| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
08/18/2016 - 08/19/2016 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | !!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!! | | Power Reactor | Event Number: 52083 | Facility: PALO VERDE
Region: 4 State: AZ
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: IVORY BYERS
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ | Notification Date: 07/12/2016
Notification Time: 21:53 [ET]
Event Date: 07/12/2016
Event Time: 13:00 [MST]
Last Update Date: 08/18/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B) - UNANALYZED CONDITION
| Person (Organization):
VINCENT GADDY (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 DEGRADED FIRE BARRIER
"The following event description is based on information currently available. If through subsequent reviews of this event additional information is identified that is pertinent to this event or alters the information being provided at this time a follow-up notification will be made via the ENS or under the reporting requirements of 10CFR50.73.
"During the performance of a fire seal and barrier surveillance test, a degraded fire seal barrier that provides 1 hour separation between two fire zones containing redundant safe shutdown trains was identified in the 100 foot elevation of the PVNGS Unit 1 Auxiliary Building.
"This condition is reportable in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B) as an unanalyzed condition.
"Fire protection detection and mitigation systems in both fire zones are operable and compensatory measures (fire watches) have been implemented for affected areas.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
The degraded fire barrier consists of two holes in the through wall fire barrier surrounding two two-inch conduits. The two holes are approximately one to one and a half inches across.
* * * RETRACTION FROM SEAN DORNSEIF TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 1356 EDT ON 8/18/16 * * *
"Subsequent Engineering evaluation concluded the degraded fire seal in PVNGS Unit 1 reported on July 12, 2016, did not place PVNGS in an unanalyzed condition that significantly degraded plant safety. The degraded fire seal would have continued to provide the required degree of separation for redundant safe shutdown trains.
"The evaluation found a fire initiated in a fire zone on either side of the barrier would not propagate within one hour into the adjacent zone with redundant safe shutdown equipment. These conclusions were based on an existing fire analysis which was used to demonstrate that the required degree of separation between safe shutdown equipment remained intact.
"Based on the above information, PVNGS is retracting event notification report #52083, as the degraded fire seal did not place PVNGS Unit 1 an unanalyzed condition that significantly degraded plant safety.
"The NRC Resident Inspectors have been informed."
Notified R4DO (Proulx). |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52165 | Rep Org: PA BUREAU OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: TESTING SERVICES, INC
Region: 1
City: HARRISBURG State: PA
County:
License #: PA-1257
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JOE MELNIC
HQ OPS Officer: DANIEL MILLS | Notification Date: 08/10/2016
Notification Time: 11:28 [ET]
Event Date: 08/08/2016
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/10/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
ART BURRITT (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE
The following was received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via email:
"On August 10, 2016, the Department [Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection] was notified by Testing Services, Inc. that a moisture/density gauge had been damaged while on location at a temporary job site. It is reportable per 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2).
"While at a temporary job site, a Humboldt Model 5001 gauge was damaged and became unusable after being run over by a compactor. A survey of the gauge indicated that the source was still in its shielded position. A leak test sample has been taken and sent for analysis and the gauge has been removed from service and secured. No over exposures have occurred. A service provider has been contacted to see if repairs are possible or if the gauge will be returned to the manufacturer.
"Radionuclides: Cs-137 and Am-241:Be
Manufacturer: Humboldt
Model: 5001
Serial Number: 2394
Activity: 11 mCi Cs-137, 44 mCi Am-241:Be
"The gauge has been securely stored and placed out of service until repairs/return can be accomplished. The Department has scheduled a reactive inspection. More information will be provided when available."
