Event Notification Report for December 29, 2021
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
12/28/2021 - 12/29/2021
Power Reactor
Event Number: 55679
Facility: Hatch
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Ron Wheeler
HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross
Region: 2 State: GA
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Ron Wheeler
HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross
Notification Date: 12/29/2021
Notification Time: 19:16 [ET]
Event Date: 12/29/2021
Event Time: 15:52 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/29/2021
Notification Time: 19:16 [ET]
Event Date: 12/29/2021
Event Time: 15:52 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/29/2021
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):
Miller, Mark (R2)
Miller, Mark (R2)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M/R | Y | 90 | Power Operation | 0 | Hot Standby |
EN Revision Imported Date: 1/28/2022
EN Revision Text: MANUAL REACTOR TRIP and AUTOMATIC ACTUATION OF CONTAINMENT ISOLATION VALVES
This following information was conveyed by the licensee via phone and email:
"At 1552 EST on 12/29/21, with Unit 1 in Mode 1 at 90 percent power, the reactor was manually tripped due to reactor pressure perturbations. The cause of the reactor pressure perturbations is under investigation. Additionally, closure of [containment isolation valves] CIVs in multiple systems occurred during the trip as a result of reaching the actuation setpoint on reactor water level. The trip was not complex, with all systems responding normally post-trip.
"Operations responded and stabilized the plant. Reactor water level is being maintained via condensate / feedwater. Decay heat is being removed by discharging steam to the main condenser using the turbine bypass valves. Unit 2 is not affected.
"Due to the Reactor Protection System actuation while critical, this event is being reported as a four-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B). It is also reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in a valid actuation of CIVs.
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. "
EN Revision Text: MANUAL REACTOR TRIP and AUTOMATIC ACTUATION OF CONTAINMENT ISOLATION VALVES
This following information was conveyed by the licensee via phone and email:
"At 1552 EST on 12/29/21, with Unit 1 in Mode 1 at 90 percent power, the reactor was manually tripped due to reactor pressure perturbations. The cause of the reactor pressure perturbations is under investigation. Additionally, closure of [containment isolation valves] CIVs in multiple systems occurred during the trip as a result of reaching the actuation setpoint on reactor water level. The trip was not complex, with all systems responding normally post-trip.
"Operations responded and stabilized the plant. Reactor water level is being maintained via condensate / feedwater. Decay heat is being removed by discharging steam to the main condenser using the turbine bypass valves. Unit 2 is not affected.
"Due to the Reactor Protection System actuation while critical, this event is being reported as a four-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B). It is also reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that results in a valid actuation of CIVs.
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. "
Agreement State
Event Number: 55680
Rep Org: Texas Dept of State Health Services
Licensee: ECS Southwest LLP
Region: 4
City: Austin State: TX
County:
License #: L 05319
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Arthur Tucker
HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross
Licensee: ECS Southwest LLP
Region: 4
City: Austin State: TX
County:
License #: L 05319
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Arthur Tucker
HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross
Notification Date: 12/30/2021
Notification Time: 14:37 [ET]
Event Date: 12/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/30/2021
Notification Time: 14:37 [ET]
Event Date: 12/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/30/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Werner, Greg (R4)
NMSS_Events_Notification, (EMAIL)
Werner, Greg (R4)
NMSS_Events_Notification, (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 1/28/2022
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - CESIUM SOURCE UNABLE TO FULLY RETRACT
The state of Texas (the Agency) reported the following via phone and email:
"On December 30, 2021, the Agency was notified by the licensee that on December 29, 2021, one of its technicians was unable to fully retract a 10 millicurie cesium-137 source to its fully shielded position. The source is installed in a Humboldt 5001EZ moisture density gauge. The technician had performed 3 samples that morning and the failure came at the end of the [fourth] exposure. The technician placed the gauge into its transport container and returned the gauge to the shop. The radiation safety officer (RSO) performed a survey of the gauge and found the highest reading 1 meter from the gauge was 0.4 millirem per hour. The RSO stated the transport index for the gauge measured that morning was 0.2. The RSO stated that the source was stuck about 2 inches outside from the fully shielded [position]. The RSO stated they used a hammer and anchor bolt and drove the source back into the shielded position. The RSO stated they noticed wet clay material oozing out of the area between the source shaft and the gauge case. The RSO believes the clay is what was preventing the source from fully retracting. The RSO stated they were taking a leak test of the cesium source. The RSO was instructed to isolate the hammer and bolt used to drive the source to the shielded position. The Agency went to the licensee's location and performed fixed and removable contamination survey on the hammer and anchor bolt used to drive the source back to the shielded position. No contamination was detected. The RSO's hands and clothing was surveyed for contamination. No contamination was detected. The RSO stated the gauge will be sent to the service company after the results of the leak test are received. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident Number: 9905
