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Event Notification Report for December 16, 2024

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

EVENT REPORTS FOR
12/15/2024 - 12/16/2024

Non-Power Reactor
Event Number: 56898
Rep Org: Texas A&M University (TAMN)
Licensee: Texas A&M University
Region: 0
City: College Station   State: TX
County: Brazos
License #: R-83
Agreement: Y
Docket: 05000128
NRC Notified By: Jere Jenkins
HQ OPS Officer: Natalie Starfish
Notification Date: 12/19/2023
Notification Time: 16:15 [ET]
Event Date: 12/15/2023
Event Time: 11:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/15/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
Holly Cruz (NRR)
Andrew Waugh (NRR)
Event Text
EN Revision Imported Date: 12/16/2024

EN Revision Text: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS VIOLATION

The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email:

"At approximately 1100 CST on December 15, 2023, the facility was discovered to be in violation of a Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) according to Technical Specification 3.3.2.2, which requires that the static pressure measurement in the confinement exhaust system measure -0.1 inches of water or less during operation. It was discovered that this plant variable was not tied to the PANALARM trip for 'Building Pressure', nor was the sensor output value available in the control room to be checked by operators. The PANALARM trip for 'Building Pressure' was set to a different variable not related to the LCO required value. This condition has existed since 2006.

"The reactor was not in operation at the time of the discovery, and the situation creating this LCO violation is being corrected prior to the next reactor startup."

The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance:

The issue was discovered by the vendor when a controller board was being replaced after damage from a power outage.

* * * RETRACTION ON 12/15/2024 AT 2233 EST FROM JERE JENKINS TO IAN HOWARD * * *

The following information was provided by the licensee via email:

"This event report is hereby withdrawn. The reactor was not operated in contravention with the LCO. The confinement pressure was maintained."

Notified NRR (Boyle) and NRR (Waugh)


Agreement State
Event Number: 57456
Rep Org: NJ Rad Prot And Rel Prevention Pgm
Licensee: Phillips 66
Region: 1
City: Linden   State: NJ
County:
License #: 506897-RAD240003
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Jack Tway
HQ OPS Officer: Jon Lilliendahl
Notification Date: 12/06/2024
Notification Time: 12:55 [ET]
Event Date: 12/05/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/06/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Dentel, Glenn (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Event Text
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK SHUTTER

The following information was provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection via email:

"On December 5, 2024, the licensee became aware of a shutter that could not fully close but was able to return to the fully open, operative position. The shutter failure was identified while performing a routine six-month fixed gauge shutter check. The fixed gauge is located eight feet above a walking platform which is only accessible to licensee staff via ladder, scaffolding or other means. No members of the public have access to this location.

"The shutter is currently in its normal, open position. No maintenance activities are scheduled which would require closure of the shutter.

"The licensee has a contract with the manufacturer and has scheduled them to assess this situation and make any necessary repairs.

"The shutter holder contains a Cs-137 sealed source (model A-2102) with maximum activity of 300 mCi.

"This event is reportable under 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2) [NJAC 7:28-51.1]"

Equipment information:
Model number: SH-F2
Serial number: 0362CG
Manufacturer: Vega Americas, Inc.

New Jersey Event Report ID number: To be determined


Agreement State
Event Number: 57457
Rep Org: Illinois Emergency Mgmt. Agency
Licensee: Alton Steel
Region: 3
City: Alton   State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01738-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Gary Forsee
HQ OPS Officer: Jon Lilliendahl
Notification Date: 12/06/2024
Notification Time: 15:51 [ET]
Event Date: 12/05/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/06/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Learn, Matthew (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Event Text
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK SOURCES

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

"On December 5, 2024, two 1.53 mCi Co-60 sources were removed from their casting molds for an outage and placed into shielded source holders. At that time, it was discovered that one source could not be fully placed into its shielded configuration. The cause was believed to be a bend or steel prohibiting the source from being fully inserted. The active portion of the source was shielded, but the inactive portion extended beyond the shutter. It was also discovered that the shutter for the second source was inoperable.

