Home NRC Library Document Collections Events, Reports Associated with Event Notification Reports 2019

Event Notification Report for November 26, 2019

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

Event Reports For
11/25/2019 - 11/26/2019

** EVENT NUMBERS **

Agreement State	Event Number: 54387
Rep Org: ARIZONA DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES Licensee: UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Region: 4 City: TUCSON State: AZ County: License #: 10-024 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: BRIAN D. GORETZKI HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA	Notification Date: 11/15/2019 Notification Time: 13:30 [ET] Event Date: 11/15/2019 Event Time: 00:00 [MST] Last Update Date: 11/15/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): GREG WERNER (R4DO) NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST/STOLEN TRITIUM EXIT SIGN

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

"The Department received notification that one (1) tritium exit sign has been lost/stolen. The Department has requested additional information and continues to investigate the event."

Arizona Incident Number: 19-027

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: 54388
Rep Org: MAINE RADIATION CONTROL PROGRAM Licensee: NETCO, INC. Region: 1 City: WINDSOR State: ME County: License #: ME 11613 #11 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: THOMAS HILLMAN HQ OPS Officer: CATY NOLAN	Notification Date: 11/15/2019 Notification Time: 13:56 [ET] Event Date: 11/15/2019 Event Time: 08:57 [EST] Last Update Date: 11/15/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): FRANK ARNER (R1DO) NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LEAKING SEALED SOURCE

The following was received from the Maine Radiation Control Program via fax:

"At 0857 [EST on November 15, 2019,] NETCo, Inc. notified the State of Maine Radiation Control Program that they had received leak test results from their vendor [Radiation Safety & Control Services] RSCS. One the test results indicated the Ni-63 source in a replacement component to a SAFRAN Morpho Detection Trace device was leaking. Two additional tests on components with Ni-63 sources reported detectable activity but less than 0.0005 microCi. The source contains 10.0 mCi of Ni-63 and the leak test result was 0.1968 microCi on the leaking source.

"The RSO at NETCo has surveyed the work area where the leak tests were performed along with the storage container and bag that they arrived in. No detectable activity was found. NETCo will be also performing smear tests of all the areas that came in contact with the sources. The sources (components) in question will be put in a one gallon paint can awaiting proper disposal in our locked cabinet.

"The State has sent an inspector to perform additional surveys. Licensee will be providing a full report to the State as information becomes available."

Maine Event Report ID No. ME 19-002

Agreement State	Event Number: 54389
Rep Org: KANSAS DEPT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT Licensee: GEOTECHNOLOGY, INC. Region: 4 City: LENEXA State: KS County: License #: 22-B845 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: KIMBERLY STEVES HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA	Notification Date: 11/15/2019 Notification Time: 19:17 [ET] Event Date: 11/15/2019 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] Last Update Date: 11/15/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): GREG WERNER (R4DO) NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED TROXLER MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE

The following report was received from the Kansas Department of Health and Environmental Services via email:

"The gauge operator stepped approximately 15 feet away from the gauge to observe fill material being placed and a bulldozer backed over the gauge, clipping the corner of it. The gauge was not in use at the time and the source was not out. The only damage is to the yellow housing and a crack in the grey battery housing.

"The RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] conducted radiological surveys using a SE International Radiation Alert Monitor 4 and obtained background readings only.

"The gauge will be returned to the office and put into secure storage until it can be returned to the manufacturer for repair.

"Follow-up information will be provided to NRC."

The density gauge was a Troxler model 3430, serial number 25943, containing 333 MBq of Cs-137 and 1,628 GBq of Am-241/Be.

Agreement State	Event Number: 54392
Rep Org: NC DIV OF RADIATION PROTECTION Licensee: NUCOR CORPORATION D/B/A/ NUCOR STEEL Region: 1 City: COFIELD State: NC County: License #: 046-1152-1 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: TRAVIS CARTOSKI HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA	Notification Date: 11/16/2019 Notification Time: 21:06 [ET] Event Date: 11/15/2019 Event Time: 00:00 [EST] Last Update Date: 11/16/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): FRANK ARNER (R1DO) NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK OPEN SHUTTER ON NUCLEAR PROCESS GAUGE

The following summary report was received from the North Carolina Radioactive Materials Branch via email:

"This happened 11/15/19 and [the Nucor Environmental Manager] was made aware of the incident around [1400 EST], yesterday.

"Nucor Steel has a 2015 fixed nuclear gauge in a c-frame that was due for maintenance. The gauge was deemed offline and they rolled the c-frame to a locked location where they were to perform scheduled maintenance. It was at this time that they discovered the shutter was stuck open. They tried to close the shutter (with air) but it would not close. [The Nucor Environmental Manager] explained that they roll the gauge by motor, and that during this time the shutter was opened. No employee was exposed to radiation. This gauge is exposed to the elements and [the Nucor Environmental Manager] believes there is dirt inhibiting the shutter from closing. Since they could not get it to close, they rolled the gauge back to its normal online position where it can be open and not at risk to employees. [The Nucor Environmental Manager] stated there is no damage to the source and there [are] not any leaks.

"[The Nucor Environmental Manager] called the manufacturer to come perform maintenance yesterday. They arrived at his facility around [1400] today and are currently working on the gauge."

