IR 05000407/2022201
| ML22223A211 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Utah |
| Issue date: | 10/07/2022 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Sjoden G Univ of Utah |
| Bassett C | |
| References | |
| IR 2022201 | |
| Download: ML22223A211 (14) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000407/2022201
Dear Dr. Sjoden:
From July 11-14, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at your University of Utah TRIGA Nuclear Reactor Facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results which were discussed on July 14, 2022, with you, Frederick Monette, Radiation Safety Officer and Director, Environmental Health and Safety Department, and Andrew Allison, 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 representative records, interviewed personnel, and observed activities in progress. 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).October 7, 2022 D Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Craig Bassett at (240) 535-1842, or via email at Craig.Bassett@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. 50-407 License No. R-126 Enclosure:
As stated cc w/enclosure: See next page Signed by Tate, Travis on 10/07/22
University of Utah Docket No. 50-407
cc:
Mayor of Salt Lake City 451 South State Room 306 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Dr. Erin Rothwell Interim Vice President for Research University of Utah 201 South Presidents Circle, Room 210 Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9011
Frederick A. Monette Director and RSO Environmental Health and Safety 75 S 2000 E, Room 322 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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
Director, Division of Radiation Control Dept. of Environmental Quality 195 North 1950 West P.O. Box 14485 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4850
Andrew Allison, Reactor Supervisor Utah Nuclear Engineering Program Joseph Merrill Engineering Building 50 S. Central Campus Drive, Room 1206 Salt Lake City, UT 84112
ML22223A211 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO:RI NRR/DANU/UNPO:LA NRR/DANU/UNPO:BC*
NAME CBassett CSmith TTate DATE 8/12/2022 9/1/2022 10/7/2022
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.: 50-407
License No.: R-126
Report No.: 05000407/2022201
Licensee: University of Utah
Facility: University of Utah TRIGA Reactor
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Dates: July 11-14, 2022
Inspector: Craig Bassett
Accompanied by: Juan Arellano, Inspector Trainee Michael Takacs, RTR Security Specialist/Inspector
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 Utah University of Utah TRIGA Nuclear Reactor Facility Inspection Report No. 05000407/2022201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the University of Utah (the licensees) 100 kilowatts Class II research reactor safety program, including: (1) organization and staffing; (2) procedures; (3) health physics; (4) design changes; (5) committees, audits, and reviews; (6) emergency planning; and (7) transportation of radioactive material. 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 NRCs requirements.
Organization and Staffing
The licensees organizational structure complied with requirements outlined in the technical specifications (TSs).
Procedures
The facility procedural review, revision, control, and implementation satisfied the TS requirements.
Health Physics
The radiation safety program was conducted in compliance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 20, Standards for Protection against Radiation requirements, TSs, and licensee procedures.
Design Changes
The design change program developed by the licensee was established in accordance with the 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments guidance.
Committees, Audits and Reviews
The Reactor Safety Committee (RSC) met and conducted audits and reviews in accordance with the requirements specified in TS Section 6.2.
Emergency Planning
The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency Plan (E-Plan) and implementing procedures.
Transportation of Radioactive Material
The licensee transferred radioactive waste material to the campus Radiation Safety (Rad Safety) Office for disposal as needed and the Rad Safety Office handled any shipments of radioactive material from the facility.
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REPORT DETAILS
Summary of the Facility Status
The University of Utah continued to operate the 100-kilowatt Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics (TRIGA) Mark I research reactor (UUTR) as needed for sample irradiation, reactor operator training, educational demonstrations, preventive maintenance, and operational surveillance testing required by the TSs. During this inspection, the reactor was operated at low power in support of a research project.
