IR 05000607/2022201
| ML22048B756 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of California-Davis |
| Issue date: | 05/26/2022 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Frey W McClellan Nuclear Research Center |
| Bassett C | |
| References | |
| IR 2022201 | |
| Download: ML22048B756 (15) | |
Text
May 26, 2022
SUBJECT:
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - DAVIS - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000607/2022201
Dear Dr. Frey:
From January 10-13, 2022, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at your University of California-Davis/McClellan Nuclear Research Center. The enclosed report documents the inspection results discussed on January 13, 2022, with you and Burton Mehciz, Interim 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 various activities, and interviewed various 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). If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Craig Bassett at (240) 535-1842, or by electronic mail at Craig.Bassett@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Signed by Tate, Travis on 05/26/22 Travis 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. 50-607 License No. R-130 Enclosure:
As stated cc: See next page
University of California-Davis Docket No. 50-607 cc:
David Reap, Radiation Safety Officer 5335 Price Avenue, Bldg. 258 McClellan, CA 95652-2504 Burton Mehciz, Interim Reactor Supervisor 5335 Price Avenue, Bldg. 258 McClellan, CA 95652-2504 California Energy Commission 1516 Ninth Street, MS-34 Sacramento, CA 95814 Radiologic Health Branch California Department of Public Health P.O. Box 997414, MS 7610 Sacramento, CA 95899-7414 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 Dr. Prasant Mohapatra Vice Chancellor for Research Department of Computer Science University of California Davis, CA 95616
ML22048B756 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO/PM NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME CBassett NParker TTate DATE 2/17/2022 2/18/2022 5/26/2022
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.: 50-607 License No.: R-130 Report No: 05000607/2022201 Licensee: University of California-Davis Facility: McClellan Nuclear Research Center Location: McClellan Park Sacramento, California Dates: January 10-13, 2022 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 California-Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center Inspection Report No. 05000607/2022201 The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the University of California-Davis (UCD, the licensees) 2 megawatt Class I research reactor safety program including: (1) effluent and environmental monitoring; (2) experiments; (3) organization and operations and maintenance activities; (4) review and audit and design change functions; (5) procedures; (6) radiation protection; and (7) inspection of transportation activities. 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 NRC requirements.
Effluent and Environmental Monitoring The licensees environmental radiation doses as measured by dosimetry were below regulatory limits. An unresolved item (URI) was opened related to a potential calculation error. Although gaseous effluent and environmental monitoring appeared to satisfy license and regulatory requirements, calculated doses from gaseous releases indicated that results are above the specified regulatory limits.
Experiments The program for reviewing, approving, and conducting experiments satisfied procedural and technical specification (TS) requirements.
Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities The organizational structure and staffing were consistent with TSs requirements.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions The Nuclear Safety Committee (NSC) met at the required frequency, reviewed the topics outlined in TS Section 6.2, and conducted audits of facility programs as required by the TSs.
The design change and control program satisfied NRC requirements.
Procedures The procedure review, revision, control, and implementation program satisfied TS requirements.
Radiation Protection 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.
Transportation Activities Radioactive material (RAM) was shipped in accordance with the applicable regulations.
REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The UCD 2 megawatt Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics research reactor continued to operate in support of neutron radiography, neutron tomography, experimental sample irradiation, and for tours of students and other members of the public. During the inspection, the reactor operated several hours per day at various power levels up to 1 megawatt to support neutron radiography, sample irradiation, and a tour.
1. Effluent and Environmental Monitoring a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69004)
The inspector reviewed the following procedures and reports to verify compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 20 and Section 6.4.2(d) of the UCD/McClellan Nuclear Research Center (UCD/MNRC) TSs, Revision 13, dated March 28, 2003:
Facility Procedure UCD/MNRC-0029-DOC-21, UCD/MNRC Radiation Protection Procedures, including: Sections 3, 4, and 17 quarterly environmental dosimeter reports for the last 2 years radiochemical analysis data/results of water samples taken from a ground water well near the facility for 2021 UCD/MNRC Annual Reports for 2019 and 2020 b. Observations and Findings (1) Environmental Samples and Dosimetry The inspector verified that there were no liquid effluent releases from the facility during 2021 and that no solid radioactive waste shipments were made from the facility in 2020 or 2021. The inspector confirmed that environmental water samples were collected and analyzed, and the results of these analyses were within regulatory limits. The inspector also noted that the results of on-site and off-site gamma radiation monitoring produced no measurable doses.
(2) Gaseous Releases The inspector confirmed that facility gaseous releases continued to be monitored, totals were calculated, and the results were documented in the annual operating report as required by the TSs. The inspector noted that airborne concentrations of gaseous releases appeared to be within the concentrations stipulated in 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix B, Table 2. However, the inspector noted that the annual radiation dose to the public from gaseous effluents as the result of reactor operations was reported to be above the dose constraint of 10 millirem per year as specified in 10 CFR 20.1101, Radiation protection programs, paragraph (d).
