require access to SUNSI (+25 Answers to petition for intervention; +7 petitioner/requestor reply).
 
20 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff informs the requester of the status determination whether the request for access provides a reasonable basis to believe standing can be established and shows need for SUNSI. (NRC staff also informs any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information.) If NRC staff makes the finding of need for SUNSI and likelihood of standing, NRC staff begins document processing (preparation of redactions or review of redacted documents).
 
25 If NRC staff finds no "need" or no likelihood of standing, the deadline for petitioner/requester to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC starts denial of access; NRC staff files copy of access determination with the presiding officer (or Chief Administrative Judge or other designated officer, as appropriate). If NRC staff finds "need" for SUNSI, the deadline for any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC staffs grant of access.
 
30 Deadline for NRC staff reply to motions to reverse NRC staff determination(s).
 
40 (Receipt +30) If NRC staff finds standing and need for SUNSI, deadline for NRC staff to complete information processing and file motion for Protective Order and draft Non-Disclosure Affidavit. Deadline for applicant/licensee to file Non-Disclosure Agreement for SUNSI.
 
Attachment 2 Day Event/Activity
 
A If access granted: issuance of presiding officer or other designated officer decision on motion for protective order for access to sensitive information (including schedule for providing access and submission of contentions) or decision reversing a final adverse determination by the NRC staff.
 
A + 3 Deadline for filing executed Non-Disclosure Affidavits. Access provided to SUNSI consistent with decision issuing the protective order.
 
A + 28 Deadline for submission of contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI. However, if more than 25 days remain between the petitioner's receipt of (or access to) the information and the deadline for filing all other contentions (as established in the notice of hearing or opportunity for hearing), the petitioner may file its SUNSI contentions by that later deadline.
 
A + 53 (Contention receipt +25) Answers to contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI.


General Target Schedule for Processing and Resolving Requests for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information in this Proceeding Day  Event/Activity 0    Publication of Federal Register notice of hearing and opportunity to petition for leave to intervene, including order with instructions for access requests.
A + 60 (Answer receipt +7) Petitioner/Intervener reply to answers.
10  Deadline for submitting requests for access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) with information: supporting the standing of a potential party identified by name and address; describing the need for the information in order for the potential party to participate meaningfully in an adjudicatory proceeding.
60   Deadline for submitting petition for intervention containing: (i) demonstration of standing; and (ii) all contentions whose formulation does not require access to SUNSI (+25 Answers to petition for intervention; +7 petitioner/requestor reply).
20  U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff informs the requester of the status determination whether the request for access provides a reasonable basis to believe standing can be established and shows need for SUNSI. (NRC staff also informs any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information.) If NRC staff makes the finding of need for SUNSI and likelihood of standing, NRC staff begins document processing (preparation of redactions or review of redacted documents).
25  If NRC staff finds no "need" or no likelihood of standing, the deadline for petitioner/requester to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC starts denial of access; NRC staff files copy of access determination with the presiding officer (or Chief Administrative Judge or other designated officer, as appropriate). If NRC staff finds "need" for SUNSI, the deadline for any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC staffs grant of access.
30  Deadline for NRC staff reply to motions to reverse NRC staff determination(s).
40  (Receipt +30) If NRC staff finds standing and need for SUNSI, deadline for NRC staff to complete information processing and file motion for Protective Order and draft Non-Disclosure Affidavit. Deadline for applicant/licensee to file Non-Disclosure Agreement for SUNSI.
Attachment 2


Day    Event/Activity A      If access granted: issuance of presiding officer or other designated officer decision on motion for protective order for access to sensitive information (including schedule for providing access and submission of contentions) or decision reversing a final adverse determination by the NRC staff.
A+3    Deadline for filing executed Non-Disclosure Affidavits. Access provided to SUNSI consistent with decision issuing the protective order.
A + 28  Deadline for submission of contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI. However, if more than 25 days remain between the petitioner's receipt of (or access to) the information and the deadline for filing all other contentions (as established in the notice of hearing or opportunity for hearing), the petitioner may file its SUNSI contentions by that later deadline.
A + 53  (Contention receipt +25) Answers to contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI.
A + 60  (Answer receipt +7) Petitioner/Intervener reply to answers.
>A + 60 Decision on contention admission.
>A + 60 Decision on contention admission.
Attachment 2}}
Attachment 2}}

