IR 05000274/2023201
| ML23054A207 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Issue date: | 02/27/2023 |
| From: | Kevin Roche NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Mahan S US Dept of Interior, Geological Survey (USGS) |
| References | |
| IR 2023201 | |
| Download: ML23054A207 (11) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000274/2023201
Dear Ms. Mahan:
From January 10-12, 2023, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at your U.S. Geological Survey Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics Reactor facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on January 12, 2023, with you and Mr. Jonathan Wallick, Reactor Supervisor, and members of the reactor staff.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the NRCs 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 NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).
February 27, 2023 Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Kevin Roche at (301) 415-1554, or by email at Kevin.Roche@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. 50-274 License No. R-113 Enclosure:
As stated cc: See next page Signed by Tate, Travis on 02/27/23
U.S. Geological Survey Docket No. 50-274 cc:
Brian Nielsen Environmental Services Manager 480 S. Allison Pkwy.
Lakewood, CO 80226 James Grice Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment HMWM-RAD-B2 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246-1530 Jonathan Wallick, Reactor Supervisor U.S. Geological Survey P.O. Box 25046, MS 974 Denver Federal Center Denver, CO 80225 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
ML23054A207 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO/RI NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME KRoche NParker TTate DATE 2/23/2023 2/24/2023 2/27/2023
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.:
50-274 License No.:
R-113 Report No.:
05000274/2023201 Licensee:
United States Geological Survey Facility:
U.S. Geological Survey TRIGA Research Reactor Location:
Building 15, Denver Federal Center Denver, Colorado Dates:
January 10-12, 2023 Inspector:
Kevin M. Roche 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 United States Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey TRIGA Research Reactor Inspection Report No. 05000274/2023201 The primary focus of this routine announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS, the licensees) Class II research and test reactor safety program including: (1) organization and staffing; (2) operations logs and records; (3) requalification training; (4) surveillance and limiting conditions for operation (LCOs);
(5) emergency planning; (6) maintenance logs and records; and (7) fuel handling logs and records. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff determined the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with the NRC requirements.
Organization and Staffing
The organizational structure and staffing were consistent with the requirements specified in section 6.1 of the technical specifications (TSs).
Operations Logs and Records
Reactor operations and logs were appropriate and completed in accordance with procedural and TS requirements.
Requalification Training
The requirements of the operator requalification program and regulations were met; the program was appropriately implemented; and, the program was up to date.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
The licensee's program for completed surveillance checks and tests and verifying LCOs satisfied TS requirements.
Emergency Planning
Facility emergency preparedness was maintained through implementation of the emergency plan (E-Plan) and the associated implementing procedures.
Maintenance Logs and Records
The licensees maintenance program was implemented as required by facility procedures.
Fuel Handling
Fuel handling activities and documentation were as required by the TSs and facility procedures.
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REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The USGS Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics (TRIGA) 1 megawatt research reactor was operated in support of USGS programs directed at improving methods and techniques to enhance scientific knowledge about water and earth materials. The reactor was also used in support of research projects from the Colorado School of Mines and other institutions. During the inspection, the reactor was started up, operated, and shut down as required to support these ongoing activities.
1.
Organization and Staffing a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001-02.01)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following regarding the licensees organization and staffing to ensure that the requirements of section 6.1 of the facility TSs, implemented as Appendix A to the Facility Operating License, No. R-113, Amendment Number (No.) 13, dated October 9, 2020, were met:
current staff qualifications
staffing requirements for safe operation of the facility
organizational structure for the USGS TRIGA Reactor (GSTR) facility
USGS TRIGA reactor annual report for January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, submitted to the NRC on March 29, 2021
USGS TRIGA reactor annual report for January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, submitted to the NRC on March 2, 2020, and corrected copy submitted on March 31, 2022
American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society (ANSI/ANS)-15.4, Selection and Training of Personnel for Research Reactors b.
Observations and Findings The inspector confirmed that the organizational structure and staff responsibilities are consistent with section 6.1 of the TSs. The inspector found that the facility remained under the direct control of the Reactor Supervisor (RS) and that the RS was responsible to the Reactor Administrator for safe operation and maintenance of the reactor and its associated equipment as stipulated in the TSs. The inspector confirmed that USGS made one change, the Reactor Administrator is now Ms. Shannon Mahan. The change was effective February 18, 2022, and was reported to the NRC on February 22, 2022.