1. Organization and Staffing
a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001, Section 02.01)
The inspector reviewed the following regarding the licensees organization and staffing to ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.1, were met:
qualifications and responsibilities of the facility personnel Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) Procedure, P-001, Description of Operations, Revision 1, (UNEP P-001R1), Section 1, Organization and Responsibilities current facility TSs which were established through amendment number (No.) 9 to Facility Operating License No. R-126 UUTR annual operating report for the period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020 UUTR annual operating report for the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021
b. Observations and Findings
Through discussions with licensee representatives, the inspector confirmed that there were no changes to management responsibilities or the organizational structure at the UUTR facility since the last NRC inspection of this area conducted in October 2020 (NRC Inspection Report No. 50-407/2020-201). The inspector noted that the person who held the position of Vice President for Research (designated by the licensee as the reactor administration Level 1) took a post at another university. Because of that, another individual was assigned as the Interim Vice President. The inspector verified that the licensee notified the NRC staff of this change as required by the TS via letter dated January 4, 2022.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the organizational structure was consistent with the TS requirements.
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2. Procedures
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.03)
The inspector reviewed the selected aspects of the following to verify that the licensee complied with the requirements of TS Section 6.4:
records and logs of procedure changes and implementation various administrative and radiation protection procedures UNEP-035 R4, Audit and Review Program Checklist RSC meeting minutes from March 2021 to the present
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that the licensee used procedures to conduct operations at the facility and the procedures were available for those tasks and items required by the TSs. The inspector confirmed that substantive changes to the procedures were reviewed and approved by the RSC. The inspector confirmed that reactor personnel also made use of the procedures maintained by the Rad Safety Office which were contained in the Radiological Procedures and Records [RPR]
manual. Those procedures were reviewed and approved by the Rad Safety Committee.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the procedural review, revision, control, and implementation has satisfied TS requirements.
3. Health Physics
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.07)
To verify compliance with TS Sections 3.4, 3.7, 4.3, 4.7, 5.4, 6.3, and 6.7, as well as 10 CFR Part 19, Notices, Instructions and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, and 10 CFR Part 20 requirements, the inspector reviewed the following selected aspects of:
radiological signs and postings at the facility RSC meeting minutes from March 2021 to the present various facility and Rad Safety Office RPR procedures and forms personnel dosimetry records for 2020, 2021, and to date in 2022 environmental dosimetry records for 2020, 2021, and to date in 2022 various radiation and contamination surveys conducted by licensee and Rad Safety Office personnel for the past 2 years Assessment of Radiation Dose from Air Emissions of Radioactive Material, Calendar Year 2020, which was completed by Rad Safety Office personnel UUTR annual operating reports for the last two reporting periods
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b. Observations and Findings
(1) Surveys, Postings and Notices
The inspector verified that the results of radiation and contamination surveys were documented, reviewed, and evaluated, as required by the documented procedures, and corrective actions were taken when readings or contamination results exceeded set action levels.
During tours of the facility, the inspector confirmed that the caution signs, postings, and controls established for the controlled areas were acceptable for the hazards involving radiation, high radiation, and contamination, and were posted as required by 10 CFR Part 20, Subpart J, Precautionary Procedures. The inspector also verified that copies of NRC Form 3, Notice to Employees, were posted at the facility as required by 10 CFR 19.11, Posting of notices to workers, and were the current version.
(2) Dosimetry and Radiation Monitoring Equipment Use and Calibration
The inspector verified that the licensee used thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) for whole body radiation monitoring and finger ring TLDs for monitoring radiation exposure of the extremities. The inspector confirmed that individual dosimetry results for the past 2 years showed all occupational doses were within regulatory limits.
The inspector reviewed calibration records maintained by the Rad Safety Office and licensee personnel. Through this review the inspector confirmed that records were maintained as required and that calibration frequencies met the requirements established in the applicable surveillance procedures. The inspector verified that the monitoring equipment was used in accordance with the procedural guidelines.
