Why is a test facility treated differently in the licensing process?
The definition of a uranium enrichment facility in 10 CFR 70.4 specifically excludes laboratory scale facilities used for experimental or analytical rather than production purposes. Operation of laboratory facilities does not involve the withdrawal of enriched uranium products. In the case of the Lead Cascade facility proposed by USEC, no product would be extracted from the process, with the exception of approximately 3 to 5 grams of uranium that would be removed daily for sampling. Clearly, the NRC would still subject USEC’s Lead Cascade facility application to thorough safety, security, and environmental reviews.
