Event Notification Report for September 29, 1999
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
09/28/1999 - 09/29/1999
EVENT NUMBERS
36251362383624036241362423624336244
General Information or Other
Event Number: 36251
Rep Org: ARKANSAS DEPT OF HEALTH
Licensee: ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Region: 4
City: LITTLE ROCK State: AR
County:
License #: 572-INC-02-96
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID SNELLINGS
HQ OPS Officer: DOUG WEAVER
Licensee: ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Region: 4
City: LITTLE ROCK State: AR
County:
License #: 572-INC-02-96
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID SNELLINGS
HQ OPS Officer: DOUG WEAVER
Notification Date: 10/01/1999
Notification Time: 11:38 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 12:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/01/1999
Notification Time: 11:38 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 12:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/01/1999
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
JEFF SHACKELFORD (R4)
JOSIE PICCONE (NMSS)
JEFF SHACKELFORD (R4)
JOSIE PICCONE (NMSS)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - P-32 CONTAMINATION
"On September 30, 1999, the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ARK-572-lNC-02-96) in Little Rock, Arkansas notified the Arkansas Department of Health of an event that occurred at approximately 12:00 p.m. on September 29, 1999. During a Phosphorus-32 (P-32) therapy procedure, a problem with the stopcock resulted in a release of approximately 500 microCuries on the table, floor and clothing of two individuals.
"One individual was slightly contaminated on the forearm and was immediately decontaminated. Clothing, shoes and other contaminated items were collected and are being held for decay. Decontamination of the floor was still ongoing at the time of the original notification. Notification was required because the room had been restricted for more than 24 hours by imposing additional radiological controls or prohibiting entry into the room due to an unplanned contamination event
(CFR 30.50B.1.).
"The contaminated area was less than 150 square feet and the highest measured activity was 2300 dpm/100 square centimeters. The area was successfully decontaminated and has been released for normal operations."
The licensee will submit a written report describing the event and the corrective actions taken.
"On September 30, 1999, the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ARK-572-lNC-02-96) in Little Rock, Arkansas notified the Arkansas Department of Health of an event that occurred at approximately 12:00 p.m. on September 29, 1999. During a Phosphorus-32 (P-32) therapy procedure, a problem with the stopcock resulted in a release of approximately 500 microCuries on the table, floor and clothing of two individuals.
"One individual was slightly contaminated on the forearm and was immediately decontaminated. Clothing, shoes and other contaminated items were collected and are being held for decay. Decontamination of the floor was still ongoing at the time of the original notification. Notification was required because the room had been restricted for more than 24 hours by imposing additional radiological controls or prohibiting entry into the room due to an unplanned contamination event
(CFR 30.50B.1.).
"The contaminated area was less than 150 square feet and the highest measured activity was 2300 dpm/100 square centimeters. The area was successfully decontaminated and has been released for normal operations."
The licensee will submit a written report describing the event and the corrective actions taken.
!!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!!
!!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!!
Power Reactor
Event Number: 36238
Facility: GRAND GULF
Region: 4 State: MS
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: WALTER CADE
HQ OPS Officer: WILLIAM POERTNER
Region: 4 State: MS
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: WALTER CADE
HQ OPS Officer: WILLIAM POERTNER
Notification Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 11:26 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 08:30 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/01/1999
Notification Time: 11:26 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 08:30 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/01/1999
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
73.71(b)(1) - SAFEGUARDS REPORTS
10 CFR Section:
73.71(b)(1) - SAFEGUARDS REPORTS
Person (Organization):
JEFF SHACKELFORD (R4)
DWIGHT CHAMBERLAIN (R4)
JEFF SHACKELFORD (R4)
DWIGHT CHAMBERLAIN (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 |
POTENTIAL SABOTAGE WITH SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Immediate compensatory measures were taken upon discovery.
The NRC resident inspector has been notified by the licensee.
(Refer to the HOO Log for additional details.)
* * * UPDATE 1335EDT ON 10/1/99 FROM DAVID HANKS TO S. SANDIN * * *
THE LICENSEE IS RETRACTING THIS REPORT AFTER FURTHER REVIEW. CONTACT THE NRC OPERATIONS CENTER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. THE LICENSEE WILL INFORM THE NRC RESIDENT INSPECTOR. NOTIFIED R4DO(SHACKELFORD).
