Event Notification Report for June 18, 2015

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
06/17/2015 - 06/18/2015

** EVENT NUMBERS **


51143 51144 51145 51161 51163 51164

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Non-Agreement State Event Number: 51143
Rep Org: BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE
Licensee: BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE
Region: 4
City: WHEATLAND State: WY
County:
License #: 33-18224-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID CUMMINGS
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 06/10/2015
Notification Time: 14:00 [ET]
Event Date: 06/10/2015
Event Time: [MDT]
Last Update Date: 06/10/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Person (Organization):
GREG WERNER (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)

Event Text

DENSITY GAUGE SHUTTER STUCK OPEN

"The gauge is a Kay-Ray Model 7063P, serial number 8289 with a nominal source of 1 Curie of Cesium 137. The gauge is used for lime slurry density measurements in the Unit 1 Scrubber.

"The malfunctioning shutter was discovered on June 6, 2015 during semiannual shutter checks as required by the license. The checks were completed today, and [the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)] became aware of the issue as [the RSO] reviewed the documentation. Independent verification of the malfunction was made, it was found to not close. The cause of the malfunction is not known at this time.

"The gauge is located approximately sixteen feet above the ground level and presents no unusual risk to plant personnel. No maintenance activities will be conducted on the pipe or elbow the gauge is attached to until the shutter has been repaired. All plant personnel have been notified of the issue and the requisite restriction.

"[The RSO] contacted a properly licensed contractor to arrange for the repair to the shutter."

This gauge is normally open during plant operation.

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!!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!!
Agreement State Event Number: 51144
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: HUNTER WELL SCIENCE INC
Region: 4
City: ARLINGTON State: TX
County:
License #: L06413
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: IRENE CASARAS
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 06/10/2015
Notification Time: 14:13 [ET]
Event Date: 03/05/2015
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 06/12/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
GREG WERNER (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - WELL LOGGING TRITIUM SOURCE BROKEN OPEN DURING MAINTENANCE

The following report was received from the State of Texas via e-mail:

"On June 10, 2015 the licensee contacted the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] reporting that an Agency inspector was at the site inspecting the facility. The inspector informed the licensee that a reportable event occurred and was not reported as required. The licensee was making notification that on March 5, 2015, during repair of a pulsed neutron generator tool, the work counter, internal casing and housing of the tool had contamination from a sealed tritium tube. The tube was manufactured by Thermo Fisher, ID 163-D101-S, on April 19, 2013 at an activity rating of 3 curies. The licensee explained that during the check on the tool, readings were seen on the meter. The area was checked and the contamination found and cleared from the tool and counter. The area was tested with wipes and counted. The highest count was 680 cps [counts per second]. The area was wiped clean and the clean up material is in a sealed drum awaiting disposal. The amount of contamination was calculated and the licensee explained he read through the regulations and determined the level of exposure was not reportable. The calculated dose was not provided. No badges were sent to the processor for reading. The tool itself was salvaged and reworked into a new usable tool with a new serial number. A detailed description of the event was requested from the licensee. Investigation into this case is ongoing. Update will be made in accordance with SA300 guidelines."

Texas Report: I-9319

* * * RETRACTED AT 1000 EDT ON 6/12/15 FROM IRENE CASARES TO JEFF HERRERA * * *

The following retraction was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services via email:

"More complete information was obtained from the licensee. The pulse neutron generator tool was damaged and the tritium tube was leaking material, contaminating the internal tool and the countertop during repair process. The employee working on the tool noticed increased readings on his survey instrument and immediately checked the tritium tube to find the contamination. The material was confined to the tool and countertop. The tube activity is listed as 3 curies. The employee notified his radiation safety officer of the damaged tool and a dose rate was calculated. The RSO had calculated 40,800 CPM = 680 CPS (background was 120 CPS), 680 CPS x .20 [microSv]/hour (calibration factor) = 136 [microSv]/hour, 136 [microSv]/hour = 0.0136 REM / hour for the dose. The release did not exceed regulatory limits and was not in an operable condition when being repaired. The contaminated area did not require restricted access and the quantity of material did not meet the annual limits on intake exposure. The radioactivity detected in the tool was remediated immediately and contaminated waste [was placed in a] drum for disposal. No aspect of the event met any reporting criteria. It has been determined this was not a reportable event."

