Event Notification Report for June 01, 2022

EN Revision Imported Date: 6/1/2022

EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DISCOVERED FIXED GAUGE

The following information was received from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) via email:

"On 5/17/2022, the state of Arkansas notified Oklahoma DEQ's Radiation Management Section that a DOT [(Department of Transportation)] Special Permit 10656 had been issued for a trailer that originated in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. The load was surveyed at the scrap metal facility in Arkansas and sent back to Oklahoma. It arrived back to Sallisaw today and was surveyed by the owner of the salvage yard. The owner of the salvage yard found a Thermo Measure Tech Model 5201 fixed gauge containing 50 mCi of Cs-137, serial number R4473. The source housing appears to be intact. When the gauge was removed from the trailer no additional radiation was measured on the trailer. The facility owner was instructed to isolate and secure the gauge. The owner stated that he would place it in a drum and lock it in a concrete shed."

DOT Approval Number: AR-OK-22-007

* * * UPDATE ON 05/27/2022 AT 1023 EDT FROM LIBBY MCCASKILL TO OSSY FONT * * *

The following information was provided by the DEQ via email:

"The manufacturer of the gauge provided [DEQ] with the name of the company that purchased the gauge; they are still a valid company based out of New Jersey. [DEQ] has contacted them and are waiting for a response.

"[DEQ] searched NMED [(Nuclear Material Events Database)] but did not find any reported loss or theft of this gauge.

"Source: CM-3539; Serial: B4473 [(different than previously reported)]; Model: 5201; Isotope: Cs-137; Activity: 50; Units: mCi; Tag Activity: 50; Tag Assay: 10/16/2003; Capsule: 696984; Customer: EXCAVATING MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT; Order: 275976; PO#: DG-111505; License #: L03524; Ship date: 2/9/2006"

Notified R4DO (Pick) and NMSS Events Notification via email.

* * * UPDATE ON 05/27/2022 AT 2318 EDT FROM MIKE BRODERICK TO BRIAN SMITH * * *

The following information was provided by the DEQ via email:

"Using the manufacturer-provided information, we found that the gauge had been transferred to Illinois. The Illinois Agreement State program found that it had been sold to Mid America Dredging in Good Hope, IL. The state of Illinois is following up with their registrant and presumably will report on events. Oklahoma DEQ will assist as needed."

Notified R3DO (Lafranzo), R4DO (Pick), and NMSS Events Notification via email.

Reference Event Number 55919 for Agreement State report for Illinois.

EN Revision Imported Date: 5/25/2022

EN Revision Text: EXTERNAL FIRE

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (Agency) via email:

"The Agency was contacted on the morning of May 24, 2022, to advise that a fire had occurred at approximately 1900 CDT on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at a Renewable Energy Group, LLC. Renewable Energy Group, LLC (Facility) is a biodiesel refinery located in Seneca, IL.

"The fire reportedly impacted two Vega model SHLD-1 generally licensed devices containing 10 millicuries of Cs-137 each. Serial numbers are unknown at this time and the registrant has not been able to make any radiation measurements or leak tests. It is noteworthy, the sealed source device registry sheet indicates the manufacturer subjected these devices to the 'Accident Condition Fire Test' in ANSI N43.8-2008. The resultant accident condition indicates it would not lose shielding when subjected to 538 degrees Celsius (1000 degrees Fahrenheit) for five minutes. Regardless, Agency staff have been dispatched to determine the status of shielding, potential contamination and source security.

"The facility representatives have been advised to contact the manufacturer or a licensed service provider to have the gauges removed and properly packaged for service/disposal. Provided the device is not moved from its current mounting, the pipe (with the device attached) may be relocated to facilitate source security. Facility representatives advised there is no safety concern at the remaining structure. The licensee was required to report within 24 hours, but missed the reporting deadline. Updates will be provided as they become available."

IL Reference Number: IL220016

* * * UPDATE ON 5/24/22 AT 1605 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO KAREN COTTON * * *

The following update was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency via email:

"Details: Two Vega Americas Inc., model SHLD1 fixed gauges were confirmed to have been impacted by fire. Serial number A-T604 did not appear to have its integrity compromised. Serial number A-T509 exhibited an exposure rate of approximately 350 - 400 mR/hour near contact. Large area wipes showed no indication of contamination. An exclusion zone was established at approximately 4 feet in diameter and six feet above the damaged gauge. (The second floor was far enough as to not warrant exposure concerns). In order to prevent public exposures, it was determined the gauges should be isolated. Consistent with the sealed source device registry, both devices will remain mounted to their pipes - and the pipe/gauge assembly will be moved to a secure location. The devices were bagged to prevent the spread of any contamination that could not be detected by large area wipes. Serial number A-T509 will be inverted to direct the unshielded beam into the ground. Inspectors are overseeing the work and will verify the gauges are locked and access restricted until appropriately licensed personnel can dismount and properly package the devices for disposal.

"Safety Analysis: No evidence of removable contamination. Exposure rates were elevated, but no personnel had been exposed. Pending placement of the devices into secure storage in an orientation that will shield the source, the Agency does not anticipate any exposures in excess of regulatory limits.

"Reportability: Device A-T509 met the reportable criteria in 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1220(c)(4). The incident was reported to the [(NRC Headquarters Operations Officer)] HOO at 1209 CST today under event number 55912. A written report is due from Renewable Energy Group, LLC within 30 days that details suspected root cause and corrective action. The [(Nuclear Material Events Database)] NMED report will be updated and electronically transmitted to [(Idaho National Laboratory)] INL."

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCE HOLDER AFFECTED BY MOLTEN METAL

The following was received from Tennessee Division of Radiological Health via email:

"On May 22, 2022 at 1048 [CDT], molten metal came into contact with the source holder. Damage occurred to the lifting ears of the gauge. The source was not affected by the event. The source and holder are locked away with other gauges with the shutter in the closed position. No elevated readings were detected after the event. NuCor Steel is going to contract with Radiometrix in Ohio to transfer the source to a new gauge. The following is the technical information on the gauge:

"Manufacturer: Berthold; Model: LB 300 MLT; Gauge SN: 45132-004-10003; Isotope: Co-60, 3.405 mCi; Source SN: 1344-08-09; Source Model: Berthold P 2608-100

"Any corrective actions will be updated with a report within 30 days."

State Event Report ID Number: TN-22-037