IR 05000252/2019201
| ML19304C605 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of New Mexico |
| Issue date: | 11/22/2019 |
| From: | Anthony Mendiola NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Busch R Univ of New Mexico, Nuclear Engineering Department |
| Bassett C, NRR/DANU/UNPO, 240-535-1842 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19323F243 | List: |
| References | |
| IR 2019201 | |
| Download: ML19304C605 (18) | |
Text
November 22, 2019
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-252/2019-201
Dear Dr. Busch:
From October 21 - 24, 2019, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an inspection at the University of New Mexico AGN-201M Research Reactor Facility. The enclosed report presents the inspection results, which were discussed on October 24, 2019, with you and other members of your staff, as well as, representatives from the Radiation Safety Office, including the Interim Campus Radiation Safety Officer.
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 activities in progress, 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 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 Craig Bassett at (240) 535-1842 or electronic mail at Craig.Bassett@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Anthony J. Mendiola, 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. 50-252 License No. R-102
Enclosure:
As stated
cc: See next page
University of New Mexico Docket No. 50-252
cc:
City Manager City of Albuquerque City Hall Albuquerque, NM 87101
Dr. Charles Fleddermann, Interim Chair Nuclear Engineering Department 1 University of New Mexico MSC 01-1120 Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Cathryn Anderko, Interim Radiation Safety Officer Radiation Safety Office 1 University of New Mexico MCS08-4560 Albuquerque, NM 87131
Chief, Radiation Control Bureau Field Operations Division Environment Department Harold S. Runnels Bldg.
1190 St. Francis Drive, Rm S2100 Santa Fe, NM 87505-4173
Deputy Secretary, Office of the Secretary New Mexico State Environment Department 1190 St. Francis Drive, Suite 4050N Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110
Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter P.O. Box 118300 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611
Gary Cooper Ph.D Nuclear Engineering Department 1 University of New Mexico MSC-01-1120 Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
ML19323F243 (package)
- via e-mail NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO/PM *
NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA *
NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME CBassett NParker AMendiola DATE 11/13/19 11/4/19 11/22/19
Enclosure U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.:
50-252
License No.:
R-102
Report No.:
50-252/2019-201
Licensee:
University of New Mexico
Facility:
AGN-201M Reactor Facility
Location:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dates:
October 21 -24, 2019
Inspector:
Craig Bassett
Approved by:
Anthony J. Mendiola, 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 New Mexico AGN-201M Research Reactor Facility NRC Inspection Report No. 50-252/2019-201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection included onsite review of selected aspects of the University of New Mexico (UNM, the licensee) Class II research reactor safety program including: (1) organization and staffing; (2) operations logs and records; (3) procedures; (4) requalification training; (5) surveillance and limiting conditions for operations; (6) experiments; (7) design changes; (8) committees, audits, and reviews; (9) emergency planning; (10) maintenance logs and records; and, (11) fuel handling logs and records since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection of these areas.. The licensee's program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance with NRC requirements.
Organization and Staffing
The facility organizational structure and shift staffing satisfied technical specification (TSs)
requirements.
Operations Logs and Records
The facility was maintaining and retaining records in accordance with the TSs.
Procedures
Procedural control and implementation satisfied TS requirements.
Requalification Training
The licensees requalification program was up-to-date and plan requirements were being met.
Surveillance and Limiting Condition for Operation
Surveillances and limiting conditions for operation were being performed and observed in accordance with the TSs.
Experiments
The approval and control of experiments met TS requirements.
Design Changes.
The licensee's design change program was being implemented as required.
Committees, Audits, and Reviews
Review and oversight functions required by the TS were acceptably completed by the Reactor Safety Advisory Committee.
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Emergency Planning
The facility emergency preparedness program was being implemented as required by the approved Emergency Plan.
Maintenance Logs and Records
Maintenance activities were performed in accordance with facility procedures.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
Fuel Handling operations were performed in accordance with facility protocol and procedures and the TSs.
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REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The University of New Mexico (UNM, the licensee) Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified (AGN-201M) research reactor continued to operate the reactor in support of operator training, surveillances, and teaching and classroom experiments/demonstrations. During the inspection, the reactor was operated for demonstration purposes.
