Event Notification Report for August 21, 2020
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
08/20/2020 - 08/21/2020
EVENT NUMBERS
54848548495485154852
Power Reactor
Event Number: 54848
Facility: Perry
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: John Nakel
HQ OPS Officer: Andrew Waugh
Region: 3 State: OH
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: John Nakel
HQ OPS Officer: Andrew Waugh
Notification Date: 08/21/2020
Notification Time: 12:42 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 09:53 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/21/2020
Notification Time: 12:42 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 09:53 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 08/21/2020
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
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(v)(A) - Pot Unable To Safe Sd 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - Accident Mitigation
Person (Organization):
RICHARD SKOKOWSKI (R3DO)
RICHARD SKOKOWSKI (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 |
STANDBY LIQUID CONTROL SYSTEM INOPERABLE
"At 0953 EDT on 8/21/20, it was discovered that both trains of the standby liquid control system were simultaneously inoperable; therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). All control rods remained operable during this time period.
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Both trains of the standby liquid control system were declared inoperable due to an inadvertent addition of water to the storage tank which caused the boron concentration in the tank to go low out of specification.
"At 0953 EDT on 8/21/20, it was discovered that both trains of the standby liquid control system were simultaneously inoperable; therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v). All control rods remained operable during this time period.
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
Both trains of the standby liquid control system were declared inoperable due to an inadvertent addition of water to the storage tank which caused the boron concentration in the tank to go low out of specification.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 54849
Facility: River Bend
Region: 4 State: LA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: Alfonso Croeze
HQ OPS Officer: Andrew Waugh
Region: 4 State: LA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-6
NRC Notified By: Alfonso Croeze
HQ OPS Officer: Andrew Waugh
Notification Date: 08/21/2020
Notification Time: 12:53 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 09:18 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/21/2020
Notification Time: 12:53 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 09:18 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 08/21/2020
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS Actuation - Critical 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - Valid Specif Sys Actuation
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS Actuation - Critical 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - Valid Specif Sys Actuation
Person (Organization):
NICK TAYLOR (R4DO)
NICK TAYLOR (R4DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M/R | Y | 67 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Shutdown |
MANUAL REACTOR SCRAM
"On August 21, 2020 at 0908 CDT, River Bend Station was operating at 100% reactor power when reactor recirculation pump 'B' tripped. At 0918 CDT, a manual reactor scram was inserted at 67% reactor power after receiving indications of thermal hydraulic instability as indicated by flux oscillations on the period based detection system (PBDS) and average power range monitors (APRMs). All control rods fully inserted and there were no complications. All systems responded as designed. Currently River Bend Station Unit 1 is stable and pressure is being maintained using turbine bypass valves.
"This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), as any event or condition that results in actuation of the reactor protection system (RPS) when the reactor is critical and 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(iv)(A) Specified System Actuation as result of Group 3 isolations.
"NRC Resident Inspector has been briefed on this event.
"No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit."
"On August 21, 2020 at 0908 CDT, River Bend Station was operating at 100% reactor power when reactor recirculation pump 'B' tripped. At 0918 CDT, a manual reactor scram was inserted at 67% reactor power after receiving indications of thermal hydraulic instability as indicated by flux oscillations on the period based detection system (PBDS) and average power range monitors (APRMs). All control rods fully inserted and there were no complications. All systems responded as designed. Currently River Bend Station Unit 1 is stable and pressure is being maintained using turbine bypass valves.
"This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), as any event or condition that results in actuation of the reactor protection system (RPS) when the reactor is critical and 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(iv)(A) Specified System Actuation as result of Group 3 isolations.
"NRC Resident Inspector has been briefed on this event.
"No radiological releases have occurred due to this event from the unit."
Agreement State
Event Number: 54851
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: Orion Marine Construction Inc.
Region: 4
City: Corpus Christi State: TX
County:
License #: L 06473
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Arthur Tucker
HQ OPS Officer: Andrew Waugh
Licensee: Orion Marine Construction Inc.
