IR 05000027/2021201
| ML21207A008 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Washington State University |
| Issue date: | 08/27/2021 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Hines C Washington State Univ |
| Roche K | |
| References | |
| IR 2021201 | |
| Download: ML21207A008 (13) | |
Text
August 3, 2021
SUBJECT:
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000027/2021201
Dear Mr. Hines:
From June 22 24, 2021, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the Washington State University Modified TRIGA Nuclear Reactor facility. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection that were discussed on June 24, 2021, 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 non-compliance with NRC requirements were identified. No response to this letter is required.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 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 NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Mr. Kevin Roche at 301-415-1554, or by electronic mail at Kevin.Roche@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Signed by Tate, Travis on 08/03/21 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.50-027 License No. R-76 Enclosure:
As stated cc: See next page
Washington State University Docket No.50-027 cc:
Director Division of Radiation Protection Department of Health 309 Bradley Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 Mr. Rey McGehee Radiation Safety Officer Washington State University P.O. Box 643143 Pullman, WA 99164-3143 Mike Kluzik, Chair Washington State University Reactor Safeguards Committee Nuclear Radiation Center P.O. Box 643143 Pullman, WA 99164-3143 Ms. Hillary Bennett, Reactor Supervisor Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center P.O. Box 641300 Pullman, WA 99164-1300 Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter Attention: Ms. Amber Johnson Dept of Materials Science and Engineering University of Maryland 4418 Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20742-2115
ML21207A008 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME KRoche NParker TTate DATE 07/26 /2021 07/26/2021 08/03/2021
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.: 50-027 License No.: R-076 Report No.: 05000027/2021201 Licensee: Washington State University Facility: Washington State University Modified TRIGA Nuclear Reactor Location: Pullman, Washington Dates: June 22-24, 2021 Inspector: Kevin M. Roche 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 Enclosure
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Washington State University Washington State University Modified TRIGA Nuclear Reactor Inspection Report No. 05000027/2021201 The primary focus of this routine, announced safety inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Washington State University (WSU, the licensees) Class II 1,000 kilowatt research reactor safety program, including: (1) operations logs and records; (2) requalification training; (3) surveillance and limiting conditions for operation (LCO); (4) experiments; (5)
emergency planning; (6) maintenance logs and records; and (7) fuel handling logs and records.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined that the licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with NRC requirements.
Operation Logs and Records The operation logs and records were maintained in accordance with facility procedures and technical specifications (TSs).
Requalification and Training The requalification program was conducted consistently with the TSs and licensee procedures.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation Operations followed the LCO and surveillance requirements as required in the TSs.
Experiments Experiments and irradiations were performed in accordance with TSs, the applicable experiment irradiation authorizations, and associated licensee procedures.
Emergency Planning The emergency plan (E-Plan), oversight, drills, and training were implemented as required by facility procedures and regulations.
Maintenance Logs and Records The licensee maintained records documenting principal maintenance activities in compliance with TS requirements and facility procedures.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records The licensee conducted and documented fuel handling activities in accordance with TS requirements and facility procedures.
REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The licensees Class II 1,000 kilowatt modified Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics Mark-I (TRIGA) research reactor is operated in support of undergraduate instruction, laboratory experiments, reactor operator training, and various types of research. During the inspection, the reactor was started up, operated, and shut down as required and in accordance with applicable procedures to support these ongoing activities.
