Event Notification Report for October 26, 2005
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
10/25/2005 - 10/26/2005
EVENT NUMBERS
4208542086420794208042081
General Information or Other
Event Number: 42085
Rep Org: OHIO BUREAU OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: COLUMBIA IRON AND METAL
Region: 3
City: GIRARD State: OH
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL SNEE
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Licensee: COLUMBIA IRON AND METAL
Region: 3
City: GIRARD State: OH
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL SNEE
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 10/27/2005
Notification Time: 11:04 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 12/16/2005
Notification Time: 11:04 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 12/16/2005
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3)
MICHELE BURGESS (NMSS)
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3)
MICHELE BURGESS (NMSS)
SOURCE DISCOVERED AT METAL SCRAP YARD
The State provided the following information via facsimile:
Gauge containing a Sr-90 sealed source was discovered at a metal scrap yard in Girard, Ohio. The gauge is a Betamike model manufactured by Taylor Instruments (Model 015020; Serial 781-35). The activity as of 8/70 was 100 mCi (millicuries). The activity as of 10/27/05 was calculated to be 44 mCi (millicuries). The Ohio Department of Health dispatched an inspector to the scrap yard on October 26. The gauge is secure and a leak test of the source showed no removable contamination. Radiation levels are 5 Mr/hr (milliRem per hour) on contact and 1 Mr/hr at 30 cm. Disposal options for the device are being investigated.
Ohio Report OH05-134
* * * UPDATE FROM S. JAMES TO W. GOTT AT 1114 ON 12/16/05 * * *
"The source was packaged and removed for disposal by a contractor to the USEPA."
Notified NMSSEO (B. Karas) and R3DO (S. Burgess)
Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.
The State provided the following information via facsimile:
Gauge containing a Sr-90 sealed source was discovered at a metal scrap yard in Girard, Ohio. The gauge is a Betamike model manufactured by Taylor Instruments (Model 015020; Serial 781-35). The activity as of 8/70 was 100 mCi (millicuries). The activity as of 10/27/05 was calculated to be 44 mCi (millicuries). The Ohio Department of Health dispatched an inspector to the scrap yard on October 26. The gauge is secure and a leak test of the source showed no removable contamination. Radiation levels are 5 Mr/hr (milliRem per hour) on contact and 1 Mr/hr at 30 cm. Disposal options for the device are being investigated.
Ohio Report OH05-134
* * * UPDATE FROM S. JAMES TO W. GOTT AT 1114 ON 12/16/05 * * *
"The source was packaged and removed for disposal by a contractor to the USEPA."
Notified NMSSEO (B. Karas) and R3DO (S. Burgess)
Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.
General Information or Other
Event Number: 42086
Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: PHARMACY SERVICES OF PEORIA
Region: 3
City: PEORIA State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01874-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: BILL GOTT
Licensee: PHARMACY SERVICES OF PEORIA
Region: 3
City: PEORIA State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01874-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: BILL GOTT
Notification Date: 10/27/2005
Notification Time: 13:46 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 14:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/27/2005
Notification Time: 13:46 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 14:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/27/2005
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3)
MICHELE BURGESS (NMSS)
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3)
MICHELE BURGESS (NMSS)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOOSE SURFACE CONTAMINATION AND CONTAMINATED PERSONNEL
"At 6:40 PM, October 26, 2005, the Agency's Duty Officer received a call from the dispatch center to contact Pharmacy Services of Peoria (IL-01874-01) at their Peoria facility regarding a contaminated package they had transported back from Proctor Hospital, Peoria, IL (IL-01188-01) earlier that afternoon. Pharmacy Services of Peoria reported that the package was contaminated on the surface with Tc-99m. Direct measurements yielded 3 milliR/hr and 4.9 million DPM. The package was immediately set aside in their waste area and secured. The driver was surveyed and contamination was found on one hand. His hand was decontaminated until readings were approximately 0.04 milliR/hr and no removable contamination remained. The pharmacy vehicle was subsequently surveyed and decontaminated to the extent practicable below releasable limits. Pharmacy Services of Peoria went on to state that he had contacted the hospital as well when the contamination was discovered that afternoon.
