Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Event Notification Report for August 9, 2010

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
08/06/2010 - 08/09/2010

** EVENT NUMBERS **

General Information or Other	Event Number: 46143
Rep Org: MARYLAND DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT Licensee: GREATER BALTIMORE MEDICAL CENTER Region: 1 City: BALTIMORE State: MD County: License #: MD-05-002-03 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: RAY MANLEY HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ	Notification Date: 08/03/2010 Notification Time: 10:22 [ET] Event Date: 07/09/2010 Event Time: [EDT] Last Update Date: 08/03/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): ANNE DEFRANCISCO (R1DO) GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - PATIENT EXPOSURE TO AN UNINTENDED AREA

On July 9, 2010, a cervical cancer brachytherapy study was being performed using a Cs-137 source (44.2 mCi). The physician failed to place the source in the afterloader and the source fell on the patient's buttocks. The source was later recovered from the trash before it left the facility. The licensee estimates the maximum dose received was 1050 centiGray. The patient's physician and the patient were notified of this event. No reddening of the skin has been noticed. The state was notified on 7/12/2010 and a written report was received from the licensee on 7/26/2010.

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

General Information or Other	Event Number: 46147
Rep Org: ALABAMA RADIATION CONTROL Licensee: UNKNOWN Region: 1 City: ANNISTON State: AL County: License #: Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: DAVID A. TURBERVILLE HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN	Notification Date: 08/04/2010 Notification Time: 15:10 [ET] Event Date: 08/02/2010 Event Time: [CDT] Last Update Date: 08/04/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): ANNE DEFRANCISCO (R1DO) GLENDA VILLAMAR (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT INVOLVING A SOURCE FOUND IN A LOAD OF SCRAP

The following report was received from the State of Alabama via fax:

"The Agency [Alabama Office of Radiation Control] received a call from representatives at Huron Valley Steel Corporation in Anniston, AL on August 2, 2010 regarding elevated readings from a load of scrap. Huron Valley personnel indicated that the facility received the load from American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO) in Birmingham, Alabama. An Agency representative asked Huron Valley personnel [to] isolate and secure the scrap. Agency representatives visited Huron Valley Steel on August 3, 2010 to assist with measurement, identification, and securing the possible source of radiation. Agency representatives noted that the source of radiation was approximately 6 inches wide x 2 inches deep x 1-2 inches [in] height. Agency representatives noted that the source of radiation no longer bore any identifying marks and appeared to be compacted. Agency representatives noted that exposure readings were approximately 330 mR/hr at approximately 4 inches from the source. Agency representatives measured for removable contamination in the field (none noted); representatives noted that areas around the source's location in the scrap did not appear to be contaminated. Agency representatives ensured that the source of radiation was isolated, shielded, and secured as of the date and time of submission of this report.

"The Alabama Office of Radiation Control (Agency) is investigating the origination point of this source of radiation. Agency personnel are gathering data for personnel exposure estimations. Agency personnel are in the process of identifying the nuclide in the source of radiation. The aforementioned information is the most current information available to the Agency as of the date of report submission, August 4, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. central time.

"Alabama Incident 10-35 - Report regarding Source of Radiation Found in Scrap"

General Information or Other	Event Number: 46148
Rep Org: FLORIDA BUREAU OF RADIATION CONTROL Licensee: ISOAID, L.L.C. Region: 1 City: PORT RICHEY State: FL County: License #: 3196-1 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: STEVE L. FURNACE HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN	Notification Date: 08/04/2010 Notification Time: 16:04 [ET] Event Date: 12/31/2008 Event Time: [EDT] Last Update Date: 08/04/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): ANNE DEFRANCISCO (R1DO) ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT- EXTREMITY OVEREXPOSURE DISCOVERED DURING AN AUDIT

The following information was received from the State of Florida via fax:

"During a scheduled state audit, it was discovered [that] an employee received an overexposure greater than 50 rem (51881 mr) to an extremity in December of 2008. Licensee is implementing corrective action, as in leaded gloves, increased shielding, review of radiation protection manual and procedures. Further action is referred to Licensing and Materials Office. This office will take no further action on this incident."

