Event Notification Report for October 28, 2008

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
10/27/2008 - 10/28/2008

** EVENT NUMBERS **

 
44576 44589 44591 44602 44603 44604 44605

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General Information or Other Event Number: 44576
Rep Org: GEORGIA RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL PGM
Licensee: WAL-MART
Region: 1
City: SWAINSBORO State: GA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KEITH ST. CYR
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 10/17/2008
Notification Time: 13:39 [ET]
Event Date: 10/16/2008
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/27/2008
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
EUGENE COBEY (R1)
ANDREW MAUER (FSME)
GREGORY AHERN (ILTA)
 
This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING TRITIUM EXIT SIGN

A Wal-Mart store at 14 S. Main Street in Swainsboro GA notified the State of Georgia that a tritium exit sign that had been held in storage was missing. The store had previously removed its tritium signs and was storing them for eventual return to the manufacturer. During an inventory of the signs, one was discovered to be missing. The sign is generally licensed by the State. The sign was manufactured by Isolite with 11.5 curies of tritium. The State of Georgia did not have the serial number of the sign.

* * * UPDATE FROM ERIC JAMESON TO JOE O'HARA AT 1353 ON 10/21/08 * * *

A Wal-Mart store at 6065 Jonesboro Road in Morrow, GA notified the State of Georgia that two tritium exit signs were missing. The signs were manufactured by SRB with 20 Curies each S/N 279368 and S/N 282787. Additionally, a Wal-Mart store at 3886 Highway 17 in Toccoa, GA. Had one tritium exit sign missing. The sign was manufactured by Isolite with 11.5 curies of tritium. The State of Georgia did not have the serial number of the sign. The signs are generally licensed by the State.

Notified R1DO(Cahill) ,FSME(Burgess), and ILTAB via E-mail

* * * UPDATE FROM ERIC JAMESON TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1533 ON 10/27/08 * * *

A Wal-Mart store at 2427 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA reported on 10/22/08 one missing tritium exit sign. The sign was manufactured by Isolite, S/N unknown, Activity unknown.

A Wal-Mart store at 3040 Norman Drive, Valdosta, GA reported on 10/24/08 one missing tritium exit sign. The sign was manufactured by Isolite, S/N 269809, Activity 11.5 curies.

A Wal-Mart store at 1569 North Expressway, Griffin, GA reported on 10/24/08 one missing tritium exit sign. The sign was manufactured by SRB, S/N 278658, Activity 20 curies.

A Wal-Mart store at 1099 Indian Drive, Eastman, GA reported on 10/24/08 two missing tritium exit signs. The first sign was manufactured by Isolite, S/N 297971, Activity 11.5 curies. The second sign was manufactured by Isolite, S/N 297990, Activity 12.5 curies.

Notified R1DO (Cahill), FSME (Mauer), and ILTAB (Ahern) 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.

This source is not amongst those sources or devices identified by the IAEA Code of Conduct for the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources to be of concern from a radiological standpoint. Therefore is it being categorized as a less than Category 3 source

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Hospital Event Number: 44589
Rep Org: SAINT MARY'S MEDICAL CENTER
Licensee: SAINT MARY'S MEDICAL CENTER
Region: 1
City: HUNTINGTON State: WV
County:
License #: 47-09576-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JAMES NORWECK
HQ OPS Officer: JASON KOZAL
Notification Date: 10/22/2008
Notification Time: 10:15 [ET]
Event Date: 10/15/2008
Event Time: 14:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/22/2008
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
35.3045(a)(3) - DOSE TO OTHER SITE > SPECIFIED LIMITS
Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1)
MICHELE BURGESS (FSME)

Event Text

OVEREXPOSURE TO ESOPHAGUS DURING MEDICAL PROCEDURE

The patient was being treated for a thyroid condition with a capsule of I-131 (150 milliCi). The procedure involved the licensee swallowing the capsule to position it near the thyroid. During the procedure the capsule became lodged in the patients throat due to an esophageal obstruction. The staff attempted to aid in passing the capsule by having the patient drink soda and eat applesauce. The capsule eventually passed the obstruction after approximately 2 1/2 hours.

