Event Notification Report for September 02, 2010
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
09/01/2010 - 09/02/2010
EVENT NUMBERS
462314622546226462274622846256
General Information or Other
Event Number: 46231
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL
Region: 4
City: BORGER State: TX
County:
License #: 05181
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Licensee: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL
Region: 4
City: BORGER State: TX
County:
License #: 05181
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 09/03/2010
Notification Time: 15:30 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/03/2010
Notification Time: 15:30 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/03/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
BILL VON TILL (FSME)
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
BILL VON TILL (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - GAUGE SHUTTER FAILURE
The State of Texas submitted the following information via e-mail:
"On September 3, 2010, the [State of Texas] received a phone call from the licensee informing them that on September 2, 2010, while conducting routine gauge inspections, the shutter on an Ohmart Vega model SH-F1-A nuclear gauge failed to close. The gauge contains two milliCuries of Cesium (Cs) 137. Open is the normal operating position for the gauge. Radiation surveys in the area of the gauge were measured and were normal. The licensee tried to free the shutter operating mechanism using light oil, but it did not respond. The licensee stated that the gauge is 11 feet off of the ground and there is no access to it without the use of scaffolding and it does not pose a risk of exposure to anyone. The licensee will contact the manufacturer to request repairs on the gauge."
Texas Incident No. I-8779.
The State of Texas submitted the following information via e-mail:
"On September 3, 2010, the [State of Texas] received a phone call from the licensee informing them that on September 2, 2010, while conducting routine gauge inspections, the shutter on an Ohmart Vega model SH-F1-A nuclear gauge failed to close. The gauge contains two milliCuries of Cesium (Cs) 137. Open is the normal operating position for the gauge. Radiation surveys in the area of the gauge were measured and were normal. The licensee tried to free the shutter operating mechanism using light oil, but it did not respond. The licensee stated that the gauge is 11 feet off of the ground and there is no access to it without the use of scaffolding and it does not pose a risk of exposure to anyone. The licensee will contact the manufacturer to request repairs on the gauge."
Texas Incident No. I-8779.
Non-Agreement State
Event Number: 46225
Rep Org: IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
Licensee: IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
Region: 4
City: POCATELLO State: ID
County:
License #: 1127380-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: RICHARD BREY
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Licensee: IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
Region: 4
City: POCATELLO State: ID
County:
License #: 1127380-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: RICHARD BREY
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 09/02/2010
Notification Time: 15:45 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 04/06/2011
Notification Time: 15:45 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 04/06/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X
Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
DARYL JOHNSON (ILTA)
CANADA (FAX)
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
DARYL JOHNSON (ILTA)
CANADA (FAX)
MISPLACED BUTTON SOURCES
On 9/2/2010, the licensee concluded that they were unable to account for two (2) Pu-239 solid sources that are about the size of a quarter each. Each source is estimated to weight about 1 gm with a source strength of 60 milliCuries and is in a non-dispersible form. The licensee noted that these sources were missing as a result of a normal inventory and leak test procedure on 8/19/10. Since that time the licensee has conducted an intensive search for the material both visually and using detection instrumentation but was unable to locate the material.
The licensee discovered that the lost sources were last checked out of their storage location as part of a group of 10 such sources in April 2010. In July 2010 records indicate that only 8 of 10 sources were checked out since only 8 were available at the time.
The licensee has restricted access to the sources and implemented additional controls for being able to check out the sources that include using a two man rule.
* * * UPDATE AT 1727 EST ON 2/11/11 FROM BREY TO HUFFMAN * * *
As of 2/11/11 at approximately 1710 EST, the licensee has formally declared the two plutonium button sources lost. The licensee stated that following extensive searching the sources are considered lost. The licensee notes that it has been in contact with responsible staff at NRC Region 4 and that the NRC had sent inspectors to the facility on October 4 and October 18, 2010. The licensee will continue to stress an awareness of the missing sources to personnel and emphasize continued vigilance for finding the sources. The licensee has not reached any conclusion as to what happened to the lost sources.
R4DO (Clark), FSME (McConnell), and ILTAB (Hahn) notified.