Immediate compensatory measures were taken upon discovery.
The NRC resident inspector has been notified by the licensee.
(Refer to the HOO Log for additional details.)
* * * UPDATE 1335EDT ON 10/1/99 FROM DAVID HANKS TO S. SANDIN * * *
THE LICENSEE IS RETRACTING THIS REPORT AFTER FURTHER REVIEW. CONTACT THE NRC OPERATIONS CENTER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. THE LICENSEE WILL INFORM THE NRC RESIDENT INSPECTOR. NOTIFIED R4DO(SHACKELFORD).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 36240
Facility: PERRY
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: BRIAN P. STETSON
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: BRIAN P. STETSON
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Notification Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 15:58 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 15:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 15:58 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 15:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(vi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(vi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
Person (Organization):
TONY VEGEL (R3)
TONY VEGEL (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 |
OFFSITE NOTIFICATION OF NON-RADIOLOGICAL TREATED WATER BEING RELEASED TO THE ENVIRONMENT VIA A PATHWAY NOT SPECIFIED IN THE NPDES PERMIT
The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"Non-radiological treated water was released to the environment via a pathway not specified in the NPDES permit. [The] State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was notified."
The licensee stated that raw water from the lake is treated with a coagulator and gravity filter before being stored in a clearwell. The water in the clearwell is then used as seal water for the circulating water pumps and service water pumps. The clearwell overflows to the storm drains, and various released of this treated water has occurred over the life of the plant. The NPDES permit does not allow treated water to be released via the storm drain system.
Operators recently received training of the NPDES permit requirements following a previous valve failure that resulted in a release of chlorinated water to a storm drain on 08/17/99. (Refer to event #36037 for additional information.) As a result of this heightened awareness, an operator performing rounds questioned the clearwell overflow release path, and it was discovered that pathway was not in accordance with the NPDES permit.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector and the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"Non-radiological treated water was released to the environment via a pathway not specified in the NPDES permit. [The] State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was notified."
The licensee stated that raw water from the lake is treated with a coagulator and gravity filter before being stored in a clearwell. The water in the clearwell is then used as seal water for the circulating water pumps and service water pumps. The clearwell overflows to the storm drains, and various released of this treated water has occurred over the life of the plant. The NPDES permit does not allow treated water to be released via the storm drain system.
Operators recently received training of the NPDES permit requirements following a previous valve failure that resulted in a release of chlorinated water to a storm drain on 08/17/99. (Refer to event #36037 for additional information.) As a result of this heightened awareness, an operator performing rounds questioned the clearwell overflow release path, and it was discovered that pathway was not in accordance with the NPDES permit.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector and the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 36241
Facility: SAN ONOFRE
Region: 4 State: CA
Unit: [1] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: CLAY WILLIAMS
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Region: 4 State: CA
Unit: [1] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: CLAY WILLIAMS
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Notification Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 17:21 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 10:25 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 17:21 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 10:25 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(vi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(vi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
Person (Organization):
JEFF SHACKELFORD (R4)
JOSEPH GIITTER (IRO)
LEDYARD (TAD) MARSH (NRR)
WILLIAM BEECHER, HQ (PAO)
KEN CIBOCH, HQ (FEMA)
JEFF SHACKELFORD (R4)
JOSEPH GIITTER (IRO)
LEDYARD (TAD) MARSH (NRR)
WILLIAM BEECHER, HQ (PAO)
KEN CIBOCH, HQ (FEMA)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | N | 0 | Decommissioned | 0 | Decommissioned |
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
| 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
ERRONEOUS MEDIA REPORTS OF AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY AND THE NEED FOR AN EVACUATION DURING THE LICENSEE'S PERFORMANCE OF A TEST OF THE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM SIRENS
The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"This notification is for San Onofre Units 1, 2, and 3 and is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(vi) for an event related to the public health and safety for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made. Southern California Edison (SCE) is providing this information to the NRC due to possible questions the NRC may receive from the public."
"On September 29, 1999, at 1019 PDT, SCE initiated a test of the offsite sirens. All local residents, businesses, and schools were notified of the test beforehand. At about 1025 PDT, SCE was notified that a local cable [television] station had broadcast an actual emergency evacuation message to local residents. That erroneous message has been corrected, and all local media outlets have been notified not to pick up the incorrect report."