The estimated dose to the esophagus was 1000 Rads. The calculated dose to the esophagus is 1786 Rads. The patient is following with a physician today and at that time will be notified of the overexposure. The potential adverse effects of this dose are esophagitis (inflammation of the lining of the esophagus) and radiation fibrosis.

The licensee initially investigated this event shortly after it occurred and at the time contacted NRC R2 (Gabriel). At that time based on the information that was available (mainly time the device was lodged in the patients esophagus) this event was deemed not reportable. When new information became available to the licensee the event was determined to be reportable.

A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facilities use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

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General Information or Other Event Number: 44591
Rep Org: COLORADO DEPT OF HEALTH
Licensee: ACUREN INSPECTIONS
Region: 4
City: EATON State: CO
County:
License #: RML-997-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ED STROUD
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE
Notification Date: 10/22/2008
Notification Time: 14:57 [ET]
Event Date: 10/22/2008
Event Time: 12:40 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 10/22/2008
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
MICHELE BURGESS (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA MALFUNCTION

The state faxed the following report

"We [state] received a phone call today from the RSO of Acuren Inspections (RML- 997-01). On October 21, 2008, a two-man crew was making radiography shots at a field location near the intersection of County Roads 59 and 70, east of Eaton, CO.

"The incident involved an Amersham 660 camera, with an Ir-192 source with an estimated 24 Ci of activity.

"While making a shot, the pipe fell and resulted in a kink in the guide tube that prevented the source from being retracted. The crew cranked the source back into the collimator and called the RSO, who responded. Upon arrival, the RSO placed bags of shot over the collimator and used pliers to straighten the guide tube and safely retract the source into the camera. The RSO received a dose of zero mrem. The radiographer had a total dose for the day of 20 mrem, and the assistant had a total dose for the day of 68 mrem.

"A written report is being prepared by the licensee and will be forthcoming."

Incident Report I08-019

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Power Reactor Event Number: 44602
Facility: QUAD CITIES
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-3,[2] GE-3
NRC Notified By: JEFF KOPACZ
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN
Notification Date: 10/27/2008
Notification Time: 04:48 [ET]
Event Date: 10/27/2008
Event Time: 03:03 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/27/2008
Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
Person (Organization):
HIRONORI PETERSON (R3)
JIM CALDWELL (R3RA)
ERIC LEEDS (NRR)
WILLIAM GOTT (IRD)
JOSEPH GIITTER (NRR)
GOMEZ (DHS)
FULLER (FEMA)
 
Unit SCRAM Code RX CRIT Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 N Y 98 Power Operation 97 Power Operation
2 N Y 97 Power Operation 97 Power Operation

Event Text

UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO EXPLOSION IN THE PROTECTED AREA

"Quad Cities Station has declared an Unusual Event under EAL HU6 due to an explosion in the protected area. The radwaste floor drain surge tank building has physical damage after reports of an explosion in the area. The building is located outside the vital area West of the Turbine building. There are no reports of fire in the area. First responders are on the scene and assessing the situation. This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72.(a)."

The licensee stated that there were no injuries or release of radioactive material and no impact on the reactors. The damage was to block structure of the radwaste floor drain surge tank building but the radwaste tank itself was not impacted. The cause of the explosion is still unknown but appears to be related to a buildup of some kind of hydrocarbon gas. No offsite assistance from the fire department has been requested by the licensee. The explosion was reported to occur at 0242 CDT.

The States of Illinois and Iowa have been notified. The licensee has also notified local authorities and will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.

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Power Reactor Event Number: 44603
Facility: SUSQUEHANNA
Region: 1 State: PA
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: CURT MARKLEY
HQ OPS Officer: JASON KOZAL
Notification Date: 10/27/2008
Notification Time: 12:53 [ET]
Event Date: 10/27/2008
Event Time: 12:06 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/27/2008
Emergency Class: ALERT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
Person (Organization):
EUGENE COBEY (R1)
ERIC LEEDS (NRR)
MARK DAPAS (R1)
JOSEPH GIITTER (NRR)
BRIAN McDERMOTT (IRD)
FROST (DHS)
SWEETSER (FEMA)
 
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

ALERT DECLARED DUE TO OXYGEN DEFICIENT ATMOSPHERE IN A VITAL AREA

"At 1206 on 27 October 2008 PPL Susquehanna, LLC, declared an Alert (classification OA7) for an oxygen deficient atmosphere for a room in the Unit 2 Reactor Building. The oxygen deficient atmosphere occurred in the Unit 2 RHR Division 2 Pump Room during maintenance activities. Personnel evacuated this room. Activation of the Emergency plan is reportable under 10CFR50.72(a)(3)."

