| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
11/15/2006 - 11/16/2006 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | General Information or Other | Event Number: 42648 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: QC LAB INC
Region: 4
City: BROOKSHIRE State: TX
County:
License #: L04750-003
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: LATISCHA HANSON
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ | Notification Date: 06/16/2006
Notification Time: 11:19 [ET]
Event Date: 06/16/2006
Event Time: 09:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 11/15/2006 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
ANTHONY GODY (R4)
TIM HARRIS (NMSS)
MEXICO (VIA E-MAIL) ()
ILTAB (VIA EMAIL) ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN NUCLEAR GAUGE
The State provided the following information via email:
"Radiation Control received a call at 9:15 am from [name deleted] the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for QC Testing Laboratories, Inc., 10810 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX, 77092, License # L04750-003, reporting that a technician was at a jobsite in the Houston suburb of Brookshire, when the technician noticed that the chain and lock bracing a moisture density gauge was cut, and the gauge and its case were subsequently stolen around 9:00 am, 6/16/06.
"The Gauge Information is as follows: Manufacturer - Troxler; Model 3430; Serial # 367007.
Source information: Cs-137, 8 millicuries, Serial # 751-796; Am-241Be, 40 millicuries, Serial # 78-1538.
The last leak test was performed April 26, 2006.
"Local police were immediately notified, who in turn have contacted local FBI. The licensee will fax a copy of the police report to Radiation Control as soon as available. Radiation Control was contacted at 10:00 am by the Chief of Police, Brookshire, to confirm the licensee had contacted the agency and to received additional information on the stolen equipment. An email with the device information and a copy of this report was sent to the police chief [email address deleted].
"Radiation Control is continuing to investigate & will transmit any updated information as soon as it is received. Texas Incident # I -8347."
* * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY LATISCHA HANSON TO JEFF ROTTON AT 1833 EST ON 11/15/06 * * *
The State provided the following information via email:
"At 1145 hrs. CST, the TX state Agency was notified by [name Deleted], the Program Director for Alabama that a Troxler moisture density gauge was being sold on E-Bay. Their staff had been surveying the site in hopes of finding a recently stolen gauge in Alabama and the seller was identified as [name Deleted]. At 1230 hrs. TX staffs were dispatched to the pawn shop, where initially, the representative failed to cooperate and show the inspectors the device or even reveal the storage location in a local warehouse. As an Impoundment Order was being drafted and local law enforcement authorities were being notified, the [name Deleted] employee consented to having the device delivered to the shop for identification and confiscation if it contained radioactive material. The device and associated paperwork were transported back to Austin for investigation as to who the owner is and what incident is associated with the recovered gauge.
"[At 1500 CST], the gauge was found by serial #, to belong QC Laboratories, Inc., L04750, TX Incident #I-8347/TX-042648. The RSO has been contacted and agreed to make arrangements with DSHS/Radiation Control for pickup; pick up details to be determined during discussion between both parties on 11/16/06."
Notified R4DO (Johnson), NMSS EO (Camper), ILTAB (via email) and Mexico (via fax).
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
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. |
| Hospital | Event Number: 42980 | Rep Org: DANVILLE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Licensee: DANVILLE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Region: 1
City: Danville State: VA
County:
License #: 451515403
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DR. G. SHEROUSE
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ | Notification Date: 11/09/2006
Notification Time: 16:02 [ET]
Event Date: 11/08/2006
Event Time: 10:10 [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/09/2006 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
INFORMATION ONLY
| Person (Organization):
NEIL PERRY (R1)
MICHELE BURGESS (NMSS)
| Event Text POTENTIAL LEAKAGE FROM A I-125 SEED
Six cartridges of I-125 seeds were received on 11/6/2006. During the inspection of the cartridges, a bent seed was found and removed from one of the cartridges. One additional cartridge was inspected by removing the seeds and reloading the cartridge. The remaining cartridges were visually inspected. No contamination was found on any of the cartridges.
The seeds were implanted in a patient at approximately 10:00 on 11/8/2006. After the procedure, residual activity was found on one of the cartridges. A urine assay on the patient was performed and a low level of activity was found (about four times background). A spectrographic analysis confirmed the activity as I-125.
The licensee is performing a dose assessment. The seed manufacturer was notified and stated that they would notify the state of Illinois.
Source information:
Manufacturer: Bard of Carol Stream, Illinois.
