Event Notification Report for January 23, 2015
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
01/22/2015 - 01/23/2015
EVENT NUMBERS
5076250757507585075350784
Agreement State
Event Number: 50762
Rep Org: FLORIDA BUREAU OF RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: FEDERAL MAINTENANCE, INC. D/B/A FEDERAL ENGINEERING AND TEST
Region: 1
City: POMPANO BEACH State: FL
County:
License #: 1933-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MARK SEIDENSTICKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Licensee: FEDERAL MAINTENANCE, INC. D/B/A FEDERAL ENGINEERING AND TEST
Region: 1
City: POMPANO BEACH State: FL
County:
License #: 1933-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MARK SEIDENSTICKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 01/26/2015
Notification Time: 12:58 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 10:30 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/26/2015
Notification Time: 12:58 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 10:30 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/26/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - TROXLER GAUGE DAMAGED AT CONSTRUCTION SITE
The following report was received from the State of Florida via email:
"A Troxler Gauge Model No. 3440 was run over by a Bobcat tractor on a road construction site around 1030 EST [on 1/23/15] . The source was retracted when the gauge was hit. [The Florida State] Inspector arrived on scene and found gauge on truck tail gate. The gauge had been moved to tail gate before calling [the State]. [The State] Inspector surveyed the ground where gauge was hit and read background readings. Other readings: 6ft from gauge 23 uR/hr, gauge handle 71 uR/hr, top of gauge housing 13.3 mR/hr, source door 8.44 mR/hr. The guide rod and housing were broken but source was secure and there was no leakage of radiation. The gauge released to owner to be returned for repair. No further action will be taken on this incident."
This incident occurred at the intersection of S. Andrews and SE 30th St, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
Troxler Gauges, Model No. 3440, have a Cs-137 source not exceeding 9 mCi and a Am-241 source not exceeding 44 mCi.
Florida Incident Number: FL15-001
The following report was received from the State of Florida via email:
"A Troxler Gauge Model No. 3440 was run over by a Bobcat tractor on a road construction site around 1030 EST [on 1/23/15] . The source was retracted when the gauge was hit. [The Florida State] Inspector arrived on scene and found gauge on truck tail gate. The gauge had been moved to tail gate before calling [the State]. [The State] Inspector surveyed the ground where gauge was hit and read background readings. Other readings: 6ft from gauge 23 uR/hr, gauge handle 71 uR/hr, top of gauge housing 13.3 mR/hr, source door 8.44 mR/hr. The guide rod and housing were broken but source was secure and there was no leakage of radiation. The gauge released to owner to be returned for repair. No further action will be taken on this incident."
This incident occurred at the intersection of S. Andrews and SE 30th St, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
Troxler Gauges, Model No. 3440, have a Cs-137 source not exceeding 9 mCi and a Am-241 source not exceeding 44 mCi.
Florida Incident Number: FL15-001
Power Reactor
Event Number: 50757
Facility: SEQUOYAH
Region: 2 State: TN
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: SAM NAKAMINE
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Region: 2 State: TN
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: SAM NAKAMINE
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 01/23/2015
Notification Time: 15:09 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 11:50 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/23/2015
Notification Time: 15:09 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 11:50 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/23/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
Person (Organization):
GERALD MCCOY (R2DO)
GERALD MCCOY (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 | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
OFFSITE NOTIFICATIONS DUE TO OIL SHEEN ON INTAKE BAY
"On 1/23/2015 at 1150 EST, an oil sheen was verified to be in the waters of the U.S. (Sequoyah's Intake Forebay). At 1221 [EST], a notification to the National Response Center [report #1106407] was made as a result of the oil sheen (< 1 pint total). The source of the oil is from temporary connections in support of maintenance. Cleanup efforts are in progress.
"The following additional agencies have also been notified: EPA Region 4, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)."
The licensee also notified the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency and the NRC Resident Inspector.
"On 1/23/2015 at 1150 EST, an oil sheen was verified to be in the waters of the U.S. (Sequoyah's Intake Forebay). At 1221 [EST], a notification to the National Response Center [report #1106407] was made as a result of the oil sheen (< 1 pint total). The source of the oil is from temporary connections in support of maintenance. Cleanup efforts are in progress.