Notified the R4DO (Werner) and NMSS Events Notification (via email).

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Non-Agreement State Event Number: 51145
Rep Org: DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Licensee: DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Region: 1
City: MONTGOMERY State: AL
County:
License #: GL
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: CRAIG GOLDBERG
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 06/10/2015
Notification Time: 15:48 [ET]
Event Date: 06/10/2015
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 06/12/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(ii) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>10X
Person (Organization):
JAMES DWYER (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)

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

Event Text

CD-109 SOURCE IMPROPERLY SENT FOR DISPOSAL

The Alabama Air National Guard (Montgomery, AL) had a thermal night time analyzer with a 40 mCi, Cd-109 source. The source was last inventoried on 1/30/2015. On 4/28/2015, the analyzer was transferred to the disposal facility at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The Army does not send radioactive sources to this DLA for disposal. The Army has verified receipt of the source at the DLA and is currently trying to determine if the source is still there or has been destroyed.

Source: XLP-303 with serial number 18540

* * * UPDATE AT 0840 EDT ON 6/12/2015 FROM MARCOS VICENTE TO DONG PARK * * *

The following report was received from the licensee via e-mail:

"[The following is] updated information concerning the improper transfer of the Thermo Niton Analyzer by the Alabama Army National Guard to Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Disposition Services. We were successful in contacting the manufacturer and got information concerning the assay date of the Cd-109 source. Their records indicate an assay date of 15 April 2008. The analyzer was sent to DLA on 28 April 2015. According to our calculations, this drops the activity from 40 mCi to approximately 0.86 mCi from when it was shipped out to DLA. We are still working with DLA Disposition Services to track the location of the analyzer."

Notified the R1DO (Dwyer) and NMSS Events Notification (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

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Power Reactor Event Number: 51161
Facility: MILLSTONE
Region: 1 State: CT
Unit: [ ] [ ] [3]
RX Type: [1] GE-3,[2] CE,[3] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: WILLIAM McCOLLUM
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 06/17/2015
Notification Time: 04:15 [ET]
Event Date: 06/16/2015
Event Time: 23:43 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 06/17/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
BRICE BICKETT (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

SERVICE WATER EFFLUENT RADIATION MONITOR OUT OF SERVICE

The B train of the service water effluent radiation monitor failed at 2343 EDT and is being repaired.

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

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Power Reactor Event Number: 51163
Facility: MCGUIRE
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: DAVID O'DONNELL
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 06/17/2015
Notification Time: 16:04 [ET]
Event Date: 06/17/2015
Event Time: 11:05 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 06/17/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
Person (Organization):
ROBERT HAAG (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

Event Text

FITNESS FOR DUTY REPORT INVOLVING A LICENSED OPERATOR

A licensed [non-supervisor] operator was found in violation of the fitness-for-duty policy. The employee's access to the plant has been revoked. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

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Power Reactor Event Number: 51164
Facility: LASALLE
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-5,[2] GE-5
NRC Notified By: TODD CASAGRANDE
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA
Notification Date: 06/17/2015
Notification Time: 23:39 [ET]
Event Date: 06/17/2015
Event Time: 18:41 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 06/17/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
PATTY PELKE (R3DO)

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

Event Text

TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER VENTILATION SYSTEM RETURN DAMPER FAILED CLOSED

"On June 17th, 2015 at 1841 CDT, it was determined that the onsite Technical Support Center (TSC) Ventilation System return damper 0VS119Y was failed closed, the failed closed damper affects the TSC Emergency Makeup Train filtration efficiency. There is currently no emergency event in progress requiring TSC staffing. If an emergency is declared and the TSC ERO [Emergency Response Organization] activation is required, the TSC will be staffed and activated unless the TSC becomes uninhabitable due to ambient temperatures, radiological, or other conditions. If relocation of the TSC staff becomes necessary, the Station Emergency Director will relocate the staff to an alternate TSC location in accordance with applicable site procedures.

"The licensee has notified the [NRC] Senior Resident Inspector of the issue."

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021