Region: 4
City: Corpus Christi State: TX
County:
License #: L 06473
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Arthur Tucker
HQ OPS Officer: Andrew Waugh
Notification Date: 08/21/2020
Notification Time: 15:08 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 08:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/11/2020
Notification Time: 15:08 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 08:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/11/2020
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
NICK TAYLOR (R4DO)
KELLEE JAMERSON (NMSS DAY)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
NICK TAYLOR (R4DO)
KELLEE JAMERSON (NMSS DAY)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date : 9/14/2020
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - NUCLEAR GAUGE ENGULFED DURING FIRE
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:
"On August 21, 2020, at 1307 CDT the Agency was notified by the licensee consultant (LC) that a fire was burning on one of its dredges off the coast Corpus Christi, Texas. The LC stated the drudge had a 250 milliCurie (original activity) [Cs-137] source in a Berthold model 7440 nuclear gauge installed on a pipe for density measurement. The LC did not have any other information on the location, but knew the dredge was in between 40 and 50 feet of water. The LC stated that the personnel on board were fighting the fire. The LC stated they believed that the gauge would be engulfed by the fire. The LC stated they would supply additional information once the fire is out and they have a chance to inspect the equipment.
"At 1553 CDT the LC contacted the Agency and stated the dredge workers were able to take dose rate reading about two feet from the gauge and the reading was 26 millirem per hour. The LC stated that the steel was still too hot to stay very long in the area. The LC stated (when asked) that they believe the fire is out. The LC stated the current priority on the drudge was locating several missing individuals. The LC stated they directed personnel on the drudge to take a contamination survey on the gauge as soon as possible. The LC stated the gauge source serial number was 0025-06.
"A search of news sources in Corpus Christi, Texas by the Agency found that a barge had struck an underwater natural gas line at a facility in Corpus Christy, Texas. This information was verified by the licensee's LC. The news reports stated the event occurred at about 0800 CDT. The report stated that the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel are on the ground to provide support, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is monitoring air quality in the area. The United States Coast Guard is assisting in the fire fighting and search for individuals. The name of the dredge involved was provided in several reports. The Agency contacted the LC verified the ship was owned by the licensee. This information was verified by the Agency by reviewing four different news sources.
"Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident Number: 9784
* * * UPDATE ON 8/21/20 AT 2337 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:
"On August 21, 2020, at 2200 CDT, the Agency was notified by the LC that the dredge has sunk. The dredge is believed to be in 45-50 feet of water on its starboard (stbd) side. The gauge is located on the stbd side of the vessel and the shutter was in the open position. The LC stated that after talking to the radiation safety officer who is at the location the LC stated the dose rate they were able to take earlier today and was reported as 26 mR/hr at 2 feet was 26 mR/hr at 6 feet. A request for the composition of the source material has been made to the manufacturer. The search for four missing persons continues and is the current priority."
Notified R4DO (Taylor), NMSS (Jamerson), and NMSS Events Notifications (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 8/22/20 AT 0915 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO THOMAS KENDZIA * * *
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:
"On August 22, 2020 the manufacturer confirmed the source involved in this event is made of ceramic source material and is double encapsulated."
Follow-up phone call to the Agency confirmed that the fire is out and the LC and the RSO are working on a recovery plan. First priority remains the search for the four missing persons.
Notified R4DO (Taylor), NMSS (Jamerson), and NMSS Events Notifications (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 8/23/20 AT 1444 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:
"The Agency has contacted the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) and received the following information. The RSO stated that before the vessel sank a hazmat crew was able to get eyes on the gauge. The hazmat team stated the gauge did not appear to have been damaged by the fire. The area around the gauge also did not appear to have been damaged by the fire. The RSO stated the current plan is to raise the vessel, survey the gauge, and close the shutter. The RSO stated they would send a written report providing additional information."
