| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
09/22/2011 - 09/23/2011 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | !!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!! | | Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 47257 | Rep Org: U.S. ARMY
Licensee: U.S. ARMY
Region: 3
City: WARREN State: MI
County:
License #: 12-00722-06
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: THOMAS GIZICKI
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 09/12/2011
Notification Time: 17:19 [ET]
Event Date: 09/12/2011
Event Time: 09:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/22/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.2201(a)(1)(i) - LOST/STOLEN LNM>1000X
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3DO)
PAUL MICHALAK (FSME)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text MISSING/UNACCOUNTED FOR AM-241 SPECIAL FORM SEALED SOURCE IN A M43A1 CHEMICAL AGENT DETECTOR
A Michigan National Guard Unit in Lansing, MI while preparing for deployment identified that a 250 microcurie Am-241 special form sealed source (S/N Z03-C-36663) was missing from a M43A1 Chemical Agent Detector. The detector was last confirmed intact in 2008 prior to the Unit's last deployment to Iraq.
The licensee has initiated a formal investigation and notified the State of Michigan of the incident.
* * * UPDATE AT 1332 EDT ON 09/13/11 FROM THOMAS GIZICKI TO S. SANDIN VIA FAX * * *
"Description of the event: On September 12, 2011 the Michigan Army National Guard, United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) warehouse, Lansing, MI reported to the licensee of a missing Am-241 cell from a M43A1 chemical agent detector. The Am-241 cell is a sealed source, special form that contains 250 microcuries of Am-241. The Am-241 cell (s/n C-36663) belonged to detector s/n D-36025. Detector is NSN 6665-01-081-8140 and SSDR no. NR-1129-D-102-S (inactive).
"The detector with Am-241 cell belongs to 'A' Co. 125th Infantry. A physical inventory was performed by 'A' Co. in January 2008 at which time the unit was deployed to Kuwait for 1 year. The unit was getting ready for redeployment to Kuwait in the next several weeks and performed an inspection of all equipment needing to be shipped. It was at this time that cell C-36663 was discovered missing from the detector. The USPFO warehouse was searched wall to wall and the missing cell was not found. The Michigan National Guard is conducting a formal investigation regarding the lost radioactive cell. Exposure to personnel is not likely to occur in an unrestricted area since the Am-241 source is contained in a cell module that is sealed source special form."
Notified R3DO (Lipa) and FSME (McIntosh). Provided to ILTAB (Whitney) via e-mail.
* * * RETRACTION AT 1148 EDT ON 09/22/11 FROM THOMAS GIZICKI TO PETE SNYDER * * *
The item identified as lost was located on post therefore this report is retracted.
Notified R3DO (Stone) and FSME (McIntosh). Provided to ILTAB (Allston) 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. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf
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. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47280 | Rep Org: FLORIDA BUREAU OF RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: SOUTH EAST MEDICAL IMAGING SERVICES, INC.
Region: 1
City: DELRAY BEACH State: FL
County:
License #: 3629-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: CHARLES ADAMS
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH | Notification Date: 09/20/2011
Notification Time: 08:12 [ET]
Event Date: 09/19/2011
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/20/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT (R1DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
ILTAB VIA EMAIL ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING CO-57 FLOOD SOURCE
The following information was received from the State of Florida via email:
"During a routine inspection, a Co-57 flood source was determined to be missing. Source was accounted for on 18 Aug 11. [A state] inspector surveyed the area and could not locate the source. Licensee believes the source may be at a doctor's office; they will continue to look for it and will notify us [Florida Bureau of Radiation Control] if found. Any further action is referred to [Florida Bureau of Radiation Control] Radioactive Materials [Branch]."
The Co-57 source strength was reported as 414 microcuries.
FL Incident Number: FL11-081
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
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 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47282 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: TICONA POLYMERS, INC
Region: 4
City: BISHOP State: TX
County:
License #: 02441
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: CHRIS MOORE
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH | Notification Date: 09/20/2011
Notification Time: 10:58 [ET]
Event Date: 09/19/2011
Event Time: 07:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/20/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
WAYNE WALKER (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - INDUSTRIAL GAUGE SHUTTER FAILED OPEN
The following was received from the State of Texas via e-mail:
"On September 19, 2011, the licensee reported that while conducting routine inspections and maintenance, the shutter on a Ohmart Corporation model SH-F2 nuclear gauge containing 100 millicuries of Cesium (Cs) - 137 was found to be stuck in the normally opened position. No significant exposure has occurred due to this event. The licensee will contact the manufacture for repairs or replacement of the gauge. The cause for the event is under investigation. Additional information will be provided as it is received IAW SA 300."