"The Duty Office then contacted, a technician of Proctor Hospital who indicated that a syringe of Tc-99m had partially vented which resulted in the contamination of her glove and the exterior of the retrieved pharmacy container. She stated that following notification from the pharmacy around 2 pm that afternoon, she had surveyed the hot lab for contamination and discovered loose radioactive contamination on the counter, the floor and the gloves she had been using at the time. She successfully decontaminated the floor and changed the counter absorbent covering. No other contamination had been found in the Department.
"On October 27, 2005 a Division representative called both individuals to follow-up and discuss reporting requirements. Pharmacy Services of Peoria advised that the courier had visited one other facility that afternoon following the collection of the briefcase containing empty lead containers at Proctor Hospital. Representatives from the pharmacy had called the second facility the previous afternoon to advise them of the potential for contamination. The second facility investigated and then reported back that their monitoring had revealed no contamination of the items dropped off. The pharmacy subsequently visited the site themselves later that same day to retrieve some empty containers and confirmed no contamination was present on any of the packages involved. He went on to report that the driver involved was monitored when he reported for work on the morning of the 27th and no additional removable contamination was discovered on his hands and as a further precaution the vehicle that had been used was set aside for the day and would not be driven.
"When the technician of Proctor Hospital was contacted she reported that she believed the contamination on the package resulted from a procedure where she was preparing a diagnostic tracer from a kit. Based on the initial amount involved and the subsequent diagnostic procedure she believed that no more than 0.5 milliCi of Tc-99m could have been involved. Circumstances in the hot lab and with available personnel lead to an uncommon situation where the package to be retrieved by the pharmacy courier was in the dose preparation area leading to its eventual contamination. Although routine procedure is to monitor all items removed from the radioactive work area of the hot lab, this was not performed on this occasion as it was unusual for the package to be in the dose preparation area. The licensee indicated that similar circumstances are very unlikely to be repeated so the potential for second occurrence is negligible."
State Report: IL050052
"At 6:40 PM, October 26, 2005, the Agency's Duty Officer received a call from the dispatch center to contact Pharmacy Services of Peoria (IL-01874-01) at their Peoria facility regarding a contaminated package they had transported back from Proctor Hospital, Peoria, IL (IL-01188-01) earlier that afternoon. Pharmacy Services of Peoria reported that the package was contaminated on the surface with Tc-99m. Direct measurements yielded 3 milliR/hr and 4.9 million DPM. The package was immediately set aside in their waste area and secured. The driver was surveyed and contamination was found on one hand. His hand was decontaminated until readings were approximately 0.04 milliR/hr and no removable contamination remained. The pharmacy vehicle was subsequently surveyed and decontaminated to the extent practicable below releasable limits. Pharmacy Services of Peoria went on to state that he had contacted the hospital as well when the contamination was discovered that afternoon.
"The Duty Office then contacted, a technician of Proctor Hospital who indicated that a syringe of Tc-99m had partially vented which resulted in the contamination of her glove and the exterior of the retrieved pharmacy container. She stated that following notification from the pharmacy around 2 pm that afternoon, she had surveyed the hot lab for contamination and discovered loose radioactive contamination on the counter, the floor and the gloves she had been using at the time. She successfully decontaminated the floor and changed the counter absorbent covering. No other contamination had been found in the Department.
"On October 27, 2005 a Division representative called both individuals to follow-up and discuss reporting requirements. Pharmacy Services of Peoria advised that the courier had visited one other facility that afternoon following the collection of the briefcase containing empty lead containers at Proctor Hospital. Representatives from the pharmacy had called the second facility the previous afternoon to advise them of the potential for contamination. The second facility investigated and then reported back that their monitoring had revealed no contamination of the items dropped off. The pharmacy subsequently visited the site themselves later that same day to retrieve some empty containers and confirmed no contamination was present on any of the packages involved. He went on to report that the driver involved was monitored when he reported for work on the morning of the 27th and no additional removable contamination was discovered on his hands and as a further precaution the vehicle that had been used was set aside for the day and would not be driven.
