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Event Notification Report for May 8, 2012

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
05/07/2012 - 05/08/2012

** EVENT NUMBERS **


47876 47877 47878 47879 47902 47903 47904

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Agreement State Event Number: 47876
Rep Org: TENNESSEE DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: STUDSVIK
Region: 1
City: MEMPHIS State: TN
County:
License #: R-79273
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BETH SHELTON
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 04/30/2012
Notification Time: 16:01 [ET]
Event Date: 01/23/2009
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/30/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RICHARD CONTE (R1DO)
DEBORAH JACKSON (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIOACTIVE SOURCE FOUND IN DRUM FROM PREVIOUS OWNER

The following report was received via fax:

"Studsvik contacted The Division of Radiological Health (DRH) regarding an incident that occurred on January 23, 2009. Studsvik was going through 18 drums from the previous owner (RACE) that were identified as legacy lead. The drums were scheduled for segregation for potential free release, reuse and disposal. These drums were scheduled for processing in a specific order based on radiological data. When they reached the final drum, they suspected that package SPFM 2008 04 40 (30-gallon drum) contained more than just lead based on the fact that it was stored in the high radiation room. It contained a 10 gallon drum. Between the space of the inner and outer drum were several empty lead pigs. The inner drum was wrapped in a lead blanket, containing 3 pigs, 2 empty and the third one contained a sealed source. The outer surface of the pig containing the sealed source read 2.5 R/hr. A shielded enclosure was constructed and the source was removed with proper handling devices. The dose rate at one inch from the source was 850 R/hr. The source was immediately returned to the pig. The 10 gallon drum was lined with lead blankets and the pig was placed in the middle. Ends of the blankets were folded over the pig. More blankets were placed inside the drum and it was closed. Blankets were then used to cover the drum. Duct tape was used to secure the blankets in placed. Approximately 700 lbs of blankets were shielding the pig and source. The dose rate was at 61 mR/hr on contact of the blankets. The 30 gallon drum, the small lead pigs and the original lead blankets were removed from the high radiation room. No contamination was found on the pig, blankets or drum. The Health Physicists received 16 mrem and 11 mrem on their electronic dosimeters. No extremity dosimeters were used but are being purchased for future remote source handling. The source was shipped through Northwest NARM Services and arrived on July 1, 2010 at US Ecology for disposal."

Tennessee Report Number: TN-09-015

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Agreement State Event Number: 47877
Rep Org: TENNESSEE DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: K & S ASSOCIATES, INC
Region: 1
City: NASHVILLE State: TN
County:
License #: R-19075
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BETH SHELTON
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 04/30/2012
Notification Time: 16:01 [ET]
Event Date: 01/18/2011
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/30/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RICHARD CONTE (R1DO)
DEBORAH JACKSON (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SR-90 CATHETER STUCK WHILE BEING CALIBRATED

The following report was received via fax:

"K&S Associates were attempting to perform a routine calibration of a Beta-Cath system, when the Sr-90 source train became stuck in the 'out' position. They believed they could cut the catheter and isolate the source train and subsequently place the train and housing unit into a pig and send the system back to the manufacturer. While cutting the plastic catheter, they misjudged where the source train was located and severed the train. Approximately 10 mL of water spilled out onto a table, along with the train. Paper toweling was used to wipe up the water. A survey was performed to account for the seeds. The total leaking activity was under 3.5 milliCuries. The entire source train of 4 cm contained 16 seeds with a total activity of 56 milliCuries. After the Division received the notification from K&S, two members of our staff from the Nashville Field Office responded to the incident to investigate. The Division found that K&S Associates were performing work they were licensed to do. However, when the catheter was cut, an unlicensed task was performed. A Notice of Noncompliance was issued. K&S responded to the noncompliance letter with the actions that were implemented as a result of this incident."

Tennessee Report Number: TN-11-10

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Agreement State Event Number: 47878
Rep Org: TENNESSEE DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: WORLD TESTING
Region: 1
City: CLARKSVILLE State: TN
County:
License #: R-95009
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BETH SHELTON
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 04/30/2012
Notification Time: 16:01 [ET]
Event Date: 03/03/2011
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/30/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RICHARD CONTE (R1DO)
DEBORAH JACKSON (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCE DISCONNECTED FROM RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA

The following report was received via fax:

"World Testing reported a 3.66 TBq (99 Ci) Se-75 radiography source (QSA Global model A-424-25W) disconnect from the exposure device (QSA Global model 880 Delta, serial #D1120) that occurred on 3/3/2011. The lead radiographer determined that the source remained in the collimator at the end of the guide tube following retraction attempts. The work area was surveyed and the barricade was appropriately adjusted. A manned lift was used to detach the exposure device from overhead piping and lower it to the ground. A six-foot retrieval tool was used to grasp the collimator and elevate it until the source fell out of the end of the guide tube. Using concrete and lead for shielding, personnel were able to place the source back into the exposure device and secure it. Inspection of the source drive cable revealed that the crimped connection, which attaches to the source pigtail, detached from the drive cable. QSA Global was notified of the failure."

