IR 05000223/2023201
| ML23304A145 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Lowell |
| Issue date: | 11/24/2023 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Prosanta Chowdhury Univ of Massachusetts - Lowell |
| Arellano J | |
| References | |
| IR 2023201 | |
| Download: ML23304A145 (1) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000223/2023201
Dear Dr. Chowdhury:
From October 16-18, 2023, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on October 18, 2023, 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 inspectors 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 website at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).
November 24, 2023 If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Juan Arellano at (301) 415-0477, or by email to Juan.Arellano@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: GovDelivery Subscribers Signed by Tate, Travis on 11/24/23
ML23304A145 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO NRR/DANU/UNPL NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME JArellano MBalazik NParker TTate DATE 10/31/2023 10/31/2023 11/2/2023 11/24/2023
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.:
50-223 License No.:
R-125 Report No.:
05000223/2023201 Licensee:
University of Massachusetts Lowell Facility:
University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor Location:
Lowell, Massachusetts Dates:
October 16-18, 2023 Inspectors:
Juan Arellano Mike Balazik 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
- 2 -
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor Facility Inspection Report No. 05000223/2023201 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) 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 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 NRC requirements.
Organization and Staffing
The inspectors determined that the organization and staffing were in compliance with the technical specification (TS) requirements.
Operations Logs and Records
The inspectors determined that the operations logs and records were maintained in accordance with the applicable TS and the licensees procedural requirements.
Requalification Training
The inspectors determined that the operator requalification program was conducted and completed in accordance with the NRC-approved program and regulatory requirements.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
The inspectors determined that surveillances were conducted and LCO were maintained in accordance with TS requirements.
Emergency Planning
The inspectors determined that the emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the emergency plan.
Maintenance Logs and Records
The inspectors determined that the maintenance activities were performed and documented in accordance with TS requirements.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
The inspectors determined that the fuel movements and inspections were conducted in accordance with TS and the licensees procedural requirements.
- 3 -
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.
Organization and Staffing a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001, Section 02.01)
To ensure that the requirements of TS 6.1 were met, the inspectors reviewed the following:
University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) Facility Operating License No. R-125, Docket No. 50-223, Renewed Facility Operating License, issued February 3, 2022
UML radiation organizational work chart, dated October 12, 2023
detailed job description, Senior Nuclear Reactor Engineer/Chief of Reactor Operations, November 2017
detailed job description, Nuclear Reactor Supervisor, dated November 2017
administrative procedure-0, Authority, dated August 24, 2022
UMLRR annual reports 2021, 2022, and 2023
Radiation Safety Committee Charter, revision 2
various appointment letters for the Reactor Safety Subcommittee (RSSC)
UMLRR console logbooks 38, 39, and 40
b.
Observations and Findings The inspectors found that since the previous NRC inspection (Inspection Report No. 05000125/2021202), no changes were made to the organization as outlined by TS 6.1.1. The inspectors observed that a list of facility personnel is posted in the control room in accordance with TS 6.1.3 item 2. The inspectors found that the list contained the current names and contact information for management, operations, radiation safety, and other support personnel. The inspectors found staffing requirements were met as described in TS 6.1.3 when the reactor is not secured. The inspectors verified that no new members of the RSSC were appointed since the previous NRC inspection. The inspectors determined that staffing satisfied the requirements of TS 6.1.3, item 1. The inspectors noted that there were 10 NRC licensed operators working at the UMLRR consisting of 6 senior reactor operators, 4 reactor operators, and 2 operators currently in training.
c.
Conclusion The inspectors determined that the licensees organization and staffing were in compliance with the requirements specified in the TSs.
- 4 -
2.