"When the technician of Proctor Hospital was contacted she reported that she believed the contamination on the package resulted from a procedure where she was preparing a diagnostic tracer from a kit. Based on the initial amount involved and the subsequent diagnostic procedure she believed that no more than 0.5 milliCi of Tc-99m could have been involved. Circumstances in the hot lab and with available personnel lead to an uncommon situation where the package to be retrieved by the pharmacy courier was in the dose preparation area leading to its eventual contamination. Although routine procedure is to monitor all items removed from the radioactive work area of the hot lab, this was not performed on this occasion as it was unusual for the package to be in the dose preparation area. The licensee indicated that similar circumstances are very unlikely to be repeated so the potential for second occurrence is negligible."
State Report: IL050052
Power Reactor
Event Number: 42079
Facility: FITZPATRICK
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: VICTOR WALZ
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: VICTOR WALZ
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 05:20 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 02:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 05:20 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 02:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005
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):
DAVID SILK (R1)
DAVID SILK (R1)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
LOSS OF THE TONE ALERT PROMPT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR GREATER THAN ONE HOUR
"The James A. Fitzpatrick Station was notified by Oswego County at 0403 EDT that the tone alert Prompt Notification System had been out of service for greater than one hour. The out of service time started at 0233 EDT on 10/26/05. Actions have been initiated to repair the system. The cause of the failure is unknown at this time."
The licensee informed local authorities and will inform the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE AT 1015 EDT FROM JIM COSTEDIO TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *
"Oswego County notified the James A. Fitzpatrick nuclear station that as of 0630 on 10/26/05, the Tone Alert Prompt Notification System had been restored to service."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified the R1DO (Silk).
"The James A. Fitzpatrick Station was notified by Oswego County at 0403 EDT that the tone alert Prompt Notification System had been out of service for greater than one hour. The out of service time started at 0233 EDT on 10/26/05. Actions have been initiated to repair the system. The cause of the failure is unknown at this time."
The licensee informed local authorities and will inform the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE AT 1015 EDT FROM JIM COSTEDIO TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *
"Oswego County notified the James A. Fitzpatrick nuclear station that as of 0630 on 10/26/05, the Tone Alert Prompt Notification System had been restored to service."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified the R1DO (Silk).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 42080
Facility: NINE MILE POINT
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-2,[2] GE-5
NRC Notified By: BRIAN FINCH
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-2,[2] GE-5
NRC Notified By: BRIAN FINCH
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 06:10 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 03:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 06:10 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 03:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005
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):
DAVID SILK (R1)
DAVID SILK (R1)
| 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 |
LOSS OF THE TONE ALERT PROMPT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR GREATER THAN ONE HOUR
"This notification is being made due to Nine Mile Point site losing the Tone Alert Radio System for more than 1 hour as of 0333 ET on 10/26/05. This is an 8 hour Non-Emergency per 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(xiii) (Loss Comm/Asmt/Resp). Cause for the loss is unknown and under investigation at this time. Emergency planning has verified route notification is available as a compensatory measure. Nine Mile Point will provide a follow-up notification when the system is returned to Service."
The licensee will inform the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE AT 09:18 EDT ON 10/26/2005 FROM BRIAN FINCH TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *
"This notification is being made due to Nine Mile Point site losing the National Weather Service Tone Alert Radio for more than 1 hour as of 03:33 ET on 10/26/2005. This is an 8 hour Non-Emergency per 10 CFR 50.72 (b) (3) (xiii) (Loss Comm/Asmt/Resp). Cause for the loss is unknown and under investigation at this time and cause will be documented in CR-20054275. Emergency planning had verified route notification is available as a compensatory measure.
