Event Notification Report for April 28, 2022
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
04/27/2022 - 04/28/2022
Agreement State
Event Number: 55809
Rep Org: Iowa Department of Public Health
Licensee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
Region: 3
City: Clinton State: IA
County:
License #: 0101123FG
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Derek Elling
HQ OPS Officer: Lloyd Desotell
Licensee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
Region: 3
City: Clinton State: IA
County:
License #: 0101123FG
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Derek Elling
HQ OPS Officer: Lloyd Desotell
Notification Date: 03/30/2022
Notification Time: 15:22 [ET]
Event Date: 03/29/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2022
Notification Time: 15:22 [ET]
Event Date: 03/29/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Kozak, Laura (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Kozak, Laura (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 4/28/2022
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK OPEN SHUTTER
The following information was obtained from the state of Iowa via e-mail:
"When conducting routine shutter checks on an Ohmart/Vega SHLG-2 fixed gauge, the operator was not able to extend the plunger to move the source into a shielded position (use of hands and basic tools). The device is in a facility that is restricted access and unmanned due to chemical production. Unless manually operated for shutter checks or vessel maintenance, the standard position of this device is open. No increase of radiation levels compared to standard operating conditions. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) has contacted Vega for corrective action guidance and direct support. Initial guidance is the application of a coil lubricant and rotating the handle. Any action above this will be performed by a Vega service technician. The Licensee has a scheduled shutdown of the production line next week when they will schedule the Vega tech for support."
"Source/Radioactive Material: SEALED SOURCE GAUGE
Manufacturer: OHMART CORP.
Model Number: A-2102 IAEA Category: 3
Serial Number: 9849CN
Radionuclide: Cs-137
Activity: 4 Ci (148 GBq)
Iowa Event Number: IA220002"
* * * UPDATE ON 04/27/2022 AT 1331 EDT FROM STUART JORDAN TO BRIAN PARKS * * *
The following information was received from the state of Iowa via email:
"Update to Iowa Event No. IA220002 involving a stuck fixed nuclear gauge shutter operating on a low pressure separator on top of a vessel within the low-density production unit. On March 30, 2022, the RSO, under the direction of the manufacturer, removed a small amount of debris, applied Kroil lubricant to the shutter plunger, and was able to successfully close the Vega SHLG-2 gauge shutter. After an additional application of the Kroil lubricant, the gauge shutter operation was back to normal without resistance and no additional actions were necessary. The manufacturer instructed the RSO to apply the Kroil lubricant annually as a preventative measure which the licensee is planning on doing and there are no generic concerns. The 30-day written report was provided to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) on April 26, 2022. There was no exposure to any individuals to radiation from this event and IDPH considers this to be closed."
Notified R3DO (Ziolkowski)
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK OPEN SHUTTER
The following information was obtained from the state of Iowa via e-mail:
"When conducting routine shutter checks on an Ohmart/Vega SHLG-2 fixed gauge, the operator was not able to extend the plunger to move the source into a shielded position (use of hands and basic tools). The device is in a facility that is restricted access and unmanned due to chemical production. Unless manually operated for shutter checks or vessel maintenance, the standard position of this device is open. No increase of radiation levels compared to standard operating conditions. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) has contacted Vega for corrective action guidance and direct support. Initial guidance is the application of a coil lubricant and rotating the handle. Any action above this will be performed by a Vega service technician. The Licensee has a scheduled shutdown of the production line next week when they will schedule the Vega tech for support."
"Source/Radioactive Material: SEALED SOURCE GAUGE
Manufacturer: OHMART CORP.
