| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
08/14/2012 - 08/15/2012 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Agreement State | Event Number: 48161 | Rep Org: VIRGINIA RAD MATERIALS PROGRAM
Licensee: VIRGINIA TECH
Region: 1
City: BLACKSBURG State: VA
County:
License #: 121-225-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL WELLING
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER | Notification Date: 08/06/2012
Notification Time: 16:29 [ET]
Event Date: 12/15/2011
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/06/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
LAWRENCE DOERFLEIN (R1DO)
FSME EVENT RESOURCE (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING ELECTRON CAPTURE DETECTOR
The Commonwealth of Virginia submitted the following information via facsimile:
"Virginia Tech reported a missing radioactive source to VRMP [Virginia Radioactive Materials Program] by telephone. The lost material is an electron capture detector (ECD) containing a foil source of 15 mCi of Ni-63 (serial number F2162), dated 4/1/91, installed in a Hewlett Packard model 5890 Gas Chromatograph (GC). The source was missed during the December 2011 leak testing period but actually had not been seen since its December 2010 leak test. For the June 2011 leak test some GCs with ECDs were packed up in preparation for a move to a different facility and it was assumed that all four ECD containing GCs were crated but only three were apparently included. All Chemistry laboratories at Virginia Tech have been checked, but it has not been found. It appears that a contractor may have removed the source containing equipment along with other materials as scrap during the demolition of Davidson Hall where the source had last been seen. Attempts are being made to determine where the 'scrap' material has been taken and efforts will continue to investigate further.
"Media attention: none."
VA Event Report ID No.: VA-12-03
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 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 48162 | Rep Org: VIRGINIA RAD MATERIALS PROGRAM
Licensee: INOVA FAIRFAX HOSPITAL
Region: 1
City: FAIRFAX State: VA
County:
License #: 610-116-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL WELLING
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER | Notification Date: 08/06/2012
Notification Time: 16:29 [ET]
Event Date: 06/30/2012
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/06/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
LAWRENCE DOERFLEIN (R1DO)
FSME EVENT RESOURCE (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIOACTIVE IODINE SEED DETECTED IN REFUSE
The Commonwealth of Virginia submitted the following information via facsimile:
"On Monday July 30th, the VRPM [Virginia Radioactive Materials Program] was notified by the Maryland Radiation Program that SteriCycle's monitor detected radiation from a Bio box picked up at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. RSO, Inc. of Maryland performed a radiation survey with the highest reading of 0.7 mrem/hr on contact. They also performed radioisotope identification with a Bicron Fieldspec which indicated I-125. The Bio box was returned to INOVA Fairfax Hospital on August 1st where it was examined by Radiation Safety staff. A red bag of infectious waste containing one I-125 seed was discovered. The seed was assayed using a well-counter which indicated it to be 0.22 mCi. INOVA Fairfax decay corrected this activity to the normal seed activity of 0.28 mCi, which indicated it was implanted on July 10th. A review of patient implants for July 10th is being performed and staff involved are being interviewed.
"Media attention: none."
VA Event Report ID No.: VA-12-04
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 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 48165 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: WESTLAKE LONGVIEW NOTIFICATION
Region: 4
City: LONGVIEW State: TX
County:
License #: 06294
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 11:30 [ET]
Event Date: 08/07/2012
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENT RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FIXED GAUGE SHUTTER STUCK OPEN
Texas provided the following information via email:
"On August 7, 2012, the licensee notified the Agency that on August 6, 2012, the shutter on a Ronan Model SA-1 fixed nuclear gauge, containing 100 millicuries of cesium-137, at its facility in Longview, Texas, was found to be stuck in the open position. During routine inspection and operation checks in March 2012, the licensee observed that the shutter was difficult to operate. The licensee's maintenance staff had made several unsuccessful attempts to fix the problem. On August 6th, the maintenance staff was going to make another attempt but the shutter was completed stuck and could not be freed. The shutter on this gauge is in the open position during normal operation so there was no increased risk to any individual and there have been no exposures. The licensee has contacted the manufacturer to schedule repairs, has notified employees of the gauge's status, and has implemented administrative controls to restrict access until repairs are completed. More information will be provided as it is obtained, per SA-300.
