IR 05000252/2020201
| ML20273A305 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of New Mexico |
| Issue date: | 12/23/2020 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Willis C Univ of New Mexico, Nuclear Engineering Department |
| Bassett C, NRR/DANU/UNPO, 240-535-1842 | |
| References | |
| IR 2020201 | |
| Download: ML20273A305 (13) | |
Text
December 23, 2020
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000252/2020201
Dear Mr. Willis:
From September 21-23, 2020, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor facility. The enclosed report presents the inspection results which were discussed on September 23, 2020, with you and Ken Carpenter, Reactor Supervisor.
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, 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 BReed for/
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. 50-252 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. Hyoung K. Lee, Chair Nuclear Engineering Department 1 University of New Mexico MSC-01-1120 Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 Michael J. Timmerman, Radiation Safety Officer Radiation Safety Office 1 University of New Mexico MSC-08-4560 Albuquerque, NM 87131 Chief, Radiation Control Bureau Field Operations Division Environment Department Harold S. Runnels Building 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 Attention: Ms. Amber Johnson Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering University of Maryland 4418 Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20742-2115 Gary Cooper Ph.D Nuclear Engineering Department 1 University of New Mexico MSC-01-1120 Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 Robert D. Busch, Ph.D., P.E.
Nuclear Engineering Department 1 University of New Mexico, MSC-01-1120 Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
ML20273A305 *concurred via e-mail NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO/RI* NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA* NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC*
NAME CBassett NParker TTate (BReed For)
DATE 10/1/2020 9/30/2020 12/23/2020
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.: 50-252 License No.: R-102 Report No.: 05000252/2020201 Licensee: University of New Mexico Facility: University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Dates: September 21-23, 2020 Inspector: Craig 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 University of New Mexico University of New Mexico AGN-201M Reactor Facility Nuclear Regulatory Commission Inspection Report No. 05000252/2020201 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 nuclear reactor safety program including: (1) organization and staffing; (2) procedures; (3) health physics; (4) design changes; (5) committees, audits and reviews; and, (6) transportation activities. The U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined the licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with the NRC requirements.
Organization and Staffing
- Organizational structure and staffing satisfied requirements outlined in the facility technical specifications (TSs).
Procedures
- Procedural control and implementation satisfied TS requirements.
Health Physics
- The radiation protection program was maintained and implemented as required by TS and satisfied regulations.
Design Changes.
- The licensee's design change program was implemented as required by TS and satisfied regulations.
Committees, Audits and Reviews
- Audit, review, and oversight functions required by the TSs were acceptably completed by the Reactor Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC).
Transportation Activities
- The licensee did not ship any radioactive material from the facility using the reactor license.
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REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The UNM Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified (AGN-201M) nuclear reactor continued to operate in support of teaching, classroom experiments/demonstrations, surveillances, and operator training. During the inspection, the reactor was shut down for maintenance and was not operated.
1. Organization and Staffing a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001, Section 02.01)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.0 (revised May 2018) were met:
- organization chart
- qualifications of facility personnel
- management responsibilities
- selected portions of the reactor operations logs
- 2019 Annual Report for the AGN-201M reactor located at the University of New Mexico - Docket 50-252 b. Observations and Findings The inspector determined that the licensees organization was consistent with that specified in the TSs. The organizational structure and the responsibilities of the reactor staff had not changed since the last inspection. The inspector verified the staff qualifications met or exceeded those specified in the TSs.
The inspector confirmed that staffing levels remained consistent with those noted during the last inspection of the facility. Through the review of selected records, during operations when the reactor was not secured, the inspector verified that the facility met the minimum operating staff requirements specified in TS Section 6.1.12.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that organizational structure and staffing satisfied TS requirements.
