Event Notification Report for February 19, 2013
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
02/18/2013 - 02/19/2013
Agreement State
Event Number: 48773
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: FORMOSA PLASTICS CORPORATION
Region: 4
City: POINT COMFORT State: TX
County:
License #: TX - 03893
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Licensee: FORMOSA PLASTICS CORPORATION
Region: 4
City: POINT COMFORT State: TX
County:
License #: TX - 03893
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 02/20/2013
Notification Time: 16:07 [ET]
Event Date: 02/19/2013
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/20/2013
Notification Time: 16:07 [ET]
Event Date: 02/19/2013
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/20/2013
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
GEOFFREY MILLER (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (E-MA)
GEOFFREY MILLER (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (E-MA)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCES STUCK IN PROCESS GAUGES
The following report was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Radiation Branch, via e-mail:
"On February 20, 2013, the Agency was notified by the licensee that on February 19, 2013, during routine maintenance checks the sources on two nuclear gauges were found stuck inside the dip tubes. Both gauges are Berthold model 21357 gauges each containing a 500 millicurie (original activity) cesium - 137 source. In this type gauge, the source is moved from the source housing inside a tube to the desired location. The sources are stuck in the normal operating position and do not pose an exposure risk to any individual. The licensee has contacted the manufacturer for repairs.
"[The Texas Radiation Branch classifies this report as a] 30.50(b)(2) event type involving equipment failure or disability to function as designed when equipment is required to be available and operable and no redundant equipment is available and operable, includes source disconnection and failure to retract source.
"Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA - 300."
Texas Report I-9043
The following report was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Radiation Branch, via e-mail:
"On February 20, 2013, the Agency was notified by the licensee that on February 19, 2013, during routine maintenance checks the sources on two nuclear gauges were found stuck inside the dip tubes. Both gauges are Berthold model 21357 gauges each containing a 500 millicurie (original activity) cesium - 137 source. In this type gauge, the source is moved from the source housing inside a tube to the desired location. The sources are stuck in the normal operating position and do not pose an exposure risk to any individual. The licensee has contacted the manufacturer for repairs.
"[The Texas Radiation Branch classifies this report as a] 30.50(b)(2) event type involving equipment failure or disability to function as designed when equipment is required to be available and operable and no redundant equipment is available and operable, includes source disconnection and failure to retract source.
"Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA - 300."
Texas Report I-9043
Power Reactor
Event Number: 48769
Facility: PERRY
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: THOMAS MORSE
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: THOMAS MORSE
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 02/19/2013
Notification Time: 16:39 [ET]
Event Date: 02/19/2013
Event Time: 13:03 [EST]
Last Update Date: 03/21/2013
Notification Time: 16:39 [ET]
Event Date: 02/19/2013
Event Time: 13:03 [EST]
Last Update Date: 03/21/2013
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION 50.72(b)(3)(xii) - OFFSITE MEDICAL
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION 50.72(b)(3)(xii) - OFFSITE MEDICAL
Person (Organization):
KENNETH RIEMER (R3DO)
KENNETH RIEMER (R3DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 96 | Power Operation | 96 | Power Operation |
TRANSPORT OF POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED WORKER AND SUBSEQUENT FATALITY
"On February 19, 2013, at approximately 1303 EST, the control room was notified that a supplemental worker (i.e., a contract individual) had fallen and was injured. The worker was in a contaminated area.
"Due to the individual's condition, the individual was not surveyed by a Health Physics technician prior to being transported in their anti-contamination clothing. The individual was transported by ambulance accompanied by Health Physics personnel to the local hospital for medical treatment (i.e., TriPoint Medical Center). Subsequently, the worker was declared deceased at the hospital.
"This notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xii) and 50.72(b)(2)(xi). Additionally, OSHA was notified pursuant to the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.39. The Lake County Coroner was also notified.
"Subsequent surveys found no contamination on the worker, hospital, medical personnel, or ambulance.
"No press release is planned. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * UPDATE ON 3/21/13 AT 2032 EDT FROM LLOYD ZERR TO PETE SNYDER * * *
"The Lake County Coroner has determined that the individual died of natural causes."
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
Notified R3DO (Passehl).
"On February 19, 2013, at approximately 1303 EST, the control room was notified that a supplemental worker (i.e., a contract individual) had fallen and was injured. The worker was in a contaminated area.
