| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
12/20/2011 - 12/21/2011 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Power Reactor | Event Number: 47499 | Facility: TURKEY POINT
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [3] [4] [ ]
RX Type: [3] W-3-LP,[4] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: ROBERT STRUSINSKI
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ | Notification Date: 12/06/2011
Notification Time: 09:51 [ET]
Event Date: 12/06/2011
Event Time: 09:30 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/21/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
BINOY DESAI (R2DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | | 4 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER NON-FUNCTIONAL DUE TO PLANNED MAINTENANCE
"Between December 6, 2011 and January 13, 2012, a sequence of activities are planned that will render the Technical Support Center (TSC) non-functional at times by removing the emergency ventilation system from service. These activities are being performed in support of planned preventive maintenance and extended power uprate facility upgrades. In preparation for these emergency ventilation system outages, the TSC emergency responders were notified that if an emergency occurred during these outages the Emergency Coordinator and the TSC staff involved with classification, notification and PARS should report to the control room. All other TSC personnel should report to the Operational Support Center. The duration for each of these TSC outages is expected to be less than 24 hours. The NRC Operations Center will be provided an update to this notification when the TSC emergency ventilation has been removed from service and following restoration for each time period. This 8 hour notification in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii)."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, and State and local governments.
* * * UPDATE FROM CHRISTOPHER TRENT TO JOE O'HARA AT 1900 EST ON 12/7/11 * * *
The TSC is functional at this time.
The NRC Resident Inspector will be notified.
* * * UPDATE FROM BILL BURROWS TO CHARLES TEAL AT 0313 EST ON 12/14/11 * * *
The TSC has been removed from operation to continue planned maintenance.
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified R2DO (Bartley).
* * * UPDATE FROM ROBERT STRUSINSKI TO JOHN KNOKE AT 0330 EST ON 12/15/11 * * *
The TSC is functional at this time.
The NRC Resident Inspector will be notified. Notified R2DO (Scott Freeman) via email.
* * * UPDATE FROM SEAN BLOOM TO BILL HUFFMAN AT 0306 EST ON 12/20/11 * * *
The TSC will be removed from operation to continue planned maintenance at 0330 EST today.
The NRC Resident Inspector will be notified. Notified R2DO (Freeman).
* * * UPDATE FROM SEAN BLOOM TO VINCE KLCO AT 0335 EST ON 12/21/11 * * *
The TSC has been returned to service at 0130 EST on 12/21/11.
The NRC Resident Inspector will be notified. Notified the R2DO (McCoy). |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47526 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: SHERWIN ALUMINA LP
Region: 4
City: CORPUS CRISTI State: TX
County:
License #: 00200
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD
HQ OPS Officer: CHARLES TEAL | Notification Date: 12/15/2011
Notification Time: 11:39 [ET]
Event Date: 12/14/2011
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/15/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
VINCENT GADDY (R4DO)
MICHELE BURGESS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK SHUTTER ON FIXED PROCESS GAUGE
The following was received from the State of Texas via email:
"On December 14, 2011, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] received a report from a licensee that a shutter had failed on one of its Kay-Ray Model KR7062P fixed density gauges, which contains a 100 millicurie Cesium (Cs)-137 source. The shutter failed in the open position, which is its normal operating position. There is no increased exposure risk. The licensee is placing an information tag advising of the malfunction on the gauge until it can be replaced by a service company. Additional information will be provided as it is obtained."
Texas Case #: I-8910 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47527 | Rep Org: MA RADIATION CONTROL PROGRAM
Licensee: MASACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Region: 1
City: CAMBRIDGE State: MA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ANTHONY CARPENTINO
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER | Notification Date: 12/15/2011
Notification Time: 11:43 [ET]
Event Date: 12/14/2011
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/15/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
HAROLD GRAY (R1DO)
KEVIN O'SULLIVAN (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - POSSIBLE EXTREMITY DOSE EXCEEDING ANNUAL LIMIT
"On 12/14/11, the licensee reported to Agency [Ma. Radiation Control Program] a potential dose exceeding the adult occupational shallow dose equivalent limit of 50 Rem to the extremities. Situation involved a researcher handling microcurie quantities of phosphorus-32. Licensee's initial estimate of worker extremity exposure is in the range of 47-59 rem during the previous six months. Worker monitored with a whole body dosimeter but not with an extremity dosimeter. Licensee investigation of researcher's experimental procedures and handling techniques, after researcher observed left index finger skin discoloration, led to the conclusion of potential dose exceeding annual regulatory limit. Individual restricted from further radioactive material handling. Experimental procedure changes implemented by licensee.
"An investigation is ongoing."