1.
Organization and Staffing
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the requirements of technical specification (TS) Section 6.0 (revised November 2010) were being met:
- Organization chart
Management responsibilities
Qualifications of facility personnel
Selected portions of the University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log forms, completed in 2018 and to date in 2019
2018 Annual Report for the UNM AGN-201M reactor, for the period from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, and submitted to the NRC on August 28, 2018
2019 Annual Report for the UNM AGN-201M reactor, for the period from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, and submitted to the NRC on September 5, 2019
b.
Observations and Findings
Facility organization was consistent with that specified in the TS. The organizational structure and the responsibilities of the reactor staff had not changed since the last inspection. It was noted that a new Chair of the Nuclear Engineering Department had been selected on an interim basis. The licensee had notified the NRC of this change as required through the submittal of a letter dated September 5, 2019.
Staffing levels remained consistent with those noted during previous inspections of the facility. Through the review of selected records, the inspector found that, during operations when the reactor was not secured, the facility met the minimum operating staffing requirements specified in TS Section 6.1.12.
c.
Conclusion
Organizational structure and staffing satisfied TS requirements.
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2.
Operation Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed administrative procedures and reviewed record retention to verify compliance with TS Section 6.10. This included:
- Various University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log forms completed in 2018 and to date in 2019
The University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor - Reactor Operation and Training Manual, last revised March 2019
Records of various Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation (LCOs)
for 2018 and to date in 2019
Request for Use of the UNM AGN-201 Reactor authorization forms for 2018 and to date in 2019
AGN-201M Annual Maintenance forms for surveillance activities and maintenance performed August 14, 2018, and August 12, 2019
Monthly Reactor Inspection AGN-201M, SN-112 Reactor forms for 2018 and to date in 2019
Selected maintenance records for 2018 and to date in 2019
The two most recent UNM Annual Operating Reports as noted above
b.
Observations and Findings
Reactor operations logs were maintained on forms entitled University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log. The logs identified the completion of the pre-critical startup checklist, startup, power changes and steady state operation, and shutdown of the reactor. The logs and records also identified the installation or removal of fuel elements, control rods, or experiments that could affect core reactivity. The logs and records identified rod worth measurements and other reactivity measurements. The reactor logs were found to be properly completed and maintained.
During the inspection the inspector observed start-up, operation, and shutdown of the reactor. It was noted that the reactor operator followed the appropriate procedures, was knowledgeable of the required actions, and professional in the conduct of his duties.
c.
Conclusion
The facility was maintaining and retaining records in accordance with the TSs.
3.
Procedures
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the procedural control
requirements of TS Section 6.6 were being met:
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- Records of changes to proceduresReactor Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) meeting minutes dated January 11, 2018, June 22, 2018, December 14, 2018, and June 28, 2019
Selected procedures contained in the University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor - Reactor Operation and Training Manual, last revised March 2019
UNM AGN-201M Procedure for Excess Reactivity Measurements, revised May 23, 2019
UNM AGN-201M AGN-201 Fuel Removal Procedure for Disassembly of Core Tank [TS 6.6.b], revised May 7, 2019
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the licensees procedures and revisions to procedures. It was noted that some procedures were contained in the UNM AGN-201M Reactor Operation and Training Manual while others were separate documents. The procedures addressed the full scope of activities conducted during reactor operations as well as maintenance and surveillance activities. The inspector noted that procedure changes were being reviewed and approved as required by the TSs. Training of personnel on procedures and procedure changes was acceptable. Through observation of various activities at the facility, including reactor operation, the inspector determined that licensee personnel conducted activities in accordance with applicable procedures, as noted above.
c.
Conclusion
Procedural control and implementation satisfied TS requirements.
4.
Requalification Training
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with the applicable requirements in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 55, Operators' Licenses, and the licensees requalification program:
Current status of selected qualified operators licenses Medical examination records from 2017 through 2019 UNM requalification (biennial) examinations for 2017 through 2019 Operator training records for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019 to date, documented on forms entitled, Requalification Training Record, AGN-201M Reactor Facility, University of New Mexico Operator and Senior Operator Requalification Program for the University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Facility, revised as of March 2019 Various University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log forms completed in 2018 and to date in 2019 Training requirements stipulated in American Nuclear Society Institute/American Nuclear Society-15.4-2016, Standards for the Selection and Training of Personnel for Research Reactors
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b.