"[ ... ] At the time of this occurrence, Unit 1 remained permanently defueled, and Units 2 and 3 were operating at about full power."
The licensee stated that the cause of the erroneous message is currently under investigation. The licensee also stated that the site received a couple of calls from members of the public and that 911 received over 100 calls as well.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspectors, the emergency preparedness staff at NRC Region 4, and the NRC NRR project manager for San Onofre Units 2 and 3 (L. Raghaven). NRC Region 4 plans to notify the State of California and the applicable Federal Emergency Management Agency's regional office (FEMA Region 9).
The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"This notification is for San Onofre Units 1, 2, and 3 and is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(vi) for an event related to the public health and safety for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made. Southern California Edison (SCE) is providing this information to the NRC due to possible questions the NRC may receive from the public."
"On September 29, 1999, at 1019 PDT, SCE initiated a test of the offsite sirens. All local residents, businesses, and schools were notified of the test beforehand. At about 1025 PDT, SCE was notified that a local cable [television] station had broadcast an actual emergency evacuation message to local residents. That erroneous message has been corrected, and all local media outlets have been notified not to pick up the incorrect report."
"[ ... ] At the time of this occurrence, Unit 1 remained permanently defueled, and Units 2 and 3 were operating at about full power."
The licensee stated that the cause of the erroneous message is currently under investigation. The licensee also stated that the site received a couple of calls from members of the public and that 911 received over 100 calls as well.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspectors, the emergency preparedness staff at NRC Region 4, and the NRC NRR project manager for San Onofre Units 2 and 3 (L. Raghaven). NRC Region 4 plans to notify the State of California and the applicable Federal Emergency Management Agency's regional office (FEMA Region 9).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 36242
Facility: HOPE CREEK
Region: 1 State: NJ
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: ART BREADY
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Region: 1 State: NJ
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: ART BREADY
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Notification Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 18:58 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 11:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 18:58 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 11:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(1)(v) - OTHER ASMT/COMM INOP
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(1)(v) - OTHER ASMT/COMM INOP
Person (Organization):
DAVID SILK (R1)
DAVID SILK (R1)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
LOSS OF CONTROL ROOM INDICATION OF RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENT RELEASE VIA THE SOUTH PLANT VENT RADIATION MONITORING SKID FOR GREATER THAN 8 HOURS
The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"At 1049 [hours] on 09/29/99, the South Plant Vent (SPV) Radiation Monitoring Skid (RMS) was removed from service for a scheduled radiation protection surveillance. Following completion of this surveillance, the skid was returned to service at 1127 [hours]. At 1133 [hours], the SPV RMS skid began giving erratic indications including high effluent radiation, high particulate activity, and high noble gas activity. Radiological surveys of the plant vent stack and other associated areas revealed no change from normal radiological conditions. Checks of corroborating channels revealed no change from normal radiological conditions. Compensatory measures have been initiated [in accordance with] plant technical specifications. The effect of this failure is a loss of control room indication of radioactive effluent release via the [SPV] Stack. The loss of this assessment capability for greater than [8] hours requires a [1-hour] report to the NRC [in accordance with] the Hope Creek [Emergency Classification Guidance]. Maintenance technicians are currently troubleshooting the problem, and the cause of erratic indications is not yet known."
The licensee plans to notify the NRC resident inspector.
The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"At 1049 [hours] on 09/29/99, the South Plant Vent (SPV) Radiation Monitoring Skid (RMS) was removed from service for a scheduled radiation protection surveillance. Following completion of this surveillance, the skid was returned to service at 1127 [hours]. At 1133 [hours], the SPV RMS skid began giving erratic indications including high effluent radiation, high particulate activity, and high noble gas activity. Radiological surveys of the plant vent stack and other associated areas revealed no change from normal radiological conditions. Checks of corroborating channels revealed no change from normal radiological conditions. Compensatory measures have been initiated [in accordance with] plant technical specifications. The effect of this failure is a loss of control room indication of radioactive effluent release via the [SPV] Stack. The loss of this assessment capability for greater than [8] hours requires a [1-hour] report to the NRC [in accordance with] the Hope Creek [Emergency Classification Guidance]. Maintenance technicians are currently troubleshooting the problem, and the cause of erratic indications is not yet known."
