Event Notification Report for September 08, 2011
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
09/07/2011 - 09/08/2011
Agreement State
Event Number: 47251
Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: ARROW ENGINEERING
Region: 4
City: LANCASTER State: CA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DON OESTERLE
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Licensee: ARROW ENGINEERING
Region: 4
City: LANCASTER State: CA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DON OESTERLE
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 09/08/2011
Notification Time: 16:54 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2011
Event Time: 05:00 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/08/2011
Notification Time: 16:54 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2011
Event Time: 05:00 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/08/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
RYAN LANTZ (R4DO)
PAUL MICHALAK (FSME)
JIM WHITNEY (ILTA)
MEXICO VIA FAX
RYAN LANTZ (R4DO)
PAUL MICHALAK (FSME)
JIM WHITNEY (ILTA)
MEXICO VIA FAX
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT- REPORTED STOLEN AND THEN FOUND MOISTURE/DENSITY GAUGE
The following information was received by e-mail:
"On September 8, 2011, Arrow Engineering contacted California Office of Emergency Services to report a stolen moisture/density gauge, Troxler model 3440 Plus, 8 mCi Cs-137 source and 40 mCi Am:Be-214 source, S/N 39529. The gauge was locked in the transport case, secured in the back of a vehicle, a 2001 Chevy Silverado. The gauge operator discovered the vehicle stolen at approximately [0500 PDT], when he was leaving his home, to proceed to the worksite. The operator then notified police and then the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department arrived approximately [0545 PDT] and the operator made his report of the stolen vehicle and gauge. After the operator had made the report, he then proceeded to return to work.
"After the RSO was notified of the incident, he proceeded to contact Los Angeles County Radiation Management and left a detailed message and then contacted the Office of Emergency Services to report the incident. Approximately [0940 PDT] a LA Co. inspector notified the ICE RAM South of the incident. An ICE inspector then contacted the RSO to obtain information on the incident. The RSO confirmed the incident took place at the residence of the operator sometime in the early morning of September 8, 2011, prior to [0500 PDT], when the operator discovered that the vehicle was missing. He stated that the operator had left the gauge in the locked transport case, locked in the bed of the pickup with two chains and three locks. He also stated that the operator had an alarm on the vehicle, but did not hear it since he was likely asleep at the time. He also stated that the vehicle was not able to be stored in the garage since it was a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The gauge was left in the vehicle since the operator had returned from a jobsite late the prior evening and had an early appointment the next morning. The RSO was informed to provide a written report within 30 days, to place an ad and a reward in the local newspaper and to notify ICE if the gauge is found.
"At approximately 1100 [PDT], the RSO contacted RHB reporting that the vehicle was found with the gauge and transport case still locked in the bed of the truck and with a broken drivers side window. The RSO stated that the vehicle was left in the driveway of a neighbors house. It was found by the owner while returning home from the office at approximately 1030 [PDT]. The owner then contacted the LA Co. Sheriff and was told not to touch the vehicle before the Sheriff arrived. When they arrived, he was allowed to check the gauge case to confirm that the gauge was still inside and intact. The operator was able to confirm this and the Sheriff were able to inspect the vehicle and gather evidence. The licensee was informed to take a leak test immediately and keep the gauge out of service until the leak test results were returned and confirmed to be below the contamination limit.
"While the investigation is still ongoing, pending licensee's findings in their 30 day report, the licensee is likely to be cited for storing the gauge in an unauthorized storage location, for improperly securing the gauge, or leaving the gauge unattended."
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
The following information was received by e-mail:
"On September 8, 2011, Arrow Engineering contacted California Office of Emergency Services to report a stolen moisture/density gauge, Troxler model 3440 Plus, 8 mCi Cs-137 source and 40 mCi Am:Be-214 source, S/N 39529. The gauge was locked in the transport case, secured in the back of a vehicle, a 2001 Chevy Silverado. The gauge operator discovered the vehicle stolen at approximately [0500 PDT], when he was leaving his home, to proceed to the worksite. The operator then notified police and then the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department arrived approximately [0545 PDT] and the operator made his report of the stolen vehicle and gauge. After the operator had made the report, he then proceeded to return to work.
"After the RSO was notified of the incident, he proceeded to contact Los Angeles County Radiation Management and left a detailed message and then contacted the Office of Emergency Services to report the incident. Approximately [0940 PDT] a LA Co. inspector notified the ICE RAM South of the incident. An ICE inspector then contacted the RSO to obtain information on the incident. The RSO confirmed the incident took place at the residence of the operator sometime in the early morning of September 8, 2011, prior to [0500 PDT], when the operator discovered that the vehicle was missing. He stated that the operator had left the gauge in the locked transport case, locked in the bed of the pickup with two chains and three locks. He also stated that the operator had an alarm on the vehicle, but did not hear it since he was likely asleep at the time. He also stated that the vehicle was not able to be stored in the garage since it was a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The gauge was left in the vehicle since the operator had returned from a jobsite late the prior evening and had an early appointment the next morning. The RSO was informed to provide a written report within 30 days, to place an ad and a reward in the local newspaper and to notify ICE if the gauge is found.
"At approximately 1100 [PDT], the RSO contacted RHB reporting that the vehicle was found with the gauge and transport case still locked in the bed of the truck and with a broken drivers side window. The RSO stated that the vehicle was left in the driveway of a neighbors house. It was found by the owner while returning home from the office at approximately 1030 [PDT]. The owner then contacted the LA Co. Sheriff and was told not to touch the vehicle before the Sheriff arrived. When they arrived, he was allowed to check the gauge case to confirm that the gauge was still inside and intact. The operator was able to confirm this and the Sheriff were able to inspect the vehicle and gather evidence. The licensee was informed to take a leak test immediately and keep the gauge out of service until the leak test results were returned and confirmed to be below the contamination limit.
