SAN DIEGO — GA Technologies of La Jolla has signed an agreement in principle to buy an Oklahoma uranium-processing operation from Kerr-McGee, a major Oklahoma-based energy company. The price was not disclosed.
The plant, Sequoyah Fuels Corp., in Gore, Okla., was the site of an accident in January, 1986, involving a burst cylinder of uranium hexafluoride that sent a cloud of toxic gas into the atmosphere. One employee was killed, and 30 were hospitalized. More than 100 nearby residents are plaintiffs in six pending lawsuits in connection with the accident.
GA Technologies, a closely held nuclear power contracting and research company, would be shielded from all liability stemming from the lawsuits if the Sequoyah purchase is completed, Kerr-McGee spokesman Rick Pereles said Friday. GA Technologies officials were not available for comment.
GA Technologies was acquired in 1986 from Chevron Corp. by Denver businessman Neal Blue and his brother, Linden Blue, for more than $50 million.
