The following was received from the state of
Illinois (the Agency) via email:
The Agency was notified by British Petroleum [BP] (registered as a general licensee under the name CHICAP Pipe Line Company (9152422)), that they had discovered a stuck shutter on a generally licensed fixed gauge at their Lemont, IL location. The shutter, which is normally open, has apparently been broken for many years and was only discovered during removal last week. No personnel exposures resulted and the gauge has been secured pending disposal.
A specifically licensed service provider was removing a generally licensed fixed gauge on 11/10/21 for planned disposal through a waste broker when it was discovered to have an inoperable shutter. The gauge was a Ronan Engineering Company model SA-1, containing 50 milliCi of Cs-137 (s/n 8333GG). While the shutter was reportedly routinely tested, the arm that moves the shutter was severely corroded. It was only during removal that the registrant discovered the shutter itself was broken. The gauge has been in service for 24 years and was installed at a 12' height with the beam projecting into the process equipment. As the shutter remains in the open position and personnel are not in the beam path, personnel exposure is not a concern. No reported exposures during removal. The gauge has been double locked with the beam facing down into the concrete floor. The shutter is being repaired so it may be properly transported and disposed of through Bionomics (waste broker). A written report detailing remedial action is required within 30 days under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 330.220(a)(3)(E).
This incident is reportable under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1220. At this time, it does not appear a response to the site by Agency staff will be required. BP's consultant indicated that the gauge manufacturer reports 3-4 of these gauges per year are returned. The issue is reportedly a seal that leaks and gives rise to corrosion - despite being used within the environmental conditions specified in the SSDR [Seal Source Device Registry]. This information is anecdotal but included for NRC's evaluation and trending analysis. This matter will remain open until confirmation of shipping for disposal is received.
Illinois Item Number: IL210037