| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
08/07/2013 - 08/08/2013 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Agreement State | Event Number: 48942 | Rep Org: MISSISSIPPI DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: SABIC
Region: 4
City: BAY ST. LOUIS State: MS
County:
License #: MS-689-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BRANDY FRAISER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER | Notification Date: 04/18/2013
Notification Time: 17:07 [ET]
Event Date: 03/16/2013
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
JAMES DRAKE (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MALFUNCTIONING GAUGE SHUTTER
The following report was received via email:
"The licensee RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] notified [Mississippi] DRH [Division of Radiological Health] of malfunctioning gauge shutter discovered upon leak testing on 3/16/13. The gauge is a Kay Ray 7700 J, Source Model Kay Ray 7064 and is mounted on functioning pipe and is currently in use, however, the shutter will not close. The [licensee] RSO, stated a technician was on-site to deliver an estimate to be received by the following week. Until then, the licensee stated the gauge would continue to be used as usual.
"Update: On 4/5/13, [the license RSO] called to notify [Mississippi] DRH the gauge is still being used, he has received the quote for the repair, and is waiting for the appointment scheduled by the technician (3 weeks from this date).
"Update: Formal report received by SABIC on 4/17/13 which includes description of the incident, as stated above. At this time, [the licensee RSO] is still awaiting the appointment for repair or replacement of the gauge."
Mississippi Report #: MS-13001
* * * UPDATE FROM BRANDY FRAISER TO PETE SNYDER AT 1630 EDT ON 8/7/13 * * *
On 5/29/13, [the licensee Radiation Safety Officer] emailed a notification to [Mississippi] DRH [Division of Radiological Health] via email that the shutter on the gauge in question has been repaired and is operating properly.
Notified R4DO (Vasquez) and FSME Event Resource (e-mail). |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 49224 | Rep Org: COLORADO DEPT OF HEALTH
Licensee: THRUBIT LLC
Region: 4
City: State: CO
County:
License #: 1179-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JENNIFER OPILA
HQ OPS Officer: NESTOR MAKRIS | Notification Date: 07/30/2013
Notification Time: 10:49 [ET]
Event Date: 07/29/2013
Event Time: [MDT]
Last Update Date: 07/30/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
THOMAS FARNHOLTZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST AND SUBSEQUENTLY RECOVERED WELL LOGGING SOURCE
The following report was received from the State of Colorado via fax:
"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment received notification on the evening of 7/29/13 from ThruBit LLC, Colorado License Number 1179-01, that a 1.78 Ci Cs-137 well logging source fell out of a logging tool at a well site in Colorado and was not recovered until the following morning.
"Details are as follows: On Sunday 7/28, the well-logging crew finished operations at the well site and removed the logging tool from the well around noon. Apparently, the Cs-137 source fell out of the logging tool while it was being returned to the logging truck. Seventeen hours later, the logging crew discovered the source was missing and returned to the well-site and retrieved the source, which was found on the ground. ThruBit's RSO and Department inspectors are on their way to the well-site to conduct an investigation and assess potential exposures.
"No other details are available at this time."
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
Note: This device is assigned an IAEA Category 3 value based on the actual radioactivity of the source, not on the device type. (Reference IAEA RG-G-1.9) |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 49226 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: FUGRO CONSULTANTS LP
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #: 04322
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: GENTRY HEARN
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 07/30/2013
Notification Time: 17:45 [ET]
Event Date: 07/29/2013
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 07/30/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
THOMAS FARNHOLTZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text RADIOGRAPHY SOURCE RETRACTION FAILURE
The following information was received via E-mail:
"On July 30, 2013, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] received a call from the RSO of Fugro Consultants, Inc. regarding a source retraction failure on July 29, 2013. The licensee had a temporary industrial radiography site in Houston, Texas. The IR-192 source was in an INC IR-100, serial number 7231. The source was unable to be retracted due to a malfunction with the safety latch plate engaging before the source was retracted. The RSO received a call about the problem at 2000 CDT that evening and travelled to the site. The source was retrieved according to the conditions of the license. The RSO determined that no overexposures resulted to the crew, nor were there exposures to the public, resulting from the event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident #: I 9100. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 49227 | Rep Org: FLORIDA BUREAU OF RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: RENEGADE TESTING & INSPECTION, INC.
