Event Notification Report for May 11, 2011
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
05/10/2011 - 05/11/2011
EVENT NUMBERS
46850468434684046841
Agreement State
Event Number: 46850
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION
Region: 4
City: PORT LAVACA State: TX
County:
License #: 00051
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE
Licensee: UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION
Region: 4
City: PORT LAVACA State: TX
County:
License #: 00051
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE
Notification Date: 05/13/2011
Notification Time: 08:00 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/18/2011
Notification Time: 08:00 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/18/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
WAYNE WALKER (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
WAYNE WALKER (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SHUTTER STUCK OPEN ON NUCLEAR GAUGE
The following information from the State was received by email:
"On May 12, 2011, the Agency [Texas Department of Health] was notified by the licensee that while performing a routine inspection of a Ohmart/Vega model SH-F2 nuclear gauge containing 200 milliCuries of Cesium (Cs) - 137 they found the shutter for the device stuck in the open position. The licensee believes the probable cause for the event is a buildup of debris in the operating mechanism of the gauge. The gauge is used for level detection on a vent stack in an area of the plant not routinely occupied. The licensee is lubricating and trying to cycle the shutter frequently. The licensee has contacted a service provider to assist them if needed. No exposure to any personnel has occurred due to this event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident No: I-8849
* * * UPDATE FROM ART TUCKER TO CHARLES TEAL VIA EMAIL ON 5/18/11 @ 0915 EDT * * *
"On May 16, 2011, the licensee reported that the repeated lubrication of the shutter was successful and that the shutter was now working as designed. The report also stated that the event was discovered on May 11, 2011, not May 12, 2011, as first reported."
Notified R4DO (Shannon) and FSME (McIntosh).
The following information from the State was received by email:
"On May 12, 2011, the Agency [Texas Department of Health] was notified by the licensee that while performing a routine inspection of a Ohmart/Vega model SH-F2 nuclear gauge containing 200 milliCuries of Cesium (Cs) - 137 they found the shutter for the device stuck in the open position. The licensee believes the probable cause for the event is a buildup of debris in the operating mechanism of the gauge. The gauge is used for level detection on a vent stack in an area of the plant not routinely occupied. The licensee is lubricating and trying to cycle the shutter frequently. The licensee has contacted a service provider to assist them if needed. No exposure to any personnel has occurred due to this event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident No: I-8849
* * * UPDATE FROM ART TUCKER TO CHARLES TEAL VIA EMAIL ON 5/18/11 @ 0915 EDT * * *
"On May 16, 2011, the licensee reported that the repeated lubrication of the shutter was successful and that the shutter was now working as designed. The report also stated that the event was discovered on May 11, 2011, not May 12, 2011, as first reported."
Notified R4DO (Shannon) and FSME (McIntosh).
Agreement State
Event Number: 46843
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: INEOS USA LLC
Region: 4
City: ALVIN State: TX
County:
License #: 01422
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOE O'HARA
Licensee: INEOS USA LLC
Region: 4
City: ALVIN State: TX
County:
License #: 01422
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOE O'HARA
Notification Date: 05/12/2011
Notification Time: 11:29 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/12/2011
Notification Time: 11:29 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/12/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
DAVID PROULX (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
DAVID PROULX (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - OPERATING MECHANISM FAILED ON GAUGE
The following information was obtained from the State of Texas via email:
"On May 12, 2011, the Agency [state] was notified that the operating mechanism on an Ohmart Model SHLM-BR-2 nuclear gauge containing 1,000 milliCuries of Cesium (Cs) 137 had failed. The operating mechanism consists of two rods. The source is mounted on one rod and the other rod is used to move the source into and out of the source holder. The pin used to connect the two rods together broke so the source can not be manipulated. The source is currently located inside the vessel in its normal operating position. There is no increased risk of radiation exposure to any individual. The licensee is making arrangements to have the gauge repaired. The cause for the failure is still being investigated. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
TX Incident Number I-8846
The following information was obtained from the State of Texas via email:
"On May 12, 2011, the Agency [state] was notified that the operating mechanism on an Ohmart Model SHLM-BR-2 nuclear gauge containing 1,000 milliCuries of Cesium (Cs) 137 had failed. The operating mechanism consists of two rods. The source is mounted on one rod and the other rod is used to move the source into and out of the source holder. The pin used to connect the two rods together broke so the source can not be manipulated. The source is currently located inside the vessel in its normal operating position. There is no increased risk of radiation exposure to any individual. The licensee is making arrangements to have the gauge repaired. The cause for the failure is still being investigated. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
TX Incident Number I-8846
Power Reactor
Event Number: 46840
Facility: CATAWBA
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: STAN SINCLAIR
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: STAN SINCLAIR
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 05/11/2011
Notification Time: 07:30 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 02:01 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/11/2011
Notification Time: 07:30 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 02:01 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/11/2011
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):
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | N | 0 | Refueling | 0 | Refueling |
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
LOSS OF >25% OF EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM SIRENS DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER
"Greater than 25% of the Catawba offsite Alert and Notification Sirens are unavailable due to severe thunderstorm related power outages in the area. As of approximately 0200 EDT, 40 of 89 sirens were unavailable. Power restoration efforts in the area are underway."
