Event Notification Report for January 12, 2021
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
01/11/2021 - 01/12/2021
Agreement State
Event Number: 55064
Rep Org: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: Mid-Continent Laboratories, Inc.
Region: 4
City: West Memphis State: AR
County:
License #: ARK-REC-246
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Chris Talley
HQ OPS Officer: Ossy Font
Licensee: Mid-Continent Laboratories, Inc.
Region: 4
City: West Memphis State: AR
County:
License #: ARK-REC-246
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Chris Talley
HQ OPS Officer: Ossy Font
Notification Date: 01/12/2021
Notification Time: 12:24 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 07:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 04/26/2021
Notification Time: 12:24 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 07:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 04/26/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
NEIL O'KEEFE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB (EMAIL)
NEIL O'KEEFE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 5/26/2021
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGE
The following was received from the Arkansas Department of Health (the Department) via email:
"The Department received notification on January 12, 2021, from licensee Mid-Continent Laboratories, Inc., that a Troxler gauge model 3411-B [(S/N: 4794; Activity: Am-241 (44 mCi); Cs-137(9 mCi))] had been stolen from a licensee while at his residence.
"Upon review of the event, the Authorized User checked the portable gauge out of its permanent storage location at approximately 0600 CST to travel to Colorado for work. Before leaving, the Authorized User returned to his place of residence. While at his residence the chains securing the gauge to the truck were cut and the portable gauge was stolen from the vehicle.
"This event has been reported to Law Enforcement, in addition, Arkansas Department of Health inspectors are currently working with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Radiological Health, to investigate and report. [West Memphis, AR is on the border with Tennessee]. Arkansas Department of Health will be issuing a Press Release.
"The Arkansas Department of Health considers this investigation open pending receipt and review of any further information that may become available."
Arkansas Event Report ID No.: AR-2021-001
* * * UPDATE ON 01/13/2021 AT 1401 EST FROM CHRIS TALLEY TO OSSY FONT * * *
The following update was received from the Department via email:
"The Authorized User was allowed to store the gauge overnight in his vehicle at his place of residence. The theft occurred between 2130 CST, January 11, 2021 and 0730 CST, January 12, 2021. The Authorized User noticed the disappearance of the gauge while leaving his residence to go to work."
Notified R4DO (O'Keefe) and NMSS Events Notification and ILTAB via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 04/26/2021 AT 1030 EST FROM CHRIS TALLEY TO JOANNA BRIDGE * * *
The following update was received from the Department via email:
"The serial number for the missing gauge should be changed from 4794 to 7689. Law enforcement has received the updated information. In addition, the gauge is still missing and no other new information has been received. Arkansas has received the event report from the Licensee and still considers this event open due to the gauge having not been found."
Notified R4DO (Azua) and NMSS Events Notification and ILTAB 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
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGE
The following was received from the Arkansas Department of Health (the Department) via email:
"The Department received notification on January 12, 2021, from licensee Mid-Continent Laboratories, Inc., that a Troxler gauge model 3411-B [(S/N: 4794; Activity: Am-241 (44 mCi); Cs-137(9 mCi))] had been stolen from a licensee while at his residence.
"Upon review of the event, the Authorized User checked the portable gauge out of its permanent storage location at approximately 0600 CST to travel to Colorado for work. Before leaving, the Authorized User returned to his place of residence. While at his residence the chains securing the gauge to the truck were cut and the portable gauge was stolen from the vehicle.
"This event has been reported to Law Enforcement, in addition, Arkansas Department of Health inspectors are currently working with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Radiological Health, to investigate and report. [West Memphis, AR is on the border with Tennessee]. Arkansas Department of Health will be issuing a Press Release.
"The Arkansas Department of Health considers this investigation open pending receipt and review of any further information that may become available."
Arkansas Event Report ID No.: AR-2021-001
* * * UPDATE ON 01/13/2021 AT 1401 EST FROM CHRIS TALLEY TO OSSY FONT * * *
The following update was received from the Department via email:
"The Authorized User was allowed to store the gauge overnight in his vehicle at his place of residence. The theft occurred between 2130 CST, January 11, 2021 and 0730 CST, January 12, 2021. The Authorized User noticed the disappearance of the gauge while leaving his residence to go to work."
Notified R4DO (O'Keefe) and NMSS Events Notification and ILTAB via email.
* * * UPDATE ON 04/26/2021 AT 1030 EST FROM CHRIS TALLEY TO JOANNA BRIDGE * * *
The following update was received from the Department via email:
"The serial number for the missing gauge should be changed from 4794 to 7689. Law enforcement has received the updated information. In addition, the gauge is still missing and no other new information has been received. Arkansas has received the event report from the Licensee and still considers this event open due to the gauge having not been found."
