By Angela Hatton
Metropolis, IL – The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has released a statement regarding safety at the Metropolis Honeywell nuclear fuel plant. The statement came this morning ahead of a noon news conference headed by local union members to address safety concerns. United Steel Workers Local 7-669 have been on lockout since last year, and members claim replacement workers haven't received proper training. NRC Fuel Facility Inspection Director Tony Gody says the plant is operating securely. Gody says the NRC has identified some issues at the plant. He calls the issues "of low safety significance." Inspectors determined improper maintenance in 2008 contributed to the recent hydrofluoric acid leak. The next NRC inspection is in April.