"The sources were oriented to minimize exposure rates and secured in the licensee's source storage room. Exposure rates within the source storage room were 2 mR per hour and the exterior wall (unrestricted area) was maximumly 1.6 mR/hour. These measurements were confirmed by Chase Environmental consulting staff on December 6, 2024.

"The Agency staff will respond to the facility and assess the sources and shields when being removed for use on Monday, December 9, 2024.

"There are no anticipated exposures in excess of regulatory limits as a result of this incident. The matter is reportable to the Agency under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1220(c)(2)."

Equipment information:
Device: Gauge shutter
Manufacturer: Berthold
Model number: LB 300 IRL ML

Illinois Item Number: IL240031


Agreement State
Event Number: 57458
Rep Org: Illinois Emergency Mgmt. Agency
Licensee: St. Francis Medical Center
Region: 3
City: Peoria   State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01361-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Gary Forsee
HQ OPS Officer: Jon Lilliendahl
Notification Date: 12/06/2024
Notification Time: 15:51 [ET]
Event Date: 12/04/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/16/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Learn, Matthew (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Allen, Logan (NMSS)
Event Text
EN Revision Imported Date: 12/17/2024

EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MEDICAL EVENT

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

"On December 4, 2024, while administering Y-90 microspheres to a patient for radioembolization of the liver, a portion was shunted to the gastrointestinal tract. The shunting was not identified in the licensee's pre-administration macroaggregated albumin (MAA) mapping. The shunting is estimated to have resulted in approximately 100 cGy (rem) to the patient's stomach. The patient and physician have been notified. The licensee has not been reachable for additional details and a site visit is being coordinated."

* * * RETRACTION ON 12/16/2024 AT 1448 FROM GARY FORSEE TO IAN HOWARD * * *

"The Agency conducted a reactive inspection on 12/11/24. Inspectors spoke with the authorized user (AU) to determine if shunting to non-treatment sites had been assessed in advance of the administration in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Proper shunting calculations had been performed for the lung and no additional non-treatment sites were identified. The licensee had performed an angiogram to evaluate GI flow on the day of procedure with nothing unique noted. Specifically, no GI flow was observed. The AU continued with administration to segment 4 of the liver using a Progreat 2.4Fr by 130 cm microcatheter, lot numbers: 240701 (exp. 6/30/26) and 240619 (exp. 5/31/26). No pressure, blockage or other abnormalities were encountered during administration. Nothing new or unique about the target or delivery was reported or identified. However, upon performing post-administration PET scans, uptake to the stomach was observed. The Agency has seen an increased number of licensees performing post administration PET scans and as a result, licensees are now able to visualize shunting to other organs. For example, in this case, without the post administration scan, the uptake to the stomach would not be known.

"The inspector's reactive inspection memorandum is pending and this report will be updated with additional details. However, at this point, both the physician and the inspectors believe the shunting to the stomach was due to the vasculature of the patient and not improper catheter placement. As a result, this medical event is being requested for retraction. This report is being kept open pending addition of the inspector's detailed findings."

Notified R3DO (Stoedter), NMSS (Allen), and NMSS Events Notification (Email)

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: 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
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
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Gepford, Heather (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Event Text
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."


Power Reactor
Event Number: 57470
Facility: Brunswick
Region: 2     State: NC
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4
NRC Notified By: Charles Brookshire
HQ OPS Officer: Ernest West
Notification Date: 12/12/2024
Notification Time: 12:22 [ET]
Event Date: 11/03/2024
Event Time: 19:17 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/12/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
50.73(a)(1) - Invalid Specif System Actuation
Person (Organization):
Franke, Mark (R2DO)
Power Reactor Unit Info
Unit SCRAM Code RX Crit Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
1 N Y 100 Power Operation 100 Power Operation
Event Text
INVALID ACTUATION OF CONTAINMENT ISOLATION VALVES

The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email:

"This 60-day optional telephone notification is being made in lieu of a licensee event report (LER) submittal as allowed by 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 an invalid actuation of one of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B).

