| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
09/02/2003 - 09/03/2003 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Power Reactor | Event Number: 40110 | Facility: GRAND GULF
Region: 4 State: MS
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: MIKE BEARD
HQ OPS Officer: BILL GOTT | Notification Date: 08/28/2003
Notification Time: 11:27 [EST]
Event Date: 08/28/2003
Event Time: 07:50 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL RUNYAN (R4)
|
| 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 POWER TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS FACILITY
"The Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) for Grand Gulf was lost when power was removed from the facility and the EOF diesel generator failed to start. Power had to be removed due to the loss of one phase of the local power supply. Actual plant operations are not affected. The power phase problem and failure of the EOF diesel generator to start are being investigated at this time. The Backup EOF is available if needed."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATED ON 09/02/03 AT 1841 EDT FROM CARL EHRHARDT TO NATHAN SANFILIPPO * * *
As of 09/02/03, power to the Grand Gulf Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) has been restored.
The NRC Resident Inspector will be notified. Notified R4DO Charles Marschall. |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 40112 | Rep Org: ARIZONA RADIATION REGULATORY AGENCY
Licensee: LONGVIEW INSPECTIONS, INC.
Region: 4
City: TEMPE State: AZ
County:
License #: 07-506
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: WILLIAM WRIGHT
HQ OPS Officer: NATHAN SANFILIPPO | Notification Date: 08/28/2003
Notification Time: 13:29 [EST]
Event Date: 08/25/2003
Event Time: 17:30 [MST]
Last Update Date: 08/28/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL RUNYAN (R4)
ROBERTO TORRES (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - IRIDIUM-192 SOURCE UNINTENTIONALLY DISCONNECTED FROM DRIVE CABLE
The following report was received via fax from the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency:
"On August 25, 2003, at approximately 5:30 PM, while making an exposure at valve #14 (Iverton Rd. and Contractors Way in Tucson, Arizona) the source assembly unintentionally disconnected from the drive cable in the end of the six foot collimating guide tube. The exposure device being used was an INC - IR100, SN-4015, containing a 61 Curie IR-192 source, Model #87703, capsule #08809B. A 35 foot set of NDT [Non Destructive Testing] drive cables and a NDT guide tube were being used. The source was removed from the guide tube and collimator, reattached to the drive cable and cranked back into the exposure device, plugged, locked, and the drive cables removed. Pocket dosimeters indicated that whole body exposures were approximately 30 mR [millirem] and a hand exposure to the individual recovering the source was calculated to be 200 mR. The exposure device and drive cables are being sent back to AEA in Baton Rouge, LA to determine the cause of the disconnect." |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 40116 | Rep Org: KENTUCKY DEPT OF RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: MOUNTAIN ENTERPRISES
Region: 2
City: LEXINGTON State: KY
County:
License #: 201-447-51
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: RICK HORKY
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 08/29/2003
Notification Time: 14:00 [EST]
Event Date: 08/27/2003
Event Time: 09:15 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/29/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
CAROLYN EVANS (R2)
FRED BROWN (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT INVOLVING A STOLEN/RECOVERED TROXLER GAUGE
"At approximately 9:15 A.M. [on 08/27/03], [ ] the Area Manager of Ashland, KY called and advised [ ], RSO, that [ ] had his truck stolen with a Troxler 3440 gauge (s/n 14782) in it. He also indicated that the Ashland Police Department had been notified along with all other local police departments. Mountain Enterprises offered a $1000 reward for the return of the gauge, and also provided two employees to assist in the search for the gauge. At 1:30 P.M. the Ashland Police Department called and said that they found the truck in a yard at 2513 Newman St. The gauge was still locked in the bed of the truck and the case was still locked with the source locked in place. A survey was performed that showed the source to still be inside. The police said that another vehicle was stolen a block away so the indication is that the truck and gauge were stolen for the transportation and not for the gauge. The gauge will no longer be stored overnight anywhere but at the plant."
KY Item Number: KY030003. This event is closed by the State. |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 40120 | Rep Org: WA DIVISION OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: CORNERSTONE GEOTECHNICAL INC.