The licensee plans to notify the NRC resident inspector.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 36243
Facility: ROBINSON
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [2] [] []
RX Type: [2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: HAROLD CHERNOFF
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [2] [] []
RX Type: [2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: HAROLD CHERNOFF
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Notification Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 21:10 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 20:39 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 21:10 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 20:39 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/29/1999
Emergency Class: ALERT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a)(1)(i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED 50.72(b)(2)(vi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a)(1)(i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED 50.72(b)(2)(vi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
Person (Organization):
RUDOLPH BERNHARD (R2)
LEDYARD (TAD) MARSH (NRR)
JOSEPH GIITTER (IRO)
JANET QUISSELL (RCT)
HENRY BAILEY (IRO)
RUDOLPH BERNHARD (R2)
LEDYARD (TAD) MARSH (NRR)
JOSEPH GIITTER (IRO)
JANET QUISSELL (RCT)
HENRY BAILEY (IRO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | N | N | 0 | Cold Shutdown | 0 | Cold Shutdown |
ALERT DECLARED DUE TO THE SIGHTING OF A TORNADO WITHIN THE PROTECTED AREA
At 2039 on 09/29/99, a tornado was confirmed within the protected area, and it has abated. Accordingly, the licensee declared an Alert at 2049. The licensee does not plan to activate its emergency facilities. There were no injuries reported. Minor damage to non-power block buildings has been identified. Site inspections are currently in progress. Offsite power remains available, and no fission product barriers were affected.
The unit is currently in Cold Shutdown with the reactor vessel head on. Preparations for head lift were in progress at the time of the event. The unit was shut down for a refueling outage on 09/24/99, and the licensee stated that there was no loss of shutdown cooling. Reactor coolant system was at 188°F and depressurized.
Weather reports indicate that the storm has moved to the east.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the state of South Carolina, and Darlington, Lee, and Chesterfield Counties. The NRC senior resident inspector was on site at the time of this event notification. In addition to the notifications referenced above, the NRC operations officer notified the Department of Energy (Brown), Environmental Protection Agency via the National Response Center (Gauthier), U.S. Department of Agriculture (Conley), Department of Health and Human Services (Wilson), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (Stinedurf).
*************** UPDATE AT 2224 ON 09/29/99 FROM HAROLD CHERNOFF TO LEIGH TROCINE **************
The Alert was terminated at 2203. The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the state of South Carolina, and Darlington, Lee, and Chesterfield Counties. The NRC operations center notified the R2DO (Bernhard), NRR EO (Marsh), IRO (Congel and Giitter), NRR (Collins), Region 2 (Bonser, Plisco, Reyes, Trojanowski, and Vias), and EDO (Miraglia). In addition, the NRC operations officer notified the Department of Energy (Brown), Environmental Protection Agency via the National Response Center (Robertson), U.S. Department of Agriculture (Conley), Department of Health and Human Services (Wilson), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (Stinedurf).
*************** UPDATE AT 2240 ON 09/29/99 FROM HAROLD CHERNOFF TO LEIGH TROCINE **************
At 2240, a follow-up notification was made to update NRC managers on the status of the plant and to provide notification pursuant to 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(vi). The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"No injuries have been identified. Minor damage to non-power block buildings. A tree was identified leaning on a branch feeder to non-power block buildings. Tenting material from the turbine deck was reported on the roof of the control room. No damage to the control room was incurred (as verified by a pressurization test). Offsite power remained available. Both RHR pumps were available. [The] 'A' RHR [pump] was in operation. [The] 'A' emergency diesel generator and dedicated shutdown diesel were operable but not in operation. Security systems were being powered by the security emergency diesel generator."
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the state of South Carolina, and Darlington, Lee, and Chesterfield Counties.
*************** UPDATE AT 2257 ON 09/29/99 FROM HAROLD CHERNOFF TO LEIGH TROCINE **************
The licensee called to ensure that the offsite notifications were added to the list of reporting criteria.