"Source/Source Holder information:
"Model: Ronan SA-1
"Cesium-137 -- 100 millicuries
"Serial #: JJ590"
Texas Incident #: I-8973 |
| !!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!! | | Agreement State | Event Number: 48166 | Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Region: 3
City: CHICAGO State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01693-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 13:31 [ET]
Event Date: 08/07/2012
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/08/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING SOURCE
"The licensee's RSO at the University of Chicago called to advise that while performing a routine inventory of sealed sources, one radioactive source was determined to be missing . A radioactive strontium source which was believed to have been constructed at the University in 1972 was examined more closely than in the past and no radiation readings were detected from it. The source had been made at the University in 1974 to contain 0.828 milliCi of Sr-90. The source was not officially added to the sealed source inventory and leak test records until the mid '90s. For the past 12 years (and perhaps longer) the source had been in storage and unused while use of a similar commercially constructed source was favored. On this occasion the source was removed from the locked storage safe and from the presence of the other stored sources and direct readings from the 3 inch bolt showed no elevated radiation levels.
"No ready explanation as to why the radioactivity which had been embedded into the bored centerline of the bolt was not present was available. The item had been transferred to a new researcher in 2000 when the original researcher had retired and had not been used since. A comprehensive review of records suggests that a similar source and quantity was disposed in the 80's however direct correspondence to provide strong assurance that the disposed material and the missing quantity were a match was not possible. Interviews were conducted with the current responsible investigator, past students and colleagues of the original user. Those interviews were inconclusive on the fate of the radioactive material. No other items or sealed sources have been identified as missing from the secure storage location or the researcher's inventory.
"Without additional information to verify the source's whereabouts, the licensee has declared the source as missing with little chance of recovery. The licensee advised that a written report will be filed in advance of the 30 day deadline. The current activity of Sr-90 involved would be 317 microCi."
Illinois Item Number: IL12013
* * * RETRACTION ON 8/8/12 AT 1518 EDT FROM DAREN PERRERO TO DONG PARK * * *
"The licensee's Radiation Safety Officer called the Agency [State of Illinois] on the morning of August 8, 2012 with additional information concerning the August 7, 2012, reported missing Sr-90 source. Based on continued reviews of purchase records, inventories and direct radiation measurements from sources present at the laboratory location, the missing source of Sr-90 has been identified as being in their possession but as a different and mislabeled source. Discrepancies noted between purchase records, inventory records and leak test records caused radiation safety staff to look closer at the existing results of the physical inventories they had performed in an attempt to locate the missing source. After conducting reference radiation measurements from a known quantity source of Sr-90 and then taking measurements from the remaining Sr-90 sources on the inventory, a source holder incorrectly identified as containing a larger activity Sr-90 source was confirmed as being the missing source. The licensee's 30 day report will detail the cause of the event, corrective action taken as well as actions taken to prevent future occurrences."
Notified R3DO (Lipa) and FSME Events Resource via email.
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 |
| Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 48167 | Rep Org: TEAM INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC.
Licensee: TEAM INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC.