(3) Radiation Protection Program and ALARA Policy
The inspector confirmed that the licensees Radiation Protection Program was established through various University of Utah campus documents including: (1) the Rad Safety Office RPRs, (2) The University of Utah Radiation Safety Policy Manual; and, (3) The University of Utah Radiation Protection Program. The inspector also confirmed that the Radiation Protection Program was reviewed annually. The inspector noted that the ALARA Policy was outlined and established in the manuals mentioned above, provided appropriate guidance for keeping doses as low as possible, and was consistent with the requirements in 10 CFR Part 20.
(4) Radiation Worker Training
The inspector verified that all university personnel who worked in radiation areas or handled radioactive material, including licensee staff, were required to receive training in radiation protection. The inspector
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confirmed that the reactor staff members had completed the required training and were issued a dosimeter. The inspector noted that the personnel training program satisfied requirements in 10 CFR 19.12, Instruction to workers, and that the content and periodicity of the training were in accordance with the regulations.
(5) Environmental and Effluent Monitoring
The inspector confirmed that gaseous releases continued to be monitored as required. The inspector noted that the doses resulting from the releases were calculated by the Rad Safety Office according to established procedures, using the Environmental Protection Agency COMPLY code. The dose rate to the public was well below the dose constraint of 10 millirem per year specified in 10 CFR 20.1101, Radiation protection programs, paragraph (d). The inspector noted that airborne concentrations of gaseous releases were also calculated by the Rad Safety Office. The inspector confirmed that the concentrations of gaseous releases were well within those stipulated in 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix B, Table 2, and TS limits. The results were documented in the facility annual reports, as required.
The inspector verified that there were no liquid releases from the facility to the sanitary sewer within the past 2 years and no solid waste was transferred from the facility to the campus Rad Safety Office during that period.
The inspector confirmed that onsite and off-site gamma radiation monitoring was completed using environmental TLDs in accordance with university procedures. The inspector noted that the data indicated no measurable doses above any regulatory limits in the areas surrounding the UUTR facility. These results were also reported in the facilitys annual reports.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the Radiation Protection Program, as implemented by the licensee, satisfied the regulatory requirements.
4. Design Changes
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.08)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with 10 CFR 50.59 and TS Section 6.2:
RSC meeting minutes from March 2021 to the present UNEP Job-Aid 002 R1, 10 CFR 50.59 Screening various forms designated as Form UNEP-022 R4, Maintenance Log UUTR Annual Operating Reports for the last two reporting periods
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b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that various 10 CFR 50.59 reviews were conducted since the last inspection. The inspector found that screening reviews for these projects were completed by the licensee to determine whether full evaluations were needed. The inspector reviewed the screening reviews and the evaluations of those projects which required one. The inspector noted that they were completed in accordance with the licensees procedure; the RSC reviewed the evaluations, and none of the projects required submission to the NRC for a license amendment.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the licensees design change control program was implemented as required.
5. Committees, Audits and Reviews
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.09)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the review and audit requirements in TS Section 6.2 were met:
RSC meeting minutes from March 2021 to the present radiation safety and ALARA reviews and audits completed during the past year and licensee responses to the reviews and audits selected forms designated as UNEP-035 R4, Audit and Review Program Checklist UUTR annual operating reports for the last two reporting periods
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that the RSC met at least annually as required by the TSs.
The inspector confirmed that all required audits of reactor facility activities and reviews of programs, procedures, equipment, and proposed tests or experiments were completed and documented. The inspector confirmed that the audits and the associated findings were detailed, and the licensee responded and took corrective actions when needed. Additionally, the annual reviews of the Radiation Protection Program and the Emergency Plan were conducted and documented.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the RSC met at the required frequency and that audits and reviews were conducted as required and in accordance TS Section 6.2.
