Event Notification Report for September 25, 2017

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
09/22/2017 - 09/25/2017

** EVENT NUMBERS **


52745 52969 52970 52971 52972 52989

To top of page
Part 21 Event Number: 52745
Rep Org: TIOGA PIPE, INC.
Licensee: SUMMERILL TUBE CORP.
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: RUSSELL LION
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK
Notification Date: 05/11/2017
Notification Time: 09:40 [ET]
Event Date: 04/28/2017
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/22/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21(a)(2) - INTERIM EVAL OF DEVIATION
Person (Organization):
MIKE ERNSTES (R2DO)
PART 21/50.55 REACTO (EMAI)

Event Text

INTERIM REPORT CONCERNING SUPPLY OF STAINLESS STEEL TUBING

The following is a summary of a report received via fax:

"This [interim report is being provided] in accordance with 10 CFR Part 21.21 concerning the supply of 0.5 inch Stainless Steel Tubing to the Duke/Progress Energy Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station. Mackson Nuclear subcontracted Tioga Pipe to supply the tubing. Tioga Pipe in-turn subcontracted Summerill Tube; in which Summerill Tube procured the tubing commercially utilizing the provisions of ASME Section III, NCA 3855.5. However, Summerill failed to properly implement the requirements of NCA-3855.5(a)(2) in that a product analysis of each piece of unqualified source material was not performed.

"Tioga Pipe does not have the capabilities to conduct an evaluation of the defect to determine if a substantial safety hazard exists in the tubing supplied to Duke/Progress Energy. As such, Tioga cannot provide a timeframe as to an expected completion date, and is relying on the licensee, Duke/Progress Entergy, to make the final determination.

"If you have any questions, please feel free to contact William Kotcher at (713) 512-3569 or our Quality Director, Russell Lion, at (484) 546-5612."

* * * UPDATE AT 1400 EDT ON 09/22/17 FROM RUSSELL LION TO JEFF HERRERA * * *

The following is an excerpt from a report submitted via facsimile:

"Closure of Interim Report Notification Pursuant To 10 CFR Part 21.21, Regarding Supply Of 0.5 inch OD X 0.065 inch MW SA213 TP 316/316L Tubing.

"This letter is being provided to update the status of a recent interim report submitted by Tioga Pipe Co in accordance with 10 CFR 21.21. The interim report was provided on Tioga letter (TP-LTR-NRC-17-01) dated May 10, 2017 (NRC Log No. 2017-31-00, Accession No. ML17142A323). In a joint effort with Duke Energy, Brunswick Nuclear Plant, the evaluation of the condition identified in the interim report has been completed. The condition reported has been determined to be not reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 21. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Quality Director, Russell Lion, at (484) 546-5612 or myself at (713) 512-3569."

See EN 52734.

Notified R2DO(Musser) and Part 21 Reactors group (via email).

To top of page
Agreement State Event Number: 52969
Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: UNITED INSPECTION AND TESTING, INC.
Region: 4
City: MORENO VALLEY State: CA
County:
License #: 4788-33
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: L. ROBERT GREGER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 09/14/2017
Notification Time: 16:38 [ET]
Event Date: 09/13/2017
Event Time: 14:00 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/14/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
JEREMY GROOM (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED TROXLER GAUGE

The following information was received from the State of California via email:

"On September 14, 2017, [The RSO] of Southwest Calibration & Training notified the RHB Brea office that United Inspection & Testing, Inc., RML # 4788-33, had a Troxler, 3411B, serial #6644 radioactive gauge run over and damaged. On September 14, 2017, RHB Brea contacted [The RSO] of United Inspection & Testing, Inc. [The RSO of United Inspection & Testing, Inc.] informed our office that the radioactive gauge had been run over by a backhoe on the afternoon of September 13, 2017 at approximately 1400 [PDT], at the intersection of Banana Street and Daurin Street at a construction site in Fontana, CA. As a result of the accident the radioactive gauge had the handle broken off. The RSO was able to return the Cs-137 source to its shielded position, but it could not be locked in the shielded position due to the damage to the gauge. The authorized user of the gauge was also struck by the backhoe and died of his injuries. [The RSO of the United Inspection & Testing, Inc.] retrieved the gauge from the accident site and transported it to Southwest Calibration & Training to be inspected. [The RSO] of Southwest Calibration & Training reported that the Troxler radioactive gauge read 0.9 mR/hr at 1 foot. The gauge was extensively damaged and may not be repairable."

California 5010 Number: 091417

To top of page
Agreement State Event Number: 52970
Rep Org: UTAH DIVISION OF RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Region: 4
City: LEHI State: UT
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: SPENCER WICKHAM
HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE
Notification Date: 09/15/2017
Notification Time: 08:15 [ET]
Event Date: 09/14/2017
Event Time: 16:00 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 09/15/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
JEREMY GROOM (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)

This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - TWO LOST TRITIUM EXIT SIGNS

The following report was received by email:

"On September 14, 2017, the licensee discovered that two exit signs containing H-3 were missing. The licensee searched their facility and asked individuals about the location of the exit signs, but were unsuccessful in finding them. The licensee then notified the DWMRC [Department of Waste Management and Radiation Control] of the missing signs. The licensee will continue to investigate the incident and will submit a written report to the DWMRC.