Notified R4DO (Azua) and NMSS Events Notification and ILTAB 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
Non-Agreement State
Event Number: 55065
Rep Org: US Steel Great Lakes Works
Licensee: US Steel Great Lakes Works
Region: 3
City: Ecorse State: MI
County:
License #: 21-10459-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Robin Birk
HQ OPS Officer: Ossy Font
Licensee: US Steel Great Lakes Works
Region: 3
City: Ecorse State: MI
County:
License #: 21-10459-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Robin Birk
HQ OPS Officer: Ossy Font
Notification Date: 01/12/2021
Notification Time: 13:29 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 09:15 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/19/2021
Notification Time: 13:29 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 09:15 [EST]
Last Update Date: 01/19/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - Safety Equipment Failure
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - Safety Equipment Failure
Person (Organization):
STEVE ORTH (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
STEVE ORTH (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 2/7/2021
EN Revision Text: NON-AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SHUTTER NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY
The following is a summary of a call received from the licensee:
During routine maintenance, an inspector from Radiometric Services and Instruments found that the shutter for an AMC-19 gauge, s/n: 998110B, with a 100 microCi AM-241 source, would close slowly. This was not as expected. The inspector noted that the pneumatic system was over pressurized. The gauge is located on the Continuous Galvanizing Line and the shutter is open during normal operations.
The shutter can still be closed and a Geiger counter can be used to verify. There was no exposure to personnel.
* * * UPDATE ON 1/19/2021 AT 1731 EST FROM ROBIN BIRK TO JOANNA BRIDGE * * *
The following is a summary of a call and e-mail received from the licensee:
While testing the shutter today we were experiencing some continuing problems with the shutter mechanism at our Continuous Galvanizing Line. During maintenance, we discovered some error codes in the RSI software that indicated possible additional shutter problems. There was no potential for employee exposures. RSI will be back at the plant to address on 1/20/21.
Notified R3DO (Peterson) and NMSS Events (e-mail).
EN Revision Text: NON-AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SHUTTER NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY
The following is a summary of a call received from the licensee:
During routine maintenance, an inspector from Radiometric Services and Instruments found that the shutter for an AMC-19 gauge, s/n: 998110B, with a 100 microCi AM-241 source, would close slowly. This was not as expected. The inspector noted that the pneumatic system was over pressurized. The gauge is located on the Continuous Galvanizing Line and the shutter is open during normal operations.
The shutter can still be closed and a Geiger counter can be used to verify. There was no exposure to personnel.
* * * UPDATE ON 1/19/2021 AT 1731 EST FROM ROBIN BIRK TO JOANNA BRIDGE * * *
The following is a summary of a call and e-mail received from the licensee:
While testing the shutter today we were experiencing some continuing problems with the shutter mechanism at our Continuous Galvanizing Line. During maintenance, we discovered some error codes in the RSI software that indicated possible additional shutter problems. There was no potential for employee exposures. RSI will be back at the plant to address on 1/20/21.
Notified R3DO (Peterson) and NMSS Events (e-mail).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 55066
Facility: Braidwood
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: David Gullott
HQ OPS Officer: Kerby Scales
Region: 3 State: IL
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] W-4-LP,[2] W-4-LP
NRC Notified By: David Gullott
HQ OPS Officer: Kerby Scales
Notification Date: 01/12/2021
Notification Time: 20:26 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 08:45 [CST]
Last Update Date: 01/13/2021
Notification Time: 20:26 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 08:45 [CST]
Last Update Date: 01/13/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - Fitness For Duty
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - Fitness For Duty
Person (Organization):
STEVE ORTH (R3DO)
FFD GROUP (EMAIL)
STEVE ORTH (R3DO)
FFD GROUP (EMAIL)
| 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 |
EN Revision Imported Date: 2/7/2021
EN Revision Text: FITNESS FOR DUTY REPORT
A corporate supervisor had a confirmed positive during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access to the plants has been terminated.
The NRC Resident Inspectors will be notified.
EN Revision Text: FITNESS FOR DUTY REPORT
A corporate supervisor had a confirmed positive during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access to the plants has been terminated.
The NRC Resident Inspectors will be notified.