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - CESIUM SOURCE UNABLE TO FULLY RETRACT
The state of Texas (the Agency) reported the following via phone and email:
"On December 30, 2021, the Agency was notified by the licensee that on December 29, 2021, one of its technicians was unable to fully retract a 10 millicurie cesium-137 source to its fully shielded position. The source is installed in a Humboldt 5001EZ moisture density gauge. The technician had performed 3 samples that morning and the failure came at the end of the [fourth] exposure. The technician placed the gauge into its transport container and returned the gauge to the shop. The radiation safety officer (RSO) performed a survey of the gauge and found the highest reading 1 meter from the gauge was 0.4 millirem per hour. The RSO stated the transport index for the gauge measured that morning was 0.2. The RSO stated that the source was stuck about 2 inches outside from the fully shielded [position]. The RSO stated they used a hammer and anchor bolt and drove the source back into the shielded position. The RSO stated they noticed wet clay material oozing out of the area between the source shaft and the gauge case. The RSO believes the clay is what was preventing the source from fully retracting. The RSO stated they were taking a leak test of the cesium source. The RSO was instructed to isolate the hammer and bolt used to drive the source to the shielded position. The Agency went to the licensee's location and performed fixed and removable contamination survey on the hammer and anchor bolt used to drive the source back to the shielded position. No contamination was detected. The RSO's hands and clothing was surveyed for contamination. No contamination was detected. The RSO stated the gauge will be sent to the service company after the results of the leak test are received. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident Number: 9905
Agreement State
Event Number: 55681
Rep Org: Nevada Radiological Health
Licensee: Universal Engineering Sciences
Region: 4
City: North Las Vegas State: NV
County:
License #: 00-11-14073-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Haley Brown
HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross
Licensee: Universal Engineering Sciences
Region: 4
City: North Las Vegas State: NV
County:
License #: 00-11-14073-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Haley Brown
HQ OPS Officer: Karen Cotton-Gross
Notification Date: 12/30/2021
Notification Time: 18:36 [ET]
Event Date: 12/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/30/2021
Notification Time: 18:36 [ET]
Event Date: 12/29/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [PST]
Last Update Date: 12/30/2021
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Werner, Greg (R4)
NMSS_Events_Notification, (EMAIL)
Werner, Greg (R4)
NMSS_Events_Notification, (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 1/28/2022
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST AND RECOVERED GAUGE
The state of Nevada reported the following via email:
"On 12/29/21 an Authorized User failed to secure a portable nuclear gauge in its type A shipping container and transported the nuclear device from one work site to another. The unsecured gauge fell off the back of the truck's tailgate and was missing from approximately [1545 PST] until it was located at a nearby gas station at [1625 PST]. It had been placed next to an air pump refill station and left there by an unknown person. The Authorized User recovered the gauge and returned it to the licensee's use location.
"The RSO performed leak test sampling on 12/29/21 at [1900 PST] and the tests were sent to lnstroTek 's California testing facility for analysis on 12/30/21 at [0930 PST]. The gauge has been properly secured with 2 tangible barriers and isolated from use by other employees. The Radiation Control Program performed surveys and swipe testing of the damaged gauge and all results were within twice background. As soon as the licensee receives leak test results, the gauge will be prepared and shipped to the lnstroTek - California for disposal. Licensee will provide the RCP [Radiation Control Program] with additional results and information as it becomes available.
"Troxler Model 3440 S/N 23813 Americium-241/Be 40 mCi and Cesium-137 8 mCi. Last periodic leak test performed 12/14/21 - Passed"
Nevada Item Number: NV210022
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 AND RECOVERED GAUGE
The state of Nevada reported the following via email:
"On 12/29/21 an Authorized User failed to secure a portable nuclear gauge in its type A shipping container and transported the nuclear device from one work site to another. The unsecured gauge fell off the back of the truck's tailgate and was missing from approximately [1545 PST] until it was located at a nearby gas station at [1625 PST]. It had been placed next to an air pump refill station and left there by an unknown person. The Authorized User recovered the gauge and returned it to the licensee's use location.
"The RSO performed leak test sampling on 12/29/21 at [1900 PST] and the tests were sent to lnstroTek 's California testing facility for analysis on 12/30/21 at [0930 PST]. The gauge has been properly secured with 2 tangible barriers and isolated from use by other employees. The Radiation Control Program performed surveys and swipe testing of the damaged gauge and all results were within twice background. As soon as the licensee receives leak test results, the gauge will be prepared and shipped to the lnstroTek - California for disposal. Licensee will provide the RCP [Radiation Control Program] with additional results and information as it becomes available.
"Troxler Model 3440 S/N 23813 Americium-241/Be 40 mCi and Cesium-137 8 mCi. Last periodic leak test performed 12/14/21 - Passed"
Nevada Item Number: NV210022
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