Review by NRC finds no violations at MOX site

The Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility currently under construction at the Savannah River Site.

The most recent Nuclear Regulatory Commission review of the $4.8 billion Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility being constructed at the Savannah River Site found no violations during the period between April 1 and June 30.

The inspection review conducted for every three-month period is done to determine whether activities authorized by the construction authorization are conducted in a safe manner that complies with NRC requirements by reviewing selected procedures and records, observing activities at the facility and interviewing Shaw AREVA MOX Services personnel.

The review looked at engineering processes and design documents, as well as an inspection of the contractor's oversight of subcontractor operations, according to the review document.

"Based on the results of this inspection, no violations or deviations were identified," a letter from the commission to Shaw AREVA President and CEO Kelly Trice read.

The MOX facility under construction is intended to become operational by 2016.

"We are committed to constructing the MOX facility safely and in accordance with the regulations of the NRC," Trice said, "and the NRC's report underscores this commitment."

In the facility's review for the period of Jan. 1 through March 31, two violations were identified by the NRC. The violations were for failure to ensure that quality level 1 equipment and services were controlled with specified technical and quality assurance, and for failure to meet requirements for hoisting, rigging and transporting items.

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