"At approximately 1917 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 3, 2024, an invalid actuation of group 6 primary containment isolation valves (PCIVs) (i.e., containment atmospheric control/monitoring (CAC/CAM) and post accident sampling system (PASS) isolation valves) occurred. Reactor building ventilation isolated and standby gas treatment started, per design.

"The group 6 isolation resulted from a spurious signal from the reactor building ventilation radiation monitor `A' channel. No manipulations associated with the isolation or reset logic were ongoing at the time, and no abnormalities were noted in the reactor building ventilation radiation values. The readings for both reactor building ventilation radiation monitor channels remained consistent with each other, with no readings approaching the isolation setpoint.

"The actuation was 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. Therefore, this event has been determined to be an invalid actuation.

"During this event the PCIVs functioned successfully, and the actuations were complete. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public."


Non-Agreement State
Event Number: 57461
Rep Org: Acuren
Licensee: Acuren
Region: 4
City: Prudhoe Bay   State: AK
County:
License #: 22-27593-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: David Torres
HQ OPS Officer: Sam Colvard
Notification Date: 12/09/2024
Notification Time: 20:39 [ET]
Event Date: 11/07/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [YST]
Last Update Date: 12/10/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - Safety Equipment Failure
Person (Organization):
Azua, Ray (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Event Text
BROKEN RADIOGRAPHY SOURCE CABLE

The following information was provided by the licensee via email:

"On 11/07/2024, a radiographic crew was performing radiographic testing (RT) on a lease in Prudhoe Bay, AK (about 15 minutes from the Prudhoe Bay field station), when they noticed their camera (Sentinel 880 Delta, serial number: D3963, Ir-192 source model # A424-9, serial number: 96639M, 65.9 Ci) did not lock the source into the safe position. After attempting to check the lock with the same result, they initiated the proper notifications to the site radiation safety officer (RSO), management and drill site operator.

"At 1030 YST, the crew contacted management after extending and verifying their boundaries. They were instructed to wait for retrieval personnel and monitor their boundaries. The retrieval personnel consisted of a trained and certified retrieval RSO and experienced retrieval employees.

"The retrieval crew arrived on-site at 1100. The scene was immediately assessed, boundaries verified, dosimetry checked, and no one was over exposed to radiation. A short meeting with the RT crew and retrieval personnel followed. It was determined that the exposure device was hanging about six feet off the ground on ropes attached to a pipe above it, and the collimator was pointing upward of the building where their exposure was being taken. Once the initial information was gathered, a conference call was initiated with offsite RSO, and management began to form a plan for locating the source.

"The collimated guide tube and camera were safely lowered to the floor. Once the collimator was on the floor it was shielded. The team determined that the source may have disconnected. To verify, the crew cranked the cable all the way in to see if they could confirm the connector either came off or broke off into the pigtail. They attempted to unscrew the back of the camera but were unable to loosen one of the screws. It was decided to disconnect the safety connector off the cranks from the crank cable housing unit. In doing so, it was found that the 550 connector had broken. A plan was formulated to retrieve the source.

"The drive cable connector broke on the shoulder of the connector between the ball and the crimp, closer to the crimp. How or why is under investigation with QSA. This prevented the retrieval personnel from removing the drive cable from the camera in their attempts to retract the source. The safety connector of the cranks from the crank housing unit had to be removed before moving forward.

"QSA Global has the equipment involved in this incident and are investigating the cause of the mechanical failure.

"Event exposures:
Radiation worker 1: 50 mR film badge, 211 mR ring finger.
Radiation worker 2: 67 mR film badge, 47 mR ring finger.
Radiation worker 3: 43 mR film badge, minimal reading ring finger.
Radiation worker 4: 68 mR film badge, ring finger not used."


