Event Notification Report for October 21, 2019

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
10/18/2019 - 10/21/2019

** EVENT NUMBERS **

 
54321 54323 54324 54326 54327 54337 54338 54339 54340

Non-Agreement State Event Number: 54321
Rep Org: BARRETTS MINERALS
Licensee: BARRETTS MINERALS
Region: 4
City: DILLON   State: MT
County:
License #: GL-60060
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ROBERT REAP
HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE
Notification Date: 10/10/2019
Notification Time: 11:27 [ET]
Event Date: 09/25/2019
Event Time: 08:00 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 10/10/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Person (Organization):
RAY KELLAR (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE - STUCK SHUTTER

On September 25, 2019, at approximately 0800 MDT, while preparing to perform electrical maintenance on a density gauge, the shutter on the gauge was found stuck in the open (normal) position. Upon contacting Berthold, the device manufacturer, the licensee was instructed to contact the NRC to make this notification.

The source is a Cs-137, 20 mCi source, S/N 846, manufactured in March of 1990. There is no additional exposure to plant personnel or the public due to the position of the shutter. Berthold is scheduled to replace the shield on October 29, 2019.

Agreement State Event Number: 54323
Rep Org: WA OFFICE OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: AAR TESTING LABORATORIES, INC.
Region: 4
City: REDMOND   State: WA
County:
License #: WN-I0353-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JAMES KILLINGBECK
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 10/10/2019
Notification Time: 15:22 [ET]
Event Date: 10/03/2019
Event Time: 00:00 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 10/10/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RAY KELLAR (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED MOISTURE-DENSITY GAUGE

The following information was received via e-mail:

"A Troxler 3430 portable surface moisture-density gauge, S/N 19274, was damaged when it was hit by an excavator at a temporary job site in Shoreline, Washington. Damage included: the screws had been ripped out of the top shell of the gauge, and the metal base of the gauge was cracked on the side. The gauge operator verified that the source rod was intact and retracted into the safe position, and returned the gauge to the licensee's main office for storage, as directed by his radiation safety officer. A Washington Department of Health inspector surveyed the gauge and verified that the neutron and gamma readings were similar to the radiation profile shown in the sealed source and device registry certificate for the gauge. The inspector checked for removable radioactive material contamination on the outside of the gauge by wiping the crack in the side of the base of the gauge, the seam where the top shell joins with the metal base of the gauge, and the source rod opening and bottom plate. No removable contamination was found. The damaged gauge will be shipped for disposal in the near future.

"The gauge contained a 40 mCi Am-Be source, S/N 47-14734, and a 4 mCi Cs-137 source, S/N 50-8931."

Washington Reference Number: WA-19-028

Fuel Cycle Facility Event Number: 54324
Facility: LOUISIANA ENERGY SERVICES
RX Type:
Comments: URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY
GAS CENTRIFUGE FACILITY
Region: 2
City: EUNICE   State: NM
County: LEA
License #: SNM-2010
Docket: 70-3103
NRC Notified By: JIM RICKMAN
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 10/10/2019
Notification Time: 17:35 [ET]
Event Date: 06/06/2018
Event Time: 10:30 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 10/10/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
PART 70 APP A (b)(2) - LOSS OR DEGRADED SAFETY ITEMS
Person (Organization):
EUGENE GUTHRIE (R2DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

PRESSURE INSTRUMENT ISOLATION VALVE FOUND IN INCORRECT OPEN POSITION

"On October 10, 2019, at approximately 1830 MDT, a responsible individual at Louisiana Energy Services LLC, dba URENCO USA, was informed that on June 5, 2018, at approximately 1600 MDT, pressure instrument isolation valve, 1001-471-1A12, was found open when it should have been shut to maintain the pressure boundary of autoclave 1LS1. The autoclave is used to homogenize UF6 and obtain samples. The autoclave pressure boundary forms IROFS10 [Item Relied on for Safety].

