IR 05000123/2020201

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Missouri University of Science and Technology - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Routine Inspection Report No. 05000123/2020201
ML20248J267
Person / Time
Site: University of Missouri-Rolla
Issue date: 09/28/2020
From: Travis Tate
NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO
To: Graham J
Missouri Univ of Science & Technology
O'Bryan P. NRR/DANU/UNPO, 301-415-0266
Shared Package
ML20272A156 List:
References
IR 2020201
Download: ML20248J267 (17)


Text

September 28, 2020

SUBJECT:

MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - U.S.

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000123/2020201

Dear Dr. Graham:

From August 10-12, 2020, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the Missouri University of Science and Technology research reactor facility.

The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on August 12, 2020, 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 enclosures, 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). If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Phil OBryan at 301-415-0266, or by electronic mail at Phil.OBryan@nrc.gov.

Sincerely,

/RA/

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. 50-123 License No. R-79 Enclosure:

As stated cc: w/enclosure: See next page

Missouri University of Science and Technology Docket No. 50-123 cc:

Homeland Security Coordinator Planning Coordinator Missouri Office of Homeland Security Missouri Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 749 1101 Riverside Drive Jefferson City, MO 65102 Jefferson City, MO 65101 Planner, Dept of Health and Senior Services Mr. Ethan Taber, Reactor Manager Section for Environmental Public Health Missouri University of Science 930 Wildwood Drive and Technology Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570 Nuclear Reactor Facility 250 West 13th Street Deputy Director for Policy Rolla, MO 65409-0630 Department of Natural Resources 1101 Riverside Drive Fourth Floor East Jefferson City, MO 65101 A-95 Coordinator Commissioners Office Office of Administration P.O. Box 809 State Capitol Building, Room 125 Jefferson City, MO 65101 Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter Attention: Amber Johnson Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering University of Maryland 4418 Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20742-2115 Dr. Ayodeji Alajo, Interim Program Director Missouri of Science and Technology Nuclear Engineering 222 Fulton Hall Rolla, MO 65409-0630

ML20248J267 *concurrence via e-mail NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO* NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA* NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC*

NAME POBryan NParker TTate DATE 9/9/2020 9/9/2020 9/28/2020

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.: 50-123 License No.: R-79 Report No.: 05000123/2020201 Licensee: Missouri University of Science and Technology Facility: Missouri University of Science and Technology Research Reactor Location: Rolla, MO Dates: August 10-12, 2020 Inspector: Phil OBryan 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 Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri University of Science and Technology Research Reactor Inspection Report No. 05000123/2020201 The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection, was the on-site review of selected aspects of the licensees Class II research reactor facility safety program including:

(1) organization and staffing, (2) operations logs and records, (3) procedures, (4) requalification training, (5) surveillance and limiting conditions for operation (LCO), (6) experiments, (7) design changes, (8) committees, audits and reviews, (9) emergency planning, (10) maintenance logs and records, and (11) fuel handling logs and records. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) determined that the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance NRC requirements.

Organization and Staffing

  • The inspector found that the licensees organization and staffing complied with Section 6.1 of the technical specifications (TSs).

Operations Logs and Records

  • The inspector found that operations logs and records were maintained in accordance with TS Section 6.8.

Procedures

  • The inspector found that written procedures were maintained in accordance with the requirements outlined in TS Section 6.4.

Requalification Training

  • The inspector found that operator requalification was conducted as required by the operator requalification program.
  • The inspector found that medical examinations were completed for each operator biennially in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation

  • The inspector found that the licensee complied with the TS requirements pertaining to surveillance and LCO.

Experiments

  • The inspector found that reactor experiments were performed in accordance with the requirements of the TS and the applicable procedure.

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Design Changes

  • The inspector found that the licensee maintained a procedure for processing facility changes in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Committees, Audits and Reviews

  • The inspector found that the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) performed independent oversight in accordance with TS requirements.

Emergency Planning

  • The inspector found that emergency response equipment was maintained, and alarms were tested at the required periodicity by the EP.
  • The inspector found that annual evacuation drills and biennial emergency drills were conducted as required by the EP.
  • The inspector found that emergency preparedness training for staff and first responders was completed as required by the EP.

Maintenance Logs and Records

  • The inspector found that maintenance records and performance satisfied TS and procedural requirements.

Fuel Handling Logs and Records

  • The inspector found that the licensee conducted fuel handling activities and maintained records in a manner consistent with regulatory and license requirements.

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REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T, licensee) 200-kilowatt pool-type research reactor was operated in support of graduate and undergraduate instruction, laboratory experiments, reactor operator training, and various types of research.

