IR 05000002/2009001
| ML083580228 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Michigan |
| Issue date: | 12/23/2008 |
| From: | Christine Lipa NRC/RGN-III/DNMS/DB |
| To: | Alexander T University of Michigan |
| References | |
| IR-09-001 | |
| Download: ML083580228 (7) | |
Text
December 23, 2008
SUBJECT:
NRC INSPECTION REPORT 050-00002/09-01(DNMS) - FORD NUCLEAR REACTOR
Dear Mr. Alexander:
On December 11, 2008, the NRC completed inspection activities at the Ford Nuclear Reactor.
The purpose of the inspection was to determine whether the decommissioning activities were conducted safely and in accordance with NRC requirements. Specifically, the inspector evaluated decommissioning performance and radioactive waste management. At the conclusion of the on-site inspection on December 11, 2008, the inspector discussed the inspection findings with the Reactor Manager.
This inspection consisted of an examination of decommissioning activities at the Ford Nuclear Reactor as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations.
Areas examined during the inspection are identified in the enclosed report. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of a selective examination of procedures and representative records, and interviews with personnel.
Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC did not identify any violations.
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRC's "Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC's document system (ADAMS). The NRCs document system is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. We will gladly discuss any questions you may have regarding this inspection.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Christine Lipa, Chief
Materials Control, ISFSI, and Decommissioning Branch
Docket No.50-002 License No. R-28
Enclosure:
Inspection Report 050-00002/09-01(DNMS)
REGION III==
Docket No.50-002
License No.
R-28
Report No.
050-00002/09-01(DNMS)
Licensee:
University of Michigan
Facility:
Ford Nuclear Reactor
Location:
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dates:
December 10-11, 2008
Inspector:
William G. Snell, Senior Health Physicist
Jeremy Tapp, Health Physicist
Approved by:
Christine Lipa, Chief Materials Control, ISFSI and Decommissioning Branch Division of Nuclear Materials Safety
Enclosure
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of Michigan - Ford Nuclear Reactor NRC Inspection Report 050-00002/09-01(DNMS)
This routine decommissioning inspection included a review of the licensees current performance related to decommissioning activities and radioactive waste management. The primary activity observed during the inspection was the removal of the storage ports and associated vent lines.
Research and Test Reactor Decommissioning
The inspectors determined that the licensee was close to completing site decontamination and dismantlement activities. No radiological concerns were identified during facility tours and observations of work in progress.
Enclosure
Report Details1
1.0 Research and Test Reactor Decommissioning (69013)
1.1 Inspection Scope
The inspectors toured the facilities undergoing decommissioning, observed current work activities, and reviewed the licensees survey instrumentation calibration set-up and calibration documentation.
1.2 Observations and Findings
The inspectors observed the licensees activities involving the removal of the storage ports and associated vent lines. There were 50 storage ports that extended about 14 feet into the soil outside the buildings foundation, with the ends encased in a buried concrete wall. There were 12 main vent lines that split off to attach to each of the 50 storage ports. The vent lines and storage ports were being excavated for disposal.
The licensee intended to cut the vent lines and ports at the concrete walls, and then over-bore the piping to remove it from the concrete. The piping would then be shipped as radwaste.
Observations of the storage port work and tours of the facility determined that work areas were adequately established to ensure worker safety and the control of radioactive material, areas were roped off and labeled as appropriate, personal protective clothing was adequate, and radioactive waste was being appropriately stored.
In addition, the inspectors reviewed the Initial Instrument Setup worksheet dated March 13, 2008, for the calibration of a Ludlum Scaler/Ratemeter L2221, Serial Number 218585, with a Model Number 44-142 beta scintillator probe, to ensure the detector was adequately calibrated for use during decommissioning activities. The setup consisted of twenty-one detector counts, which were performed using a 29,000 disintegration per minute technetium-99 source. After factoring in the average background radiation, the licensee determined the detectors average efficiency was 21.2 percent. The inspectors then verified other Ludlum L2221 survey instruments Daily Instrument Response documentation was complete. The inspectors reviewed documentation for survey instrument Serial Number 228820 for the time period between September 30, 2008, and October 29, 2008, and survey instrument Serial Number 218579 between September 2, 2008, and October 21, 2008.
1.3 Conclusion
The inspectors determined that the licensee was effectively completing decontamination and dismantlement activities along with adequate calibration of survey instruments and completion of associated documentation. No radiological concerns were identified during a facility tour and observation of work in progress.
1 A List of acronyms used in the report is included at the end of the Report Details.
Enclosure
2.0 Exit Meeting Summary
The inspectors presented the inspection results to licensee management at the conclusion of the onsite inspection on December 11, 2008. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented.
ATTACHMENT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Attachment
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee
- C. Becker, Decommissioning Reactor Manager
- Indicates presence at the exit meeting held on December 11, 2008.
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
IP 69013 Research and Test Reactor Decommissioning
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened None
Closed None
Discussed None
LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
DNMS Division of Nuclear Material Safety NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Documents used during the inspection were specifically identified in the Report Details, above.