Model Number: A-2102 IAEA Category: 3
Serial Number: 9849CN
Radionuclide: Cs-137
Activity: 4 Ci (148 GBq)
Iowa Event Number: IA220002"
* * * UPDATE ON 04/27/2022 AT 1331 EDT FROM STUART JORDAN TO BRIAN PARKS * * *
The following information was received from the state of Iowa via email:
"Update to Iowa Event No. IA220002 involving a stuck fixed nuclear gauge shutter operating on a low pressure separator on top of a vessel within the low-density production unit. On March 30, 2022, the RSO, under the direction of the manufacturer, removed a small amount of debris, applied Kroil lubricant to the shutter plunger, and was able to successfully close the Vega SHLG-2 gauge shutter. After an additional application of the Kroil lubricant, the gauge shutter operation was back to normal without resistance and no additional actions were necessary. The manufacturer instructed the RSO to apply the Kroil lubricant annually as a preventative measure which the licensee is planning on doing and there are no generic concerns. The 30-day written report was provided to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) on April 26, 2022. There was no exposure to any individuals to radiation from this event and IDPH considers this to be closed."
Notified R3DO (Ziolkowski)
Agreement State
Event Number: 55850
Rep Org: Georgia Radioactive Material Pgm
Licensee: Emory University
Region: 1
City: Atlanta State: GA
County:
License #: GA 153-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Leslines Leveque
HQ OPS Officer: Mike Stafford
Licensee: Emory University
Region: 1
City: Atlanta State: GA
County:
License #: GA 153-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Leslines Leveque
HQ OPS Officer: Mike Stafford
Notification Date: 04/20/2022
Notification Time: 09:36 [ET]
Event Date: 04/11/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/25/2022
Notification Time: 09:36 [ET]
Event Date: 04/11/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/25/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL)
Dentel, Glenn (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL)
Dentel, Glenn (R1DO)
EN Revision Imported Date: 4/26/2022
EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST/MISSING SOURCE
The following is a synopsis of an email received from the state of Georgia:
On April 14, 2022, the state of Georgia received the following complaint from the licensee's Assistant Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO): the licensee had a shipment of Y-90 seeds that was supposed to be delivered from Sirtex on the morning of April 11, 2022 for a procedure. The package did not arrive. The ARSO was notified on April 12, 2022 and reported the information to the state of Georgia on April 13, 2022. The package contained 81 milliCi of Y-90 spheres. The ARSO was unable to obtain any information about the location of the shipment from the common carrier.
Georgia Incident Number: 53
* * * UPDATE ON 04/25/2022 AT 0945 EDT FROM LESLINES LEVEQUE TO THOMAS HERRITY * * *
The following is update was received from the state of Georgia via email:
On April 25, 2022, Georgia received notice that the package had been located and is being returned to Sirtex. Georgia has closed the incident.
Notified R1DO (Young) and ILTAB and NMSS Events Notification 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 - LOST/MISSING SOURCE
The following is a synopsis of an email received from the state of Georgia:
On April 14, 2022, the state of Georgia received the following complaint from the licensee's Assistant Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO): the licensee had a shipment of Y-90 seeds that was supposed to be delivered from Sirtex on the morning of April 11, 2022 for a procedure. The package did not arrive. The ARSO was notified on April 12, 2022 and reported the information to the state of Georgia on April 13, 2022. The package contained 81 milliCi of Y-90 spheres. The ARSO was unable to obtain any information about the location of the shipment from the common carrier.
Georgia Incident Number: 53
* * * UPDATE ON 04/25/2022 AT 0945 EDT FROM LESLINES LEVEQUE TO THOMAS HERRITY * * *
The following is update was received from the state of Georgia via email:
On April 25, 2022, Georgia received notice that the package had been located and is being returned to Sirtex. Georgia has closed the incident.
Notified R1DO (Young) and ILTAB and NMSS Events Notification 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
Agreement State
Event Number: 55851
Rep Org: PA Bureau of Radiation Protection
Licensee: University of Pennsylvania
Region: 1
City: Philadelphia State: PA
County:
License #: PA-0131
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: John Chippo
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Parks
Licensee: University of Pennsylvania
Region: 1
City: Philadelphia State: PA
County:
License #: PA-0131
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: John Chippo
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Parks
Notification Date: 04/20/2022
Notification Time: 11:49 [ET]
Event Date: 04/18/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/20/2022
Notification Time: 11:49 [ET]
Event Date: 04/18/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/20/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Dentel, Glenn (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Dentel, Glenn (R1DO)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - PATIENT UNDERDOSE
The following was received from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection by e-mail:
"On April 18, 2022, a patient underwent a Y-90 SIR-Sphere treatment. The prescribed dosage was 7.07 milliCuries, however only 5.27 milliCuries was able to be delivered, or 74.5 percent. The apparent cause is that the blood vessel the catheter was placed in had a complicated vasculature which inhibited the flow of the spheres. No harm is expected to the patient. The referring physician and the patient have been informed."