The Missouri University of Science and Technology Reactor (MSTR) was not operated during this inspection.

1. Organization and Staffing a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001, Section 02.01)

The inspector reviewed the following documents to ensure that the requirements of Section 6.1 of the TS, implemented as Appendix A to the Facility Operating License Number (No.) R-79, dated March 30, 2009, were met:

  • contact phone number list, dated January 8, 2018
  • hourly log sheets from January 2018 to the present
  • reactor console logbook No. 19, for March 12, 2018, to the present
  • MSTR standard operating procedures (SOPs) for 2018 to the present including: SOP-102, Pre-Startup Checklist Procedure; SOP-105, Reactor Shutdown & Reactor Securing Procedures; and, SOP-107, Permanent Log, Hourly Log, and Operational Data
  • Progress Report for the Missouri University of Science and Technology Nuclear Reactor Facility, (facility annual reports) for 2018 and 2019
  • RSC meeting minutes for 2018 through the present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that logs and records indicated that shift staffing was as required in the TS. The inspector observed that a current contact list was posted as required by TS Section 6.1.3.2.

c. Conclusion The inspector found that the organization and staffing of MSTR was maintained in accordance with TS Section 6.1.

2. Operations Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.02)

The inspector reviewed the following reactor operations records to ensure compliance with the requirements of TS Section 6.8:

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  • reactor console logbook No. 19, for March 12, 2018, to the present
  • selected MSTR SOPs and forms for the period from 2018 to the present including: SOP-101, General Operating Procedures; SOP-102, Pre-Startup Checklist Procedure; SOP-103, Reactor Startup to Low Power; SOP-104, Reactor Power Changes and Stable Operations; SOP-105, Reactor Shutdown & Reactor Securing Procedures; SOP-107, Permanent Log, Hourly Log, and Operational Data; and, SOP-810, Weekly Checklist b. Observations and Findings Reactor operations, including maintenance and unplanned scrams, were documented in the reactor console logbook. Reactor operations were conducted following written procedures and TS requirements. The inspector reviewed the logs, checklists, and other records related to reactor operations for the past 2 years and confirmed that TS operational limits was not exceeded.

c. Conclusion The inspector found that operations logs and records were maintained in accordance with TS Section 6.8.

3. Procedures a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.03)

The inspector reviewed the following documents to ensure that written instructions for those activities specified in TS Section 6.4 were in effect:

  • reactor console logbook No. 19 for March 12, 2018, to the present
  • selected MSTR SOPs and forms for 2018 to the present including: SOP-102, Pre-Startup Checklist Procedure; SOP-105, Reactor Shutdown & Reactor Securing Procedures; SOP-107, Permanent Log, Hourly Log, Operational Data; SOP 310, 10 CFR 50.59 Changes, Tests and Experiments; SOP-501, Emergency Procedures for Reactor Building Evacuation; SOP-800, Annual Checklist; and, SOP-810, Weekly Checklist
  • MSTR (annual) progress reports for 2018 and 2019
  • RSC meeting minutes for 2018 to the present b. Observations and Findings TS Section 6.4 requires that operating procedures be prepared for specific activities. It also specifies a means for making minor and substantive changes to procedures. The inspector determined that the licensee was complying with the TS guidance for making changes to procedures. Facility annual reports listed the procedures that were updated during the year and the RSC minutes reflected review and approval of procedure changes.

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c. Conclusion The inspector found that procedures were established in accordance with TS Section 6.4 and were maintained, reviewed, and updated as required.

4. Requalification Training a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.04)

The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 55, Operators Licenses, requirements for reactor operator requalification, and the requirements of the licensees operator requalification program were met:

  • completed and partially completed reactor operators requalification sheets for the 2019 through 2020
  • requalification files for individual operators
  • written biennial requalification examination records for the last 2 years
  • reactor console logbook No. 19, from March 12, 2018, to the present
  • Operator Requalification Program for the Missouri University of Science and Technology Reactor, Revision 4, dated January 10, 2018 b. Observations and Findings (1) Operator Requalification The inspector found that operators training records showed that the operators were knowledgeable of the appropriate subject material required by the program as demonstrated by successful completion of biennial written examinations. Individual requalification records also showed that each operator demonstrated operational competence which was checked by reactor supervision as required by the requalification program. The inspector further confirmed that the operators completed the required reactivity manipulations and the quarterly hours of operation required by the program. The inspector reviewed the biennial medical examinations for all licensed personnel and confirmed that these examinations were completed as required.

(2) Inspector Follow-up Item (IFI) 50-123/2018-201-01, Review the proper and adequate completion and maintenance of operator requalification records as specified in the licensees operator requalification program.

