IR 05000193/2011201
| ML111040018 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission |
| Issue date: | 04/14/2011 |
| From: | Johnny Eads Research and Test Reactors Branch B |
| To: | Tehan T State of RI, Atomic Energy Comm, Nuclear Science Ctr |
| Donohue, Jack NRR/DPR/PRTB 415-3163 | |
| References | |
| IR-11-201 | |
| Download: ML111040018 (15) | |
Text
April 14, 2011
Dr. T. Tehan, Director Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission 16 Reactor Road Narragansett, RI 02882-1165
SUBJECT:
RHODE ISLAND ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - NRC ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-193/2011-201
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) conducted an inspection on March 21-24, 2011, at the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center Reactor facility (Inspection Report No. 50-193/2011-201). The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facilit The enclosed report presents the results of that inspectio This inspection was an examination of activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulation Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations of activities in progres Based on the results of this inspection, no safety concern or noncompliance of requirements was identifie No response to this letter is require In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 2.390 Inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or the NRCs document system (Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at (the Public Electronic Reading Room) http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.htm Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Jack Donohue at 301-415-3163 or electronic mail at Jack.Donohue@nrc.go
Sincerely,
/RA/
Johnny H. Eads, Jr., Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket N License N R-95
Enclosure: As stated
cc w/ encl: See next page
Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission
Docket No.: 50-193
cc:
Governor Lincoln D. Chaffee 222 State House Room 115 Providence, RI 02903
Dr. Stephen Mecca, Chairman Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission Providence College Department of Engineering-Physics Systems River Avenue Providence, RI 02859
Dr. Harry Knickle, Chairman Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee University of Rhode Island College of Engineering 112 Crawford Hall Kingston, RI 02881
Dr. Andrew Kadak 253 Rumstick Road Barrington, RI 02806
Dr. Bahram Nassersharif Dean of Engineering University of Rhode Island 102 Bliss Hall Kingston, RI 20881
Dr. Peter Gromet Department of Geological Sciences Brown University Providence, RI 02912
Dr. Alfred L. Allen 425 Laphan Farm Road Pascoag, RI 02859
Mr. Jack Ferruolo, Supervising Radiological Health Specialist Office of Occupational and Radiological Health Rhode Island Department of Health 3 Capitol Hill, Room 206 Providence, RI 02908-5097
Test, Research, and Training Reactor Newsletter University of Florida 202 Nuclear Sciences Center Gainesville, FL 32611
April 14, 2011 Dr. T. Tehan, Director Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission 16 Reactor Road Narragansett, RI 02882-1165
SUBJECT:
RHODE ISLAND ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - NRC ROUTINE
INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-193/2011-201
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) conducted an inspection on March 21-24, 2011, at the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center Reactor facility (Inspection Report No. 50-193/2011-201). The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facilit The enclosed report presents the results of that inspectio This inspection was an examination of activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulation Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations of activities in progres Based on the results of this inspection, no safety concern or noncompliance of requirements was identifie No response to this letter is require In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 2.390 Inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or the NRCs document system (Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at (the Public Electronic Reading Room) http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.htm Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Jack Donohue at 301-452-1950 or electronic mail at Jack.Donohue@nrc.go
Sincerely,
/RA/
Johnny H. Eads, Jr., Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket N License N R-95
Enclosure: As stated
cc w/ encl: See next page DISTRIBUTION:
PUBLIC PROB/rf RidsNrrDprPrtb
JDonohue, NRR WKennedy, NRR MCompton (Ltr only O13-E19)
GLappert, NRR
ADAMS ACCESSION NO.: ML111040018 TEMPLATE #: NRC-002 OFFICE PROB:RI PRPB:LA PROB:BC NAME JDonohue GLappert JEads DATE 03/31/2011 4/14/2011 4/14/2011 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No:
50-193
License No:
R-95
Report No:
50-193/2011-201
Licensee:
Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission
Facility:
Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center Research Reactor
Location:
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Dates:
March 21 to 24, 2011
Inspector:
Jack Donohue
Approved by:
Johnny H. Eads, Jr., Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center Reactor Facility NRC Inspection Report No. 50-193/2011-201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission (the licensees) Class I research reactor facility safety programs including organization and operations and maintenance activities; review and audit and design change function; experiments; procedures; radiation protection; effluent and environmental monitoring; and transportatio The licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirement Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities
- Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities remain in compliance with the requirements specified in Technical Specification Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
- Within the scope of this review, the licensees review and design change program was found in conformance with Technical Specification and regulatory requirement Experiments
- Within the scope of this inspection the licensee was observed to be conducting experiments in accordance with regulatory and license requirement Procedures
- Written procedures were being maintained in accordance with Technical Specification requirement Radiation Protection
- The licensee continued to maintain an effective radiation protection program in compliance with regulatory and Technical Specification requirements, resulting in low radiation exposures to facility workers and user Effluent and Environmental Monitoring
- The inspectors found environmental monitoring to conform to Technical Specification requirements and effluents to be in compliance with regulatory limit Transportation
- The licensee shipment of radioactive material under the reactor license was compliant with NRC (10 CFR Parts 20 and 71) and Department of Transportation (DOT) (49 CFR Parts 171-178).
