IR 05000020/2024201
| ML24248A113 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | MIT Nuclear Research Reactor |
| Issue date: | 09/12/2024 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Foster J Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| References | |
| IR 2024201 | |
| Download: ML24248A113 (1) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000020/2024201
Dear Mr. Foster:
From July 8-11, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reactor. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection, which were discussed on July 11, 2024, with you and members of your staff.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed various activities, and interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of significance were identified. No response to this letter is required.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).
September 12, 2024 If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Brian Lin at (301) 415-2923, or by email at Brian.Lin@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Travis L. Tate, Chief Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No.50-020 License No. R-37 Enclosure:
As stated cc w/enclosure: GovDelivery Subscribers Signed by Tate, Travis on 09/12/24
ML24248A113 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME BLin NParker TTate DATE 09/05/2024 09/06/2024 09/12/2024
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.:
50-020 License No.:
R-37 Report No:
05000020/2024201 Licensee:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Facility:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor Location:
Cambridge, Massachusetts Dates:
July 8-11, 2024 Inspector:
Brian Lin Approved by:
Travis L. Tate, Chief Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Oversight Branch Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor Inspection Report No. 05000020/2024201 The primary focus of this routine announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, the licensee) research reactor safety program, including: (1) effluent and environmental monitoring; (2) review and audit and design change functions; (3) emergency preparedness; (4) radiation protection; and (5)
transportation activities. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined that the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with NRC requirements.
Effluent and Environmental Monitoring
The inspector determined that effluent and environmental monitoring was conducted in accordance with technical specifications (TSs) and regulatory requirements.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
The MIT Reactor Safeguards Committee (RSC) met as required and reviewed the topics outlined in the TS.
- Annual audits of facility programs were conducted as required by the TS.
- Changes to the facility were evaluated using the criteria specified in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments.
The inspector determined that the licensees emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the licensees emergency plan (E-Plan), TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Radiation Protection
The inspector determined that the licensees radiation protection program was conducted in accordance with TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Transportation Activities
The inspector determined that the licensees radioactive material transportation program was in accordance with procedural and regulatory requirements.
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REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory 6-megawatt research reactor is routinely operated in support of training, experiments, and maintenance. During this inspection, the reactor was not operated due to maintenance activities.
1.
Effluent and Environmental Monitoring a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69004)
To verify that the licensee complied with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 20, Standards for Protection against Radiation, and TS section 3.7, the inspector examined a sample of gas and particulate radiation monitors, observed a water waste tank sample taken, observed multiple air samples taken, and reviewed selected aspects of:
facility records of measurements and analysis of effluent samples
"MIT Research Reactor Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Massachusetts Institute of Technology Annual Report to United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the period January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023, dated March 29, 2024
environmental release records
secondary water tritium sample records
effluent monitoring instrumentation maintenance records b.
Observations and Findings The inspector found that environmental radiation monitoring was accomplished by use of thermoluminescent dosimeters placed within a quarter mile of the reactor, and that doses were within regulatory limits. The inspector also found that at least one real-time environmental monitor was at the site and one within approximately one-fourth of a mile of the site was used to verify compliance with environmental dose limits. The inspector noted that gaseous releases from the containment exhaust stack are monitored, and release amounts are calculated and documented in the annual reports; and that the airborne concentrations of the gaseous releases were within the concentrations stipulated in 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix B, Table 2.
The inspector found that the combined sources of all liquid effluent releases were within the monthly average concentration limits established in 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix B, Table 3.
c.
Conclusion The inspector found that effluent release measurements, liquid and gas sampling analysis, and environmental monitoring measurements, demonstrated compliance with regulatory and TS limits.
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2.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69007)
To verify compliance with TS sections 7.2.1, 7.2.2, 7.2.3, and 10 CFR 50.59, the inspector reviewed the following documents:
MIT Research Reactor Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Massachusetts Institute of Technology Annual Report to United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the period January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023, dated March 29, 2024
10 CFR 50.59 evaluations from 2023 - present
MIT Reactor (MITR) Annual Independent Audit Report for CY 2023, dated May 22,2024
response to independent audit for calendar year 2022 dated July 14, 2023
draft of, "Minutes of the One Hundred Sixteenth Meeting of the MIT Reactor Safeguards Committee (MITRSC)," dated January 8, 2024
Minutes of the One Hundred Fifteenth Meeting of the MIT Reactor Safeguards Committee (MITRSC), dated January 25, 2023
115th MITRSC meeting package 1/25/2023
Review and Approval of Plans, Procedures, and Facility Equipment and Changes Thereto," dated February 20, 2013
MP-6/6A Core Tank Stub-Ends Replacement quality assurance report #2023-09 b.
Observations and Findings (1) Review and Audit Functions The inspector found that the MIT RSC meeting frequency and committee membership satisfied TS section 7.2.1, and that safety reviews and audits were completed at the required frequency for the functional areas specified by TS sections 7.2.2 and 7.2.3. The inspector reviewed the results of the audits and determined that the audit findings and licensee actions taken in response to the findings were appropriate.
(2) Design Change Functions The inspector found that screening and safety review of changes, tests, and experiments were in accordance with regulatory requirements and facility procedures.
c.
Conclusion The inspector found that the MIT review, audit and design change programs were implemented in accordance with the TS requirements and NRC regulations.
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3.