Observations and Findings
As of the date of the inspection, the active NRC-licensed staff at the facility consisted of four Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) and two Reactor Operators (ROs). The inspector verified that these operators licenses were current. Other individuals held licenses at the facility, but those operators licenses were considered inactive because the individuals had not had the time to operate the reactor for the required number of hours per quarter or complete the required training. Some individuals with inactive licenses were working elsewhere. The licensee was in the process of determining whether these individuals still required a license.
The active licensed operators were maintaining the proper qualifications and were successfully completing the facilitys requalification and training program.
The inspector verified that they had completed at least four hours of reactor operation or supervisory activity per quarter as required. The operators had also completed annual operating tests and biennial written examinations as stipulated by the program.
The inspector verified that the operations tests and written examinations were administered at the specified frequency and that the level of difficulty was comparable to that of NRC-administered tests and examinations. The inspector confirmed that the requalification program was being administered in a manner that would sufficiently maintain the qualifications and proficiency of the licensed operators currently working at the facility. The inspector also noted that the operators had also received the appropriate biennial medical examinations as required.
c.
Conclusion
The licensees requalification program was up-to-date, and the applicable requirements were met. Operators were receiving biennial medical examinations as required.
5.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with TS Section 3.0 and Section 4.0:
- AGN-201M Annual Maintenance forms for surveillance activities and maintenance performed August 14, 2018, and August 12, 2019
Various University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log forms, completed in 2018 and to date in 2019
Monthly Reactor Inspection AGN-201M, SN-112 Reactor forms for 2018 and to date in 2019
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b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that LCOs for reactor core reactivity conditions; reactor control and safety systems; limitations of experiments; and, radiation monitoring, control, and shielding were being met. At the UNM reactor facility, LCOs were verified through monthly and annual surveillances and the results were maintained within the Monthly Maintenance Logbook. Monthly maintenance activities included such determinations as nuclear instrumentation channel checks to verify scram set points and interlocks and rod drop tests. The annual maintenance involved extensive determinations such as power calibration, core excess reactivity, shutdown margin, and rod worth calibrations. The LCOs were being checked and/or completed at the required frequencies and the results were within the specified parameters.
c.
Conclusion
Surveillances and LCOs were being performed and checked in accordance with facility TSs.
6.
Experiments
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69005)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance with TS Sections 3.3, 4.5, and 6.7:
Radioisotope Production Log Request for Use of the UNM AGN-201 Reactor authorization forms Nos.
602 - 618, for the period from January 2018 to present Various University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log forms, completed in 2018 and to date in 2019
b.
Observations and Findings
The UNM AGN-201M reactor was primarily used as a training reactor for undergraduate and graduate students. Experiments that were performed typically consisted of operations conducted for semester coursework, including:
sample activation; approach to critical; reactor period and reactivity measurements; control rod calibrations; importance function measurements; and, transfer function measurements.
The inspector noted that the various experiments conducted at the facility, and revisions thereto, had been reviewed and approved as required. It was noted that no new experiments had been proposed in the past several years. Also, no experiments were performed during the inspection.
The inspector reviewed how experiments were performed to verify compliance with the TSs and experiment protocols. From a random sampling of forms, the inspector found that experiments were being reviewed as required, performed as stipulated by the appropriate protocols, and the results documented. Also, the
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experiments were performed under the cognizance of the Chief Reactor Supervisor in accordance with TS requirements.
c.
Conclusion
The program for reviewing and conducting experiments satisfied TS and procedural requirements.
7.
