IR 05000170/2017201

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Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute - Nuclear Regulatory Commission Routine Inspection Report No. 50-170/2017-201 and Notice of Violation
ML17081A524
Person / Time
Site: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
Issue date: 03/29/2017
From: Anthony Mendiola
Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch
To: Huff L
US Dept of Defense, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
Eads J
References
IR 2017201
Download: ML17081A524 (16)
v • d • e


Text

rch 29, 2017

SUBJECT:

ARMED FORCES RADIOBIOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE - NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-170/2017-201 AND NOTICE OF VIOLATION

Dear Colonel Huff:

From January 24-26, 2017, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or the Commission)

conducted an inspection at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute reactor facility.

The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on January 26, 2017, with you and members of your staff.

This inspection was an examination of 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. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations of activities in progress.

Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC has determined that a Severity Level IV violation of NRC requirements occurred. The violation was evaluated in accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy included on the NRCs Web site at www.nrc.gov; select What We Do, Enforcement, and then Enforcement Policy. The violation is cited in the enclosed Notice of Violation (Notice) and the circumstances surrounding it are described in detail in the subject inspection report. The violation is being cited in the Notice because it constitutes a failure to meet regulatory requirements that has more than minor safety significance and the licensee failed to identify the violation.

You are required to respond to this letter and should follow the instructions specified in the enclosed Notice when preparing your response. If you have additional information that you believe the NRC should consider, you may provide it in your response to the Notice. The NRC review of your response to the Notice will also determine whether further enforcement action is necessary to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, request for withholding, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the 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 Johnny Eads at (301) 415-0136 or by electronic mail at Johnny.Eads@nrc.gov.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-170 License No. R-84 Enclosures:

As stated cc: w/enclosure: See next page

ML17081A524; * concurred via e-mail NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB* NRR/DPR/PROB* NRR/DPR/PROB NAME (OFont for) JEads NParker AMendiola DATE 3/23/17 3/23/17 3/29/17

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Docket No. 50-170 cc:

Director, Maryland Office of Planning 301 West Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Montgomery County Executive 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor Rockville, MD 20850 Environmental Program Manager III Radiological Health Program Air & Radiation Management Adm.

Maryland Dept of the Environment 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 750 Baltimore, MD 21230-1724 Director Air & Radiation Management Adm.

Maryland Dept of the Environment 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 710 Baltimore, MD 21230 Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter P.O. Box 118300 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 Manager Nuclear Programs Maryland Department of Natural Resources Tawes B-3 Annapolis, MD 21401 Mr. Stephen I. Miller Reactor Facility Director Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute 8901 Wisconsin Avenue Bethesda, MD 20889-5603

NOTICE OF VIOLATION Armed Forces Radiobiology Docket No. 50-170 Research Institute License No. R-84 During a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection conducted January 24-26, 2017, a violation of NRC requirements was identified. In accordance with the NRC Enforcement Policy, the violation is listed below:

Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.54(q)(3) states, in part, The licensee may make changes to its emergency plan without NRC approval only if the licensee performs and retains an analysis demonstrating that the changes do not reduce the effectiveness of the plan.

The Emergency Plan for the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI),

Section 1.3.1, states, in part, that the site boundary is bounded on the south by Palmer Road South, on the west and north by Stone Lake Road, and on the east by a circular arc extending from Stone Lake Road to the northernmost corner of the AFRRI N parking lot, clockwise to the intersection of Palmer Road South and Grier Road. It also states that, Within this area, AFRRI has jurisdiction and control of activities.

Contrary to the requirements of 10 CFR 50.54(q)(3), on January 26, 2017, the NRC inspector found the licensee had previously implemented a change to eliminate AFRRI jurisdiction and control of the AFRRI N parking lot without prior NRC approval. The licensee failed to document that the change did not reduce the effectiveness of the plan nor seek NRC approval of the emergency plan change.

This has been determined to be a Severity Level IV violation (Section 6.6).

Pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR 2.201, Notice of violation, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute is hereby required to submit a written statement or explanation to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Document Control Desk, Washington, DC 20555-0001, within 30 days of the date of the letter transmitting this Notice of Violation (Notice). This reply should be clearly marked as a Reply to a Notice of Violation and should include: (1) the reason for the violation, or, if contested, the basis for disputing the violation or severity level, (2) the corrective steps that have been taken and the results achieved, (3) the corrective steps that will be taken, and (4) the date when full compliance will be achieved. Your response may reference or include previous docketed correspondence, if the correspondence adequately addresses the required response. If an adequate reply is not received within the time specified in this Notice, an order or a Demand for Information may be issued as to why the license should not be modified, suspended, or revoked, or why such other action as may be proper should not be taken. Where good cause is shown, consideration will be given to extending the response time.

If you contest this enforcement action, you should also provide a copy of your response, with the basis for your denial, to the Director, Office of Enforcement, United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.

Enclosure 1

-2-Because your response will be made available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System), accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html, to the extent possible, it should not include any personal privacy, proprietary, or safeguards information so that it can be made available to the public without redaction. If personal privacy or proprietary information is necessary to provide an acceptable response, then please provide a bracketed copy of your response that identifies the information that should be protected and a redacted copy of your response that deletes such information. If you request withholding of such material, you must specifically identify the portions of your response that you seek to have withheld and provide in detail the bases for your claim of withholding (e.g.,

explain why the disclosure of information will create an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or provide the information required by 10 CFR 2.390(b) to support a request for withholding confidential commercial or financial information). If safeguards information is necessary to provide an acceptable response, please provide the level of protection described in 10 CFR 73.21, Protection of Safeguards Information: Performance Requirements.

In accordance with 10 CFR 19.11, Posting of notices to workers, you may be required to post this Notice within two working days.

Dated this 29th day of March 2017

U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No. 50-170 License No. R-84 Report No. 50-170/2017-201 Licensee: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Facility: AFRRI Reactor Facility Location: Bethesda, MD Dates: January 24-26, 2017 Inspector: Johnny Eads Approved by: Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Research Reactor Facility NRC Inspection Report No. 50-170/2017-201 The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection included the onsite review of selected aspects of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRIs or the licensees)

Class II research reactor facility safety programs, including: (1) organization and staffing, (2) operations logs and records, (3) requalification training, (4) surveillance and limiting conditions for operation, (5) emergency preparedness, (6) maintenance logs and records, and (7) fuel handling logs and records. The licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.

Organization and Staffing

Operations Logs and Records

  • Operational activities were consistent with applicable TS and procedural requirements.

Requalification Training

  • Operator requalification was up-to-date and was being performed as required by AFRRIs reactor operator requalification program.

Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation

  • All surveillances were completed in accordance with TS 4.0 and the licensee was in compliance with limiting conditions for operation requirements in TS 3.0.

Emergency Planning

Maintenance Logs and Records

  • Maintenance activities ensured that equipment remained consistent with the safety analysis report and TS requirements.

Fuel Handling Logs and Records

  • Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by TS and facility procedures.

REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRIs or the licensees) one megawatt training reactor and isotopes production, General Atomics (TRIGA) Mark II research reactor, located on the campus of the National Naval Medical Center, operated in support of the Institutes mission of research, experiments, education, reactor operator training and periodic equipment surveillance. During the inspection the reactor was maintained in a shutdown status for maintenance.

1. Organization and Staffing a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)

To verify that the licensees organization and staffing were in accordance with AFRRI technical specification (TS) 6.1, the inspector reviewed the following:

  • Organizational structure
  • Management responsibilities
  • Staffing requirements for safe operation of the research reactor facility
  • Reactor Logbook Number 138, August 6, 2015 to November 23, 2016
  • Reactor Logbook Number 139, December 12, 2016 to present b. Observations and Findings The structure and functions of the licensees organization at the AFRRI facility had not functionally changed since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection. The licensees current organizational structure and assignment responsibilities were consistent with those specified in the TS 6.1.

There were no major changes in management since the last inspection. All positions reviewed were filled with qualified personnel. Review of records verified that management responsibilities were generally administered as required by TS 6.1.2 and applicable procedures. The inspector determined from the reactor console logbook that minimum staffing and on-call requirements were in compliance with TS 6.1.3.2.

c. Conclusion The licensees organization and staffing was in compliance with the requirements specified in the TS 6.1.