Model: STM1251
Lot #I60539B03 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 42984 | Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: BARD BRACHYTHERAPY
Region: 3
City: CAROL STREAM State: IL
County:
License #: IL-02062-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 11/10/2006
Notification Time: 18:28 [ET]
Event Date: 11/10/2006
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/11/2006 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
JAMNES CAMERON (R3)
KEITH McCONNELL (NMSS)
ILTAB VIA E-MAIL ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text SHIPMENT OF IODINE - 125 SEEDS LOST IN TRANSIT
The State provided the following information via email:
"On November 10, 2006, [a representative] of Bard Brachytherapy, Inc. (IL-02062-01) called to report that they had been advised by their customer, that a package intended for Milton Hospital, Milton, Massachusetts did not make it to its destination. The package had been offered to their courier, Airnet, the previous evening for next morning delivery. Using the company's package tracking system, it was determined that the shipment (DELETED) had been transferred from Airnet, to the American Airlines' O'Hare Airport Air Freight Hub in Chicago, IL., but no record of its departure existed. Physical searches of the airport facility by the carriers' staff did not immediately locate the package containing the radioactive material. The shipment consisted of 2 leaded pigs of I-125 sealed sources. One pig held 73 'seeds' with an activity of 66 milliCuries, the second held 80 'seeds' with an activity of 72 mCi. The two packages had been combined into an 'over pack' with a total activity of approximately 134 milliCi of I-125. The package was identified as a 'limited quantity' package with a dose rate of less than 0.5 milliR/h at the surface of the container. The box was approximately 15x12x12 inches in size. As of 17:30 CST the package remains missing.
"The customer, Milton Hospital, notified their local regulatory authority, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Radiation Control Program to advise them of the situation. Due to the quantity of I-125 involved, the U.S. NRC Operations Center was advised of this event. As a result, U.S. NRC event number 42984 was assigned. Bard is continuing to work with their courier and the carrier to locate the package. At this time American Airlines believes it is still in possession of the package as it does not show the airbill tracking number (DELETED) as arriving at any of its domestic hubs. The radioactive material involved is encapsulated in medical grade stainless steel and is approximately the size of a 0.5 cm length of pencil lead. It is used as a permanent implant to treat cancer of the prostate. Due to the energy of I-125, it posses a very limited external exposure hazard, and then only at very close distances of less then a foot. [The Bard representative] promised to keep the Agency informed of developments as they occurred by contacting the Agency's radiation duty officer."
Illinois Report No: IL060058
* * * UPDATE AT 1755 ON 11/11/2006 FROM D. PERERRO TO M. ABRAMOVITZ * * *
The package has been located at the airport in Boston, MA. The package is intact and is being returned to the originator in Illinois.
Notified the R3DO (Cameron), NMSS (McConnell), and ILTAB (English via E-mail).
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
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: 42987 | Rep Org: LOUISIANA RADIATION PROTECTION DIV
Licensee: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES
Region: 4
City: DESOTO PARISH State: LA
County:
License #: LA-4413-L01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: RICHARD PENROD
HQ OPS Officer: JOE O'HARA | Notification Date: 11/13/2006
Notification Time: 09:50 [ET]
Event Date: 09/20/2006
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/13/2006 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
JEFFREY CLARK (R4)
GREG MORELL (NMSS)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - ABANDONED SOURCE
The state provided the following information via fax:
"Precision Energy Services abandoned a 2 Ci source of Cs-137 (serial number 06926B) down a hole at a depth of 3064 feet. The tool string got stuck on September 20, 2006. The first attempt to retrieve the stuck tool string succeeded in retrieving the Am/Be neutron source but also caused the tools to break apart. The section of the tool string with the Cs-137 source was stuck at a depth of 3064 feet. Red-dyed cement plug was set with open-ended drill pipe at 3060 feet to 2860 feet. Production casing was run and cemented at 2850 feet, with float shoe, 41 feet of cement filled shoe joint, and float collar. The deflection device was dropped on the float collar and 20 feet of red-dyed cement was dumped on the device on November 1, 2006. An identification plaque will be placed on the well." |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 42988 | Rep Org: ALABAMA RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: BUILDING & EARTH SCIENCES, INC.