"The following additional agencies have also been notified: EPA Region 4, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)."
The licensee also notified the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency and the NRC Resident Inspector.
Agreement State
Event Number: 50758
Rep Org: NJ RAD PROT AND REL PREVENTION PGM
Licensee: N/A
Region: 1
City: JERSEY CITY State: NJ
County:
License #: G/L
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JENNY GOODMAN
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Licensee: N/A
Region: 1
City: JERSEY CITY State: NJ
County:
License #: G/L
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JENNY GOODMAN
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 01/23/2015
Notification Time: 16:02 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/23/2015
Notification Time: 16:02 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/23/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
RAY MCKINLEY (R1DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
RAY MCKINLEY (R1DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOAD OF GARBAGE REJECTED AT LANDFILL DUE TO ELEVATED RADIATION READINGS
The following information was obtained from the State of New Jersey via email:
"A Pennsylvania landfill rejected a load of garbage based on elevated radiation readings (188 uR/h) and sent it back to NJ. PA identified the nuclides as Mn-54 and Co-57. [A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)] inspector went to the NJ garbage facility to verify the readings and nuclides.
"[NJDEP informed] the waste facility that [they] would be coming to observe the separation/isolation process, but [before the] inspector got there, they had already done everything. According to the facility personnel, there was a bag of metal parts (they opened it up), but had double bagged it by the time [the inspector] got there. [The] inspector got 23 mR/h on contact, 849 uR/h at 1 foot and 62 uR/h at 1 meter. Discussions revealed that no one picked it up with their hands and they were not near the source for very long. [NJDEP] identifier/Ortec readings confirm Co-57 and Mn-54 also Co-60 and Co-56. It appears to be activated metal. [A certified contractor] has been hired to package [the material]. He will be there sometime later next week. [The inspector did] not see any identifying markings. [The inspector] also took wipes of the bag and the floor area where it was dumped. These were clear. The garbage that was taken out along with the source was scanned and found to be background. That material will remain in NJ. [The] inspector surveyed the original truck with the remainder of the garbage, and [it] was found to be clear. They are running [the truck] through their portal monitor and if ok, will send [it] back to PA. The truck did not leave from this facility originally so it did not go through a monitor before going to PA. The activated metal has been isolated and secured."
* * * UPDATE FROM JENNY GOODMAN TO JOHN SHOEMAKER AT 1331 EST ON 1/26/15 * * *
The following update was received via email from the State of New Jersey via email:
"Upon NJDEP arrival at the waste facility on 1/23/15, the [landfill] facility staff had already isolated the material causing the radiation levels. The bag of waste they isolated measured as follows with a 1.5 by 1.5 NaI probe:
Near contact: 23 mR/hr
At ~1 foot: 840 microR/hr
At ~3 feet: 62 microR/hr
At ~6 feet: 10 microR/hr
Background: 3-4 microR/hr
"The tipping floor, where material had been laid out, and the three individuals involved in sorting the load were surveyed with a pancake probe. No radiation levels above background were detected. A wipe of the bag revealed no removable contamination.
"[NJDEP] surveyed the truck carrying the remainder of the MSW [Municipal Solid Waste] load and detected no elevated [radiation] levels. The truck was released to return to the PA landfill. [NJDEP] has not received an update from the facility to confirm acceptance of that material.
"[NJDEP] obtained a spectrum with the Ortec Detective-EX which identified Co-56, Co-57, Co-60, & Mn-54. A manual review of the spectrum additionally indicated Co-58. These isotopes are typical for metal activated from operation of an accelerator. Today, [NJDEP] contacted the DNDO [Domestic Nuclear Detection Office] JAC [Joint Analysis Center] for secondary reachback analysis of the spectrum. [NJDEP] received verbal confirmation of the isotopes detected. A written report is expected by tomorrow. Subsequently, [NJDEP] received a telephone call from an FBI bomb tech who had been informed of [NJDEP's] request for analysis. [The FBI] was seeking confirmation that there was no suspicious packaging or other threat associated with the package. [NJDEP] explained that we routinely find items in the waste stream and there was no specific threat or suspicious packaging.
"[NJDEP] is still awaiting follow-up from the waste facility to confirm acceptance of the remainder of the load released Friday and details for their plans for disposal. [NJDEP] will plan to return when their consultant packages the material to see if any other information can be gathered to identify a possibly point of origin for the material."