Operations Logs and Records a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.02)
To ensure that the requirements of TS 6.8 were met, the inspectors reviewed the following:
reactor operator procedures (RO)-5, Reactor Operations, revision 4
select RF-4, Daily Routine Check Sheet, performed 2023 - present
select RF-5, Radiation Monitoring System Daily Checks, performed 2023 - present
select RF-RO-7B, Pre-startup Check Sheet, performed 2023 - present
select RF-RO-7A, Reactor Operator Instruction Form, performed 2023 - present
UMLRR annual reports for 2021, 2022, and 2023
UMLRR console logbooks 38, 39, and 40 b.
Observations and Findings The inspectors found that logbook entries were maintained in accordance with approved procedures. The inspectors found that console logbook entries were made, including the names of licensed operators during reactor operations, location of fuel during movement, changes in reactor power and operations, and maintenance items as required by reactor operator procedures. The inspectors observed a licensed operator perform a startup checklist.
c.
Conclusion The inspectors determined that the licensees logbook entries and records were maintained as required by facility procedures and TSs.
3.
Requalification Training a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.04)
To ensure the requirements of the requalification program were met, the inspectors reviewed the following selected aspects of the UMLRR requalification program:
Operator Requalification Program for the UMLRR, dated November 2016
biennial written exam results, dated July 2022
license reactor operator requalification - annual operators test dated May 13, 2021, and May 8, 2023
requalification proficiency hours tracker spreadsheet
biennial medical exam results, NRC Form 396, and medical examinations
requalification program biennial audit for 2022
UMLRR console logbooks 38, 39, and 40 b.
Observations and Findings The inspectors found that training was conducted in accordance with the licensees NRC-approved requalification and training program and was documented. The inspectors confirmed that the operators completed all the reactor operations and
- 5 -
examinations required by the program and requalification records were maintained as required by procedures. The inspectors found that operator medical examinations were completed every 2 years as required by the regulations.
c.
Conclusion The inspectors determined that the operator requalification program was conducted and completed in accordance with the NRC-approved program and that the medical evaluations were completed in accordance with regulatory requirements.
4.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.05)
The inspectors reviewed the following to verify compliance with TS 3.0 and to determine if surveillance tests were performed as required by TS 4.0:
UMLRR Facility Operating License No. R-125, Docket No. 50-223, Renewed Facility Operating License, issued February 3, 2022
surveillance tracker scheduled for 2023
UMLRR console logbooks 38, 39, and 40
calibration procedures (CP) - 2, Linear Power Channel Check and Calibration, dated December 10, 2021
CP-3, Reactor Thermal Power Calibration, dated September 23, 2022
CP-4, Calibration Check of Temperature Monitoring Devices, dated March 23, 2022
Linear Power Channel Check and Calibration Form, performed September 5, 2023
Linear Power Channel Check and Calibration Form, performed November 8, 2022
memorandum for the completion of thermal power calorimetric performed November 17, 2022
form, Calibration of Temperature Monitoring Devices, performed March 28, 2023
form, Calibration of Temperature Monitoring Devices, performed April 7, 2022
form, Control Blade Inspection, performed November 9, 2022
form, Control Blade Inspection, performed November 5, 2021
form, Containment Valve Closure Test, performed June 14, 2023
select form, "Containment Valve Closure Test, performed from 2022 - present b.
Observations and Findings The inspectors found that surveillance tests were completed as required by the TS and LCO verifications were completed on schedule and in accordance with the licensees procedures. The inspectors observed a senior licensed operator perform a reactor startup after performing a startup checklist. In addition, the inspectors visually verified the monitoring instrument and scram function for seismic disturbance as required by TS 3.2.3.
c.
Conclusion The inspectors determined that the surveillances were conducted and LCO were maintained in accordance with TS requirements.
- 6 -
5.
