| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
04/21/2017 - 04/24/2017 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Agreement State | Event Number: 52634 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: BRASKEM AMERICA INC
Region: 4
City: FREEPORT State: TX
County:
License #: 06443
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: IRENE CASARES
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 03/23/2017
Notification Time: 17:30 [ET]
Event Date: 03/22/2017
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/21/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
JAMES DRAKE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FOUR STUCK SHUTTERS IDENTIFIED DURING A SIX MONTH INSPECTION
The following report was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services via email:
"On March 23, 2017, [at 1545 CDT] a consulting company called the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] to report that on March 22, 2017, during [a] six month inspection of devices, four devices were found with stuck shutters. Two Ohmart Vega devices contained cesium-137, models SHLG with source serial numbers SM-6918 (120 milliCuries) and 5811GK (5000 milliCuries). The other two were [the] same manufacturer, same isotope, but model SHF2 with source serial numbers M-0076 and M-0077 at 200 milliCuries each. The consulting service is in contact with the licensee's radiation safety officer who is submitting a request to amend the license maintaining the devices in the open position until repaired. No exposures are anticipated and the repairs should be performed within the next 90 days. Updates will be provided as received."
Texas Incident #: I 9473
* * * UPDATE ON 4/12/17 AT 1416 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO DONG PARK * * *
The following information was provided by the State of Texas via email:
"On April 12, 2017, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee that part of its corrective actions in response to this event was to inspect all the gauge shutters again to insure proper operation. The inspection was done on April 11, 2017. During this inspection, two additional gauge shutters were found stuck in the open position.
"Both gauges are Ohmart model SH-F2 gauges one with a 30 millicurie cesium-137 source, and the second one contains a 100 millicurie [cesium-137] source. No member of the general public or employees at the facility will receive any additional exposure from this event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Notified R4DO (Kramer) and NMSS Events Notification via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 4/21/17 AT 1628 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO DONG PARK * * *
The following information was provided by the State of Texas via email:
"The Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] received inspection reports from the licensee and has identified two additional gauges, one SHGL-1 and one SHGL-2, that were found to have shutters that would not close. This inspection occurred in October, 2015. The gauges were reported as functional on the next inspection in April of 2016. The Agency has requested additional information on the gauges. The Agency will be performing an on-site inspection on May 4, 2017. The licensee has replaced the radiation safety officer. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Notified R4DO (Azua) and NMSS Events Notification via email. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52675 | Rep Org: NC DIV OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Region: 1
City: RALEIGH State: NC
County:
License #: 092-0104-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAVID CROWLEY
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH | Notification Date: 04/13/2017
Notification Time: 12:23 [ET]
Event Date: 04/11/2017
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/13/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
DON JACKSON (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
ILTAB (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST TROXLER MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE
The following information was obtained from the state of North Carolina via email:
"1. Essential Details
"a. Narrative event description (e.g., Event circumstances and details including source radionuclide and activity).
RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] discovered gauge missing while doing inventory check on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. It was last checked in the log book on March 8, 2017 when it came back from calibration and leak testing from the manufacturer.
"b. Report identification number.
NC Local NMED 170014
"c. Event date and notification date.
Event discovered 4/11/2017 and notified on 4/12/2017.
"d. Licensee/reporting party information (i.e., name license number, and address).
NC License #: 092-0104-1
Licensee: NC Department of Transportation
Address: 1801 Blue Ridge Rd. Raleigh NC 27607
"e. Location (site) of event.
"f. Whether the event is NRC reportable and the applicable reporting requirement.
10 CFR 20.2201(a)(1)(i)
"g. Cause and corrective actions (States and licensees' actions).
Failure to properly log or check out gauge at time of use. RSO believes that it was checked out to a DOT field office and not properly recorded. They are currently contacting all trainers of gauge users, DOT engineers, and any District Engineers that may have access in order to locate gauge. They are in the process of developing a barcode scan in/out electronic use log to maintain better accountability and knowledge of gauge locations. Final causes/corrective actions are still to be determined.
"h. Notifications: local police, FBI, and other States; as needed.
Upper State DHSR/DHHS [North Carolina Department of Health Service Regulation/Department of Health and Human Services] management notified; working on press release with public information office.