Latest revision as of 11:33, 13 November 2024

Confirmatory Order Modifying License - American Centrifuge Operating - Oak Ridge
ML23263B067
Person / Time
Site: 07007004
Issue date: 09/21/2023
From: Laura Dudes
Region 2 Administrator
To: Cutlip L
American Centrifuge Operating
References
EA-23-018
Download: ML23263B067 (21)


Text

EA-23-018 Larry B. Cutlip President American Centrifuge Operating, LLC 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830

SUBJECT:

CONFIRMATORY ORDER MODIFYING LICENSE - AMERICAN CENTRIFUGE OPERATING - OAK RIDGE

Dear Larry B. Cutlip:

The enclosed Confirmatory Order is being issued to American Centrifuge Operating, LLC (ACO) as a result of a successful agreement reached during an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation session conducted on June 27, 2023. The enclosed commitments were made by ACO as part of a settlement agreement between ACO and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The settlement agreement concerns apparent violations of NRC requirements as described in the public cover letter of the NRC inspection report 07007004/2023401 dated March 30, 2023 (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) ML23074A222).

Our letter also informed you that the apparent violations were being considered for escalated enforcement action in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy and provided you an opportunity to (1) respond to the apparent violations in writing; (2) request a predecisional enforcement conference (PEC); or (3) request ADR. In response to the letter, ACO requested ADR to resolve differences it had with the NRC concerning the apparent violations.

An ADR mediation session was held on June 27, 2023, during which a preliminary agreement was reached. The elements of the preliminary agreement were formulated and are incorporated in the enclosed Confirmatory Order (Enclosure 1). This Confirmatory Order confirms the commitments made as part of the preliminary settlement agreement. ACO consented to issuing this Confirmatory Order and has waived its right to a hearing (Enclosure 2).

In consideration of the commitments delineated within the Confirmatory Order, the NRC has agreed to not cite the violations and agreed to not propose a civil penalty for all matters discussed within the NRCs inspection report to ACO dated March 30, 2023.September 21, 2023 L. Cutlip 2 Pursuant to Section 223 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, any person who willfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate, any provision of this Order shall be subject to criminal prosecution as set forth in that section. Violation of this order may also subject the person to civil monetary penalty.

In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), Section 2.390, of the NRC's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a copy of this letter and its enclosures will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room and from the NRCs Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS), accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To the extent possible, your response should not include any personal privacy, proprietary, or safeguards information so that it can be made available to the Public without redaction. The Confirmatory Order (Enclosure 1) will be published in the Federal Register. The NRC also includes significant enforcement actions on its Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/enforcement/actions/.

Sincerely, Laura A. Dudes Regional Administrator Region II Docket No. 07007004 License No. SNM-2011

Enclosures:

1. Confirmatory Order
2. Consent and Hearing Waiver Form cc w/enclosures: Distribution via LISTSERV Signed by Dudes, Laura on 09/21/23

ML23263B067(Cover letter)

Entire Report: X Non-Sensitive X Publicly Available X SUNSI Review Sensitive Non-Publicly Available Cover Letter Only: X Non-Sensitive X Publicly Available X SUNSI Review Sensitive Non-Publicly Available OFFICE RII: DFFI RII: DFFI RII: EICS RIII: ORA RII: ORA HQ: OGC NAME LPitts AMasters MKowal SLewman MMiller JMaltese (NLO)

DATE 8/10/2023 7/21/2023 8/15/2023 8/11/2023 9/6/2023 8/25/2023 OFFICE HQ: NSIR HQ: OE RII: ORA NAME CErlanger DPelton LDudes Date 8/22/2023 8/22/2023 9/21/2023

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

In the Matter of ) Docket Number 07007004

)

American Centrifuge Operating, LLC ) License Number SNM-2011

)

American Centrifuge Operating Oak Ridge ) EA-23-018

CONFIRMATORY ORDER MODIFYING LICENSE

I

American Centrifuge Operating, LLC (ACO or Licensee) is the holder of Materials

License No. SNM-2011 issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or

Commission) pursuant to Part 95 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR).

