| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
02/24/2017 - 02/27/2017 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Part 21 | Event Number: 52324 | Rep Org: EMERSON FISHER CONTROLS INTL LLC
Licensee: EMERSON FISHER CONTROLS INTL LLC
Region: 3
City: MARSHALLTOWN State: IA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KIM SAGAR
HQ OPS Officer: DANIEL MILLS | Notification Date: 10/27/2016
Notification Time: 16:43 [ET]
Event Date: 08/30/2016
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 02/24/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21(a)(2) - INTERIM EVAL OF DEVIATION
| Person (Organization):
BLAKE WELLING (R1DO)
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
PATTY PELKE (R3DO)
THOMAS FARNHOLTZ (R4DO)
PART 21/50.55 REACT (EMAI)
PART 21 MATERIALS (EMAI)
| Event Text PART 21 - POTENTIAL ISSUE WITH SEISMIC QUALIFICATION OF TYPE 546NS ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC TRANSDUCERS
The following was received via email:
"Pursuant to 10 CFR 21.21(a)(2), Fisher Controls International LLC ('Fisher') is providing required written interim notification of a potential failure to comply concerning Type 546NS Electro-Pneumatic Transducer Qualification Reports.
"On August 30, 2016, Fisher became aware of a potential issue with the past qualification of the Type 546NS Transducers. Fisher's published seismic literature and certifications, based on testing by a 3rd party laboratory, exhibit inconsistencies when compared to more recent testing completed by Fisher. Regardless of these discrepancies, the Type 546NS Transducer remains qualified to perform before and after seismic loading. The scope of this investigation pertains only to operability during seismic events.
"An extent-of-condition investigation is underway and 546NS testing data is being evaluated to determine if further testing is required. Fisher will complete the investigation by November 27, 2016 and, if necessary, will complete additional testing by February 10, 2017.
"Should there be any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Benjamin Ahrens, Manager, Quality by email at Benjamin.Ahrens@Emerson.com or via phone at 641-754-2249."
* * * UPDATE AT 0919 EST ON 11/23/16 FROM KIM SAGAR TO JEFF HERRERA * * *
The following was received via email:
"Pursuant to 10 CFR 21.21(a)(2), Fisher Controls International LLC ("Fisher") is providing an update to a previous written interim notification of a potential failure to comply concerning Type 546NS Electro-Pneumatic Transducer Qualification Reports.
"On August 30, 2016, Fisher became aware of inconsistencies exhibited by prior qualification reports of the 546NS. A review of all previous Type 546 qualifications has been completed to reaffirm the qualification of the device for operation during seismic events. Based on this review, the 546NS remains qualified to perform before and after seismic loading. Additional testing is required to confirm if the device is capable of operating during an event. This additional testing is scheduled to be completed by February 10, 2017.
"Once this additional testing has been completed and operability status determined, an appropriate announcement will be made pursuant to 10CFR21 reporting requirements.
"Should there be any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Benjamin Ahrens, Manager, Quality by email at Benjamin.Ahrens@Emerson.com or via phone at 641-754-2249."
Notified the R1DO (Dwyer), R2DO (Heisserer), R3DO (McCraw), R4DO (Taylor), Part 21/50.55 Reactors (via email) and Part 21 Materials (via email).
* * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY KIM SAGAR TO JEFF ROTTON AT 1704 EST ON 02/24/2017 * * *
The following is a summary of information that was received via email:
"Pursuant to 10CFR21.21(a)(2), Fisher Controls International LLC ('Fisher') is providing required written interim notification of a potential failure to comply concerning Type 546NS Electro-Pneumatic Transducer Qualification Reports. This notification serves as a follow-up to a similarly titled report dated October 27, 2016.
"Fisher initiated in-house seismic testing to analyze the performance of the device and associated mounting hardware when exposed to high-level seismic activity. These tests concluded on February 10, 2017.
"Test data analysis is still underway. However, at the time of this publication, preliminary observations and conclusions can be made. The device itself, when rigidly mounted, does not exhibit natural frequencies in the tested frequency range consistent with previous qualification literature. When mounted to the standard 546 mounting bracket, the tested assemblies do not exhibit natural frequencies below 60 Hz.
"During the course of testing, additional questions were raised regarding the configuration of the mounting bracket. These questions are currently being investigated. Questions regarding 546NS mounting will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with individual customers.
"Further analysis and verification of the test data is needed before Fisher can make specific claims regarding the operability of the 546NS during high-level seismic loading. Fisher will complete the investigation by April 13th, 2017.