*************** UPDATE AT 2400 ON 09/29/99 BY LEIGH TROCINE **************
A Commissioners' Assistants' Briefing was conducted at midnight on 09/29/99. The following notifications were made (*office did not participate): IRO (*Giitter), Chairman Dicus (Boyce), Commissioner Diaz (Hsia), Commissioner McGaffigan (Sharkey), Commissioner Merrifield (Doane), EDO (Satorius), DEDE (Paperiello), NRR (*Dennig), NRR EO (Marsh), R2DO (*Berhhard), OPA (Beecher), CAO (Madden), SECY (Hart), OSP (Lohaus), OIP (*Hauber). The NRR EO (Marsh) was the briefer.
The licensee issued a press release.
At 2039 on 09/29/99, a tornado was confirmed within the protected area, and it has abated. Accordingly, the licensee declared an Alert at 2049. The licensee does not plan to activate its emergency facilities. There were no injuries reported. Minor damage to non-power block buildings has been identified. Site inspections are currently in progress. Offsite power remains available, and no fission product barriers were affected.
The unit is currently in Cold Shutdown with the reactor vessel head on. Preparations for head lift were in progress at the time of the event. The unit was shut down for a refueling outage on 09/24/99, and the licensee stated that there was no loss of shutdown cooling. Reactor coolant system was at 188°F and depressurized.
Weather reports indicate that the storm has moved to the east.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the state of South Carolina, and Darlington, Lee, and Chesterfield Counties. The NRC senior resident inspector was on site at the time of this event notification. In addition to the notifications referenced above, the NRC operations officer notified the Department of Energy (Brown), Environmental Protection Agency via the National Response Center (Gauthier), U.S. Department of Agriculture (Conley), Department of Health and Human Services (Wilson), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (Stinedurf).
*************** UPDATE AT 2224 ON 09/29/99 FROM HAROLD CHERNOFF TO LEIGH TROCINE **************
The Alert was terminated at 2203. The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the state of South Carolina, and Darlington, Lee, and Chesterfield Counties. The NRC operations center notified the R2DO (Bernhard), NRR EO (Marsh), IRO (Congel and Giitter), NRR (Collins), Region 2 (Bonser, Plisco, Reyes, Trojanowski, and Vias), and EDO (Miraglia). In addition, the NRC operations officer notified the Department of Energy (Brown), Environmental Protection Agency via the National Response Center (Robertson), U.S. Department of Agriculture (Conley), Department of Health and Human Services (Wilson), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (Stinedurf).
*************** UPDATE AT 2240 ON 09/29/99 FROM HAROLD CHERNOFF TO LEIGH TROCINE **************
At 2240, a follow-up notification was made to update NRC managers on the status of the plant and to provide notification pursuant to 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(vi). The following text is a portion of a facsimile received from the licensee:
"No injuries have been identified. Minor damage to non-power block buildings. A tree was identified leaning on a branch feeder to non-power block buildings. Tenting material from the turbine deck was reported on the roof of the control room. No damage to the control room was incurred (as verified by a pressurization test). Offsite power remained available. Both RHR pumps were available. [The] 'A' RHR [pump] was in operation. [The] 'A' emergency diesel generator and dedicated shutdown diesel were operable but not in operation. Security systems were being powered by the security emergency diesel generator."
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the state of South Carolina, and Darlington, Lee, and Chesterfield Counties.
*************** UPDATE AT 2257 ON 09/29/99 FROM HAROLD CHERNOFF TO LEIGH TROCINE **************
The licensee called to ensure that the offsite notifications were added to the list of reporting criteria.
*************** UPDATE AT 2400 ON 09/29/99 BY LEIGH TROCINE **************
A Commissioners' Assistants' Briefing was conducted at midnight on 09/29/99. The following notifications were made (*office did not participate): IRO (*Giitter), Chairman Dicus (Boyce), Commissioner Diaz (Hsia), Commissioner McGaffigan (Sharkey), Commissioner Merrifield (Doane), EDO (Satorius), DEDE (Paperiello), NRR (*Dennig), NRR EO (Marsh), R2DO (*Berhhard), OPA (Beecher), CAO (Madden), SECY (Hart), OSP (Lohaus), OIP (*Hauber). The NRR EO (Marsh) was the briefer.