Notified R1DO (Cahill), ILTAB (Wray), and NMSS Events Notification via email.
* * * UPDATE FROM JAMES MCCULLOUGH TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 0913 EST ON 2/23/15 * * *
"On 2/18/2015 the facility's consultant removed the material for proper disposal. The radioactive item was determined to be a small metal foil. No specific point of origin could be determined."
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection considers their investigation closed.
Notified R1DO (Powell), ILTAB (Whitney) and NMSS Events Notification via email.
The following information was obtained from the State of New Jersey via email:
"A Pennsylvania landfill rejected a load of garbage based on elevated radiation readings (188 uR/h) and sent it back to NJ. PA identified the nuclides as Mn-54 and Co-57. [A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)] inspector went to the NJ garbage facility to verify the readings and nuclides.
"[NJDEP informed] the waste facility that [they] would be coming to observe the separation/isolation process, but [before the] inspector got there, they had already done everything. According to the facility personnel, there was a bag of metal parts (they opened it up), but had double bagged it by the time [the inspector] got there. [The] inspector got 23 mR/h on contact, 849 uR/h at 1 foot and 62 uR/h at 1 meter. Discussions revealed that no one picked it up with their hands and they were not near the source for very long. [NJDEP] identifier/Ortec readings confirm Co-57 and Mn-54 also Co-60 and Co-56. It appears to be activated metal. [A certified contractor] has been hired to package [the material]. He will be there sometime later next week. [The inspector did] not see any identifying markings. [The inspector] also took wipes of the bag and the floor area where it was dumped. These were clear. The garbage that was taken out along with the source was scanned and found to be background. That material will remain in NJ. [The] inspector surveyed the original truck with the remainder of the garbage, and [it] was found to be clear. They are running [the truck] through their portal monitor and if ok, will send [it] back to PA. The truck did not leave from this facility originally so it did not go through a monitor before going to PA. The activated metal has been isolated and secured."
* * * UPDATE FROM JENNY GOODMAN TO JOHN SHOEMAKER AT 1331 EST ON 1/26/15 * * *
The following update was received via email from the State of New Jersey via email:
"Upon NJDEP arrival at the waste facility on 1/23/15, the [landfill] facility staff had already isolated the material causing the radiation levels. The bag of waste they isolated measured as follows with a 1.5 by 1.5 NaI probe:
Near contact: 23 mR/hr
At ~1 foot: 840 microR/hr
At ~3 feet: 62 microR/hr
At ~6 feet: 10 microR/hr
Background: 3-4 microR/hr
"The tipping floor, where material had been laid out, and the three individuals involved in sorting the load were surveyed with a pancake probe. No radiation levels above background were detected. A wipe of the bag revealed no removable contamination.
"[NJDEP] surveyed the truck carrying the remainder of the MSW [Municipal Solid Waste] load and detected no elevated [radiation] levels. The truck was released to return to the PA landfill. [NJDEP] has not received an update from the facility to confirm acceptance of that material.
"[NJDEP] obtained a spectrum with the Ortec Detective-EX which identified Co-56, Co-57, Co-60, & Mn-54. A manual review of the spectrum additionally indicated Co-58. These isotopes are typical for metal activated from operation of an accelerator. Today, [NJDEP] contacted the DNDO [Domestic Nuclear Detection Office] JAC [Joint Analysis Center] for secondary reachback analysis of the spectrum. [NJDEP] received verbal confirmation of the isotopes detected. A written report is expected by tomorrow. Subsequently, [NJDEP] received a telephone call from an FBI bomb tech who had been informed of [NJDEP's] request for analysis. [The FBI] was seeking confirmation that there was no suspicious packaging or other threat associated with the package. [NJDEP] explained that we routinely find items in the waste stream and there was no specific threat or suspicious packaging.
"[NJDEP] is still awaiting follow-up from the waste facility to confirm acceptance of the remainder of the load released Friday and details for their plans for disposal. [NJDEP] will plan to return when their consultant packages the material to see if any other information can be gathered to identify a possibly point of origin for the material."
Notified R1DO (Cahill), ILTAB (Wray), and NMSS Events Notification via email.