"Prior to the event, on May 31, 2018, annual maintenance was performed on the autoclave as required by the IROFS10 surveillance requirements. Subsequently, a homogenization and UF6 sampling was performed June 1st through June 5th on a 30B cylinder of UF6. During preparations for a subsequent homogenization cycle, valve 1001-471-1A12 was found open. The valve should have remained closed from the previous homogenization. There was not an initiating event (no release of UF6) and no initiation of an accident sequence. The valve has been shut and the IROFS boundary has been restored. The plant is in a safe configuration.

"This event has been identified in UUSA's corrective action program as EV 133619 and a causal investigation is planned."

Agreement State Event Number: 54326
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: EXXONMOBIL CORPORATION
Region: 4
City: BAYTOWN   State: TX
County:
License #: RAM - L01134
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ARTHUR TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 10/11/2019
Notification Time: 16:35 [ET]
Event Date: 10/11/2019
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/11/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RAY KELLAR (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

PROCESS GAUGE STUCK SHUTTER

The following information was receive from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) vial e-mail:

"On October 11, 2019, the Agency was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that the shutter on a Vega Americas SHLG-2 source holder containing a 5,000 milliCurie cesium-137 source was stuck in the open position. The stuck shutter was found during a routine check of the gauge. Open is the normal operating position. The RSO stated the gauge does not pose an exposure risk to any individual. The RSO stated a service company has been contacted to look at the gauge. The RSO stated they have not determined if they will repair or replace the gauge. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA 300."

Texas Incident No.: I-9720

Agreement State Event Number: 54327
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: MEMORIAL HERMANN HEALTH SYSTEM
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON   State: TX
County:
License #: RAM - L00650
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ARTHUR TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 10/11/2019
Notification Time: 18:29 [ET]
Event Date: 10/11/2019
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/11/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
Person (Organization):
RAY KELLAR (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISADMINISTRATION OF Y-90 MICROSPHERES

The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via E-mail:

"On October 11, 2019, the Agency was contacted by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) who reported a medical event had occurred at their facility. The RSO stated that the event involved a patient who was to receive a treatment with yttrium-90 microspheres. The administering physician had difficulties setting up the injection apparatus and installed an additional piece of tubing in-line with the injection tubing. Because of the additional length of tubing, the patient received only five percent of the prescribed activity. The RSO stated there would be no adverse effects on the patient. The RSO stated both the patient and the prescribing physician have been notified of the error. The RSO stated that the bulk of the microspheres (activity) remained in the tubing and no contamination was found in the area where the treatment occurred. The RSO stated the physician decided they would perform the procedure again and use the activity needed to bring total activity administered to the activity initially prescribed. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."

Texas Incident No.: I-9721

A Medical Event may indicate potential problems in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials. It does not necessarily result in harm to the patient.

Power Reactor Event Number: 54337
Facility: BEAVER VALLEY
Region: 1     State: PA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: SHAWN SNOOK
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 10/18/2019
Notification Time: 02:28 [ET]
Event Date: 10/17/2019
Event Time: 19:51 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/18/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A) - DEGRADED CONDITION
Person (Organization):
DON JACKSON (R1DO)
Unit SCRAM Code RX Crit Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 N N 0 Refueling 0 Refueling

Event Text

REACTOR COOLANT SYSTEM PRESSURE BOUNDARY DEGRADED

"At 1951 [EDT] on October 17, 2019, fretting indications on the reactor coolant system pressure boundary piping (pressurizer spray line) were identified. This condition does not appear to meet original construction code, ANSI B31.1, 1967 Edition thru summer 1971 Addenda. The condition will be resolved prior to plant startup. This event is being reported as an eight-hour non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A).

"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel.

"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."

This condition will be corrected prior to the plant entering Mode 4.

