IR 05000193/2024203
| ML24268A104 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission |
| Issue date: | 11/04/2024 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Goodwin C Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center |
| Craig Bassett, NRR/DANU | |
| References | |
| IR 2024203 | |
| Download: ML24268A104 (1) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
RHODE ISLAND ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000193/2024203
Dear Dr. Goodwin:
From September 3 - 6, 2024, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at your Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center reactor facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results which were discussed on September 6, 2024, with you, members of your staff, and Dr. Clinton Chichester, Chairman, Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license, as they relate to public health and safety, by confirming compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selected examination of procedures and representative records, observations of activities, and interviews with personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of non-compliance 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 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).
November 4, 2024 Should you have any question concerning this inspection, please contact Craig Bassett at (240) 535-1842, or by email at Craig.Bassett@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. 50-193 License No. R-95 Enclosure:
As stated cc: GovDelivery Subscribers Signed by Tate, Travis on 11/04/24
ML24268A104 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO/RI NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME CBassett NParker TTate DATE 09/25/2024 09/26/2024 11/04/2024
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.: 50-193
License No.: R-95
Report No.: 05000193/2024203
Licensee: Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission
Facility: Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center
Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island
Dates: September 3 - 6, 2024
Inspector: Craig H. Bassett
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 Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center Reactor Facility Inspection Report No. 05000193/2024203
The primary focus of this routine announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commissions (the licensees) Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center (RINSC) Class I, two-megawatt research reactor safety program including: (1) operator licenses, requalification, and medical examinations; (2)
experiments;(3) organization and operations and maintenance activities; (4) review and audit and design change functions; (5) procedures; (6) fuel movement; and (7) surveillance. The U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance with NRC requirements.
Operator Licenses, Requalification, and Medical Examinations
- Operator requalification was completed as required by the licensees operator requalification program and operators received their biennial medical examinations as required by the regulations.
Experiments
- The program for reviewing, authorizing, and conducting experiments satisfied technical specifications (TSs) and procedural requirements.
Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities
- Organizational structure and staffing were consistent with TS requirements and operations and maintenance activities were conducted in accordance with TS and procedural requirements.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
- The Nuclear and Radiation Safety Committee (NRSC) met at the required frequency, reviewed the topics outlined in the TSs, and completed audits as required by the TSs.
- Facility modifications and experiment and procedure changes were evaluated in accordance with the requirements specified in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR)
50.59, Changes, tests and experiments.
Procedures
- The procedural revision and implementation program satisfied requirements of the TSs.
Fuel Movement
- Fuel movements and inspections were conducted in accordance with the TSs and procedural requirements.
Surveillance
- The surveillance program was conducted in accordance with the TS and procedural requirements.
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REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The licensees RINSC Class I, two-megawatt research reactor continued to be operated in support of research, development, education, training, and surveillance. During the inspection, the reactor was operated in support of an experiment.
1. Operator Licenses, Requalification, and Medical Examinations
a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69003)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to ensure compliance with the licensees operator requalification program outlined in RINSC administrative procedure (AP) AP-02, Reactor Operator Re-qualification, Revision 4 and the regulations:
- reactor logbooks Nos. 67 and 68
- senior reactor operator (SRO) and reactor operator (RO) requalification files for the last two qualification cycles
- individual SRO NRC Form 396, Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee, from 2022 - present
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector confirmed that activities were conducted in accordance with the licensees requalification and training program which included, procedure reviews, quarterly reactor operations, reactivity manipulations, supervisory activities, annual operations tests, and biennial written exams. The inspector noted that operators received biennial medical examinations within the allowed time frame as required by the regulations. The inspector noted that the program was maintained and up to date.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that operator training and requalification was conducted in accordance with the licensees operator requalification program and operators received their biennial medical examinations as required by the regulations.
2. Experiments
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69005)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify that the licensee complied with TS sections 3.1, 3.8, 4.1, 4.8, 4.9, and 6.5:
- reactor console logbooks Nos. 67 and 68
- various recently approved experiments
- selected experiment proposal and analysis forms containing administrative and physical controls and precautions
- operating data notebooks for 2023 and 2024 containing completed copies of various reactor operations request forms (NSC-49)
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b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that two new experiments were proposed since the last inspection and the new experiments or revisions to existing experiments were reviewed by the reactor staff and reviewed and approved by the NRSC as required by TS 6.5. The inspector also confirmed that irradiation request forms were completed and approved prior to reactor operations, experiments were conducted using approved methods or procedures, and engineering and radiation protection controls were implemented to limit exposure of the workers handling the irradiated items.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the program for reviewing, authorizing, and conducting experiments satisfied the TS and facility procedural requirements.
3. Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69006)
To verify that the licensee complied with the requirements for organization and staffing; operations; and maintenance activities as specified in TS sections 2.0, 3.0, 6.1; and procedural requirements, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:
- reactor logbooks Nos. 67 and 68
- RINSC maintenance board 2023 - 2024 spreadsheet
- various forms, check sheets, and RINSC procedures from 2023 - present
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the licensees organization and staffing and found that the facility continued to be staffed as required by the TSs and the organizational structure remained in compliance with the TSs. The inspector also noted that there were four SROs and two ROs on staff at the facility.
The inspector noted that staffing requirements were met during reactor operations in accordance with TS sections 6.1.2 and 6.1.3. In addition, the inspector found that recorded results were within TS required parameters and normal operating ranges during reactor operations. The inspector observed a reactor start-up, routine operation, and shutdown in support of a tour; no problems were noted.
