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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
Event Reports For
10/26/2005 - 10/27/2005
** EVENT NUMBERS **
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| General Information or Other |
Event Number: 42018 |
Rep Org: TENNESSEE DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: B&W ENGINEERING
Region: 1
City: MEMPHIS State: TN
County:
License #: R-79222-B06
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BILLY FREEMAN
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN MacKINNON |
Notification Date: 09/27/2005
Notification Time: 14:39 [ET]
Event Date: 09/24/2005
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005 |
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE |
Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1)
GREGG MORELL (NMSS)
JIM WHITNEY email (TAS) |
Event Text
TENNESSEE AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE
A Troxler 3430 portable gauge was stolen from the home of an employee of B&W Engineering between mid-day Saturday, 9/24/05 and Monday morning, 9/26/05. The retractable source rod on the gauge was locked, the gauge was in a yellow plastic shipping container which was also locked. The locked gauge in the locked shipping container were located in a locked storage shed behind the employee's home located in Memphis, TN.
The gauge is owned by B&W Engineering, Memphis TN. The Radiation Safety Officer for B&W Engineering said that he had contacted the North Memphis Police Dept., but they told him that the employee from whom the gauge was stolen would have to file a police report personally.
TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation contacted Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and reported the occurrence to them. TEMA said they would contact the Shelby Co. Emergency Management Agency as soon as they hung up. TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation then called Memphis Police Dept., North Precinct and reported the occurrence to them. TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation then reported the occurrence to the Arkansas Radiation Control Program, they said they might issue a press release. TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation then reported the occurrence to the Mississippi Division of Radiological Health. TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation reported to occurrence to Duncan White , NRC Region l. TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation then received a call back from the Memphis Police Dept. who said that they would contact the RSO for B&W and try to file a police report regarding the theft.
Troxler Model 3430 contains 8 millicuries of Cs-137 ands 40 millicuries of Am-241/Be.
Incident Report number TN-05-109
* * * UPDATE 1540 EDT ON 10/25/05 FROM BILLY FREEMAN TO A. COSTA VIA EMAIL * * *
On the morning of 10/25/05, the Memphis Police Department notified the TN Division of Rad Health that the stolen gauge had been recovered during a narcotics search of a private residence. A preliminary assessment performed by on-scene law enforcement concluded that the device appeared intact and without evidence of damage. The licensee was contacted and will make arrangements to recover the Troxler Model 3430, S/N 23422 within the next several hours. The TN Division of Rad Health representative requested the licensee contact their office after retrieving the device to discuss the condition of the gauge.
Notified R1DO (Silk), NMSS (Janosko) and TAS (Sandler) via email.
* * * UPDATE AT 09:04 EDT ON 10/26/2005 FROM BILLY FREEMAN TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *
The licensee stated "that he had retrieved the gauge and returned it to their B&W Engineering shop. He said the gauge appeared to be unharmed; that they tested/calibrated the gauge and the results indicated it was working properly/as it was prior to the theft; that they had surveyed it with a radiation survey meter and the results were the same as prior to the theft; and finally, that they had taken a leak test smear and sent it in for analysis."
Notified R1DO (Silk), NMSS (Burgess) and TAS (Sandler) via email.
Less than the quantity of a IAEA Category 3 source.
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.
For some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are IAEA 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. |
| Other Nuclear Material |
Event Number: 42076 |
Rep Org: HUNTINGTON TESTING AND TECHNOLOGY
Licensee: HUNTINGTON TESTING AND TECHNOLOGY
Region: 1
City: HUNTINGTON State: WV
County:
License #: 47-23076-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID MCALISTER
HQ OPS Officer: MIKE RIPLEY |
Notification Date: 10/25/2005
Notification Time: 17:00 [ET]
Event Date: 10/25/2005
Event Time: 09:25 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005 |
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X |
Person (Organization):
DAVID SILK (R1)
GARY JANOSKO (NMSS)
TAS (EMAIL) () |
Event Text
RADIOACTIVE SOURCE LOST IN SHIPMENT
At 1651 ET on 10/24/05, the licensee dropped off two shipping containers at the FedEx shipping facility near the Huntington Tri-State Airport in Huntington, WV for shipment by FedEx to AEA Technology in Burlington, MA . Each container contained an 8.7 Curie Ir-192 source. On 10/25/05, the licensee was notified by AEA that only one of the two sources had arrived. AEA reported that two packages did arrive per schedule (0925 ET 10/24/05): one package was one of the radioactive material shipping containers containing one of the two expected sources, however the other was an attaché case containing only the licensee's shipping papers. The FedEx Response Center was notified and FedEx is searching for the missing shipment.
The shipping containers are both AEA Type 650L containers, each measuring 8" x 10" x 13 " with Yellow 2 radioactive material markings. The Transportation Index for each container is 0.2. The container received by AEA contained an AEA source changer S/N 202 containing an 8.7 Curie Ir-192 source S/N 20284B. The container lost in shipment contains an AEA source changer S/N 190 containing an 8.7 Curie Ir-192 source S/N 20285B.
* * * UPDATE 1120 EDT ON 10/26/05 FROM REGION I (JOHN KINNEMAN) TO S.SANDIN * * *
Region I was notified by AEA that the misdirected shipment arrived at their Burlington, MA facility this morning in good condition.
Notified R1DO (Silk), NMSS (Holahan) and TAS (Danis).