Region: 1
City: ORLANDO State: FL
County:
License #: 3891-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: STEVE FURNACE
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 07/30/2013
Notification Time: 18:21 [ET]
Event Date: 07/29/2013
Event Time: 16:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/30/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
GORDON HUNEGS (R1DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text RADIOGRAPHY SOURCE RETRACTION FAILURE DUE TO DAMAGED GUIDE TUBE
The following information was received via facsimile:
"A report was received concerning a stuck source that occurred while performing radiography at approximately 1645 EDT on July 29, 2013. A test stand fell approximately 10 feet and crushed the source guide tube preventing retraction of the source back to the shielded position. Four employees lead shielded the source, cut into the guide tube, and repaired the metal braiding underneath the plastic coating. This allowed the source to be returned and locked back into the shielded position. The incident was referred to the Orlando inspection office for further investigation."
Florida Incident Number: FL13-053 |
| Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 49229 | Rep Org: VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Licensee: VA SOUTHERN NEVADA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Region: 4
City: NORTH LAS VEGAS State: NV
County:
License #: 03-23853-01VA
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID BURKETT
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 07/31/2013
Notification Time: 16:03 [ET]
Event Date: 07/31/2013
Event Time: 08:15 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 07/31/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.1906(d)(2) - EXTERNAL RAD LEVELS > LIMITS
| Person (Organization):
STEVE ORTH (R3DO)
THOMAS FARNHOLTZ (R4DO)
FSME EVENTS RESOURCE (EMAI)
| Event Text PACKAGE RECEIVED EXCEEDING EXTERNAL RADIATION LIMITS
"Per 10 CFR 20.1906(d)(2), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reported receipt of a package of radioactive material with external radiation levels exceeding NRC reporting limits (as referenced in 10 CFR 71.47).
"The package was received today (July 31, 2013) around 0815 PDT by the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, North Las Vegas, Nevada. This medical center holds permit number 27-00593-01 under the VHA master materials license.
"The package was surveyed by the VA facility nuclear medicine technologist with a pressurized ionization chamber. Readings were 160 mR/hr on the top surface of the shipping container and 32 mR/hr at 1 meter away from the top of the container (i.e., Transport Index = 32, which exceeded the NRC reporting limit of 10). Removable radioactivity tests of the external package surfaces were within regulatory limits.
"The shipping container lacked proper shielding on the top and bottom. The package contained 2 lead pigs each containing F-18 (half-life 110 minutes). One source was assayed at 0929 PDT on 7/31/2013 at 350 mCi. The other source was calibrated for 12 mCi at 1100 PDT.
"The VA facility Nuclear Medicine Technologist immediately notified, by telephone, Cardinal Health in Las Vegas, NV, who was the package shipper and final delivery carrier, regarding the high readings from the package. The vendor contact person acknowledged that the incorrect shipping box was used and the source should have been shipped later in the day.
"As corrective actions, the VA facility technologist isolated the package in the VA medical center hot lab, and additional lead shielding was placed on the top of the package.
"VHA has also notified NRC Region III (Null) by telephone of this event." |
| !!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!! | | Fuel Cycle Facility | Event Number: 49231 | Facility: B&W NUCLEAR OPERATING GROUP, INC.
