| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
01/27/2015 - 01/28/2015 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Agreement State | Event Number: 50701 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: TEXAS GAMMA RAY, LLC
Region: 4
City: PASADENA State: TX
County:
License #: L-05561
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH | Notification Date: 12/23/2014
Notification Time: 12:31 [ET]
Event Date: 12/23/2014
Event Time: 03:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
THOMAS FARNHOLTZ (R4DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
| Event Text TEXAS AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCE DISCONNECTED ON A RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA
The following information was obtained from the State of Texas via email:
"On December 23, 2014, the licensee notified the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] that one of its radiography crews, who was performing radiographic operations at one of its licensed sites in Houston, Texas, had experienced a source disconnect.
"After completing an exposure, the radiographers cranked the 79 curie cobalt-60 source back into the SPEC300 exposure device. However, as they started to walk toward the end of the guide tube, their survey meter and alarming rate meters indicated the source was still in the guide tube. They moved their boundaries back, secured the area, and called their supervisor. The licensee's radiation safety officer and two employees who are approved on the license for source retrieval responded to the site. They found that the source assembly (pigtail) cable had broken a couple of inches back from the source. The source was retrieved from the guide tube and placed back inside the exposure device. A survey confirmed the source was in the shielded position. The licensee is sending the exposure device and all associated equipment from this event to the manufacturer for evaluation. No member of the public received any exposure and there were no overexposures to any of the radiographers or source retrieval team.
"An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided in accordance with SA-300 as it is obtained."
Texas Incident No: I-9263
* * * UPDATE FROM ART TUCKER TO JOHN SHOEMAKER AT 1434 EST ON 1/27/15 * * *
The following report was received from the State of Texas via email:
"On January 27, 2015, the Agency received a copy of the manufacturer's inspection report for this device. The report stated the source pigtail had been repaired once before in January 2012. The repair involved placing a splice on the pigtail about 3.75 inches from the source to repair a section of severely frayed cable. The manufacturer's report states that this pigtail failure occurred immediately behind this connection. The report states that the connector did not fail, but the cable broke due to cable fray or abrasion. The report states the crimped sleeve on the connector created a section of the source assembly that cannot flex. This causes the cable adjacent to the connector to flex more than is typical in a normal (unrepaired) cable. This repeated local extreme flexures combined with a potential abrasion eventually resulted in the failure. The manufacturer's report also states the manufacturer inspected the inside of the camera's s-tube. This inspection found an area where the tube was slightly crushed causing a small flange area that could potentially cause the pigtail to become snagged or damaged. The report states the pigtail connector body and piston showed significant wear indicating the device was used extensively. The manufacturer stated all other spliced cobalt sources in service with a similar splice installed by them would be inspected. The manufacturer stated they believed there was only one additional camera in service with similar splice. The manufacturer's report states it is investigating a different design of splice used on the cable to prevent this problem in the future. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Notified R4DO (Campbell) and NMSS Events Notification via email. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 50741 | Rep Org: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: NON-LICENSEE
Region: 4
City: FAYETTEVILLE State: AR
County: WASHINGTON
License #: ARK-0064-0112
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ANGIE D. HILL
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 01/16/2015
Notification Time: 15:48 [ET]
Event Date: 01/15/2015
Event Time: 14:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
DAVID PROULX (R4DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SMALL QUANTITIES OF UO2 AND U-235 FOUND IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN
The following information was received from the Arkansas Department of Health via email:
"The University of Arkansas (U of A), Arkansas Radioactive Materials Licensee Number ARK-0064-01120, notified the Arkansas Department of Health, Radioactive Materials Program, via e-mail on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 1400 hours, of the following labeled items found in the public domain (private home): (1) UO2 (3% U-235) in a small glass vial with lid and (2) U-235 in a medium size glass jar with lid. The isotopes and weights of these items will be identified and/or confirmed once in State possession.