2. Procedures a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.03)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the procedural control requirements of TS Section 6.6 were met:
- records of changes to procedures
- RSAC meeting minutes from June 22, 2018, to the present-3-
- selected procedures from the Reactor Operation and Training Manual, revised March 2019 b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the licensees written procedures and revisions to procedures. The procedures were organized to address the full scope of activities conducted at the reactor facility. The inspector noted that procedural changes were reviewed and approved as required by TSs. The inspector noted training of personnel on procedures and changes was completed. Through observation of various activities at the facility, the inspector determined that licensee personnel conducted activities in accordance with applicable procedures.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the procedural control and implementation satisfied TS requirements.
3. Health Physics a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.07)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with TS Section 4.4 as well as Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 19, Notices, Instructions and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, and 10 CFR Part 20, Standards for Protection against Radiation, requirements:
radiological signs, postings, and area control quarterly dosimetry records for the reactor room from 2018 to the present quarterly dosimetry records for reactor staff and students from 2018 to the present records of maintenance and calibration of portable radiation survey instruments from 2018 to the present monthly Nuclear Engineering AGN-201M Reactor/Source Storage Radiation Dose Survey forms for periods of non-operation annual Nuclear Engineering AGN-201M Reactor Operational Radiation Survey forms for the last 3 years 2019 Annual Report for the AGN-201M reactor located at the University of New Mexico - Docket 50-252 b. Observations and Findings The inspector toured the Nuclear Engineering Laboratory (NE Lab) and observed the use of dosimetry and radiation monitoring equipment. Licensee personnel were interviewed as well. The inspector also discussed the subjects of surveys, dosimetry, training, and radioactive effluents with the UNM Health Sciences Center Office of Research, Radiation Safety Office representative.
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(1) Surveys The inspector reviewed monthly and annual radiation and contamination surveys of the NE Lab controlled areas completed by Radiation Safety Office personnel. The inspector verified that surveys were completed in accordance with procedure and the results were documented on the appropriate forms and evaluated as required by procedure. The inspector noted that the surveys included the date, survey instrument used with calibration date, reactor power level, and the type of survey as required by Radiation Safety Office procedure.
The inspector determined that Radiation Safety Office personnel also completed an annual radiation survey of the facility while the reactor was at power in accordance with TSs. The inspector determined that the readings detected during these annual surveys were comparable from year to year and there were no readings in excess of those noted in the past.
(2) Postings and Notices The inspector toured the NE Lab and reviewed the postings required by 10 CFR Parts 19 and 20 at the entrances to various controlled areas including the Reactor facility, the Reactor Room, and radioactive material storage areas. The inspector determined that postings were acceptable and satisfied regulations and indicated the radiation and contamination hazards present. The facility radioactive material storage areas were noted by the inspector to be properly posted in accordance with regulations. No unmarked radioactive material was found by the inspector in the facility. The inspector verified that control of radioactive material and control of access to radiation and high radiation areas were in compliance with the regulations.
(3) Dosimetry The inspector determined that the licensee used thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) for whole body monitoring of beta and gamma radiation exposure. The TLDs also contained a component to measure neutron radiation. The dosimetry was supplied and processed by a National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program accredited vendor, i.e.,
Landauer. The inspector examined the TLD results indicating radiation exposures at the facility for the past 2 years and verified that the highest occupational doses, as well as doses to the public, were well within 10 CFR Part 20 limitations.
(4) Radiation Monitoring Equipment The inspector determined that calibration of portable survey meters and friskers was completed by Radiation Safety Office personnel or by companies that specialize in calibrating instruments. Fixed area radiation monitors were calibrated at the facility by reactor staff personnel using a portable source. The inspector reviewed calibration records of portable-5-
survey meters and fixed radiation detectors in use at the facility. The inspector verified that calibration frequencies of the various instruments examined met the requirements established in TS Section 4.4.a., and records were maintained as required by regulations. The inspector noted that instruments that exceeded the calibration period were tagged out of service.
(5) Radiation Protection Program The inspector verified that the licensees Radiation Protection Program (RPP) was established through the UNM Radiation Safety Manual, revised September 17, 2018, and various Radiation Safety Office procedures. The inspector verified that the RPP was reviewed annually as required by the regulations. The most recent review of the program did not identify any issues related to radiation protection at the NE Lab.