RX Type: URANIUM FUEL FABRICATION
Comments: HEU FABRICATION & SCRAP
Region: 2
City: LYNCHBURG State: VA
County: CAMPBELL
License #: SNM-42
Agreement: N
Docket: 070-27
NRC Notified By: KENNY KIRBY
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 08/01/2013
Notification Time: 12:00 [ET]
Event Date: 08/01/2013
Event Time: 09:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/05/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.1906(d)(2) - EXTERNAL RAD LEVELS > LIMITS
| Person (Organization):
MICHAEL F. KING (R2DO)
GORDON BJORKMAN (NMSS)
FUELS GRP via email ()
| Event Text EXTERNAL RADIATION LEVELS ON SHIPMENT EXCEEDED 2MR/HR LIMIT FOR UNMONITORED EXPOSURES
"The conditions for reporting under the requirements of 10 CFR 20.1906(d) have been met. QWI 14.1.10, Classification & Notification Criteria for Unusual Incidents Radiation Protection section - for shipments, bases reporting requirements on receipt of a shipment with radiation or contamination levels in excess of 10 CFR 20.1906(d). This requirement was exceeded and an NRC report is required. The truck cab sleeping area (normally occupied space) dose rate of 5.4 mrem/hr is greater than the allowable limit of 2.0 mrem/hr. The carrier drivers (2) state that they do not have dosimetry.
"Immediate actions that have been taken:
- The area was secured.
- Confirmatory measurements were taken.
- Digital photographs have been taken.
- The shipper has been notified.
- A review of the associated regulations was performed.
- The carrier has been notified.
- The truck has been unloaded and released."
The shipment contained Am241/Be sources sent from QSA Global in Burlington, MA for use in refurbishing sources, typically well-logging. The estimated departure time/date was 0800 EDT on 07/31/13 with estimated arrival time/date of 0800 EDT on 08/01/13. The driver team consisted of two (2) individuals during the 24-hour transit time. The shipment was off-loaded and secured following the receipt rad survey.
The licensee notified the shipper, the carrier, the Commonwealth of Virginia and informed the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * RETRACTION FROM TONY ENGLAND TO PETE SNYDER AT 1702 EDT ON 8/5/13 * * *
"This event has been reported to the Commonwealth of Virginia under Event Number VA-13-04. The material involved in this event is regulated under Commonwealth of Virginia License."
Notified R2DO (King), R1DO (Trapp), FSME Event Resource (email), and FUELS OUO (email). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 49246 | Facility: POINT BEACH
Region: 3 State: WI
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-2-LP,[2] W-2-LP
NRC Notified By: MARY SIPIORSKI
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 08/07/2013
Notification Time: 09:01 [ET]
Event Date: 08/07/2013
Event Time: 01:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
JULIO LARA (R3DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 85 | Power Operation | | 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 67 | Power Operation | Event Text LOSS OF POWER TO EMERGENCY SIRENS AND POWER TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS FACILITY DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER
"At approximately 0100 (CDT) on 7 August, 2013, severe thunderstorms and high winds in the area resulted in a loss of power to the Point Beach Nuclear Plant (PBNP) Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) and to Alert and Notification System (ANS) sirens. Loss of ANS sirens resulted in a loss of greater than 50% of the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) population coverage [14 out of 22 lost]. Note: PBNP has installed a new siren system that is currently in operational acceptance testing and remained fully functional on backup battery power.
"During the loss of power to the EOF, station personnel verified that power remained available to the Alternate Emergency Operations Facility (AEOF). At approximately 0545 CDT, station personnel verified that power to the EOF was restored. Efforts are ongoing to restore power to sirens."
The licensee has notified State and local authorities and the NRC Resident Inspector.
See related EN #49247.
* * * UPDATE FROM JERRY STRHARSKY TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 1654 EDT ON 8/7/13 * * *
At 1525 CDT on 8/7/13, the licensee returned 9 of 14 emergency sirens to service which brings the percentage of population covered by the sirens below the reporting threshold.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R3DO (Lara). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 49247 | Facility: KEWAUNEE
Region: 3 State: WI
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-2-LP
NRC Notified By: SCOTT CIESLEWICZ
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 08/07/2013
Notification Time: 09:05 [ET]
Event Date: 08/07/2013
Event Time: 01:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/07/2013 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
| Person (Organization):
JULIO LARA (R3DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | N | 0 | Defueled | 0 | Defueled | Event Text LOSS OF POWER TO EMERGENCY SIRENS DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER
"On August 7, 2013, at 0345 [CDT], Kewaunee Power Station was notified that a loss of alert sirens impacting greater than 50% of the Emergency Planning Zone population are non-functional due to a loss of power. The sirens are used to provide a public prompt notification. The sirens lost are those that Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant takes primary responsibility. Power was lost to them during a severe thunderstorm and the expected out of service time is unknown at this time.