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a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.10)
To verify that the licensee complied with the University of Utah, Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP) Emergency Plan for NRC License R-126: TRIGA Nuclear Reactor, Revision 8, dated July 20, 2011, the inspector reviewed the following selected aspects of:
selected Emergency (Implementing) Procedures training records for the licensee staff and offsite support personnel emergency response supplies, equipment, and instrumentation documentation of emergency drills and critiques for calendar years 2021 and 2022 UNEP Annual Emergency Training Attendance Record forms for calendar years 2021 and 2022 various UNEP forms including: UNEP-015R4, Emergency Kit Check; UNEP- 021R28, UNEP Emergency Call List; and, UNEP-037, Radiological Emergency Classification Checklist Letter of Agreement with Gold Cross Ambulance, dated October 22, 2021
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector confirmed that the E-Plan in use at the reactor was the same as the version most recently reviewed by the NRC staff. The inspector noted that the E-Plan was audited annually, and the last audit was completed August 13, 2021. Implementing procedures were reviewed and revised as needed.
The inspector verified that semiannual inventories of the various first aid kits and other equipment were conducted and that the supplies, instrumentation, and equipment were maintained as required in the E-Plan. The inspector confirmed that training for the reactor staff and the support personnel was conducted and documented. The inspector also noted that the UNEP Emergency Call List was up-to-date with the current revision dated May 12, 2021.
The inspector confirmed that emergency drills were conducted annually, and critiques were held following each drill documenting strengths and areas for improvement. The inspector found drills to be challenging and the critiques appropriate.
The inspector reviewed the agreement between the licensee and a local company to provide transportation services for a person injured at the facility and verified that it was maintained. The inspector also noted that communications capabilities with the various support groups were acceptable and were tested periodically.
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c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the emergency preparedness program was implemented as required by the E-Plan.
7. Transportation of Radioactive Material
a. Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
UNEP-027 R6, TRIGA Reactor Irradiation Request and Performance RPR Procedures including: No. 13, Radioisotope Acquisition and Disposition; No. 14, Shipment of Limited Quantity of Radioisotopes; and No. 55, Transportation of Radioactive Materials Various forms including Form RPR 13A, Radioisotope Package Arrival Report; Form RPR 13B, Radioisotope Receipt and Verification; and, Form RPR 13C, Radioisotope Disposition Record
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that the shipping records indicated that UUTR radioactive waste designated for disposal was transferred from the reactor facility to the University of Utahs broad scope license, Utah Department of Environmental Quality, License No. 1800001, in accordance with Rad Safety Office requirements. The inspector verified that this process was followed.
The inspector noted that none of the licensee personnel had the current training required to ship radioactive material as required by the Department of Transportation. Therefore, in any instance involving the shipment of radioactive material, the paperwork and shipments would be completed by qualified Rad Safety Office personnel.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the licensee transferred radioactive waste material to the campus Rad Safety Office as needed and the Rad Safety Office handled any shipments of radioactive material from the facility.
8. Follow-up on Previous Items
a. Inspection Scope (IP 92702)
The inspector reviewed the following licensees actions taken in response to previously identified items.
b. Observation and Findings
(1) IFI 50-407/2019-202-01 - (Open) - Follow-up on the licensees actions to complete the revision of the E-Plan and have it reviewed and approved by the RSC.
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In August 2019, the inspector noted that the RSC did not complete a biennial review of the E-Plan. This was because a revision of the E-Plan to incorporate suggested changes was not finished. The licensee indicated that the revision was in progress and would be ready for review by the December meeting of the RSC. The licensee was informed that the revision of the E-Plan, and review and approval by the RSC would be designated as an Inspector Follow-up Item (IFI).
During this inspection, the inspector reviewed the issue and found that the E-Plan was revised and reviewed by the Environmental Health and Safety Department. It was also reviewed and approved by the RSC.
Once a list of changes to the E-Plan is developed, the E-plan and the list of changes will be submitted to the NRC staff. This issue remains open.
(2) URI 05000407/2020201-02 - (Closed) - Review the licensees completed 10 CFR 50.59 screening and/or evaluation of the installation of a new reactor console.
