The NRC is modernizing nrc.gov with an updated design and improved navigation to enhance usability. We are committed to a smooth transition and will work to minimize any disruption. The site may be briefly unavailable at times during launch. Thank you for your patience.

Event Notification Report for May 12, 2009

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
05/11/2009 - 05/12/2009

** EVENT NUMBERS **

45055

Power Reactor	Event Number: 45055
Facility: HATCH Region: 2 State: GA Unit: [1] [2] [ ] RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4 NRC Notified By: EDWEN URQUHART HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE	Notification Date: 05/11/2009 Notification Time: 17:11 [ET] Event Date: 05/11/2009 Event Time: 16:00 [EDT] Last Update Date: 05/11/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION	Person (Organization): EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	N	N	0	Cold Shutdown	0	Cold Shutdown
2	N	N	0	Cold Shutdown	0	Cold Shutdown

Event Text

OFFSITE NOTIFICATION TO NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER

"[The licensee was] Notified by chemistry, that while performing [the procedure for monitoring] the annual releases via unplanned routes for gamma sampling for groundwater well P17B, which is located near the southeast corner of the Diesel Generator (DG) building, a strong diesel / fuel oil odor in the groundwater being collected was detected by the sampling technician. In addition to the strong petroleum odor, the groundwater from the well had a reddish tint. This color is indicative of the red dye used to identify off-road diesel.

"The P17B is normally sampled annually for tritium and gamma. The last sample from this well was taken in January 2009 for the tritium sample surveillance.

"Southern Nuclear Company (SNC) Corporate Environmental Affairs was contacted to make the appropriate communications. Environmental Affairs has contacted the National Response Center.

"[The licensee's] Plans are to excavate in the area of well P17B to determine potential source of fuel oil to [the] ground water well."

The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, September 08, 2026