Region: 1
City: ALBERTVILLE State: AL
County:
License #: 1266
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID A. TURBERVILLE
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN MacKINNON | Notification Date: 11/13/2006
Notification Time: 16:03 [ET]
Event Date: 11/12/2006
Event Time: 12:45 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/13/2006 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
PAMELA HENDERSON (R1)
DUNCAN WHITE (R1)
GREG MORELL (NMSS)
ILTAB (NSIR)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT FROM ALABAMA - STOLEN TROXLER MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE
Information was received via facsimile
"SUBJECT: Stolen Gauge Containing Radioactive Material - Alabama Event 06-46
"On the morning of November 13, 2006 at 8:00 am, (deleted) of Building and Earth Sciences, Inc. notified the Alabama Office of Radiation Control Duty Officer that a Troxler Model 3430 moisture density gauge was stolen from the back of pickup truck that was parked at a commercial storage location in Albertville, Alabama. Building and Earth Sciences, Inc. is authorized to possess and use radioactive material under their Alabama Radioactive Material License No. 1266. Preliminary information indicates that the gauge was discovered stolen approximately 1:30 pm on the afternoon of November 12, 2006. (Deleted) indicated that the Albertville Police Department had been notified and responded to the incident. The gauge was believed stolen sometime between 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm on November 12, 2006. The stolen gauge was identified as a Troxler model 3430, serial number 37367 with 8 millicuries of Cs-137, and 40 millicuries of Am-241:Be. (Deleted) indicated that a number of other items were stolen from the victim including three motorcycles and an air compressor.
"This information is current as of 3:00 pm CDT - November 13, 2006."
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
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. |
| Other Nuclear Material | Event Number: 42992 | Rep Org: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Licensee: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Region: 1
City: PRINCETON State: NJ
County:
License #: 29-05185-24
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: SUE DUPRE
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF ROTTON | Notification Date: 11/15/2006
Notification Time: 13:45 [ET]
Event Date: 11/13/2006
Event Time: 09:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/15/2006 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(1) - UNPLANNED CONTAMINATION
| Person (Organization):
PAMELA HENDERSON (R1)
MICHELE BURGESS (NMSS)
| Event Text LEAKING SR 90 SOURCE
In the process of conducting the semiannual leak tests for sealed sources, a leaking Sr- 90 source was discovered on 11/13/2006. The Sr-90 source is used by the Physics Department in Room 365 of Jadwin Hall. The Sr-90 source has an activity of 180 microcuries and is normally stored in Room 361 of Jadwin Hall. The source actually consists of a foil on which Sr-90 has been electroplated. The foil is situated in a brass cylinder that consists of two cylindrical pieces - the piece in which the foil sits and a collimator end that is usually screwed onto the end containing the foil. When the leak test was conducted 6 months ago, there was no leakage. But after discovering contamination during the leak test on 11/13/06, it was found that a small hole has been punched through the foil so that the foil's integrity is compromised. The last time the source was used was approximately 6 weeks ago, so the damage occurred sometime between May and the end of September. Contamination (less than 150 dpm) has been found on spots on the floor in Room 361 of Jadwin Hall where the source is usually stored. Contamination has been found on a variety of surfaces on which the brass cylinder was set. A very rough estimate of the amount of missing activity is believed to be approximately 25% of the original activity.
No contamination has been found in public spaces. Surveys have been conducted for the two hallways that border the labs in which the source is used (Room 365) and stored (Room 361). Surveys have been conducted in the office of the sole research staff member who uses the source, and the lab in which the source is stored (Room 361). Results from the survey of the hallways and the office show no contamination problem exists in those areas. The wipes from the lab surveyed on 11/14/06 will be available on 11/15/06, but the G-M survey reveals no gross activity other than in the cabinet in which the source is stored and on the floor directly in front of the cabinet. Those areas were readily decontaminated.
On 11/15/06, surveys will be conducted in the lab in which the source is actually used (Room 365). Preliminary surveys on 11/14/06 indicated a number of surfaces that are contaminated in that room, and more thorough surveys will be conducted. All suspect areas have been locked and posted. No personal contamination has been discovered. The person who used the source is out of the area and will provided a urine sample when they return.
The licensee expects that decontamination will be complete by 11/16/06 and the rooms will have access restored.
