Event Notification Report for November 14, 2011

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
11/10/2011 - 11/14/2011

** EVENT NUMBERS **


47416 47420 47422 47423 47424 47427 47428 47429 47430 47431

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47416
Facility: HATCH
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: STEVE BURTON
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 11/05/2011
Notification Time: 12:18 [ET]
Event Date: 11/05/2011
Event Time: 09:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 11/10/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
ROBERT HAAG (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 VENTILATION MAINTENANCE

"Maintenance activities are being performed on the Hatch Nuclear Plant's Technical Support Center (TSC) Emergency Ventilation System starting on November 5, 2011 at 0900. These maintenance activities include the replacing the TSC HVAC cooling coils, condensing unit and controls. The maintenance activity will be worked 24 hours per day until completion. The scheduled completion date is November 10, 2011.

"During the time these activities are being performed, the TSC air handling unit, TSC condensing unit, TSC filter train and the fan unit for the TSC filter train will not be available for operation. As such, the TSC HVAC will be rendered non-functional during the performance of this work activity. If an emergency is declared requiring activation of the TSC during the time these work activities are being performed, then the contingency plans call for utilization of the TSC during the time of these work activities, as long as environmental and radiological habitability conditions allow. Procedure 73EP-EIP-063-0, Technical Support Center Activation, provides instructions to direct TSC management to the Control Room and TSC support personnel to the Simulator Building to continue TSC activities if it is necessary to relocate from the primary TSC so that TSC functions can be continued.

"This event is reportable per 10CFR50.72 (b)(3)(xiii) as described in NUREG-1022, Rev.1 since this work activity affects an emergency response facility for the duration of the evolution."

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

* * * UPDATE FROM CHUCK VONIER TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 1655 EDT ON 11/10/11 * * *

The TSC was returned to service at 1621 EDT.

The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Hopper).

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Agreement State Event Number: 47420
Rep Org: IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Licensee: CURWOOD, INC
Region: 3
City: DES MOINES State: IA
County:
License #: 3003177FG
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: RANDAL DAHLIN
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 11/07/2011
Notification Time: 13:16 [ET]
Event Date: 11/02/2011
Event Time: [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/07/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
JOHN GIESSNER (R3DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - NUCLEAR GAUGE DISLODGED FROM MOUNTING

The following report was received via e-mail:

"Curwood, Inc. reported an incident involving a NDC Infrared Engineering, Inc. thickness gauge, model 103, serial number 13457, containing 150 mCi's of Americium-241 that occurred on November 2, 2011. A sample of film was cut from the web on a production line and as the sample passed the device, the tail snagged the gauge and dislodged it from the mounting bracket. The gauge fell approximately 40 inches to the treater deck platform. The fall caused the shutter to become dislodged from the device and the crystal lens was cracked. Curwood contacted NDC and was instructed to perform a survey and wipe test of the device. The survey and wipe test indicated that the source was intact and no removable contamination was present. The device is currently packaged and in storage awaiting shipment to NDC for repair. The cause of this incident was the fact that the sample was taken prior to the device and that one of the two screws mounting the device was missing. Corrective actions include now taking the samples at a location on the production line after the device, replacing and securing the missing screw, [performing] a daily spot check of the mounting screws, and a weekly check of the screws to ensure that they are secure."

Iowa Event: IA110006

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47422
Facility: SAINT LUCIE
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE
NRC Notified By: TIM MILLER
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 11/08/2011
Notification Time: 17:18 [ET]
Event Date: 11/08/2011
Event Time: 17:18 [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/10/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
GEORGE HOPPER (R2DO)

Unit SCRAM Code RX CRIT Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 N Y 81 Power Operation 81 Power Operation
2 N Y 100 Power Operation 100 Power Operation

Event Text

TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER PLANNED MAINTENANCE

"On November 8, 2011, at 1718 EST, the Technical Support Center (TSC) will be unavailable due to pre-planned maintenance to maintain the Technical Support Center and Emergency Response Data Acquisition and Display System ventilation system. The TSC is expected to be restored to available status at approximately 2300 on November 10, 2011.

"If an emergency is declared requiring TSC activation during this period, the TSC will be staffed and activated using existing emergency planning procedures, and the TSC staff will relocate to an alternate TSC location in accordance with applicable site procedures.

"This notification is being made in accordance with 10CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(xiii) due to the potential loss of an emergency response facility (ERF). An update will be provided once the TSC has been restored to normal operation. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."

The TSC ventilation will be out of service for two days for ducting modifications and flow testing.

* * * UPDATE AT 2249 EST ON 11/10/11 FROM TIMOTHY KUDO TO PETE SNYDER * * *

As of 2200 EST the TSC is restored and is fully functional.

