Event Notification Report for February 14, 2024

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED GAUGE

The following information was provided by the Virginia Office of Radiological Health via email:

"At approximately 0730 EST on 2/06/24, VA Office of Radiological Health was notified by phone of a traffic incident involving a portable nuclear gauge. This was reported by the Assistant Chief of the Spotsylvania County Hazmat, the on-scene incident command, who had secured the scene and gauge. Earlier this morning (exact time unknown at this point), a Troxler gauge Model 3440 Plus, in its transportation box, containing an 8 mCi Cs-137 source, reportedly fell from a truck, presumably unknown to the driver, and was struck by a tractor trailer truck and possibly other vehicles. This occurred at or near the intersection of Plank Road and Eley Ford Road in Spotsylvania, VA. There was damage to the transport box and plastic housing of the gauge. VA Department of Emergency Management Division 7 arrived on scene and conducted radiation surveys. Per the Assistant Chief of the Spotsylvania County Hazmat, there were no readings above background indicating the source was most likely still in its shielded position; so, no radiation exposures occurred. He also reported there had been no injuries to any individuals during the incident, only vehicle damage. The licensee/owner of the gauge was contacted, and they retrieved the gauge.

"The licensee contacted the VA Office of Radiological Health at 0830 EST indicating they were en route to acquire the gauge. The licensee later confirmed the damaged gauge was secure at the storage location, the source was in the shielded position, and all survey readings were at background. The licensee indicated that the gauge electronics were damaged, and it will be sent to the manufacture for evaluation.

"The Radioactive Materials Program will follow up with an investigation."

Virginia Event Report ID: VA240001

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - CONTAMINATED PACKAGE

The following is a summary of a report received from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services via email:

At 1542 EST on February 3, 2024, Forsyth Memorial Hospital Inc., doing business as Novant Health, Forsyth Medical Center Mobile PET/CT Services notified the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services of a contaminated PETNET Solutions, Inc. transport case.

The transport case, containing fludeoxyglucose (FDG) (46.9 mCi of F-18), was received onboard a mobile coach lab while stationed at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center. Immediately upon arrival, the technologist performed incoming package surveys. The survey at the surface read 6 mR/hr, and a removable contamination wipe read 33,000 dpm/100 sq cm. Two confirmatory wipes were then taken; both showing similar results. The technologist was able to pinpoint the contaminated spot on the transport case before securing the case onboard the mobile coach hot lab. The technologist then notified the PET/CT supervisor of the results. The supervisor contacted PETNET Winston-Salem who stated they would forward the event details to the PETNET location that dispatched the contaminated transport case, PETNET Columbia, SC.

NC Item number: NC240001

FITNESS FOR DUTY (FFD) REPORT - NON-LICENSED SUPERVISOR VIOLATED FFD POLICY

The following is a synopsis of information provided by the licensee via email:

On February 13, 2024, a non-licensed supervisor violated the station's FFD policy. The employee's access at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant has been terminated.

The NRC resident inspector has been notified.