* * * UPDATE FROM RICHARD BREY TO JOE O'HARA AT 1705 EDT ON 4/6/11 * * *
The two missing plutonium sources have been found inside a source vault mixed in with other radioactive materials in storage for decay purposes.
Notified R4DO(O'Keefe), FSME(Michalak), and ILTAB(Johnson).
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
This source is not amongst those sources or devices identified by the IAEA Code of Conduct for the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources to be of concern from a radiological standpoint. Therefore is it being categorized as a less than Category 3 source
On 9/2/2010, the licensee concluded that they were unable to account for two (2) Pu-239 solid sources that are about the size of a quarter each. Each source is estimated to weight about 1 gm with a source strength of 60 milliCuries and is in a non-dispersible form. The licensee noted that these sources were missing as a result of a normal inventory and leak test procedure on 8/19/10. Since that time the licensee has conducted an intensive search for the material both visually and using detection instrumentation but was unable to locate the material.
The licensee discovered that the lost sources were last checked out of their storage location as part of a group of 10 such sources in April 2010. In July 2010 records indicate that only 8 of 10 sources were checked out since only 8 were available at the time.
The licensee has restricted access to the sources and implemented additional controls for being able to check out the sources that include using a two man rule.
* * * UPDATE AT 1727 EST ON 2/11/11 FROM BREY TO HUFFMAN * * *
As of 2/11/11 at approximately 1710 EST, the licensee has formally declared the two plutonium button sources lost. The licensee stated that following extensive searching the sources are considered lost. The licensee notes that it has been in contact with responsible staff at NRC Region 4 and that the NRC had sent inspectors to the facility on October 4 and October 18, 2010. The licensee will continue to stress an awareness of the missing sources to personnel and emphasize continued vigilance for finding the sources. The licensee has not reached any conclusion as to what happened to the lost sources.
R4DO (Clark), FSME (McConnell), and ILTAB (Hahn) notified.
* * * UPDATE FROM RICHARD BREY TO JOE O'HARA AT 1705 EDT ON 4/6/11 * * *
The two missing plutonium sources have been found inside a source vault mixed in with other radioactive materials in storage for decay purposes.
Notified R4DO(O'Keefe), FSME(Michalak), and ILTAB(Johnson).
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
This source is not amongst those sources or devices identified by the IAEA Code of Conduct for the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources to be of concern from a radiological standpoint. Therefore is it being categorized as a less than Category 3 source
Power Reactor
Event Number: 46226
Facility: INDIAN POINT
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [2] [3] []
RX Type: [2] W-4-LP,[3] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: TIM BUCHAL
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [2] [3] []
RX Type: [2] W-4-LP,[3] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: TIM BUCHAL
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 09/02/2010
Notification Time: 18:01 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 18:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2010
Notification Time: 18:01 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 18:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/02/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
RICHARD CONTE (R1DO)
RICHARD CONTE (R1DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
| 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
HURRICANE WITHIN 500 NAUTICAL MILES OF THE FACILITY
"A hurricane is within 500 nautical miles from Indian Point Energy Center with wind speed in excess of 87 knots. The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for a hurricane with wind in excess of 87 knots (approximately 100 mph) within 500 nautical miles of the facility. Per the Technical Requirement Manual a prompt report shall be made to the NRC Incident Response Center within 1 hour of receipt of that hurricane warning."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
"A hurricane is within 500 nautical miles from Indian Point Energy Center with wind speed in excess of 87 knots. The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for a hurricane with wind in excess of 87 knots (approximately 100 mph) within 500 nautical miles of the facility. Per the Technical Requirement Manual a prompt report shall be made to the NRC Incident Response Center within 1 hour of receipt of that hurricane warning."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 46227
Facility: HATCH
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: BILL DUVALL
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: BILL DUVALL
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 09/02/2010
Notification Time: 23:45 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 22:50 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/03/2010
Notification Time: 23:45 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 22:50 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/03/2010
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):
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
JEFFERY GRANT (IRD)
MIKE CHEOK (NRR)
BILL FLINTER (DHS)
GENE CENUPP (FEMA)
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
JEFFERY GRANT (IRD)
MIKE CHEOK (NRR)
BILL FLINTER (DHS)
GENE CENUPP (FEMA)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
NOTIFICATION OF UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO HIGH WATER LEVEL IN THE RCIC INSTRUMENT SUMP
"This is a one-hour report for the discovery of a condition that met an emergency action level (EAL) for a Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE). EAL HU1 - Natural and Destructive Phenomena Affecting the Protected Area Threshold Value 6 states: 'Exceeding Max Normal Operating Values specified in EOP 31EO-EOP-014-1(2) SC - Secondary Containment Control Table 5 Secondary Containment Operation Water Levels.'
