Event Notification Report for December 04, 2012
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
12/03/2012 - 12/04/2012
EVENT NUMBERS
48555485564864048633
Power Reactor
Event Number: 48555
Facility: RIVER BEND
Region: 4 State: LA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: JAMES HENDERSON
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Region: 4 State: LA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: JAMES HENDERSON
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 12/04/2012
Notification Time: 13:52 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 09:42 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/06/2012
Notification Time: 13:52 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 09:42 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/06/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
LICENSEE NO LONGER HAS CONTROL OF EMERGENCY SIRENS
"At time 0942 [CST] telecommunications technicians reported to the Main Control Room that the site no longer has the ability to control offsite sirens. This was apparently caused by lightning strike in the area prohibiting the ability of the siren control computers to communicate with the sirens. This lost capability to alert a large segment of the population for one hour (by sirens and/or tone alert radios) requires a report per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).
"Technicians are currently attempting to repair and correct this issue by moving another computer to the affected radio repeater in an effort to reestablish control of offsite sirens.
"At time 1057 the station began contacting offsite sirens agencies including the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Planning as well as all parishes within the 10 mile EPZ in order to initiate contingency actions for this issue. All agencies were notified as of time 1125. This constitutes a reportable notification of offsite agencies in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi).
"Plant status remains Mode 1, 100% power, with no grid restrictions to report or radiological releases in progress. A follow up notification will be made to the NRC after the ability to control offsite sirens is restored."
Contingency actions are in place until the sirens are restored.
The licensee notified state and local governmental agencies as well as the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM JAMES HENDERSON TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 2227 EST ON 12/6/12 * * *
"On 12/6/12 at time 0200, River Bend Station was able to restore control to offsite sirens. Silent testing was performed to ensure all necessary controls were regained for all 93 sirens. This testing was performed satisfactorily.
"Plant status remains Mode 1, 100% with no grid restrictions to report or radiological releases in progress."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified R4DO (Drake).
"At time 0942 [CST] telecommunications technicians reported to the Main Control Room that the site no longer has the ability to control offsite sirens. This was apparently caused by lightning strike in the area prohibiting the ability of the siren control computers to communicate with the sirens. This lost capability to alert a large segment of the population for one hour (by sirens and/or tone alert radios) requires a report per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).
"Technicians are currently attempting to repair and correct this issue by moving another computer to the affected radio repeater in an effort to reestablish control of offsite sirens.
"At time 1057 the station began contacting offsite sirens agencies including the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Planning as well as all parishes within the 10 mile EPZ in order to initiate contingency actions for this issue. All agencies were notified as of time 1125. This constitutes a reportable notification of offsite agencies in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi).
"Plant status remains Mode 1, 100% power, with no grid restrictions to report or radiological releases in progress. A follow up notification will be made to the NRC after the ability to control offsite sirens is restored."
Contingency actions are in place until the sirens are restored.
The licensee notified state and local governmental agencies as well as the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM JAMES HENDERSON TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 2227 EST ON 12/6/12 * * *
"On 12/6/12 at time 0200, River Bend Station was able to restore control to offsite sirens. Silent testing was performed to ensure all necessary controls were regained for all 93 sirens. This testing was performed satisfactorily.