"Due to the individual's condition, the individual was not surveyed by a Health Physics technician prior to being transported in their anti-contamination clothing. The individual was transported by ambulance accompanied by Health Physics personnel to the local hospital for medical treatment (i.e., TriPoint Medical Center). Subsequently, the worker was declared deceased at the hospital.
"This notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xii) and 50.72(b)(2)(xi). Additionally, OSHA was notified pursuant to the requirements of 29 CFR 1904.39. The Lake County Coroner was also notified.
"Subsequent surveys found no contamination on the worker, hospital, medical personnel, or ambulance.
"No press release is planned. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * UPDATE ON 3/21/13 AT 2032 EDT FROM LLOYD ZERR TO PETE SNYDER * * *
"The Lake County Coroner has determined that the individual died of natural causes."
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
Notified R3DO (Passehl).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 48770
Facility: OCONEE
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [1] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] B&W-L-LP,[2] B&W-L-LP,[3] B&W-L-LP
NRC Notified By: BOB MEIXELL
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [1] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] B&W-L-LP,[2] B&W-L-LP,[3] B&W-L-LP
NRC Notified By: BOB MEIXELL
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 02/19/2013
Notification Time: 17:45 [ET]
Event Date: 02/19/2013
Event Time: 10:54 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/20/2013
Notification Time: 17:45 [ET]
Event Date: 02/19/2013
Event Time: 10:54 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/20/2013
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
GERALD MCCOY (R2DO)
GERALD MCCOY (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 |
| 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
OCONEE ALERT AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM SIRENS OUT OF SERVICE
"Event: At 1400 EST on 2/19/2013, Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) Emergency Preparedness (EP) was notified that the 65 Oconee Alert and Notification System sirens (65 is the total number of sirens within the ONS 10 mile Emergency Planning Zone) were found to be non-functional at 1054 EST during weekly testing on 2/19/2013. Oconee and Pickens County Emergency Management have been notified and will conduct 'Route Alerting' should ONS experience an emergency event that would normally require siren activation for notifying the public. Route Alerting, a method of backup alerting, is an approved FEMA process and is documented in the Emergency-Plan of both counties.
"Initial Safety Significance: None. A pre-planned alternate process for notifying the public was put in place immediately and will remain in place until siren repair and testing are completed.
"Corrective Action(s): An investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the siren system failure. Appropriate repairs will be made and testing conducted once the cause is determined. ONS will notify the NRC when the sirens are returned to service.
"The ONS NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this issue."
The licensee has also notified state authorities and the appropriate county authorities as indicated in the event description.
* * * UPDATE AT 1522 EST ON 2/20/12 FROM MEIXELL TO HUFFMAN * * *
"The ONS Siren control systems were recovered and the ONS Alert and Notification System was retested and fully returned to service as of 1040 EST on 2/20/2013. Oconee and Pickens County Emergency Management Division (EMD), South Carolina EMD, and the ONS NRC Senior Resident Inspector were notified of the return of the systems to service. The systems were restored after correcting issues associated with the computer system for the sirens. An investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the event."
R2DO (McCoy) notified.
"Event: At 1400 EST on 2/19/2013, Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) Emergency Preparedness (EP) was notified that the 65 Oconee Alert and Notification System sirens (65 is the total number of sirens within the ONS 10 mile Emergency Planning Zone) were found to be non-functional at 1054 EST during weekly testing on 2/19/2013. Oconee and Pickens County Emergency Management have been notified and will conduct 'Route Alerting' should ONS experience an emergency event that would normally require siren activation for notifying the public. Route Alerting, a method of backup alerting, is an approved FEMA process and is documented in the Emergency-Plan of both counties.
"Initial Safety Significance: None. A pre-planned alternate process for notifying the public was put in place immediately and will remain in place until siren repair and testing are completed.
"Corrective Action(s): An investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the siren system failure. Appropriate repairs will be made and testing conducted once the cause is determined. ONS will notify the NRC when the sirens are returned to service.
"The ONS NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this issue."
The licensee has also notified state authorities and the appropriate county authorities as indicated in the event description.
* * * UPDATE AT 1522 EST ON 2/20/12 FROM MEIXELL TO HUFFMAN * * *
"The ONS Siren control systems were recovered and the ONS Alert and Notification System was retested and fully returned to service as of 1040 EST on 2/20/2013. Oconee and Pickens County Emergency Management Division (EMD), South Carolina EMD, and the ONS NRC Senior Resident Inspector were notified of the return of the systems to service. The systems were restored after correcting issues associated with the computer system for the sirens. An investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the event."
R2DO (McCoy) notified.