Event Notification Report for January 14, 2012

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCE DISCONNECTED FROM RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA

The following report was received by fax:

"On January 17, 2012, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee of a source disconnect event that occurred on January 14, 2012. The radiography crew was using a QSA 880D containing 54.9 Curies of iridium-192. The drive cables were also manufactured by QSA. The disconnect was caused by the drive cable snapping approximately four inches from the source connector. The radiographer noted the failure as he approached the camera after a shot and the dose rates indicated the source was still outside the camera. The radiographer notified his Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The radiography crew set up new barriers and controlled access to the area. The RSO arrived at the site at 1630 hours. The RSO retrieved the source and it was returned to the fully shielded position by 1730 hours. The RSO stated that there was a section of the drive cable that looked like it may have been stretched, but he did not know when or how it could have happened. He stated that they had only had this set of drive cables for no more than eight months. No exposure limits were exceeded during this event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."

The event occurred on County Road 289 in Gonzales County.

Texas incident: I-8922

* * * UPDATE AT 1321 EST ON 01/17/12 FROM ART TUCKER TO S. SANDIN * * *

"The licensee has stated that the drive cable will be returned to the manufacturer for inspection and a cause for the failure [investigation].

Notified R4DO (Pick) and FSME (McIntosh).

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING THEN RECOVERED THALLIUM-201 SOURCE

"On January 17, 2011 the licensee's radiation safety officer called [the state] to advise that a portion of a shipment of radiological material to be used for medical purposes had not arrived at its intended destination. A package containing two doses of Thallium-201 of nominally 20 milliCi each was picked up by the Texas licensee, Pan Handle Nuclear, on January 14, 2012 in Amarillo. However, the package showed signs of repaired damage and when inspected, the third dose of Thallium-201 was missing from the package. The manufacturer was alerted on the morning of January 16th and they subsequently contacted the carrier, regarding the package.

"HazMat Personnel from [the shipping company] conducted a trace of their facilities associated with the transfer which resulted in the missing vial being identified as 'found' in the Memphis 'Over goods' holding area. Apparently, the package had become damaged early in the morning on January 14th during the shipping process such that one of the three vials had escaped the packaging. The damage to the package was noted and repaired, however an accurate count of the contents was not conducted and, contrary to standing instructions from the manufacturer, the package was forwarded to the intended recipient rather than being returned to the manufacturer.

"The 'missing' vial was subsequently found on the same day later that morning, some hours after the package was processed through the Memphis hub. The vial was identified as hazardous based on the trefoil which appeared on the shielded and intact container and the manufacturer's name. It was isolated and placed into an over pack that same day. The slightly damaged, but intact shielded container was then returned to the manufacturer as of January 18, 2012 after it was determined to be the 'missing' third vial. Surveys of the returned vial conducted by the manufacturer showed that there was no external contamination on the shielded vial, there was no damage to the vial and all the expected material remained present."

Illinois Item Number: IL 12004

EMERGENCY RESPONSE DATA SYSTEM REMOVED FROM SERVICE FOR MAINTENANCE

"At 0700 EST on January 14, 2012, Fermi 2 removed the Emergency Response Data System (ERDS) from service to facilitate planned maintenance on the associated power bus. The Technical Support Center (TSC) will also be unavailable during the planned power outage. The duration of the outage is expected to be 11 hours. This loss in capability is being reported as a loss of assessment capability in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).

"Indications of related plant variables are available in the Main Control Center. The Visual Annunciator System (VAS) remains functional. Meteorological and process effluent radiological monitor indications are available and dose assessment capability is available. In the event TSC activation is required, the Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) will be used for the TSC function. Use of the EOF as the backup TSC is part of Fermi 2's Radiological Emergency Response Preparedness Plan. The Emergency Callout System (ECOS) is designed to, facilitate contacting TSC personnel to respond directly to the EOF. Information normally provided by ERDS can be transmitted via the notification system as described in the Radiological Emergency Response Preparedness Plan.

"In the event of a plant emergency, the Emergency Plan can be implemented as assessment capabilities are available under alternate means."

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

* * * UPDATE FROM MICHAEL HIMEBAUCH TO VINCE KLCO ON 1/14/12 AT 2245 EST * * *

"At 1835 EST, during restoration from planned maintenance, a failure of an electrical auto throwover device occurred, preventing restoration of power to ERDS and the TSC. Investigation of the failure and necessary repairs are in progress. At this time, it is unknown when availability of ERDS and the TSC will be restored. An update will be made to the NRC Operations Center when ERDS and the TSC are restored. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."

Notified the R3DO (Orth).

* * * UPDATE AT 0127 EST ON 1/16/2012 FROM MICHAEL HIMEBAUCH TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *

"At 0127 EST on January 16, 2012 the Emergency Response Data System (ERDS) was restored and the Technical Support Center (TSC) is available as an emergency response facility, following restoration of the associated power bus."

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

Notified the R3DO (Orth).

OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO A CHLORINATED WATER DISCHARGE

"Salem Generating Station made a 15 minute notification of a chemical discharge to the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at 1806 [EST]. The Salem Non-Rad Waste Chemical Treatment Building sump overflowed out of the building to a catch basin that discharges to the Delaware River. Approximately 100 gallons of chlorinated water was reported to the State of New Jersey as being discharged, which was terminated at 1806 [EST]. There were no personnel injuries associated with this event. There was no impact to any Salem Station Safety-Related systems and all Safety-Related systems are available. Investigation into the cause of the event is in progress."

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and Lower Alloways Township.

* * * RETRACTION FROM DAN MCHUGH TO JOE O'HARA AT 1031 ON 1/17/12 * * *

"On 1/14/2012 Salem Generating Station made a 15 minute notification of a chemical discharge to the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at 1806. The Salem Non-Rad Waste Chemical Treatment Building sump overflowed out of the building to a catch basin that discharges to the Delaware River through DSN 488. Subsequent investigation has indicated that the spill was entirely contained within the onsite storm drainage system and that there was no discharge to the Delaware River. The storm drain system was plugged, flushed and pumped out for appropriate disposal of the waste water. Additionally, the spill to the ground was cleaned up within 24 hours."

The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector and has notified the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.