Event Report ID Number: PA220014
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.
The following was received from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection by e-mail:
"On April 18, 2022, a patient underwent a Y-90 SIR-Sphere treatment. The prescribed dosage was 7.07 milliCuries, however only 5.27 milliCuries was able to be delivered, or 74.5 percent. The apparent cause is that the blood vessel the catheter was placed in had a complicated vasculature which inhibited the flow of the spheres. No harm is expected to the patient. The referring physician and the patient have been informed."
Event Report ID Number: PA220014
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.
Agreement State
Event Number: 55852
Rep Org: Ohio Bureau of Radiation Protection
Licensee: Riverside Methodist Hospital
Region: 3
City: Columbus State: OH
County:
License #: 02120250070
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Stephen James
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Parks
Licensee: Riverside Methodist Hospital
Region: 3
City: Columbus State: OH
County:
License #: 02120250070
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Stephen James
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Parks
Notification Date: 04/20/2022
Notification Time: 14:09 [ET]
Event Date: 04/18/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/20/2022
Notification Time: 14:09 [ET]
Event Date: 04/18/2022
Event Time: 00:00 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/20/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Pelke, Patricia (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Pelke, Patricia (R3DO)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - PATIENT UNDERDOSE
The following was received from the Ohio Bureau of Radiation Protection by e-mail:
"On 4/18/22, a patient was scheduled to receive 120 Gy to the right hepatic lobe of the liver [involving Y-90 TheraSpheres], however only 94.2 Gy was delivered, resulting in an underdose of 21.5 percent. The [authorized user] notified the [Radiation Safety Officer] on 4/19/22. Stasis was not reached and at this time no cause was identified."
Item Number: OH220006
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.
The following was received from the Ohio Bureau of Radiation Protection by e-mail:
"On 4/18/22, a patient was scheduled to receive 120 Gy to the right hepatic lobe of the liver [involving Y-90 TheraSpheres], however only 94.2 Gy was delivered, resulting in an underdose of 21.5 percent. The [authorized user] notified the [Radiation Safety Officer] on 4/19/22. Stasis was not reached and at this time no cause was identified."
Item Number: OH220006
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: 55859
Facility: Brunswick
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Christopher Denton
HQ OPS Officer: Brian P. Smith
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Christopher Denton
HQ OPS Officer: Brian P. Smith
Notification Date: 04/26/2022
Notification Time: 13:13 [ET]
Event Date: 03/07/2022
Event Time: 00:40 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/26/2022
Notification Time: 13:13 [ET]
Event Date: 03/07/2022
Event Time: 00:40 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/26/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
50.73(a)(1) - Invalid Specif System Actuation
10 CFR Section:
50.73(a)(1) - Invalid Specif System Actuation
Person (Organization):
Miller, Mark (R2DO)
Miller, Mark (R2DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | N | 0 | Cold Shutdown | 100 | Power Operation |
INVALID ACTUATION 60-DAY TELEPHONE NOTIFICATION
The following information was provided by the licensee via fax or email:
"This 60-day telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER submittal per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for invalid actuations of systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B).