The licensee issued a press release.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 36244
Facility: HOPE CREEK
Region: 1 State: NJ
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: KEN BRESLIN
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Region: 1 State: NJ
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: KEN BRESLIN
HQ OPS Officer: LEIGH TROCINE
Notification Date: 09/29/1999
Notification Time: 22:22 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 21:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/30/1999
Notification Time: 22:22 [ET]
Event Date: 09/29/1999
Event Time: 21:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/30/1999
Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a)(1)(i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a)(1)(i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
Person (Organization):
DAVID SILK (R1)
LEDYARD (TAD) MARSH (NRR)
JOSEPH GIITTER (IRO)
STINEDURF (FEMA)
FRANK CONGEL (IRO)
DAVID SILK (R1)
LEDYARD (TAD) MARSH (NRR)
JOSEPH GIITTER (IRO)
STINEDURF (FEMA)
FRANK CONGEL (IRO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO A FREON LEAK FROM A CONTROL ROOM CHILLER INTO THE AUXILIARY BUILDING
The licensee declared the unusual event at 2133 on 09/29/99 due to a release of toxic gas (a Freon leak) deemed to be detrimental to safe operation of the plant. No radiological release is in progress. The 33' wind direction is from 146° at 17.9 miles per hour. There were no protective actions recommended.
At 2117 hours on 09/29/99, the 'B' control room ventilation train chiller tripped resulting in an automatic start of the 'A' control room ventilation train. The trip was the direct result of a major freon leak dispersing into the auxiliary building. All non-essential personnel were evacuated from the auxiliary building. An Unusual Event was declared at 2133 hours on 09/29/99 in accordance with Emergency Classification Guidance Section 9.4.1.B, release of toxic gas deemed detrimental to safe operation of the plant. No personnel injuries have occurred, and all access to the auxiliary building is being controlled until follow-up actions are complete.
The 'A' control room vent train is currently in service. There is no indication of any freon in the control room, and the control room was not placed on recirculation.
The licensee plans to terminate the Unusual Event when the freon leak is isolated and when air levels in the auxiliary building are restored to normal.
The licensee stated that the emergency response data system (ERDS) has not been activated because ERDS is down for the performance of Y2K upgrades.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the states of Delaware and New Jersey, and the Lower Alloways Creek Township.
******************** UPDATE AT 0204 ON 09/30/99 FROM KEN BRESLIN TO DOUG WEAVER ********************
The leak was terminated because the full freon charge in the chiller dispersed (2,200 pounds), and the atmosphere in the auxiliary building has been restored to normal. As a result, the licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 0158 hours on 09/30/99.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the states of Delaware and New Jersey, and the Lower Alloways Creek Township. The NRC operations officer notified the R1DO (Silk), NRR EO (Marsh), IRO (Giitter), and FEMA (Caldwell)
The licensee declared the unusual event at 2133 on 09/29/99 due to a release of toxic gas (a Freon leak) deemed to be detrimental to safe operation of the plant. No radiological release is in progress. The 33' wind direction is from 146° at 17.9 miles per hour. There were no protective actions recommended.
At 2117 hours on 09/29/99, the 'B' control room ventilation train chiller tripped resulting in an automatic start of the 'A' control room ventilation train. The trip was the direct result of a major freon leak dispersing into the auxiliary building. All non-essential personnel were evacuated from the auxiliary building. An Unusual Event was declared at 2133 hours on 09/29/99 in accordance with Emergency Classification Guidance Section 9.4.1.B, release of toxic gas deemed detrimental to safe operation of the plant. No personnel injuries have occurred, and all access to the auxiliary building is being controlled until follow-up actions are complete.
The 'A' control room vent train is currently in service. There is no indication of any freon in the control room, and the control room was not placed on recirculation.
The licensee plans to terminate the Unusual Event when the freon leak is isolated and when air levels in the auxiliary building are restored to normal.
The licensee stated that the emergency response data system (ERDS) has not been activated because ERDS is down for the performance of Y2K upgrades.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the states of Delaware and New Jersey, and the Lower Alloways Creek Township.
******************** UPDATE AT 0204 ON 09/30/99 FROM KEN BRESLIN TO DOUG WEAVER ********************
The leak was terminated because the full freon charge in the chiller dispersed (2,200 pounds), and the atmosphere in the auxiliary building has been restored to normal. As a result, the licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 0158 hours on 09/30/99.
The licensee notified the NRC resident inspector, the states of Delaware and New Jersey, and the Lower Alloways Creek Township. The NRC operations officer notified the R1DO (Silk), NRR EO (Marsh), IRO (Giitter), and FEMA (Caldwell)