Event Notification Report for July 21, 2009
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
07/20/2009 - 07/21/2009
EVENT NUMBERS
452174521845219452144521545363
Other Nuclear Material
Event Number: 45217
Rep Org: ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL
Licensee: ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL
Region: 3
City: ESCANABA State: MI
County:
License #: 21-16481-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: SHAN MARLETTE
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Licensee: ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL
Region: 3
City: ESCANABA State: MI
County:
License #: 21-16481-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: SHAN MARLETTE
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 15:41 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 11:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 15:41 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 11:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.1906(d)(1) - SURFACE CONTAM LEVELS > LIMITS
10 CFR Section:
20.1906(d)(1) - SURFACE CONTAM LEVELS > LIMITS
Person (Organization):
DAVID HILLS (R3DO)
GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)
DAVID HILLS (R3DO)
GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)
EXTERNAL CONTAMINATION ON SHIPMENT OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS
The licensee reported they received a shipment of Thallium-201 from Covidien (formerly Mallinckrodt) that had external contamination greater than regulatory limits. The package was swiped during receipt and had 25,000 dpm of contamination. The limit is 220 dpm. External radiation levels were 0.1 mR/hr at one meter which was consistent with the shipping documents. The package is currently wrapped in plastic in secure storage at the licensee facility where it will remain until decayed and then will be properly disposed of by the licensee.
The shipper and shipping company was notified of the contamination event. The driver and the vehicle were surveyed and no contamination was found. No personnel at the receiving facility were reported to be contaminated.
The licensee reported they received a shipment of Thallium-201 from Covidien (formerly Mallinckrodt) that had external contamination greater than regulatory limits. The package was swiped during receipt and had 25,000 dpm of contamination. The limit is 220 dpm. External radiation levels were 0.1 mR/hr at one meter which was consistent with the shipping documents. The package is currently wrapped in plastic in secure storage at the licensee facility where it will remain until decayed and then will be properly disposed of by the licensee.
The shipper and shipping company was notified of the contamination event. The driver and the vehicle were surveyed and no contamination was found. No personnel at the receiving facility were reported to be contaminated.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 45218
Facility: TURKEY POINT
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [3] [4] []
RX Type: [3] W-3-LP,[4] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: TIM SEILKOP
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [3] [4] []
RX Type: [3] W-3-LP,[4] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: TIM SEILKOP
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 16:42 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 09:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 16:42 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 09:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
STEVEN VIAS (R2DO)
STEVEN VIAS (R2DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
| 4 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
ABILITY TO ACTIVATE EMERGENCY SIRENS TEMPORARILY LOST
"At 0930 on 7/21/09, during routine backup diesel generator surveillance testing of the Princeton Radio Tower, the automatic electrical power transfer switch failed in an intermediate position [during] restoration to its normal electrical alignment. The Turkey Point Plant Alert Notification System is located at the Princeton Tower. The failure of the automatic transfer switch in the intermediate position resulted in a temporary loss of power to the Alert Notification System repeaters. The remote telemetry monitoring at the Tower functioned as designed and provided prompt notification of the situation to FPL personnel. An FPL Radio technician was promptly dispatched to assess the condition. The Alert Notification System (redundant activating transmitters) was deemed unavailable during this time. The Princeton Radio Tower electrical power transfer switch was manually positioned to align the Alert Notification System repeaters to their normal power supply at 1035 on 7/21/09, restoring availability. The ability to manually transfer the Alert Notification System repeaters' electrical power supply was not impacted by this failure. The Alert Notification System was tested satisfactory once the system was returned to service. An investigation to determine the failure of the automatic transfer switch is ongoing.
"The failure of this system is considered a major loss of offsite communications capability and is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii)."
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
"At 0930 on 7/21/09, during routine backup diesel generator surveillance testing of the Princeton Radio Tower, the automatic electrical power transfer switch failed in an intermediate position [during] restoration to its normal electrical alignment. The Turkey Point Plant Alert Notification System is located at the Princeton Tower. The failure of the automatic transfer switch in the intermediate position resulted in a temporary loss of power to the Alert Notification System repeaters. The remote telemetry monitoring at the Tower functioned as designed and provided prompt notification of the situation to FPL personnel. An FPL Radio technician was promptly dispatched to assess the condition. The Alert Notification System (redundant activating transmitters) was deemed unavailable during this time. The Princeton Radio Tower electrical power transfer switch was manually positioned to align the Alert Notification System repeaters to their normal power supply at 1035 on 7/21/09, restoring availability. The ability to manually transfer the Alert Notification System repeaters' electrical power supply was not impacted by this failure. The Alert Notification System was tested satisfactory once the system was returned to service. An investigation to determine the failure of the automatic transfer switch is ongoing.
