Tenn. Nuclear Fuel Problems Kept Secret

Map locates Erwin, Tenn., site of nuclear pollution since 2005; 1c x 2 1/2 inches; 46.5 mm x 63.5 mm (Nicolas Rapp - AP)

"If we can get long-term permanent changes and improvements in their process it is better than slapping them with a fine every time something goes wrong," McIntyre said.

Nuclear Fuel Services Executive Vice President Timothy Lindstrom, a Navy veteran who joined the company in September, said the company had already made "significant progress."

"I think it is important that the public recognize that we do have a very robust safety program at NFS. We live in this community and take our stewardship very seriously," he said.

"I think if we were to have an event like this again, we would push to make it public," he added. "Clearly it would have been better to have this discussion 18 months ago than it is to have it now."

Meanwhile, NFS told its 700 employees this past week it will be "exploring the possibility of a sale" over the next 12 months _ not because of the commission's disclosure, but because of the company's increasing value to a booming nuclear power industry.

"We are in a position of strength," company spokesman Tony Treadway said.

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Nuclear Fuel Services: http://www.nuclearfuelservices.com