IR 05000223/2019201
| ML19191A046 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Lowell |
| Issue date: | 07/17/2019 |
| From: | Anthony Mendiola Research and Test Reactors Oversight Projects Branch |
| To: | Prosanta Chowdhury Univ of Massachusetts - Lowell |
| Takacs M, NRR/DLP/PROB, 415-2042 | |
| References | |
| IR 2019201 | |
| Download: ML19191A046 (13) | |
Text
uly 17, 2019
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000223/2019201
Dear Dr. Chowdhury:
From June 18-20, 2019, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an announced safety inspection at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor facility. The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results which were discussed on June 20, 2019, with members of your staff.
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 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. Michael Takacs at 301-415-2042 or by e-mail at Michael.Takacs@nrc.gov
Sincerely,
/RA/
Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Licensing Projects Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-223 License No. R-125 Enclosure:
As stated cc: See next page
ML19191A046 *concurrence via e-mail NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DLP/PROB/SS* NRR/DLP/PROB/LA* NRR/DLP/PROB/BC NAME MTakacs NParker AMendiola DATE 7/15/19 7/15/19 7/17/19
University of Massachusetts - Lowell Docket No. 50-223 cc:
Mayor of Lowell City Hall Lowell, MA 01852 Mr. Leo Bobek Reactor Supervisor University of Massachusetts - Lowell One University Avenue Lowell, MA 01854 Department of Environmental Protection One Winter Street Boston, MA 02108 Jack Priest, Director Radiation Control Program Department of Public Health Schrafft Center, Suite 1M2A 529 Main Street Charlestown, MA 02129 John Giarrusso, Planning and Preparedness Division Chief Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency 400 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01702-5399 Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter Attention: Ms. Amber Johnson Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Maryland 4418 Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20742-2115
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.: 50-223 License No. R-125 Report No. 05000223/2019201 Licensee: University of Massachusetts Lowell Facility: University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor Location: Lowell, Massachusetts Dates: June 18-20, 2019 Inspector: Michael Takacs Approved by: Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Licensing Projects Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Enclosure
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor Facility NRC Inspection Report No. 05000223/2019201 The focus of this routine, announced safety inspection involved the onsite review of selected aspects of the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR or the licensee)
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 (LCO), (5) emergency planning, (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 the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.
Organization and Staffing
- Organizational structure and staffing were consistent with licensee technical specification (TS) requirements.
Operations Logs and Records
- Operation logs and records were maintained as required by licensee procedures.
Requalification Training
- Operator requalification was current and being performed as required by the licensees requalification program and regulatory requirements.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
- Limiting conditions for operation and surveillances required by TS were being properly implemented.
Emergency Planning
- The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the licensees emergency plan and regulatory requirements.
Maintenance Logs and Records
- Maintenance activities were conducted in accordance with licensee procedures.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
- Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by the TS and licensee procedures.
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REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) 1 megawatt research reactor continued to be operated in support of educational experiments and demonstrations, research and service irradiations, reactor operator training, and periodic equipment surveillances. During the inspection, the reactor was operated to support research and service irradiations.
1. Organization and Staffing a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)
To ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.1, Organization and Management, were being met, the inspector reviewed:
- UML Radiation Laboratory Organizational Chart, dated May 20, 2019
- UMLRR console log books 36 and 37, covering the period from October 24, 2017, to the present
- UMLRR Annual Reports for 2016 and 2017 b. Observations and Findings The organizational structure at the facility had not changed since the last NRC inspection in this area. In support of reactor operations, there are currently two licensed reactor operators (ROs) and five licensed senior reactor operators (SROs). Through the review of logbooks and records, the inspector determined that operational staffing met the minimum TS requirements.
c. Conclusion The licensees organization and staffing was in compliance with the requirements specified in TS 6.1.