"The failure of this system is considered a major loss of offsite communications capability and is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii)."
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 45219
Facility: PILGRIM
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: JOHN OHRENBERGER
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: JOHN OHRENBERGER
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 17:15 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 14:05 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/23/2009
Notification Time: 17:15 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 14:05 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/23/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
JOHN ROGGE (R1DO)
JOHN ROGGE (R1DO)
| 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 EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITY - TSC/OSC IS UNAVAILABLE DUE TO HVAC SYSTEM TROUBLE
"Unavailability of TSC/OSC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System.
"At 1405 hours on Wednesday, July 21, 2009, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) Technical Support Center (TSC) / Operations Support Center (OSC) HVAC system was discovered to be nonfunctional. During initial troubleshooting, the breaker providing power to the supply fan mechanically tripped and will not be reset until troubleshooting certifies the breaker is acceptable for use. This event occurred during scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) of the system.
"Under certain accident conditions, the TSC/OSC may become unavailable due to inability of the filtration system to maintain a habitable atmosphere. Compensatory measures exist to relocate TSC/OSC personnel to alternate locations.
"The licensee has notified the NRC Senior Resident Inspector/Resident Inspector.
"This notification is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii) due to the loss of an emergency response facility."
The licensee notified the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
* * * UPDATE AT 2100 EDT ON 07/23/09 FROM KEN GOODALL TO S. SANDIN * * *
"This is a follow-up courtesy notification to EN #45219. All corrective maintenance activities on the TSC/OSC HVAC system are complete and the TSC/OSC is now functional and available for use.
"The NRC Resident has been notified."
The licensee will inform the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Notified R1DO (Rogge).
"Unavailability of TSC/OSC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System.
"At 1405 hours on Wednesday, July 21, 2009, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) Technical Support Center (TSC) / Operations Support Center (OSC) HVAC system was discovered to be nonfunctional. During initial troubleshooting, the breaker providing power to the supply fan mechanically tripped and will not be reset until troubleshooting certifies the breaker is acceptable for use. This event occurred during scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) of the system.
"Under certain accident conditions, the TSC/OSC may become unavailable due to inability of the filtration system to maintain a habitable atmosphere. Compensatory measures exist to relocate TSC/OSC personnel to alternate locations.
"The licensee has notified the NRC Senior Resident Inspector/Resident Inspector.
"This notification is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii) due to the loss of an emergency response facility."
The licensee notified the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
* * * UPDATE AT 2100 EDT ON 07/23/09 FROM KEN GOODALL TO S. SANDIN * * *
"This is a follow-up courtesy notification to EN #45219. All corrective maintenance activities on the TSC/OSC HVAC system are complete and the TSC/OSC is now functional and available for use.
"The NRC Resident has been notified."
The licensee will inform the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Notified R1DO (Rogge).
Other Nuclear Material
Event Number: 45214
Rep Org: COBRA NATURAL RESOURCES
Licensee: COBRA NATURAL RESOURCES
Region: 1
City: State: WV
County: MINGO
License #: 47-31260-01
Agreement: N
Docket: 030-37-5
NRC Notified By: BRUCE MCPHERSON
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Licensee: COBRA NATURAL RESOURCES
Region: 1
City: State: WV
County: MINGO
License #: 47-31260-01
Agreement: N
Docket: 030-37-5
NRC Notified By: BRUCE MCPHERSON
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 11:30 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 07:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 11:30 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 07:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
JOHN ROGGE (R1DO)
GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)
JOHN ROGGE (R1DO)
GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)
COURTESY NOTIFICATION OF AN ACCIDENT AFFECTING A GAUGE CONTAINING CALIFORNIUM-252
A licensee representative of Cobra Natural Resources LLC called concerning an accident at a coal mine loading facility where a device containing radioactive sources was stored. A train derailment of five empty coal cars at the mine damaged a "loadout" building where a process gauge with radioactive sources was stored. Due to debris at the site of the incident, the licensee is unable to reach the gauge but it appears intact and undamaged. The gauge contains four Californium-252 sources with at total activity of less than 80 mCi.