"i. Indicate if there are any generic implications (i.e., generic issues or concerns).
None.
"2. Source/Radioactive Material
Isotope and activity; manufacturer, model and serial number, and leak test results, if applicable.
Nuclear Gauge
Make: Troxler
Model: 4640-B (thin-lift asphalt)
Serial Number: 1628
Type of Source: Cs-137 (8.0 mCi)
Source Serial Number: 75-7134
Leak Test Results: Pass (Performed by manufacturer at last calibration)."
* * * UPDATE FROM DAVID CROWLEY TO HOWIE CROUCH (VIA EMAIL) ON 4/13/17 AT 1535 EDT * * *
"Gauge was discovered back at the manufacturer's facility. It apparently was checked back into the licensee, but something didn't work appropriately (not regarding RAM sources) and went immediately back to the manufacturer. Gauge was not logged appropriately for being shipped right back out and it was forgotten by the licensee sometime in the last month."
Notified R1DO (Jackson) and NMSS Events Resource and ILTAB 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 |
| Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 52676 | Rep Org: QAL-TEK ASSOCIATES, LLC
Licensee: QAL-TEK ASSOCIATES, LLC
Region: 4
City: IDAHO FALLS State: ID
County:
License #: 11-27610-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: MICHAEL ALBANESE
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 04/13/2017
Notification Time: 13:51 [ET]
Event Date: 04/13/2017
Event Time: 09:40 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 04/13/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
20.1906(d)(2) - EXTERNAL RAD LEVELS > LIMITS
| Person (Organization):
JOHN KRAMER (R4DO)
DANIEL COLLINS (NMSS)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text SHIPMENT EXCEEDING PACKAGE DOSE RATE LIMITS
The following was received via email from the Licensee:
"At 0940 [MDT] on April 13th, 2017 [the common carrier] dropped off a 20 gallon drum (37.8 Kg) at Qal-Tek Associates (QTA) Idaho [ID] facility with an on-contact reading of 1.45 R/hr and a TI [Transport Index] of 15, both in excess of 10CFR20.1906(d)(2). No contamination existed on the inside or outside of the package. Upon further investigation, all three sources (Cs-137, 19.4 mCi; Cs-137, 23 mCi; and Co-60, 2.5 mCi) shipped in a gray lead pig were outside their gray lead pig and in the Type 7A drum. The gray lead pig was found packaged upright in the drum with a slight tilt. The pig lid was intact and properly seated on the pig base. Apparently, the lid was displaced enough during shipment that all three sources came out of the pig by the time they arrive[d] at QTA ID. The root cause appears to be from improper sealing of the gray pig. The pig wasn't taped or strapped shut to prevent displacement of the pig and lid resulting in the release of the sources.
"The shipper confirmed the sources where originally placed in the gray pig around 1100 [MDT].
"The [common] carrier was contact[ed] at 1140 [MDT]. Assuming the maximally exposed member of the public was [the common carrier] transport employee, and they were on-contact with the drum at the highest reading, they could have potentially received 100 mrem in a little over 4 minutes. Likewise, they could have received 2 mrem in 5 seconds. Considering the TI of 15 mrem/hour, the MEI [maximally exposed individual] could potentially receive 100 mrem in 6.67 hours and 2 mrem in 0.13 hours." |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 52680 | Rep Org: MA RADIATION CONTROL PROGRAM
Licensee: HEURESIS CORPORATION
Region: 1
City: NEWTON State: MA
County:
License #: 55-0702
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: TONY CARPENITO
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH | Notification Date: 04/14/2017
Notification Time: 14:38 [ET]
Event Date: 04/11/2017
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/14/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
DON JACKSON (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LEAKING SEALED SOURCE
The following information was obtained from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts via email:
"Licensee reported one leaking sealed source (Model A3901-2, S/N P4-892, 6 mCi, Co-57) and one contaminated sealed source (Model A3901-2, S/N P4-898, 6 mCi, Co-57). These were among ten sources received from manufacturer individually wrapped in plastic ziplock bags. Leak test results for the other eight sources indicated that they were free of contamination. Leak test result for SN P4-892 was reported as 5.04 times the 0.005 microCurie wipe test limit and the leak test result for SN P4-898 was reported as 23 percent of the 0.005 microCurie limit. Leak test wipes were taken on 4/10/17 and analyzed on 4/11/17.