PA report # PA160022 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52167 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: ARLANXEO USA LLC
Region: 4
City: ORANGE State: TX
County:
License #: 06782
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: STEVEN VITTO | Notification Date: 08/10/2016
Notification Time: 16:15 [ET]
Event Date: 08/09/2016
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/10/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
NEIL OKEEFE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FIXED NUCLEAR GAUGE STUCK SHUTTER
The following was received from the State of Texas via email:
"On August 10, 2016, The Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee that during a daily inspection, the shutter on an Ohmart Vega SH-F1 nuclear gauge could not be operated. The gauge contains a 10 millicurie (original activity) source. The shutter is operated by an pneumatic operator. The operating mechanism is located inside a steel box to help prevent foreign material from interfering with the shutter operation. It appears that over time, moisture was being trapped in the box causing the operating rod connecting pin to rust and break. The shutter cannot be moved. It is in the open position which is the normal operating position for the shutter. A service company has been contacted and will be on-site on August 11, 2016, to repair the gauge. The gauge does not present an exposure hazard to the licensee's workers or members of the general public. Addition information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident #: I9424 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52168 | Rep Org: CALIFORNIA RADIATION CONTROL PRGM
Licensee: CB&I FEDERAL SERVICES, LLC.
Region: 4
City: CONCORD State: CA
County:
License #: 7889-07
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: K. ARUNIKA HEWADIKARAM
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 08/10/2016
Notification Time: 18:35 [ET]
Event Date: 07/26/2016
Event Time: 13:30 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 08/10/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
NEIL OKEEFE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA ()
ILTAB (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN CHECK SOURCES
The following was received from the State of California via email:
"On July 28, 2016, [the Radiation Safety Officer] RSO at CB&I contacted RHB [Radiologic Health Branch] to report an incident on stolen check sources from their storage location at Hunters Point in San Francisco, CA. Theft occurred in the afternoon of July 26, 2016, between approximately 1330-1400 hours, while CB&I personnel were conducting business in adjacent project trailers. Items stolen included tools, equipment and locked posted radioactive check source safe. No other radioactive materials were stored inside this trailer.
"Source description is as follows:
Source Date S/N Activity (uCi)
Th-230 Plate Jul-92 92TH1002842 0.0061
Th-230 Disk Nov-09 G4-791 0.01566
Tc-99 Disk Nov-09 G4-797 0.03111
Tc-99 Plate Nov-09 G4-788 0.01648
Cs-137 Button Jan-16 216 10
Cs-137 Button Aug-91 1065/91 9.9
Co-60 Metal Nut Unknown Unknown 0.624
"Note: (only Th-230, 0.01566 uCi exceeds 10X Appendix C value)"
CA 5010 Number: 072816
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: 52170 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: ARLANXEO USA LLC
Region: 4
City: ORANGE State: TX
County:
License #: 06782
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 08/11/2016
Notification Time: 15:04 [ET]
Event Date: 08/10/2016
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/11/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
NEIL OKEEFE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - NUCLEAR GAUGE SHUTTER COULD NOT BE OPERATED
The following report was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services via email:
"On August 11, 2016, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee that during a routine annual inspection, the shutter on an Ohmart Vega SH-F1 nuclear gauge could not be operated. The gauge contains a 15 millicurie (original activity) source. The shutter's operating handle no longer operates the shutter. It is in the open position which is the normal operating position for the shutter. A service company is on site and will try to repair the gauge. The gauge is mounted on the top of a tall vessel and does not present an exposure hazard to the licensee's workers or members of the general public. This event is similar to EN 52167. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident #: I9425 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52171 | Rep Org: TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENV QUALITY
Licensee: MESTENA URANIUM, LLC
Region: 4
City: ALTA MESA SITE State: TX
County: BROOKS COUNTY
License #: R05360
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MUHAMMADALI ABBASZADEH
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 08/11/2016
Notification Time: 15:56 [ET]
Event Date: 08/09/2016
Event Time: 16:14 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/11/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
NEIL OKEEFE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
DAN COLLINS (MSTR)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - UNPLANNED FIRE WITHIN LICENSE AREA
The following is an excerpt from a report received from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality via email:
"A fire occurred within the Mestena Uranium LLC License Area in the vicinity of PAA-3 on August 9, 2016. The fire was discovered at approximately 1545 CDT by US Border Patrol agents who were conducting activities in the vicinity. Mestena personnel discovered the fire at about the same and upon investigation determined the fire required additional support at which time the local fire department was notified and arrived on site at approximately 1620 CDT to battle the fire.
"Fire crews declared the fire out/controlled by 2000 [CDT]. No injuries occurred during the firefighting activities.