The licensee RSO is continuing to evaluate the situation.
* * * UPDATE FROM LICENSEE (BILL EMERSON) TO HUFFMAN AT 1605 EDT ON 7/21/09 * * *
The RSO for the licensee reports that its contractor, Thermo-Fisher, has been able to perform close-in area surveys of the device using a remote probe. The surveys confirmed that there is no contamination. Remote visual examination also revealed no indication of damage. The device, a Gamma-Metrics coal analyzer, is still not accessible due to personnel risk from the building debris but the licensee believes that there is no risk of damage to the device until it can be retrieved. The licensee has discussed this event with NRC Region 1 (Miller) and FSME (Villamar).
R1DO (Rogge) notified.
A licensee representative of Cobra Natural Resources LLC called concerning an accident at a coal mine loading facility where a device containing radioactive sources was stored. A train derailment of five empty coal cars at the mine damaged a "loadout" building where a process gauge with radioactive sources was stored. Due to debris at the site of the incident, the licensee is unable to reach the gauge but it appears intact and undamaged. The gauge contains four Californium-252 sources with at total activity of less than 80 mCi.
The licensee RSO is continuing to evaluate the situation.
* * * UPDATE FROM LICENSEE (BILL EMERSON) TO HUFFMAN AT 1605 EDT ON 7/21/09 * * *
The RSO for the licensee reports that its contractor, Thermo-Fisher, has been able to perform close-in area surveys of the device using a remote probe. The surveys confirmed that there is no contamination. Remote visual examination also revealed no indication of damage. The device, a Gamma-Metrics coal analyzer, is still not accessible due to personnel risk from the building debris but the licensee believes that there is no risk of damage to the device until it can be retrieved. The licensee has discussed this event with NRC Region 1 (Miller) and FSME (Villamar).
R1DO (Rogge) notified.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 45215
Facility: WATTS BAR
Region: 2 State: TN
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: NEWTON LACY
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Region: 2 State: TN
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: NEWTON LACY
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 14:15 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 08:03 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Notification Time: 14:15 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 08:03 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/21/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
Person (Organization):
STEVEN VIAS (R2DO)
STEVEN VIAS (R2DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | N | N | 0 | Under Construction | 0 | Under Construction |
FITNESS FOR DUTY REPORT - CONTRACT SUPERVISOR TESTED POSITIVE FOR ALCOHOL
A non-licensed supervisory contractor employee had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access has been revoked. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
A non-licensed supervisory contractor employee had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access has been revoked. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
General Information or Other
Event Number: 45363
Rep Org: MARYLAND DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Licensee: CARDINAL HEALTH
Region: 1
City: BELTSVILLE State: MD
County:
License #: 33-198-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: AL JACOBSON
HQ OPS Officer: JASON KOZAL
Licensee: CARDINAL HEALTH
Region: 1
City: BELTSVILLE State: MD
County:
License #: 33-198-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: AL JACOBSON
HQ OPS Officer: JASON KOZAL
Notification Date: 09/19/2009
Notification Time: 09:49 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/19/2009
Notification Time: 09:49 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2009
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/19/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
DON JACKSON (R1DO)
JACK FOSTER (FSME)
DON JACKSON (R1DO)
JACK FOSTER (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE - POTENTIAL EXTREMITY OVEREXPOSURE
A licensee radio-pharmacist was preparing Flourine-18 (F-18) doses for use, when a manipulator malfunction occurred. The radio-pharmacist continued to prepare the F-18 manually instead of securing the process. This led to a potential dose to the radio-pharmacist's right hand of greater than 50 rem. This dose is a rough estimate from whole body dose values and reconstruction of the event due to the fact the radio-pharmacist was not wearing any dosimetry on the extremity.
The State will continue to investigate this event and provide additional information as it become available.
A licensee radio-pharmacist was preparing Flourine-18 (F-18) doses for use, when a manipulator malfunction occurred. The radio-pharmacist continued to prepare the F-18 manually instead of securing the process. This led to a potential dose to the radio-pharmacist's right hand of greater than 50 rem. This dose is a rough estimate from whole body dose values and reconstruction of the event due to the fact the radio-pharmacist was not wearing any dosimetry on the extremity.
The State will continue to investigate this event and provide additional information as it become available.