Enclosure 2

-2-2. Operations Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance with TSs 2.0, 3.0, and 6.0 and applicable procedure requirements for operation:

  • Reactor Logbook Number 138, August 6, 2015 to November 23, 2016
  • Reactor Logbook Number 139, December 12, 2016 to present
  • AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Reactor Operations, dated May 1, 1998
  • AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Tab B, Daily Operational Startup Checklist, dated April 5, 2012
  • AFRRI Operational Procedure 8, Tab I, Daily Operational Shutdown Checklist, dated March 21, 2012
  • Daily Operational Startup and Shutdown Checklists, 2015 to present
  • AFRRI 2015 Annual Report b. Observations and Findings The operating logs and records were well maintained and provided a clear indication of operational activities, changes in reactivity, and maintenance actions or malfunctions that had occurred.

Logs and records also showed that operational conditions and parameters were consistent with license and TS requirements. Information on the operational status of the facility was recorded in logbooks and on checklists as required by procedure.

Operational problems and events noted in the logs were reported, reviewed, and resolved as required. Operations logs and records also documented that shift staffing met the minimum requirements.

c. Conclusion Operational activities were consistent with applicable TS and procedural requirements.

3. Requalification Training a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

To verify that the licensee was complying with the requirements of the operator requalification program, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:

  • Reactor Operator Requalification Program for the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute TRIGA Reactor Facility, revised September 12, 2016
  • Effective dates of current operator licenses

-3-

  • Operator training records maintained on Requalification Program Checklist, forms in individual folders for each operator
  • Medical examination records for the past 2 years
  • Operator requalification training lectures for 2015-2016
  • Facility written exam, administered in 2016 b. Observations and Findings As of the date of the inspection, all the NRC-licensed senior reactor operators on staff maintained current licenses. All operators were enrolled in the licensees NRC-approved requalification and training program and had completed a minimum of 4 hours4.62963e-5 days <br />0.00111 hours <br />6.613757e-6 weeks <br />1.522e-6 months <br /> of shift functions per quarter. The inspector noted that operators were receiving the required biennial medical examinations.

A review of the logs and records showed that training was being conducted in accordance with the program. Requalification program data, such as attendance at training sessions and completion of written examinations and operation tests, was documented as required. The inspector noted that the required biennial written examination was administered in 2016 as required. Records of quarterly reactor operations, reactivity manipulations, and other operations activities were being maintained.

c. Conclusion Operator requalification was up-to-date and was being performed as required by the AFRRI reactor operator requalification program.

4. Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

To determine that limiting conditions of operation (LCOs) were met and surveillances were completed as required by TSs 3.0 and 4.0, the inspector reviewed:

  • TS for the AFRRI reactor facility
  • 2015 Annual Operating Report for the AFRRI
  • AFRRI Malfunction Log from 2015 to present
  • Reactor Logbook Number 138, August 6, 2015 to November 23, 2016
  • Reactor Logbook Number 139, December 12, 2016 to present
  • Daily Operational Startup/Shutdown Checklist, 2015 to present
  • Calibration procedures for the AFRRI reactor facility
  • Maintenance procedures for the AFRRI reactor facility

-4-b. Observations and Findings Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and other periodic checks, tests, and verifications for TS required LCOs were being completed as required. The inspectors performed a random sampling of the AFRRI surveillance and verified that the reactor fuel elements inspection was performed in accordance with TS 4.6, that the ventilation system check was performed in accordance with TS 4.4, and the area radiation monitoring system check was performed in accordance with TS 4.5.

The inspector reviewed a random sampling of operational logs and records and determined that they met the required LCOs.

The AFRRI uses a computer database, the TRIGA Tracker Report, to track completion of the various required surveillance and LCO verifications. The inspector performed a random sampling of the database to ensure that there were no overdue requirements and cross-referenced the applicable TS to ensure all required surveillances were accounted for in the TRIGA Tracker Report; there were no issues noted.

c. Conclusion All surveillances were completed in accordance with TS 4.0 and the licensee was in compliance with LCO requirements in TS 3.0.

5. Emergency Preparedness a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed the implementation of selected portions of the emergency preparedness program, including:

  • AFRRI emergency drill conducted on December 17, 2015
  • AFRRI emergency drill conducted on December 22, 2016
  • AFRRI emergency supplies
  • Security guard radiation safety procedures b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the current emergency plan (EP). The inspector noted that the notification rosters in the control room and at the guards desk were up to date and reviewed periodically in accordance with procedures. The inspector verified that the four emergency supply boxes were inventoried and their radiation monitoring devices were within their calibration period.