(6) Training The Radiation Safety Manual required that all personnel who worked with radioactive materials receive training in radiation protection, policies, procedures, requirements, and the facilities prior to having unescorted access at the facility. Radiation Safety Office personnel were responsible for conducting the training. A test was administered at the end of the training to ensure that the individuals understood the material presented.
The inspector verified that the training covered the topics required to be taught in 10 CFR Part 19 and a review of training materials and tests indicated that reactor staff and student personnel were instructed on, and understood, the appropriate subjects.
(7) Environmental Monitoring The inspector determined that the licensee complied with NRC regulations for environmental monitoring by ensuring that all doses at the site boundary were less than the dose limits specified in 10 CFR 20.1301, Dose limits for individual members of the public. The licensee accomplished this by placing several TLDs in strategic locations around the inside perimeter of the facility. The inspector reviewed the TLD results and noted that there were no doses above the regulatory limits.
The inspector also verified that there were no liquid or gaseous effluents discharged from the facility since the last inspection.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the RPP was maintained and implemented as required.
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4. Design Changes a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.08)
To verify compliance with the licensees procedures, TSs, and 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
selected Request for Use forms from 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 2019 Annual Report for the AGN-201M reactor located at the University of New Mexico - Docket 50-252 b. Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed the records related to experiments and requested maintenance since the last inspection. The inspector determined that there were no new experiments (i.e., design changes) since the last NRC inspection. 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. The inspector found that the licensee determined none of the changes required a change to the TSs or met any of the criteria in 10 CFR 50.59(c)(2). The inspector did note that there was one maintenance request form (design change review) that was still pending. The inspector verified the licensee was in the process of reviewing the issue and preparing a written 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation of the proposed change to be implemented.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the licensee's design change program was implemented as required by procedures and regulations.
5. Committees, Audits and Reviews a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.09)
To verify that the audit and review TS requirements were completed, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
RSAC meeting minutes from June 22, 2018, to the present results of audits and reviews contained in the RSAC meeting minutes 2019 Annual Report for the AGN-201M reactor located at the University of New Mexico - Docket 50-252 b. Observations and Findings The inspector noted that the functions and responsibilities of the RSAC were defined in the TSs. The inspector verified that the RSAC held semiannual meetings and a quorum was present as required. The inspector verified that the reviews required by TS Section 6.4.2 were conducted.
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The inspector reviewed the RSAC audits required under TS Section 6.4.3 and determined that the RSAC performed audits within the periodicity outlined in the TSs. Audit results and comments were captured within the meeting minutes and during this inspection it was noted by the inspector that there were no incomplete corrective action items that needed to be addressed. The inspector also noted that there were no safety significant issues recorded during the audits.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the review and oversight functions required by the TSs were acceptably completed by the RSAC.
6. Transportation Activities a. Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
To verify compliance with regulatory and procedural requirements for shipping radioactive material, the inspector interviewed licensee personnel, Radiation Safety Office personnel, and reviewed operational logs and records.
b. Observations and Findings Through records review and discussions with licensee and Radiation Safety Office personnel, the inspector determined that the licensee did not ship any radioactive material from the reactor facility under the auspices of the reactor license. The inspector verified that if the licensee needed to ship radioactive material, it would be transferred to the UNMs Broad Scope license and shipped or disposed of under that license.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that no radioactive material was shipped from the reactor facility under the reactor license.
7. Exit Meeting The inspection scope and results were summarized on September 23, 2020, by the inspector 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.
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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee K. Carpenter Reactor Supervisor R. Davis Senior Reactor Operator Chief Reactor Supervisor Other Personnel M. Eden Health Physicist, Radiation Safety Office, UNM Health Sciences Center, Office of Research 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 LIST OF ACRONYMS USED 10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations AGN-201M Aerojet General Nucleonics-201 Modified IP Inspection Procedure NE Lab Nuclear Engineering Laboratory NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission RPP Radiation Protection Program RSAC Reactor Safety Advisory Committee TLD Thermoluminescent Dosimeter TSs Technical Specifications UNM University of New Mexico Attachment