During the inspection period, the NRC Project Managers for the UCD/MNRC and other NRC technical staff were reviewing the environmental monitoring data for the MNRC as part of the facility license renewal. They also noted the dose to the public from gaseous effluents was reportedly above the dose constraint of 10 millirem per
year. The inspector asked the licensee about the gaseous release results and the licensee indicated that there was an error in the calculations and/or method used and stated that they would review the situation further and provide the NRC with the results of their investigation.
Following the inspection, the NRC also issued the licensee a request for additional information (RAI) which requested various aspects of the current and previous annual reports and gaseous releases from 2009 to 2020. The licensee indicated that they would review the data for the previous years and supply the NRC with answers to the RAI questions as soon as possible. Because of the calculation error and unanswered questions concerning the gaseous releases from the facility, the licensee was informed that this issue will be considered by the NRC as an URI which will be reviewed during a future inspection (URI 05000607/2022201-01).
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees environmental radiation doses were below regulatory limits. The inspector opened an URI related to a potential calculation error.
Although effluent and environmental monitoring appeared to satisfy license and regulatory requirements, calculated doses from gaseous releases indicated that results are above the specified regulatory limits.
2. Experiments a. Inspection Scope (IP 69005)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance with the licensees program for conducting experiments outlined in Facility Procedure UCD/MNRC-0033-DOC-05, University of California, Davis/McClellan Nuclear Research Center Research Reactor Facility Experiment Review and Authorization Process, and TS Sections 3.8, 4.8, and 6.5:
various UCD/MNRC irradiation request forms (IRFs) for 2021 various UCD/MNRC safety review forms for 2021 selected UCD/MNRC irradiation summary forms and tracking sheets for 2021 listing of current experiments, recent reviews , and authorized users various entries documented in UCD/MNRC operations logbooks Nos. 182 through 189 UCD/MNRC Annual Reports for 2019 and 2020 b. Observations and Findings The inspector verified that experiments were reviewed, evaluated, approved, and conducted in accordance with procedural and TS requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the program for reviewing, approving, and conducting experiments satisfied TS and procedural requirements.
3. Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities a. Inspection Scope (IP 69006)
The inspector reviewed the following regarding the UCD/MNRC organization, staffing, and staff responsibilities to ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.1 were met:
current UCD/MNRC organizational structure staffing requirements for safe operation of the research reactor facility UCD/MNRC Annual Reports for 2019 and 2020 b. Observations and Findings The inspector noted that the current organization consisted of a number of individuals including: (1) the UCD/MNRC Director, (2) the Interim Reactor Supervisor, (3) the Radiography Supervisor, (4) the Radiation Safety Officer/Security Manager, (5) an Electronics Engineer, and (6) various radiographers, radiographer trainees, and an assistant. The organization was consistent with that specified in the TSs.
The inspector verified that five of the staff members mentioned above were licensed senior reactor operators. The inspector found that staffing for safe reactor operation was adequate based on the current level of operations at the facility and staffing at the facility was as required by the TSs.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees organization and staffing were in compliance with the requirements outlined in TS Section 6.0.
4. Review and Audit and Design Change Functions a. Inspection Scope (IP 69007)
To verify that the required reviews and audits were completed as required by TS Section 6.2, and facility changes were controlled and evaluated as required in 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
NSC meeting minutes for 2020 through the present MNRC UCD audit - annual operations audits for 2020 and 2021 MNRC radiation safety program review report - annual radiation protection program reviews for 2020 and 2021 UCD/MNRC Facility Modification Notebook, containing the Facility Modification Log, forms UCD/MNRC Annual Reports for 2019 and 2020 b. Observations and Findings
(1) Review and Audit Functions The inspector verified that the composition of the NSC and qualifications of committee members were as specified in TS Section 6.2.1; the committee continued to meet semiannually as required by TS Section 6.2.2; and the NSC provided oversight of the UCD/MNRC as specified in TS Section 6.2.3. The inspector also confirmed that reviews were conducted by the NSC or designated representatives.
In addition, the inspector noted that the audits covered the activities specified in TS Section 6.2.4. The inspector found that the audit findings, and the licensees corrective actions were appropriate.
(2) Design Change Functions The inspector found that the requirements involving review and approval of facility changes stipulated in 10 CFR 50.59, were implemented at the facility through facility procedure UCD/MNRC-0043-DOC-04, Facility Modification Procedure. The inspector confirmed that the procedure incorporated criteria provided by the regulations with additional requirements mandated by site-specific conditions. The inspector confirmed that no changes or modifications were completed in the last year.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined the NSC met as required by the TSs and that audits of various reactor operations and programs were conducted as required by the TSs. The inspector also determined the design change control program satisfied NRC requirements.