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

Notified R2DO (Hopper).

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Agreement State Event Number: 47423
Rep Org: MA RADIATION CONTROL PROGRAM
Licensee: HALEY AND ALDRICH, INC.
Region: 1
City: BOSTON State: MA
County:
License #: 20-8251
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: TONY CARPENITO
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE
Notification Date: 11/09/2011
Notification Time: 14:16 [ET]
Event Date: 11/09/2011
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 11/09/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RICHARD CONTE (R1DO)
ANDREW PERSINKO (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED SOURCE ROD ON MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE

The following information was provided by the state via email:

"On 11/9/11 [EST], the licensee reported to the Agency [Massachusetts Radiation Control Program] that a portable moisture density gauge had been damaged by a construction vehicle at a temporary job site. The source rod was bent and extended outside of the shielded gauge body so that it could not be returned to the closed position. The extended rod was left within the measuring hole so that the surrounding soil could provide shielding. A 15-plus-foot radius area was segregated around the damaged gauge. The licensee's radiation safety officer and radiation safety consultant were en route to the site to conduct and oversee the source recovery operation at the time of this report.

"The Agency [Massachusetts Radiation Control Program] considers this event to be open and ongoing.

"Manufacturer: Humboldt Scientific Inc, 5001 Series; Isotopes: Cs-137/ .011 Ci; Am-241/ .044 Ci."

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Agreement State Event Number: 47424
Rep Org: WISCONSIN RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: MEDIPHYSICS
Region: 3
City: MILWAUKEE State: WI
County:
License #: 079-1168-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: EMILY EGGERS
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 11/09/2011
Notification Time: 16:02 [ET]
Event Date: 11/09/2011
Event Time: 05:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/09/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
JOHN GIESSNER (R3DO)
ANDREW PERSINKO (FSME)
BRITTAIN HILL (NMSS)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - EXTERNAL RADIATION READINGS ON SHIPPED PACKAGE EXCEEDED LIMITS

The following information was received via fax:

"Medi-Physics, Inc. d/b/a GE Healthcare reported they had received a package from Lantheus Medical Imaging containing a Mo-99/Tc-99m generator (serial #M312111D60), which had a contact radiation reading of >200 mR/hour. The Transport Index (TI) on the labeling was stated at 4.2, while the actual TI upon receiving the package was 8. Contamination wipes were completed with no contamination on the outside of the package. When the package was opened, contamination wipes were completed with no contamination on the inside of the package. The generator was manufactured on 11/8/11 and delivered to GE Healthcare on 11/9/11. The packaging surrounding the generator was entirely composed of styrofoam. At this point, it was determined the secondary lead shielding surrounding the generator was absent. The generator was removed from the packaging and eluted, there was no damage to the generator and the eluted material passed all quality control testing.

"The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) followed up with the licensee by phone, and also contacted the State of Massachusetts to notify them of the event."

Wisconsin Report ID: WI110019

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47427
Facility: LASALLE
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-5,[2] GE-5
NRC Notified By: JOHN KOWALSKI
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 11/10/2011
Notification Time: 00:59 [ET]
Event Date: 11/10/2011
Event Time: 01:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/10/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
JOHN GIESSNER (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

TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER OUT OF SERVICE DUE TO PLANNED MAINTENANCE

"'This telephone notification is provided in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii), loss of emergency assessment capability.

"On 11-10-11 at 0100 Central Standard Time, the Technical Support Center Emergency Diesel Generator and Technical Support Center regular lighting will be taken Out of Service to support a scheduled temporary power supply return to normal configuration. The temporary power had been in place since the last refueling outage in support of planned bus maintenance. The Technical Support Center Emergency Diesel Generator and regular lighting are scheduled to be restored at 1100 [CST] on 11-10-11.

"The licensee has notified the Senior Resident Inspector of this scheduled work."

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Non-Agreement State Event Number: 47428
Rep Org: KAKIVIK ASSET MANAGEMENT
Licensee: KAKIVIK ASSET MANAGEMENT
Region: 4
City: ANCHORAGE State: AK
County:
License #: 50-27667-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KEENAN REMELE
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 11/10/2011
Notification Time: 20:10 [ET]
Event Date: 11/10/2011
Event Time: 11:10 [YST]
Last Update Date: 11/10/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Person (Organization):
MICHAEL HAY (R4DO)
ANDREW PERSINKO (FSME)

Event Text

RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA SOURCE FAILS TO COMPLETELY RETRACT

"On November 10th, the radiography crew working the Kuparuk Oil Field on the North Slope of Alaska experienced a malfunctioning locking system on an INC IR-100 exposure device (serial number 6774).