Category 3 sources, if not safely managed or securely protected, could cause permanent injury to a person who handled them, or were otherwise in contact with them, for some hours. It could possibly - although it is unlikely - be fatal to be close to this amount of unshielded radioactive material for a period of days to weeks. These sources are typically used in practices such as fixed industrial gauges involving high activity sources (for example, level gauges, dredger gauges, conveyor gauges and spinning pipe gauges) and well logging. |
| Power Reactor |
Event Number: 42078 |
Facility: TURKEY POINT
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [3] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [3] W-3-LP,[4] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: EDWARD P. TREMBLAY
HQ OPS Officer: ARLON COSTA |
Notification Date: 10/25/2005
Notification Time: 22:05 [ET]
Event Date: 10/25/2005
Event Time: 21:40 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005 |
Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED |
Person (Organization):
MIKE ERNSTES (R2)
THOMAS BLOUNT (IRD)
JOHN HANNON (NRR)
MARY ANN (DHS)
LIGGETT (FEMA) |
| Unit |
SCRAM Code |
RX CRIT |
Initial PWR |
Initial RX Mode |
Current PWR |
Current RX Mode |
| 3 |
N |
N |
0 |
Hot Standby |
0 |
Hot Standby |
Event Text
UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO A SMALL FIRE AT THE MAIN TURBINE AREA
"Small Class B fire on the Unit 3 High Pressure Turbine. Fire is currently out, presented no challenges, and lasted 13 minutes"
The fire occurred underneath the high pressure turbine bearing and was caused by oil soaked insulation. The fire was extinguished by the site's fire brigade and resulted in no injuries to plant personnel. Plant safety and emergency systems were not affected by the fire and all plant systems functioned as required. Currently, the fire brigade is being debriefed and it is anticipated that the site will terminate the Unusual Event shortly. The licensee notified the State, local authorities and the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE AT 23:54 EDT ON 10/25/2005 FROM MICHAEL COEN TO RIPLEY * * *
"Small class B fire on the Unit 3 High Pressure Turbine. Fire is currently out, presented no challenge, and lasted 13 minutes. Terminated Unusual Event at 2330."
The plant is in mode three both before and after the event. The plant startup schedule has not been determined.
The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified the IRD Manager (Blount), FEMA (Chris Leggett), R2DO (Ernstes), and NRR EO (Hannon). |
| 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 |
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 |
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE |
Person (Organization):
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 |
Event Text
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). |
| 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 |
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 |
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE |
Person (Organization):
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 |
Event Text
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). |
| 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 |
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 |
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE |
Person (Organization):
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 |
Event Text
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). |
| Other Nuclear Material |
Event Number: 42082 |
Rep Org: HONEYWELL INC
Licensee: HONEYWELL INC
Region: 3
City: MINNEAPOLIS State: MN
County:
License #:
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: AMELIA DEBAGGIS
HQ OPS Officer: BILL GOTT |
Notification Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 17:36 [ET]
Event Date: 07/22/2005
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005 |
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X |
Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3)
GARY JANOSKO (NMSS) |
Event Text
MISSING AIR IONIZER
A generally licensed NRD model P-2021-3000 air ionizer (s/n A2DV726) was discovered missing following the demolition of a wall. During the installation of a new cleaning bench on July 22 and 23, a wall was demolished. The nitrogen line and the attached blow-off gun containing the device was attached to that wall and the assumption is the ionizer was in the demolition debris. The debris was moved to a Waste Management dumpster for a short time and then sent to a landfill in Blaine, MN. The landfill was searched, but the device was not found. These devices generally have an initial activity of 10 mCi of Po-210, but the caller did not know the activity of the lost device.
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. |
| Fuel Cycle Facility |
Event Number: 42083 |
Facility: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
RX Type: URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE PRODUCTION
Comments: UF6 CONVERSION (DRY PROCESS)
Region: 2
City: METROPOLIS State: IL
County: MASSAC
License #: SUB-526
Agreement: Y
Docket: 04003392
NRC Notified By: JAME TORTORELLI
HQ OPS Officer: ARLON COSTA |
Notification Date: 10/26/2005
Notification Time: 17:55 [ET]
Event Date: 10/25/2005
Event Time: 15:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/26/2005 |
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
OTHER UNSPEC REQMNT |
Person (Organization):
MIKE ERNSTES (R2)
GARY JANOSKO (NMSS) |
Event Text
VIOLATION OF ANSI STANDARD FOR UF6 CYLINDERS
"Metropolis Works, Metropolis, Illinois (MTW) is reporting a failure to follow procedure related to the installation of valves in UF6 cylinders."
"A violation of ANSI Standard N14.1 (2001) 'Uranium Hexafluoride Packaging for Transport', Section 6.14.6 was reported 26 October, 2005. This is a reportable event because it is a violation of an applicable national standard and also an action outside the licensee's procedures. ANSI N14-1 (2001) 6.14.6 states, 'No material of any kind other than the specified solder shall be used on the threads to facilitate installation {of cylinder valves into the UH6 type 48Y cylinders}.' Contrary to that standard, MTW site maintenance personnel did use Teflon spray to facilitate installation of cylinder valves into type 48Y cylinders. Use of a thread lubricant, such as Teflon, can be expected to increase the degree the valve threads are engaged for a given torque. Teflon is a fluorinated compound and is not a chemical hazard in contact with UF6.
"This issue was discovered when USEC inspectors noted white residue around cylinder valves previously replaced by the licensee when those valves were later replaced by the cylinder manufacturer. Analysis of the residue showed it was Teflon. USEC notified the licensee of the finding 25 October 2005. Interviews with maintenance workers disclosed that Teflon had been used when replacing some cylinder valves. The licensee is investigating the quantity and type of cylinders that might have been subjected to Teflon during valve replacement. Notification of all customers that might have received cylinders with valves installed with Teflon is in progress.
"The licensee notified NRC Region 2 (D. Hartland)."
Notified R2DO (Ernstes). |
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