Event Notification Report for November 12, 2009

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
11/09/2009 - 11/12/2009

** EVENT NUMBERS **


45478 45479 45480 45481 45486 45487 45488 45489

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General Information or Other Event Number: 45478
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: DIAMOND SHAMROCK REFINING COMPANY LP
Region: 4
City: Three Rivers State: TX
County:
License #: L03699
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK
Notification Date: 11/06/2009
Notification Time: 13:26 [ET]
Event Date: 11/06/2009
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/06/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
MICHAEL HAY (R4DO)
ANDREA KOCK (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - PROCESS GAUGE SHUTTER MALFUNCTION

The following information was obtained from the State of Texas via email:

"On November 6, 2009, the [State of Texas] was notified that the shutter on a Ronan Engineering level gauge containing 2,000 millicuries of Cesium (Cs) - 137 failed to operate properly. The gauge is installed on the top of a vessel that is 16 feet high. The vessel had been taken out of service and the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) went to the location to perform a shutter operation check. He found that the shutter could not be fully closed. Dose rates in the area were normal. Lead shielding was placed in front of the gauge as shielding. The RSO believes that as many as four people may have entered the vessel while the shutter was not fully closed. The licensee intends to repair the gauge during their next scheduled outage. The RSO was not certain on what day the event occurred, but believed it was about two weeks ago. The licensee stated that he was not aware of the reporting criteria until he received a letter sent out by [the State of Texas] regarding the reporting requirements for this type of event. The licensee is continuing their investigation. Additional information will be provided as it is received."

Texas Incident # I-8685.

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General Information or Other Event Number: 45479
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES, INC.
Region: 4
City:  State: TX
County:
License #: L01296
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: RAY JISHA
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK
Notification Date: 11/06/2009
Notification Time: 14:31 [ET]
Event Date: 11/06/2009
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/06/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
MICHAEL HAY (R4DO)
ANDREA KOCK (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST AND RECOVERED TROXLER MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE

On November 6, 2009, the State of Texas reported that a Troxler moisture density gauge was lost and recovered by the Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. The event occurred approximately one to two years ago. The density gauge was recovered two days after it was lost. The State of Texas will provide updates as more information is available. The gauge contained an 8 mCi Cs-137 and a 40 mCi Am/Be-241 source.

Texas Incident # I-8686

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General Information or Other Event Number: 45480
Rep Org: NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF HEALTH
Licensee:
Region: 1
City:  State: NY
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ROBERT DANSEREAU
HQ OPS Officer: ERIC SIMPSON
Notification Date: 11/06/2009
Notification Time: 15:03 [ET]
Event Date: 11/03/2009
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/06/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RICHARD BARKLEY (R1DO)
ANDREA KOCK (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT INVOLVING LEAKING IRRADIATOR SOURCE

New York does not publish the name, address or license number of its licensees in incident reporting to the NRC.

The following information was received via e-mail:

"Event description: Best Theratronics was performing a security upgrade (hardening) on an AECL Gamma Cell 40 irradiator, containing AECL Model Number C-161 cesium-137 sources, and discovered radioactive contamination indicating a 'leaking' source. Coincidently, [Department of Health representatives] arrived at the licensee's facility for a planned site visit at noon on 11/03/09, and were able to assess the situation with the vendor and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

"The engineers noticed that one of the pneumatic source drive mechanisms moved noticeably slower than the other. They removed the pneumatic drive assemblies and manually moved the source drive rods. They noted excessive resistance to movement and noticed corrosion (rust) on the source rod. They wiped the rusty material and measured the wipe with a thin-window GM detector, which indicated radioactive contamination. Further sample analysis confirmed removable cesium 137 (isotopic analysis) in excess of the leak test limit. The contamination is limited to the areas of the source drive components only. Radiological surveys were performed on personnel, tools, the room, etc. with negative findings. In consultation with the service engineers, the RSO, and [Department of Health representatives], the decision was made to abandon the hardening procedure. The unit was reassembled and taken out of service. DOH will work with the licensee to determine what options, if any, exist for disposal of the unit. DOH will also follow-up with Best Theratronics in regard to their procedures for PM (i.e., is leak testing performed in areas such as the drive mechanism during routine PM service or during hardening). Also, we will inquire about actions such as a notice to owners and/or assessment of other licensee's units, etc.

"Contamination on both source rods may indicate a generic source integrity issue."

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General Information or Other Event Number: 45481
Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: LANDMARK CONSULTANTS
Region: 4
City: PALM DESERT State: CA
County:
License #: 3931
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ROBERT GREGER
HQ OPS Officer: JOE O'HARA
Notification Date: 11/06/2009
Notification Time: 23:27 [ET]
Event Date: 11/06/2009
Event Time: [PST]
Last Update Date: 11/06/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
MICHAEL HAY (R4DO)
ANDREA KOCK (FSME)
ILTAB VIA EMAIL ()
MEXICO VIA FAX ()

This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN TROXLER GAUGE

The following notification was received from the state via e-mail:

"A Troxler moisture density gauge (model 3411, serial # 7078) was stolen from an open pickup truck sometime between 7 am and noon on 11/6/09. The gauge was taken out of the transportation container, which was secured in the back of the open pickup truck. The RSO does not know if the transportation container was locked.