"Licensee reported the subject sources were not taken out of their respective bags and did not come into contact with anything other than the leak test swab. Initial survey of the outside of the transport package, and subsequent surveys of gloves worn during the leak testing, work area surfaces, inside the lead pig that contained the plastic bags, and outside the ten individual plastic bags indicated no other contamination present other than the interiors of the two plastic bags containing the two suspect sources and the sources themselves. P4-892 was returned to Eckert and Ziegler for analysis. P4-898 was re-wiped for analysis by licensee's leak testing consultant service.
"Agency [Massachusetts Radiation Control Program] considers this event docket to currently be OPEN." |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 52699 | Facility: SALEM
Region: 1 State: NJ
Unit: [ ] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: JASON HANCOCK
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 04/20/2017
Notification Time: 21:36 [ET]
Event Date: 04/20/2017
Event Time: 21:10 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/21/2017 | Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
| Person (Organization):
FRANK ARNER (R1DO)
DAN DORMAN (R1)
BRIAN McDERMOTT (NRR)
MICHAEL F. KING (NRR)
JEFF GRANT (IRD)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | N | N | 0 | Refueling | 0 | Refueling | Event Text UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO HYDRAZINE IN CONTAINMENT
"At 2110 EDT, Salem control room received data that supported unacceptable levels of hydrazine concentration in the U2 Containment atmosphere based on Site Protection atmospheric sampling. The high hydrazine levels were caused due to Steam Generator [S/G] venting into the Containment atmosphere in support of maintenance for the current Salem Unit 2 Refueling Outage (2R22). The NIOSH habitability limit for hydrazine is 0.03 ppm (2 hour limit). Area samples indicated concentrations as high as 0.25 ppm. Salem Unit 2 Containment has been evacuated while a mitigation plan is being developed. There were no personnel injuries as a result of this occurrence. Salem Unit 2 defueling activities were in progress during this event. All fuel assemblies have been placed in a safe condition. All Salem Unit 2 Containment activities are currently on hold. There has been no impact to the equipment in the Unit 2 Containment, no adverse impact to any equipment located in the vicinity of the high hydrazine concentration, and no operational impact to the plant including Shutdown Cooling which is currently on RHR."
The Unusual Event was declared under EAL HU3.1, Toxic/Flammable Gas Release Affecting Plant Operations.
The licensee plans to issue a press release.
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, Lower Alloways Creek Township, State of New Jersey and State of Delaware.
Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).
* * * UPDATED FROM JOHN COOK TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1305 EDT ON 4/21/2017 * * *
"Salem Unit 2 terminated the Unusual Event at 1258 EDT on 4/21/17. The basis for termination was no longer restricting access to the containment after getting two sets of satisfactory air sample results. With the access restored, normal plant operations can resume and EAL HU3.1 is no longer applicable.
"The details of the sample results are:
Fire Protection performed satisfactory results of no detectable Hydrazine (0.01 ppm with a NIOSH limit of 0.03 ppm) completed both at 1001 EDT and 1247 EDT at the following locations:
- (3) at 130 ft. elevation
- at 78 ft. in the bioshield
- at 78 ft. outside the bioshield.
"Additional mitigating actions taken following U2 Containment evacuation were as follows:
- FME screen installed on open manways for 21/23 S/G with additional plastic covering and tape to prevent further gas release into containment.
- Modified Containment Purge in service to maximize ventilation in Containment.
- 21/24 S/G draining to support filling and draining evolutions to reduce Hydrazine concentrations in the S/G's.
- Releasing tags on the AFWST to commence filling and further support filling and draining evolutions on the U2 S/G's."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified R1DO (Arner), NRR EO (King), and IRD (Stapleton). Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email). |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 52700 | Facility: HATCH
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: STEVE BRUNSON
HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE | Notification Date: 04/21/2017
Notification Time: 05:41 [ET]
Event Date: 04/20/2017
Event Time: 23:45 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/21/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
| Person (Organization):
PHILIP McKENNA (R2DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | N | 0 | Cold Shutdown | 0 | Cold Shutdown | Event Text VALID REACTOR PROTECTION SYSTEM ACTUATION WHILE SHUTDOWN
"At 2345 [EDT] on 04/20/2017, the Unit 1 Reactor Mode Switch was taken to the Shutdown position to comply with Technical Specification 3.10.4 due to having no operable IRM's [Intermediate Range Monitors] in one quadrant of the reactor vessel as a result of maintenance activities. Placing the mode switch to Shutdown inserts a valid scram signal into the Reactor Protection System (RPS). All control rods had been previously inserted and no rod movement occurred when the mode switch was positioned to Shutdown.