"[The licensee] contacted [The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality] by telephone at approximately 2110 [CDT] to inform [them] that the fire was declared out and that an investigation into the fire will be initiated which will include follow-up actions required to remediate any impacts caused by the fire.
"The fire burned approximately 60 acres, most of which was within the PAA-3 Mine Area. The fire damaged or destroyed surface infrastructure associated with the in-situ mining activities permitted under UIC permit UR03060PA3.
"As a precaution, high volume air samples were collected while the firefighting was occurring. Samples were collected from downwind locations along the perimeter of the fire zone. Additional samples were collected on August 10th . Bioassay samples were also collected from individuals who participated in the firefighting activities.
"A written report that conforms to 30 TAC 336.335(c)(2) will be submitted to TCEQ [Texas Commission on Environmental Quality] within 30 days."
Texas State Event Report ID No.: Not assigned yet |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52173 | Rep Org: TENNESSEE DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES
Region: 1
City: OAK RIDGE State: TN
County:
License #: R-01082
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ANDREW HOLCOLMB
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 08/11/2016
Notification Time: 17:37 [ET]
Event Date: 08/11/2016
Event Time: 15:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/11/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
ART BURRITT (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING GAUGE WITH 100 MILLICURIE CO-60 SOURCE
The following report was received from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Radiological Health via email:
"Licensee reported that a gauge with a 100 mCi Co-60 source was missing from a shipment with a carrier. Licensee accounted for the source upon leaving the licensee's facility. Licensee states that source is still in carrier's warehouse in Knoxville, TN, or in route to another site in Louisiana. Licensee is investigating warehouse and transport. A follow-up report will be sent upon receiving further information; this will include model number, activity, and shipping information."
TN State Event Report ID No.: TN-16-111
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 EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!! | | Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 52175 | Rep Org: DTE ENERGY
Licensee: DTE ENERGY
Region: 3
City: NEWPORT State: MI
County:
License #: 21-02335-05
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ROBERT TOZZIE
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 08/11/2016
Notification Time: 22:15 [ET]
Event Date: 08/11/2016
Event Time: 18:20 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/12/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(a) - PROTECTIVE ACTION PREVENTED
| Person (Organization):
LAURA KOZAK (R3DO)
DAN COLLINS (NMSS)
BERNARD STAPLETON (IRD)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text FIRE AT LICENSEE FACILITY
At approximately 1820 EDT on 8/11/16, St. Clair Power Plant, a coal-fired generation unit, caught fire in East China Township, Michigan. The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) reported that 22 nuclear gauges (Texas Nuclear Model 5181, 5193, 5180A, 5192 and Ohmart Model SHGS-2, SH-100, SR-A) are used at the site which all contain Cs-137. The RSO will conduct an assessment of all the nuclear gauges on 08/12/16.
* * * RETRACTION AT 2127 EDT ON 08/12/16 FROM ROBERT TOZZIE TO JEFF HERRERA * * *
"On 8/11/16 at approximately 1820 EDT, the DTE Energy St. Clair Power Plant experienced a mechanical failure in the Unit 7 Turbine that resulted in a fire. The DTE Energy Radiation Safety Officer conservatively made an immediate report (within 4 hours) to the NRC on 8/11/16 at 2215 EDT based on the immediate reporting requirements of 10 CFR 30.50(a) due to, at the time, unknown conditions of nuclear gauges located in the area of the fire. The nuclear gauges are used for level measurement purposes.
"On 8/12/16, the DTE Energy Radiation Safety Officer completed an assessment of all nuclear gauges associated with the unit 7 fire. No gauges were found damaged or compromised. All unit 7 gauges were visually inspected with no structural damage identified. Radiological surveys were performed on all unit 7 gauges. Results of the radiological surveys showed normally expected dose rates and no loose surface contamination. Shutter mechanisms were closed and locked closed on all gauges in unit 7. Nuclear gauges in other units of the St. Clair Power Plant were not impacted by the fire event. These gauges were visually inspected and no signs of damage were identified. Based on the results of this assessment, DTE Energy retracts notification 52175."
Notified R3DO (Kozak) and NMSS Events Notification (via E-mail). | |