"The lost gauge was reported to the Riverside Sheriff's Department. The RSO was informed that a reward should be offered for return of the gauge. He indicated he will discuss posting of a reward with the company owner. "


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. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

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General Information or Other Event Number: 45486
Rep Org: NE DIV OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
Licensee: BECTON DICKINSON INFUSION THERAPY SYSTEMS INC
Region: 4
City: BROKEN BOW State: NE
County:
License #: 04-01-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JIM DEFRAIN
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 11/09/2009
Notification Time: 16:54 [ET]
Event Date: 11/07/2009
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/09/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
JEFF CLARK (R4DO)
ANDREA KOCK (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - IRRADIATOR SAFETY INTERLOCKS BYPASSED

A fuse blew during operation of an irradiator facility in Broken Bow, NE. This affected: the source up or down indication, the roof plug switch, the high temperature sensor, and the source movement light. The system could not be reset manually with the key. To verify the source was in the shielded position, an operator was sent to the roof and verified that there was no slack in the cables and the position of the cables indicated the source was in the shielded position. The interlocks were bypassed and an operator entered the cell. It was determined that there was a blown fuse and faulty wiring which were replaced. Operators did not receive any radiation dose from this event.

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Power Reactor Event Number: 45487
Facility: COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION
Region: 4 State: WA
Unit: [2] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [2] GE-5
NRC Notified By: NICK RULLMAN
HQ OPS Officer: CHARLES TEAL
Notification Date: 11/10/2009
Notification Time: 07:36 [ET]
Event Date: 11/10/2009
Event Time: [PST]
Last Update Date: 11/11/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
JEFF CLARK (R4DO)

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

LOSS OF TSC DUE TO PLANNED MANTENANCE

"At 0425 on 11/10/09, the Technical Support Center (TSC) was removed from service for planned maintenance. This event is being reported as a loss of emergency preparedness capabilities in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(xiii). Maintenance will include replacement of a heating element in the HVAC system and replacement of an iodine radiation sampling instrument. The total duration of the maintenance activities is expected to be approximately 20 hours. Direction has been provided to the ERO (Emergency Response Officer) that should the TSC need to activated, TSC staff should report to the main control room in accordance with established procedures. No other emergency response facilities are impacted by this maintenance work. The [NRC] Resident Inspector has been notified."


* * * UPDATE FROM FRED SCHILL TO JOHN KNOKE AT 1845 EDT ON 11/11/09 * * *

Licensee stated that the Technical Support Center (TSC) is now back in service. Licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified R4DO (Jeff Clark)

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Power Reactor Event Number: 45488
Facility: QUAD CITIES
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-3,[2] GE-3
NRC Notified By: RANDALL DEWEEDT
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE
Notification Date: 11/11/2009
Notification Time: 18:41 [ET]
Event Date: 11/11/2009
Event Time: 12:38 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/11/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
STEVE ORTH (R3DO)

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

DEGRADED TSC EMERGENCY VENTILATION

"At 1238 hours on November 11, 2009, during performance of the Technical Support Center (TSC) ventilation pressure test, it was determined that the TSC could not be maintained at a positive pressure in the emergency mode due to the failure of an outside air intake damper to fully close. At this time, troubleshooting is being performed on the damper.

"If an emergency is declared requiring TSC activation, the TSC will be staffed and activated using existing procedures. In the event TSC evacuation is warranted due to radiological conditions, key Emergency Response Organization members would be relocated in accordance with existing procedures.

"This event is reportable per 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(xiii) given the impact on the emergency response facility. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."

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Power Reactor Event Number: 45489
Facility: COOPER
Region: 4 State: NE
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: JOHN MYERS
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 11/11/2009
Notification Time: 22:34 [ET]
Event Date: 11/11/2009
Event Time: 17:43 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/11/2009
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL
Person (Organization):
JEFF CLARK (R4DO)

Unit SCRAM Code RX CRIT Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 M/R Y 15 Power Operation 0 Hot Shutdown

Event Text

MANUAL REACTOR SCRAM AFTER A TURBINE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAK

"On November 11, 2009, at 1743 CST the reactor was manually scrammed following a manual trip of the main turbine due to an un-isolable leak on the Turbine High Pressure Fluid System (TGF) governor valve 3. Initial power level when the leak was identified was approximately 70%. Power was lowered commencing at 1405 in accordance with shutdown procedures. The reactor operator scrammed the reactor at 17:43 from approximately 15% power when directed by the shutdown procedure to place the reactor in a condition to support repairs to the TGF system. In preparation for the scram, level was raised to the range specified in the shutdown procedure (approximately 46 inches). Following the scram, reactor vessel water level lowered to approximately 15 inches on the narrow range instruments, and was subsequently recovered to normal post scram range (approximately 40 inches) using the reactor feedwater system. All control rods fully inserted. No group isolations occurred since level did not reach the isolation setpoint (3 inches). At 1920, the inboard MSIVs were manually closed to stabilize plant cool down and maintain the plant in mode 3. The main condenser remained available throughout the evolution and condenser vacuum is currently being maintained by the mechanical vacuum pumps. Pressure is being controlled using the steam line drains to the main condenser.

"All equipment operated as expected and there were no difficulties encountered during the evolution.

"The TGF System has been secured and is in the process of being tagged out for repair.

"This event is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) due to a non planned reactor scram while critical. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector."

The plant is in its normal shutdown electrical lineup.

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