B&W Nuclear Operations Group
Lynchburg, VA
Overview
The B&W Nuclear Operations Group (NOG) located in Lynchburg, VA a subsidiary of The Babcock & Wilcox Company is a commercial facility that has been supplying components to the U.S. Department of Energy since the 1950s. This facility is the only domestic supplier of research reactor fuel elements for colleges, universities, and national laboratories. The division's commercial operations include manufacturing uranium targets used for medical isotopes, and converting or downblending high-enriched uranium into low-enriched fuel for use in commercial reactors for generating electricity.
Mission
To deliver innovative technologies and solutions to fulfill the needs of our customers.
Notable Accomplishments
- Consistently receives a high rating from the NRC for licensee performance.
- One of only two commercial U.S. facilities licensed to possess and process highly enriched uranium.
- Site is the largest commercial International Atomic Energy Agency-certified facility in the U.S.
- Accepted as an Exemplary Environmental Enterprise (E3) by the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program for its development and implementation of the Environmental Management Systems.
Revenue
In Lynchburg, NOG has projected revenues of approximately $437 million for 2007.
Infrastructure
The Lynchburg site resides on 497 acres with four and a half miles of asphalt road on the property and more than one mile of security fencing and barriers. Comprising 65 buildings and trailers and housing 145 cranes, the facility has approximately 870,000 square feet under roof.
An on-site waste treatment facility treats all liquid effluents generated. Waste is neutralized and solids are removed before discharge. All discharges are monitored to ensure compliance with state and NRC limits. The facility also recycles solid waste with a recovery cost of up to $1 million.
Workforce
Lynchburg's workforce consists of approximately 2,150 employees, both hourly and salary. Among its highly skilled personnel include machinists, engineers, technicians, security officers, and administrative staff.
WorkKeys, a nationwide program established to measure workplace skills, is used to profile job positions to identify required skills. Implementing WorkKeys has helped the company assure the success of its employees and the company.
Lynchburg's Security organization ensures compliance with Department of Energy and NRC regulations that safeguard sensitive defense technology information and nuclear material. Protective measures implemented at this facility since 9/11 have achieved showcase status within the NRC licensee community.
Community Impact
These operations have an estimated $360 million annual impact on the local economy. In addition to economic impact, this site contributes to the quality of life in Central Virginia through its support of social service agencies and programs. Projects range from employee volunteer activities and sponsorship of local programs, to contribution of time and funding for programs of local impact.
Lynchburg employees give generously to philanthropic groups throughout the community. In 2006, employees donated more than $250,000 to the local United Way of Central Virginia. Employees give generously to other organizations, including the Lynchburg Area Food Bank, the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots, and the local American Red Cross. Furthermore, many of the site's highly trained emergency responders volunteer their time to local fire and rescue squads.
Sponsoring educational programs is another integral part of the Lynchburg NOG community outreach efforts. The company has joined other local businesses to form a local chapter of Partners in Education, a group committed to providing leadership in the formation and growth of effective partnerships that ensure success for all students. Each year employees volunteer to teach Junior Achievement-sponsored courses, which place a strong emphasis on economic and financial curricula. The company also works to promote the field of engineering throughout the community with its annual engineering mentoring program that provides high school students with insight into and hands-on experience in the field of engineering.
For Additional Information
B&W Nuclear Operations Group
1570 Mt. Athos Road (24504)
P. O. Box 785
Lynchburg, VA 24505-0785
www.babcock.com
Roger P. Cochrane, General Manager
(434) 522-6366
rpcochrane@babcock.com
Regina W. Carter, Manager Communications
(434) 522-5158
rwcarter@babcock.com