"Should there be any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Benjamin Ahrens, Manager, Quality by email at Benjamin.Ahrens@Emerson.com or via phone at 641-754-2249."
Notified the R1DO (Powell), R2DO (Bartley), R3DO (Jeffers), R4DO (Pick), Part 21/50.55 Reactors (via email) and Part 21 Materials (via email). |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52560 | Rep Org: NC DIV OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: DUKE UNIVERSITY
Region: 1
City: DURHAM State: NC
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: TRAVIS CARTOSKI
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 02/17/2017
Notification Time: 12:20 [ET]
Event Date: 02/11/2017
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/17/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RAY MCKINLEY (R1DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (NMSS)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LEAKING URANIUM-235 SOURCE WITH CONTAMINATION IN PUBLIC AREAS
The following report was received from the State of North Carolina via email:
"On 2/15/2017 Duke University reported to the NC Radiation Protection Section (NCRPS) a leaking source:
U-235
3 microcuries
1.5 grams
S/N: D16156
"This source was loaned to Duke University through Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for experimentation, research, education and calibration purposes. NCRPS personnel were dispatched to conduct a reactive inspection on 2/15/2017. Through interviews with Duke personnel it was determined that during an experiment the source integrity was compromised and assumed to be leaking. No direct wipe of the source was taken. The source was packaged to prevent contamination and then isolated for pending disposal. It was also determined that the actual breach of the source occurred on 2/11/2017. Given the lapse of when the source was compromised and when Duke Radiation Safety Office was notified it is apparent that established Duke SOPs were not followed. Duke personnel and researchers believed to have been exposed to the leaking source had lung scans performed on 2/15/2017, in which all came back indicating no exposure. Duke personnel accompanied by NCRPS staff began testing for contamination of the affected area and surrounding areas due to the compromised source.
"On 2/16/2017, Duke personnel again notified NCRPS that contamination was discovered outside of the anticipated areas where contamination was suspected. On 2/16/2017, NCRPS personnel continued the reactive inspection. The scope to the surveys was expanded to now cover high traffic areas, vehicles of the individuals involved, bathrooms and other areas where potential contamination from the leaking source may have been in. Testing of these areas for contamination is ongoing at the time of this report. For the identified personnel directly associated with the leaking source, surveys and wipes were expanded to their residences. One residence, that of a Duke Physicist Researcher, presented contamination on a toilet seat which was decontaminated and re-surveyed and re-wiped and the results confirmed the decontamination. Other areas of the residence were surveyed and at the time of this report all results indicate no further contamination. Additional researchers identified on 2/16/17 to have been involved with the leaking source, were also scheduled to have lung scans on 2/17/2017. Additionally, Duke University decided to compound testing to include urinalysis and possibly bloodwork at the advice of REACTS. At this time, it is believed that contamination due to the leaking source has been contained and no members of the public have received radiation exposures. To date, the highest reading in proximity to the source on Duke University's property was 7000 CPM and 4280 DPM.
"On 2/17/2017, NCRPS in conjunction with Duke personnel reconvened to continue to complete the expanded surveys and wipes of all possible suspected areas and to conduct additional interviews with Duke personnel to rule out any chances of additional affected persons. Currently, this is an ongoing investigation and this event will be updated as additional details are received."
North Carolina Event Report 2/17/2017. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52561 | Rep Org: NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF HEALTH
Licensee: GLOBAL FOUNDRIES
Region: 1
City: MALTA State: NY
County:
License #: G5498
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DANIEL J. SAMSON
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 02/17/2017
Notification Time: 14:40 [ET]
Event Date: 02/13/2017
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/17/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RAY MCKINLEY (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LEAKING NICKEL-63 SOURCES
The following information was provided from the State of NY via email:
"License No.: G5498
"Licensee: Global Foundries
"Event date and time: 2/13/2017
"Event location: 400 Stone Break Road Extension, Malta, NY 12020
"Event type: Leaking Nickel-63 sources
"Event description: Global Foundries reported that leak testing of three (3) Eckert & Ziegler Isotope Products Inc., model NER-004R, 10-millicurie Nickel-63 sources indicated removable contamination in excess of 0.005 microCuries. Test results of serial no. 89051 vacuum measured 0.406 microCuries contamination, serial no. 87622 vacuum measured 3.12 microCuries contamination, and serial no.88706 vacuum measured 4.32 microCuries contamination. Initial testing was performed on February 8, 2017, by Jay R. Dockendorff of RSA laboratories, Connecticut License No. 06-300007-01. The report to the NYS Department of Health stated that the sources were isolated and the licensee has contacted the manufacturer for return instructions. Retesting has been arranged with the samples collected February 15, 2017. They were requested to provide the retesting results to the NYS DOH along with the receipt when the sources are returned to the vendor/manufacturer.