"Due to this valid RPS scram, and not being a part of a preplanned evolution, this condition is reportable under criteria 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event or condition that results in valid actuation of any of the systems listed in paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B) of this section except when the actuation results from and is part of a pre-planned sequence during testing or reactor operation."
The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 52701 | Facility: DAVIS BESSE
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [ ] [ ]
RX Type: [1] B&W-R-LP
NRC Notified By: ERIC HORVATH
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN | Notification Date: 04/21/2017
Notification Time: 07:33 [ET]
Event Date: 04/21/2017
Event Time: 02:02 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/21/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(A) - POT UNABLE TO SAFE SD
50.72(b)(3)(v)(B) - POT RHR INOP
50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) - POT UNCNTRL RAD REL
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
| Person (Organization):
LAURA KOZAK (R3DO)
|
| 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 HIGH SWITCHYARD VOLTAGE RENDERS BOTH OFFSITE CIRCUITS INOPERABLE
"On 4/21/17, high grid voltage conditions were experienced, resulting in voltages higher than those established for operability of the offsite circuits. Grid voltages have been observed at approximately 355.8 kV on the nominal 345 kV system. As a result, both qualified circuits between the offsite transmission network and the onsite Class 1E AC Electrical Power Distribution System were declared inoperable at 0202 hours [EDT]. Main generator voltage control has been lowered to the minimum possible excitation with the unit operating at 100 percent power.
"The inoperability of both offsite circuits results in a loss of safety function in accordance with NRC reporting guidance. The voltage of the onsite Essential busses remains within acceptable values, and both Emergency Diesel Generators are operable. At 0715 [EDT] on 4/21/17, grid voltage has returned to an acceptable value and the equipment was declared operable.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified." |
| Non-Power Reactor | Event Number: 52702 | Facility: UNIV OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
RX Type: 10000 KW TANK
Comments:
Region: 0
City: COLUMBIA State: MO
County: BOONE
License #: R-103
Agreement: N
Docket: 05000186
NRC Notified By: BRUCE MEFFERT
HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE | Notification Date: 04/21/2017
Notification Time: 11:28 [ET]
Event Date: 04/20/2017
Event Time: 14:49 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/21/2017 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
NON-POWER REACTOR EVENT
| Person (Organization):
GEOFFREY WERTZ (RTRP)
BETH REED (RTRI)
ANTHONY MENDIOLA (PROB)
ALEXANDER ADAMS (PRLB)
| Event Text TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REQUIRED REPORT FOR AN ABNORMAL OCCURRENCE
"On 4/20/17 at 1449 CDT, the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor (MURR) was shut down due to a failure of the regulating blade drive mechanism to move the regulating blade during reactor operation. This email is a required notification per MURR Technical Specification (TS) 6.6.c. (1) to report to the NRC Operations Center that an Abnormal Occurrence, as defined by MURR TS 1.1, had occurred. Specifically, MURR was not in compliance with all Limiting Conditions for Operations (LCOs). MURR was not in compliance with two (2) LCOs: 1. TS 3.2.a states, 'All control blades, including the regulating blade, shall be operable during reactor operation' and 2. TS 3.2.f states, 'The reactor shall not be operated unless the following rod run-in functions are operable.' Specifically, the rod run-in function that occurs when the regulating blade position is less than or equal to 10% withdrawn was not operable as TS 3.2.f.8 requires.
"The regulating blade drive mechanism was repaired, the required compliance procedure was conducted on the regulating blade, and permission from the Acting Facility Director was obtained prior to the reactor returning to operation later on 4/20/17. Currently, MURR is at 10 MW. A detailed event report will follow within 14 days as required by MURR TS 6.6.c.(3).
"The cause of this event is not related to the cause of the earlier regulating blade drive mechanism failure on 1/17/17." | |