1. Operations Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.02)
To ensure that the requirements of TS 6.2 were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
standard operating procedure (SOP) - 1, Use of the Reactor, Revision 0.5 SOP-2, Standard Procedures for Startup, Operation, and Shutdown of the Reactor, Revision 0.5 completed sheets of Nuclear Science Center (NSC) Form No. 22, WSU Nuclear Science Center O.1, Reactor Log, Revision May 2018, from July 2019 to present SCRAM Summary Log (S.1) from July 2019 to present Pulsing Summary Log (S.2) from July 2019 to present WSU Annual Report entitled, Annual Operations Report: Washington State University TRIGA Reactor, for the period from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019 WSU Annual Report entitled, Annual Operations Report: Washington State University TRIGA Reactor, for the period from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020 b. Observations and Findings The inspector observed that logbook entries were maintained in accordance with approved procedures. The inspector reviewed selected logbook entries, request for operations, and pre-start and post-shutdown forms and determined that logs and records are maintained as required by the licensee's administrative procedures. The inspector verified that records also showed that operational conditions and parameters were consistent with the license and TS requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the licensees logbook records and record keeping programs were maintained as required by WSU procedures and met the retention requirements of the TSs.
2. Requalification Training a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.04)
To ensure that the requalification training requirements of TSs 6.1.4, and 6.8.2, and, Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 55.53, Conditions of licenses, paragraphs (e) and (h), were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
WSU NSC reactor staff requalification program, last revised August 2, 2018 operator requalification schedule (A.3) for 2019, 2020, and 2021 logs and records of reactivity manipulations maintained in the quarterly reactor operator/senior reactor operator activity reports (O.14) notebook and documented on forms, Quarterly Operations Summary Checklist operation and emergency procedures exam results from 2019 to present requalification training records from 2019 to present written requalification exams from 2019 to present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that the requalification plan contains annual on-the-job training, oral test, and operational test requirements. The inspector verified that training requirements in the areas required were performed throughout the training cycle. The inspector found that written, operations, and emergency preparedness exams were completed during the training cycle, as required. The inspector verified that a sample of licensed operators performed the required quarterly hours of reactor operations. Further, the inspector confirmed by record review that all active operators completed a biennial medical examination.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the WSU requalification program was conducted as required by NRC regulations, WSU TSs, and procedures with the exception noted above.
3. Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.05)
To ensure that the requirements of TSs 3 and 4 were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
monthly core reactivity parameters log (O.7) for 2019 through the present preventative maintenance checklists (O.2) for 2019 through the present power calibration log forms (also in O.2) for 2019 through the present monthly console and auxiliary equipment checklist log (O.9) containing documentation of equipment maintenance as indicated on the WSU NSC Form No. 40, entitled, Console Auxiliary Equipment Maintenance Checklist completed sheets of NSC Form No. 22, WSU Nuclear Science Center O.1, Reactor Log, Revision May 2018 from July 2019 to present WSU NSC Administrative Procedure - 5, Surveillance Documentation Review, Revision 0.1
SOP 20, Standard Procedure for Reactor Power Calibrations, Revision 0.5 SOP 5, Standard Procedure for Performing Preventative Maintenance, Revision 0.5 b. Observations and Findings The inspector selected a sample of the TS-required surveillances to verify implementation and determined that the frequency and outcome met TS requirements.
The inspector verified surveillance results were retained as required by TS 6.8.1 and licensees procedural requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that operations followed the LCOs and surveillance requirements as stated in the TSs.
4. Experiments a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.06)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with TS 3.6 and 6.4:
WSU NSC Irradiation data log sheets for the period from 2019 to the present completed sheets of NSC Form No. 22, WSU Nuclear Science Center O.1, Reactor Log, Revision May 2018, from July 2019 to present recent experiment approvals documented on WSU NSC Form No. 1, entitled, Project Initiation Request Form, with the associated experiment overviews, safety reviews and analyses, isotope production data, accident analyses, and approvals b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that the various experiments conducted at the facility were reviewed and approved. The inspector also noted that no new experiments were proposed in the past several years.
Through a review of console logs and various irradiation request forms, the inspector noted that irradiations were conducted under the cognizance of the Reactor Supervisor.
The inspector verified that irradiations were documented in the console logs. The inspector also verified that the resulting radioactive material was transferred to an authorized user, disposed of as stipulated by procedure, or held for decay.
c. Conclusion The inspector concluded that experiments were reviewed and performed in accordance with the TS requirements and the licensees written procedures.
