| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
08/15/2012 - 08/16/2012 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Agreement State | Event Number: 48165 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: WESTLAKE LONGVIEW NOTIFICATION
Region: 4
City: LONGVIEW State: TX
County:
License #: 06294
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 11:30 [ET]
Event Date: 08/07/2012
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENT RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FIXED GAUGE SHUTTER STUCK OPEN
Texas provided the following information via email:
"On August 7, 2012, the licensee notified the Agency that on August 6, 2012, the shutter on a Ronan Model SA-1 fixed nuclear gauge, containing 100 millicuries of cesium-137, at its facility in Longview, Texas, was found to be stuck in the open position. During routine inspection and operation checks in March 2012, the licensee observed that the shutter was difficult to operate. The licensee's maintenance staff had made several unsuccessful attempts to fix the problem. On August 6th, the maintenance staff was going to make another attempt but the shutter was completed stuck and could not be freed. The shutter on this gauge is in the open position during normal operation so there was no increased risk to any individual and there have been no exposures. The licensee has contacted the manufacturer to schedule repairs, has notified employees of the gauge's status, and has implemented administrative controls to restrict access until repairs are completed. More information will be provided as it is obtained, per SA-300.
"Source/Source Holder information:
"Model: Ronan SA-1
"Cesium-137 -- 100 millicuries
"Serial #: JJ590"
Texas Incident #: I-8973 |
| !!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!! | | Agreement State | Event Number: 48166 | Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Region: 3
City: CHICAGO State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01693-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 13:31 [ET]
Event Date: 08/07/2012
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/08/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING SOURCE
"The licensee's RSO at the University of Chicago called to advise that while performing a routine inventory of sealed sources, one radioactive source was determined to be missing . A radioactive strontium source which was believed to have been constructed at the University in 1972 was examined more closely than in the past and no radiation readings were detected from it. The source had been made at the University in 1974 to contain 0.828 milliCi of Sr-90. The source was not officially added to the sealed source inventory and leak test records until the mid '90s. For the past 12 years (and perhaps longer) the source had been in storage and unused while use of a similar commercially constructed source was favored. On this occasion the source was removed from the locked storage safe and from the presence of the other stored sources and direct readings from the 3 inch bolt showed no elevated radiation levels.
"No ready explanation as to why the radioactivity which had been embedded into the bored centerline of the bolt was not present was available. The item had been transferred to a new researcher in 2000 when the original researcher had retired and had not been used since. A comprehensive review of records suggests that a similar source and quantity was disposed in the 80's however direct correspondence to provide strong assurance that the disposed material and the missing quantity were a match was not possible. Interviews were conducted with the current responsible investigator, past students and colleagues of the original user. Those interviews were inconclusive on the fate of the radioactive material. No other items or sealed sources have been identified as missing from the secure storage location or the researcher's inventory.
"Without additional information to verify the source's whereabouts, the licensee has declared the source as missing with little chance of recovery. The licensee advised that a written report will be filed in advance of the 30 day deadline. The current activity of Sr-90 involved would be 317 microCi."
Illinois Item Number: IL12013
* * * RETRACTION ON 8/8/12 AT 1518 EDT FROM DAREN PERRERO TO DONG PARK * * *
"The licensee's Radiation Safety Officer called the Agency [State of Illinois] on the morning of August 8, 2012 with additional information concerning the August 7, 2012, reported missing Sr-90 source. Based on continued reviews of purchase records, inventories and direct radiation measurements from sources present at the laboratory location, the missing source of Sr-90 has been identified as being in their possession but as a different and mislabeled source. Discrepancies noted between purchase records, inventory records and leak test records caused radiation safety staff to look closer at the existing results of the physical inventories they had performed in an attempt to locate the missing source. After conducting reference radiation measurements from a known quantity source of Sr-90 and then taking measurements from the remaining Sr-90 sources on the inventory, a source holder incorrectly identified as containing a larger activity Sr-90 source was confirmed as being the missing source. The licensee's 30 day report will detail the cause of the event, corrective action taken as well as actions taken to prevent future occurrences."
Notified R3DO (Lipa) and FSME Events Resource via email.
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
This source is not amongst those sources or devices identified by the IAEA Code of Conduct for the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources to be of concern from a radiological standpoint. Therefore is it being categorized as a less than Category 3 source |
| Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 48167 | Rep Org: TEAM INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC.
Licensee: TEAM INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC.
Region: 3
City: DETROIT State: MI
County:
License #: 42-32219-01
Agreement: N
Docket: 03035252
NRC Notified By: DAVID TEBO
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 14:24 [ET]
Event Date: 08/06/2012
Event Time: 15:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3DO)
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE ()
| Event Text RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA SOURCE FAILED TO RETRACT DUE TO DAMAGED GUIDE TUBE
A radiography crew working at the Marathon Refinery in Detroit, MI experienced a failure of the source to retract on their QSA-880-D radiography camera due to the source binding in the guide tube. While the source was out, the radiography camera fell approximately 18 inches from the scaffolding and landed on the guide tube end. The personnel cordoned off the area and called for assistance. The site supervisor was able to fully retract the source into the shielded position. The radiography camera was removed from service and is being sent to the manufacturer for evaluation. Based on dosimetry readings, exposure levels were not above normal readings. The highest badge reading resulted in 54 mrem. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 48168 | Rep Org: LOUISIANA RADIATION PROTECTION DIV
Licensee: GEORGIA PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Region: 4
City: ZACHARY State: LA
County:
License #: LA-2162-L01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JAMES PATE
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 13:34 [ET]
Event Date: 07/25/2012
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENT RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK SHUTTER ON FIXED PROCESS GAUGE
Louisiana provided the following information via fax:
"Georgia-Pacific (GP), AI#2617, had a shutter that failed open on a Ronan Engineering, Model SA-1-F37, Cs-137 2 Ci. The fixed gauge was located at the GP Consumer Operations LLC's GP Port Hudson facility and reported as not functioning properly. The device is used in production to measure chip level within the Esco Digester. This production unit was currently down for annual maintenance. The handle turned but subsequent surveys could not verify that the shutter was completely closed. As a precaution, GP did not allow any personnel to work in the affected area. [A person] with BP Sales evaluated the device and cycled the shutter to an open position so that the receiver got a positive reading. Therefore, the gauge appears to be functioning properly so that the Esco Digester can restart. The fixed gauge passed previous shutter tests on October 2011 and April 2012. GP plans to replace the gauge within the next 90 days. The gauge is 500 feet above ground and no employees work daily around the gauge."