"On September 2, 2010 Plant Hatch Unit 2, as part of an on-going RCIC [Reactor Core Isolation Cooling] system outage, was restoring a tagout which un-isolated the CST [Condensate Storage Tank] from the RCIC system. The shift crew received several alarms in a short period of time for RCIC Northwest Diagonal Instrument Sump levels culminating with receiving the RCIC N-W DIAG INSTRSUMP LVL HIGH HIGH HIGH alarm at 2240. There was a report of water on the floor of the diagonal and 2E51-FV005 (a vent valve on the discharge of the barometric condensate pump) was identified as the source. The shift crew closed 2E51-F010 [suction isolation valve to the CST] to isolate the CST from the RCIC system. The Shift Manager declared an NOUE at 2250 for HU-1 Natural and Destructive Phenomena Affecting the Protected Area. At 2255 the Triple High alarm cleared."
Plant personnel have visually confirmed that the sump level has been pumped down to normal level. The water level in the RCIC room did not rise to a level such that any equipment was adversely affected. Plant Hatch notified the following agencies: Georgia EMA, Appling County EMA, Jeff Davis County EMA, Tattnall County EMA, and Toombs County EMA.
At the time of this notification, exit criteria for exiting the NOUE had been met and Hatch personnel were in the process of officially terminating the NOUE. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM BILL DUVALL TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0022 EDT ON 9/3/2010 * * *
The licensee officially terminated the NOUE at 0013 EDT on 9/3/2010.
"This is a one-hour report for the discovery of a condition that met an emergency action level (EAL) for a Notification of Unusual Event (NOUE). EAL HU1 - Natural and Destructive Phenomena Affecting the Protected Area Threshold Value 6 states: 'Exceeding Max Normal Operating Values specified in EOP 31EO-EOP-014-1(2) SC - Secondary Containment Control Table 5 Secondary Containment Operation Water Levels.'
"On September 2, 2010 Plant Hatch Unit 2, as part of an on-going RCIC [Reactor Core Isolation Cooling] system outage, was restoring a tagout which un-isolated the CST [Condensate Storage Tank] from the RCIC system. The shift crew received several alarms in a short period of time for RCIC Northwest Diagonal Instrument Sump levels culminating with receiving the RCIC N-W DIAG INSTRSUMP LVL HIGH HIGH HIGH alarm at 2240. There was a report of water on the floor of the diagonal and 2E51-FV005 (a vent valve on the discharge of the barometric condensate pump) was identified as the source. The shift crew closed 2E51-F010 [suction isolation valve to the CST] to isolate the CST from the RCIC system. The Shift Manager declared an NOUE at 2250 for HU-1 Natural and Destructive Phenomena Affecting the Protected Area. At 2255 the Triple High alarm cleared."
Plant personnel have visually confirmed that the sump level has been pumped down to normal level. The water level in the RCIC room did not rise to a level such that any equipment was adversely affected. Plant Hatch notified the following agencies: Georgia EMA, Appling County EMA, Jeff Davis County EMA, Tattnall County EMA, and Toombs County EMA.
At the time of this notification, exit criteria for exiting the NOUE had been met and Hatch personnel were in the process of officially terminating the NOUE. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM BILL DUVALL TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 0022 EDT ON 9/3/2010 * * *
The licensee officially terminated the NOUE at 0013 EDT on 9/3/2010.
