Event Notification Report for January 27, 2015
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
01/26/2015 - 01/27/2015
EVENT NUMBERS
50771507775076951052
Power Reactor
Event Number: 50771
Facility: PILGRIM
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: JOHN WHALLEY
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: JOHN WHALLEY
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 01/27/2015
Notification Time: 16:56 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 09:48 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015
Notification Time: 16:56 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 09:48 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
REGION I IRC (EMAI)
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
REGION I IRC (EMAI)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | N | 0 | Hot Shutdown | 0 | Hot Shutdown |
LOSS OF HIGH PRESSURE COOLANT INJECTION
"On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at 0948 EST, with the Reactor Mode Select Switch (RMSS) in the Shutdown position and Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) at 0% core thermal power, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system was isolated by the main control room operating crew and declared INOPERABLE. HPCI had been in service for reactor pressure control following the automatic reactor scram experienced during winter storm 'Juno' reported in EN# 50769. It appears there was a malfunction of the HPCI turbine gland seal condenser blower or associated condensate pump. Reactor pressure control was transitioned to the safety relief valves and the reactor cooldown was continued. The plant is stable. The Emergency Diesel Generators are powering the safety related 4KV buses and reactor water level is being maintained by the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system. HPCI is required to be OPERABLE in accordance with Technical Specification 3.5.C.1. Since HPCI is a single train system, the INOPERABILITY is reportable in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The cause of the HPCI malfunction is not known at this time and troubleshooting continues.
"This event had no impact on the health and/or safety of the public.
"The USNRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
Shutdown cooling is in service.
"On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at 0948 EST, with the Reactor Mode Select Switch (RMSS) in the Shutdown position and Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) at 0% core thermal power, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system was isolated by the main control room operating crew and declared INOPERABLE. HPCI had been in service for reactor pressure control following the automatic reactor scram experienced during winter storm 'Juno' reported in EN# 50769. It appears there was a malfunction of the HPCI turbine gland seal condenser blower or associated condensate pump. Reactor pressure control was transitioned to the safety relief valves and the reactor cooldown was continued. The plant is stable. The Emergency Diesel Generators are powering the safety related 4KV buses and reactor water level is being maintained by the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system. HPCI is required to be OPERABLE in accordance with Technical Specification 3.5.C.1. Since HPCI is a single train system, the INOPERABILITY is reportable in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The cause of the HPCI malfunction is not known at this time and troubleshooting continues.
"This event had no impact on the health and/or safety of the public.
"The USNRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
Shutdown cooling is in service.
Agreement State
Event Number: 50777
Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: SIGNET TESTING LABORATORIES, INC.
Region: 4
City: HAYWARD State: CA
County:
License #: 2943-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KENT PRENDERGAST
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Licensee: SIGNET TESTING LABORATORIES, INC.
Region: 4
City: HAYWARD State: CA
County:
License #: 2943-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KENT PRENDERGAST
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN SHOEMAKER
Notification Date: 01/28/2015
Notification Time: 18:08 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 01/28/2015
Notification Time: 18:08 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 01/28/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
MICHAEL VASQUEZ (R4DO)
NMSS EVENTS NOTIFICA (EMAI)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED TROXLER GAUGE
The following report was received from the State of California via email:
"On 01/28/15, [the licensee] RSO contacted [the California] RHB [Radiologic Health Branch] to notify [the state] of a damaged nuclear gauge incident that occurred on 01/27/15. The gauge involved was a Troxler Model 3440, S/N 21101 containing 9 mCi of Cs-137 and 44 mCi of Am-241. Gauge user had left the gauge on a wheel barrow and walked away [approximately] 25 feet to look for a foreman. User then noticed a CAT scrapper backing off towards the gauge. His attempt to stop the scrapper failed, resulting in a damaged gauge. After the incident, it was noted that the gauge was intact with damage only to the face plate area. The operator contacted the RSO, and then transported the gauge to Instrotek for further testing. Leak tests performed indicated no contamination. The gauge is still at Instrotek for repairs."
California Event: #012815
The following report was received from the State of California via email:
"On 01/28/15, [the licensee] RSO contacted [the California] RHB [Radiologic Health Branch] to notify [the state] of a damaged nuclear gauge incident that occurred on 01/27/15. The gauge involved was a Troxler Model 3440, S/N 21101 containing 9 mCi of Cs-137 and 44 mCi of Am-241. Gauge user had left the gauge on a wheel barrow and walked away [approximately] 25 feet to look for a foreman. User then noticed a CAT scrapper backing off towards the gauge. His attempt to stop the scrapper failed, resulting in a damaged gauge. After the incident, it was noted that the gauge was intact with damage only to the face plate area. The operator contacted the RSO, and then transported the gauge to Instrotek for further testing. Leak tests performed indicated no contamination. The gauge is still at Instrotek for repairs."