"This condition is being reported in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii) as an event that results in a major loss of emergency assessment capability.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
See related EN #49246
* * * UPDATE FROM SCOTT CIESLEWICZ TO PETE SNYDER AT 1652 EDT ON 8/7/13 * * *
Most emergency sirens have been returned to service such that the lost coverage is now only 24%.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R3DO (Lara). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 49249 | Facility: HARRIS
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: MARIA POWERS
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 08/08/2013
Notification Time: 03:15 [ET]
Event Date: 08/08/2013
Event Time: 03:05 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/08/2013 | Emergency Class: ALERT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
| Person (Organization):
SCOTT SHAEFFER (R2DO)
SCOTT MORRIS (IRD)
VICTOR McCREE (R2 R)
JENNIFER UHLE (NRR)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 92 | Power Operation | Event Text ALERT DECLARED DUE TO A SWITCHGEAR EXPLOSION THAT SUPPLIES SAFE SHUTDOWN EQUIPMENT
The licensee reported that there was an explosion in a non-safety related electrical bus (Bus 1E2). The bus is designated as a safe shut down bus. The licensee has classified this event as an Alert based on an EAL entry condition of "an explosion of sufficient force to damage permanent structures or equipment within the Protected Area." The licensee is still investigating what loads come off this bus but no safety-related loads have been identified at this time. The plant is currently stable at 92% power. Power was reduced due to the loss of moisture separator reheaters on the secondary side as a result of this event. There is no ongoing fire as a result of the bus explosion. No personnel were injured. No damage to other equipment has been identified at this time.
The licensee has notified state and local authorities and the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified DHS SWO, DOE, FEMA, HHS, DHS NICC, USDA, EPA, FDA and NuclearSSA via email. NRC PAO (Brenner) notified.
* * * UPDATE AT 0404 EDT ON 8/8/13 FROM TYLER HALYE TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *
"Auxiliary bus 1E2 (safe shutdown equipment bus) is de-energized due to the explosion. The Alert was declared due to the explosion affecting safe shutdown equipment." The licensee also noted that the event was initially classified as an Unusual Event at 0234 EDT and then upgraded to an Alert classification at 0305 EDT when the bus was determined to supply safe shutdown equipment.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
* * * UPDATE AT 0453 EDT ON 8/8/13 FROM TYLER HALYE TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *
No offsite assistance was requested during this event. The licensee verified that there was no fire. It was noted that the licensee is in Technical Specification Action Statement 3.8.1.1 for the "B" Emergency Diesel Generator being out of service. The EDG is out of service due to loss of power to the "C" and "D" air compressors. The licensee was uncertain if the loss of these air compressors was related to the event.
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. R2DO (Shaeffer) and NRR EO (Hiland) notified.
* * * UPDATE AT 0546 EDT ON 8/8/13 FROM SHANNON JONES TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *
The licensee terminated the Alert declaration at 0533 EDT based upon no fire at Bus 1E2. and verification that Bus 1E2 is de-energized and disconnected from all electrical systems. The licensee remains at 92% power. The only noted safety related equipment that was impacted is the "1B" Emergency Diesel Generator which has been declared inoperable due to loss of power to associated air compressors "1C-SB" and "1D-SB."
The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
R2DO (Shaeffer), NRR EO (Hiland) and IRD MOC (Morris) notified. Notified DHS SWO, DOE, FEMA, HHS, DHS NICC, USDA, EPA, FDA and NuclearSSA via email. NRC PAO (Brenner) notified. | |