General Information or Other
Event Number: 46228
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: CRYOVAC
Region: 4
City: IOWA PARK State: TX
County:
License #: TX - 01736
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: ERIC SIMPSON
Licensee: CRYOVAC
Region: 4
City: IOWA PARK State: TX
County:
License #: TX - 01736
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: ERIC SIMPSON
Notification Date: 09/03/2010
Notification Time: 11:26 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 10:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/03/2010
Notification Time: 11:26 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 10:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/03/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - GAUGE SHUTTER FAILURE
The following was received from the State of Texas via e-mail:
"On September 3, 2010, the [State of Texas] was notified by the licensee that on September 2, 2010 the shutter on a NDC Model 103 nuclear gauge failed to fully open during a routine maintenance check. The gauge contains a 150 milliCurie Americium - 241 source. The gauge shutter has been locked closed. The gauge has been removed from the vessel and placed into storage. The dose rate measured at 3 feet from the gauge was 0.4 milliRem per hour. No significant radiation exposure was received by an individual during this event. The manufacturer was contacted and intends to be on site on September 3, 2010 to repair the gauge."
Texas Incident No. I - 8778.
The following was received from the State of Texas via e-mail:
"On September 3, 2010, the [State of Texas] was notified by the licensee that on September 2, 2010 the shutter on a NDC Model 103 nuclear gauge failed to fully open during a routine maintenance check. The gauge contains a 150 milliCurie Americium - 241 source. The gauge shutter has been locked closed. The gauge has been removed from the vessel and placed into storage. The dose rate measured at 3 feet from the gauge was 0.4 milliRem per hour. No significant radiation exposure was received by an individual during this event. The manufacturer was contacted and intends to be on site on September 3, 2010 to repair the gauge."
Texas Incident No. I - 8778.
General Information or Other
Event Number: 46256
Rep Org: MA RADIATION CONTROL PROGRAM
Licensee: QSA GLOBAL
Region: 1
City: BURLINGTON State: MA
County:
License #: 12-83-61
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KEN TRAEGDE
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Licensee: QSA GLOBAL
Region: 1
City: BURLINGTON State: MA
County:
License #: 12-83-61
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KEN TRAEGDE
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 09/17/2010
Notification Time: 10:08 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 15:59 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/17/2010
Notification Time: 10:08 [ET]
Event Date: 09/02/2010
Event Time: 15:59 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/17/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
GLENN DENTEL (R1DO)
GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)
GLENN DENTEL (R1DO)
GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCE RECEIVED WITH EXTERNAL CONTAMINATION
The State reported that QSA Global received a radioactive source shipment that had external contamination on the source (but internal to the shipping container) and evidence of leakage. The source originated from Westex Company of Oxnard, California. The source was an old Amersham source Model T-2-T, S/N C778 containing an estimated 7.1 curies of Cobalt-60. The source was sent to QSA for disposal. It had been in long-term storage at the Westex facility.
When the shipment arrived at QSA, it was receipt inspected and found to be clean on the outside of the Type B shipping package. When the package was opened and interior swipes taken, surface contamination was discovered on the source exterior. The highest swiped reading obtained was about 1.17 microCuries of Co-60.
QSA does not believe that any contamination ever existed exterior to the package during transport or preparation of shipment at the originator's site. The source has been stored in the container at Westex without use or removal from the container for decades. QSA Global has been in contact with Westex about the contamination and Westex confirmed no contamination at their facility.
QSA plans on disposing of the source.
The State reported that QSA Global received a radioactive source shipment that had external contamination on the source (but internal to the shipping container) and evidence of leakage. The source originated from Westex Company of Oxnard, California. The source was an old Amersham source Model T-2-T, S/N C778 containing an estimated 7.1 curies of Cobalt-60. The source was sent to QSA for disposal. It had been in long-term storage at the Westex facility.
When the shipment arrived at QSA, it was receipt inspected and found to be clean on the outside of the Type B shipping package. When the package was opened and interior swipes taken, surface contamination was discovered on the source exterior. The highest swiped reading obtained was about 1.17 microCuries of Co-60.
QSA does not believe that any contamination ever existed exterior to the package during transport or preparation of shipment at the originator's site. The source has been stored in the container at Westex without use or removal from the container for decades. QSA Global has been in contact with Westex about the contamination and Westex confirmed no contamination at their facility.
QSA plans on disposing of the source.