The NRC inspector opened IFI 50-123/2018-201-01 in 2018 during the last operations inspection at MSTR because MSTR could not locate requalification records for some operators due to poor turnover of the Reactor Manager position. During this inspection, the inspector verified that requalification records were properly maintained. Therefore, IFI 50-123/2018-201-01 is closed.

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c. Conclusion The inspector found that operator requalification was conducted as required by the operator requalification program. Medical examinations were completed biennially for operators as required.

5. Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.05)

The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify that LCO specified in TS Section 3 and periodic surveillance checks and tests stipulated in TS Section 4 were met:

  • reactor console logbook No. 19, from March 12, 2018, to the present
  • MSTR reactor instrumentation SOPs (800 series) and the associated forms for the period from 2018 to the present.
  • MSTR Argon-41 air release calculation dated October 24, 2019 b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed selected records of TS required checks, tests, and LCO verifications performed from 2018 to the present. The inspector found that the periodic checks, tests, and LCO verifications for TS-required surveillances were completed as required. The inspector found that the results of these activities were within prescribed TS limits and procedure parameters and consistent with previous surveillance results.

The various surveillance checks, inspections, and verifications reviewed were tracked through the Weekly and Annual Checklists, and equipment-specific surveillance forms. Documentation of completion of these activities was maintained on checklists or forms.

c. Conclusion The inspector found that the licensee complied with the TS requirements pertaining to surveillance and LCO.

6. Experiments a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.06)

The inspector reviewed the following documents to ensure that the requirements of TS Sections 3.7 and 6.5 were met:

  • reactor console logbook No. 19, from March 12, 2018, to the present
  • MSTR SOP-702, Irradiation Request Forms [IRF]

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  • completed IRFs for 2018 to the present
  • MSTR (annual) progress reports for 2018 and 2019
  • RSC meeting minutes for 2018 through the present b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the licensees program for conducting experiments.

Each experiment was initiated using a previously written and approved IRF or by filling out a new request form. The inspector found that new IRFs were completed in accordance with the appropriate procedure, SOP-702, Irradiation Request Forms, and TS Sections 3.7 and 4.7. The results of the experiments were documented on Sample Irradiation Log forms that were associated with the applicable IRFs. The inspector did not note any problems or discrepancies.

c. Conclusion The inspector determined that reactor experiments were performed in accordance with the requirements of the TS and the applicable procedure.

7. Design Changes a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.08)

The inspector ensured that the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59 and the licensees administrative procedures were met by reviewing the following records:

  • reactor console logbook No. 19, from March 12, 2018, to the present
  • MSTR SOP-310, Facility Modifications
  • maintenance records 2018 to the present
  • RSC meeting minutes for 2018 and 2019
  • MSTR (annual) progress reports for 2018 and 2019 b. Observations and Findings There were no facility changes in the time period covered by the inspection (2018 to the present) that required a 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation. The inspector reviewed maintenance records and verified that no maintenance at the facility constituted a change to the facility.

c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the requirements specified in 10 CFR 50.59 were met.

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8. Committees, Audits and Reviews a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.09)

The inspector reviewed the following documents to ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.2 were met:

  • annual independent audits conducted for MSTR by the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor staff members for 2018 and 2019
  • RSC meeting minutes for 2018 and 2019
  • Progress Report for the Missouri University of Science and Technology Nuclear Reactor Facility, (facility annual reports) for 2018 and 2019 b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that RSC membership satisfied TS Section 6.2.2 requirements and that the committee provided oversight for the reactor as required. The inspector also found RSC minutes and audit records showed that safety reviews and individual audits were completed at the required frequency for the functional areas specified by TS Sections 6.2.3 and 6.2.4. Audit topics included reactor operations, the operator requalification program, the radiation protection program, corrective actions when needed, experiments, emergency preparedness, and security procedures. The inspector reviewed audit reports and determined that the audit findings, and licensee actions taken in response to the findings, were acceptable.

c. Conclusion The inspector found that the RSC continued to perform independent oversight in accordance with TS requirements.

9. Emergency Planning a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.10)

The inspector reviewed the following documents to verify that the licensee implemented and complied with the MSTR EP:

  • Emergency Plan for Missouri Science and Technology Nuclear Reactor Facility, Revision 8, dated August 15, 2017
  • EP semester evacuation drill records for 2018 to the present
  • EP emergency box inventories for 2019
  • MSTR SOPs and forms including SOP-501, Emergency Procedures for Reactor Building Evacuation; SOP-502, Emergency Procedures for an Unusual Event; SOP-503, Emergency Procedures for an Alert; SOP-504, Emergency Procedures for a Site Area Emergency; SOP-506, Bomb Threat; SOP-507, Emergency Procedures - Administrative Responsibilities; SOP-508, Tornado Threat; SOP-509, Fire; SOP-510, Earthquake; and,

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SOP-511, Response to Missing Special Nuclear Material

  • mutual aid and assistance agreements with Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla Fire Department, and MS&T b. Observations and Findings (1) Observations The inspector verified that the EP was audited and reviewed annually by the Reactor Manager or an appointee as required. The implementing procedures were reviewed annually and revised as needed. The inspector reviewed training records and verified that annual emergency response training was conducted as required by the EP. Notification procedures and phone numbers were current and posted.