Agreement State	Event Number: 54393
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES Licensee: EQUISTAR CHEMICAL LP Region: 4 City: PASADENA State: TX County: License #: L01854 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD HQ OPS Officer: THOMAS KENDZIA	Notification Date: 11/18/2019 Notification Time: 16:38 [ET] Event Date: 11/05/2019 Event Time: 00:00 [CST] Last Update Date: 11/18/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): NEIL O'KEEFE (R4DO) NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)

Event Text

TEXAS AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - GAUGE SHUTTERS STUCK OPEN

The following information was received from the State of Texas via email and phone call:

"On November 18, 2019, the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) notified the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] that on November 5, 2019, during routine shutter checks on fixed nuclear gauges at their facility, it was discovered that shutters on three Ohmart model SHD-30 gauges and one Ohmart model SHD-45 gauge were stuck in the open position. These gauges normally operate with the shutters in the open position. There is no increased risk of exposure to any individual. The RSO stated the shutter checks were performed on November 5, 2019, but an email was not sent to the RSO until November 8, 2019. The RSO did not see the email until today, November 18, 2019. After seeing the email, the RSO immediately contacted a service company who responded and was onsite during the RSO's call to the Agency.

"Gauge and source information:
Ohmart Model SHD-30 - 120 mCi Cs-137 - SN: M5149
Ohmart Model SHD-30 - 120 mCi Cs-137 - SN: M5150
Ohmart Model SHD-30 - 120 mCi Cs-137 - SN: M6017
Ohmart Model SHD-45 - 375 mCi Cs-137 - SN: M5189

"The RSO also reported that two other gauges, one SHD-30 and one SHD-45, have broken handles that need repair. The shutters on these two gauges can still be operated.

"An investigation into this event is ongoing. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300."

Texas Incident No: 9725

Agreement State	Event Number: 54394
Rep Org: WA OFFICE OF RADIATION PROTECTION Licensee: ZIRKLE FRUIT COMPANY Region: 4 City: SELAH State: WA County: YAKIMA License #: WN-I0541-1 Agreement: Y Docket: NRC Notified By: JAMES KILLINGBECK HQ OPS Officer: THOMAS KENDZIA	Notification Date: 11/18/2019 Notification Time: 19:15 [ET] Event Date: 11/17/2019 Event Time: 00:00 [PST] Last Update Date: 11/20/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: AGREEMENT STATE	Person (Organization): NEIL O'KEEFE (R4DO) NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL) ILTAB (EMAIL) CNSC (CANADA) (EMAIL)

This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material.

Event Text

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE

The following information was received from the State of Washington via email:

"At Selah-Home Ranch, the ranch manager noticed on Sunday morning, November 17, 2019, that someone had broken into the ranch shop building. The doors on the building had been forced open, the locked storage closet inside the building was also forced open, and the lock on a storage locker inside the storage closet was cut. Two CPN International model 503 portable nuclear gauges were stored inside the storage locker in locked storage cases. Both portable nuclear gauges were removed from the ranch shop building by the thief. One CPN International model 503 portable nuclear gauge (serial number H310606212) was found outside the ranch shop building, undamaged and still in its carrying case. The other portable nuclear gauge (believed to be serial number H35066208) is missing and stolen (approximately 50 milliCuries of americium-241/beryllium). The Zirkle Fruit Company is in the process of confirming the serial number of the stolen gauge (Sealed Source and Device Registry Number CA-0208-D-104-S).

"Zirkle Fruit Company has notified the Yakima County Sheriff. The case number is 19C20517."

* * * UPDATE AT 1901 EST ON 11/20/19 FROM JAMES KILLINGBECK TO THOMAS KENDZIA * * *

The following update was received from the State of Washington via email:

"The correct serial number of the CPN International model 503 moisture gauge that was stolen is: H371204057."

Notified via email the R4DO (O'Keefe), ILTAB, NMSS Events, CNSNS (Mexico).

Washington State Event No: WA-19-031

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: 54409
Facility: COLUMBIA GENERATING STATION Region: 4 State: WA Unit: [2] [] [] RX Type: [2] GE-5 NRC Notified By: DANNY FOX HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA	Notification Date: 11/25/2019 Notification Time: 18:20 [ET] Event Date: 11/25/2019 Event Time: 08:54 [PST] Last Update Date: 11/25/2019
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - LOSS COMM/ASMT/RESPONSE	Person (Organization): GREG PICK (R4DO)

Unit

SCRAM Code

RX Crit

Initial PWR

Initial RX Mode

Current PWR

Current RX Mode

100

Power Operation

100

Power Operation

Event Text

TEMPORARY PROCESS RADIATION MONITORING SAMPLE CART NON FUNCTIONAL

"At 1245 PST on November 23, 2019, the Turbine Building Process Radiation Monitoring Sample Rack (TEA-SR-26) was declared non-functional and taken out of service to perform planned preventive maintenance per procedure. The temporary sample cart was placed in service as an alternate method per plant procedures.

"At 0854 PST on November 25, 2019, it was discovered that the temporary sample cart had a broken belt. At that time neither the Turbine Building Process Radiation Monitoring Sample Rack nor the temporary sample cart could be returned to service.

"At 1300 PST on November 25, 2019, the temporary sample cart was returned to service following repairs. This restored the required compensatory measures for TEA-SR-26.

"This event is being reported as a major loss of assessment capability in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).

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

The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, March 25, 2021