"Event Report ID No.: NYDOH - NY-17-03" |
| Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 52562 | Rep Org: CINER WYOMING LLC
Licensee: CINER WYOMING LLC
Region: 4
City: GREEN RIVER State: WY
County:
License #: 49-11578-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: HILARY HUCKFELDT
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 02/17/2017
Notification Time: 15:09 [ET]
Event Date: 02/16/2017
Event Time: 15:00 [MST]
Last Update Date: 02/17/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
| Person (Organization):
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text SHUTTERS STUCK OPEN ON TWO FIXED BERTHOLD GAUGES
"Company Name: Ciner Wyoming LLC
Address: 254 County Road 4-6, Green River, WY 82935
RSO Name: Hilary Huckfeldt
License #: 49-11578-01
Issue: Shutters on two fixed gauges did not operate during the semi-annual inventory shutter operation check.
Date of Discovery: February 16, 2017 at 3:00 PM MST
"Gauge 1
Manufacturer: Berthold
Serial #: FN-782-14-11-97
Activity: 20 milliCuries
Isotope: Cs-137
Model: LB7440D
Issue: Shutter stuck in open position. Currently in use on pipe.
"Gauge 2
Manufacturer: Berthold
Serial #: FR411-22-01-98
Activity: 50 milliCuries
Isotope: Cs-137
Model: LB7440D
Issue: Shutter locked in open position. Currently in use on pipe.
"Corrective Action: Contacted manufacturer to repair/replace the failed components. Working with manufacturer to get this corrected as soon as possible." |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52565 | Rep Org: WISCONSIN RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON
Region: 3
City: MADISON State: WI
County:
License #: 025-1323-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MARK PAULSON
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 02/18/2017
Notification Time: 13:04 [ET]
Event Date: 02/17/2017
Event Time: 17:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/23/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
PATRICIA PELKE (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING TRITIUM SOURCE AND DEPLETED URANIUM DISKS
"The Wisconsin Department of Health was notified by phone at 5:30 PM on February 17, 2017 that the licensee has lost components of a radio-synthesis device containing approximately 70 Ci of Hydrogen-3 and 20 grams of Depleted Uranium in the form of uranium tritide (UT3) discs. More than three years ago, the licensee had packaged the material and placed it into a metal drum while a disposal option was to be determined. The drum was stored in a restricted area near the licensee's incineration facility. A week ago the licensee was preparing to repackage the material in order to transfer it for final disposal. The drum was found to be empty when opened. The licensee has search all facilities used for radioactive material storage and reviewed disposal records; but has been unable to account for the material. At this time the licensee suspects that the material was incorrectly disposed of in either a non-hazardous waste stream or incinerated within the last three years. The department has started an investigation to determine the most likely disposal pathway and the exposure impact. Site visits and updates will [be] perform[ed].
"Event Report ID No.: WI170003"
* * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY KYLE WALTON TO JEFF ROTTON VIA EMAIL AT 1331 EST ON 02/23/2017 * * *
"The licensee has performed a preliminary investigation and concluded that it is unlikely the loss of material was malicious. The licensee has already begun an impact assessment for the potential incineration of material, and Wisconsin DHS has coordinated with the licensee on what actions need to take place going forward. Inspectors will be performing an on-site inspection to further gather information."
Notified R3DO (Jeffers) and NMSS Events Notification group 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 |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 52575 | Facility: LACROSSE
Region: 3 State: WI
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] AC (ALLIS CHAMBERS)
NRC Notified By: CHERYL OLSON
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF ROTTON | Notification Date: 02/24/2017
Notification Time: 14:40 [ET]
Event Date: 02/24/2017
Event Time: 12:45 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/24/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
| Person (Organization):
MARK JEFFERS (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | N | 0 | Decommissioned | 0 | Decommissioned | Event Text OFFSITE NOTIFICATION TO STATE OF WISCONSIN DUE TO INADVERTENT RELEASE OF CONTAMINATED WATER
"The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) was notified today at 1245 [CST] of an inadvertent release of radioactively contaminated water [as required by the licensee's site permit to report any release of contaminated water into the Mississippi River].