Inspection Scope (IP 69011)
The inspector inventoried an emergency locker, observed a daily and weekly security test, and reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance with the licensees E-Plan and associated procedures:
2023 - 2024 annual drill record
select emergency implementing procedures
select emergency locker inventory forms, dated 2023-present
preventive maintenance (PM) 4.0, MITR Emergency Plan and Procedures, dated October 7, 2019
Letter of agreement (LOA) with Massachusetts General Hospital, dated April 11, 2016
LOA with Mount Auburn Hospital, dated December 1, 2013
LOA with City of Cambridge Fire Department, dated August 6, 2018
LOA with City of Cambridge Police Department, dated February 12, 2016
LOA with Professional Ambulance company, dated February 10, 2019
NW12 MIT Police training records
PM 6.6.2.4, Inventory of Emergency Supplies and Equipment, dated April 6, 2022
PM 6.6.2.1.2, Fire Extinguisher Semi-Annual Inspection, dated August 12, 2016
PM 6.6.1.4, Communication Links Test, dated April 15, 2023
PM 3.7.1, Weekly Security, from 2023 - present
2022 Radiological Emergency Exercise (In-House Only), dated November 22, 2022
2023 Medical Emergency Exercise (In-House Only), dated December 7, 2023 b.
Observations and Findings The inspector verified, through discussions with the licensee, that no changes to the E-Plan were made since the last inspection in accordance with 10 CFR 50.54(q),
Emergency Plans. The inspector found that the emergency plan trainings were conducted, drills were performed, and emergency response call lists were maintained and readily available. The inspector also found that the implementing procedures were consistent with emergency plans requirements.
c.
Conclusion The inspector found that the licensee maintained its emergency preparedness program in accordance with its E-Plan requirements.
4.
Radiation Protection a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69012)
To verify that the licensee followed the requirements of TS section 7.3, 10 CFR Part 19, Notices, Instructions and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, and 10 CFR Part 20 the inspector observed a daily radiological survey, and reviewed selected aspects of the following:
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2023 annual operating report
ludlum area monitors calibration records from 2023 - present
personnel dosimetry reports
facility areas, equipment, operations, and postings
MIT Research Reactor Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Massachusetts Institute of Technology Annual Report to United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the period January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023, dated March 29, 2024
MITR Effluent and Process Radiation Monitoring System Quarterly Calibration, from 2023 - present
Effluent and Process Radiation Monitoring System Calibration - Annual Pulse and Voltage Checks, from 2023 - present
employee radiological training records
MIT as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA) policy
radiological survey records
radiological contamination records
D2O activity samples from 2023 - present
annual continuous air monitor calibrations from 2023 - present
select primary gross activity samples from 2023 - present
select secondary gross activity samples from 2023 - present
environmental dosimeters from 2023 - present
Radiological Survey, RRP 3001, Revision 8
Radiological Controls Notification, RRP 0050, Revision 5
PM 1.12, Radiological Training and Dosimetry Classification, dated November 9, 2004 b.
Observations and Findings (1) Surveys The inspector found that periodic contamination and radiation surveys were completed in accordance with radiation protection procedures, and that survey results were documented and posted so that facility personnel would be knowledgeable of the radiological conditions that existed in the controlled areas of the facility.
(2) Postings and Notices The inspector observed that NRC Form 3, Notice to Employees, was prominently posted as required by 10 CFR 19.11, Posting of notices to workers, and that radiological signs were also posted as required by 10 CFR 20.1902, Posting requirements.
(3) Dosimetry The inspector observed that dosimetry use was in accordance with facility procedures and dose limits to workers and the public were within 10 CFR Part 20 limits.
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(4) Radiation Monitoring Equipment The inspector found that installed and portable radiation monitoring equipment was calibrated in accordance with TS and facility procedures.
(5) Radiation Protection Training The inspector reviewed the general employee radiation protection training given to MIT staff members, to those authorized to use the experimental facilities of the reactor, to students, and to visitors, and that training was in accordance with facility procedures and regulatory requirements.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that: (1) surveys were completed and documented in accordance with radiation protection procedures to permit evaluation of the radiation hazards present, (2) postings and notices met regulatory requirements, (3) personnel dosimetry was worn as required by facility procedures and recorded doses were within the NRCs regulatory limits, (4) radiation survey and monitoring equipment was maintained and calibrated as required by TS and facility procedures, (5) the radiation safety training program was implemented in accordance with procedures, and (6) the radiation protection and ALARA programs satisfied regulatory requirements.
5.
Transportation Activities a.
Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify compliance with NRC and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations governing the transportation of radioactive material (RAM) as specified in 10 CFR Part 20 and 10 CFR Part 71, Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Material, and in 49 CFR Parts 171-178:
RAM shipping papers and related records from 4th quarter of 2023 - present
training records for individuals
annual DOT RAM shipping audits for 2023
annual SNM license audit for 2023
MIT Research Reactor Nuclear Reactor Laboratory Massachusetts Institute of Technology Annual Report to United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the period January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023, dated March 29, 2024
various radioactive waste preparation and shipping procedures b.
Observations and Findings The inspector found that the licensee shipped various types of RAM since the last inspection of this area. The inspector noted that shipping records were complete, and the shipping containers were labeled correctly.
The inspector verified that the licensee maintained copies of consignees RAM possession licenses, and that training for staff members involved in the shipment of RAM was performed.
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c.
Conclusion The inspector found that the program for transportation of RAM satisfied the DOT and NRC regulations.
6.
Exit Interview The inspection scope and results were summarized on July 11, 2024, with members of licensee management and staff. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection results. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection.
Attachment PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee T. Bork Reactor Utilization Manager Director, Reactor Operations E. Lau Associate Director, Reactor Operations W. McCarthy Deputy Director, Environment, Health, and Safety S. Tucker Quality Assurance Supervisor F. Warmsley Superintendent of Operations INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69004 Class l Research and Test Reactor Effluent and Environmental Monitoring IP 69007 Class I Research and Test Reactor Review and Audit and Design Change Functions IP 69011 Class I Research and Test Reactor Emergency Preparedness IP 69012 Class I Research and Test Reactors Radiation Protection IP 86740 Inspection of Transportation Activities ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened:
None Closed:
None