The State of Florida incident date is 04-Aug-10 with the investigation conducted on 27 July 2010.

Florida Incident No.: FL10-087

Power Reactor	Event Number: 46152
Facility: MONTICELLO Region: 3 State: MN Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] GE-3 NRC Notified By: RANDY SANDS HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN	Notification Date: 08/05/2010 Notification Time: 13:43 [ET] Event Date: 08/06/2010 Event Time: 07:00 [CDT] Last Update Date: 08/06/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE	Person (Organization): HIRONORI PETERSON (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

Event Text

TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER (TSC) PLANNED MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY

"On 8/6/10 at 0700 CDT the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant's [MNGP] Technical Support Center uninterruptible power supply will be isolated to perform a planned maintenance activity. The maintenance activity requires implementation of compensatory measures to maintain TSC functions during the activity. The compensatory measures include having the Emergency Director report to the Control Room and co-locating the remaining TSC staff at the EOF should an event be declared requiring ERO activation. The ERO has previously successfully demonstrated the ability to implement these compensatory measures. The maintenance activity is scheduled to be completed with the TSC returned to full functionality by the end of the dayshift on 8/6/10. The Site Emergency Response Organization has been notified of the maintenance activity and instructed on the planned compensatory measures to be implemented during the activity. MNGP will notify the NRC upon completion of the activity restoring full TSC operability. This event is considered reportable per 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii). The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector."

The licensee will inform both State and local agencies.

* * * UPDATE AT 2015 EDT ON 8/6/10 FROM MARTIN RAJKOWSKI TO S. SANDIN * * *

"On 8/6/10 at 1705 CDT the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant's Technical Support Center was returned to full operability. The Monticello Emergency Response Organization has been notified and the compensatory measures that were in effect have been terminated. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector."

The licensee will inform both State and local agencies. Notified R3DO (Stone).

Power Reactor	Event Number: 46156
Facility: CALLAWAY Region: 4 State: MO Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] W-4-LP NRC Notified By: SHANNON GAYDOS HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN	Notification Date: 08/05/2010 Notification Time: 15:39 [ET] Event Date: 08/05/2010 Event Time: 15:00 [CDT] Last Update Date: 08/06/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE	Person (Organization): BOB HAGAR (R4DO)

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 ALL POWER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNCTION AT THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER DUE TO SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

"The Technical Support Center (TSC) will be without power during performance of planned maintenance activities starting at approximately 1500 CDT on August 5, 2010. The maintenance activities, including electrical isolation and restoration, are expected to last approximately 12 hours. Contingency plans for emergency [response] situations have been established and the Emergency Response Organization members have been notified of their contingency actions.

"This event is reportable per 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii) since this constitutes a loss of an emergency response facility for the duration of the maintenance activities.

"Region IV was notified of this planned outage.

"The licensee notified [State and local agencies and] the NRC Resident Inspector."

* * * UPDATE ON 8/6/10 AT 0407 FROM BONVILLIAN TO HUFFMAN * * *

The Technical Support Center was restored to functional status at 0407 EDT. All systems verified operational. The licensee will notify State and local agencies and the NRC Resident Inspector. R4DO (Hagar) notified.

Hospital	Event Number: 46157
Rep Org: TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Licensee: TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER Region: 4 City: HONOLULU State: HI County: License #: 53-00458-04 Agreement: N Docket: NRC Notified By: LOU SHIMABUKU HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ	Notification Date: 08/06/2010 Notification Time: 16:14 [ET] Event Date: 06/07/2010 Event Time: [HST] Last Update Date: 08/06/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 35.3047(a) - EMBRYO/FETUS DOSE > 50 mSv	Person (Organization): BOB HAGAR (R4DO) ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)

Event Text

UNPLANNED IODINE-131 DOSE TO AN EMBRYO

A patient was receiving a thyroid ablation for cancer on 6/7/2010. Prior to the administration of the I-131 capsules, the patient received a blood serum test to check for potential pregnancy. The results were negative.

