The following information was provided by the
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (
DEQ) via email:
Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) currently holds a radiation license (OK-19428-01) for multiple gauges utilized at [the WFEC] Hugo Power Plant. This is a steam plant that operates with coal to generate electricity. A fire was reported at the plant exposing one gauge to high temperatures but did not expose the gauge to direct flames. Based on [the licensee's] phone conversation [with the DEQ] on August 8, 2022, at 1136 [CDT]. The licensee provided this description of the events.
On August 5, 2022, at 2240 [CDT] smoke was reported in coal bunker D. Staff immediately began procedures to extinguish the fire. Coal bunker D is located directly below coal feeder D and this caused thermal heat around the piping which feeds coal feeder D. A plug detector, which is a RA-226 source, is mounted around this pipe. By 0600 [CDT] on August 6, 2022, the Coal Bunker D was down to 120 degrees [Fahrenheit]. The plant staff notified the WFEC Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), at 0640 [CDT] to check the nuclear gauging device (D FDR Top, serial #SE2562, source amount is 2 mCi).
Upon arriving at the plant, the RSO surveyed the area around the gauge and determined the area was safe. The gauge had received radiant heat from the fire causing the paint to be removed from the gauge. The survey meter read 0.7mR/hr to 1.0mR/hr around the gauge which is normal. The RSO also conducted an in house leak test checking with the survey meter. The background was 0.1mR/hr and sample was 0.2mR/hr. WFEC is contacting the manufacturer to determine if further inspection is needed.
The licensee believes that no radiation exposure or leaks have occurred. Additional information will be provided by the
DEQ as it becomes available.