Event Notification Report for September 16, 2024
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
09/15/2024 - 09/16/2024
Agreement State
Event Number: 57327
Rep Org: SC Dept of Environmental Services
Licensee: Alpek Polyester USA, LLC
Region: 1
City: Gaston State: SC
County:
License #: 189
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Andrew Roxburgh
HQ OPS Officer: Robert A. Thompson
Licensee: Alpek Polyester USA, LLC
Region: 1
City: Gaston State: SC
County:
License #: 189
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Andrew Roxburgh
HQ OPS Officer: Robert A. Thompson
Notification Date: 09/17/2024
Notification Time: 12:03 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 10:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/17/2024
Notification Time: 12:03 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 10:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/17/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Werkheiser, Dave (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Werkheiser, Dave (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCES FAILED TO RETRACT
The following information was provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (the Department) via email:
"On September 16, 2024, at 1415 EDT, the Department was notified by Alpek Polyester (the licensee) that while performing semi-annual shutter checks the licensee discovered that two gauges (model: Berthold LB 300 IRL) had cables that were malfunctioning, and that the sources were unable to be retracted to the shielded and locked position. One gauge contains a 6 mCi (original activity) cobalt-60 source and the other contains a 2.5 mCi (original activity) cobalt-60 source. Currently the cobalt sources are 1.07 mCi and 0.044 mCi, respectively. These sources were placed into service on September 17, 2011. On September 17, 2024, the department on-call duty officer met the licensee's radiation safety officer at 0900 EDT to perform a visual inspection and radiation survey of the gauge. The highest radiation measured was 0.5 microR/hr. The licensee has contacted a licensed vendor to schedule the repair of the drive cables."
The following information was provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (the Department) via email:
"On September 16, 2024, at 1415 EDT, the Department was notified by Alpek Polyester (the licensee) that while performing semi-annual shutter checks the licensee discovered that two gauges (model: Berthold LB 300 IRL) had cables that were malfunctioning, and that the sources were unable to be retracted to the shielded and locked position. One gauge contains a 6 mCi (original activity) cobalt-60 source and the other contains a 2.5 mCi (original activity) cobalt-60 source. Currently the cobalt sources are 1.07 mCi and 0.044 mCi, respectively. These sources were placed into service on September 17, 2011. On September 17, 2024, the department on-call duty officer met the licensee's radiation safety officer at 0900 EDT to perform a visual inspection and radiation survey of the gauge. The highest radiation measured was 0.5 microR/hr. The licensee has contacted a licensed vendor to schedule the repair of the drive cables."
Power Reactor
Event Number: 57322
Facility: Brunswick
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Joseph Atkinson
HQ OPS Officer: Robert A. Thompson
Region: 2 State: NC
Unit: [1] [2] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Joseph Atkinson
HQ OPS Officer: Robert A. Thompson
Notification Date: 09/16/2024
Notification Time: 13:02 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 12:40 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/17/2024
Notification Time: 13:02 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 12:40 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/17/2024
Emergency Class: Unusual Event
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - Emergency Declared
10 CFR Section:
50.72(a) (1) (i) - Emergency Declared
Person (Organization):
Suber, Gregory (R2DO)
Laura Dudes (RA)
Andrea Veil (NRR)
Craig Erlanger (NSIR)
Crouch, Howard (IR)
Suber, Gregory (R2DO)
Laura Dudes (RA)
Andrea Veil (NRR)
Craig Erlanger (NSIR)
Crouch, Howard (IR)
| 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: 9/18/2024
EN Revision Text: NOTIFICATION OF UNUSUAL EVENT DUE TO SITE ACCESS IMPEDED
The following information was provided by the licensee via fax and phone:
"On September 16, 2024, at 1240 EDT, with Unit 1 in mode 1 at 100 percent power and Unit 2 in mode 1 at 100 percent power, an Unusual Event was declared due to roads in the area leading to the plant being flooded and having the potential to prohibit plant staff from accessing the site via personal vehicles (Emergency Action Level HU3.4). Current onsite plant staff is sufficient for plant operation.
"This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i) due to the declaration of an emergency classification as specified in the approved Emergency Plan.