"Manufacturer: Forever Light
Model: unknown
Serial #: 281280 and 281278
Acquired by the licensee in 2005 (activity 11.21 Ci)

"Utah Event Report ID No: UT170006"

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

To top of page
Agreement State Event Number: 52971
Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: UNKNOWN
Region: 3
City: CHICAGO HEIGHTS State: IL
County:
License #: GL
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: GARY FORSEE
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 09/15/2017
Notification Time: 15:17 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 13:53 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/15/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
KENNETH RIEMER (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)

This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - ORPHAN SOURCE DISCOVERY

The following information was received by the State of Illinois by email:

"IEMA [Illinois Emergency Management Agency] was notified at [1353 CDT] on 9/8/17 that a load of ferrous metal was being rejected from a scrap metal recycling facility (Omnisource in Indiana) back to Gaby Iron in Chicago Heights. The max exposure rate was reported at 20 microR/hour (4 microR/hour background). The load is being returned under DOT SP IN-IL-17-010.

"The suspect load was inspected Monday, September 11th. An Alnor dew pointer device with an intact 7 microCurie Ra-226 source was recovered. No removable contamination was identified. The device was impounded by IEMA and is pending return to an appropriate entity. No additional radiation sources were discovered and the remainder of the load was released without further restriction. Pending appropriate disposal or return to the manufacturer, this matter is being considered closed."

The device was an Alnor Instrument portable gauge; Model 7350; Serial Number 230667. The Amersham sealed source was a model RAM.X452; Ra-226; 7 microCurie activity.

NMED Report: IL177030

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

To top of page
Agreement State Event Number: 52972
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: AMERICAN PIPING INSPECTION
Region: 4
City: KILGORE State: TX
County:
License #: 06835
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 09/15/2017
Notification Time: 18:02 [ET]
Event Date: 09/15/2017
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/15/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
JEREMY GROOM (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
ILTAB (EMAI)

Event Text

TEXAS AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOSS OF CONTROL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

The following information was obtained from the state of Texas via email:

"On September 15, 2017, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that an event involving two radiography crews had occurred. The RSO stated two crews had completed work at field sites near Midland, Texas, and contacted the licensee and stated they were terminating their employment with the licensee and going to work for a new company. The radiographers were instructed to take the trucks and sources to the licensee's location in Midland, Texas, and turn in their equipment.

"When the radiographers failed to show up at the Midland office in what the RSO thought was a reasonable period of time, he contacted local law enforcement and reported the trucks and cameras as missing. Law enforcement pulled both trucks over about an hour out of Midland, Texas, and placed the radiographers in custody. The RSO stated law enforcement stayed with the trucks and exposure devices until members of the licensee's workforce could get to the location. The trucks and sources were returned to the Midland office. The RSO did not know the activities of the sources, but stated they were quantities of concern. The RSO stated he did not think the radiographers intended to steal the sources, but were going to return to Houston, Texas, using the licensee's vehicles.

"The RSO agreed to provide additional information on September 16, 2017."

Texas Incident # I-9510

To top of page
Power Reactor Event Number: 52989
Facility: PALO VERDE
Region: 4 State: AZ
Unit: [1] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: ROBERT CHU
HQ OPS Officer: STEVEN VITTO
Notification Date: 09/22/2017
Notification Time: 20:08 [ET]
Event Date: 09/22/2017
Event Time: 15:00 [MST]
Last Update Date: 09/22/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
GEOFFREY MILLER (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
2 N Y 100 Power Operation 100 Power Operation
3 N Y 100 Power Operation 100 Power Operation

Event Text

SEISMIC MONITORING COMPUTER OUT-OF-SERVICE

"The following event description is based on information currently available. If through subsequent reviews of this event additional information is identified that is pertinent to this event or alters the information being provided at this time a follow-up notification will be made via the ENS or under the reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.73.

"This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) for a major loss of emergency assessment capability at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVNGS). On September 21, 2017 at 0915 MST, the seismic monitoring (SM) computer was declared non-functional for the performance of a planned surveillance test. On September 21, 2017 at 1201 MST, the SM system computer became non-responsive during the performance of the test. Control room staff attempted to reboot the computer and were unsuccessful. Maintenance and troubleshooting efforts began thereafter to initiate repairs. As a compensatory measure, PVNGS procedures for seismic event evaluation provide alternative methods for event classification of a seismic event with the SM system out of service.

"The SM system functions to provide indication that the Operational Basis Earthquake (OBE) threshold has been exceeded following a seismic event and is used in the PVNGS Emergency Plan to perform classification of Initiating Condition 'Seismic event greater than OBE levels' and Emergency Action Level HU2.1.

"On September 22, 2017 at 1500 MST, maintenance personnel performing software repair efforts determined hardware replacement is required. The required component will not be available before 72 hours from the start of the event. Because the SM system is not expected to be restored within 72 hours, this condition is being reported as a planned event constituting a major loss of emergency assessment capability with viable compensatory measures in place.

"The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed of this condition."

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021