"At approximately 0040 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 7, 2022, Unit 1 received inadvertent High-Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) and Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) initiation signals. Subsequently, at approximately 0148 EST on March 7, 2022, Unit 1 received inadvertent Low-Pressure Coolant Injection (LPCI) and Core Spray initiation signals. In addition, all four Emergency Diesel Generators auto started, Group 10 (Instrument Air) Primary Containment Isolation System actuations occurred, and the Residual Heat Removal (RHR) Service Water Booster pumps tripped resulting in a brief interruption (approximately 9 minutes) to the Shutdown Cooling (SDC) heatsink. Jumpers, installed per planned refueling outage activities, prevented discharge of Emergency Core Cooling Systems into the reactor. HPCI, RCIC, and RHR Loop `A' were removed from service and under clearance. RHR SDC remained operable via RHR Loop `B' and forced circulation was maintained in the reactor.
"At the time of these events, Unit 1 was shutdown for refueling and the `A' and `C' reactor water level transmitters had been isolated in preparation for planned replacement. Leak-by of the instrument isolation valves occurred on both transmitters. Leak-by on the `C' instrument occurred at a faster rate with the `A' instrument providing the confirmatory signals resulting in Low Level 2 (LL2) and Low Level 3 (LL3) indication at approximately 0040 EST and 0148 EST, respectively. All actuations occurred as designed for LL2 and LL3 signals. During these events, reactor water level remained stable at the Reactor Vessel Head Flange and the `B' and `D' reactor water level transmitters remained off-scale-high, as expected under these conditions. Therefore, the actuations were not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system (i.e., there was no low reactor water level condition). Considering the above, these actuations were invalid."
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel."
The following information was provided by the licensee via fax or email:
"This 60-day telephone notification is being made in lieu of an LER submittal per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(1). This notification is made pursuant to the reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) for invalid actuations of systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B).
"At approximately 0040 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on March 7, 2022, Unit 1 received inadvertent High-Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) and Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) initiation signals. Subsequently, at approximately 0148 EST on March 7, 2022, Unit 1 received inadvertent Low-Pressure Coolant Injection (LPCI) and Core Spray initiation signals. In addition, all four Emergency Diesel Generators auto started, Group 10 (Instrument Air) Primary Containment Isolation System actuations occurred, and the Residual Heat Removal (RHR) Service Water Booster pumps tripped resulting in a brief interruption (approximately 9 minutes) to the Shutdown Cooling (SDC) heatsink. Jumpers, installed per planned refueling outage activities, prevented discharge of Emergency Core Cooling Systems into the reactor. HPCI, RCIC, and RHR Loop `A' were removed from service and under clearance. RHR SDC remained operable via RHR Loop `B' and forced circulation was maintained in the reactor.
"At the time of these events, Unit 1 was shutdown for refueling and the `A' and `C' reactor water level transmitters had been isolated in preparation for planned replacement. Leak-by of the instrument isolation valves occurred on both transmitters. Leak-by on the `C' instrument occurred at a faster rate with the `A' instrument providing the confirmatory signals resulting in Low Level 2 (LL2) and Low Level 3 (LL3) indication at approximately 0040 EST and 0148 EST, respectively. All actuations occurred as designed for LL2 and LL3 signals. During these events, reactor water level remained stable at the Reactor Vessel Head Flange and the `B' and `D' reactor water level transmitters remained off-scale-high, as expected under these conditions. Therefore, the actuations were not initiated in response to actual plant conditions, it was not an intentional manual initiation, and there were no parameters satisfying the requirements for initiation of the system (i.e., there was no low reactor water level condition). Considering the above, these actuations were invalid."
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel."
Fuel Cycle Facility
Event Number: 55861
Facility: Louisiana Energy Services
Region: 2 State: NM
Unit: [] [] []
RX Type:
NRC Notified By: Barry Love
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Lin
Region: 2 State: NM
Unit: [] [] []
RX Type:
NRC Notified By: Barry Love
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Lin
Notification Date: 04/27/2022
Notification Time: 11:23 [ET]
Event Date: 02/28/2022
Event Time: 07:35 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2022
Notification Time: 11:23 [ET]
Event Date: 02/28/2022
Event Time: 07:35 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 04/27/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
70.50(b)(1) - Unplanned Contamination
10 CFR Section:
70.50(b)(1) - Unplanned Contamination
Person (Organization):
Miller, Mark (R2DO)
NMSS_Events_Notification, (EMAIL)
Miller, Mark (R2DO)
NMSS_Events_Notification, (EMAIL)
UNPLANNED CONTAMINATION EVENT
The following information was provided by the licensee via email:
"The plant is in a safe configuration. NRC Region II re-exited an inspection on April 26, 2022 from an inspection which was conducted March 21st through the 24th. During this exit, an event was reclassified as a Non-Cited Violation for failure to report an event. As a result, UUSA [Urenco-USA] is reporting this event as a 24-hour Report per the NRC's inspection.