The inspector confirmed that the licensee has four licensed senior reactor operators (SROs) and one reactor operator. The inspector found that the USGS reactor organization and shift staffing was consistent with that specified in the TS. The inspector also found that operations and maintenance activities were consistent with administrative procedures and TS, and equipment
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malfunctions were documented, and actions were taken in accordance with TS.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees organization and staffing were in compliance with the requirements outlined in TS section 6.1 and Reactor Operations Manual (ROM) section 3, and that staff members met the qualifications outlined in ANSI/ANS-15.4.
2.
Operations Logs and Records a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.02)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify operation of the reactor in accordance with TS sections 3, 4, 5 and 6:
daily TRIGA prestart test data sheet printouts for 2021 to the present
ROM, section 5, Operating Procedures
reactor operations logs
staffing for operations as required by section 5.2 of the ROM, Revision 5
selected USGS TRIGA reactor facility start up checklists
selected USGS TRIGA reactor facility shut down checklists
selected USGS TRIGA reactor facility monthly checklists
GSTR Procedures: No. 1, Procedure for Reactor Startup, Operation, and Shutdown, and No. 3, Procedure for Control Rod Calibration
USGS TRIGA reactor annual report for January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, submitted to the NRC on March 29, 2021
USGS TRIGA reactor annual report for January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, submitted to the NRC on March 2, 2020, and corrected copy submitted on March 31, 2022 b.
Observations and Findings From the records reviewed, the inspector verified that reactor operations were carried out in accordance with written procedures as required by TS section 6.4.
The inspector verified that information on the operational status of the facility was appropriately recorded in logbooks or on checklists as required by ROM section 5. The inspector found that scrams were identified in the logs and records and were reported to the RS and resolved as required by the ROM before the resumption of operations. The inspector noted that the licensee transitioned to electronic logs starting in October of 2021.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that reactor operations logs and records were appropriate and completed in accordance with procedural and TS requirements.
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3.
Requalification Training a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.04)
To verify that the licensee complied with the requirements of their NRC-approved operator requalification program and Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 55, Operators' Licenses, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
operator competence evaluation and written examination records for 2020 and 2021
physical examination records documented on NRC Form 396 records
reactor operations logs
individual operator training records documented on, GSTR Reactor Operator Requalification OJT [On-the-job Training] forms for the periods from January 2017-December 2018 and January 2019-December 2020
appendix 3-1 (to ROM, section 3) entitled, Reactor Operator Requalification Program for the U.S. Geological Survey TRIGA Reactor, dated April 2014 b.
Observations and Findings The inspector confirmed the operators training records were maintained as required by the requalification program. The inspector found records showed that the operators were knowledgeable of the appropriate subject material required by the program as demonstrated by successful completion of annual written examinations. The inspector confirmed that individual requalification records also showed that each operator demonstrated operational competence which was affirmed by the RS as required by the requalification program. The inspector further confirmed that the operators completed the required reactivity manipulations and the quarterly hours of operation required by the program. The inspector verified that the requalification training lectures were documented for the operators. The inspector verified that the operators were receiving biennial medical examinations as required by 10 CFR Part 55, Subpart C.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the requirements of 10 CFR Part 55 and the operator requalification program were met; the program was appropriately implemented; and the program was up to date.
4.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.05)
To ensure that the requirements of TSs 3, and 4 were met, the inspector reviewed the following:
surveillance, calibration, and test data sheets and related records
reactor operations logs
selected USGS TRIGA reactor facility start up checklists
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selected USGS TRIGA reactor facility shutdown checklists
selected USGS TRIGA reactor facility monthly checklists
GSTR procedure No. 2, Procedure for Reactor Power Calibration
GSTR procedure No. 3, Procedure for Control Rod Calibration b.
Observations and Findings The inspector selected a sample of the TS-required surveillances to verify implementation and found that the frequency and outcome met TS requirements. The inspector verified surveillance results were retained as required by TS 6.8.1 and licensees procedural requirements.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees program for surveillance checks and LCO verifications satisfied TS requirements.