"At approximately 0715 on February 23, 2017, Solutions Management was notified by a Radiation Protection Technician (RPT) that the containment berm of the East (immediately north of Turbine Building) Baker Tank (20,000 gallon storage tank) was full and spilling out of the containment berm. The water that spilled out of the containment berm had pooled to the north of the tank and eventually began draining into the Radiological Controlled Area (RCA) storm sewer drain.
"Upon discovery and initial investigation the RPT ascertained that a sump pump hose which was left in the tank overnight was siphoning into the containment berm. The RPT immediately removed the hose from the water in the Baker Tank to stop the water from siphoning. Once the water was secured actions were taken [to minimize the contamination].
"Approximately 400 gallons had been lost from the tank. The 400 gallons was siphoned from the tank through a garden hose attached to a sump pump which was sitting in the containment berm. Over the course of approximately 16 hours the water siphoning from the tank filled the containment berm which holds a little over 3,100 gallons and spilled on to an asphalt surface. The water then traveled approximately 30 feet over the asphalt surface to the storm sewer which contained inlet protection in accordance with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. After filtering through the inlet protection the water remained in the storm water drain until the volume was sufficient enough to reach the 10 inch discharge piping (approximately 12 inches). The water traveled approximately 100 feet to the next storm water drain where it remained until the volume was sufficient enough to reach the 10 inch discharge piping (approximately 8 inches). When the manhole was opened, the level of the water was just above the bottom of the 10 inch discharge piping and was flowing slowly. The water leaving the 10 inch discharge piping flowed to a 60 inch discharge pipe that discharges to the Mississippi River.
"Water samples and smear surveys were analyzed, documented and reviewed by the Lacrosse Solutions (Solutions) Radiation Protection Manager (RPM) and NRC Region 3 Inspector Dr. Peter Lee, who was on site performing a routine inspection. Analytical results of the released water showed that it contained only Cs-137 in concentrations ranging from 1.1E-06 uCi/ml to 2.86 E-06 uCi/ml. The concentration levels exceed the 10CFR20 Table 2 limits for effluents (water) for Cs-137 which is 1 E-06 uCi/ml. The concentration levels exceed the 10CFR20 Table 2 limits for effluents(water) for Cs-137 which is 1 E-06 uCi/ml. Although the concentration levels exceed the 10CFR20 Table 2 limits for effluents (water) for Cs-137 they did not exceed the criteria for reportability which is 20 times the Table 2 effluent limit for Cs-137. The smear surveys of the storm sewer piping, manhole vaults taken during entries into the RCA yard drain & Administration Building drain manholes were all considerably less than CA posting criteria. The Standard Dose Calculations used for planned water releases were utilized for the water release assuming no dilution. Using the Standard Dose Calculations it was calculated that 1.05 E-02 mRem was the worst case for organs and 5.72E-03 mRem for total body dose.
"Following the RPM's review, it was determined that the asphalt area of the RCA could be down posted as a CA and the storm drain vault to the north of the Administration Building could be unplugged to allow regular flow of storm water.
"Solution's has issued a Conditions Report (CR) and initiated an investigation to prevent this occurrence from happening again.
"Regulatory reportability limits for liquid effluent releases were not exceed as result of this event." |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 52576 | Facility: CLINTON
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: LUKE ECHOLS
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 02/25/2017
Notification Time: 04:23 [ET]
Event Date: 02/24/2017
Event Time: 22:39 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/25/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) - POT UNCNTRL RAD REL
| Person (Organization):
MARK JEFFERS (R3DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 99 | Power Operation | 99 | Power Operation | Event Text SECONDARY CONTAINMENT DIFFERENTAIL PRESSURE EXCEEDED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
"At approximately 2239 [CST] on 2/24/17, the Main Control Room received numerous annunciators that indicated a loss of the 138 kV off-site feed to the Emergency Reserve Auxiliary Transformer (ERAT). As a result of the voltage transient, the Division 1 Fuel Building ventilation (VF) system isolation dampers closed causing a trip of VF supply and exhaust fans. With no running VF fans, secondary containment differential pressure rose to slightly greater than 0 inches water gauge which exceeded the Technical Specification requirement of greater than 0.25 inches vacuum water gauge. The Control Room entered EOP-8, Secondary Containment Control. This event is being reported as a Condition that Could Have Prevented Fulfillment of a Safety Function under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(C). Secondary Containment differential pressure was restored within Technical Specification requirements at 2242 [CST] by starting the Standby Gas Treatment HVAC (VG) system.
"The NRC Resident [Inspector] has been notified." | |