ENS 55912
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
00:00 May 23, 2022 | |
| Title | External Fire |
| Event Description | 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 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />, but missed the reporting deadline. Updates will be provided as they become available. IL Reference Number: IL220016
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.
The following update was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency via email: A licensed service provider was on site 5/31/22 to properly remove and package the gauge for disposal. Agency staff were on site to oversee operations. Agency staff verified leak tests on both gauges indicated no contamination, the area of the fire was able to be released for unrestricted use (relative to radioactive material) and the gauges were properly stored and secured. Both gauges were successfully locked in a 40 ft single Conex box. Max reading of 1.9 mrem/hr measured at surface of the Conex box. Survey of affected deck area (with gauges removed) verified as at background. Gauges were chained inside the Conex box and the box itself was padlocked shut . The box will be labeled with a CRAM (Caution Radioactive Material) sticker and is sitting in the back of the property. Licensee was informed of the need for proper disposal within 2 years in accordance with 32 Ill. Adm. Code 330.220(a)(6). This report will be updated with any additional information. Pending receipt of the registrant's written report, this matter is considered closed. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy Group, Llc Seneca, Illinois (NRC Region 3) | |
| License number: | 9223843 |
| Organization: | Illinois Emergency Mgmt. Agency |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+37.15 h1.548 days <br />0.221 weeks <br />0.0509 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Gary Forsee 13:09 May 24, 2022 |
| NRC Officer: | Karen Cotton |
| Last Updated: | Jun 1, 2022 |
| 55912 - NRC Website | |
Renewable Energy Group, Llc with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 559122022-05-23T00:00:00023 May 2022 00:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State External Fire 2022-05-23T00:00:00 | |