Agreement State
Event Number: 55097
Rep Org: LOUISIANA RADIATION PROTECTION DIV
Licensee: Phillips 66 Company Alliance Refinery
Region: 4
City: Belle Chasse State: LA
County:
License #: LA-5199-L01B, Amendment 35, AI#2418
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: James Pate
HQ OPS Officer: Harry Freeman
Licensee: Phillips 66 Company Alliance Refinery
Region: 4
City: Belle Chasse State: LA
County:
License #: LA-5199-L01B, Amendment 35, AI#2418
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: James Pate
HQ OPS Officer: Harry Freeman
Notification Date: 02/08/2021
Notification Time: 11:58 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/08/2021
Notification Time: 11:58 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/08/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
JOHN DIXON (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
GRETCHEN RIVERA-CAPELLA (NMSS DAY)
JOHN DIXON (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
GRETCHEN RIVERA-CAPELLA (NMSS DAY)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - OVEREXPOSURE TO MEMBER OF PUBLIC
The following was received from the state of Louisiana via email:
"A written notification was received on February 8, 2021 at 09:15 am, which stated that on January 12, 2021, a contract employee was sanding and painting on the 491-V-44 ASO Washer Vessel, near two permitted nuclear level gauges. Estimated exposure time was forty minutes for the hand and forearm. The gauges were two Texas Nuclear Model 5206, 500 mCi Cs-137 (not decay corrected), gauge serial numbers B364 & source s/n GG-5325 and gauge s/n B365 & source s/n GG-5917. The exposure was calculated for extremities of hand and forearm to be 2,423 mrem. The dose to the whole body has not been calculated at this time and is in the process of being done."
Louisiana Incident Number : LA20210002
The following was received from the state of Louisiana via email:
"A written notification was received on February 8, 2021 at 09:15 am, which stated that on January 12, 2021, a contract employee was sanding and painting on the 491-V-44 ASO Washer Vessel, near two permitted nuclear level gauges. Estimated exposure time was forty minutes for the hand and forearm. The gauges were two Texas Nuclear Model 5206, 500 mCi Cs-137 (not decay corrected), gauge serial numbers B364 & source s/n GG-5325 and gauge s/n B365 & source s/n GG-5917. The exposure was calculated for extremities of hand and forearm to be 2,423 mrem. The dose to the whole body has not been calculated at this time and is in the process of being done."
Louisiana Incident Number : LA20210002
Agreement State
Event Number: 55131
Rep Org: ALABAMA RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: Birmingham Water Works
Region: 1
City: Birmingham State: AL
County:
License #: 92GL
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Cason Coan
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Lin
Licensee: Birmingham Water Works
Region: 1
City: Birmingham State: AL
County:
License #: 92GL
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Cason Coan
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Lin
Notification Date: 03/09/2021
Notification Time: 16:55 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 03/09/2021
Notification Time: 16:55 [ET]
Event Date: 01/12/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 03/09/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
GRAY, MEL (R1)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION, (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL)
GRAY, MEL (R1)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION, (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 4/9/2021
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST SOURCES
The following information was received from the State of Alabama via email:
"During inspection of general license registrant Birmingham Water Works on January 12, 2021, the inspector and representatives were unable to physically locate approximately 9 Perkin-Elmer general license devices. The inspector pursued follow-up investigation with representatives of Birmingham Water Works, Agilent Technologies and Perkin-Elmer after the inspection. The inspector has not received follow-up information on receipt or transfer of these devices. The location(s) of these devices are unknown at this time. Alabama Radiation Control is continuing to investigate this matter. The devices are listed as Perkin-Elmer model N610-0133 s/ns 4743, 2679, 2680, 2681, 2808, 2491, 1662, 4743 and Perkin-Elmer model 03300119 s/n 3898. All 9 are equipped with Ni-63 sources, nominal activity 15 millicuries."
Alabama Event.: 21-07
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
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST SOURCES
The following information was received from the State of Alabama via email:
"During inspection of general license registrant Birmingham Water Works on January 12, 2021, the inspector and representatives were unable to physically locate approximately 9 Perkin-Elmer general license devices. The inspector pursued follow-up investigation with representatives of Birmingham Water Works, Agilent Technologies and Perkin-Elmer after the inspection. The inspector has not received follow-up information on receipt or transfer of these devices. The location(s) of these devices are unknown at this time. Alabama Radiation Control is continuing to investigate this matter. The devices are listed as Perkin-Elmer model N610-0133 s/ns 4743, 2679, 2680, 2681, 2808, 2491, 1662, 4743 and Perkin-Elmer model 03300119 s/n 3898. All 9 are equipped with Ni-63 sources, nominal activity 15 millicuries."
Alabama Event.: 21-07
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