5. Emergency Planning a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.10)
To verify compliance with the NSC E-Plan, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:
NSC E-Plan, dated April 2020 safety analysis for WSU NSC E-Plan Revision April 2020 safety analysis for WSU NSC E-Plan, Revision January 2020 NSC implementing procedures, dated March 2021 offsite support as documented in the letter of agreement with the Pullman Regional Hospital 2019 emergency drill final report, dated March 19, 2020 2020 emergency drill final report, dated October 28, 2020 training records for licensee staff and support personnel b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the E-plan and implementing procedures to verify they were current, approved by management, and readily available in several locations for use as required by the E-Plan. The inspector reviewed the equipment check semi-annual surveillance completed forms for the emergency supply cabinets located in the facility to ensure the availability and operability of emergency equipment.
The inspector confirmed through document review that the licensee continues to maintain a current memorandum of understanding with the Pullman Regional Hospital to support both onsite and offsite emergency response. The inspector reviewed training records for reactor staff and verified training was completed annually, as required by the E-Plan. Additionally, the facility is required to perform an annual emergency drill in accordance with NSC E-Plan. The inspector verified that emergency drills for calendar year 2019 and 2020 were conducted resulting in evacuations of the facility and participation of offsite organizations. The inspector noted the facility considered actual events (e.g. medical emergency) and incorporated lessons learned into emergency planning.
c. Conclusion Based upon the review of emergency response documents, facility walkdowns, and interviews of licensee personnel, the inspector concluded that the licensee met the requirements of the approved NSC E-Plan.
6. Maintenance Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.11)
To ensure that the maintenance requirements of TSs 6.8.2. and 6.9.1 were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
reactor operations summary sheets from 2019 to present control element inspection log (O.5) from 2019 to present
monthly core reactivity parameters log (O.7) from 2019 to present preventative maintenance checklists (O.2) from 2019 to present monthly console and auxiliary equipment checklist Log (O.9) containing documentation of equipment maintenance as indicated on the WSU NSC Form No. 40, entitled, Console Auxiliary Equipment Maintenance Checklist WSU NSC reactor operating log (O.1) sheets from January 2017 to date in 2019 b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed a selection of maintenance logs and console logbooks. The inspector determined that the selected significant maintenance items reviewed were documented and resolved as required by the licensees administrative procedures.
Additionally, the inspector verified by document review that maintenance records were retained for at least 5 years as required by TS 6.9.1.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the licensee maintained records documenting maintenance activities in compliance with TS requirements and procedures.
7. Fuel Handling Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.12)
To ensure that the requirements of TSs 3.1.6 and 4.1.6 were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
completed sheets of NSC Form No. 22, WSU Nuclear Science Center O.1, Reactor Log, Revision May 2018, from July 2019 to present SOP 23, Standard Procedure for Annual Fuel Inspections, Revision 0.5 core 35-A Cumulative Inspection Summary, dated January 17, 2020 core 35-A Cumulative Inspection Summary, dated January 14, 2021 Administrative Procedure-7, Material Control & Accountability Plan, Revision 0.1 b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the fuel movement and surveillance records and determined that two fuel inspections have occurred since this module was previously inspected. The inspector confirmed that during the January 2020 and 2021, fuel inspections, approximately 20 percent of the fuel elements were inspected in accordance with TSs 3.1.6 and 4.1.6. The inspector reviewed the results and verified that all fuel elements met the TS requirements.
The inspector reviewed core configuration changes. The inspector verified changes were documented and followed established procedures.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensee conducted and documented fuel handling activities in accordance with TS requirements and licensee procedures.
8. Exit Interview The inspector reviewed the inspection results with members of licensee management at the conclusion of the inspection on June 24, 2021. The licensee acknowledged the results and conclusions presented by the inspector.
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee Facility Director H. Bennett Reactor Supervisor M. Heine Senior Reactor Operator INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened None Closed None Discussed None Attachment