The following report was received from the State of
Arkansas via email:
[The licensee] discovered two fixed gauges, manufactured by Kay-Ray, model #GRP-6082, serial #6124 (digester 2) and #6125 (digester 3) with a 5 Curie Cs-137 source were damaged sometime in May 2014.
The Department [Arkansas Department of Health] became aware of the repair during a routine inspection of the plant. According to the field service report, repairs were performed on June 5, 2014. The repairs were to the lead shielding around source holders which was separated from the original fabrication and needed to be refastened. The field service report indicated the shutter was not closed during the repairs.
Basic evaluations at the time of inspection, by [licensee] Radiation Control Health Physicists, indicated there were no public exposure levels above the regulatory requirement. The gauges are mounted on a steel metal box. The gauges are located on the 3rd floor 10 feet above the floor. Gauges are in cages inaccessible without a ladder. It is believed a small field of radiation was present but there were no significant exposures to the public.
The State is awaiting a written report from the licensee and will continue to investigate this event. The State will update this event as more information becomes available.
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality office was notified.
Arkansas Event Number: ARK-2015-011
- * * UPDATE FROM SUSAN ELLIOTT TO STEVEN VITTO ON 03/08/2016 AT 0943 EST * * *
The following was received via email:
The written report dated March 3, 2016, from Clearwater Paper Corporation, detailed corrective actions to ensure repairs to the lead shielding around source holders were sufficient to prevent radiation exposure. A licensed contractor inspected all sources for physical integrity and validated their findings. There was no radiation leakage from any of the fixed gauges to include the two in question. The licensee confirms no exposure to the public.
The State considers this event closed.
Notified R4DO (Proulx) and NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION via email.