Notified R4DO (Taylor), NMSS (Jamerson), and NMSS Events Notifications (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 8/24/20 AT 2209 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:
"The Agency contacted the licensee's consultant (LC) on August 24, 2020, and requested an update on the event. The consultant stated he had received a written report completed by the licensee's RSO for his review. The LC stated he is on vacation but hoped to forward it to the Agency today. As of the writing of this update the report has not been received by the Agency. The LC stated they had a contractor in place to retrieve the vessel. Once raised the plan is to inspect the gauge, perform surveys of the gauge, and close the shutter. The raising of the vessel is not scheduled to take place until next week or the week after that due to difficulties getting the needed equipment in place. In addition, the local weather may hamper recovery activities."
Notified R4DO (Kellar) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 8/25/20 AT 2046 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO BRIAN LIN * * *
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:
"On August 25, 2020, the Agency received the following information from the licensee's radiation safety officer: 'We do not have the equipment to do a deep-water survey of the radiation source. T&T our salvage contractor is ordering the equipment to do the survey of the source to insure the safety of their divers because the source has not had an up-close survey since the vessel sunk. We have taken a survey above the water and have not picked up any radioactivity.' The report from the licensee has been delayed while a review is completed. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Notified R4DO (Kellar) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).
* * * UPDATE ON AUGUST 27, 2020 AT 1136 EDT FROM ART TUCKER TO BRIAN LIN * * *
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services via email:
"The licensee has confirmed that a member of a hazmat team who was able to inspect the gauge from a small boat next to the vessel prior to it sinking stated the gauge appeared undamaged, the wires leading to and from the gauge appeared to be undamaged, and that painted surfaces in the area of the gauge did not appear to be damaged by heat or the fire. The licensee stated they were unable to locate any pictures of the gauge prior to the vessel sinking. The licensee stated that their salvage contractor is ordering the equipment to do an underwater survey of the source to insure the safety of their divers because the source has not had an up-close survey since the vessel sunk. The licensee stated they have taken a survey in the water above the vessel and have not picked up any radioactivity. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Notified R4DO (Kellar) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/11/20 AT 1653 EDT FROM ARTHUR TUCKER TO ANDREW WAUGH * * *
The following information was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:
"On September 11, 2020, the licensee reported the dredge was raised to the surface and the gauge was recovered on the dredge. The gauge was undamaged, and the licensee was able to shutter the source. Dose rates at the gauge were reported as normal. The shutter has been locked closed and the source will be disposed by a contractor. Additional information will be provided via the Nuclear Materials Events Database."
Notified R4DO (Warnick) and NMSS Events Notifications (email).
Agreement State
Event Number: 54852
Rep Org: IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Licensee: Sunflower Enterprises
Region: 3
City: Dubuque State: IA
County:
License #: 3389-1-31-FG
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Randal S Dahlin
HQ OPS Officer: Thomas Kendzia
Licensee: Sunflower Enterprises
Region: 3
City: Dubuque State: IA
County:
License #: 3389-1-31-FG
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Randal S Dahlin
HQ OPS Officer: Thomas Kendzia
Notification Date: 08/22/2020
Notification Time: 09:29 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/16/2020
Notification Time: 09:29 [ET]
Event Date: 08/21/2020
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/16/2020
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
RICHARD SKOKOWSKI (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
RICHARD SKOKOWSKI (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date : 9/17/2020
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - BROKEN SHUTTER ON FIXED GAUGE
The following was received from the Iowa Department of Public Health via email:
"On Friday August 21, 2020 the registrant reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health that they had discovered, on that day, a broken shutter handle on a Berthold Technologies model LB 7440 fixed gauging device. The registrant also indicated that an outside vendor had been contacted to repair the handle. This device is located on a barge used for dredging the Mississippi River. There is no threat to the health and safety of the public.
"This event will be updated in NMED once the required 30 day written report has been received."
* * * UPDATE ON 09/16/2020 AT 0758 EDT FROM RANDAL DAHLIN TO BETHANY CECERE * * *
Iowa Item Number IA200002.
"On September 9, 2020, the manufacturer of the device arrived on site and found that the stem that is rotated by the open/close bar on the shield had broken off. The manufacturer's technician replaced the shield, moved the source to the new shield, performed a device shield survey and performed a leak test of the source. The device and the shutter are working properly. The State considers this event closed."
Notified R3DO (Feliz-Adorno) and NMSS_Events_Notification (by email).