MA Event: 12-9924 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47528 | Rep Org: MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Region: 3
City: MINNEAPOLIS State: MN
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: LYNN DUNBAR
HQ OPS Officer: CHARLES TEAL | Notification Date: 12/15/2011
Notification Time: 17:43 [ET]
Event Date: 12/15/2011
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/15/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
HIRONORI PETERSON (R3DO)
KEVIN O'SULLIVAN (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - POSSIBLE MEDICAL EVENT
The following was received from the State of Minnesota via email:
"Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) was initially notified on December 14, 2011, by a representative from the University of Minnesota about a possible HDR [High Dose Rate] medical event. As of December 15, 2011 MDH was notified of the determination of a medical event that resulted in a 50% overexposure to an unintended area."
MDH #: 1049-206-27
A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient. |
| Part 21 | Event Number: 47537 | Rep Org: USEC
Licensee: WESTERMAN COMPANIES
Region: 1
City: BETHESDA State: MD
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket: 70-7001
NRC Notified By: STEVEN PENROD
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 12/20/2011
Notification Time: 14:22 [ET]
Event Date: 12/20/2011
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/20/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21 - UNSPECIFIED PARAGRAPH
| Person (Organization):
GERALD MCCOY (R2DO)
LARRY CAMPBELL (NMSS)
PART 21 GRP by email ()
| Event Text PART 21 - UF6 ACCUMULATOR TANK HAD THROUGH WALL CRACKS THAT CAUSED LEAKAGE
The following information was received via facsimile:
"On October 26, 2011, the discovery of two (2) defects (cracks) was identified on the north head of the Building C-310A side accumulator vessel. The accumulator is a tank used to provide a storage volume for liquid Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) during the product withdrawal process, and it can hold up to 20,000 pounds of UF6 liquid. The defects in the 48" UF6 side accumulator allowed a small release of material which produced a process gas leak detection alarm on October 21, 2011
"Investigation to determine the cause of the cracks has revealed that the base metal contained stress defects which allowed multiple cracks to form with some of the cracks penetrating through the outer wall causing the vessel to leak. These cracks were a result of fabrication deficiencies and not the use of the vessel. There are nine (9) similar basic components used in Buildings C-310 and C-315. However, the other nine (9) vessels were not manufactured by Westerman Companies, the firm which designed and fabricated the defective vessel.
"The C-310A side accumulator has been repaired by cutting out the area of the defect extending into the unaffected areas of the base metal in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1. USEC held a meeting with a representative of Westerman Companies on November 22. 2011, to discuss the defect." |
| Fuel Cycle Facility | Event Number: 47538 | Facility: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
RX Type: URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE PRODUCTION
Comments: UF6 CONVERSION (DRY PROCESS)
Region: 2
City: METROPOLIS State: IL
County: MASSAC
License #: SUB-526
Agreement: Y
Docket: 04003392
NRC Notified By: ROBERT STOKES
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 12/20/2011
Notification Time: 15:01 [ET]
Event Date: 12/20/2011
Event Time: 14:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/20/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
40.60(b)(3) - MED TREAT INVOLVING CONTAM
| Person (Organization):
GERALD MCCOY (R2DO)
LARRY CAMPBELL (NMSS)
| Event Text UNPLANNED CONTAMINATION DUE TO MEDICAL TRANSPORT OFFSITE
"An employee was complaining of chest pains this morning about 0830 CST. The plant nurse evaluated the employee and concurred with a decision to transport the employee to a regional hospital. The employee was transferred to a regional hospital while wearing his plant clothing. Contamination was present on the employees clothing. There was 2,250 dpm on a small area on the back pocket. The coveralls were collected and placed in a plastic bag at the hospital. The gurney, ambulance, and hospital facility was surveyed and no contamination was detected.
"The employee's plant clothing was returned to the plant for disposal."
Contamination was from uranium ore concentrates. |
| Part 21 | Event Number: 47539 | Rep Org: DRESSER CONSOLIDATED
Licensee: DRESSER CONSOLIDATED
Region: 4
City: ALEXANDRIA State: LA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BILL ALEXANDER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 12/20/2011
Notification Time: 14:26 [ET]
Event Date: 12/20/2011
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/20/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21 - UNSPECIFIED PARAGRAPH
| Person (Organization):
BOB HAGAR (R4DO)
PART21 GROUP ()
| Event Text PART 21 - CAPACITY FAILURE OF PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
The following information was received via facsimile:
"A potential issue exists involving Dresser's pressure relief device model 1982. The Part 21 investigation was initiated because of a nameplate capacity failure during National Board certification testing. The Dresser model 1982 pressure relief device is used for system overpressure protection. Dresser's engineering and quality assurance departments are currently working to identify the root cause of this capacity failure and to determine if the equipment is being used in safety related applications subject to 10 CFR Part 21. Should it be determined that the equipment at issue is being used in safety related applications, a notification will be provided in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 21." | |