Event Notification Report for September 08, 2017
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
09/07/2017 - 09/08/2017
EVENT NUMBERS
52955529565297153013
!!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!!
!!!!! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RETRACTED !!!!!
Power Reactor
Event Number: 52955
Facility: QUAD CITIES
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3,[2] GE-3
NRC Notified By: CRAIG VROMAN
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-3,[2] GE-3
NRC Notified By: CRAIG VROMAN
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 09/08/2017
Notification Time: 16:45 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 11:30 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/19/2017
Notification Time: 16:45 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 11:30 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/19/2017
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):
ANN MARIE STONE (R3DO)
ANN MARIE STONE (R3DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
HPCI SYSTEM INOPERABLE
"On September 8, 2017 at 1130 hours CDT, Unit Two High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2-2354) failed to meet the Technical Specification Allowable Value during calibration testing. Technical Specification Table 3.3.5.1-1 Allowable Value (3.f) requires greater than or equal to 634 gpm (3.14 inches water column as required by procedure). HPCI was subsequently declared inoperable.
"This event is being reported as a condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The HPCI system is a single train system and the loss of HPCI could impact the plant's ability to mitigate the consequences of an accident. The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system was confirmed operable.
"Note: On September 8, 2017 at 1140 hours CDT, the HPCI Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2- 2354) was successfully recalibrated and HPCI was returned to Operable status.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * RETRACTION AT 1216 EDT ON 10/19/17 FROM RYAN DECKER TO DONG PARK * * *
"The purpose of this notification today (10/19/17) is to retract the ENS Report made on September 8, 2017 at 1545 hours CDT (ENS Report #52955).
"Upon further investigation, it was determined that a surveillance procedure contained an overly restrictive statement that directed operators to immediately declare the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system inoperable when the HPCI Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2-2354) fails. This statement was in conflict with existing Technical Specification (TS) 3.3.5.1, Condition E, that allows seven days to restore the HPCI FIS (instrument channel only) to an operable status prior to entry into TS 3.3.5.1, Condition H, which requires declaring HPCI inoperable immediately. Hence, during the period of FIS inoperability (i.e., 10 minutes), the HPCI system was not required to be declared inoperable in accordance with Technical Specifications. Therefore, based on this information, ENS Report # 52955 is being retracted.
"Note: On September 8, 2017 at 1140 hours CDT, the HPCI Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2-2354) was successfully recalibrated and HPCI was returned to Operable status.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Notified R3DO (Daley).
"On September 8, 2017 at 1130 hours CDT, Unit Two High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2-2354) failed to meet the Technical Specification Allowable Value during calibration testing. Technical Specification Table 3.3.5.1-1 Allowable Value (3.f) requires greater than or equal to 634 gpm (3.14 inches water column as required by procedure). HPCI was subsequently declared inoperable.
"This event is being reported as a condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The HPCI system is a single train system and the loss of HPCI could impact the plant's ability to mitigate the consequences of an accident. The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system was confirmed operable.
"Note: On September 8, 2017 at 1140 hours CDT, the HPCI Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2- 2354) was successfully recalibrated and HPCI was returned to Operable status.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
* * * RETRACTION AT 1216 EDT ON 10/19/17 FROM RYAN DECKER TO DONG PARK * * *
"The purpose of this notification today (10/19/17) is to retract the ENS Report made on September 8, 2017 at 1545 hours CDT (ENS Report #52955).
"Upon further investigation, it was determined that a surveillance procedure contained an overly restrictive statement that directed operators to immediately declare the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system inoperable when the HPCI Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2-2354) fails. This statement was in conflict with existing Technical Specification (TS) 3.3.5.1, Condition E, that allows seven days to restore the HPCI FIS (instrument channel only) to an operable status prior to entry into TS 3.3.5.1, Condition H, which requires declaring HPCI inoperable immediately. Hence, during the period of FIS inoperability (i.e., 10 minutes), the HPCI system was not required to be declared inoperable in accordance with Technical Specifications. Therefore, based on this information, ENS Report # 52955 is being retracted.
"Note: On September 8, 2017 at 1140 hours CDT, the HPCI Minimum Flow Valve MO 2-2301-14 flow indicating switch (FIS 2-2354) was successfully recalibrated and HPCI was returned to Operable status.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Notified R3DO (Daley).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 52956
Facility: SAINT LUCIE
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE
NRC Notified By: DALE THOMAS
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Region: 2 State: FL
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] CE,[2] CE
NRC Notified By: DALE THOMAS
HQ OPS Officer: STEVE SANDIN
Notification Date: 09/08/2017
Notification Time: 17:51 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 17:14 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/11/2017
Notification Time: 17:51 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 17:14 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/11/2017
Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED 50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
Person (Organization):
ERIC MICHEL (R2DO)
BRIAN McDERMOTT (NRR)
LAURA DUDES (R2 D)
JEFFERY GRANT (IRD)
ERIC MICHEL (R2DO)
BRIAN McDERMOTT (NRR)
LAURA DUDES (R2 D)
JEFFERY GRANT (IRD)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
NOTIFICATION OF UNUSUAL EVENT - HURRICANE WARNING
"At time 1700 [EDT] today, the National Weather Service issued a Hurricane Warning for the area including the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. On that basis, a Notice of Unusual Event was declared at time 1714 [EDT]. In anticipation of severe weather, the site has completed proceduralized high wind preparations.
"Both units are currently stable at 100% power."
The licensee notified both State and local agencies and has informed the NRC Resident Inspector.
No safety-related systems are out of service. The electrical grid is stable.
Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/9/17 AT 1743 EDT FROM DALE THOMAS TO S. SANDIN * * *
"At 1701 [EDT] today (09/09/17), a 24-hour update was made to state and local governments following the National Weather Service issuing yesterday's hurricane warning for the area including St. Lucie Plant. On that basis, a Notice of Unusual Event was declared yesterday (09/08/17) at 1714 [EDT]. There are no changes in plant status for either Unit.
"In anticipation of severe weather, the site previously completed high wind preparations. Our plants have been specifically built to withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding and tidal surges. This approach will ensure the safety of operations and our employees and the communities surrounding our plants.
"Both units are currently stable at 100% power level and will remain at that power since hurricane force winds are not currently projected to reach St. Lucie Plant.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed."
Notified R2DO (Michel).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/10/17 AT 1730 EDT FROM DALE THOMAS TO DONG PARK * * *
"At 1648 [EDT] today (09/10/17), a 24-hour update was made to state and local governments following the National Weather Service issuing Friday's hurricane warning for the area including St. Lucie Plant. On that basis, a Notice of Unusual Event was declared yesterday (09/08/17) at 1714 [EDT]. There are no changes in plant status for either Unit.
"In anticipation of severe weather, the site previously completed high wind preparations. Our plants have been specifically built to withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding and tidal surges. This approach will ensure the safety of operations and our employees and the communities surrounding our plants.
"Both units are currently stable at 100% power level and will remain at that power since hurricane force winds are not currently projected to reach St. Lucie Plant.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed."
Notified R2IRC (Franke).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/11/17 AT 1405 EDT FROM BRIAN KELLY TO BETHANY CECERE * * *
"The Hurricane Warning has been terminated by the National Weather Service for St. Lucie County including the Plant Site. At time 1313 [EDT] on 9/11/17, St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant has terminated from the Unusual Event Classification."
Unit 1 is currently shutdown in Mode 3, Hot Standby. Unit 2 continues to operate in Mode 1, 100 percent power.
The licensee notified State and Local Government Agencies, and the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified R2IRC (Munday), R2DO (Michel), NRR EO (King), IRD MOC (Gott), DHS SWO, DOE Ops Center, FEMA Ops Center, HHS Ops Center, DHS NICC, USDA Ops Center, EPA Emergency Ops Center, FDA Emergency Ops Center (email), FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).
"At time 1700 [EDT] today, the National Weather Service issued a Hurricane Warning for the area including the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. On that basis, a Notice of Unusual Event was declared at time 1714 [EDT]. In anticipation of severe weather, the site has completed proceduralized high wind preparations.
"Both units are currently stable at 100% power."
The licensee notified both State and local agencies and has informed the NRC Resident Inspector.
No safety-related systems are out of service. The electrical grid is stable.
Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/9/17 AT 1743 EDT FROM DALE THOMAS TO S. SANDIN * * *
"At 1701 [EDT] today (09/09/17), a 24-hour update was made to state and local governments following the National Weather Service issuing yesterday's hurricane warning for the area including St. Lucie Plant. On that basis, a Notice of Unusual Event was declared yesterday (09/08/17) at 1714 [EDT]. There are no changes in plant status for either Unit.
"In anticipation of severe weather, the site previously completed high wind preparations. Our plants have been specifically built to withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding and tidal surges. This approach will ensure the safety of operations and our employees and the communities surrounding our plants.
"Both units are currently stable at 100% power level and will remain at that power since hurricane force winds are not currently projected to reach St. Lucie Plant.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed."
Notified R2DO (Michel).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/10/17 AT 1730 EDT FROM DALE THOMAS TO DONG PARK * * *
"At 1648 [EDT] today (09/10/17), a 24-hour update was made to state and local governments following the National Weather Service issuing Friday's hurricane warning for the area including St. Lucie Plant. On that basis, a Notice of Unusual Event was declared yesterday (09/08/17) at 1714 [EDT]. There are no changes in plant status for either Unit.
"In anticipation of severe weather, the site previously completed high wind preparations. Our plants have been specifically built to withstand natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding and tidal surges. This approach will ensure the safety of operations and our employees and the communities surrounding our plants.
"Both units are currently stable at 100% power level and will remain at that power since hurricane force winds are not currently projected to reach St. Lucie Plant.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed."
Notified R2IRC (Franke).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/11/17 AT 1405 EDT FROM BRIAN KELLY TO BETHANY CECERE * * *
"The Hurricane Warning has been terminated by the National Weather Service for St. Lucie County including the Plant Site. At time 1313 [EDT] on 9/11/17, St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant has terminated from the Unusual Event Classification."
Unit 1 is currently shutdown in Mode 3, Hot Standby. Unit 2 continues to operate in Mode 1, 100 percent power.
The licensee notified State and Local Government Agencies, and the NRC Resident Inspector.
Notified R2IRC (Munday), R2DO (Michel), NRR EO (King), IRD MOC (Gott), DHS SWO, DOE Ops Center, FEMA Ops Center, HHS Ops Center, DHS NICC, USDA Ops Center, EPA Emergency Ops Center, FDA Emergency Ops Center (email), FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email).
Agreement State
Event Number: 52971
Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: UNKNOWN
Region: 3
City: CHICAGO HEIGHTS State: IL
County:
License #: GL
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: GARY FORSEE
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Licensee: UNKNOWN
Region: 3
City: CHICAGO HEIGHTS State: IL
County:
License #: GL
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: GARY FORSEE
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 09/15/2017
Notification Time: 15:17 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 13:53 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/15/2017
Notification Time: 15:17 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 13:53 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/15/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
KENNETH RIEMER (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
KENNETH RIEMER (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - ORPHAN SOURCE DISCOVERY
The following information was received by the State of Illinois by email:
"IEMA [Illinois Emergency Management Agency] was notified at [1353 CDT] on 9/8/17 that a load of ferrous metal was being rejected from a scrap metal recycling facility (Omnisource in Indiana) back to Gaby Iron in Chicago Heights. The max exposure rate was reported at 20 microR/hour (4 microR/hour background). The load is being returned under DOT SP IN-IL-17-010.
"The suspect load was inspected Monday, September 11th. An Alnor dew pointer device with an intact 7 microCurie Ra-226 source was recovered. No removable contamination was identified. The device was impounded by IEMA and is pending return to an appropriate entity. No additional radiation sources were discovered and the remainder of the load was released without further restriction. Pending appropriate disposal or return to the manufacturer, this matter is being considered closed."
The device was an Alnor Instrument portable gauge; Model 7350; Serial Number 230667. The Amersham sealed source was a model RAM.X452; Ra-226; 7 microCurie activity.
NMED Report: IL177030
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 by the State of Illinois by email:
"IEMA [Illinois Emergency Management Agency] was notified at [1353 CDT] on 9/8/17 that a load of ferrous metal was being rejected from a scrap metal recycling facility (Omnisource in Indiana) back to Gaby Iron in Chicago Heights. The max exposure rate was reported at 20 microR/hour (4 microR/hour background). The load is being returned under DOT SP IN-IL-17-010.
"The suspect load was inspected Monday, September 11th. An Alnor dew pointer device with an intact 7 microCurie Ra-226 source was recovered. No removable contamination was identified. The device was impounded by IEMA and is pending return to an appropriate entity. No additional radiation sources were discovered and the remainder of the load was released without further restriction. Pending appropriate disposal or return to the manufacturer, this matter is being considered closed."
The device was an Alnor Instrument portable gauge; Model 7350; Serial Number 230667. The Amersham sealed source was a model RAM.X452; Ra-226; 7 microCurie activity.
NMED Report: IL177030
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: 53013
Rep Org: MISSISSIPPI DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: SOUTHERN RECYCLING
Region: 4
City: WALLS State: MS
County: DESOTO
License #: GL-397
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BENJAMIN CULPEPPER
HQ OPS Officer: RICHARD SMITH
Licensee: SOUTHERN RECYCLING
Region: 4
City: WALLS State: MS
County: DESOTO
License #: GL-397
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BENJAMIN CULPEPPER
HQ OPS Officer: RICHARD SMITH
Notification Date: 10/13/2017
Notification Time: 00:00 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 12/19/2017
Notification Time: 00:00 [ET]
Event Date: 09/08/2017
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 12/19/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
THOMAS HIPSCHMAN (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
THOMAS HIPSCHMAN (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOSS OR THEFT OF LICENSED NUCLEAR MATERIAL
The following was reported from the State of Mississippi:
Description of Incident: Licensee reported that their Niton gun was discovered to be misplaced or stolen on September 8, 2017. A letter was received by Mississippi State Department of Health: Division of Radiological Health (DRH) from the licensee on October 13, 2017 briefly detailing that their equipment had been lost or stolen.
DRH intends to issue a violation letter to Southern Recycling due to the late notification. Also, due to lacking information, DRH cannot confirm if the device reported to have been stolen/lost contains radioactive material.
DRH has attempted to contact the Licensee a number of times to acquire more information; however, there has been no response. DRH will continue contacting the licensee for more information and will update this report once complete.
Isotope(s): Cd-109 (potentially lost source not confirmed), with an activity of 10 mCi.
The DRH Health Physicist stated that this would give a reading of approximately 20 mRem at one foot if unshielded.
Mississippi has assigned an incident number of MS17006.
* * * UPDATE AT 1055 EDT ON 10/31/17 FROM H. BENJAMIN CULPEPPER TO S. SANDIN VIA EMAIL * * *
"DRH was able to contact Licensee regarding the lost source. Licensee originally bought the device in 2007 to use at their facility. After a period of time, the device was more ineffective than effective, causing the Licensee to send the Niton gun for repairs. Licensee was informed that the source would have to be changed in order to alleviate the issue, but Licensee did not seek that avenue due to high costs. Even with the Niton gun being ineffective, Licensee maintained possession of the device until losing it three (3) years ago.
"The Licensee's coworker recently reminded them that DRH should be informed about the missing source.
"After contacting DRH about the missing source, DRH contacted a representative from Thermo Scientific to discuss the lifetime of the source. It was discovered that the source's assay date is 2/1/2006 and was shipped to the first owner on 12/6/2006. No other radioactive material was shipped to the Licensee in question from Thermo Scientific.
"Knowing that the lost source is Cd-109, which has a half-life = 462.6 days, it was discovered that the 10 mCi source will have decayed (as of today) to an activity level of 0.01618 mCi. Also, if the source was one (1) foot away from the target, the target would receive a dose-rate = 33.86 microR/hr."
DRH closed this case on 10/30/2017.
Notified R4DO (Werner) and NMSS Events Notification via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 12/19/2017 AT 0945 EST FROM H. BENJAMIN CULPEPPER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *
The following report was received via email:
"The Source Serial Number for the Cd-109 source is U3134."
Notified R4DO (Pick) and NMSS Events Notification 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
The following was reported from the State of Mississippi:
Description of Incident: Licensee reported that their Niton gun was discovered to be misplaced or stolen on September 8, 2017. A letter was received by Mississippi State Department of Health: Division of Radiological Health (DRH) from the licensee on October 13, 2017 briefly detailing that their equipment had been lost or stolen.
DRH intends to issue a violation letter to Southern Recycling due to the late notification. Also, due to lacking information, DRH cannot confirm if the device reported to have been stolen/lost contains radioactive material.
DRH has attempted to contact the Licensee a number of times to acquire more information; however, there has been no response. DRH will continue contacting the licensee for more information and will update this report once complete.
Isotope(s): Cd-109 (potentially lost source not confirmed), with an activity of 10 mCi.
The DRH Health Physicist stated that this would give a reading of approximately 20 mRem at one foot if unshielded.
Mississippi has assigned an incident number of MS17006.
* * * UPDATE AT 1055 EDT ON 10/31/17 FROM H. BENJAMIN CULPEPPER TO S. SANDIN VIA EMAIL * * *
"DRH was able to contact Licensee regarding the lost source. Licensee originally bought the device in 2007 to use at their facility. After a period of time, the device was more ineffective than effective, causing the Licensee to send the Niton gun for repairs. Licensee was informed that the source would have to be changed in order to alleviate the issue, but Licensee did not seek that avenue due to high costs. Even with the Niton gun being ineffective, Licensee maintained possession of the device until losing it three (3) years ago.
"The Licensee's coworker recently reminded them that DRH should be informed about the missing source.
"After contacting DRH about the missing source, DRH contacted a representative from Thermo Scientific to discuss the lifetime of the source. It was discovered that the source's assay date is 2/1/2006 and was shipped to the first owner on 12/6/2006. No other radioactive material was shipped to the Licensee in question from Thermo Scientific.
"Knowing that the lost source is Cd-109, which has a half-life = 462.6 days, it was discovered that the 10 mCi source will have decayed (as of today) to an activity level of 0.01618 mCi. Also, if the source was one (1) foot away from the target, the target would receive a dose-rate = 33.86 microR/hr."
DRH closed this case on 10/30/2017.
Notified R4DO (Werner) and NMSS Events Notification via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 12/19/2017 AT 0945 EST FROM H. BENJAMIN CULPEPPER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *
The following report was received via email:
"The Source Serial Number for the Cd-109 source is U3134."
Notified R4DO (Pick) and NMSS Events Notification 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