Region: 4
City: WOODINVILLE State: WA
County:
License #: WN-I0529-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ARDEN SCROGGS
HQ OPS Officer: NATHAN SANFILIPPO | Notification Date: 08/29/2003
Notification Time: 17:52 [EST]
Event Date: 08/27/2003
Event Time: [PDT]
Last Update Date: 08/29/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL RUNYAN (R4)
MELVYN LEACH (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT INVOLVING A STOLEN TROXLER GAUGE
"Subject: Event Report # WA-03-034
"ABSTRACT: (where, when, how, why; cause, contributing factors, corrective actions, consequences, Dept. of Health (DOH) on-site investigation; media attention) The license's representative, [...], reported that sometime between the evening of 27 August and the morning of 28 August that a Troxler, Model 3411B, moisture density gauge, Serial Number 13050, was stolen out of the trunk of the operator's transport vehicle parked outside the operator's residence in Everett, Washington. A police report was filed on 29 August and a reward posted.
"The operator violated several DOH requirements that contributed to the theft to the device. DOH requires that portable gauge licensees prohibit operators from taking gauges to residences if the work site is within 50 miles of the primary storage location. The gauges must be returned to that location. This didn't happen. Also DOH requires two independent layers of protection to keep the transport box, with secured gauge inside, secured to the vehicle. The licensee had not been using the two-layer method. And, gauges are not allowed to remain in the transport vehicle overnight as did happen. The licensee will be cited for at least 3 violations as a result of the event.
"A full report provided by the licensee, should be in the office, by the week of 1 September. This report will be updated after that. No media attention noted at present. Corrective actions will be discussed with the licensee.
"What is the notification or reporting criteria involved? 24-hour
"Activity and Isotope(s) involved: 370 megaBq (10 millicuries) Cesium 137 and 1850 megaBq (50 millicuries) Americium 241/Beryllium.
"Overexposures? (number of workers/members of the public; dose estimate; body part receiving dose; consequence) N/A
"Lost, Stolen or Damaged? STOLEN (mfg., model, serial number) noted above
"Disposition/recovery: pending
"Leak test? Unknown
"Vehicle: (description; placards; Shipper; package type; Pkg. ID number) Unknown
"Release of activity? N/A
"Activity and pharmaceutical compound intended: N/A
"Misadministered activity and/or compound received: N/A
"Device (HDR, etc.) Mfg., Model; computer program: N/A
"Exposure (intended/actual); consequences: N/A
"Was patient or responsible relative notified? N/A
"Was written report provided? Pending
"Was referring physician notified? N/A
"Consultant used? N/A |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 40123 | Facility: BRAIDWOOD
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: FRANK EHRHARDT
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 08/31/2003
Notification Time: 14:43 [EST]
Event Date: 08/31/2003
Event Time: 01:32 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
OTHER UNSPEC REQMNT
| Person (Organization):
KENNETH O'BRIEN (R3)
JAMES LYONS (NRR)
|
| 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 24-HOUR CONDITION OF LICENSE REPORT INVOLVING POTENTIAL VIOLATION OF MAXIMUM POWER LEVEL
"This 24-hour report is being made as required by Braidwood Unit 2 License Condition 2.G as a potential violation of the maximum power level (3586.6 Mwt) as stated in Unit 2 License Condition 2.C(1).
"As a result of issues at Byron Unit 1 and Unit 2 concerning potential discrepancies in the ultrasonic flow measurements for the main feedwater system, Braidwood investigated both Unit 1 and Unit 2 to determine if similar issues existed. These flow measurements are used in the calorimetric calculation for reactor power. Ultrasonic flow measurements were taken on the four individual main feedwater lines on Braidwood Unit 2. These measurements identified the presence of flow signal noise in the data signals for two of the four ultrasonic flow measurement devices installed on the individual feedwater lines, which may adversely affect the integrity of these measurements. In response to identifying this flow signal noise, Braidwood removed corrections based on ultrasonic flow measurement from these two loops. Based on removing credit for these ultrasonic flow measurements, it was determined at 0132 on August 31, 2003, that Braidwood Unit 2 could have potentially exceeded its licensed thermal power limit by up to 0.8%.