The licensee made all notifications as required to state and local responders. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

* * * UPDATE FROM CHARLIE RIGSBY TO JOE O'HARA AT 1741 ON 10/27/08 * * *

The ALERT was terminated at 1726 EDT based upon re-establishment of a suitable atmosphere. The licensee notified the State, local agencies, and the NRC Resident Inspector. R1DO(Cobey), NRR EO(Giitter), and IRD(McDermott) notified.

Notifications to DHS, FEMA, DOE, USDA, HHS were also made by the NRC Operations Center.

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Fuel Cycle Facility Event Number: 44604
Facility: PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT
RX Type: URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY
Comments: 2 DEMOCRACY CENTER
                   6903 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE
                   BETHESDA, MD 20817 (301)564-3200
Region: 2
City: PADUCAH State: KY
County: McCRACKEN
License #: GDP-1
Agreement: Y
Docket: 0707001
NRC Notified By: T.B. HUDSON
HQ OPS Officer: JASON KOZAL
Notification Date: 10/27/2008
Notification Time: 16:45 [ET]
Event Date: 10/27/2008
Event Time: 02:39 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/27/2008
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
OTHER UNSPEC REQMNT
Person (Organization):
DEBORAH SEYMOUR (R2)
EUGENE PETERS (NMSS)

Event Text

CONCURRENT NOTIFICATION TO NRC OF PCB SPILL

"At 1400, on 10/27/2008 CDT, the Plant Shift Superintendent was informed that EPA Region IV and the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection had been notified of a PCB spill which occurred within the C-333 process building.

"This event is reportable as 'USEC shall notify NRC of any event or situation, related to the health and safety of the public or on-site personnel, or protection of the environment, for which a news release is planned or notification to other government agencies has been or will be made. Such an event may include an on-site fatality or inadvertent release of radioactively contaminated materials.'

"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified of this event.

"PGDP Problem Report No. ATRCÀ08À3077: PGDP Event Report No. PAD-2008-032"

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Power Reactor Event Number: 44605
Facility: SOUTH TEXAS
Region: 4 State: TX
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: KLAY KLIMPLE
HQ OPS Officer: JASON KOZAL
Notification Date: 10/27/2008
Notification Time: 19:21 [ET]
Event Date: 10/25/2008
Event Time: 23:42 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/27/2008
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
Person (Organization):
BLAIR SPITZBERG (R4)
 
Unit SCRAM Code RX CRIT Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
2 N N 0 Cold Shutdown 0 Cold Shutdown

Event Text

VALID SAFETY INJECTION SIGNAL DUE TO MAINTENANCE ERROR

"At approximately 2342 on 10/25/2006, while performing maintenance on the solid state protection system in Mode 5 cold shutdown, Unit 2 received an automatic safety injection signal which resulted in all three ESF Diesel Generators starting and a containment ventilation isolation and containment phase A isolation. All safety injection pumps were in pull-to-lock per plant conditions so that the pumps did not start and no water was discharged into the reactor coolant system. As a result, the ESF Diesel Generators started but did not load as designed. The residual heat removal pumps were stripped from the ESF electrical busses due to the actuation. The first residual heat removal pump was restored within 4 minutes upon the loss of residual heat removal cooling and the second pump was restored within 6 minutes. The residual heat removal system heat exchangers were bypassed at the time of the event and the plant was being allowed to heat up.

"The cause of the automatic safety injection signal was an inadvertent removal of the block for the low pressurizer pressure safety injection system during the maintenance. Therefore, the signal was a valid signal initiated in response to a parameter satisfying the requirements for initiation of the safety function of the system.

"Although the actuation was the result of a valid signal, safety injection was not required in this Cold Shutdown Mode of Operation.

"This notification is being made under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(iv) as an event that results in valid actuation of any of the systems listed in paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B) of this section.

"This actuation was initially determined to be due to an invalid signal. Upon further review, it was determined at 1745 on 10/27/08 that the actuation was due of a valid signal."

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

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