"Plant status remains Mode 1, 100% with no grid restrictions to report or radiological releases in progress."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified R4DO (Drake).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 48556
Facility: CRYSTAL RIVER
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [3] [] []
RX Type: [3] B&W-L-LP
NRC Notified By: MARK BROUSSARD
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [3] [] []
RX Type: [3] B&W-L-LP
NRC Notified By: MARK BROUSSARD
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 12/04/2012
Notification Time: 15:48 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 12:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 04/24/2013
Notification Time: 15:48 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 12:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 04/24/2013
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):
ALAN BLAMEY (R2DO)
ALAN BLAMEY (R2DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | N | N | 0 | Defueled | 0 | Defueled |
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY OPERATING FACILITY ESTABLISHED FOR PLANNED OUTAGE
"In support of the planned upgrades to Crystal River Unit 3's Emergency Operations Facility's (EOF) heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, on Dec. 4, 2012, at 1200 hours Eastern Standard Time a temporary EOF has been established and declared operational. The temporary EOF is located adjacent to the primary EOF and remains outside the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone. The temporary EOF meets the functional requirements of the primary EOF. During the establishment of the temporary EOF, there was no loss in the functionality of the EOF. If an emergency requiring EOF activation occurs, the temporary EOF will be staffed and activated using emergency planning procedures. The Emergency Response Organization has been briefed on the use of the temporary EOF. Readiness of the temporary EOF has been confirmed by a facility walkdown using existing procedures. This condition has no adverse affect on the public's or employees' health and safety. The EOF HVAC system is scheduled to be out of service for approximately four months.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * UPDATE ON 4/24/13 AT 1757 EDT FROM WARREN DEAGLE TO BILL HUFFMAN * * *
"Primary Emergency Operating Facility Outage completed.
"This is a courtesy notification and provides an update to the information provided in Event Notification Number 48556 on December 4, 2012, Eastern Standard Time (EDT).
"The primary Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) at the Crystal River Nuclear Plant has been restored on April 24, 2013, with the completion of the planned maintenance activity on the EOF heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that commenced on December 4, 2012, EDT. The temporary EOF established to support this planned upgrade, previously identified in Event Notification Number 48556, is no longer in use. The primary EOF is currently operational and experienced no loss in functionality during the restoration activities. The Emergency Response Organization has been briefed on the restoration of the primary EOF. This condition has no adverse affect on the public's or employees' health and safety.
"NRC Region II has been notified."
The Licensee has also notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
"In support of the planned upgrades to Crystal River Unit 3's Emergency Operations Facility's (EOF) heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, on Dec. 4, 2012, at 1200 hours Eastern Standard Time a temporary EOF has been established and declared operational. The temporary EOF is located adjacent to the primary EOF and remains outside the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone. The temporary EOF meets the functional requirements of the primary EOF. During the establishment of the temporary EOF, there was no loss in the functionality of the EOF. If an emergency requiring EOF activation occurs, the temporary EOF will be staffed and activated using emergency planning procedures. The Emergency Response Organization has been briefed on the use of the temporary EOF. Readiness of the temporary EOF has been confirmed by a facility walkdown using existing procedures. This condition has no adverse affect on the public's or employees' health and safety. The EOF HVAC system is scheduled to be out of service for approximately four months.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * UPDATE ON 4/24/13 AT 1757 EDT FROM WARREN DEAGLE TO BILL HUFFMAN * * *
"Primary Emergency Operating Facility Outage completed.
"This is a courtesy notification and provides an update to the information provided in Event Notification Number 48556 on December 4, 2012, Eastern Standard Time (EDT).
"The primary Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) at the Crystal River Nuclear Plant has been restored on April 24, 2013, with the completion of the planned maintenance activity on the EOF heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that commenced on December 4, 2012, EDT. The temporary EOF established to support this planned upgrade, previously identified in Event Notification Number 48556, is no longer in use. The primary EOF is currently operational and experienced no loss in functionality during the restoration activities. The Emergency Response Organization has been briefed on the restoration of the primary EOF. This condition has no adverse affect on the public's or employees' health and safety.
"NRC Region II has been notified."