Texas Incident Number # I-8885 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47284 | Rep Org: ARIZONA RADIATION REGULATORY AGENCY
Licensee: MEDTRONIC MICROELECTRICS CENTER
Region: 4
City: TEMPE State: AZ
County:
License #: AZ 07-633
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: AUBREY GODWIN
HQ OPS Officer: JOE O'HARA | Notification Date: 09/20/2011
Notification Time: 18:02 [ET]
Event Date: 09/20/2011
Event Time: 14:30 [MST]
Last Update Date: 09/22/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
WAYNE WALKER (R4DO)
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT (R1DO)
KEVIN O'SULLIVAN (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LEAKING SHIPMENT CONTAINING 53.2 CURIES TRITIUM
The following was received by e-mail:
"On 9/13/2001 Widetronix, Inc. (NY RAM License C5379) shipped a package containing tritium treated beta voltaic foils to Radiation Safety Engineering (RSE). The package was received and wiped for surface contamination by RSE on 9/14/2011. The results of the smears were below action levels. The packaging containing the foils was then transferred to Medtronic Microelectronics Center.
"On 9/15/2011 the package was opened in a restricted laboratory area of the Medtronic's chip manufacturing in Tempe, AZ. Wipe samples were taken at each level as the package was opened by Medtronic's RSO. There were several layers of packaging, exterior shipping box, interior shipping box, large sealed metal canister, and a sealed bag containing smaller sealed metal canister containing the tritium treated chips. The licensee left each wipe and package layer on a lab work bench as he continued to open the next layer of packaging. The licensee finished taking wipe samples at approximately 10:30 a.m. and sent the sample to RSE for analysis. The results for the initial wipes were received back by the licensee at approximately 12:30 p.m. on 9/15/2011; the results indicated a leaking source. The licensee's estimated total quantity for the shipment is 53.2 Curies (1.4 Ci x 38 chips).
"Bioassays were given to individuals present in the lab during the opening of the shipping containers and the results showed the highest Committed Effective Dose Equivalent was 0.26 mrem.
"The investigation into this event is ongoing.
"The U.S. NRC, AZ governor's office, and New York have been notified."
Arizona First Notice: 11-010
* * * UPDATE FROM AUBREY GODWIN TO CHARLES TEAL AT 1630 EDT ON 9/22/11 * * *
The following update was provided via email:
"Based upon new information provided by the manufacturer, the total activity of shipment was 1.33 Curies."
"An additional individual was assayed later and his results were 0.12 mrem."
Notified R4DO (Walker), R1DO (Newport), and FSME EO (O'Sullivan). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 47287 | Facility: VOGTLE
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL BRILL
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 09/22/2011
Notification Time: 10:29 [ET]
Event Date: 09/22/2011
Event Time: 05:27 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/22/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
MARK LESSER (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 | N | 0 | Refueling | 0 | Refueling | Event Text TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER NON-FUNCTIONAL DUE TO THE LOSS OF THE TSC CHILLER SYSTEM
"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 a trip of the TSC Chiller System supply breaker. Alternate facilities are available to provide emergency response functions and actions are proceeding to return the TSC to FUNCTIONAL status with high priority.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * UPDATE FROM BILL DUNN TO CHARLES TEAL ON 9/22/11 AT 2039 EDT * * *
The TSC has been returned to service at 2000 EDT.
Notified R2DO (Lesser). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 47288 | Facility: PILGRIM
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: MIKE HETTWER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 09/22/2011
Notification Time: 22:20 [ET]
Event Date: 09/22/2011
Event Time: 14:52 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/22/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B) - UNANALYZED CONDITION
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT (R1DO)
|
| 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 SALT SERVICE WATER PUMP INOPERABILITY DURING POSTULATED DEGRADED VOLTAGE CONDITIONS
"On Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 1452 [EDT], with the reactor at 100% core thermal power and steady state conditions, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) conservatively declared both Salt Service Water (SSW) subsystems inoperable when engineering analysis determined that inrush current on pump restart may exceed the thermal overload trip relay settings during certain degraded voltage conditions. A 24-hour Limiting Condition for Operation action statement was entered.
"Entergy/Pilgrim is in the process of implementing temporary modifications to correct this issue. This potential concern has no impact on public health and safety. This 8-hour notification is being conservatively reported in accordance with 10 CFR50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B).
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
The licensee will notify the Massachusetts Emergency Management Center. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 47289 | Facility: SAN ONOFRE
Region: 4 State: CA
Unit: [ ] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: DOUGLAS FOOTE
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 09/23/2011
Notification Time: 00:27 [ET]
Event Date: 09/22/2011
Event Time: 17:30 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 09/23/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
| Person (Organization):
WAYNE WALKER (R4DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | | 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text OFFSITE NOTIFICATION TO COUNTY AGENCY DUE TO INADVERTENT WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
"This notification is for San Onofre Units 2 and 3, and is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(xi) to report a notification to another government agency regarding a spill of approximately 26000 gallons of untreated waste water (sewage).
"A pending report will be made to the San Diego County Dept. of Environmental Health regarding a untreated (sewage) waste water spill that occurred as San Onofre. The details that were communicated to the DEH are that at 1730 PDT a sewage spill was identified at SONGS in the North Industrial yard area. The leak was being collected in the yard drains and being discharged to the ocean. The sump discharge system has been secured stopping the release."
The licensee will inform the NRC Resident Inspector. | |