5. Procedures a. Inspection Scope (IP 69008)
To verify compliance with TS Section 6.4, the inspector reviewed selected portions of the following:
selected Document Review, forms completed by staff members selected facility operations, health physics, and maintenance procedures MNRC Document List, showing all the licensees current documents and procedures including the date each was last reviewed b. Observations and Findings The inspector confirmed that approved procedures were available for the activities listed in TS Section 6.4. The inspector verified that the process for reviewing and approving new procedures and changes to procedures was followed. The inspector also verified that operations and health physics procedures were reviewed annually by staff members, while maintenance and other procedures were reviewed biennially. The activities and operations observed by the inspector during this inspection were completed in accordance with the applicable procedures.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined the current procedure review, revision, and implementation program satisfied TS requirements.
6. Radiation Protection a. Inspection Scope (IP 69012)
The inspector reviewed selected portions of the following records and reports regarding the licensees radiation protection program to ensure that the requirements of 10 CFR Part 19, Notices, Instructions and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, 10 CFR Part 20, and TS Sections 4.7 and 6.4.2 were met:
radiation safety training records for facility and visitor personnel selected periodic contamination and radiation survey results for 2021 calibration records of selected radiation detection and monitoring instruments monthly occupational radiation exposure reports for UCD/MNRC personnel for the past 2 years latest individual NRC Form 5, Occupational Dose Record for A Monitoring Period, for UCD/MNRC personnel MNRC radiation safety program review reports for 2020 and 2021 Facility Procedure UCD/MNRC-0029-DOC-21, UCD/MNRC Radiation Protection Procedures Facility Procedure UCD/MNRC-0042-DOC-19, MNRC Health Physics Instrumentation and Test Procedures UCD/MNRC Annual Reports for 2019 and 2020 b. Observations and Findings (1) Surveys The inspector confirmed that periodic contamination and radiation surveys were completed in accordance with radiation protection procedures, and that survey results were documented and posted so that facility personnel could maintain their doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
(2) Postings and Notices The inspector verified that the current version of NRC Form 3, Notice to Employees, was prominently posted as required by 10 CFR 19.11, Posting of notices to workers. The inspector confirmed that radiological signs were also posted as required by 10 CFR 20.1902, Posting requirements.
(3) Dosimetry The inspector observed that dosimetry use was in accordance with facility procedures and doses to workers were within 10 CFR Part 20 limits.
(4) Radiation Monitoring Equipment The inspector found that installed and portable radiation monitoring equipment was calibrated in accordance with facility procedures and at the frequencies required by the TSs.
(5) Radiation Protection Training The inspector reviewed the radiation protection training given to staff members, authorized experimenters, students, and visitors, and found that training was in accordance with facility procedures and regulatory requirements.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that the radiation protection and ALARA programs, as implemented by the licensee, satisfied regulatory and TS requirements and licensee procedures.
7. Transportation Activities a. Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
To verify compliance with regulatory and procedural requirements for transferring or shipping licensed RAM, the inspector reviewed the following:
selected licenses of various UCD/MNRC shipment consignees records of the RAM shipments made during 2020 including completed radiological survey forms training records for staff personnel authorized to ship hazardous material in accordance with the regulations specified by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
Facility Procedure UCD/MNRC-0029-DOC-21, UCD/MNRC Radiation Protection Procedures, including Sections 11, 21, and Appendix 21-A b. Observations and Findings The inspector found that the licensee made three shipments of various types of RAM since the last inspection of this area. The inspector noted that shipping records were filled out and the shipments were completed as required by the regulations.
The inspector verified that the licensee retained copies of consignees RAM possession licenses, and that training for staff members involved in the shipment of RAM was completed as required by the regulations.
c. Conclusion The inspector determined that RAM was shipped in accordance with the applicable NRC and DOT regulations.
8. Exit Interview The inspector summarized the inspection scope and results on January 13, 2022, with members of licensee management. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the inspection findings. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented and did not identify as proprietary any of the material provided to or reviewed during the inspection.
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee Personnel C. Dresser Radiography Supervisor and Reactor Operator Trainee Facility Director and SRO T. Essert Electrical Engineer and SRO E. Gabler Radiographer Trainee B. Mehciz Interim Reactor Supervisor and SRO D. Reap Radiation Safety Officer, Security Officer, and SRO T. Slattery Radiographer Helper S. Warren Radiographer Level III and SRO M. Wilkinson Radiographer Trainee INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69004 Class I Research and Test Reactor Effluent and Environmental Monitoring IP 69005 Class I Research and Test Reactor Experiments IP 69006 Class I Research and Test Reactors Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities IP 69007 Class I Research and Test Reactor Review and Audit and Design Change Functions IP 69008 Class I Research and Test Reactor Procedures IP 69012 Class I Research and Test Reactor Radiation Protection IP 86740 Inspection of Transportation Activities ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened 05000607/2022201-01 URI Review the answers to the license renewal RAI questions concerning the calculations of gaseous releases from the facility and previous annual reports to determine whether the licensee violated the requirements in 10 CFR 20.1101.
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