IR 05000223/2022201
| ML22244A150 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Lowell |
| Issue date: | 10/16/2022 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Prosanta Chowdhury Univ of Massachusetts - Lowell |
| Waugh A | |
| References | |
| IR 2022201 | |
| Download: ML22244A150 (11) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000223/2022201
Dear Dr. Chowdhury:
From August 15-17, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor facility. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection, which were discussed on August 17, 2022, 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 enclosure, 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 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).
October 16, 2022 If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Andrew Waugh at (301) 415-0230, or by email at Andrew.Waugh@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. 50-223 License No. R-125 Enclosure:
As stated cc: w/enclosure: See next page Signed by Tate, Travis on 10/16/22
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 Ms. Samantha Phillips, Director 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
ML22244A150 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME AWaugh NParker TTate DATE 09/02/2022 09/07/2022 10/16/2022
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.:
50-223 License No.:
R-125 Report No:
05000223/2022201 Licensee:
University of Massachusetts Lowell Facility:
University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor Location:
Lowell, Massachusetts Dates:
August 15-17, 2022 Inspector:
Andrew Waugh 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
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor Facility Inspection Report No. 05000223/2022201 The primary focus of this routine announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the University of Massachusetts Lowells (UML, the licensees) Class II research reactor facility program, including: (1) procedures; (2) experiments; (3) health physics (HP);
(4) design changes; (5) committees, audits and review; and (6) transportation of radioactive materials. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined that the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with the NRC requirements.
Procedures
The inspector determined that procedures were controlled, maintained current, implemented, and followed in compliance with the technical specifications (TS) and license requirements.
Experiments
The inspector determined that experiments were reviewed, approved, and conducted in accordance with the TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Health Physics
The inspector determined that the licensees HP program was conducted in accordance with the TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Design Changes
The inspector determined that design changes were conducted in accordance with the TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
Committees, Audits and Reviews
The inspector determined that the licensees oversight programs were conducted in accordance with the TS and procedural requirements.
Transportation Activities
The inspector determined that the licensees radioactive material transportation program was in accordance with the regulatory and procedural requirements.
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REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The UML 1 megawatt research reactor is operated in support of education, research, commercial service irradiations, reactor operator training, and periodic equipment surveillances.
During the inspection, the reactor was started up, operated, and shut down to support these ongoing activities.
1.
Procedures a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001, Section 02.03)
The inspector reviewed various procedures and observed their implementation, including a reactor startup and fast neutron irradiation experiment. The inspector also reviewed the following regarding the licensees procedures to ensure that the requirements of the licensees administrative procedures (AP) and TS 6.4 were met:
AP-0, "Authority," dated March 3, 2004
AP-1, "Procedure Control and Distribution," dated September 18, 2003
AP-2, "Procedure Development," dated September 18, 2003
reactor operating procedure (RO)-2, "Unloading and Reloading the Core to a Known Configuration," dated April 1, 2005
RO-4, "Addition or Removal of Core Samples," dated June 14, 2005
RO-5, "Reactor Operations," dated October 12, 2005
RO-8, "Handling of Irradiated Fuel," dated May 22, 1991
calibration procedure-4, "Calibration of Temperature Monitoring Devices," dated August 30, 2010
select logbook entries from 2020-present b. Observations and Findings The inspector observed that the licensee maintained written procedures covering the areas specified in TS 6.4. The inspector found that the procedures in use by the licensee were current, reviewed and approved as required by TS 6.4, able to be implemented as intended, and adhered to by reactor personnel.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that procedures were in compliance with the TS and license requirements.
2.
Experiments a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.06)
The inspector observed the performance of fast neutron irradiation experiments and reviewed the following to ensure that experiments were reviewed and conducted as required by TS 3.7, 3.8, and 6.5:
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RO-4, "Addition or Removal of Core Samples," dated June 14, 2005
facility procedure-5, "Sample Handling for the Reactor," dated September 18, 2008
AP-6, "10 CFR 50.59 Screenings and Evaluations," dated December 18, 2015
select experiment approval records
select "Irradiation Request Forms," from 2020-present b.
Observations and Findings The inspector found that experiments were reviewed and approved as required by TS 6.5 and Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments. The inspector also found that experiments were conducted in accordance with the licensees procedures and TS 3.7 and 3.8.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that experiments were reviewed, approved, and conducted in accordance with the TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
3.
Health Physics a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.07)
The inspector toured the facility, observed radiation surveys, and observed radiological signs and postings. The inspector also reviewed the following to ensure the licensees HP program adheres to the requirements of 10 CFR Part 19, Notices, Instructions, and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, 10 CFR Part 20, Standards for Protection against Radiation, and TS 3.6 and 4.6:
"University of Massachusetts Lowell Radiation Safety Guide," dated February 2015
select personnel dosimetry records from 2020-presen
environmental dosimetry records from 2020-present
select pool water analysis records from 2020-present
select training records from 2020-present
select radiation survey records 2020-present
2020 and 2021 annual radiation safety program audits
2020 and 2021 as low as reasonably achievable reports
select calibration records for radiation area monitors and constant air monitors from 2020-present b.
Observations and Findings The inspector found that practices regarding the use of dosimetry, radiation monitoring equipment, placement of radiological postings, posting of notices, use of protective clothing, and the handling and storing of radioactive material or contaminated equipment was in accordance with regulations and the licensees radiation protection program. The inspector found that the licensee met the regulatory requirements concerning radiological effluent releases and radiation survey, sampling, and monitoring. The inspector also found that training was conducted for radiation workers and as low as reasonably achievable principles were implemented as required by licensee procedures.
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c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees HP program was conducted in accordance with the TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
4.
Design Changes a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.08)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that modifications to the facility were made in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59 and the TS:
AP-6, "10 CFR 50.59 Screenings and Evaluations," dated December 18, 2015
select reactor safety subcommittee meeting minutes from 2020-present
annual operating report 2020-2021
select "50.59 Screen Forms," from 2020-present b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that the design changes were reviewed and approved as required by 10 CFR 50.59. The inspector also found that the performance of modified equipment and the procedures and drawings related to that equipment met the regulatory, TS, and procedural requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the design changes were conducted in accordance with the TS, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
5.
Committees, Audits and Reviews a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.09)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that committees, audits, and reviews were conducted as required by the licensees procedures and TS 6.2:
"Radiation Safety Committee Charter," dated June 9, 2022
select reactor safety subcommittee meeting minutes from 2020-2022 b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that the licensees reactor safety subcommittee met and provided reviews as required by the TS. The inspector also found that problems identified from the licensees required reviews were resolved in accordance with the licensees procedures and TS.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees oversight programs were conducted in accordance with TS and procedural requirements.
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6.
Transportation Activities a.
Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure the licensees program for transporting radioactive materials met NRC and Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements:
health physics procedure (HPP)-2, "Receipt of Radioactive Material," dated October 21, 2002
HPP-3, "Shipment of Radioactive Materials," dated February 5, 2008
select shipping forms from 2020-present b.
Observations and Findings The inspector found that the licensees procedures and records concerning the transportation of radioactive material were in accordance with NRC and DOT requirements.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees radioactive material transportation program was in accordance with regulatory and procedural requirements.
7.
Exit Interview The inspection scope and results were summarized on August 17, 2022, with members of licensee management and staff. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection results. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection.
Attachment PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee L. Bobek Reactor Supervisor S. Snay Director of Radiation Safety T. Cao Senior Reactor Operator D. Lajeunesse Senior Reactor Operator C. Buckley Radiation Security Specialist INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors IP 86740 Inspection of Transportation Activities ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened:
None Closed:
None Discussed:
None