Design Changes
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To verify compliance with the requirements outlined in the licensees TSs and in 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
Process for 50.59 Review, dated March 2017 Selected Request for Use of the UNM AGN-201 Reactor authorization forms for January 2018 to the present Completed Reactor Maintenance Log Sheet - The University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Facility, forms for the period from 2018 to the present The two most recent UNM Annual Operating Reports as noted above
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the records related to experiments and maintenance since the last inspection. The inspector determined that there had been various maintenance requests processed since the last NRC inspection. The current maintenance requests included a section which addressed the need (or the lack thereof) for a 50.59 review and evaluation. The recent requests reviewed had screened out the need for a 50.59 review because the requests involved simple maintenance items or like-for-like replacement.
The inspector reviewed the Requests for Use forms and maintenance log sheets to determine if they conformed to the screening and vetting process as described under 10 CFR 50.59. As noted, none of the changes involved anything like a change to the TSs nor met any of the criteria in 10 CFR 50.59(c)(2).
c.
Conclusion
The licensee's design change program was being implemented as required.
8.
Committees, Audits and Reviews
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To verify that TS requirements were being met since the last inspection, the inspectors reviewed selected aspects of:
RSAC Meeting Minutes dated January 11, 2018, June 22, 2018, December 14, 2018, and June 28, 2019
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- Audits completed by the RSAC or a designee in 2018 and to date in 2019 as documented in the RSAC meeting minutes
The two most recent UNM Annual Operating Reports as noted above
b.
Observations and Findings
The functions and responsibilities of the RSAC were defined in the TS. The inspector verified that the RSAC held semiannual meetings and that a quorum was present as required. Minutes of these meetings indicated that the RSAC provided appropriate guidance and direction for reactor operations and ensured suitable use and oversight of the reactor.
The inspector reviewed the RSAC audits required under the TS Section 6.4.3.
The inspector determined that the RSAC was performing the audits within the periodicity outlined in the TSs. Audit results and comments were captured within the RSAC meeting minutes. From a review of the minutes, it was noted that there were no corrective action items resulting from the audits which needed to be addressed. The inspector also noted that there were no safety significant issues recorded during the audits since the last inspection.
c.
Conclusion
Review and oversight functions required by the TSs were acceptably completed by the RSAC.
9.
Emergency Planning
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To verify compliance with the facilitys emergency plan entitled, Emergency Plan for the UNM AGN-201M Reactor Facility, dated August 31, 2015, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
- Training records for staff and student personnel
Emergency Contact List posted at strategic locations in the Nuclear Engineering Laboratory
Emergency response supplies, equipment, and instrumentation
Documentation of emergency drills and critiques for 2017, 2018, and 2019
Selected Emergency Procedures contained in the University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor - Reactor Operation and Training Manual, last revised March 2019
Letters of Agreement between the licensee and the Albuquerque Fire Department, the UNM Hospital, the Department of Radiology, and the Albuquerque Ambulance Service
b.
Observations and Findings
The Emergency Plan (E-Plan) in use at the reactor was the same as the version most recently reviewed by the NRC. The E-Plan was being audited biennially
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and was last audited/reviewed December 14, 2018. Implementing procedures were contained within the E-Plan and were reviewed and revised as needed.
The inspector verified that monthly inventories of various emergency supplies including a first aid kit, anti-contamination clothing, and other equipment were being conducted by UNM Radiation Safety Office personnel. These supplies and equipment and survey meters were being maintained in the appropriate locations as required in the E-Plan. Training for reactor staff and students was being conducted and generally occurred during requalification for operators or during laboratory classes for students. It was noted that the UNM Emergency Contact List was last updated March 6, 2019.
Emergency drills were being conducted annually as required, although the drill for 2018 was not held until February 2019. It was noted that critiques for the drills had been held as required and the results of the critiques, including strengths and apparent weaknesses, had been documented. The drills and critiques appeared to be adequate.
According to the licensee, Letters of Agreements (LOAs) with various university and offsite response organizations, such as the UNM Hospital and the Department of Radiology, as well as the Albuquerque Fire Department (FD) and the Albuquerque Ambulance Service, were being maintained. The inspector reviewed the LOAs and noted that two had been updated in 2018 but two had not. When asked about these latter two, the licensee indicated that letters had been sent requesting updated LOAs be signed and returned but to no avail. The inspector verified that the request letters had been sent out as indicated. The licensee agreed to make further efforts to obtain signed LOAs with the UNM Hospital and the Albuquerque Fire Department.