Emergency Planning a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.10)
The inspectors reviewed the following selected portions of the licensees emergency preparedness program to verify compliance with Appendix E, Emergency Planning and Preparedness for Production and Utilization Facilities, to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities, and the licensees emergency plan:
"Emergency Preparedness Plan for the Research Reactor," dated May 2023
emergency services agreement with Lowell Fire Department dated July 18, 2023
emergency services agreement with Lowell Police Department dated June 9, 2023
emergency services agreement with PrideStar EMS, Inc. dated June 18, 2023
emergency services agreement with Lowell General Hospital dated June 13, 2023
UML Research Reactor Emergency Drill, dated June 1, 2022
emergency drill attendance sheet dated June 1, 2022
critique of 2022 emergency drill
emergency operating procedures-2, "Major Fire or Explosion," dated June 25, 2014
emergency procedure-2, "Minor Fire or Minor Explosion at the Facility but Non-Specific to the Reactor or its Control Room," dated September 12, 2023
"2023 Reactor E-drill scenario," dated June 1, 2023
emergency drill attendance sheet dated June 1, 2023
police training records for 2022
checklists, "Emergency Closet Inventory," performed 2022 - present b.
Observations and Findings The inspectors found that the emergency plan training was conducted, drills were performed, and emergency response call lists were maintained and posted as required by the emergency plan and licensee procedures. The inspectors toured the facility and observed the emergency closet confirming that the equipment was maintained as required by the emergency plan. In addition, the inspectors toured the campus dispatch center and found the call lists and procedures were maintained. The inspectors interviewed the dispatch operator on duty and found UMLRR alarm indications and response actions appropriate.
c.
Conclusion The inspectors determined that the emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the emergency plan.
- 7 -
6.
Maintenance Logs and Records a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.11)
The inspectors reviewed the following selected maintenance logs and records to verify compliance with the requirements of TS:
UMLRR annual reports 2021, 2022, and 2023
UMLRR console logbooks 38, 39, and 40
facility procedures (FP)-2, Deionizer Regeneration, dated May 17, 2007
FP-4, Movement of Objects by Crane, dated May 29, 2019
list of demineralizer regenerations
select RF-4 Daily Routine Check Sheet, performed from 2023 - present
Basic Safety Manual for Overhead Crane Operators
screen form for, Replacement of Crane trolley with 15-ton and 2-ton hoists, dated October 19, 2022 b.
Observations and Findings The inspectors found that the scheduled and unscheduled preventive and corrective maintenance activities were performed and documented in accordance with TS requirements and the licensees administrative procedures.
c.
Conclusion The inspectors determined that the maintenance activities were performed and documented in accordance with TS requirements.
7.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.12)
The inspectors reviewed the following fuel handling logs and activities to verify compliance with TS requirements:
RO-2, Unloading and Reloading the Core to a Known Configuration, dated April 1, 2005
RO-8, Handling of Irradiated Fuel, dated May 22, 1991
UMLRR console logbooks 38, 39, and 40
surveillance procedure (SP)-12, Inspection of Control Blades and Fuel, dated January 13, 2011
core loading maps binder
memorandum, SP-12 Fuel Inspection 2023, dated August 17, 2023
memorandum, 2021 Fuel Inspection - Complete 08/24/2021
videos of fuel inspection for 2023
Fuel Storage Racks, dated August 30, 2022
- 8 -
b.
Observations and Findings The inspectors found that the fuel handling activities were conducted and documented in accordance with TS requirements and the licensees procedural requirements. The inspectors observed that the fuel elements in the core and the storage racks aligned with the location of fuel elements documented in the logbooks and the reactor bay core map.
c.
Conclusion The inspectors determined that the fuel movements and inspections were conducted in accordance with TS and the licensees procedural requirements.
8.
Exit Interview The inspection scope and results were summarized on October 18, 2023, with members of licensee management and staff. The inspectors described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection results.
Attachment PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee Personnel Nuclear Radiation Laboratory Director M. Tries RSCC Chair L. Bobek Reactor Supervisor S. Snay Radiation Safety Officer T. Regan Chief Reactor Operator T. Cao Senior Reactor Operator B. McNeely Senior Reactor Operator INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Non-Power Reactors ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened None Closed None Discussed None