NMED Item Number: LA120002 |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 48189 | Facility: POINT BEACH
Region: 3 State: WI
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-2-LP,[2] W-2-LP
NRC Notified By: MARY SIPIORSKI
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 08/15/2012
Notification Time: 00:02 [ET]
Event Date: 08/14/2012
Event Time: 20:31 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/15/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
| Person (Organization):
JOHN GIESSNER (R3DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | M/R | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby | Event Text UNIT 1 MANUALLY TRIPPED IN ANTICIPATION OF AN AUTOMATIC TURBINE TRIP
"Unit 1 Manual Reactor Trip was initiated in anticipation of an auto turbine trip due to operators noticing the turbine governor valves closing in response to an Electro-Hydraulic Control System signal. All Control Rods are fully inserted. The RCS is being cooled by forced flow (reactor coolant pumps). Secondary heat sink is being provided by the condenser steam dumps utilizing the main feedwater system. The auxiliary feedwater system actuated based on low steam generator level, but has since been secured. There were no unexpected (inconsistent with nature of trip) pressure or level transients. Offsite power remains available. No release occurred nor is ongoing. Emergency Core Cooling did not actuate. No unexpected isolations occurred. Emergency Plan entry was not required."
The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 48190 | Facility: MONTICELLO
Region: 3 State: MN
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: KIRK DUEA
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 08/15/2012
Notification Time: 04:37 [ET]
Event Date: 08/14/2012
Event Time: 20:45 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/15/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) - POT UNCNTRL RAD REL
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
| Person (Organization):
JOHN GIESSNER (R3DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | N | 0 | Hot Shutdown | 0 | Hot Shutdown | Event Text SAFETY SYSTEM OVERPRESSURE PROTECTION FAILURE DUE TO CLOSED VALVES
"At 2045 [CDT] on 8/14/12, MNGP [Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant] Operations determined that valves RHR-82 and RHR-84 had been inappropriately closed as part of an isolation clearance order for work on shutdown cooling suction piping. These valves are required to be open to provide overpressure protection for RHR piping passing through primary containment penetration X-12. Upon discovery of the condition, Primary Containment was declared Inoperable and the Required Actions of Tech Spec 3.6.1.1 were entered. Following discovery, the isolation was restored and the valves opened. At 0001 [CDT] on 8/15/12, Primary Containment was declared Operable.
"This issue is being reported in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety functions of a system needed to control the release of radioactive material or to mitigate the consequences of an accident.
"The MNGP Senior NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this issue."
The licensee will contact the Minnesota State Duty Officer. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 48192 | Facility: WATERFORD
Region: 4 State: LA
Unit: [3] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [3] CE
NRC Notified By: JOE WILLIAMS
HQ OPS Officer: CHARLES TEAL | Notification Date: 08/15/2012
Notification Time: 10:51 [ET]
Event Date: 08/14/2012
Event Time: 11:26 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/15/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
| Person (Organization):
BOB HAGAR (R4DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 3 | N | Y | 96 | Power Operation | 96 | Power Operation | Event Text CONFIRMED POSITIVE FITNESS FOR DUTY TEST
A licensed employee supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness for duty test. The employee's unescorted access to the plant has been terminated. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 48194 | Facility: SURRY
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: ALAN BIALOWAS
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 08/15/2012
Notification Time: 16:21 [ET]
Event Date: 08/15/2012
Event Time: 15:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/15/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
| Person (Organization):
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | | 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO TRITIUM IN DEGRADED DRAIN LINE
"At 1000 hours [EDT] on 8/14/12, Surry Power Station personnel confirmed the presence of tritium at a level of 1,250 picoCuries/liter (pCi/l) in the #3 Turbine Building sump. The sump water had been tested upon discovery of a degraded drain line on the sump discharge that resulted in a leak to the environment. The exact volume could not be determined, but it is estimated to be greater than the 100 gallon reporting criteria. The location of the leak is within the Protected Area of Surry Power Station. To prevent additional releases, water from the #3 Turbine Building sump has been redirected to another turbine building sump. There is no Indication that this water has migrated offsite. Because there was a detectable amount of licensed material in the water, Surry has implemented our voluntary communication protocols to the state and Surry County as per our commitment to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Ground Water Protection Initiative.
"An adjacent ground water monitoring well was sampled, and no tritium activity was detected in the well water. There has been no tritium detected in any monitoring wells in the vicinity of the drain line, nor in any monitoring wells outside the Protected Area.
"The activity of the leak was approximately 6% of the criteria for reporting actual ground water activity (20,000 pCi/l). Because the leak remained on site, no offsite impact to ground water is expected. Furthermore, the leak posed no threat to employees or the public.
"The degraded drain pipe is currently being repaired.
"This notification Is being transmitted due to Notification of Other Government Agencies under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi). The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Health, and Virginia Department of Emergency Management were notified. The NRC Senior Resident [Inspector] and Surry County Administrator will be notified." | |