* * * UPDATE FROM JAMES MCCULLOUGH TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 0913 EST ON 2/23/15 * * *
"On 2/18/2015 the facility's consultant removed the material for proper disposal. The radioactive item was determined to be a small metal foil. No specific point of origin could be determined."
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection considers their investigation closed.
Notified R1DO (Powell), ILTAB (Whitney) and NMSS Events Notification via email.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 50753
Facility: BRUNSWICK
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: JOHN MILLER
HQ OPS Officer: DANIEL MILLS
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: JOHN MILLER
HQ OPS Officer: DANIEL MILLS
Notification Date: 01/23/2015
Notification Time: 09:34 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 06:13 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/23/2015
Notification Time: 09:34 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 06:13 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/23/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
Person (Organization):
GERALD MCCOY (R2DO)
HAROLD CHERNOFF (NRR)
BERNARD STAPLETON (IRD)
GERALD MCCOY (R2DO)
HAROLD CHERNOFF (NRR)
BERNARD STAPLETON (IRD)
| 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 | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO NON-WORK RELATED ON-SITE CONTRACTOR FATALITY
"At approximately 0531 EST on January 23, 2015, the Brunswick Nuclear Plant main control room received an emergency call for a contract employee experiencing a non-work related medical issue. Site first responders were dispatched in conjunction with a request for off-site medical assistance. At approximately 0613 EST, the responding off-site paramedics determined that the efforts to revive the patient were unsuccessful. The individual was outside of the protected area (within the owner controlled area), and no radioactive material or contamination was involved. The cause of death has not been determined.
"This notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for situation related to the health of on-site personnel for which a notification to other government agencies is planned. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be notified. A press release is not planned at this time.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
"At approximately 0531 EST on January 23, 2015, the Brunswick Nuclear Plant main control room received an emergency call for a contract employee experiencing a non-work related medical issue. Site first responders were dispatched in conjunction with a request for off-site medical assistance. At approximately 0613 EST, the responding off-site paramedics determined that the efforts to revive the patient were unsuccessful. The individual was outside of the protected area (within the owner controlled area), and no radioactive material or contamination was involved. The cause of death has not been determined.
"This notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for situation related to the health of on-site personnel for which a notification to other government agencies is planned. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be notified. A press release is not planned at this time.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Part 21
Event Number: 50784
Rep Org: OPERATION TECHNOLOGY, INC./ETAP
Licensee: OPERATION TECHNOLOGY, INC./ETAP
Region: 4
City: IRVINE State: CA
County:
License #: N/A
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: NAZAN ROSHDIEH
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Licensee: OPERATION TECHNOLOGY, INC./ETAP
Region: 4
City: IRVINE State: CA
County:
License #: N/A
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: NAZAN ROSHDIEH
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 02/03/2015
Notification Time: 14:44 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 02/03/2015
Notification Time: 14:44 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 02/03/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21(a)(2) - INTERIM EVAL OF DEVIATION
10 CFR Section:
21.21(a)(2) - INTERIM EVAL OF DEVIATION
Person (Organization):
ANNE DeFRANCISCO (R1DO)
ROBERT HAAG (R2DO)
LAURA KOZAK (R3DO)
GEOFFREY MILLER (R4DO)
PART 21/50.55 REACT (EMAI)
ANNE DeFRANCISCO (R1DO)
ROBERT HAAG (R2DO)
LAURA KOZAK (R3DO)
GEOFFREY MILLER (R4DO)
PART 21/50.55 REACT (EMAI)
PART 21 REPORT - ERROR IDENTIFIED IN POWER SYSTEM ANALYSIS SOFTWARE
The vendor identified an error in their power system analysis ETAP software (releases 11.0.0N to 12.6.0N) that could result in an inaccurate analysis result. A letter explaining the errors, and the way to avoid the errors, was submitted to the user community on January 23, 2015. A software revision correcting the errors is scheduled for release in February 2015.
The vendor identified an error in their power system analysis ETAP software (releases 11.0.0N to 12.6.0N) that could result in an inaccurate analysis result. A letter explaining the errors, and the way to avoid the errors, was submitted to the user community on January 23, 2015. A software revision correcting the errors is scheduled for release in February 2015.