Agreement State
Event Number: 57462
Rep Org: MA Radiation Control Program
Licensee: Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc
Region: 1
City: Billerica   State: MA
County:
License #: 60-0088
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Bob Locke
HQ OPS Officer: Jordan Wingate
Notification Date: 12/10/2024
Notification Time: 16:14 [ET]
Event Date: 12/10/2024
Event Time: 15:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/11/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Jackson, Don (R1DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL) (EMAIL)
Event Text
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING TC-99M GENERATOR PACKAGE

The following report was received from the Massachusetts Radiation Control Program (the Agency) via email:

"On 12/10/2024, at around 1500 EST, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. (license number 60-0088) was notified that a package containing a 1 Ci Mo-99/Tc-99m generator in a type B package was missing in transit and notified the Agency at 1545 on the same day.

"The reporting requirement is immediate per 105 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 120.281(A)(1), missing licensed radioactive materials in aggregate quantity equal to or greater than 1,000 times quantity specified in 105 CMR 120.297, Appendix C.

"The Agency considers this event to be open."

Generator Model: Technelite-LEU 37.0 GBq Domestic
Generator Serial Number: B338411A04
Shipped to Southwest Health Systems in Cortez, Colorado.
Deemed lost by common carrier on 12/10/2024. The most recent reported location was Memphis, TN.
Activity: 37 Gbq, Mo-99/Tc-99m
Calibration date: 12/03/2024
Shipped as Yellow III, TI of 1.3

* * * UPDATE ON 12/11/2024 AT 1335 EST FROM ROBERT LOCKE TO JORDAN WINGATE * * *

"At 1318 EST on 12/11/2024, the licensee reported that the missing package had been delivered to its intended destination. The Agency considers this event closed."

Notified R1DO (Jackson), NMSS Events Notification (email), and ILTAB (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: 57463
Rep Org: Illinois Emergency Mgmt. Agency
Licensee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
Region: 3
City: Morris   State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01737-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Gary Forsee
HQ OPS Officer: Ernest West
Notification Date: 12/10/2024
Notification Time: 16:26 [ET]
Event Date: 12/09/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/10/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Ziolkowski, Michael (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
Event Text
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK OPEN SHUTTER

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

"The Agency was contacted on 12/10/2024 by representatives for Equistar Chemicals, LP (IL-01737-01) in Morris, IL, to report a fixed gauge shutter stuck in the open position [that was discovered on 12/9/2024]. The gauge is installed on the side of a process vessel and is normally in the open position. The shutter will remain in its normally open position and there will be no vessel entry. There are no changes in radiation levels except [expected levels resulting from] not being able to close the shutter. Entry to [the vessel] requires complete shutdown of the process line, and none are currently scheduled. The manufacturer's representative is on site today, 12/10/2024, to troubleshoot and make appropriate repairs. There are no exposures reported or anticipated as a result of this issue.

"Agency inspectors are coordinating a site visit to determine the root cause and corrective action. The licensee has provided a preliminary assessment that moisture can enter the housing and cause corrosion in the shutter. This report will be updated when additional information is available."


Agreement State
Event Number: 57465
Rep Org: Colorado Dept of Health
Licensee: Pindustry
Region: 4
City: Greenwood Village   State: CO
County:
License #: GL002686
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: Kathryn Kirk
HQ OPS Officer: Ernest West
Notification Date: 12/10/2024
Notification Time: 18:30 [ET]
Event Date: 03/05/2024
Event Time: 00:00 [MST]
Last Update Date: 12/10/2024
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
Agreement State
Person (Organization):
Azua, Ray (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
ILTAB, (EMAIL) (EMAIL)
Event Text
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST EXIT SIGNS

The following is a summary of information provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment via email:

Two tritium exit signs were determined to be lost by the licensee.

Manufacturer: Isolite Corporation
Number of signs: 2
Model: BX-10-BK
Activity: 9.21 Ci each, H-3

The signs were discovered missing during an annual fire inspection on 03/05/2024.

Notifications: Colorado Regulations Section 4.51.1.1 (10 CFR 20.2201(a)(1)(i))

Colorado Event Report ID Number: CO240030


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