BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 30, 2003--USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU) announced today that its uranium enrichment plants in Paducah, Kentucky and Piketon, Ohio have been recertified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for five years. The recertification represents the commission's determination that the plants are in compliance with NRC safety, safeguards and security regulations.
"Our production operations are focused on the fundamental principles of safety, security, reliability and efficiency," said Morris Brown, USEC's vice president of operations.
The gaseous diffusion plants, which began operations in the 1950s, are required to be recertified by the NRC every five years. NRC also is required, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to submit a report to Congress on the operation of the plants. The latest report, covering the five-year period through September 30, 2003, stated that the plants "provide adequate protection of public health, safety, safeguards, security, and the environment." The new NRC certificates, effective December 29, 2003, are valid until December 31, 2008.
USEC ended enrichment operations at the Piketon plant in May 2001, but the Company is maintaining the plant in standby condition under a contract with DOE. USEC has also applied to the NRC for a license to construct and operate the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility at the Piketon site. This facility will demonstrate USEC's next generation gas centrifuge uranium enrichment technology.
USEC Inc., a global energy company, is the world's leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.
CONTACT:
USEC Inc.
Elizabeth Stuckle, (301) 564-3399
or
Charles Yulish, (301) 564-3391
SOURCE: USEC Inc.