The Licensee has also notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Agreement State
Event Number: 48640
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: THE METHODIST HOSPITAL
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #: 00457
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Licensee: THE METHODIST HOSPITAL
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #: 00457
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 01/02/2013
Notification Time: 09:44 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/21/2013
Notification Time: 09:44 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/21/2013
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
RAY AZUA (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (EMAI)
RAY AZUA (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (EMAI)
THERAPY SOURCE JAMMED AT THE DEVICE ENTRY PORT
"On January 2, 2013, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee that on December 4, 2012, a medical event had occurred. The licensee reported that while performing a therapy procedure using a Novoste Beta-Cath IVB device the last strontium-90 source in the ribbon of sources could not be retracted into the device. The source was jammed at the device entry port. All of the sources had been removed from the patient, therefore the patient did not receive any additional exposure. The device was placed into an emergency safety box designed for such events and the box was then covered with a lead apron. No one in the treatment room received any additional exposure form the event. The licensee will return the device to their supplier. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas State Report # I-9029
* * * UPDATE FROM ART TUCKER TO VINCE KLCO ON 2/21/2013 AT 1526 EST * * *
The following information was received by facsimile:
"The Best Vascular Technical Team based in Norcross, Georgia evaluated the returned system that was involved in the subject complaint. The team confirmed the complaint based on the evidence of discoloration to the proprietary connector and acrylic body of the main chamber distal to the pin gate, indicating prolonged exposure to radiation; however upon arrival the Jacketed Radiation Source Train (JRST) was no longer stuck at the pin gate or proprietary connector of the delivery catheter.
"During testing, interlocks performed as expected to provide safety in the case of a manual removal. The team was unable to duplicate the complaint after exhaustive cycle testing. Visual examination identified a kink in the tubing leading to the fluid collection bag.
"A fluid sample that had been run through the transfer device and over the jacketed radioactive source train was analyzed for unsealed radiation; no radiation leakage was detected.
"Due to the size of the 3.5F delivery catheter, Best Vascular utilizes tubing materials that exhibit high column strength to ensure adequate trackability of the catheter during placement. The smaller size of the catheter is a desired feature that minimizes ischemia caused by cessation of blood flow during treatment. Unimpeded hydraulic flow is essential to performance of the system and as such, it is necessary to avoid the compression that may occur to the delivery catheter due to the configuration of the system in conjunction with other interfaces (e.g., interventional tools, patient, etc.). It is also essential that the path to the fluid collection bag be maintained in an unobstructed manner in order to provide the hydraulic pressure necessary for smooth movement of the JRST through the entire system.
"Additional information on this event has been provided in the Nuclear Materials Event Database in accordance with SA-300."
Notified R4DO(Miller) and FSME via email.
A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
"On January 2, 2013, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee that on December 4, 2012, a medical event had occurred. The licensee reported that while performing a therapy procedure using a Novoste Beta-Cath IVB device the last strontium-90 source in the ribbon of sources could not be retracted into the device. The source was jammed at the device entry port. All of the sources had been removed from the patient, therefore the patient did not receive any additional exposure. The device was placed into an emergency safety box designed for such events and the box was then covered with a lead apron. No one in the treatment room received any additional exposure form the event. The licensee will return the device to their supplier. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas State Report # I-9029
* * * UPDATE FROM ART TUCKER TO VINCE KLCO ON 2/21/2013 AT 1526 EST * * *
The following information was received by facsimile:
"The Best Vascular Technical Team based in Norcross, Georgia evaluated the returned system that was involved in the subject complaint. The team confirmed the complaint based on the evidence of discoloration to the proprietary connector and acrylic body of the main chamber distal to the pin gate, indicating prolonged exposure to radiation; however upon arrival the Jacketed Radiation Source Train (JRST) was no longer stuck at the pin gate or proprietary connector of the delivery catheter.
"During testing, interlocks performed as expected to provide safety in the case of a manual removal. The team was unable to duplicate the complaint after exhaustive cycle testing. Visual examination identified a kink in the tubing leading to the fluid collection bag.
"A fluid sample that had been run through the transfer device and over the jacketed radioactive source train was analyzed for unsealed radiation; no radiation leakage was detected.