"Ultrasonic flow measurements were taken on the main feedwater system piping header on Braidwood Unit 1 and were compared to the results from the ultrasonic flow measurement devices on the four individual feedwater lines. Based on the results of the data analysis, Unit 1 was determined to be acceptable.
"The power level on Unit 2 was reduced to less than 100% power consistent with the feedwater flow as measured directly by the venturis without using the correction factor on two of the four ultrasonic flow meters.
"Additional actions regarding the investigation of the condition, determination of the root cause and corrective actions, and the determination of the potential actual overpower will be included in the 30-day license event report."
The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector.
HOO NOTE: See Byron Event Notification #40117.
* * * UPDATE ON 09/02/03 AT 1312 EDT MIKE DEBOARD TO GOTT * * *
The following information was provided by the licensee:
"The venturis were installed during initial construction of both Units. They are the original design for the Units.
"AMAG is a method of calibrating our Feedwater Venturi flow instruments. These devices were installed by the Advanced Measurement and Analysis Group (AMAG). AMAG first applied: Unit 1 - 6/11/1999 and Unit 2 - 6/11/1999
"Rated MWt [Mega Watt Thermal] 3411 to 3586.6: Unit 1 - 5/14/2001 [and] Unit 2 -5/24/2001
"Of the above 5% uprate to 3586.6 MWt, we initially increased power only 1 % of the above. This 1 % increase was known as our mini-uprate. We did not increase the full 5% since our turbines had not yet been modified to withstand the higher flow rates. During the A_R09 outages, we modified the turbines and achieved full uprate as follows:
Full Uprate to 3586.6 MWt: Unit 1 - 10/16/2001 [and] Unit 2 - 5/15/2002."
Notified NRR (Reis) and R3DO (Gardner) |
| Fuel Cycle Facility | Event Number: 40124 | Facility: PORTSMOUTH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT
RX Type: URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY
Comments: 2 DEMOCRACY CENTER
6903 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE
BETHESDA, MD 20817 (301)564-3200
Region: 3
City: PIKETON State: OH
County: PIKE
License #: GDP-2
Agreement: N
Docket: 0707002
NRC Notified By: STEVE MAY
HQ OPS Officer: GERRY WAIG | Notification Date: 09/02/2003
Notification Time: 08:21 [EST]
Event Date: 09/01/2003
Event Time: 21:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
OTHER UNSPEC REQMNT
| Person (Organization):
CHRIS MILLER (R3)
LINDA PSYK (NMSS)
| Event Text MANUAL ACTUATION OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR AUTOCLAVE CONTAINMENT
"On 09/01/03 Operations Personnel were preparing to disconnect a UF6 cylinder from Autoclave #1 in the X-344 facility. The UF6 cylinder as in the 9 O' Clock position and was being prepared to roll to the 12 O' Clock position to complete disconnecting the cylinder safety valve and pigtail from the cylinder. At approximately 2135 hours UF6 was observed smoking from the mechanical connection for the cylinder safety valve and process manifold. The Operator seeing the smoke, alerted personnel in the area, actuated the "Emergency Autoclave Shell Closure" and the building "Gas Release Alarm" that placed the Autoclave and other operational autoclaves into containment. Emergency Response Personnel Responded and performed Air Samples for HF and Uranium in the affected area. All samples were less than Minimum Detectable.
"The actuation of the 'Emergency Autoclave Shell Closure' and the building 'Gas Release Alarm' is considered to be the manual actuation of Safety Equipment used to mitigate (prevent) a release of UF6. Reportable to the NRC as a 24 hour report."