As of 0730 EDT, 27 of the 89 sirens remain out of service.
The licensee notified the State of North Carolina including Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties, and the State of South Carolina including York County. They also will be notifying the NRC Resident Inspector.
"Greater than 25% of the Catawba offsite Alert and Notification Sirens are unavailable due to severe thunderstorm related power outages in the area. As of approximately 0200 EDT, 40 of 89 sirens were unavailable. Power restoration efforts in the area are underway."
As of 0730 EDT, 27 of the 89 sirens remain out of service.
The licensee notified the State of North Carolina including Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties, and the State of South Carolina including York County. They also will be notifying the NRC Resident Inspector.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 46841
Facility: HATCH
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: KENNY HUNTER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: KENNY HUNTER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 05/11/2011
Notification Time: 15:50 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 09:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/12/2011
Notification Time: 15:50 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2011
Event Time: 09:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/12/2011
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):
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
EUGENE GUTHRIE (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 | 55 | Power Operation | 55 | Power Operation |
TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER OUT OF SERVICE DUE TO VENTILATION ROLL FILTER MAINTENANCE
"During an Emergency Preparedness drill on May 11, 2011 the Hatch Nuclear Plant's Technical Support Center (TSC) HVAC [Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning] system's Roll Filter Indicating Light on the 1X75B001 TSC Air Handling Unit was illuminated. The ARP [Alarm Response Procedure] response actions in the 73EP-EIP-016-0 indicated that the roll filter needed to be replaced. Reference [Hatch] Condition Report 2011106603.
"The TSC HVAC is being considered non-functional during the performance of this corrective work activity. If an emergency condition occurs during the time these work activities are being performed, which requires activation of the TSC, the contingency plan calls for utilization of the TSC, as long as radiological conditions allow for habitability of the facility. Procedure 73EP-EIP-063-0, Technical Support Center Activation, provides instructions to direct TSC management to the Control Room and TSC support personnel to the Simulator Building to continue TSC activities if it is necessary to relocate from the primary TSC so that TSC functions can be continued.
"This event is reportable per 10CFR50.72 (b)(3)(xiii) as described In NUREG-1022, Rev. 1 since this activity affects the functionality of the TSC emergency response facility for the duration of the evolution."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM KENNY HUNTER TO VINCE KLCO ON 5/12/2011 AT 1443 EDT * * *
The TSC has been returned to service following completion of filter maintenance.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified the R2DO (Guthrie).
"During an Emergency Preparedness drill on May 11, 2011 the Hatch Nuclear Plant's Technical Support Center (TSC) HVAC [Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning] system's Roll Filter Indicating Light on the 1X75B001 TSC Air Handling Unit was illuminated. The ARP [Alarm Response Procedure] response actions in the 73EP-EIP-016-0 indicated that the roll filter needed to be replaced. Reference [Hatch] Condition Report 2011106603.
"The TSC HVAC is being considered non-functional during the performance of this corrective work activity. If an emergency condition occurs during the time these work activities are being performed, which requires activation of the TSC, the contingency plan calls for utilization of the TSC, as long as radiological conditions allow for habitability of the facility. Procedure 73EP-EIP-063-0, Technical Support Center Activation, provides instructions to direct TSC management to the Control Room and TSC support personnel to the Simulator Building to continue TSC activities if it is necessary to relocate from the primary TSC so that TSC functions can be continued.
"This event is reportable per 10CFR50.72 (b)(3)(xiii) as described In NUREG-1022, Rev. 1 since this activity affects the functionality of the TSC emergency response facility for the duration of the evolution."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM KENNY HUNTER TO VINCE KLCO ON 5/12/2011 AT 1443 EDT * * *
The TSC has been returned to service following completion of filter maintenance.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified the R2DO (Guthrie).