As part of the inspection, the inspector and an SRO visited Station No. 3 of the Albuquerque FD and observed the facilities, supplies, and equipment at that support site which would be available in case of a fire or other emergency. The support that was available and that would be provided by the FD in case of a fire appeared to be more than adequate and FD staff were adequately trained. Also, there appeared to be a good working relationship between the licensee staff and FD personnel.
c.
Conclusion
The licensee was maintaining acceptable emergency preparedness in accordance with TS and E-Plan requirements. Appropriate support was available if needed.
10.
Maintenance Logs and Records
b.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To verify that maintenance was being performed in accordance with procedures, the inspector reviewed the following:
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- Completed Reactor Maintenance Log Sheet - The University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Facility, forms for the period from 2018 to the present and contained in the Reactor Maintenance Request Notebook
Monthly Reactor Inspection AGN-201M, SN-112 Reactor forms for 2018 and to date in 2019
Various University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log forms completed in 2018 and to date in 2019
UNM AGN-201M Fuel Removal Procedure for Disassembly of Core Tank
[TS 6.6.b], revised May 17, 2019
UNM AGN-201M Fuel Insertion and Procedure for Re-Assembly of Core Tank [TS 6.6.b], revised May 17, 2019
The two most recent UNM Annual Operating Reports as noted above
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed selected portions of the control room operations and maintenance logbooks for the time period since the previous inspection. The maintenance that had been performed during that period generally included troubleshooting and minor repairs. It was noted that the core tank had been disassembled to facilitate fuel removal. The fuel was then characterized by representatives from Sandia National Laboratory to provide detailed information of fuel enrichment, distribution, and presence of fission products.
The inspector noted that routine and preventive maintenance was controlled and documented in the appropriate logs. These documents indicated that all maintenance activities were completed in accordance with the requirements in the appropriate licensee procedures. The inspector verified that all maintenance was conducted in accordance with the requirements of TS Section 4.0, and post maintenance testing was performed before returning the equipment to service.
c.
Conclusion
Maintenance activities were performed in accordance with facility procedures.
11.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To verify compliance with TS 5.2, the inspector interviewed facility staff and reviewed the following:
- Various University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Operations Log forms, completed in 2018 and to date in 2019
AGN-201 Fuel Removal Procedure for Approach to Critical [TS 6.10.1.a.2],
revised January 29, 2018
UNM AGN-201M Fuel Insertion and Procedure for Re-Assembly of Core Tank [TS 6.6.b], revised May 17, 2019
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b.
Observations and Findings
Through discussion with reactor facility staff and records reviews it was determined that the majority of fuel handling operations were performed during laboratory experiments (i.e., 1/M plots for criticality determination) or annual surveillances (i.e., rod drop tests).
The inspector found that the fuel movements that had been completed since the last inspection were adequately documented and that the fuel was maintained in the appropriate location at all times.
c.
Conclusion
Fuel Handling operations were performed in accordance with facility protocol and procedures and the TSs.
12.
Exit Meeting
The inspection scope and results were summarized on October 24, 2019, with members of licensee management. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed in detail the inspection findings. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented and did not identify as proprietary any of the material provided to or reviewed by the inspector during the inspection.
Attachment PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee Chief Reactor Supervisor K. Carpenter Reactor Supervisor R. Davis
Reactor Operator J. Hunt
Reactor Operator C. Willis
Senior Reactor Operator
Other Personnel
C. Anderko Interim Campus Radiation Safety Officer (Contractor working for UNM; Vice President with the company West Physics based in Atlanta, GA)
R. Blea Commander, Albuquerque Fire Department, Station No. 3 M. Eden Technical Assistant, UNM Radiation Safety Office
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
Class II Research and Test Reactors
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
None
LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations AGN
Aerojet General Nucleonics E-Plan Emergency Plan FD
Fire Department IP
Inspection Procedure LCOs Limiting Conditions for Operation LOA
Letter of Agreement NRC
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission RO
Reactor Operator SRO
Senior Reactor Operator RSAC Reactor Safety Advisory Committee TSs
Technical Specifications UNM University of New Mexico