| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
04/27/2016 - 04/28/2016 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Agreement State | Event Number: 49385 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: PARADIGM CONSULTANTS INC
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #: 04875
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER | Notification Date: 09/25/2013
Notification Time: 12:30 [ET]
Event Date: 09/20/2013
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
NEIL OKEEFE (R4DO)
FSME EVENT RESOURCES (EMAI)
DENNIS ALLSTON (ILTA)
MEXICO (FAX)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE
The following report was received from the State of Texas via email:
"On September 25, 2013, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by a licensee that one of its Humboldt Model 5001EZ moisture/density gauges was missing and presumed stolen from its facility. The gauge (SN: 3561) contains one 10 millicurie cesium-137 source and one 40 millicurie americium-241/beryllium source. The gauge could not be located on Friday, September 20, 2013, and the licensee began a search and investigation. On Monday, September 23, 2013, it made the determination that it was missing/presumed stolen. The gauge had been secured inside a locked storage area inside the facility with the licensee's other gauges. No other gauges were missing. The licensee notified local law enforcement and a gauge sales/service company in Houston. The Agency will notify the Texas Pawnbrokers Association. An investigation into this event is ongoing. Further information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300.
"[The] Houston Police Department [was notified by the licensee on 09/23/2013]."
Texas Report # I 9118
* * * UPDATE AT 1540 EDT ON 4/27/2016 FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *
The following report was received via e-mail:
"On April 26, 2016, the Agency was notified by the licensee they had recovered the gauge reported stolen on September 23, 2013. The licensee reported they were contacted by the Houston, Texas Police Department (HPD) and informed that HPD was in possession of their missing gauge. The HPD stated they had recovered the gauge from a vacant property and they had been storing it in their impound building for about one year while they searched for the owner. The licensee will leak test, calibrate, and inspect the gauge prior to returning it to service."
Notified the R4DO (Groom), ILTAB (Rockhill via e-mail), Mexico (via e-mail), and NMSS Events Resource (via e-mail).
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 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 51870 | Rep Org: ARIZONA RADIATION REGULATORY AGENCY
Licensee: DIGNITY HEALTH / ST JOSEPH'S MEDICAL CENTER
Region: 4
City: PHOENIX State: AZ
County:
License #: AZ 07-024
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BRIAN GORETZKI
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ | Notification Date: 04/19/2016
Notification Time: 17:48 [ET]
Event Date: 04/13/2016
Event Time: [MST]
Last Update Date: 04/19/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MEDICAL UNDERDOSE
The following report was received via e-mail:
"On April 15, 2016, at approximately 1930 [MST], the [Arizona Radiation Regulatory] Agency received notification from the licensee of a possible medical event involving Sir-Spheres (Yttrium-90) that occurred on April 13, 2016. The prescribed dose was 0.95 GBq and the administered dose was 0.74 GBq, which is 77.8 percent of the prescribed dose. The [Arizona Radiation Regulatory] Agency has requested additional information and continues to investigate the event.
"The U.S. NRC and Governor's office are being notified of this event."
First Notice: 16-005
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. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 51873 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: THERMO FISHER (THERMO FINNIGAN LLC)
Region: 4
City: AUSTIN State: TX
County:
License #: 01186
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: IRENE CASARES
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 04/20/2016
Notification Time: 15:44 [ET]
Event Date: 04/20/2016
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/20/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
CNSNS (MEXICO) (FAX)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - POLONIUM 210 SOURCE MISPLACED
The following report was received via email:
"On April 20, 2016 an employee Thermo Fisher (Thermo Finnigan LLC-Round Rock, Texas) reported that an anti-static nozzle containing polonium 210 had been misplaced at his facility. The activity of the source was 10 mCi (serial number A2JY896). The source was inside the spray nozzle control which screws onto the spray gun used for electronic cleaning. During the process of collecting the nozzles to return to manufacture it was found that one was missing. A company wide search is in progress to find the missing source. More information will be sent as obtained from the licensee."