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
The NRC decided to remain in the Normal mode of operation at 1320 EDT.
Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, CISA Central Watch Officer, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/17/2024 AT 1411 EDT FROM DAVID MACDONALD TO ROBERT THOMPSON * * *
The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email:
"At approximately 1400 EDT on September 17, 2024, the Unusual Event at Brunswick was terminated due to the flood waters receding and roads to the plant becoming passable.
"The NRC resident inspector has been notified."
Notified R2DO (Suber), NRR EO (Felts), IR MOC (Crouch), DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, CISA Central Watch Officer, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email).
EN Revision Text: NOTIFICATION OF UNUSUAL EVENT DUE TO SITE ACCESS IMPEDED
The following information was provided by the licensee via fax and phone:
"On September 16, 2024, at 1240 EDT, with Unit 1 in mode 1 at 100 percent power and Unit 2 in mode 1 at 100 percent power, an Unusual Event was declared due to roads in the area leading to the plant being flooded and having the potential to prohibit plant staff from accessing the site via personal vehicles (Emergency Action Level HU3.4). Current onsite plant staff is sufficient for plant operation.
"This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i) due to the declaration of an emergency classification as specified in the approved Emergency Plan.
"There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
The NRC decided to remain in the Normal mode of operation at 1320 EDT.
Notified DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, CISA Central Watch Officer, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email).
* * * UPDATE ON 9/17/2024 AT 1411 EDT FROM DAVID MACDONALD TO ROBERT THOMPSON * * *
The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email:
"At approximately 1400 EDT on September 17, 2024, the Unusual Event at Brunswick was terminated due to the flood waters receding and roads to the plant becoming passable.
"The NRC resident inspector has been notified."
Notified R2DO (Suber), NRR EO (Felts), IR MOC (Crouch), DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, CISA Central Watch Officer, FEMA NWC (email), DHS Nuclear SSA (email), CWMD Watch Desk (email).
Power Reactor
Event Number: 57325
Facility: Fermi
Region: 3 State: MI
Unit: [2] [] []
RX Type: [2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Richard Beck
HQ OPS Officer: Robert A. Thompson
Region: 3 State: MI
Unit: [2] [] []
RX Type: [2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Richard Beck
HQ OPS Officer: Robert A. Thompson
Notification Date: 09/16/2024
Notification Time: 20:24 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 13:29 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/16/2024
Notification Time: 20:24 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 13:29 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/16/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - Loss Comm/Asmt/Response
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(xiii) - Loss Comm/Asmt/Response
Person (Organization):
Ziolkowski, Michael (R3DO)
Ziolkowski, Michael (R3DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
ACTIVE SEISMIC MONITORING SYSTEM INOPERABLE
The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email:
"On September 16, 2024, at 1329 EDT, the Fermi 2 active seismic monitoring system provided indication of a potential seismic activity event. Plant abnormal procedures were entered and compensatory measures were met and remain in place. Neither the United States Geological Survey (USGS), nor the next closest nuclear power plant could confirm or validate the readings obtained at Fermi. The seismic monitoring system was declared inoperable to validate the calibration of the system. Fermi 2 has two active seismic monitors. One on the reactor pressure vessel pedestal and one in the high pressure core injection (HPCI) room. Only the HPCI room seismic monitor was declared inoperable. The HPCI room accelerometer is the sole 'trigger' for the seismic recording system (which outputs peak accelerations experienced during a seismic event) and the associated control room alarm. This is used in assessment of the magnitude of an earthquake for emergency action level HU 2.1.
"The loss of the active seismic monitoring system is reportable to the NRC within 8 hours of discovery in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).
"No seismic activity has been felt onsite and the USGS recorded no seismic activity in the area.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance:
The licensee confirmed alternative means of recognizing a seismic event for emergency plan entry are available.