Region: 3
City: DETROIT State: MI
County:
License #: 42-32219-01
Agreement: N
Docket: 03035252
NRC Notified By: DAVID TEBO
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 14:24 [ET]
Event Date: 08/06/2012
Event Time: 15:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
| Person (Organization):
CHRISTINE LIPA (R3DO)
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE ()
| Event Text RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA SOURCE FAILED TO RETRACT DUE TO DAMAGED GUIDE TUBE
A radiography crew working at the Marathon Refinery in Detroit, MI experienced a failure of the source to retract on their QSA-880-D radiography camera due to the source binding in the guide tube. While the source was out, the radiography camera fell approximately 18 inches from the scaffolding and landed on the guide tube end. The personnel cordoned off the area and called for assistance. The site supervisor was able to fully retract the source into the shielded position. The radiography camera was removed from service and is being sent to the manufacturer for evaluation. Based on dosimetry readings, exposure levels were not above normal readings. The highest badge reading resulted in 54 mrem. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 48168 | Rep Org: LOUISIANA RADIATION PROTECTION DIV
Licensee: GEORGIA PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Region: 4
City: ZACHARY State: LA
County:
License #: LA-2162-L01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JAMES PATE
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER | Notification Date: 08/07/2012
Notification Time: 13:34 [ET]
Event Date: 07/25/2012
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENT RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK SHUTTER ON FIXED PROCESS GAUGE
Louisiana provided the following information via fax:
"Georgia-Pacific (GP), AI#2617, had a shutter that failed open on a Ronan Engineering, Model SA-1-F37, Cs-137 2 Ci. The fixed gauge was located at the GP Consumer Operations LLC's GP Port Hudson facility and reported as not functioning properly. The device is used in production to measure chip level within the Esco Digester. This production unit was currently down for annual maintenance. The handle turned but subsequent surveys could not verify that the shutter was completely closed. As a precaution, GP did not allow any personnel to work in the affected area. [A person] with BP Sales evaluated the device and cycled the shutter to an open position so that the receiver got a positive reading. Therefore, the gauge appears to be functioning properly so that the Esco Digester can restart. The fixed gauge passed previous shutter tests on October 2011 and April 2012. GP plans to replace the gauge within the next 90 days. The gauge is 500 feet above ground and no employees work daily around the gauge."
NMED Item Number: LA120002 |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 48186 | Facility: PRAIRIE ISLAND
Region: 3 State: MN
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-2-LP,[2] W-2-LP
NRC Notified By: TERRY BACON
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 08/14/2012
Notification Time: 08:52 [ET]
Event Date: 08/14/2012
Event Time: 03:12 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/14/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(i) - PLANT S/D REQD BY TS
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
| 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 | 52 | Power Operation | Event Text TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIRED SHUTDOWN BASED ON BOTH EMERGENCY DIESELS BEING DECLARED INOPERABLE
"Prairie Island Unit 1 is currently being shutdown per Tech Spec 3.8.1.F due to both Diesel Generators inoperable for Unit 1.
"On August 13th at 0939 CDT, a planned entry to Tech Spec 3.8.1.B was performed for one Diesel Generator inoperable, due to the scheduled monthly surveillance run of D1 Emergency Diesel Generator. At 1048 CDT, a small candle sized flame was identified at the exhaust manifold and D1 was subsequently shutdown. Subsequent investigation by maintenance determined that there appeared to be a gasket leak on the turbocharger. D1 was tagged out of service and repairs are currently in progress.
"Tech Spec 3.8.1 required action B.3.1 requires a determination be made to verify the operable Diesel Generator is not inoperable due to a common cause failure. On August 14th at 0230 CDT, Unit 1 entered the Limiting Condition for Operation to perform the monthly surveillance run to verify no common cause failure existed. At 0312 CDT, the Shift Manager reported a small candle sized fire on the exhaust manifold for D2. Unit 1 entered an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function, a 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(v)(D) report is required due to a loss of both D1 and D2. D2 was subsequently shutdown and declared inoperable.
"A Technical Specification shutdown was also required and a Unit 1 Shutdown was commenced at 0425 CDT and a 4 hour non-emergency notification is required per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i).
"With both Diesels inoperable at 0230 CDT, Tech Spec 3 8.1.E requires one diesel to be returned to operable status within 2 hours. However, as neither diesel generator could be returned to service in this time period, Tech Spec 3.8.1.E requires the plant to be in Mode 3 within 6 hours and Mode 5 within 36 hours."
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
* * * UPDATE ON 8/14/12 AT 1452 EDT FROM TERRY BACON TO DONG PARK * * *
"A Technical Specification shutdown has been completed at 1025 CDT as planned for Unit 1. It was a normal manual reactor trip with no unexpected equipment issues. As expected due to plant electrical conditions, the Auxiliary Feedwater System auto started. This is reportable per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as a valid System Actuation, The Auxiliary Feedwater System operated as expected. Unit 1 is currently in Mode 3."