Licensee has notified NRC R1 (Modes). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 42993 | Facility: INDIAN POINT
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [2] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [2] W-4-LP,[3] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: BRIAN ROKES
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF ROTTON | Notification Date: 11/15/2006
Notification Time: 16:26 [ET]
Event Date: 11/15/2006
Event Time: 14:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/15/2006 | 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):
PAMELA HENDERSON (R1)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | A/R | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby | Event Text AUTOMATIC REACTOR TRIP DURING ELECTRICAL MAIN GENERATOR TROUBLESHOOTING
"On November 15, 2006, at 14:00 hours, an automatic reactor trip occurred during troubleshooting of the Main Generator Exciter Generrex power supply, when an electrical spike resulted in a turbine trip which caused a reactor trip. All control rods fully inserted and safety equipment operated as expected. The Auxiliary Feedwater (AFW) System actuated as expected as a result of a low steam generator level from the reactor trip and started the motor driven AFW pumps. The Emergency Diesel Generators did not start as offsite power remained available. The plant was stabilized in hot standby with decay heat being removed by the main condenser. There were no radiation releases. The condition is under investigation and a post trip review is being conducted."
No PORVs or SG safety valves lifted during the event. The electrical plant is in a normal shutdown lineup and the EDGs are operable in standby. There was no affect on Unit 3 operation due to this event.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, and stated that IPEC communications has transmitted an IPEC Status Report which provides a status to local, state, and federal agencies. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 42994 | Facility: COOPER
Region: 4 State: NE
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: EUGENE MACE
HQ OPS Officer: JASON KOZAL | Notification Date: 11/16/2006
Notification Time: 01:38 [ET]
Event Date: 11/16/2006
Event Time: 00:09 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/16/2006 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
CLAUDE JOHNSON (R4)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | N | 0 | Cold Shutdown | 0 | Cold Shutdown | Event Text SPDS UNAVAILIBLE DUE TO PLANNED MAINTENANCE
"The Safety Parameter Display System and ERDS will be out of service for approximately 4 hours for scheduled maintenance. SPDS and ERDS parameters will be monitored by Control Board indications. Work will be continuous until SPDS/ERDS are returned to service. Alternate assessment and communication measures are available to compensate for these temporary impairments.
"This is an 8-hour reportable event per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) Major Loss of Assessment Capability. Cooper Nuclear Station is currently in a scheduled refueling outage. The operation of Cooper Nuclear Station is not affected by this planned maintenance."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 42995 | Facility: CALVERT CLIFFS
Region: 1 State: MD
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE
NRC Notified By: KEVIN UMPHRUI
HQ OPS Officer: BILL GOTT | Notification Date: 11/16/2006
Notification Time: 03:02 [ET]
Event Date: 11/16/2006
Event Time: 00:18 [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/16/2006 | 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
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A) - ECCS INJECTION
| Person (Organization):
PAMELA HENDERSON (R1)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | A/R | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby | Event Text REACTOR TRIP DUE TO TURBINE TRIP
At 0018 Calvert Cliffs Unit 2 experienced an automatic reactor trip due to a turbine trip. "At the time a clearance order was being performed for upcoming maintenance on P-13000-2 [transformer]. As a result of the turbine trip, RCS pressure rose to approximately 2420 psia causing the PORV's to open. Unexpectedly, a Pressurizer Safety Valve, RV-200 also lifted and reclosed when RCS pressure was lowered to approximately 1500 psia. As a result of the pressure decrease, a Safety Injection Actuation Signal (SIAS) occurred. Once the Pressurizer Safety Valve reclosed, RCS pressure began to rise to return to normal values.
"Decay heat is being removed via normal methods through the Turbine Bypass Valves to the Condenser.
"Normal Feedwater is being used. No Auxiliary Feedwater actuation occurred.
"Two Reactor Coolant Pumps were secured as a result of the SIAS. The plant responded normally to the event. The plant is currently stable and operators are conducting a plant cooldown to mode 5."
All control rods fully inserted.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 42996 | Facility: NORTH ANNA
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: JAMES JOHNSTONE
HQ OPS Officer: BILL GOTT | Notification Date: 11/16/2006
Notification Time: 03:57 [ET]
Event Date: 11/16/2006
Event Time: 02:26 [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/16/2006 | 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):
ROBERT HAAG (R2)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | A/R | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby | Event Text REACTOR TRIP
"At 0226, North Anna Power Station Unit 2 automatically tripped on steam flow greater than feed flow with low steam generator water level on 'B' Steam Generator. This was caused by a Steam Flow Channel (Channel 3) Low failure. After the reactor trip, Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps automatically started on Low-Low Steam Generator Level."
All control rods fully inserted. RCPs are in operation transferring decay heat to the steam generators. The steam generators are discharging steam to the main condenser using the condenser steam dumps. Main feedwater pumps are running to maintain steam generator water levels. Unit 1 was not affected.
The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. | |