"While the investigation is still ongoing, pending licensee's findings in their 30 day report, the licensee is likely to be cited for storing the gauge in an unauthorized storage location, for improperly securing the gauge, or leaving the gauge unattended."
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
Power Reactor
Event Number: 47252
Facility: SAN ONOFRE
Region: 4 State: CA
Unit: [] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: PHYLLIS DOMINGUEZ
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Region: 4 State: CA
Unit: [] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: PHYLLIS DOMINGUEZ
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 09/08/2011
Notification Time: 19:08 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2011
Event Time: 15:38 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/08/2011
Notification Time: 19:08 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2011
Event Time: 15:38 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/08/2011
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
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
Person (Organization):
RYAN LANTZ (R4DO)
RYAN LANTZ (R4DO)
| 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 |
| 3 | A/R | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby |
AUTOMATIC REACTOR TRIP DUE TO A GRID DISTURBANCE
On September 8, 2011 at 1538 PDT, the San Onofre Units 2 and 3 reactors tripped due to a grid disturbance. All control rods fully inserted. The EFAS (Emergency Feed Actuation System) initiated as expected for a reactor trip. Steam generators are being fed by the main feedwater system and decay heat is being removed through the steam bypass system to the main condensers. There is no primary to secondary leakage and no safety relief valves lifted. Site electrical power sources are being fed from off-site power and both units are in a normal shutdown configuration. The emergency diesel-generators are in standby/operable status and were not required during the event. Both units are stable (NOT/NOP) and in Mode 3. The reactor trip response is considered uncomplicated.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
On September 8, 2011 at 1538 PDT, the San Onofre Units 2 and 3 reactors tripped due to a grid disturbance. All control rods fully inserted. The EFAS (Emergency Feed Actuation System) initiated as expected for a reactor trip. Steam generators are being fed by the main feedwater system and decay heat is being removed through the steam bypass system to the main condensers. There is no primary to secondary leakage and no safety relief valves lifted. Site electrical power sources are being fed from off-site power and both units are in a normal shutdown configuration. The emergency diesel-generators are in standby/operable status and were not required during the event. Both units are stable (NOT/NOP) and in Mode 3. The reactor trip response is considered uncomplicated.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Non-Agreement State
Event Number: 47255
Rep Org: DEEP GREEN WEST VIRGINIA INC
Licensee: DEEP GREEN WEST VIRGINIA INC
Region: 1
City: PAGETON State: WV
County:
License #: GL
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ALLEN ROBINSON
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Licensee: DEEP GREEN WEST VIRGINIA INC
Region: 1
City: PAGETON State: WV
County:
License #: GL
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ALLEN ROBINSON
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 09/09/2011
Notification Time: 17:03 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2011
Event Time: 10:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/09/2011
Notification Time: 17:03 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2011
Event Time: 10:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/09/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Person (Organization):
TODD JACKSON (R1DO)
PAUL MICHALAK (FSME)
TODD JACKSON (R1DO)
PAUL MICHALAK (FSME)
FIXED GAUGE SHUTTER FAILURE
"On 9/8/2011, during site cleanup activities, workers at the Greenfields coal processing facility near Pageton, WV unexpectedly discovered two generally licensed, fixed-type gauges in a remote, back lot area of the plant property. One of the gauges had a stuck open shutter. The gauges are currently clamped to pipes, roped off in an area restricted from personnel access, at about a 300 foot distance from personnel. No threat to health and safety exists at this time.
"The gauges are designed to be affixed to piping for industrial process control, but were found among various discarded metal parts.
"An inspector from the West Virginia Radiological Health Program took survey measurements and verified there was no spread of contamination. Dose rates outside of the gauge casing are about 0.4 mRem/hr. Dose rates inside of the pipes are about 40 mRem/hr, which indicates that the shutters are likely open.
"Facility personnel will take photos of the gauges and send to NRC Region I. Additionally, they intend to place the gauges with the piping in a locked gang box that will be chained and locked to a fixed metal structure.
"The facility owner, Deep Green, is taking steps to have the material removed from the site.
"Gauge information: [2] Berthold Technologies gauges, Model No. LB 7440 D; 30 mCi, Cs-137 source (Sep. 21, 2001); Source serial # HE681 manufactured by AEA Technologies, model CDC.p4; SSD Safety Evaluation No. TN-1031-D-101-B."
"On 9/8/2011, during site cleanup activities, workers at the Greenfields coal processing facility near Pageton, WV unexpectedly discovered two generally licensed, fixed-type gauges in a remote, back lot area of the plant property. One of the gauges had a stuck open shutter. The gauges are currently clamped to pipes, roped off in an area restricted from personnel access, at about a 300 foot distance from personnel. No threat to health and safety exists at this time.
"The gauges are designed to be affixed to piping for industrial process control, but were found among various discarded metal parts.
"An inspector from the West Virginia Radiological Health Program took survey measurements and verified there was no spread of contamination. Dose rates outside of the gauge casing are about 0.4 mRem/hr. Dose rates inside of the pipes are about 40 mRem/hr, which indicates that the shutters are likely open.
"Facility personnel will take photos of the gauges and send to NRC Region I. Additionally, they intend to place the gauges with the piping in a locked gang box that will be chained and locked to a fixed metal structure.
"The facility owner, Deep Green, is taking steps to have the material removed from the site.
"Gauge information: [2] Berthold Technologies gauges, Model No. LB 7440 D; 30 mCi, Cs-137 source (Sep. 21, 2001); Source serial # HE681 manufactured by AEA Technologies, model CDC.p4; SSD Safety Evaluation No. TN-1031-D-101-B."