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified R3DO (Giessner). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 48187 | Facility: NINE MILE POINT
Region: 1 State: NY
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-2,[2] GE-5
NRC Notified By: JOHN DRISCOLL
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 08/14/2012
Notification Time: 10:40 [ET]
Event Date: 08/14/2012
Event Time: 10:06 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/14/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
| Person (Organization):
RAY POWELL (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 OFFSITE NOTIFICATION TO STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES CONCERNING TRITIUM FOUND IN GROUNDWATER INLEAKAGE
"On Monday, August 13, 2012, analyses of samples taken from groundwater inleakage to the Nine Mile Point Unit 1 (NMP1) Screenhouse building confirmed the presence of tritium at concentrations of approximately 32,000 to 44,000 picocuries per liter (pCi/l). This discovery was made during the conduct of the site's ongoing groundwater monitoring program. These concentrations are above the 30,000 pCi/l threshold for voluntary reporting for a non-drinking water pathway, as indicated in Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 07-07, Industry Ground Water Initiative - Final Guidance Document.
"These test results do not indicate any threat to public health or safety, since the building inleakage is not a drinking water source, and there is no indication that tritium has migrated off the Nine Mile Point site in the groundwater. Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC, is continuing an investigation to identify the source of tritium and implement a corrective action plan.
"Voluntary notification of this discovery has been made to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health."
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Fuel Cycle Facility | Event Number: 48188 | Facility: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
RX Type: URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE PRODUCTION
Comments: UF6 CONVERSION (DRY PROCESS)
Region: 2
City: METROPOLIS State: IL
County: MASSAC
License #: SUB-526
Agreement: Y
Docket: 04003392
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL ABEL
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 08/14/2012
Notification Time: 13:03 [ET]
Event Date: 08/14/2012
Event Time: 07:45 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/14/2012 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
40.60(b)(3) - MED TREAT INVOLVING CONTAM
| Person (Organization):
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
MICHAEL WATERS (NMSS)
| Event Text UNPLANNED MEDICAL TREATMENT OF A CONTAMINATED INDIVIDUAL
"An employee was complaining of chest and jaw pain this morning at approximately 0745 CDT. The employee was admitted to the plant dispensary in his plant clothing. The employee's plant boots were contaminated, with a maximum activity of 17,552 dpm/100cm2. The plant nurse evaluated the employee and decided to transport the employee to a regional hospital. Before going into the ambulance the employee removed his plant clothing. A whole body survey was performed of the employee; no contamination was detected. Additionally, the gurney and ambulance personnel shoes were surveyed upon loading the ambulance; no contamination was detected. The ambulance tires were also surveyed prior to release from the Restricted Area; no contamination was detected."
R2(Gibson) was also notified by licensee.
Contamination was from Uranium Ore Concentrates |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 48189 | Facility: POINT BEACH
Region: 3 State: WI
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-2-LP,[2] W-2-LP
NRC Notified By: MARY SIPIORSKI
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 08/15/2012
Notification Time: 00:02 [ET]
Event Date: 08/14/2012
Event Time: 20:31 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/15/2012 | 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):
JOHN GIESSNER (R3DO)
|
| 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 UNIT 1 MANUALLY TRIPPED IN ANTICIPATION OF AN AUTOMATIC TURBINE TRIP
"Unit 1 Manual Reactor Trip was initiated in anticipation of an auto turbine trip due to operators noticing the turbine governor valves closing in response to an Electro-Hydraulic Control System signal. All Control Rods are fully inserted. The RCS is being cooled by forced flow (reactor coolant pumps). Secondary heat sink is being provided by the condenser steam dumps utilizing the main feedwater system. The auxiliary feedwater system actuated based on low steam generator level, but has since been secured. There were no unexpected (inconsistent with nature of trip) pressure or level transients. Offsite power remains available. No release occurred nor is ongoing. Emergency Core Cooling did not actuate. No unexpected isolations occurred. Emergency Plan entry was not required."
The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector. | |