2. Operations Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To ensure that the requirements were being met for TS Section 6.1, and TS Section 6.7, Plant Operating Records, the inspector reviewed:
- UMLRR console log books 36 and 37, covering the period from October 24, 2017, to the present
- UMLRR Annual Reports for 2016 and 2017
- Reactor Operator Instruction Form (RF-RO-7A), dated October 2015
- Daily Routine Check Sheet (RF-4), dated December 2017
- Radiation Monitoring System Daily Checks (RF-5), dated December 2017
- Pre-Startup Check Sheet - Forced Convection (RF-RO-7B), dated August 2015-3-
b. Observations and Findings During the inspection, the inspector reviewed the UMLRR console log books for the past two years, including daily surveillance sheets and reactor operation record forms. The inspector verified that the reactor operating characteristics and other procedurally required entries, were logged appropriately and that the checklists were completed. A review of the licensees logs and records also indicated that the TS operational limits had not been exceeded and that the shift staffing met the minimum requirements.
During the inspection, the inspector observed a reactor startup and verified compliance with the appropriate written procedures and TS requirements. It was noted that the operators on duty were knowledgeable and proficient with facility operations.
c. Conclusion Operational activities were consistent with the applicable TS and procedural requirements.
3. Requalification Training a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To ensure that the requirements of the NRC-approved Operator Requalification Program were being met, the inspector reviewed:
- Operator Requalification Program for the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor for Licensed Reactor Operators and Licensed Senior Reactor Operators, Revision 3.0, dated November 2016
- Personnel records (i.e., biennial medical exam and reactor operator requalification exams)
b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the individual files for several licensed operators, verifying completion of the required training and minimum number of hours performing their operator functions. The inspector also verified that licensed operators had passed their annual reactor operations tests and biennial written exams, as well as the completion of their biennial recertification by a medical examiner. All items were completed at the required frequency.
The inspector determined that the requalification program was being administered in a manner that sufficiently maintains the qualifications and proficiency of all licensed operators.
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c. Conclusion Operator requalification was current and was being performed as required by the UMLRR requalification program.
4. Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To ensure that the requirements of TS Sections 3.0, Limiting Conditions for Operation, and 4.0, Surveillance Requirements, were being met, the inspector reviewed:
- Surveillance Master Schedule 2019
- Procedures and forms covering TS Sections 4.1 - 4.7
- UMLRR console log books 36 and 37, covering the period from October 24, 2017, to the present b. Observations and Findings Daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual, annual and other periodic checks, tests, and verifications for TS required LCO were being completed as required. The inspector performed a random sampling of the UMLRR required TS surveillances and verified all of the recorded results were within the TS prescribed parameters.
Generally, the records and logs were noted to be complete and were being maintained as required.
The inspector observed an SRO perform the TS required semi-annual calibration of a Geiger-Mueller probe and an ion chamber probe. The inspector noted that the SRO was knowledgeable and completed the calibrations successfully.
c. Conclusion All surveillances were completed in accordance with TS 4.0 and the licensee was in compliance with the LCO requirements in TS 3.0.
5. Emergency Planning a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To ensure that the requirements in the UMLRR emergency plan (EP) were being met, the inspector reviewed:
- Emergency Preparedness Plan for the UMLRR, Revision 6, dated August 2007 and associated emergency procedures
- Biennial training and annual emergency drills
- Emergency Contact Sheet
- Form Health Physics Procedure-16, Emergency Closet Inventory, and fire extinguisher checks-5-
- Biennial memorandum of understandings (MOUs) with Emergency Services
- EP Review b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the licensees EP and accompanying procedures and verified that the annual review of the EP was completed by the Reactor Supervisor and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The inspector noted that the EP incorrectly states that the UMLRR fuel is enriched to 20 percent uranium-235.
The inspector was informed by the licensee that the next revision to the EP will correct this error. This correction to the EP will be considered as an Inspection Follow-up Item (IFI) and will be reviewed during a subsequent inspection as IFI 05000223/2019201-01. During the tour of the facility, the inspector noted that the emergency call list was being reviewed periodically to verify its accuracy and that the emergency supply closet contained the required equipment and was being inventoried quarterly as required. The inspector also verified that MOUs with the offsite emergency support services (i.e., hospital, fire department, and emergency medical services) were updated biennially as required.
The inspector reviewed the annual emergency drills held within the last two years and found them to be well organized. The EP requirement for biennial offsite coordination and participation in drills was also being implemented. The inspector noted that the biennial training program was being properly monitored and maintained by the RSO. The inspector observed that the SRO to be very knowledgeable regarding the UMLRR Emergency Preparedness Program.