On 7/8/2010, the patient returned for a follow-up visit and informed the doctor that she was pregnant. An ultrasound estimated that the date of conception was 6/1/2010.

The RSO was notified of this event on 8/4/2010. The patient will be notified on 8/11/2010.

Source: I-131 capsules 154.9 mCi.

Power Reactor	Event Number: 46158
Facility: RIVER BEND Region: 4 State: LA Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] GE-6 NRC Notified By: TIM GATES HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD	Notification Date: 08/07/2010 Notification Time: 03:53 [ET] Event Date: 08/07/2010 Event Time: 00:15 [CDT] Last Update Date: 08/07/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION	Person (Organization): BOB HAGAR (R4DO)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	N	Y	89	Power Operation	89	Power Operation

Event Text

OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO INADVERTENT SOUNDING OF ONE OFFSITE EMERGENCY SIREN

"River Bend Station is making a 4 hour report in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) of an event that occurred at approximately 0015 hours on August 7, 2010 when one offsite emergency siren for River Bend located in West Feliciana Parish inadvertently sounded. The siren activation was not related to any condition or event at River Bend. River Bend has notified West Feliciana Parish authorities and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness of the inadvertent siren activation.

"At 0230 hours on August 7, 2010 the malfunctioning siren was disabled to prevent any further inadvertent sounding.

"The site NRC Resident Inspector's office has been informed of the inadvertent siren activation and that a 4 hour notification is being made.

"The River Bend alert and notification system remained operable for the duration of the event.

"The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness does not intend to air the inadvertent siren sounding message over the emergency alert system. A press release from Entergy is not planned at this time."

Power Reactor	Event Number: 46159
Facility: OCONEE Region: 2 State: SC Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] B&W-L-LP,[2] B&W-L-LP,[3] B&W-L-LP NRC Notified By: BOB MEIXELL HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ	Notification Date: 08/07/2010 Notification Time: 18:47 [ET] Event Date: 08/07/2010 Event Time: 14:51 [EDT] Last Update Date: 08/07/2010
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): BRIAN BONSER (R2DO)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	M/R	Y	100	Power Operation	0	Hot Standby

Event Text

MANUAL REACTOR TRIP AFTER REACTOR COOLANT PUMPS HIGH VIBRATION

"At 1451 on 8/7/2010, Oconee Unit 1 initiated a manual reactor trip from approximately 17% power due to indicated vibrations on 1A1 and 1A2 reactor coolant pumps [RCP] reaching the high vibration trip criteria. All systems responded normally following the reactor trip. Unit 1 is currently stable in MODE 3. An investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the elevated reactor coolant pump vibrations."

All control rods fully inserted on the trip. Decay heat is being removed via the turbine bypass valves to the main condenser. Steam generator water level is being maintained with main feedwater. There is no evidence that the PORVs or safety valves lifted. The plant is in its normal shutdown electrical lineup. There were no indications on the loose parts monitor except for the RCP high vibration. There was no affect on units 2 or 3.

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

Power Reactor	Event Number: 46160
Facility: VOGTLE Region: 2 State: GA Unit: [1] [2] [ ] RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP NRC Notified By: ASHTON PARKER HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH	Notification Date: 08/09/2010 Notification Time: 04:23 [ET] Event Date: 08/09/2010 Event Time: 05:00 [EDT] Last Update Date: 08/09/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE	Person (Organization): BRIAN BONSER (R2DO)

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

TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER DECLARED OUT OF SERVICE FOR PLANNED MAINTENANCE

"A condition is being reported per Technical Requirements Manual 13.13.1, 'Emergency Response Facilities', Action B.2. The functionality of the Technical Support Center (TSC) has been lost due to planned maintenance being performed on the TSC HVAC. Alternate facilities are available to provide emergency response functions and actions are proceeding to return the TSC to functional status with high priority. A 10CFR50.54(q) evaluation has been performed for this planned maintenance activity. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021