The license authorizes the operation of the ACO facility in Piketon, Ohio (ACO-Piketon), the

ACO facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (ACO-OR), and the ACO headquarters facility in

Bethesda, Maryland, in accordance with conditions specified therein.

This Confirmatory Order (CO) is the result of an agreement reached during an

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation session conducted on June 27, 2023, in

Rockville, Maryland.

II

On March 30, 2023, the NRC issued Special Inspection Report (IR) 07007004/2023401

(Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) ML23074A222, public

cover letter) to ACO-OR which documented the identification of apparent violations that were Enclosure 1 being considered for escalated enforcement action in accordance with the NRC Enforcement

Policy. The apparent violations involved the licensees failure to meet regulatory requirements.

Details regarding the apparent violations contain security-related information and are therefore

documented in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.

By the same letter, dated March 30, 2023, the NRC notified ACO of the results of the

inspection with an opportunity to: (1) provide a response in writing, (2) attend a predecisional

enforcement conference or (3) participate in an ADR mediation session in an effort to resolve

these concerns.

In response to the NRCs letter of March 30, 2023, ACO requested the use of the NRCs

ADR process to resolve differences it had with the NRC. On June 27, 2023, the NRC and ACO

met in an ADR session mediated by a professional mediator arranged through the U.S.

Department of Energy. The ADR process is one in which a neutral mediator, with no decision-

making authority, assists the parties in reaching an agreement on resolving any differences

regarding the dispute. This Confirmatory Order is issued pursuant to the agreement reached

during the ADR process.

III

During the ADR session, ACO and the NRC reached a preliminary settlement

agreement. The elements of the agreement include the following:

1. ACO acknowledged that the violations occurred as documented in NRC IR number

07007004/2023401 (ADAMS Accession No. ML23074A222, public cover letter) issued on

March 30, 2023, and as described in Section II of this Order.

2. In recognition of the prompt and comprehensive corrective actions taken in response to the

apparent violations, as documented in this CO, discussed at the ADR, and documented in

IR 07007004/2023401 issued on March 30, 2023, ACO is not required to provide a written

response in accordance with 10 CFR 2.201. The licensee initiated a root cause analysis

investigation and established additional corrective actions based on results from that

investigation. Corrective actions and enhancements completed by ACO contain security-

related information and are therefore contained in the non-public version of the Confirmatory

Order.

3. For the purposes of this agreement, portions of the Confirmatory Order, as designated

herein, will apply to ACO Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge), ACO-Piketon (Piketon), or both.

4. Based on ACOs review of the incident and NRCs concerns with respect to precluding

recurrence of the violations, ACO agrees to implement corrective actions and

enhancements that contain security-related information and are therefore documented in the

non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.

Within 15 months from the date of the Confirmatory Order, ACO will submit to the NRC

for approval a revision to the Oak Ridge and Piketon Standard Practice Procedure Plans

to reflect the commitments which include marking requirements, searching requirements,

training, and root cause evaluation criteria. Details regarding the commitments contain

security-related information and are in the described in the non-public version of the

Confirmatory Order.

5. Upon implementation of all the actions required of ACO in the Confirmatory Order, ACO will

notify the NRC Region II Regional Administrator.

6. The NRC considers the corrective actions discussed above to be appropriately prompt and

comprehensive to address the causes which resulted in the incidents discussed in the

NRCs IR dated March 30, 2023.

7. In consideration of the commitments delineated above, the NRC agrees not to cite the

violations and agrees not to propose a civil penalty for all matters discussed in the NRCs IR

dated March 30, 2023.

8. The NRC agrees that the Confirmatory Order will not count as escalated enforcement in the

civil penalty assessment process for future enforcement cases involving ACO.

9. The Regional Administrator, NRC Region II, may relax or rescind, in writing, any of the

above conditions of the Confirmatory Order upon a showing by ACO of good cause.