Tennessee Report Number: TN-11-038

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Agreement State Event Number: 47879
Rep Org: KENTUCKY DEPT OF RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: MISTRAS GROUP INC
Region: 1
City:  State: KY
County:
License #: 201-699-05
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MARISSA VEGA-VALEZ
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 04/30/2012
Notification Time: 18:34 [ET]
Event Date: 03/31/2012
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/30/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RICHARD CONTE (R1DO)
DEBORAH JACKSON (FSME)
CHRIS EINBERG (FSME)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FILM BADGE INDICATES RADIOGRAPHER OVEREXPOSURE

"KY RHB [Kentucky Radiation Health Branch] was notified on April 27, 2012, by the corporate RSO (CRSO) of Mistras Group, Inc. (license 201-699-05), that on the morning of April 27, 2012 he received a notice from Landauer that [an employee] received an extremely high dose reading on his film badge for the month of March 2012. The report stated that 'Dosimeter has exceeded the reporting capabilities of 1000 Rads, dosimeter reprocessed, second read agrees with reported dose.' The representative with Landauer told the CRSO that the image blinded the camera and was too blurry to read. She also stated that the reading was so high they could not get a reading. The CRSO conducted a telephone interview with [the employee] and he was told that his dosimeter never went off scale during that period and his film badge was on him at all times while performing radiography procedures. He did say his film badge may have been stored in his work bucket in the dark room of his transport vehicle. The CRSO has instructed [the employee] to turn in his [the employee's] current film badge to the office manager and is not to participate in radiographic operations until this matter has been resolved. According to a telephone conversation with the RSO early this evening, [the employee] is not experiencing any signs or symptoms of radiation exposure and he will be calling Oak Ridge tomorrow morning (5/1/12) to schedule blood work for [the employee]."

Kentucky Report: 120008

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47902
Facility: PERRY
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: TOM MORSE
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 05/07/2012
Notification Time: 16:16 [ET]
Event Date: 05/07/2012
Event Time: 12:33 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/07/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
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

INADVERTENT EMERGENCY SIREN ACTUATION

"This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi). On May 7, 2012, at approximately 1233 hours [EDT], an inadvertent actuation of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant's alert notification system occurred. Twenty of the seventy-six total sirens sounded for three minutes affecting Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lake Counties. Following the actuation the county agencies received calls from members of the public.

"A successful quiet test of the sirens had been conducted earlier in the day (at approximately 0830 hours [EDT]). At this time, all sirens are functioning correctly. The siren actuation was not related to any condition or event at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant. The actuation signal originated from the Lake County Emergency Operations Center while thunderstorms were passing through the area. Additional investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the inadvertent actuation. At the time of the event, the plant was in Mode 1 at 100 percent rated thermal power.

"Lake County officials plant to issue a press release.

"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47903
Facility: COOPER
Region: 4 State: NE
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4
NRC Notified By: KYLE SAYLER
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 05/07/2012
Notification Time: 16:31 [ET]
Event Date: 05/07/2012
Event Time: 12:39 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/07/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
JACK WHITTEN (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

TONE ALERT RADIO SYSTEM OUTAGE

"At approximately 1239 CDT on 5/7/2012, Cooper Nuclear Station was informed by the National Weather Service that the Shubert radio transmission tower was not working. This affected the tone alert radios Cooper Nuclear Station provides to members of the public to notify them of an emergency condition. This is considered to be a major loss of the Public Prompt Notification System capability, and is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).

"Local county authorities within the 10 mile EPZ have been notified of the condition of the tower and the affect on the tone alert radios and will utilize Local Route Notification (backup notification method).

"At approximately 1356 [CDT], the National Weather Service reported that the Shubert radio transmission tower had been restored to service."

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

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Power Reactor Event Number: 47904
Facility: HARRIS
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: SCOTT FAULKNER
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 05/07/2012
Notification Time: 20:50 [ET]
Event Date: 05/07/2012
Event Time: 08:47 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/07/2012
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
Person (Organization):
DEBORAH SEYMOUR (R2DO)

Unit SCRAM Code RX CRIT Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 N N 0 Defueled 0 Defueled

Event Text

VIOLATION OF FITNESS FOR DUTY PROGRAM

A non-licensed contractor employee supervisor was found in violation of the Fitness for Duty Program. The individual's access to the plant has been terminated. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021