During the inspection in October 2020, the inspector determined that the licensee was conducting a 10 CFR 50.59 review related to the installation of a new reactor console. The review was not finalized at the time of the inspection. The inspector informed the licensee that the review needed to be complete to determine if the change was appropriately implemented and requested a copy of the completed 10 CFR 50.59 review, along with all the associated documentation.
During an inspection in 2021, the inspector obtained a copy of the 10 CFR 50.59 screening and evaluation pertaining to the installation of its new Thermo-Fisher reactor control console which was reviewed, approved, and signed by the UNEP Director and the RSC as required by procedure. The licensee also provided a copy of the console operating procedure which was designated as proprietary.
The inspector forwarded the 10 CFR 50.59 documentation to the Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility Licensing Branch for assistance with assessing implementation of the design change process. During the NRC staffs review and assessment of the reactor console 10 CFR 50.59 documentation, it was determined that the review and evaluation conducted by the licensee was appropriate and nothing further was needed. This Unresolved Item (URI) is considered closed.
(3) Follow-up on Licensee Report Regarding Minor Fuel Damage - NRC Event#55914
During the licensees required bi-annual fuel inspection in May 2022, fuel element #4138E was noticed to have low-level surface pitting and discoloration at several locations. As the fuel element was being moved, bubbles began to form at one of the pitted locations. The licensee immediately placed the fuel element in a storage rack.
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Throughout the entire process radiation levels remained at background levels. The licensee notified the NRC of the event on May 24, 2022, and subsequently sent an electronic mail detailing the minor fuel damage.
The inspector reviewed licensee-submitted reports and associated documentation concerning the fuel damage, including:
electronic mail from the licensee to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, dated May 24, 2022, reporting on the event UNEP Logbook 42 entries May 23,2022 - June 15,2022 UNEP Core Log
The inspector also held several discussions with the reactor supervisor.
The inspector noted that, throughout the fuel inspection, required radiation monitors were available and indicated stable background levels. The inspector verified that the fuel element was permanently removed from service and visually observed the fuel element in the storage rack. The inspector verified with the licensee that the fuel element will never be placed back in service. The inspector confirmed that the licensees response to the event and corrective actions were in accordance with TS and procedural requirements. This issue is considered closed.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that one IFI remains open, one URI is closed, and NRC Event#55914 is closed.
9. Exit Meeting Summary
The inspection scope and results were summarized on July 14, 2022, with university management and facility staff. The inspector discussed the findings for each area reviewed. The licensee did not identify any of the material provided to or reviewed by the inspector as proprietary.
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PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee Personnel
A. Allison Reactor Supervisor and Senior Reactor Operator UNEP Director and Reactor Administrator V. Wang Research Scientist and Senior Reactor Operator
Other Personnel
D. Dolan Health Physicist, Radiation Safety Office, Environmental Health and Safety Department, University of Utah M. Handy Assistant Radiation Safety Officer, Radiation Safety Office, Environmental Health and Safety Department, University of Utah T. Holt Radiation Analyst, Radiation Safety Office, Environmental Health and Safety Department, University of Utah F. Monette Radiation Safety Officer and Director of Environmental Health and Safety Department, University of Utah
INSPECTION PROCEDURE (IP) USED
IP 69001: Class II Non-Power Reactors IP 86740: Inspection of Transportation Activities IP 92702 Follow-up on Previously Identified Items
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
05000407/2020201-02 URI Review the licensees completed 10 CFR 50.59 screening and/or evaluation of the installation of a new reactor console.
PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable E-Plan Emergency Plan IFI Inspector Follow-up Item IP Inspection Procedure No. Number NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Rad Safety Radiation Safety RPR Radiological Procedures and Records RSC Reactor Safety Committee
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TLD Thermoluminescent dosimeter TRIGA Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics TSs Technical Specifications UNEP Utah Nuclear Engineering Program URI Unresolved Item UUTR University of Utah TRIGA Reactor
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