10.The NRC and ACO agree that the above elements will be incorporated into issuance of a

Confirmatory Order, with a Waiver of Hearing Rights.

11.This agreement is binding upon successors and assigns of ACO.

Based on the completed actions described above, and the commitments described in

Section V below, the NRC agrees to not pursue any further enforcement action based on the

apparent violations identified in the NRCs March 30, 2023, letter and the Order will not count as

escalated enforcement in the civil penalty assessment process for future enforcement cases

involving ACO.

On September 12, 2023, ACO consented to issuing this Confirmatory Order with the

commitments, as described in Section V below. ACO further agreed that this Confirmatory

Order is to be effective upon issuance, the agreement memorialized in this Confirmatory Order

settles the matter between the parties, and that ACO has waived its right to a hearing.

IV

I find that ACOs actions completed and planned, as described in Section III above,

combined with the commitments as set forth in Section V are acceptable and necessary, and

conclude that with these commitments the public health and safety are reasonably assured. In

view of the foregoing, I have determined that public health and safety require that ACOs

commitments be confirmed by this Confirmatory Order. Based on the above and ACOs

consent, this Confirmatory Order is effective upon issuance.

V

Accordingly, pursuant to Sections 81, 161b, 161i, 161o, 182 and 187 of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Commission's regulations in 10 CFR 2.202 and 10

CFR Part 95, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, EFFECTIVE UPON ISSUANCE, THAT ACO License

No. SNM-2011 IS MODIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

Within 15 months from the date of the Confirmatory Order, ACO will submit to the NRC

for approval a revision to the Oak Ridge and Piketon Standard Practice Procedure Plans to

reflect the commitments which include marking requirements, searching requirements, training,

and root cause evaluation criteria. Details regarding the commitments contain security-related

information and are in the described in the non-public version of the Confirmatory Order.

This agreement is binding upon successors and assigns of ACO. The Regional

Administrator, Region II, may, in writing, relax or rescind any of the above conditions upon

demonstration by ACO or its successors of good cause.

VI

Procedures for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) for

Contention Preparation:

A. This Confirmatory Order contains instructions regarding how potential parties to this

proceeding may request access to documents containing SUNSI.

B. Within 10 days after publication of this notice of hearing and opportunity to petition for

leave to intervene, any potential party who believes access to SUNSI is necessary to

respond to this notice may request such access. A "potential party" is any person who

intends to participate as a party by demonstrating standing and filing an admissible

contention under 10 CFR 2.309. Requests for access to SUNSI submitted later than 10

days after publication of this notice will not be considered absent a showing of good cause

for the late filing, addressing why the request could not have been filed earlier.

C. The requester shall submit a letter requesting permission to access SUNSI to the Office of

the Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001,

Attention: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff, and provide a copy to the Associate

General Counsel for Hearings, Enforcement and Administration, Office of the General

Counsel, Washington, DC 20555-0001. The expedited delivery or courier mail address for

both offices is: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville,

Maryland 20852. The e-mail addresses for the Office of the Secretary and the Office of the

General Counsel are Hearing.Docket@nrc.gov and OGCmailcenter@nrc.gov,

respectively1. The request must include the following information:

1. A description of the licensing action with a citation to this Federal Register notice;
2. The name and address of the potential party and a description of the potential party's

particularized interest that could be harmed by the action identified in C.(1); and

1 While a request for hearing or petition to intervene in this proceeding must comply with the filing requirements of the NRC's "E-Filing Rule," the initial request to access SUNSI under these procedures should be submitted as described in this paragraph.

3. The identity of the individual or entity requesting access to SUNSI and the

requester's basis for the need for the information in order to meaningfully participate

in this adjudicatory proceeding. In particular, the request must explain why publicly

available versions of the information requested would not be sufficient to provide the

basis and specificity for a proffered contention.