"Due to the size of the 3.5F delivery catheter, Best Vascular utilizes tubing materials that exhibit high column strength to ensure adequate trackability of the catheter during placement. The smaller size of the catheter is a desired feature that minimizes ischemia caused by cessation of blood flow during treatment. Unimpeded hydraulic flow is essential to performance of the system and as such, it is necessary to avoid the compression that may occur to the delivery catheter due to the configuration of the system in conjunction with other interfaces (e.g., interventional tools, patient, etc.). It is also essential that the path to the fluid collection bag be maintained in an unobstructed manner in order to provide the hydraulic pressure necessary for smooth movement of the JRST through the entire system.
"Additional information on this event has been provided in the Nuclear Materials Event Database in accordance with SA-300."
Notified R4DO(Miller) and FSME via email.
A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.
Agreement State
Event Number: 48633
Rep Org: WA DIVISION OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABS
Region: 4
City: RICHLAND State: WA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: SEAN MURPHY
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Licensee: PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABS
Region: 4
City: RICHLAND State: WA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: SEAN MURPHY
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 12/28/2012
Notification Time: 17:27 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/28/2012
Notification Time: 17:27 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2012
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/28/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (E-MA)
JACK GUTTMANN (NMSS)
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (E-MA)
JACK GUTTMANN (NMSS)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - OPEN TRANSPORT VEHICLE WITH RAD LEVELS EXCEEDING LIMITS
The following information was received from the Washington State Division of Radiation Protection via e-mail:
"A shipment of waste from the 325 building on the Hanford reservation, prepared for shipment by Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, was received at Perma-Fix Northwest waste (PFNW) -Richland. During the unloading evolution, PFNW noted that the dose rate on the bottom of 2 drums exceeded the manifested value, and one drum exceeded 200 mr/hr on contact. (See limits in 49CFR173.221 (b)). PFNW notified Washington Department of Health (WDOH). A [WDOH] inspector came to the site on December 6, 2012 and measured the dose rate with an Ludlum M-9 and measured 350 mr/hr. [WDOH] has routinely used an Eberline RO2 type of meter to determine compliance - this reading be taken again with an RO2. PFNW had an RO20 which measured 220 mr/hr. This is the reading that was used as the 'actual' dose rate. [WDOH] is attempting to get a measurement with an RO2. The dose rate value may change, as [WDOH] takes additional reading with other instruments after the new year.
"The dose rate at the drivers area and the outside of the shipment vehicle were within the limits for transportation. No material was detected to have leaked from the containers. There is not expected overexposure caused by this incident.
"Actions taken by State: Suspend all shipment to PFNW by PNNL
"Sr90 (in drums with errant dose rates.) Total activity in 2 drums: 2.4 e 5 MBq."
The following information was received from the Washington State Division of Radiation Protection via e-mail:
"A shipment of waste from the 325 building on the Hanford reservation, prepared for shipment by Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, was received at Perma-Fix Northwest waste (PFNW) -Richland. During the unloading evolution, PFNW noted that the dose rate on the bottom of 2 drums exceeded the manifested value, and one drum exceeded 200 mr/hr on contact. (See limits in 49CFR173.221 (b)). PFNW notified Washington Department of Health (WDOH). A [WDOH] inspector came to the site on December 6, 2012 and measured the dose rate with an Ludlum M-9 and measured 350 mr/hr. [WDOH] has routinely used an Eberline RO2 type of meter to determine compliance - this reading be taken again with an RO2. PFNW had an RO20 which measured 220 mr/hr. This is the reading that was used as the 'actual' dose rate. [WDOH] is attempting to get a measurement with an RO2. The dose rate value may change, as [WDOH] takes additional reading with other instruments after the new year.
"The dose rate at the drivers area and the outside of the shipment vehicle were within the limits for transportation. No material was detected to have leaked from the containers. There is not expected overexposure caused by this incident.
"Actions taken by State: Suspend all shipment to PFNW by PNNL
"Sr90 (in drums with errant dose rates.) Total activity in 2 drums: 2.4 e 5 MBq."