| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
12/27/2004 - 12/28/2004 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | General Information or Other | Event Number: 41279 | Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: GEOTECHNICS INCORPORATED
Region: 4
City: RIVERSIDE State: CA
County:
License #: 5744-37
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ROBERT GREGOR
HQ OPS Officer: MIKE RIPLEY | Notification Date: 12/22/2004
Notification Time: 13:53 [ET]
Event Date: 12/22/2004
Event Time: 04:55 [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/23/2004 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
BLAIR SPITZBERG (R4)
SANDRA WASTLER (NMSS)
JOE FOSTER (TAS)
MEXICO (CNS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN TROXLER MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE
The following information was received via Email:
"Licensee called to report one of their Troxler 3430 gauges (serial number 23691- 8 mCi Cs-137 / 40 mCi Am 241/Be) had been stolen along with the vehicle it was in. The gauge was reported to be locked in the enclosed SUV which was parked outside of the Riverside office this morning [12/22/04]. The gauge user came out to his vehicle at about 0445, shortly after transferring the gauge from the storage facility to his vehicle, and discovered the vehicle had been stolen. A report was filed with the Riverside Police Department (P304357039)."
* * * UPDATE FROM R GREGER TO W GOTT AT 1419 ON 12/23/04 * * *
"This gauge was recovered approximately noon yesterday [12/22/04], the same day it was stolen, when the stolen truck was recovered. The gauge was still in its transportation case in the truck and apparently had not been accessed."
Notified NMSS (T Essig), R4DO (Spitzberg), TAS (J Foster) (email), and faxed to Mexico. |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 41282 | Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL
Region: 4
City: POMONA State: CA
County: LOS ANGELES
License #: 0764-19
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KATHLEEN KAUFMAN
HQ OPS Officer: CHAUNCEY GOULD | Notification Date: 12/22/2004
Notification Time: 17:41 [ET]
Event Date: 09/30/2004
Event Time: [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/22/2004 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
BLAIR SPITZBERG (R4)
SCOTT FLANDERS (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE EVENT
Pomona Valley Hospital reported in a December 9, 2004 letter to the State that seven I-125 seeds had been lost. The State received this letter December 14, 2004, & LA County received the letter December 21, 2004. Pomona reported that on October 14, 2004 while packaging excess I-125 seeds for return to the manufacturer, the dosimetrist discovered a shortage of seven seeds from a prostate implant done on Sept 30, 2004. They resurveyed the operating room & waste containers, but could not find the sources. They think the seeds were accidentally washed down the drain when the top part of the Mick Applicator cartridge was washed.
They are obtaining additional information, such as the activity of the seeds. However, these seeds are normally about 0.3-0.4 mCi each, so seven seeds would be more than the one mCi I-125 that requires immediate reporting.
They are reporting this as a loss that required immediate notification, but based on the information currently available, it appears unlikely that the loss could have resulted in exposure to persons in unrestricted areas.
CA 5010 Number: 122204 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 41283 | Rep Org: NV DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: BARRICK GOLDSTRIKE MINES
Region: 4
City: ELKO State: NV
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: STAN MARSHALL
HQ OPS Officer: MIKE RIPLEY | Notification Date: 12/22/2004
Notification Time: 18:22 [ET]
Event Date: 12/16/2004
Event Time: [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/22/2004 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
BLAIR SPITZBERG (R4)
SCOTT FLANDERS (NMSS)
JOE FOSTER (TAS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING POLONIUM-210 SOURCES
"During the semi-annual inventory of General License radioactive material at Barrick Goldstrike Mines it was found that two NRD 2U500 sources with original activity of 500 micro-curies of Polonium 210 per source were not located where they are supposed to be. These sources are used in analytical laboratory as static eliminators on balance scales. They were installed in April 2004 and were accounted for during the semi-annual inventory conducted in June 2004. An investigation is being conducted by the licensee in an attempt to locate the missing sources and to determine how they were lost.
"Notification [from licensee] received in writing [letter dated 12/16/04] on December 22, 2004.
"Consequences: These are generally licensed static eliminators with no public health impact anticipated."
