B&W Nuclear Operations Group
Lynchburg, VA
Overview
Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Operations Group, Inc., (B&W NOG) located in Lynchburg, Va., a subsidiary of The Babcock & Wilcox Company, is a commercial facility that manufactures components for the U.S. government. This facility is the only domestic supplier of research reactor fuel elements for colleges, universities and national laboratories. The division's commercial operations include converting or downblending high-enriched uranium into low-enriched fuel for use in commercial reactors for generating electricity.
Mission
While operating safely and at highest levels of regulated compliance, NOG-L manufactures precision nuclear components with a highly trained and valued workforce comprised of the nation's most innovative minds. We achieve our goals and create value for our customers through our continuous improvement philosophy and the application of our core competencies.
Recent Accomplishments
- Consistently receives a high rating from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for licensee performance
- One of only two commercial U.S. facilities licensed to possess and process highly enriched uranium
- Accepted as an Exemplary Environmental Enterprise (E3) by the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program for its development and implementation of the Environmental Management Systems
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. Its highly skilled personnel include machinists, engineers, technicians, security officers and administrative staff.
- Lynchburg's security organization ensures compliance with DOE 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
B&W NOG has an estimated $360 million annual impact on the Lynchburg-area 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.