The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email:
"On September 16, 2024, at 1329 EDT, the Fermi 2 active seismic monitoring system provided indication of a potential seismic activity event. Plant abnormal procedures were entered and compensatory measures were met and remain in place. Neither the United States Geological Survey (USGS), nor the next closest nuclear power plant could confirm or validate the readings obtained at Fermi. The seismic monitoring system was declared inoperable to validate the calibration of the system. Fermi 2 has two active seismic monitors. One on the reactor pressure vessel pedestal and one in the high pressure core injection (HPCI) room. Only the HPCI room seismic monitor was declared inoperable. The HPCI room accelerometer is the sole 'trigger' for the seismic recording system (which outputs peak accelerations experienced during a seismic event) and the associated control room alarm. This is used in assessment of the magnitude of an earthquake for emergency action level HU 2.1.
"The loss of the active seismic monitoring system is reportable to the NRC within 8 hours of discovery in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii).
"No seismic activity has been felt onsite and the USGS recorded no seismic activity in the area.
"The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."
The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance:
The licensee confirmed alternative means of recognizing a seismic event for emergency plan entry are available.
Agreement State
Event Number: 57460
Rep Org: Utah Division of Radiation Control
Licensee: Earth Tec, LLC d.b.a. Earthtec Engineering
Region: 4
City: Orem State: UT
County:
License #: UT 2900300
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Philip Griffin
HQ OPS Officer: Jon Lilliendahl
Licensee: Earth Tec, LLC d.b.a. Earthtec Engineering
Region: 4
City: Orem State: UT
County:
License #: UT 2900300
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Philip Griffin
HQ OPS Officer: Jon Lilliendahl
Notification Date: 12/06/2024
Notification Time: 17:33 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [MST]
Last Update Date: 12/06/2024
Notification Time: 17:33 [ET]
Event Date: 09/16/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [MST]
Last Update Date: 12/06/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Gepford, Heather (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Gepford, Heather (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED TROXLER GAUGE
The following report was received by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control (the Division) via email:
"On September 16, 2024, one of the licensee's portable gauge users was performing a measurement on asphalt using a Troxler 3430 moisture density gauge (serial number 25688) containing a cesium-137 source (serial number 75-8566, presumably 8 mCi) and an americium-241 source (serial number 47-22058, presumably 40 mCi). The operator had his back to the paving vehicle, and the vehicle did not have a functioning back-up alarm. The vehicle struck the operator in the shoulder, and the vehicle's right rear tire impacted and damaged the gauge. The operator sustained minor injuries, but the gauge suffered serious damage. The licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) surveyed the vehicle's right rear tire using a calibrated instrument and found no evidence of contamination. The highest exposure rate reading from the damaged gauge was approximately 1 mR/hr at 1 meter from the gauge. The RSO was able to return the source rod to the shielded position, secure the damaged source rod from moving using duct tape, and place the gauge in the transportation case. The transport index of the transport case with the damaged gauge inside was 0.3. The RSO contacted Troxler for instructions to return the gauge to Troxler and to order a replacement gauge.
"This event was discovered during a routine license inspection by the Division on December 6, 2024. At the time of the inspection the transport case with the damaged gauge was still in the licensee's possession."
The following report was received by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control (the Division) via email:
"On September 16, 2024, one of the licensee's portable gauge users was performing a measurement on asphalt using a Troxler 3430 moisture density gauge (serial number 25688) containing a cesium-137 source (serial number 75-8566, presumably 8 mCi) and an americium-241 source (serial number 47-22058, presumably 40 mCi). The operator had his back to the paving vehicle, and the vehicle did not have a functioning back-up alarm. The vehicle struck the operator in the shoulder, and the vehicle's right rear tire impacted and damaged the gauge. The operator sustained minor injuries, but the gauge suffered serious damage. The licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) surveyed the vehicle's right rear tire using a calibrated instrument and found no evidence of contamination. The highest exposure rate reading from the damaged gauge was approximately 1 mR/hr at 1 meter from the gauge. The RSO was able to return the source rod to the shielded position, secure the damaged source rod from moving using duct tape, and place the gauge in the transportation case. The transport index of the transport case with the damaged gauge inside was 0.3. The RSO contacted Troxler for instructions to return the gauge to Troxler and to order a replacement gauge.
"This event was discovered during a routine license inspection by the Division on December 6, 2024. At the time of the inspection the transport case with the damaged gauge was still in the licensee's possession."