The inspector determined that the emergency equipment and portable detection instrumentation listed in the emergency procedures were available and tested and maintained as required by the EP and MSTR procedures. Emergency equipment was kept in several locations and inventoried as required. The inspector physically verified that the EP equipment box in the Physics Building was properly equipped and available in the correct location.

The inspector reviewed the mutual aid and assistance agreements that were established with the offsite medical support organization, the Phelps County Regional Medical Center and the Rolla Fire Department.

(2) Notice of Violation (NOV) 50-123/2018-201-03, Failure to hold evacuation drills during either semester in 2017 as required by 10 CFR 50.34(b)(6)(v)

and Section 10.1 of the MSTR EP.

NOV 50-123/2018-201-03 was issued to MSTR in 2018 for failing to conduct evacuation drills in 2017, as required by Section 10.1 of their EP.

Failing to adhere to the provisions of the MSTR EP constituted a violation of 10 CFR 50.34, Contents of applications; technical information, paragraph (b)(6)(v). During the current inspection, the inspector found that MSTR had corrected the issue and evacuation drills were conducted at the required frequency (each semester). Therefore, NOV 50-123/2018-03 is closed.

(3) IFI 50-123/2018-201-02, Ensure that the licensee has the correct key to the storage room in the Physics Building and proper access to the equipment box in that room.

During the 2018 NRC EP inspection, the inspector could not perform a physical inspection of EP equipment box because there was excess janitorial equipment stored in the room. Additionally, the MSTR staff could not initially locate a functioning key for the room. During this inspection, the inspector found that both of these issues were corrected, and the equipment was accessible. Therefore, IFI 50-123/2018-201-02 is closed.

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c. Conclusion The inspector found that emergency preparedness program was implemented and conducted in accordance with the facilitys EP.

10. Maintenance Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.11)

The inspector reviewed the following records to verify licensee compliance with maintenance requirements of TS Section 6.4 and TS Section 6.8.1:

  • equipment discrepancy records for 2018 to the present
  • reactor console logbook No. 19 or 2018 to the present b. Observations and Findings The licensee maintained a detailed equipment deficiency file subdivided by individual systems. The detail of the entries allowed immediate retrieval of relevant information. Preventative maintenance was also documented in maintenance files and the console logbook. The inspector found that equipment out-of-service times were documented and required TS actions for facility operation were taken.

c. Conclusion The inspector found that maintenance records and performance satisfied TS and procedural requirements.

11. Fuel Handling Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.12)

The inspector reviewed the following records to verify compliance with regulatory and license requirements:

  • reactor console logbooks No. 19 for March 12, 2018, to the present
  • MSTR SOP-112, Fuel Management
  • MSTR SOP-207, Fuel Handling, and the associated forms entitled Transfer Order Form, and MSTR Core and Rack Storage Form
  • core loading and fuel rack maps posted in the reactor bay
  • physical location of fuel in the fuel storage area b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed records of fuel movements completed from 2018 to the present. These fuel movements were typically conducted for control rod transfer

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forms against the console log and the core maps. Serial numbers were verified during fuel moves and a physical inventory was completed following completion of the fuel moves.

c. Conclusion The inspector found that the fuel handling activities were conducted in accordance with regulatory and license requirements.

12. Exit Meeting The inspection scope and results were summarized on August 12, 2020, with members of licensee management and staff. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection results.

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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee Personnel E. Tabor Reactor Manager M. Bresnahan Director of Environmental Health and Safety Facility Director A. Skye Reactor Operator INSPECTION PROCEDURE USED IP 69001 Class II Non-Power Reactors ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Open None Closed 50-123/2018-201-01 IFI Review the proper and adequate completion and maintenance of operator requalification records as specified in the licensees Operator Requalification Program.

50-123/2018-201-02 IFI Ensure that the licensee has the correct key to the storage room in the Physics Building and proper access to the equipment box in that room.

50-123/2018-201-03 VIO Failure to hold evacuation drills during either semester in 2017 as required by 10 CFR 50.34(b)(6)(v) and Section 10.1 of the MSTR EP.

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