ML24298A009
| ML24298A009 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/30/2024 |
| From: | Shannon Patterson NRC/OCM |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML24263A246 | List: |
| References | |
| M241030 | |
| Download: ML24298A009 (1) | |
Text
PERSPECTIVES AS A PART 40 LICENSEE From Idle State, to Full Operations, and Future Perspectives.
Sean Patterson Regulatory Affairs Manager Metropolis, IL
0 PRE-IDLE
License Renewal Application SubmittalLicense Renewal Application Submittal
- Honeywell submitted License Renewal Application in February 2017.
- NRC accepted the Application in May 2017.
- The license was in timely renewal and working through the review process.
- The site was completing an annual shutdown.
Honeywell Announced Idling of Metropolis Uranium Conversion Facility Honeywell Announced Idling of Metropolis Uranium Conversion Facility.
- Announcement made in November 2017 due to market conditions.
- A phased approach was used to prepare the facility for idling.
- Removed product from the process and chemicals within site storage.
- Reduced the work force from 350 employees to 26 employees through May 2018.
- Relaxed select parts of the Security Order.
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.1 IDLE STATE
Activities During Idle State Activities During Idle State
- NRC RII reduced core inspection modules and hours to reflect site activities.
- Continued to receive, sample, and ship uranium ore concentrates.
- Monitored status of ore concentrate drum and UF 6 cylinder inventories.
- March 4, 2020, NRC License SUB-526 renewal granted for a 40- Year Term.
- Multiple license conditions for restart.
- Removed Calcium Fluoride ponds.
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.2 RESTART ACTIVITIES
February 19, 2021 - Honeywell announced a 2-Year Plan to restart the Metropolis facility.
- Established a timeline with Headquarters and Region II related to plant restart activities.
- Flexible inspection plan using existing Inspection Procedures.
- Leveraged the Smarter Inspection Program.
- Excellent coordination between Headquarters and RII to address License Conditions related to restart.
- Records related to License Conditions were reviewed and documented through site inspection reports.
- Security relaxation reversal was reviewed and approved by NRC.
Biennial Emergency Preparedness Drill was completed in May 2022.
All restart License Conditions were completed in October 2022.
NRC observed annual Site Emergency Preparedness Drill in March 2023.
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.3 RESTART PLAN Honeyw ell developed an extensive plan for restart including:
Staffing and Training Evaluation of Infrastructure Evaluation of Process Equipment
- Employees
- Electrical Systems and
- Structures
- 61 Salaried Instrumentation
- Vessels
- 135 Hourly
- Process and Fire Water
- Piping
- 200 Contractor
- Mitigation Systems
- Safety Systems
- Operator Qualifications
- Boilers and Control Systems
- Motors
- Emergency Response Training
- Site Support Structures
- Pumps
- Seismic System
- Valves
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved. 4 RESTART CHALLENGES
Staffing Infrastructure Supply Chain Shortages
- Extended Idle State
- Utilities effected by extended
- Long lead time on specialty items
- Significant number of shutdown.
- Metal employees retired.
- Total Boiler Replacement* Raw Materials
- Decommissioning of nearby
- Mechanical Pump and electric
- Vendors prior to idle, moved on to DOE Facility motor attrition was higher than other markets - Carbon
- Competition due to expansion anticipated. Components of local chemical plants in the
- Specialty Vendor Services* Lead time for repair parts was area. greater than pre-idle.
Metropolis overcame these challenges and began full operations in 2023.
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.5 PLANT UPGRADES
- Honeywell made significant capital investments.
- Repair or replacement of more than 1,000 piping circuits, and more than 100 vessels.
- Seismic retrofits were made to multiple support structures including the Administration Building, Laboratory, Sampling Plant, and Maintenance.
- New structures include the Operations Center (combination of 7 individual control rooms),
Laundry Facility, Health Physics Laboratory, and Boiler House.
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.6 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Supporting various community programs and organizations.
- School Supply Drive
- Charity Events and Food Pantry Drives
- Local Emergency Planning Committee
- Emergency Management Services support
- Community Awareness Committee.
The site is fully staffed and operating 24/7 with full capacity expected within the next few years.
Honeywell would like to encourage the NRC to continue pursuing the Smarter Inspection program and continue efforts for annual fee transparency and predictability.
We provide safe and reliable production of UF 6 in support of the worlds nuclear energy needs.
Honeywell Confidential - ©2019 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.7