Power Reactor Event Number: 54338
Facility: RIVER BEND
Region: 4     State: LA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: DAVID DABADIE
HQ OPS Officer: HOWIE CROUCH
Notification Date: 10/18/2019
Notification Time: 10:45 [ET]
Event Date: 10/18/2019
Event Time: 02:07 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/18/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(A) - POT UNABLE TO SAFE SD
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
Person (Organization):
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
Unit SCRAM Code RX Crit Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 N Y 75 Power Operation 75 Power Operation

Event Text

INADVERTENT OPENING OF MAIN TURBINE BYPASS VALVES POTENTIONALLY AFFECTED SAFE SHUTDOWN CAPABILITY

"At 0207 [CDT], the Bypass Electro-Hydraulic Control (EHC) system was secured for planned maintenance. When the Bypass EHC pumps were secured, both of the Main Turbine Bypass Valves unexpectedly opened to approximately 4.5 percent. Plant parameters indicated no impact to Turbine Control Valve position, Reactor Pressure, Turbine First Stage Pressure, or Main Steam Line flows. There were no other abnormal indications noted. With the Turbine Bypass Valves partially open, there is a potential to affect instrumentation that trips on high Turbine First Stage Pressure. Therefore, this event is being reported as a potential loss of Safety Function. At 0256, the Bypass EHC system pumps were restored and the Turbine Bypass Valves Closed.

"No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit."

The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

Power Reactor Event Number: 54339
Facility: ARKANSAS NUCLEAR
Region: 4     State: AR
Unit: [] [2] []
RX Type: [1] B&W-L-LP,[2] CE
NRC Notified By: REX KNIGHT
HQ OPS Officer: OSSY FONT
Notification Date: 10/20/2019
Notification Time: 19:21 [ET]
Event Date: 10/20/2019
Event Time: 10:30 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 10/20/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION
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

CONTROL ROOM ENVELOPE BREACH

"At 1030 CDT, it was discovered that the loop seal on the condensate drain was empty for VUC-9 Control Room AC Unit. This creates a breach in the Control Room envelope. Unit 2 entered [Technical Specification] T.S. 3.7.6.1 Action D. Unit 1 is in Mode 6; therefore, not in a mode of applicability."

Compensatory action were being performed and the licensee was in the process of sealing the loop.

The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.

Power Reactor Event Number: 54340
Facility: PEACH BOTTOM
Region: 1     State: PA
Unit: [] [3] []
RX Type: [2] GE-4,[3] GE-4
NRC Notified By: KEVIN GROMANN
HQ OPS Officer: KERBY SCALES
Notification Date: 10/21/2019
Notification Time: 01:23 [ET]
Event Date: 10/21/2019
Event Time: 00:50 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/21/2019
Emergency Class: UNUSUAL EVENT
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - EMERGENCY DECLARED
Person (Organization):
DON JACKSON (R1DO)
DAVID LEW (R1RA)
HO NEIH (NRR)
CHRIS MILLER (NRR EO)
WILLIAM GOTT (IRD)
Unit SCRAM Code RX Crit Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
3 M Y 5 Power Operation 0 Startup

Event Text

UNUSUAL EVENT DECLARED DUE TO NO CONTROL ROD MOVEMENT WITH MANUAL SCRAM ACTUATION

"While Unit 3 was shutting down for 3R22 refueling outage, the mode switch was taken to shutdown position which is a manual scram signal. The manual scram signal was not received from the mode switch. A subsequent manual scram was inserted with the use of the manual scram push buttons. The Unit 3 reactor is shutdown with all rods inserted."

Unit 2 was unaffected by the event and remains in Mode 1 at 100 percent power.

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, Pennsylvania and Maryland State Agencies, local government. A media press release is planned.

Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email), FEMA Region 3 Watch Office (email).

* * * UPDATE AT 0316 EDT ON 10/21/19 FROM KEVIN GROMANN TO BETHANY CECERE * * *

"Conditions no longer meet an Emergency Actuation Level and will not deteriorate. Unit 3 reactor is shutdown with all control rods fully inserted. The NOUE was terminated at 0230 EDT."

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, Pennsylvania and Maryland State Agencies, local government.

Notified the R1DO (Jackson), NRR EO (Miller), IRDMOC (Gott), R1RA (Lew via email), NRR (Nieh via email), DHS SWO, FEMA Operations Center, DHS NICC, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), and FEMA NRCC SASC (email), FEMA Region 3 Watch Office (email).

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, March 24, 2021