| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
02/27/2017 - 02/28/2017 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | 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 |
| Part 21 | Event Number: 52579 | Rep Org: UNITED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL
Licensee: UNITED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL
Region: 1
City: NORCROSS State: GA
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: WILLIAM MALLIA
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF ROTTON | Notification Date: 02/27/2017
Notification Time: 16:27 [ET]
Event Date: 02/24/2017
Event Time: [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/27/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21(d)(3)(i) - DEFECTS AND NONCOMPLIANCE
| Person (Organization):
ANNE DeFRANCISCO (R1DO)
JONATHAN BARTLEY (R2DO)
MARK JEFFERS (R3DO)
RICK DEESE (R4DO)
PART 21/50.55 REACT (EMAI)
| Event Text UCI TERMINAL BOXES P/N 005650-01 DISCOLORATION AND CORROSION
The following information is excerpted from an email submitted by the reporting organization:
"In July of 2016, UCI [United Controls International] identified extensive discoloration and corrosion on P/N: 005650-01, terminal box enclosures, that were fabricated under UCI's Quality Assurance Program in April of 2015. The identified discoloration and corrosion was not present at the completion of fabrication and became evident when pulled from stock in July of 2016. It was determined that the fabrication process was changed during fabrication of the April of 2015 items to utilize a different vendor for fabrication activities. Evaluation of the fabrication process performed on the subject items identified that this new vendor utilized a polishing process that was not performed on previously fabricated items. Particles/crystals from the discolored areas of the affect items were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) method and it was identified that ammonium phosphate crystals had formed on the items. It is the determination of UCI that the affected items were cleaned/polished with unknown chemicals during the polishing process of fabrication that resulted in the formation of these crystals and degradation of the enclosure material overtime. The items manufactured utilizing this new process were supplied to Clyde Union Limited under purchase orders 4500109863/4 (Qty. 1) and 4500113688/4 (Qty. 1). Clyde Union Limited was notified of the subject issue on January 13, 2017 and UCI is awaiting concurrence from Clyde Union Limited that the affected items are to be returned for replacement items manufactured per the original manufacturing process.
"If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter or this report, please contact:
Wesley Hackle
Engineering Manager
whickle@unitedcontrols.com
770-496-1406 x 165" | |