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commissions (RIAEC, the licensee) Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center (RINSC) two megawatt research reactor continued to be operated in support of education, research, training, and surveillanc During the inspection, the reactor was operated to irradiate samples as part if its research missio.
Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP)-69006)
The inspector reviewed the following as a limited review of this area:
- Reactor logbook #58, August 16, 2010 to present
Maintenance logbook
H. Bicehouse (RINSC) to W. Kennedy (NRC), [Annual Report for the RINSC Pursuant to TS 6.8.4 for the period from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010], dated July 30, 2010
Shift Staffing
Form NSC-1, Pre-Start Check Sheet, dated March 22, 2011 Observations and Findings
The inspector observed a reactor checkout, startup, approach to critical, escalation to full power, and a typical irradiatio The Reactor Logbook entries were reviewed satisfactorily with key information documented during reactor operations including start-up and thru power operations, verifying compliance with staffing requirements of Technical Specifications (TS) Sections 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 and that the Reactor Operator (RO) and the Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) on duty were designated by name in the logboo A maintenance logbook had been utilized to document in greater detail than the reactor logbook the nature of significant maintenance performed on the reactor and auxiliary system Staffing was compliant within TS requirements and had recent replacement of a Health Physicist presently in training for certificatio Conclusion
Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities remain in compliance with the requirements specified in T The reactor was being maintained per TS requirement Staffing was compliant with TS requirement.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions Inspection Scope (IP 69007)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the requirements of TS 6.0, Administrative Controls, and Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50.59 were being implemented effectively:
- File of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee (NRSC) Meeting Minutes from 2009 to 2010
H. Bicehouse (RINSC) to W. Kennedy (NRC), [Annual Report for the RINSC Pursuant to TS 6.8.4 for the period from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010], dated July 30, 2010
Review of 10 CFR 50.59 file, December 2007 through September 2011 Observations and Findings
Review of the minutes indicated that the meeting frequency, attendance, and actions met the requirements of TS Section 6.4, Review and Audi Specifically, the inspector verified that the NRSC had reviewed the improved rabbit control system. The system upgrade provided an increase in safety by allowing the samples to be stored safely in a shielded container outside containment until radiation levels permit handlin Conclusion
Within the scope of this review, the licensees review and design change program was found in conformance with TS and regulatory requirement.
Experiments Inspection Scope (IP 69005)
The inspector reviewed selected portions of the following documents and records to ensure that the requirements of TS Sections 3.8, Limitations on Experiments, 4.8, Surveillance of Experiments, and 6.4, Review and Audit, were being met:
- Reactor Experiment Notebook, desk copy maintained by M. J. Davis
Appendix XP-04, Incore Irradiations, Rev 1, dated December 4, 2009
Appendix XP-12, Glory Tube Gamma Irradiations, Rev 1, dated December 4, 2009
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Appendix XP-02, Reactor Experiment Approval, Rev 4, dated March 10, 2009
Appendix XP-01, Reactor Experiment Request, Rev 1, dated September 29, 2008
Appendix XP-01 Attachment D, NSC (Nuclear Science Center) - Form 42, Reactor Experiment Request Form
Appendix XP-02 Attachment C, NSC - Form 47, Reactor Experiment Approval
RINSC Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee, Full committee Meeting Minutes, dated October 30, 2009
RINSC Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee, Full committee Meeting Minutes, dated July 29, 2010 Observations and Findings
The licensee had approved nine new experiments in the last calendar year and given comprehensive reviews and approval by the NRS Experiments were screened pursuant to 10 CFR 50.59 requirement Legacy experiments being done routinely had been subjected to the new review process to assure that safety considerations were known, documented, and properly applie The inspector reviewed evidence that experiments were reviewed and approved by the NRSC and in accordance with TS requirement The inspector observed reactor operations in support of a user performing an experiment involving the irradiation of numerous samples using the pneumatic transfer syste The RO and experimenter maintained appropriate communication during the experiment, were both knowledgeable of their responsibility in executing the experiment, and exercised safety precautions in accordance with the approved procedure.. Conclusion
.