D. Based on an evaluation of the information submitted under paragraph C.(3) the NRC staff

will determine within 10 days of receipt of the request whether:

1. There is a reasonable basis to believe the petitioner is likely to establish standing to

participate in this NRC proceeding; and

2. The requester has established a legitimate need for access to SUNSI.

E. If the NRC staff determines that the requester satisfies both D.(1) and D.(2) above, the

NRC staff will notify the requestor in writing that access to SUNSI has been granted. The

written notification will contain instructions on how the requestor may obtain copies of the

requested documents, and any other conditions that may apply to access to those

documents. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the signing of a Non-

Disclosure Agreement or Affidavit, or Protective Order2 setting forth terms and conditions

2 Any motion for Protective Order or draft Non-Disclosure Affidavit or Agreement for SUNSI must be filed with the presiding officer or the Chief Administrative Judge if the presiding officer has not yet been designated, within 30 days of the deadline for the receipt of the written access request.

to prevent the unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure of SUNSI by each individual who will

be granted access to SUNSI.

F. Filing of Contentions. Any contentions in these proceedings that are based upon the

information received as a result of the request made for SUNSI must be filed by the

requestor no later than 25 days after the requestor is granted access to that information.

However, if more than 25 days remain between the date the petitioner is granted access to

the information and the deadline for filing all other contentions (as established in the notice

of hearing or opportunity for hearing), the petitioner may file its SUNSI contentions by that

later deadline. This provision does not extend the time for filing a request for a hearing and

petition to intervene, which must comply with the requirements of 10 CFR 2.309.

G. Review of Denials of Access.

1. If the request for access to SUNSI is denied by the NRC staff after a determination

on standing and need for access, the NRC staff shall immediately notify the

requestor in writing, briefly stating the reason or reasons for the denial.

2. The requester may challenge the NRC staffs adverse determination by filing a

challenge within 5 days of receipt of that determination with: (a) the presiding officer

designated in this proceeding; (b) if no presiding officer has been appointed, the

Chief Administrative Judge, or if he or she is unavailable, another administrative

judge, or an administrative law judge with jurisdiction pursuant to 10 CFR 2.318(a);

or (c) officer if that officer has been designated to rule on information access issues.

H. Review of Grants of Access. A party other than the requester may challenge an NRC staff

determination granting access to SUNSI whose release would harm that party's interest

independent of the proceeding. Such a challenge must be filed with the Chief

Administrative Judge within 5 days of the notification by the NRC staff of its grant of

access.

If challenges to the NRC staff determinations are filed, these procedures give way to the

normal process for litigating disputes concerning access to information. The availability of

interlocutory review by the Commission of orders ruling on such NRC staff determinations

(whether granting or denying access) is governed by 10 CFR 2.311. 3

The Commission expects that the NRC staff and presiding officers (and any other

reviewing officers) will consider and resolve requests for access to SUNSI, and motions for

protective orders, in a timely fashion in order to minimize any unnecessary delays in

identifying those petitioners who have standing and who have propounded contentions

meeting the specificity and basis requirements in 10 CFR Part 2. Attachment 2 to this

Order summarizes the general target schedule for processing and resolving requests

under these procedures.

3 Requestors should note that the filing requirements of the NRC's E-Filing Rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007) apply to appeals of NRC staff determinations (because they must be served on a presiding officer or the Commission, as applicable), but not to the initial SUNSI request submitted to the NRC staff under these procedures.

VII

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.202 and 10 CFR 2.309, any person adversely affected by

this Confirmatory Order, other than ACO, may request a hearing within thirty (30) calendar days

of the date of issuance of this Confirmatory Order. Where good cause is shown, consideration

will be given to extending the time to request a hearing. A request for extension of time must be

made in writing to the Director, Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

Washington, DC 20555, and include a statement of good cause for the extension.

All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including a request for hearing, a

petition for leave to intervene, any motion or other document filed in the proceeding prior to the

submission of a request for hearing or petition to intervene (hereinafter petition), and

documents filed by interested governmental entities participating under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must

be filed in accordance with the NRCs E-Filing rule (72 FR 49139; August 28, 2007, as amended

at 77 FR 46562, August 3, 2012). The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve

all adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases to mail copies on electronic

storage media. Participants may not submit paper copies of their filings unless they seek an

exemption in accordance with the procedures described below.