"On February 28, 2022, water was discovered on the floor of the Liquid Effluent Collection and Transfer System (LECTS) room. The water was leaking from the slab tanks berm into the non-Radiological Controlled Area floor. The area was conservatively and promptly roped off and signage was posted. Radiological readings in the area were taken and found to be less than background and the the spill was cleaned up that day.
"Historical issues are being reviewed and will be added to this notification per the NRC's position shared with UUSA.
"This issue has been entered in UUSA's corrective action program as EV 149668 and 149975."
The following information was provided by the licensee via email:
"The plant is in a safe configuration. NRC Region II re-exited an inspection on April 26, 2022 from an inspection which was conducted March 21st through the 24th. During this exit, an event was reclassified as a Non-Cited Violation for failure to report an event. As a result, UUSA [Urenco-USA] is reporting this event as a 24-hour Report per the NRC's inspection.
"On February 28, 2022, water was discovered on the floor of the Liquid Effluent Collection and Transfer System (LECTS) room. The water was leaking from the slab tanks berm into the non-Radiological Controlled Area floor. The area was conservatively and promptly roped off and signage was posted. Radiological readings in the area were taken and found to be less than background and the the spill was cleaned up that day.
"Historical issues are being reviewed and will be added to this notification per the NRC's position shared with UUSA.
"This issue has been entered in UUSA's corrective action program as EV 149668 and 149975."
Agreement State
Event Number: 55854
Rep Org: Utah Division of Radiation Control
Licensee: EnergySolutions
Region: 4
City: Clive State: UT
County:
License #: UT 2300249 & UT 2300478
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Jalynn Knudsen
HQ OPS Officer: Caty Nolan
Licensee: EnergySolutions
Region: 4
City: Clive State: UT
County:
License #: UT 2300249 & UT 2300478
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Jalynn Knudsen
HQ OPS Officer: Caty Nolan
Notification Date: 04/22/2022
Notification Time: 16:10 [ET]
Event Date: 04/18/2022
Event Time: 07:30 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 04/22/2022
Notification Time: 16:10 [ET]
Event Date: 04/18/2022
Event Time: 07:30 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 04/22/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Proulx, David (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Proulx, David (R4DO)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - GROUNDWATER CONTAINING URANIUM IDENTIFIED DURING EXCAVATION
The following was received from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality via email:
"On April 18, 2022, EnergySolutions personnel reported a strong fuel smell coming from a recent excavation associated with a new facility under construction. The excavations for sumps extended into the groundwater and were not included on the conditionally approved plans. The smell triggered an investigation where groundwater samples were collected for both chemical and radiological analysis. One sample indicated a concentration of 12,000 pCi/L of uranium (preliminary findings). The presence of uranium in the groundwater was unanticipated. Subsequently, the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control has communicated to the licensee to characterize the nature and extent of the contamination. The Division is waiting for additional information from the licensee."
Event Report ID No.: UT220003
The following was received from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality via email:
"On April 18, 2022, EnergySolutions personnel reported a strong fuel smell coming from a recent excavation associated with a new facility under construction. The excavations for sumps extended into the groundwater and were not included on the conditionally approved plans. The smell triggered an investigation where groundwater samples were collected for both chemical and radiological analysis. One sample indicated a concentration of 12,000 pCi/L of uranium (preliminary findings). The presence of uranium in the groundwater was unanticipated. Subsequently, the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control has communicated to the licensee to characterize the nature and extent of the contamination. The Division is waiting for additional information from the licensee."