-5-The inspector reviewed the 2015 and 2016 annual drills. The 2015 emergency drill was a large exercise with external participants, as required in the EP to be held biennially. The large exercise included participants from the Naval Support Activity Bethesda, police, and fire departments. The drill was successfully completed, followed by discussion and feedback. Action items were being tracked and closed out, as appropriate.

The inspector verified that key emergency response personnel and individuals authorized access (e.g., guards) completed initial and periodic retraining of the emergency preparedness program as required by the EP.

During the review of the AFRRI emergency plan, the inspector identified a violation of NRC requirements.

Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.54(q)(3) states, in part, The licensee may make changes to its emergency plan without NRC approval only if the licensee performs and retains analysis demonstrating that the changes do not reduce the effectiveness of the plan.

The EP for the AFRRI, Section 1.3.1, states, in part, that the site boundary is bounded on the south by Palmer Road South, on the west and north by Stone Lake Road, and on the east by a circular arc extending from Stone Lake Road to the northernmost corner of the AFRRI N parking lot, clockwise to the intersection of Palmer Road South and Grier Road. It also states that, Within this area, AFRRI has jurisdiction and control of activities.

Contrary to the requirements of 10 CFR 50.54(q)(3), on January 26, 2017, the NRC inspector found the licensee had previously implemented a change to eliminate AFRRI jurisdiction and control of the AFRRI N parking lot without prior NRC approval. The licensee failed to document that the change did not reduce the effectiveness of the plan nor seek NRC approval of the emergency plan change.

This has been determined to be a Severity Level IV violation (Section 6.6)

(Violation 50-170/2017-201-01).

c. Conclusion The emergency preparedness program was generally conducted in accordance with the EP with the exception of the identified violation.

-6-6. Maintenance Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

To determine that maintenance was being completed as required by the TS and applicable procedures, the inspector reviewed:

  • AFRRI Malfunction Log from 2015 to present
  • Reactor Logbook Number 138, August 6, 2015 to November 23, 2016
  • Reactor Logbook Number 139, December 12, 2016 to present
  • Daily Operational Startup Checklist, various
  • Maintenance procedures for the AFRRI reactor facility
  • Annual Maintenance Report for 2016, dated December 12, 2016
  • Annual Shutdown Maintenance Checklist b. Observations and Findings The inspector verified through records that annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly maintenance requirements were performed on their respective frequency. Routine and preventive maintenance were well controlled and documented in the TRIGA tracking system. Use of maintenance and malfunction logs satisfied procedural requirements.

c. Conclusion Maintenance activities ensured that equipment remained consistent with the safety analysis report and TS requirements.

7. Fuel Handling Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with the procedural requirements in TS 6.3.e:

  • AFRRI current stainless steel clad fuel element records
  • Control room reactor fuel inventory map
  • Reactor Logbook Number 138, August 6, 2015 to November 23, 2016
  • Reactor Logbook Number 139, December 12, 2016 to present b. Observations and Findings The AFRRI maintains a fuel element record of all their elements. Information such as serial number, core position, and power history are maintained and tracked. The inspector reviewed selected records for fuel movements and inspection of the reactor fuel. The inspector verified that fuel moves and

-7-measurements were accurately recorded in each of the various records. A written and properly approved procedure was used in the conduct of the fuel moves.

c. Conclusion Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by TS and facility procedures.

8. Exit Interview The inspector presented the inspection results to licensee management at the conclusion of the inspection on January 26, 2017. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed in detail the inspection observations. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented and did not identify as proprietary any of the material provided to or reviewed by the inspector during the inspection.

PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee L. Andrew Huff, Colonel Director, AFRRI S. Miller Reactor Facility Director INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened 50-170/2017-201-01 VIO Jurisdiction and control of AFRRI N parking lot Closed None.

Discussed None.

PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED 10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations ADAMS Agencywide Documents Access and Management System AFRRI Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute EP Emergency Plan IP Inspection Procedure LCO Limiting Condition for Operation NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission TS Technical Specifications TRIGA Training reactor and isotopes production, General Atomics

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