All documents filed in NRC adjudicatory proceedings, including documents filed by an

interested State, local governmental body, Federally recognized Indian Tribe, or designated

agency thereof that requests to participate under 10 CFR 2.315(c), must be filed in accordance

with 10 CFR 2.302. The E-Filing process requires participants to submit and serve all

adjudicatory documents over the internet, or in some cases, to mail copies on electronic storage

media, unless an exemption permitting an alternative filing method, as further discussed, is granted. Detailed guidance on electronic submissions is located in the Guidance for Electronic

Submissions to the NRC (ADAMS Accession No. ML13031A056) and on the NRCs public

website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html.

To comply with the procedural requirements of E-Filing, at least 10 days prior to the filing

deadline, the participant should contact the Office of the Secretary by email at

Hearing.Docket@nrc.gov, or by telephone at 301-415-1677, to (1) request a digital identification

(ID) certificate, which allows the participant (or its counsel or representative) to digitally sign

submissions and access the E-Filing system for any proceeding in which it is participating; and

(2) advise the Secretary that the participant will be submitting a petition or other adjudicatory

document (even in instances in which the participant, or its counsel or representative, already

holds an NRC-issued digital ID certificate). Based upon this information, the Secretary will

establish an electronic docket for the proceeding if the Secretary has not already established an

electronic docket.

Information about applying for a digital ID certificate is available on the NRCs public

website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals/getting-started.html. After a digital ID

certificate is obtained and a docket created, the participant must submit adjudicatory documents

in Portable Document Format. Guidance on submissions is available on the NRCs public

website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/electronic-sub-ref-mat.html. A filing is considered

complete at the time the document is submitted through the NRCs E-Filing system. To be

timely, an electronic filing must be submitted to the E-Filing system no later than 11:59 p.m. ET

on the due date. Upon receipt of a transmission, the E-Filing system time-stamps the document

and sends the submitter an email confirming receipt of the document. The E-Filing system also distributes an email that provides access to the document to the NRCs Office of the General

Counsel and any others who have advised the Office of the Secretary that they wish to

participate in the proceeding, so that the filer need not serve the document on those participants

separately. Therefore, applicants and other participants (or their counsel or representative) must

apply for and receive a digital ID certificate before adjudicatory documents are filed to obtain

access to the documents via the E-Filing system.

A person filing electronically using the NRCs adjudicatory E-Filing system may seek

assistance by contacting the NRCs Electronic Filing Help Desk through the Contact Us link

located on the NRCs public website at https://www.nrc.gov/site-help/e-submittals.html, by email

to MSHD.Resource@nrc.gov, or by a toll-free call at 1-866-672-7640. The NRC Electronic Filing

Help Desk is available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal

holidays.

Participants who believe that they have good cause for not submitting documents

electronically must file an exemption request, in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(g), with their

initial paper filing stating why there is good cause for not filing electronically and requesting

authorization to continue to submit documents in paper format. Such filings must be submitted

in accordance with 10 CFR 2.302(b)-(d). Participants filing adjudicatory documents in this

manner are responsible for serving their documents on all other participants. Participants

granted an exemption under 10 CFR 2.302(g)(2) must still meet the electronic formatting

requirement in 10 CFR 2.302(g)(1), unless the participant also seeks and is granted an

exemption from 10 CFR 2.302(g)(1).

Documents submitted in adjudicatory proceedings will appear in the NRCs electronic

hearing docket, which is publicly available at https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd, unless excluded

pursuant to an order of the presiding officer. If you do not have an NRC-issued digital ID

certificate as previously described, click cancel when the link requests certificates and you will

be automatically directed to the NRCs electronic hearing dockets where you will be able to

access any publicly available documents in a particular hearing docket. Participants are

requested not to include personal privacy information such as social security numbers, home

addresses, or personal phone numbers in their filings unless an NRC regulation or other law

requires submission of such information. With respect to copyrighted works, except for limited

excerpts that serve the purpose of the adjudicatory filings and would constitute a Fair Use

application, participants should not include copyrighted materials in their submission.

The Commission will issue a notice or order granting or denying a hearing request or

intervention petition, designating the issues for any hearing that will be held and designating the

Presiding Officer. A notice granting a hearing will be published in the Federal Register and

served on the parties to the hearing.