"The U of A's Radiation Safety Officer reported exposure readings of item (1), listed above, at '2 mR/hr' and stated item (2), listed above, 'did not produce any readable dose.' The Radiation Safety Officer also performed swipe tests and surveys for contamination.
"The State requested the U of A to take immediate possession, properly store and secure the items. The State will retrieve these items promptly, which will be properly secured and stored at the State's authorized storage location.
"It is unknown at this time if there has been any exposure(s) to the public. The State is awaiting a written report from the licensee and will continue to investigate this event. The State will update this event as more information becomes available."
Arkansas Department of Health event number: ARK-2015-001
* * * UPDATE FROM DAVID B. STEPHENS TO JEFF HERRERA AT 01/27/2015 AT 1144 EST * * *
The following was received from the State of Arkansas via email:
"On January 20, 2015, Health Physicists retrieved two samples recovered from a private residence in Fayetteville, Arkansas and returned them to secure storage at the Arkansas Department of Health. Analysis of these samples are as follows:
"ADH Inventory Item #38 [U-235 in jar] has a mass of 71.7 grams, in appearance resembling a piece of ore. Contact readings on the container with a survey meter gave readings at background. Gamma spectrum analysis indicated U-235 activity at 18.3 pCi/gram.
"ADH Inventory Item #37 [UO2 in vial] has a mass of 12.6 grams, in appearance a cylindrical black item approximately 1 centimeter in length and 1 centimeter in diameter. Contact readings on the container with a survey meter gave beta readings of 3 mR/hr. and gamma readings of 0.15 mR/hr. Gamma spectrum analysis indicated U-235 activity at 4.05 E+3 pCi/gram.
"Analysis of all swipes taken in the location where the items were found and of the containers themselves show no evidence of contamination. From interviews conducted with involved parties it appears that there was no radiation exposure to members of the public.
"The Arkansas Department of Health considers this event closed."
Notified the R4DO (Campbell) and NMSS Events Notification (Email). |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 50745 | Rep Org: LOUISIANA RADIATION PROTECTION DIV
Licensee: ACUREN INSPECTION, INC.
Region: 4
City: LA PORTE State: LA
County:
License #: LA-7072-L01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JOSEPH NOBLE
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 01/20/2015
Notification Time: 15:19 [ET]
Event Date: 01/16/2015
Event Time: 15:15 [CST]
Last Update Date: 01/20/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
VINCENT GADDY (R4DO)
TIM MCCARTIN (NMSS)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (EMAI)
TRISH MILLIGAN (EMAI)
PAMELA HENDERSON (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - POTENTIAL RADIOGRAPHER EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE
The following report was received from the State of Louisiana via email:
"Event Date and Time: 01/16/2015, around [1515 CST] a radiography crew was working at the ExxonMobil Refinery on Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA. The event was reported [about 1645 CST] on January 17, 2015, by a phone call from [an individual] who represented himself as the Corporate RSO. He stated he drove down on January 17, to evaluate and investigate this incident. He reported this incident appears to be a Human Error Potential Excessive Exposure.
"Event Location: ExxonMobil Refinery 4999 Scenic Highway. Baton Rouge, LA 70805. A temporary jobsite for Acuren Inspection.
"Event type: This is a potential excessive exposure involving a radiographer attempting to breakdown a radiography exposure setup. He attempted to disconnect the guide tube from the exposure device and the source was not locked in the shielded position. It was noticed that the locking device was red after the guide tube was handled to disconnect it from the exposure device.
"Notifications: LA DEQ [Department of Environmental Quality], Assessment, Radiation by direct phone call to our after hours answering system. The notification came in around [1645 CST] on January 17, 2015.
"Event Description: The radiography crew was making exposures on lower level equipment at the ExxonMobil Refinery. The crew was utilizing [about] 38 Ci of Ir-192. The crew attempted to breakdown/disconnect the equipment after the exposures. The guide tube would not disconnect. The 2nd hand of the crew manipulated the drive cable that returned the source into the shielded position. A quarter turn on the crank shielded the source.
"The radiographer and his equipment were checked. His pocket dosimeter was off scale, but he claims his Alarm Rate Alarm meter did not alarm. A second check of the Alarm Rate Meter revealed the unit did alarm, but it was a weak alarm.
"Estimated dose calculations were done for his whole body and extremities. His whole-body estimated dose was 3.3 Rads and his extremity dose was estimated at 206 Rads to his hands. These were calculated on a one minute exposure where a .5 minute is more realistic. The exposed radiographer was taken to Core Occupational Medicine for examination, x-rays and blood work. He is being monitored and examined every other day. At this time he has been asymptomatic for an excessive radiation exposure. The Licensee is conducting reenactments.
"This incident is not considered closed by the Department [LA DEQ]. The investigation findings will be updated when they become available.
"The equipment was all QSA equipment loaded with 38 Ci Ir-192. This appears to be an operator error exposure.
"The source is secure from removal and unnecessary exposure. This event is not closed and additional investigation and evaluation will continue. The source is in a safe shielded position and no threat to workers or the general public.
"Transport vehicle description : N/A This was at a temporary job site inside the ExxonMobil Refinery located in Baton Rouge, LA."
License Numbers: LA-7072-L01, AI 126755
Louisiana Event Number: LA1500002 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 50746 | Rep Org: NJ RAD PROT AND REL PREVENTION PGM
Licensee: THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
Region: 1
City: EWING State: NJ
County:
License #: 507375
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JAMES T MCCULLOUGH
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 01/20/2015
Notification Time: 15:44 [ET]
Event Date: 01/14/2015
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/20/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RAY MCKINLEY (R1DO)
NMSS EVENTS (EMAI)
ILTAB (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST GENERALLY LICENSED TRITIUM EXIT SIGNS
The following information was received by email:
"Event Description: A specific licensee reported the loss (potential theft) of two generally licensed tritium (H-3) exit signs. The signs had been removed from installation and are missing from the storage location. The licensee became aware of the missing material on 1/14/2015, however, it is possible the material was missing for approximately one month. The devices were last seen by licensee staff in mid-December 2014. Specific details about the device model and activity have not yet been provided, potentially up to 15 Ci H-3 per device. An NJDEP [New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection] inspector will visit the site to investigate the incident."
New Jersey Event: #C545467
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 |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 50759 | Facility: DRESDEN
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [ ] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] GE-1,[2] GE-3,[3] GE-3
NRC Notified By: DANIEL MILLER
HQ OPS Officer: DANIEL MILLS | Notification Date: 01/26/2015
Notification Time: 05:04 [ET]
Event Date: 01/26/2015
Event Time: 03:55 [CST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
ERIC DUNCAN (R3DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | | 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER OUT OF SERVICE FOR PLANNED PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
"At 0355 [CST] on Monday, January 26, 2015, the Dresden Nuclear Power Station (DNPS) Technical Support Center (TSC) emergency ventilation system was removed from service for planned preventative maintenance activities on the TSC air handling unit, air compressor units, and TSC air filtration unit. During the maintenance, the TSC Ventilation will be shut down. The TSC air filtration fan and dampers will be non-functional, rendering the TSC HVAC accident mode non-functional. This maintenance is scheduled to minimize out of service time. The planned TSC ventilation outage is scheduled to be completed within 38 hours. Contingency plans are in place so that if an emergency is declared requiring TSC activation during this period, the TSC will be staffed and activated using existing Emergency Planning (EP) procedures and checklists. If radiological or environmental conditions require TSC facility evacuation during ventilation system restoration; the Station Emergency Director will evacuate and relocate the TSC staff in accordance with station procedures.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * UPDATE FROM RYAN SEARS TO JOHN SHOEMAKER AT 2012 EST ON 1/27/15 * * *
"At 1740 CST on January 27th, 2015, Dresden TSC Ventilation was restored. The Dresden TSC Ventilation is functional at this time.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Notified the R3DO (Dickson). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 50767 | Facility: MILLSTONE
Region: 1 State: CT
Unit: [ ] [ ] [3]
RX Type: [1] GE-3,[2] CE,[3] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: WAYNE HARRELSON
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 01/27/2015
Notification Time: 00:24 [ET]
Event Date: 01/26/2015
Event Time: 16:50 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text TURBINE BUILDING STACK VENTILATION RADIATION PROCESS MONITORS REMOVED FROM SERVICE
Normal and High Range Ventilation Process Radiation Monitors (3HVR*RE10A/B) were removed from service due to low process flow affecting sample flow. The cause of the low process flow is unknown and under investigation at this time. Maintenance was performed yesterday, 1/26/15, including a successful calibration.
