NUMEC (The Nuclear Material and Equipment Company), was built in the late 1950s and was a facility that was used to produce components for nuclear weapons. During this time, there was limited information available regarding how these types of materials could impact humans. Since that time, it has come to light that handling hazardous materials and chemicals increases the risk of cancer. NUMEC employees, scientists, and contractors are at a higher risk for developing some cancers, including colon cancer and blood cancer (leukemia).

Here, we have compiled publicly available information and documentation about the facilities covered by the Act to clarify how their activities relate to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.

Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corp. (NUMEC) – Apollo

Also Known As: NUMEC, Babcock & Wilcox, Atlantic Richfield Corp. (ARCO)
State: Pennsylvania
Location: Apollo
Time Period: BE 1960-1968; AWE 1957-1983; Residual Radiation 1984-1995
Facility Type: Atomic Weapons Employer, Beryllium Vendor

Facility Description: The Nuclear Material and Equipment Company (NUMEC) began operations at the Apollo and Parks Township facilities in the late 1950s. The Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) purchased the stock of NUMEC in 1967. In 1971, Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) purchased NUMEC and is the current owner of the Apollo and Parks Township facilities.

NUMEC processed unirradiated uranium scrap for the AEC in the 1960s. This facility also provided enriched uranium to the naval reactors program and included a plutonium plant, plutonium plant storage area, highly enriched uranium fuel facility, metals and hafnium complex and a uranium hexafluoride storage area. The facility also fabricated plutonium-beryllium neutron sources.

The Apollo facility ceased manufacturing nuclear fuel in 1983.

During the period of residual contamination, as designated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and as noted in the dates above, employees of subsequent owners and operators of this facility are also covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.

Listing:
Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corporation (NUMEC) – Apollo is listed as an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) from 1957-1995, and as a Beryllium Employer (BE) from 1960-1968.

Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) Classes:
Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) employees who were monitored or should have been monitored for exposure to ionizing radiation while working at the Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corporation (NUMEC) in Apollo, Pennsylvania from January 1, 1957, through December 31, 1983, for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days or in combination with work days within the parameters established for one or more other classes of employees in the Special Exposure Cohort.

Compensation:
As of 08/30/2015, the total compensation paid under Part B of the EEOICPA, including medical compensation, for workers suffering from the effects of having worked at the Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corp. (NUMEC) – Apollo is $51,133,355.

Click here for a current accounting of compensation paid to former NUMEC (Apollo) Workers under the EEOICPA.

Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corp. (NUMEC) – Apollo Workers:
If you or your parent worked at this or any other DOE or AWE facility and became ill, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $150K plus medical benefits from the US Department of Labor. Call EEOICPA Counsel Hugh Stephens at 1-855-EEOICPA (336-4272) or fill out the form to the right, whether or not you have already filed a claim and even if your claim has been accepted or denied.

We can help with all OWCP (Federal Workers Compensation) claims, impairments, wage loss and health care. 2495 Main Street, Suite 442 Buffalo, NY.

Videos:
A two-part documentary covering some of the lesser known activities at NUMEC can be seen below:

Part I –