If a person (other than ACO) requests a hearing, that person shall set forth with

particularity the manner in which his interest is adversely affected by this Confirmatory Order

and shall address the criteria set forth in 10 CFR. 2.309(d) and (f).

If a hearing is requested by a person whose interest is adversely affected, the

Commission will issue an order designating the time and place of any hearings. If a hearing is held, the issue to be considered at such hearing shall be whether this Confirmatory Order

should be sustained.

In the absence of any request for hearing, or written approval of an extension of time in

which to request a hearing, the provisions specified in Section V above shall be final 30 days

from the date of this Confirmatory Order without further order or proceedings. If an extension of

time for requesting a hearing has been approved, the provisions specified in Section V shall be

final when the extension expires if a hearing request has not been received.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Regional Administrator NRC Region II

Dated this 21st day of September 2023

Attachments: As stated ALL FACILITIES OWNED AND OPERATED BY AMERICAN CENTRIFUGE OPERATING, LLC

1) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC

Larry Cutlip President 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830

2) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC - Piketon (ACO-Piketon)

Docket No.: 07007004 License No.: SNM-2011

Mathew Snider Enrichment Operations Plant Manager/Operations Manager 3930 U.S. Route 23 South P.O. Box 628 Mail Stop 7560 Piketon, Ohio 45661

3) American Centrifuge Operating, LLC - Oak Ridge (ACO-OR)

Docket No.: 07007004 License No.: SNM-2011

Mark McClure Site Director 400 Centrifuge Way Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Attachment 1 General Target Schedule for Processing and Resolving Requests for Access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information in this Proceeding

Day Event/Activity

0 Publication of Federal Register notice of hearing and opportunity to petition for leave to intervene, including order with instructions for access requests.

10 Deadline for submitting requests for access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) with information: supporting the standing of a potential party identified by name and address; describing the need for the information in order for the potential party to participate meaningfully in an adjudicatory proceeding.

60 Deadline for submitting petition for intervention containing: (i) demonstration of standing; and (ii) all contentions whose formulation does not require access to SUNSI (+25 Answers to petition for intervention; +7 petitioner/requestor reply).

20 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff informs the requester of the status determination whether the request for access provides a reasonable basis to believe standing can be established and shows need for SUNSI. (NRC staff also informs any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information.) If NRC staff makes the finding of need for SUNSI and likelihood of standing, NRC staff begins document processing (preparation of redactions or review of redacted documents).

25 If NRC staff finds no "need" or no likelihood of standing, the deadline for petitioner/requester to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC starts denial of access; NRC staff files copy of access determination with the presiding officer (or Chief Administrative Judge or other designated officer, as appropriate). If NRC staff finds "need" for SUNSI, the deadline for any party to the proceeding whose interest independent of the proceeding would be harmed by the release of the information to file a motion seeking a ruling to reverse the NRC staffs grant of access.

30 Deadline for NRC staff reply to motions to reverse NRC staff determination(s).

40 (Receipt +30) If NRC staff finds standing and need for SUNSI, deadline for NRC staff to complete information processing and file motion for Protective Order and draft Non-Disclosure Affidavit. Deadline for applicant/licensee to file Non-Disclosure Agreement for SUNSI.

Attachment 2 Day Event/Activity

A If access granted: issuance of presiding officer or other designated officer decision on motion for protective order for access to sensitive information (including schedule for providing access and submission of contentions) or decision reversing a final adverse determination by the NRC staff.

A + 3 Deadline for filing executed Non-Disclosure Affidavits. Access provided to SUNSI consistent with decision issuing the protective order.

A + 28 Deadline for submission of contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI. However, if more than 25 days remain between the petitioner's receipt of (or access to) the information and the deadline for filing all other contentions (as established in the notice of hearing or opportunity for hearing), the petitioner may file its SUNSI contentions by that later deadline.

A + 53 (Contention receipt +25) Answers to contentions whose development depends upon access to SUNSI.

A + 60 (Answer receipt +7) Petitioner/Intervener reply to answers.

>A + 60 Decision on contention admission.

Attachment 2