On Tuesday federal regulators outlined steps Honeywell must take to restart its uranium conversion facility in Metropolis, Ill.The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shut the plant down May 9 following disaster preparedness inspections inspired by Japan's Fukushima accidents. In a release, the agency said the plant's emergency response plan failed to identify accident sequences related to credible earthquake and tornado threats. The NRC alleged the facility's documentation also overstated the plant's resistance to earthquakes. Specifically, process equipment lacked bracing and other supports to protect it in severe winds or shaking, while the emergency plan underestimated the amount of uranium hexafluoride that could be released in a resulting accident.The agency noted two apparent violations found during its inspection. But, citing Honeywell's cooperation, it chose to issue a confirmatory order in lieu of a notice of violation with the potential for fines. Before it can restart, the plant will have to implement safety modifications proposed by Honeywell and incorporate them in its emergency planning.On Tuesday, Reuters quoted the company as estimating it would take nine months to a year to upgrade the plant.