California Event: #012815
Power Reactor
Event Number: 50769
Facility: PILGRIM
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: GRANT FLYNN
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Region: 1 State: MA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3
NRC Notified By: GRANT FLYNN
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 01/27/2015
Notification Time: 06:41 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 04:02 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015
Notification Time: 06:41 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 04:02 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/27/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS ACTUATION - CRITICAL 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
Person (Organization):
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
MICHELE EVANS (NRR)
BERNARD STAPLETON (IRD)
CHRISTOPHER CAHILL (R1DO)
MICHELE EVANS (NRR)
BERNARD STAPLETON (IRD)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A/R | Y | 52 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Shutdown |
AUTOMATIC REACTOR SCRAM ON TURBINE TRIP DUE TO LOSS OF OFFSITE POWER
"On Tuesday January 27, 2015 at 0402 hours, with the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) Reactor Mode Select Switch (RMSS) in Run and reactor power approximately 52% an automatic reactor scram signal was received due to the automatic trip of the main turbine that was initiated by the opening of the main generator breaker, ACB-104. The event occurred during winter storm 'Juno.' Prior to the event off-site transmission Line 355 was de-energized due [to] weather conditions and its associated PNPS switchyard breakers (ACB-105, a main generator breaker and ACB-102), were open. Per station procedures, reactor power was being lowered, a reactor protection system bus had been placed onto a back-up power supply, the Emergency Diesel Generators had been started and were powering the associated safety related 4 KV buses. The second off-site transmission Line 342 de-energized and the associated PNPS switchyard breakers (ACB-104 main generator breaker and ACB-103) opened. The Shutdown Transformer off-site power supply has remained available throughout this event. All control rods were verified to be fully inserted. Per plant design, Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) Group lI sampling systems, Group VI Reactor Water Clean-up (RWCU) system and Reactor Building Isolation System (RBIS) isolations occurred. Currently, the EDG's are powering the safety related 4KV buses, reactor water level is being maintained by the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system and reactor pressure is being maintained by High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system. The station is conducting a plant cool down at this time. All systems responded as designed with the exception of a non-safety-related diesel air compressor, K-117 that failed to start."
The licensee will notify the State and local governments and plans on issuing a press release. The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed.
"On Tuesday January 27, 2015 at 0402 hours, with the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) Reactor Mode Select Switch (RMSS) in Run and reactor power approximately 52% an automatic reactor scram signal was received due to the automatic trip of the main turbine that was initiated by the opening of the main generator breaker, ACB-104. The event occurred during winter storm 'Juno.' Prior to the event off-site transmission Line 355 was de-energized due [to] weather conditions and its associated PNPS switchyard breakers (ACB-105, a main generator breaker and ACB-102), were open. Per station procedures, reactor power was being lowered, a reactor protection system bus had been placed onto a back-up power supply, the Emergency Diesel Generators had been started and were powering the associated safety related 4 KV buses. The second off-site transmission Line 342 de-energized and the associated PNPS switchyard breakers (ACB-104 main generator breaker and ACB-103) opened. The Shutdown Transformer off-site power supply has remained available throughout this event. All control rods were verified to be fully inserted. Per plant design, Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) Group lI sampling systems, Group VI Reactor Water Clean-up (RWCU) system and Reactor Building Isolation System (RBIS) isolations occurred. Currently, the EDG's are powering the safety related 4KV buses, reactor water level is being maintained by the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system and reactor pressure is being maintained by High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system. The station is conducting a plant cool down at this time. All systems responded as designed with the exception of a non-safety-related diesel air compressor, K-117 that failed to start."
The licensee will notify the State and local governments and plans on issuing a press release. The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed.
Agreement State
Event Number: 51052
Rep Org: NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF HEALTH
Licensee: METRO METAL RECYCLING, LLC
Region: 1
City: WATERVLIET State: NY
County:
License #: C3062
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL D. SOUCIE
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Licensee: METRO METAL RECYCLING, LLC
Region: 1
City: WATERVLIET State: NY
County:
License #: C3062
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL D. SOUCIE
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 05/07/2015
Notification Time: 16:12 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/07/2015
Notification Time: 16:12 [ET]
Event Date: 01/27/2015
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/07/2015
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
DAN SCHROEDER (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
ILTAB (EMAI)
DAN SCHROEDER (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
ILTAB (EMAI)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN THERMO FISHER XRF ANALYZER
The following information was received from the New York Department of Health [DOH] via fax:
"The Department of Health (DOH) became aware of this incident on 5/6/15. The DOH phoned the Vice President of Metro Metal Recycling, LLC on an unrelated detail of license C3062 renewal. The licensee stated on 5/6/15 that he did not need the license anymore because on 1/27/15, his Thermo Fisher XRF, Model XLP 818, Serial Number 13149, had been stolen. He had not contacted DOH to report the stolen XRF, which contained 30 millicuries of americium-241. He did notify Colonie Police and obtained a police report. He e-mailed a copy of the police report and photographs of a damaged metal fence to DOH. The police report states that an unknown person broke the lock to their gate, broke an office window and entered the office where they stole the XRF from an unlocked desk drawer. There was no surveillance video. The guard dogs have access to the metal storage area but not the office area. The Vice President was sent an e-mail requesting additional information."
The Thermo Fisher XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Analyzer is used to identify metal alloys.
NY Event Report ID No.: NY-15-03
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
The following information was received from the New York Department of Health [DOH] via fax:
"The Department of Health (DOH) became aware of this incident on 5/6/15. The DOH phoned the Vice President of Metro Metal Recycling, LLC on an unrelated detail of license C3062 renewal. The licensee stated on 5/6/15 that he did not need the license anymore because on 1/27/15, his Thermo Fisher XRF, Model XLP 818, Serial Number 13149, had been stolen. He had not contacted DOH to report the stolen XRF, which contained 30 millicuries of americium-241. He did notify Colonie Police and obtained a police report. He e-mailed a copy of the police report and photographs of a damaged metal fence to DOH. The police report states that an unknown person broke the lock to their gate, broke an office window and entered the office where they stole the XRF from an unlocked desk drawer. There was no surveillance video. The guard dogs have access to the metal storage area but not the office area. The Vice President was sent an e-mail requesting additional information."
The Thermo Fisher XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Analyzer is used to identify metal alloys.
NY Event Report ID No.: NY-15-03
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