Within the scope of this inspection the licensee was observed to be conducting experiments in accordance with regulatory and license requirements Procedures Inspection Scope (IP 69008)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the requirements of TS Sections 6.4, Review and Audit, and 6.5, Operating Procedures, were being met:
- Procedures Manual, desk copy maintained by M. J. Davis
Appendix OP-2, RINSC Pre-Start Checkout, Rev 13, dated December 10, 2008
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Appendix OP-3, Reactor Power Changes, Rev 4, dated December 10, 2008
Form NSC - 1, Pre-Startup Check Sheet
Form NSC - 1C, Shutdown Check Sheet
Form NSC - 11, Shift record Data Sheet
Form NSC - 18 RINSC Reactor Operations Data
RINSC Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee, Full Committee Meeting Minutes, dated March 10, 2009
RINSC Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee, Full Committee Meeting Minutes, dated October 30, 2009 Observations and Findings
The inspector observed that the licensee maintained written procedures covering the areas specified in TS Section 6.5, Operating Procedure A systematic approach was being used to update and reissue procedure Newly revised procedures and major changes were reviewed and approved by the NRSC in accordance with TS Section 6.4, Review and Audi The reviews and approvals were documented in the minutes of the NRSC meeting Conclusion
The licensee was maintaining and implementing written procedures in accordance with TS requirement.
Radiation Protection Inspection Scope (IP 69012)
The following documents were reviewed to determine compliance with 10 CFR 19 and 20 and with TS Sections 3.7.1, Radiation Monitoring Systems, and 4.7, Radiation Monitoring Systems and Effluents, requirements regarding radiation protection:
- RINSC Radiation Protection Annual Audit, H. Bicehouse, Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), February 7-10, 2011
Survey Program Summary Data for 2009, printed March 23, 2011
Survey Program Summary Data for 2010, printed March 23, 2011
NRC Form 3, Notice to Employees, dated October 2008
File of Landauer Dosimetry Reports, Quarterly reports for 2010 and 2011
RINSC Radiation Safety Office, Standard Operating Manual (SOP)
Manual
RINSC Radiation Safety Office, SOP 101, Radiation Safety Training, dated March 23, 2000
RINSC Radiation Safety Office, SOP 220, Pocket Dosimeter Calibration, dated March 28, 2003
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RINSC Radiation Safety Office, SOP 300, Routine Surveys, dated February 10, 2004
RINSC Radiation Safety Office, SOP 801, Instrument Calibration, dated November 6, 2000
Radiation Safety Training file
Radiation Safety Training Manual
Summary of Radiation Area Monitors and Survey Meters as of January 25, 2006
Instrumentation Calibration of Area Monitors (for reactor bridge, fuel safe, thermal column, heat exchanger area, and cleanup-demineralizer rooms),
dated November 19, 2008
Main and Stack [Continuous Air] Monitor file
Survey Meter Calibration File (for GSM 110) through February 28, 2010
Air Monitor Data Sheet file through February 28, 2010
Camberra Series 5 Low Background Alpha/Beta Counter Quality Control Records
RINSC, Operating Procedures, Main Floor Area Monitor Channel Test, Procedure Appendix AB, Rev 1, dated July 2, 2003 Observations and Findings
Radiation Protection Procedures at the facility meet regulatory requirements and license commitment The inspector verified Form NRC-3 Notice to Employees is posted as required and caution signs, labels and controls were posted as require The inspector reviewed weekly, monthly and quarterly surveys. It was noted annual surveys were incorporated into quarterly surveys. Through the review of procedures and records, observations during facility tours, and discussion with staff personnel, the inspector had determined that the licensees radiation protection program was in accordance with TS requirement The licensee maintained and adhered to written procedures and instructions for all aspects of the radiation safety progra During tours through the facility the inspectors verified that postings for radiation workers were in accordance with regulations and procedure Protective clothing was available if needed but areas were maintained in a clean condition such that it was not required during times of routine operatio The inspector toured the facility with licensee staff and observed workers and students (Roger Williams College) wearing appropriate dosimetry throughout the facilit Routine radiation surveys, smear samples, and fixed monitor readings were taken throughout the facility to verify that radiation exposure rates were known and maintained As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). The licensee made effective use of data bases, monitoring for trends and abnormalitie The inspector found the scope of the radiation detection equipment calibration program to be sufficiently comprehensive and techniques used to be state-of-the-ar The overall effectiveness of the radiation protection program was monitored with Optically Stimulated Luminescence Devices (OSLD) worn by worker No worker received any significant exposur Conclusion
The licensee had maintained an effective radiation protection program in compliance with regulatory and TS requirements, resulting in low radiation exposures to facility workers and user.
Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Inspection Scope (IP 69004)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify that the requirements of TS Section 4.7, Radiation Monitoring Systems and Effluents, were being met:
- Dosimetry Records for 2010 and 2011 to date
H. Bicehouse (RINSC) to W. Kennedy (NRC), [Annual Report for the RINSC Pursuant to TS 6.8.4 for the period from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010], dated July 30, 2010 Observations and Findings
The inspector toured the facility with a staff member doing a routine weekly facility radiation survey, observing where environmental releases of gaseous, liquid and solid radioactive material are generated and monitored. Survey points were re-designated to conform to new physical access characteristic The predominant environmental release from the facility was argon-41 resulting from activated air entrained in the reactor pool water, present in beam tubes, and used for cooling pneumatic transfer tube The gaseous release was.02 percent of the regulatory limit based on computations using the COMPLY code with Level 4 input; that is, actual building and effluent stack dimensions with site meteorological dat The licensee made two liquid releases during the past year, a 600 gallon batch and 30 gallon batch release both discharged within permissible release limit The inspector reviewed the data from a small primary water lea Analysis over several years indicates the leak rate to be about eight gallons/day. Leak collectors have been put into place in the locations where the leaks have typically occurre Sodium (Na-24) has not been detected in the water and the Tritium
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concentrations are an order of magnitude below the 10 CFR 20 release limit This event has been reviewed by the Nuclear Radiation and Safety Committee (NRSC) and a plan of action is in place for increased levels. The RINSC staff will continue to monitor for leakage daily and the NRSC has defined the magnitude of the leak at which actions needed to be taken in the event that magnitude is reache The licensee maintained OSLDs at three locations around the exterior of the facility and sent them to a commercial processor quarterly along with personnel dosimeter Since the areas monitored had limited public access the licensee adjusted the readings by occupancy times, resulting in dose rates at those locations less than a tenth of the regulatory limi Conclusion
The inspector found environmental monitoring to conform to TS requirements and effluents to be in compliance with regulatory limit.
Transportation Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector reviewed the following document to determine compliance with NRC (10 CFR Parts 20 and 71) Standards for Protection against Radiation and Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Material and Department of Transportation (DOT) Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 171-178, transport regulation *
RINSC Radiation Protection Annual Audit, H.J. Bicehouse, Radiation Safety Officer, January 26-30, 200 *
Staff interviews
Fuel Shipment #1, Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) dated September 27, 2010
Cask Shipment from RINSC to B&W dated October 4, 2010 Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the RINSC Radiation Protection Audit for radioactive shipments made under the R-95 reactor license, interviewed staff personnel and found that transportation records were in accordance of approved procedure Conclusion
The licensee shipments of radioactive material under the R-95 reactor license were in accordance with NRC and DOT requirement.
Exit Interview
The inspection scope and results were summarized on March 24, 2010, with members of licensee managemen The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed in detail the inspection finding No dissenting comments were received from the license It was agreed that no proprietary information was addressed and that the results of the inspection are subject to management revie PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee
H. Bicehouse Radiation Safety Officer and Assistant Director
for Radiation and Reactor Safety M. Damato
Health Physics Technician and Reactor Operator M.J. Davis
Assistant Director for Reactor Operations B. MacGregor Facility Engineer S. Mecca
Chairman, Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission B. Nassersharif Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission T. Nunes
Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission Z. Richards Reactor Operator Trainee T. Tehan
Director, Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
IP 69004 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Effluent and Environmental Monitoring IP 69005 Class 1 Research and Test Reactors Experiments IP 69006 Class 1 Research and Test Reactors Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities IP 69007 Class 1 Research and Test Reactors Review and Audit and Design Change Functions IP 69008 Class 1 Research and Test Reactors Procedures IP 69012 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Radiation Protection IP 86740 Transportation IP 92701 Follow up
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
None
Discussed
None
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LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
ADAMS Agencywide Document Access Management System ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable 10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations B&W Babcock and Wilcox DOT
Department of Transportation IP
Inspection Procedure NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission NRSC Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee NSC
Nuclear Science Center OSLD Optically Stimulated Luminescent Device Rev
Revision RIAEC Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission RINSC Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center RO
Reactor Operator RSO
Radiation Safety Officer SOP
Standard Operating Procedure SRO
Senior Reactor Operator TS
Technical Specification