The certificate holder notified the NRC Resident Inspector and on-site DOE Inspector. |
| Other Nuclear Material | Event Number: 40125 | Rep Org: FROEHING AND ROBERTSON
Licensee: FROEHING AND ROBERTSON
Region: 2
City: RICHMOND State: VA
County:
License #: 45-08890-02
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BILL BRIODY
HQ OPS Officer: GERRY WAIG | Notification Date: 09/02/2003
Notification Time: 09:59 [EST]
Event Date: 08/30/2003
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X
| Person (Organization):
PAUL FREDRICKSON (R2)
FRED BROWN (NMSS)
| Event Text STOLEN TROXLER MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE
A Troxler moisture density gauge Model # 3411, Serial # 14338 containing 5.5 millicuries of Cs-137 (serial #50-2959) and 39 millicuries Am-241:Be (serial # 478830) was stolen from the back of a technician's pickup truck while parked at his residence in Roanoke, VA. The Technician called the vendor (Troxler) 24 hour number and local City of Roanoke authorities. Upon notification of the theft on 9/1/03, the licensee called the Vendor (Troxler) and was told that the gauge had been recovered. The licensee was later informed by the vendor that only the case had been recovered in a lake (Smith Mountain Lake) east of Roanoke and south of Bedford, Va. The licensee plans to contact the vendor for possible detection methods to locate the gauge if in the lake. No press release has been issued at this time. The licensee has been in contact with NRC Region 2 (Jeff Griffis). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 40126 | Facility: PERRY
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: KEN RUSSELL
HQ OPS Officer: BILL GOTT | Notification Date: 09/02/2003
Notification Time: 11:43 [EST]
Event Date: 08/01/2003
Event Time: 21:18 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.73(a)(1) - INVALID SPECIF SYSTEM ACTUATION
| Person (Organization):
RONALD GARDNER (R3)
|
| 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 INVALID ACTUATION OF DIVISION 2 BALANCE-OF-POWER INBOARD ISOLATION VALVES
"On August 1, 2003, at 2118 hours, the Perry Nuclear Power Plant experienced an actuation of several Division 2 Balance-of-Plant (BOP) inboard isolation valves. At the time of the event, the plant was in Mode 1 (Power Operation). The isolation closed one or more valves in each of the following Division 2 subsystems: Liquid Radwaste Sumps, Containment Vessel Chilled Water, Reactor Water Sampling, Drywell and Containment Radiation Monitoring, and Control Room Ventilation.
"The event is considered an invalid system actuation, and is reportable under 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A). The isolation was not initiated in response to actual plant conditions or parameters, and was not a manual initiation. It meets the criteria specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B)(2) as a general containment isolation signal affecting containment isolation valves in more than one system. Therefore, notification is being provided via 60-day optional phone call in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). All systems functioned as expected for a partial BOP (inboard) isolation.
"Repositioning of the valves did not present operational concerns; they were re-opened per restoration procedures.
The BOP isolation was attributed to an electrical transient on 120 volt AC electrical bus EK-1-B1 as a result of a failed capacitor. The capacitor had been previously replaced during Refuel Outage 9.
"This event was documented in the Corrective Action Program. Remedial actions include replacement of the defective capacitor. The capacitor will be sent out for failure analysis."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Other Nuclear Material | Event Number: 40127 | Rep Org: U.S. ARMY
Licensee: U.S. ARMY BIOLOGICAL CHEMICAL COMMAND
Region: 1
City: ABERDEEN State: MD
County:
License #: 19-30563-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID COLLINS
HQ OPS Officer: NATHAN SANFILIPPO | Notification Date: 09/02/2003
Notification Time: 14:11 [EST]
Event Date: 09/02/2003
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2003 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X
| Person (Organization):
PAMELA HENDERSON (R1)
PAUL FREDRICKSON (R2)
JANET SCHLUETER (NMSS)
| Event Text LOSS OF CHEMICAL AGENT ALARM CONTAINING AMERICIUM-241
A U.S. Army Chemical Agent Alarm (SN #Z03-D-17464, Source # Z03-C-17468) has been reported missing from its unit, normally stationed in Fort Lee, Virginia. This device was sited before it was deployed overseas with the 319th Engineer Company in Kuwait. Upon its unit's return, the alarm could not be located. The device contains an Americium-241 source (300 microcuries). This alarm is used for perimeter warning of chemical attack.
The U.S. Army is investigating as to the whereabouts of this device. Any findings made will be reported as updates to this event report. | |