Nevada Event Report ID No. NV-04-010 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 41284 | Rep Org: MARYLAND DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Licensee: MAFI ASSOCIATES CONSULTANT ENGINEERING
Region: 1
City: BETHESDA State: MD
County:
License #: MD-31-270-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BOB NELSON
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 12/23/2004
Notification Time: 08:52 [ET]
Event Date: 12/22/2004
Event Time: 11:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/23/2004 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICHARD CONTE (R1)
TOM ESSIG (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT OF TROXLER GAUGE RUN OVER BY A TRUCK
The Maryland Department of Environment Radiological Health Program reported that a Troxler moisture density gauge (Model 3430) was run over by a dump truck at a construction site in Prince Georges county (near the intersection of highway 410 and 295). The gauge contained an 8 milliCurie Cs-137 and 40 milliCurie Am-241/Be source. A representative of the Maryland Radiological Health Program responded to the scene and conducted a test for leakage and contamination. The gauge source was determined to be undamaged and in the shielded position. The gauge was packaged for transport and will be sent to the Troxler repair facility. |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 41287 | Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: GLOBAL PROCESS DIAGNOSTICS INC
Region: 4
City: CARSON State: CA
County:
License #: L05155
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ROBERT GREGER
HQ OPS Officer: CHAUNCEY GOULD | Notification Date: 12/23/2004
Notification Time: 17:05 [ET]
Event Date: 12/23/2004
Event Time: [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/23/2004 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
BLAIR SPITZBERG (R4)
SCOTT FLANDERS (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT
"It was reported to Radiological Health Branch (RHB), Granada Hills that a Texas licensee, Gamma Surveys, a Division of Global Process Diagnostics, Inc. ( Gamma Surveys) , was conducting density level measurements using sealed sources under reciprocity at the Conoco Phillips Corporation refinery in Carson, CA, the evening of 12/21/04. Special form sealed sources containing radioactive material are employed for "gamma scanning," diagnostic evaluation, typically density or level measurements, of industrial processes or equipment. At about 1900 one such source, 287 mCi, Co-60, contained in a collimating device at the end of a stainless-steel, stranded cable, was being lowered down the outside of a large, cylindrical "distillation vessel, " designated FR-1 Flasher Column, 200 ft. high and 28 ft. in diameter. Stiffening rings which protrude about 18 inches externally encircle the vessel at various heights. As the source is being lowered down the side of the vessel, the operator located at the top of the vessel must manually "shake" the cable to get the source over the protruding stiffening rings. On this occasion, the collimating device with the Co-60 source broke at the cable during this shaking to get it over a stiffening ring 20 feet from the top. The source came to rest on the stiffening ring, in the " unshielded" condition, where it remained overnight. However, Gamma Surveys indicated that the area was cleared of personnel and cordoned off. Radiation surveys were taken at the ground level showing no appreciable dose rates, ~0.04 mR/hr.
"The next day, 12/22/04, Gamma Surveys proposed a recovery plan to lower an operator in a man-basket down to the source to manually put the source back in its shielded condition ( normal practice) and then attach a replacement cable to the collimating device so that it may be reeled back into its shielded container at the top of the vessel for subsequent evaluation and repair of the damaged system. After consultation with RHB staff and the RSO for Gamma Surveys, this plan was effected. By about 5 PM, 12/22/04, the source recovery was completed without problems.
An investigation has been initiated to follow-up." |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 41293 | Facility: SAINT LUCIE
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE
NRC Notified By: PATRICK KINNE
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 12/25/2004
Notification Time: 08:55 [ET]
Event Date: 12/25/2004
Event Time: 06:52 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/27/2004 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
| Person (Organization):
CAUDLE JULIAN (R2)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | M/R | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby | Event Text UNIT 2 MANUALLY TRIPPED TO REMOVE FAILING CONDENSATE PUMP FROM SERVICE
"Manual reactor trip due to condensate pump failure. All systems functioned as required post trip. The plant is currently stable in Mode 3."
On 12/25/04 Unit 2 at St. Lucie experienced a high amperage reading on a condensate pump. Visual observation of the pump indicated blistering paint at the electrical connections. The condensate pump was taken out of service and Unit 2 was manually shut down. Decay heat is being removed via normal means to the condenser. The AFW system started as expected. All rods inserted correctly and all systems functioned as designed.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE FROM ST. LUCIE (BASHWINER) TO NRC (HUFFMAN) AT 1239 EST ON 12/27/04 * * *
The licensee called to provide some additional information concerning this event:
1) The manual trip of Unit 2 was due to the failure of the 2B condensate pump.