Texas Incident #: I 9390
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: 51885 | Facility: WATTS BAR
Region: 2 State: TN
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: JOHN TUITE
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 04/27/2016
Notification Time: 00:01 [ET]
Event Date: 04/26/2016
Event Time: 22:13 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
FRANK EHRHARDT (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 | N | 0 | Hot Shutdown | 0 | Hot Shutdown | Event Text ALERT AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FEEDBACK SYSTEM INOPERABLE
"On April 26, 2016 at 2213 EDT, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant authorized notification of State agencies for the partial loss of the WBN Alert and Notification System (ANS) feedback system. The ANS feedback system provides monitoring capability of the off-site sirens surrounding the facility in the event of a plant Emergency. Without the feedback system in service, sirens may be activated remotely from State and local facilities but verification of successful activation is impaired. State agencies were notified to evaluate if other methods of alerting the public were warranted.
"No compensatory methods are required for this failure, as the ANS activation feedback systems remain fully functional at the State and local facilities.
"The cause for the loss of the ANS feedback system is under investigation.
"This is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).
"The NRC Senior Resident has been notified." |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 51886 | Facility: COOPER
Region: 4 State: NE
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: ARIC HARRIS
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER | Notification Date: 04/27/2016
Notification Time: 01:17 [ET]
Event Date: 04/26/2016
Event Time: 17:54 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
| Person (Organization):
JEREMY GROOM (R4DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text HIGH PRESSURE COOLANT INJECTION SYSTEM DECLARED INOPERABLE
"At 1736 [CDT] on 26 April 2016, a licensed operator performing a control room panel walkdown noted the green standby light for the HPCI [High Pressure Coolant Injection] Auxiliary Oil Pump (AOP) was not illuminated. The bulb was replaced and the replacement bulb did not illuminate. A non-licensed operator (NLO) was dispatched to the local 250VDC starter rack. The NLO discovered the green standby light on the 250VDC starter rack had failed. An attempt was made to start the AOP with the control switch. The pump did not start. The AOP is required to start in order to open the steam admission valves for the HPCI turbine.
"HPCI was declared inoperable at time 1754 [CDT] on 26 April 2016. Tech Spec LCO Conditions were entered and required actions completed.
"HPCI is a single train system. This report is submitted as a condition that at time of discovery could prevent the fulfillment of the safety function of an SSC [Structure, System, and Component] needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident.
"A similar condition was discovered on 25 April 2016 [see NRC Event #51882]. Corrective maintenance was performed and HPCI was declared operable following satisfactory completion of post work testing of the AOP.
"Initial investigation indicates that the fault which occurred on 26 April is not the same as that which occurred 25 April.
"Investigation is on going."
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 51887 | Facility: COOPER
Region: 4 State: NE
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: CURTIS MARTIN
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ | Notification Date: 04/27/2016
Notification Time: 12:25 [ET]
Event Date: 04/27/2016
Event Time: 08:23 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
JEREMY GROOM (R4DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text LOSS OF TONE ALERT RADIO SYSTEM TOWER
"At 0823 CDT on 4/27/2016, Cooper Nuclear Station was notified by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was not functioning. This affects the tone alert radios used to notify the public in the event of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the public prompt notification system capability and is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii).
"Nemaha, Richardson and Atchison county authorities within the 10 mile EPZ [Emergency Planning Zone] were notified of the condition and the effect on the tone alert radios and will utilize local route notification (backup notification method) making this condition reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) for notification of other government agencies.
"Estimated return to service time is unknown. The cause of the failure is a loss of communication with the tower.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this condition." |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 51889 | Facility: MILLSTONE
Region: 1 State: CT
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-3,[2] CE,[3] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL GAGNON
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 04/28/2016
Notification Time: 00:15 [ET]
Event Date: 04/27/2016
Event Time: 20:07 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/28/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(B) - POT RHR INOP
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
| Person (Organization):
JAMES DWYER (R1DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text HIGH ENERGY LINE BREAK DOOR DISCOVERED OPEN
"On April 27, 2016 at 20:07 [EDT], a high energy line break (HELB) door between the turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pump and the motor driven auxiliary feedwater pump rooms was discovered open and unattended. In the event of a HELB, this condition could have rendered both trains of auxiliary feedwater inoperable. The boundary was not operable for approximately 1 hour. Upon discovery, the door was closed restoring the boundary.
"This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v) as any event or condition that alone could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to: (B) Remove residual heat; and (D) Mitigate the consequences of an accident.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
The Licensee notified the Connecticut DEEP and Waterford Dispatch. | |