The inspector found that the licensee used a spreadsheet, as well as a computer data base, for tracking maintenance and surveillance activities. The inspector confirmed that routine and preventive maintenance activities were completed as stipulated by procedure.
The inspector also confirmed that following maintenance activities, systems and equipment were tested to ensure that they were operational prior to returning them to service.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the organizational structure complied with the TS requirements. The inspector also determined that reactor operations and maintenance
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activities were conducted in accordance with the applicable procedure and TS requirements.
4. Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69007)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the review and audit program to ensure compliance with TS section 6.2, and selected design change activities to ensure compliance with 10 CFR 50.59:
- NRSC meeting minutes and associated records for 2023 - 2024
- RINSC AP-03, Facility Modifications, Revision 2
- various RINSC forms including: NSC-24, 10 CFR 50.59 Screen and NSC-51, 10 CFR 50.59 Review
- RINSC annual reports for the last two reporting periods
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector confirmed that NRSC meetings, safety reviews, and audits were completed at the required frequency. The inspector noted that topics of these reviews and audits were consistent with the TS requirements and provided guidance, direction, and oversight for the facility and use of the reactor.
The inspector noted that the change review process used by the licensee provided guidance concerning the review of facility modifications, review of new experiments, and changes to procedures consistent with the 10 CFR 50.59 guidance. The inspector also found that screening forms were used to determine whether a full 10 CFR 50.59 review and evaluation were required for any change that was contemplated. Through review of records and interviews with licensee personnel, the inspector found that two changes implemented at the facility required an evaluation, but none required a change to the TSs or facility license.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the NRSC held meetings and reviewed the topics and conducted audits outlined in the TSs. The inspector also determined that the design change program was implemented, and associated records were maintained as required by 10 CFR 50.59.
5. Procedures
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69008)
To verify that facility procedures were prepared, reviewed, revised, and implemented as required by TS section 6.4, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
- various RINSC procedures
- NRSC meeting minutes and associated records for 2023 - 2024
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b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that procedures were developed for the safe routine operation of the reactor, as well as for abnormal circumstances. The inspector noted that substantive procedural changes, as well as all new procedures, were screened in accordance with the licensees 10 CFR 50.59 process. The inspector also confirmed that new procedures and one with substantive changes were reviewed and approved by the NRSC as required by the TSs. Through discussions with the reactor supervisor, the inspector confirmed that new and revised procedures were routed to staff members so that everyone was aware of facility and procedure changes.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined the procedural review, revision, and implementation process satisfied the TS requirements.
6. Fuel Movement
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69009)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with TS section 4.9.2 and subsection 6.8.1, which require visual inspection of fuel elements every 5 years on a rotating basis and maintenance of records associated with fuel inventories and transfers, respectively:
- reactor logbooks Nos. 67 and 68
- fuel inspection documents and photos for 2023 and 2024
- RINSC IP-01, Core Element Movement and Inspections, Revision 2
- RINSC OP-05, Reactor Fuel/Reflector Movement, Revision 3
Core #7 to LEU Core #8
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed documentation of selected fuel movements and interviewed licensee staff about the process. The inspector noted that a plan for each series of fuel movements was developed prior to the activity and was used for core refueling and core rearrangement. The inspector confirmed that fuel was inspected in accordance with a specific inspection schedule and that approximately one fifth of the fuel elements were inspected in 2023 and 2024 as required by the TSs. The inspector also noted that fuel was used and stored in approved locations as indicated. The inspector verified that the fuel handling equipment was stored and secured.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that fuel movements were conducted in accordance with written procedures that met the TS requirements and fuel inspections were completed annually.
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7. Surveillance
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69010)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with the limiting conditions for operation specified in TS sections 3.1 through 3.9 and to determine whether periodic surveillance tests, checks, and calibrations of selected safety systems were performed as stipulated in TS sections 4.1 through 4.9:
- reactor logbooks Nos. 67 and 68
- RINSC maintenance board 2023 - 2024 spreadsheet
- various forms and worksheets for 2023 - 2024 and various RINSC procedures
- various RINSC notebooks documenting surveillance item completion including confinement system, maintenance, reactor data, and primary and secondary water analysis
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that data recorded in the various notebooks and on the surveillance data sheets indicated that system and instrument checks, tests, and calibrations were completed on schedule and in accordance with licensee procedures. The inspector confirmed the results of these surveillance items were within the TS and procedurally prescribed parameters; no problems were noted.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the surveillance program was conducted as specified by the TS requirements.
8. Exit Interview
At the conclusion of the inspection on September 6, 2024, the inspector presented the inspection results to licensee management and staff. The inspector reiterated the areas inspected and discussed the inspection observations. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection and did not identify as proprietary any of the material provided to or reviewed by the inspector during the inspection.
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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee Personnel
J. Davis Assistant Director for Operations J. Dunn Principal Reactor Operator Facility Director M. Marrapese Reactor Supervisor C. Northup Reactor Operator
Other Personnel
C. Chichester Chairman, Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
IP 69003 Class I Research and Test Reactor Operator Licenses, Requalification, and Medical Examinations IP 69005 Class I Research and Test Reactor Experiments IP 69006 Class I Research and Test Reactors Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities IP 69007 Class I Research and Test Reactor Review and Audit and Design Change Functions IP 69008 Class I Research and Test Reactor Procedures IP 69009 Class I Research and Test Reactor Fuel Movement IP 69010 Class I Research and Test Reactor Surveillance
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
None
Attachment