"Nine Mile Point Unit 1 & Unit 2 are at 100% power before and after event.
"Notified via RECS line by the Oswego County Warning Point the National Weather Service Tone Alert Radio has been returned to service @ 0630 October 26, 2005.
"A copy of this Notification Worksheet will be provided to the Resident Inspector. This event has been captured on Condition Report 2005-3679."
The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified the R1DO (Silk).
"This notification is being made due to Nine Mile Point site losing the Tone Alert Radio System for more than 1 hour as of 0333 ET on 10/26/05. This is an 8 hour Non-Emergency per 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(xiii) (Loss Comm/Asmt/Resp). Cause for the loss is unknown and under investigation at this time. Emergency planning has verified route notification is available as a compensatory measure. Nine Mile Point will provide a follow-up notification when the system is returned to Service."
The licensee will inform the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE AT 09:18 EDT ON 10/26/2005 FROM BRIAN FINCH TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *
"This notification is being made due to Nine Mile Point site losing the National Weather Service Tone Alert Radio for more than 1 hour as of 03:33 ET on 10/26/2005. This is an 8 hour Non-Emergency per 10 CFR 50.72 (b) (3) (xiii) (Loss Comm/Asmt/Resp). Cause for the loss is unknown and under investigation at this time and cause will be documented in CR-20054275. Emergency planning had verified route notification is available as a compensatory measure.
"Nine Mile Point Unit 1 & Unit 2 are at 100% power before and after event.
"Notified via RECS line by the Oswego County Warning Point the National Weather Service Tone Alert Radio has been returned to service @ 0630 October 26, 2005.
"A copy of this Notification Worksheet will be provided to the Resident Inspector. This event has been captured on Condition Report 2005-3679."
The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified the R1DO (Silk).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 42081
Facility: SUSQUEHANNA
Region: 1 State: PA
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: JIM HUFFORD
HQ OPS Officer: ARLON COSTA
Region: 1 State: PA
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: JIM HUFFORD
HQ OPS Officer: ARLON COSTA
Notification Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 12:22 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 10:20 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 12:22 [ET]
Event Date: 10/26/2005
Event Time: 10:20 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005
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):
DAVID SILK (R1)
DAVID SILK (R1)
| 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 |
LOSS OF POWER AT THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS FACILITY
"Due to an electrical fault in the Susquehanna Emergency Operations Facility (EOF), the power to the building has been removed. Testing and repairs are underway and expectations are that power will be restored in approximately 6 hours. The EOF is located approximately 30 miles from the Susquehanna plant and the loss of power does not effect plant operation.
"Until repairs are complete communications and accident assessments will be made in the on site Technical Support Center (TSC). The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Luzerne and Columbia Counties have been notified by the Susquehanna Emergency Planning Organization.
"The NRC and PEMA will be notified upon power restoration."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE ON 10/26/05 AT 1500 EDT FROM JIM HUFFORD TO ARLON COSTA * * *
"As of approximately 1300 hours on 10/26/2005, power was restored to the Susquehanna Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) and the facility is considered operable. The NRC Resident Inspector will be updated."
Notified the R1DO (Silk).
"Due to an electrical fault in the Susquehanna Emergency Operations Facility (EOF), the power to the building has been removed. Testing and repairs are underway and expectations are that power will be restored in approximately 6 hours. The EOF is located approximately 30 miles from the Susquehanna plant and the loss of power does not effect plant operation.
"Until repairs are complete communications and accident assessments will be made in the on site Technical Support Center (TSC). The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Luzerne and Columbia Counties have been notified by the Susquehanna Emergency Planning Organization.
"The NRC and PEMA will be notified upon power restoration."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE ON 10/26/05 AT 1500 EDT FROM JIM HUFFORD TO ARLON COSTA * * *
"As of approximately 1300 hours on 10/26/2005, power was restored to the Susquehanna Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) and the facility is considered operable. The NRC Resident Inspector will be updated."
Notified the R1DO (Silk).