5.
Emergency Planning a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.10)
To verify compliance with the facility emergency plan entitled, Emergency Plan for the U.S. Geological Survey TRIGA Reactor Facility, Revision 17, dated October 2019, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
training records for the past 2 years
emergency drills and critiques for 2021 and 2022
GSTR emergency call list, last updated January 2021
offsite support agreement and related information
E-Plan implementing procedures contained in ROM section 7, Emergency Procedures, revision dated October 2017 b.
Observations and Findings The inspector verified the E-plan and implementing procedures were current, approved by management, and readily available in several locations for use as required.
The inspector reviewed training records for reactor staff and verified training was completed annually, as required. Additionally, the facility is required to perform an annual emergency drill in accordance with E-plan. The inspector verified that emergency drills for calendar year 2021 and 2022 were conducted resulting in evacuations of the facility and participation of offsite organizations. In addition, the facility considered actual events (e.g. medical emergency) and incorporated lessons learned into emergency planning.
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c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that facility emergency preparedness was maintained through implementation of the E-Plan and the associated implementing procedures.
6.
Maintenance Logs and Records a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.11)
To verify that the maintenance program was conducted as required in TS sections 3, 4 and 5, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
USGS TRIGA reactor maintenance log
facility design change (10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments)
records for the past 2 years
the two most recent USGS TRIGA reactor annual reports
USGS TRIGA reactor annual report for January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, submitted to the NRC on March 29, 2021
USGS TRIGA reactor annual report for January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, submitted to the NRC on March 2, 2020, and corrected copy submitted on March 31, 2022 b.
Observations and Findings The inspector found that the log was used effectively to document detailed maintenance activities completed on specific items of equipment including the primary and secondary pumps, exhaust fans, the cooling tower, and electronic equipment. The inspector found that the records reviewed indicated that routine and preventive maintenance was controlled, conducted, and documented in the maintenance or operations log consistent with licensee procedures. The inspector also found that verifications and operational systems checks were performed to ensure system operability before an item of equipment, or a system was returned to service. The inspector also verified that unscheduled maintenance or repairs were reviewed to determine if the situation required a 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees maintenance program was implemented as required by GSTR procedures.
7.
Fuel Handling a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.12)
To verify that reactor fuel was handled, moved, inspected, and stored in compliance with TS sections 4.1, 5.3, and 5.4, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:
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fuel handling equipment and instrumentation
fuel element location board maintained in the reactor room
GSTR fuel books containing the various USGS TRIGA reactor fuel element history sheets for all the elements at the facility, fuel movement sheets, and fuel inspection forms and information
reactor operations logs
GSTR procedure No. 4, Procedure for Fuel Loading and Unloading
GSTR procedure No. 8, Procedure for Measuring Fuel Elements
GSTR procedure No. 9, Procedure for Locating Fuel Element Cladding Failure
GSTR procedure No. 25, Procedure for Visual Verification of (1) Aluminum-Clad Fuel Element Locations and (2) number of Fuel Elements in Reactor Core
GSTR procedure No. 30, Procedure to Rotate Aluminum Fuel b.
Observations and Findings The inspector reviewed fuel handling at the facility and found that procedures were in place and fuel logs and inspection records were maintained. Through review of the fuel movement and inspection records and interviews with operations staff, the inspector verified that fuel was moved and controlled according to established procedure. The inspector found that fuel movements were planned, and a written sequence developed prior to completing the actual transfers and were documented in the console logbook and appropriate fuel logbook. The inspector verified that the fuel was inspected every 5 years as required by TS 4.1.8. The inspector also verified that fuel was stored in the locations indicated by licensee records and as required in TS sections 5.3 and 5.4.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that fuel handling activities and the documentation thereof were acceptable and in accordance with procedural and TS requirements.
8.
Exit Meeting Summary The inspector reviewed the inspection results with members of licensee management at the conclusion of the inspection on January 12, 2023. 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 Personnel C. Farwell Nuclear Engineer and Senior Reactor Operator Reactor Administrator C. Manning Reactor Health Physicist and Senior Reactor Operator J. Wallick Reactor Supervisor INSPECTION PROCEDURE (IP) USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened None Discussed None Closed None