The inspector and the RSO toured the campus Emergency Operations Center and met with the Assistant Director for Environmental and Emergency Management to discuss their procedures in responding to an emergency at the UMLRR as well as their participation in drills. The inspector and SRO also toured the campus Dispatch Center and met with the Director of Communications and Security. The inspector interviewed the dispatch operator on duty and found her to be knowledgeable on the UMLRR alarm indications and response actions to be followed.
c. Conclusion The emergency preparedness program was generally conducted in accordance with the licensee EP and regulatory requirements. The IFI referenced above will be reviewed during the next scheduled inspection.
6. Maintenance Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To ensure that maintenance activities were consistent with regulatory requirements, the inspector reviewed:
- UMLRR console log books 36 and 37, covering the period from October 24, 2017, to the present-6-
- UMLRR Annual Reports for 2016 and 2017
- Reactor Pool Liner Repair Report, dated June 2018, submitted to the Reactor Safety Subcommittee b. Observations and Findings There were two non-routine maintenance activities performed during the last two years. The first maintenance activity involved the replacement of the air compressor within the reactor building. The air compressor supplies compressed air to experimental facilities, air operated valves in the demineralizer system, and the containment building airlock door seals. The air compressor was replaced, and the new unit successfully tested by the Universitys Facilities Department.
The second maintenance activity involved leaks in the pool liner. Similar leaks in the aluminum pool liner had been previously repaired in 2001, but in recent years, the pool liner had begun to leak again. In an effort to stop the leak, one section of the reactor pool had to be drained and a new epoxy coating was reapplied to the affected area. The reactor pool has been refilled to its normal water level and the pool liner no longer leaks.
The inspector reviewed associated logs and repair records and found them to be appropriate.
c. Conclusion Maintenance activities were conducted in accordance with licensee procedures and were acceptable.
7. Fuel Handling Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To ensure the requirements of TS Sections 4.7, Fuel Surveillance, and 6.7, Plant Operating Records, were being met, the inspector reviewed:
- UMLRR console log books 36 and 37, covering the period from October 24, 2017, to the present
- Current record of all fuel locations in the fuel storage racks, dated June 6, 2019 b. Observations and Findings The licensee primarily conducted fuel handling as part of the visual inspection of fuel surveillance. The inspector verified that fuel handling was conducted in compliance with procedures and the TS. The inspector also verified that the licensee was maintaining the required records of fuel movements as they were completed.
The inspector requested that the licensee perform a random fuel element location verification in the fuel storage rack. The inspector observed that the fuel-7-
element identified in the fuel storage rack, based on its serial number, was consistent with the licensees current fuel storage rack record.
c. Conclusion Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by the TS and licensee procedures.
8. Exit Meeting Summary The inspector presented the inspection results to licensee management at the end of the inspection on June 20, 2019. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection observations. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection and did not identify any of the material, provided to or reviewed by the inspector, as proprietary.
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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee L. Bobek Reactor Supervisor T. Regan Reactor Engineer D. Lajeunesse Senior Reactor Operator S. Lucas Reactor Operator R. LaCouture Reactor Operator Other personnel S. Snay Radiation Safety Officer, UML D. Stewart Assistant Director, Environmental and Emergency Management, UML K. Wilson Director, Communications and Security, UML T. Gauthier Dispatcher, UML INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED OPENED IFI 05000223/2019201-01 The UMLRR EP, dated August 2007, contains incorrect information pertaining to uranium-235 fuel enrichment and needs to be updated.
CLOSED None Discussed None LIST OF ACRONYMS USED 10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations EP Emergency Plan IFI Inspection Follow-up Item IP Inspection Procedure LCO Limiting Condition for Operation MOU Memorandum of Understanding NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission RF-RO Reactor Operator Instruction Form RO Reactor Operator RSO Radiation Safety Officer Attachment
SRO Senior Reactor Operator TS Technical Specification(s)
UML University of Massachusetts Lowell UMLRR University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor-2-