Action taken includes placing temporary sampling in service and estimating process flow. A priority one work package has been issued with repairs in progress.
The licensee informed the State of Connecticut, Waterford Township Police and the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 50769 | Facility: PILGRIM
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: GRANT FLYNN
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 01/27/2015
Notification Time: 06:41 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 04:02 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
MICHELE EVANS (NRR)
BERNARD STAPLETON (IRD)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | A/R | Y | 52 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Shutdown | Event Text AUTOMATIC REACTOR SCRAM ON TURBINE TRIP DUE TO LOSS OF OFFSITE POWER
"On Tuesday January 27, 2015 at 0402 hours, with the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) Reactor Mode Select Switch (RMSS) in Run and reactor power approximately 52% an automatic reactor scram signal was received due to the automatic trip of the main turbine that was initiated by the opening of the main generator breaker, ACB-104. The event occurred during winter storm 'Juno.' Prior to the event off-site transmission Line 355 was de-energized due [to] weather conditions and its associated PNPS switchyard breakers (ACB-105, a main generator breaker and ACB-102), were open. Per station procedures, reactor power was being lowered, a reactor protection system bus had been placed onto a back-up power supply, the Emergency Diesel Generators had been started and were powering the associated safety related 4 KV buses. The second off-site transmission Line 342 de-energized and the associated PNPS switchyard breakers (ACB-104 main generator breaker and ACB-103) opened. The Shutdown Transformer off-site power supply has remained available throughout this event. All control rods were verified to be fully inserted. Per plant design, Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) Group lI sampling systems, Group VI Reactor Water Clean-up (RWCU) system and Reactor Building Isolation System (RBIS) isolations occurred. Currently, the EDG's are powering the safety related 4KV buses, reactor water level is being maintained by the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system and reactor pressure is being maintained by High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system. The station is conducting a plant cool down at this time. All systems responded as designed with the exception of a non-safety-related diesel air compressor, K-117 that failed to start."
The licensee will notify the State and local governments and plans on issuing a press release. The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 50771 | Facility: PILGRIM
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: JOHN WHALLEY
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER | Notification Date: 01/27/2015
Notification Time: 16:56 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 09:48 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
REGION I IRC (EMAI)
|
| 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 LOSS OF HIGH PRESSURE COOLANT INJECTION
"On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at 0948 EST, with the Reactor Mode Select Switch (RMSS) in the Shutdown position and Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) at 0% core thermal power, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system was isolated by the main control room operating crew and declared INOPERABLE. HPCI had been in service for reactor pressure control following the automatic reactor scram experienced during winter storm 'Juno' reported in EN# 50769. It appears there was a malfunction of the HPCI turbine gland seal condenser blower or associated condensate pump. Reactor pressure control was transitioned to the safety relief valves and the reactor cooldown was continued. The plant is stable. The Emergency Diesel Generators are powering the safety related 4KV buses and reactor water level is being maintained by the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system. HPCI is required to be OPERABLE in accordance with Technical Specification 3.5.C.1. Since HPCI is a single train system, the INOPERABILITY is reportable in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The cause of the HPCI malfunction is not known at this time and troubleshooting continues.
"This event had no impact on the health and/or safety of the public.
"The USNRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
Shutdown cooling is in service. | |