Event Report ID No.: UT220003
Agreement State
Event Number: 55855
Rep Org: Kansas Dept of Health & Environment
Licensee: Kansas State University
Region: 4
City: Hutchinson State: KS
County:
License #: 38-C011-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Kimberly Steves
HQ OPS Officer: Kerby Scales
Licensee: Kansas State University
Region: 4
City: Hutchinson State: KS
County:
License #: 38-C011-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Kimberly Steves
HQ OPS Officer: Kerby Scales
Notification Date: 04/22/2022
Notification Time: 17:03 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/22/2022
Notification Time: 17:03 [ET]
Event Date: 07/21/2021
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/22/2022
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Proulx, David (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Proulx, David (R4DO)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED PORTABLE GAUGE
The following was received from the state of Kansas via email:
"On 4/21/22 during the course of an inspection of the facility, the State of Kansas discovered that an incident involving one of their portable gauges occurred on 7/21/2021. This incident was never reported to Kansas and was discovered through the inspection process.
"Licensee Kansas State University (# 38-C011-01) had a Campbell Pacific Nuclear model 503 portable gauge (serial number 50505) damaged while being used in a field at the Hutchinson, Kansas field research station. The gauge contained 50 mCi of AmBe. The gauge was run over when the student who was using the gauge under the oversight of the local RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] (unknown at this time if the local RSO was present at the site) backed a vehicle over it. At this time Kansas has not been able to determine if the student left the gauge unattended for a brief time or if the student did not properly secure the gauge into the vehicle and it fell out. The gauge was inspected immediately after the incident, and it was found that, though the gauge shielding appeared to be intact, the shipping case was damaged. Immediately following the incident, the student contacted their Primary Investigator (PI), who is a university instructor overseeing the student's project, to inform him of the incident, but it was reported that the PI asked if it was urgent and the student said no. The gauge was discovered damaged by the PI a week later on 7/28/2021.
"Upon discovery, the PI reported that he ordered a new shipping case and ordered leak tests. The leak tests were performed on 7/29/2021 and did not show damage to the source. The damage to the gauge housing was on the opposite side of the machine from the source and did not interfere with the source's insertion or retraction. Because of this, the licensee stated that they decided it was not reportable to Kansas. An investigation is underway to determine what steps were taken by the licensee, including possible repairs to the unit. Follow-up information will be provided as it is obtained."
The following was received from the state of Kansas via email:
"On 4/21/22 during the course of an inspection of the facility, the State of Kansas discovered that an incident involving one of their portable gauges occurred on 7/21/2021. This incident was never reported to Kansas and was discovered through the inspection process.
"Licensee Kansas State University (# 38-C011-01) had a Campbell Pacific Nuclear model 503 portable gauge (serial number 50505) damaged while being used in a field at the Hutchinson, Kansas field research station. The gauge contained 50 mCi of AmBe. The gauge was run over when the student who was using the gauge under the oversight of the local RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] (unknown at this time if the local RSO was present at the site) backed a vehicle over it. At this time Kansas has not been able to determine if the student left the gauge unattended for a brief time or if the student did not properly secure the gauge into the vehicle and it fell out. The gauge was inspected immediately after the incident, and it was found that, though the gauge shielding appeared to be intact, the shipping case was damaged. Immediately following the incident, the student contacted their Primary Investigator (PI), who is a university instructor overseeing the student's project, to inform him of the incident, but it was reported that the PI asked if it was urgent and the student said no. The gauge was discovered damaged by the PI a week later on 7/28/2021.
"Upon discovery, the PI reported that he ordered a new shipping case and ordered leak tests. The leak tests were performed on 7/29/2021 and did not show damage to the source. The damage to the gauge housing was on the opposite side of the machine from the source and did not interfere with the source's insertion or retraction. Because of this, the licensee stated that they decided it was not reportable to Kansas. An investigation is underway to determine what steps were taken by the licensee, including possible repairs to the unit. Follow-up information will be provided as it is obtained."