2) The condensate pump failure was a result of a failed termination of the "A" phase motor lead to the field cable.
3) The failure of the motor lead is considered a random event and does not have an generic implications.
The licensee also noted that the reactor power had actually been reduced to 95% immediately prior to the manual trip.
The NRC Resident Inspector and R2DO (Julian) have been notified.
* * * UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION FROM BASHWINER TO CROUCH @1346 EST ON 12/27/04 * * *
The following information was obtained from the licensee via facsimile:
"This notification is an amended notification to the original notification of unit trip and RPS actuation due to failure of 2B condensate pump.
"The amended notification includes an 8-hour notification non-emergency 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(iv)(A) to identify Aux Feedwater Actuation automatically actuated post manual reactor trip on 12/25/04.
"Specified System Actuation per 50.72 (b)(3)(iv)(B)(6) AFAS [Auxiliary Feedwater Actuation System]."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident inspector. R2DO (Julian) notified of this update. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 41296 | Facility: ROBINSON
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [2] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: BILL STOVER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 12/27/2004
Notification Time: 01:02 [ET]
Event Date: 12/27/2004
Event Time: 00:31 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/27/2004 | Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
| Person (Organization):
CAUDLE JULIAN (R2)
PETER WILSON (IRD)
MICHAEL JOHNSON (NRR)
STEINDURF ()
AKERS (DHS)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO FIRE INSIDE PROTECTED AREA LASTING GREATER THAN 10 MINUTES
"Fire within the Protected Area lasting more than ten minutes. The Unusual Event was declared at 00:31 EST. The fire was located in the small arms locker in an out-building within the Protected Area. The fire was extinguished at 00:49 EST. Darlington County Fire Department responded."
Onsite security detected smoke and heard ammunition rounds discharging from a locked door small arms locker located in the Protected Area. Security reported the fire and onsite fire personnel responded. At 00:49 EST the fire was declared extinguished and a fire watch was set. No personnel were injured in this event. Darlington Fire Department was called and responded to the site, however, by the time they arrived the fire was put out and they, therefore, did not enter the Protected Area. Security believes this to be an isolated event with no evidence of malevolent actions.
The Licensee notified state and local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE ON 12/27/04 AT 02:03 EST FROM B. STOVER TO J. KNOKE * * *
At 01:30 on 12/27/04 the Licensee terminated the Unusual Event. The Licensee indicated the fire has been out for 41 minutes. All on site small arms lockers were inspected by security and no evidence of any damage or tampering was found. The LLEA was not called for this event, however, they did respond when the Darlington Fire Department responded. The LLEA did not enter the Protected Area. As a precautionary followup measure the Licensee requested the Darlington County Sheriff's office send an arson investigator to the scene.
The Licensee notified state and local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Julian), NRR
(Johnson), IRD (Wilson), FEMA (Steindurf), and DHS (Akers). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 41297 | Facility: SAINT LUCIE
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE
NRC Notified By: JOONG KO
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 12/27/2004
Notification Time: 18:49 [ET]
Event Date: 12/27/2004
Event Time: 17:20 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/27/2004 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL
| Person (Organization):
CAUDLE JULIAN (R2)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | M/R | Y | 10 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby | Event Text MANUAL REACTOR TRIP FOLLOWING PROBLEM WITH STEAM GENERATOR WATER LEVEL CONTROL
The licensee reported a "manual reactor trip due to low steam generator level caused by feedwater control system malfunction." The licensee stated that it manually tripped the reactor with steam generator water level at approximately 40% and decreasing. Steam generator water level control was restored following the trip using auxiliary feedwater.
All rods fully inserted on the trip. No safety or relief valves lifted. Auxiliary feedwater was manually actuated and decay heat is currently being discharged via the atmospheric dump valves. Unit 1 is at full power and unaffected and the grid is stable. The plant was in no major LCOs at the time. All systems functioned as required. The licensee is still investigating the feedwater control system malfunction.
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |