Event Notification Report for October 16, 2019

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
10/15/2019 - 10/16/2019

** EVENT NUMBERS **


543155431654317543295433054331


Agreement State Event Number: 54315
Rep Org: MARYLAND DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Licensee: ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES MID-ATLANTIC
Region: 1
City: HANOVER   State: MD
County: ANNE ARUNDEL
License #: MD-03-092-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ALAN GOLDEY
HQ OPS Officer: KERBY SCALES
Notification Date: 10/07/2019
Notification Time: 15:07 [ET]
Event Date: 10/01/2019
Event Time: 12:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/07/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
GLENN DENTEL (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB (EMAIL)
This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING / RECOVERED PORTABLE DENSITY GAUGE

The following was received from the Maryland Radiological Health Program via phone and email:

"On October 2, 2019, at 0825 EDT, the Maryland Department of the Environment Radiological Health Program (MDE-RHP) was contacted via telephone by the Vice President and Office Manager of Engineering Consulting Services Mid-Atlantic, LLC (ECS), Maryland license number MD-03-092-01, that a portable density gauge was missing. The gauge was identified as a Troxler model 3430, S/N 34485, with nominal activities of 10 mCi Cs-137 and 40 mCi Am-241/Be. The last leak test was performed on July 23, 2019.

"On October 1, 2019, at approximately 1200 EDT, ECS management started to track down the location of the portable density gauge as an internal audit revealed that this gauge was not signed out by the user. Later that afternoon, the gauge user was found at home by ECS management. The user then revealed that his vehicle was in a minor accident in Hanover, MD and the Anne Arundel County police impounded his vehicle with the gauge locked in the trunk. Multiple attempts were made to recover the portable gauge after hours on October 1, 2019 from the impoundment lot but without success. The gauge remained secured in the trunk of the vehicle while within the fenced and secured impoundment lot overnight. The Radiation Safety Officer from ECS recovered the portable density gauge at 0855 hours EDT on October 2, 2019. The gauge was found intact and returned to ECS storage.

"MDE/RHP will conduct a reactive investigation."

Notified R1DO (Dentel), ILTAB and NMSS (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


Agreement State Event Number: 54316
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: ASSOCIATED TESTING LABORATORIES, INC
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON   State: TX
County:
License #: L01553
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 10/07/2019
Notification Time: 19:06 [ET]
Event Date: 10/07/2019
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/08/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RAY KELLAR (R4DO)
ILTAB (EMAIL)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
- CNSNS (MEXICO) (EMAIL)
This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material.

Event Text

TEXAS AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE

The following information was obtained from the state of Texas via email:

"On October 7, 2019, the licensee notified the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] that one of its Troxler model 3411-B moisture density gauges, containing 40 milliCuries of americium-241/beryllium and 8 milliCuries of cesium-137, had been secured inside the bed of a technician's pickup truck at a temporary job site when the truck was stolen. The technician had driven over to and gone into a port-a-can. There were other jobsite workers in the area. When the technician came back outside, the other workers told him his pickup was being driven away - they had not realized he was not driving it until they saw him. They attempted to follow the vehicle but were unsuccessful in locating it. The local police department was notified but have not yet arrived on the scene. The licensee reported that per the technician, insertion rod on the gauge was locked, the transport case was locked and was secured with two chains to the bed of the truck, and the tailgate was locked. The licensee stated it does not appear that an exposure could result to persons in unrestricted areas. The licensee and technician are attempting to collect information from persons who were in the area. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300.

"Gauge: Troxler Model 3411-B, SN: 8489

"Sources: Americium-241/Beryllium, 40 milliCuries, SN: 47-4872, Cesium-137, 8 milliCuries, SN: 40-5728"

Texas Incident No.: 9719

* * * UPDATED ON 10/8/19 AT 1214 EDT FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO KERBY SCALES * * *

The following update was received from Texas Department of State Health Services via email:

"The licensee has notified the Agency that the vehicle and gauge were recovered by the local police at approximately 2230 CDT on October 7, 2019. The gauge was still fully secured in the vehicle as it had been when the vehicle was taken. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300."

Notified R4DO (Keller), ILTAB, NMSS Events, and CSNS Mexico (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


Agreement State Event Number: 54317
Rep Org: ARIZONA DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: NEI GEOTECHNICAL
Region: 4
City: YUMA   State: AZ
County:
License #: 14-028
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: BRIAN GORETZKI
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA
Notification Date: 10/08/2019
Notification Time: 17:08 [ET]
Event Date: 09/05/2019
Event Time: 00:00 [MST]
Last Update Date: 10/08/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RAY KELLAR (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB (EMAIL)
- CNSNS (MEXICO) (EMAIL)
This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - NUCLEAR DENSITY GAUGE STOLEN FROM JOB SITE

The following report was received from the Arizona Department of Health Services via email:

"The Department [Arizona Department of Health Services] received notification on October 8, 2019, that a Humboldt 5001 series, SN#5820, portable gauge was stolen from a work site in San Luis, Arizona, on September 5, 2019. The portable gauge contains 44 milliCuries of americium-241 and 11 milliCuries of cesium-137. The Arizona Department of Public Safety and the San Luis Police Department were notified of the event by the licensee on September 5th and a police report was filed. The Department [Arizona Department of Health Services] has requested additional information and continues to investigate the event."

Arizona Incident Number: 19-023

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: 54329
Facility: COMANCHE PEAK
Region: 4     State: TX
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: BRIAN MITCHELL
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA
Notification Date: 10/15/2019
Notification Time: 19:10 [ET]
Event Date: 10/14/2019
Event Time: 09:11 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/15/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE
Person (Organization):
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
Unit SCRAM Code RX Crit Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
2 N Y 100 Power Operation 100 Power Operation

Event Text

MAIN STEAM LINE (MSL) RADIATION MONITOR REMOVED FROM SERVICE FOR PLANNED MAINTENANCE

"At time 0911 [CDT], Main Steamline Radiation Monitor 2-RUK-2325/2327 (MAIN STEAM LINE 2-01/2-03 RADIATION MONITOR) was removed from service for planned maintenance.

"Compensatory measures were in place prior to removing the monitor from service to assure adequate monitoring capability available to implement the CPNPP emergency plan in the unlikely event of challenges to the steam generator or fuel cladding. The N16 radiation monitor serves as a backup with alarm function and Radiation Protection technicians have been briefed on taking local readings with a Geiger-Mueller tube on MSL [Main Steam Line] 2-01 and MSL 2-03.

"With this radiation monitor non-functional, with compensatory measures in place, and the monitor NOT expected to be returned to service within 72 hours, the condition is reportable as a loss of assessment capability per 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(xiii).

"Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant (CPNPP) has assurance of steam generator integrity and fuel cladding integrity and there is negligible safety significance to the current condition with respect to the public health and safety perspective.

"Corrective actions are being pursued to complete maintenance and restore 2-RUK-2325/2327 to functional status.

"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."


Power Reactor Event Number: 54330
Facility: PEACH BOTTOM
Region: 1     State: PA
Unit: [] [3] []
RX Type: [2] GE-4,[3] GE-4
NRC Notified By: JEREMY PETERS
HQ OPS Officer: BRIAN LIN
Notification Date: 10/15/2019
Notification Time: 19:14 [ET]
Event Date: 10/15/2019
Event Time: 12:10 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/15/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
Person (Organization):
DON JACKSON (R1DO)
Unit SCRAM Code RX Crit Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
3 N Y 81 Power Operation 81 Power Operation

Event Text

HIGH PRESSURE COOLANT INJECTION (HPCI) SYSTEM INOPERABLE

"On 10/15/19 at 1210 [EDT] Peach Bottom discovered a degraded spring hanger (23DBN-H39) associated with Unit 3 High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system. The hanger is located downstream of MO-3-23-14 HPCI Steam Supply Valve before the HO-3-23-4513 Turbine Stop Valve. A review of the piping and support design analysis were performed and concluded the U3 HPCI turbine inlet nozzle would potentially exceed its allowable stresses. Following Engineering review, U3 HPCI was declared inoperable at 1743 [EDT].

"This report is being submitted pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D).

"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."


Fuel Cycle Facility Event Number: 54331
Facility: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION
RX Type: URANIUM FUEL FABRICATION
Comments: LEU CONVERSION (UF6 to UO2)
COMMERCIAL LWR FUEL
Region: 2
City: COLUMBIA   State: SC
County: RICHLAND
License #: SNM-1107
Docket: 07001151
NRC Notified By: GERARD COUTURE
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA
Notification Date: 10/15/2019
Notification Time: 19:49 [ET]
Event Date: 10/14/2019
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/15/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
PART 70 APP A (c) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION/NEWS REL
Person (Organization):
BRADLEY DAVIS (R2DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

THREE INDIVIDUALS SENT TO HOSPITAL DUE TO CONCERNS AFTER COMPLETION OF MAINTENANCE WORK

"On October 14, 2019, out of an abundance of caution, three employees were sent to the hospital after reporting an unusual taste in their mouths following completion of maintenance work on the hydrofluoric acid (HF) process equipment.

"The employees stayed at the hospital overnight for observation and were released today with no work restrictions. Medical treatment was provided to one employee, therefore requiring a report to South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (SC OSHA) on October 15, 2019.

"The area around the equipment was monitored for airborne concentration levels of HF with no readings approaching any safety limits in the immediate or adjoining areas. Access to the area is controlled, and the equipment remains shutdown pending completion of maintenance activities and appropriate testing before return to operation.

"There were no health or safety consequences to the public or the environment, and there was no radioactive material involved.

"This report has been entered into the facility Corrective Action Program (CAP)."

The licensee notified the NRC Region II office (McCurry).

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021