"During the shift, the source was cranked in and the camera was surveyed per the proper procedure. There were no abnormal readings observed during the survey and the key was turned to the lock position. When the crank assembly was removed it was noted that the pigtail was not fully seated.

"The 2 mR/hr boundary was reconfirmed and the Foreman and Supervisor were notified. The camera was surveyed and noted as being safe to transport. The camera was tagged out and placed in the Permanent Storage facility. A trained radiographer removed and cleaned the locking system. The locking system was successfully reinstalled. The camera has been returned to service.

"Exposure Device: Industrial Nuclear IR-100
"Device S/N: 6774
"Source S/N: 70129B
"Source Activity: 63.4 curies
"Source Type: Ir-192
"Source Model # QSA 87703

"There was no exposure to the crew or the general public during this incident."

See similar events: 47418, 46533, 46323, 46233, 46052, 46051, 45669, 45648, 45609, 45544, 45524, 45496, 45469, 45384.

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47429
Facility: COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION
Region: 4 State: WA
Unit: [2] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [2] GE-5
NRC Notified By: RICHARD GARCIA
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 11/10/2011
Notification Time: 21:54 [ET]
Event Date: 11/10/2011
Event Time: 14:39 [PST]
Last Update Date: 11/12/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
MICHAEL HAY (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

Event Text

LOSS OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER EMERGENCY FILTRATION SYSTEM DURING MAINTENANCE

"At 1439 PST on 11-10-2011, while performing maintenance on the Technical Support Center (TSC) emergency filtration system, it was discovered that replacement gaskets required to restore the system were undersized and that the system could not be restored. Specifically the replacement gaskets were determined to be too small. All spare gaskets onsite were examined and determined to suffer from the same undersized condition. Prior to discovery of the undersized gaskets, the maintenance plan allowed for prompt system restoration in the event of an emergency.

"The current lack of a suitable replacement gasket has resulted in a condition which represents a major loss of emergency preparedness capability per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) in that TSC habitability might not be sustainable during certain events due to the inability of the filtration system to maintain a habitable atmosphere. Station procedures provide instructions to relocate the TSC if monitoring during an emergency event indicates that habitability cannot be maintained. Compensatory measures are being developed (while the restoration work is ongoing) to heighten awareness of responsible TSC staff following ERO activation to monitor TSC habitability in accordance with procedures and to consider potential TSC relocation as necessary as described in the station emergency plan.

"Work is underway to return the TSC filtration system to functional status with a high priority."

The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

* * * UPDATE FROM MICHAEL STODICK TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 2039 EST ON 11/12/11 * * *

"Maintenance work on the TSC emergency filtration system has been completed. A post functional test has been performed and it has been evaluated that the TSC emergency filtration system's function has been restored as of 1718 PST on 11/12/2011. The NRC Resident Inspector will be notified."

Notified R4DO (Hay).

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47430
Facility: FARLEY
Region: 2 State: AL
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: BLAKE MITCHELL
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 11/11/2011
Notification Time: 10:01 [ET]
Event Date: 11/10/2011
Event Time: 12:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/11/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
Person (Organization):
GEORGE HOPPER (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 Cold Shutdown 0 Cold Shutdown

Event Text

SUPERVISOR ATTEMPTED TO SUBVERT THE FITNESS FOR DUTY PROCESS

This event is being reported because a non-licensed contractor employee's direct supervisor authorized the individual to return home instead of initiating a for cause Fitness For Duty test. Both the direct supervisor and the contractor employee had their unescorted access to the protected area terminated. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47431
Facility: DUANE ARNOLD
Region: 3 State: IA
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: HANS OLSON
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 11/11/2011
Notification Time: 13:17 [ET]
Event Date: 11/11/2011
Event Time: 10:21 [CST]
Last Update Date: 11/11/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
JOHN GIESSNER (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 INOPERABLE DUE TO PLANNED MAINTENANCE

"At 1021 hrs. (CST) on November 11, 2011, the Duane Arnold Energy Center (DAEC) Technical Support Center (TSC) Ventilation Fan 1VAC070 was removed from service for pre-planned maintenance. The expected duration of the maintenance is 6 hours. The backup plan is to relocate key TSC personnel to the Control Room where the Standby Filter Units protect personnel.

"This notification is being made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) due to a loss of emergency response facility."

The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

* * * UPDATE FROM HAN OLSON TO PETE SNYDER AT 1907 EST ON 11/11/11 * * *

The TSC Ventilation Fan 1VAC070 has been returned to service and functionally tested so the TSC has been returned to service.

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

Notified R3DO (Giessner).

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