IR 05000607/2023201
| ML23048A311 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of California-Davis |
| Issue date: | 02/23/2023 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Frey W McClellan Nuclear Research Center |
| Bassett C | |
| References | |
| IR 2023201 | |
| Download: ML23048A311 (1) | |
Text
SUBJECT:
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000607/2023201
Dear Dr. Frey:
From January 9-12, 2023, 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 12, 2023, with you and Dave Reap, 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 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).
February 23, 2023 If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Craig Bassett at (240) 535-1842, or by 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. 50-607 License No. R-130 Enclosure:
As stated cc: See next page Signed by Tate, Travis on 02/23/23
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, 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
ML23048A311 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO/PM NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC NAME CBassett NParker TTate DATE 2/21/2023 2/22/2023 2/23/2023
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.:
50-607 License No.:
R-130 Report No:
05000607/2023201 Licensee:
Regents of the University of California Facility:
McClellan Nuclear Research Center Location:
McClellan Park Sacramento, California Dates:
January 9-12, 2023 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
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY University of California-Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center Inspection Report No. 05000607/2023201 The primary focus of this routine announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the University of California-Davis (UCD, the licensees) 1 megawatt Class II research reactor safety program including: (1) organization and staffing; (2) procedures; (3) experiments; (4) health physics; (5) design changes; (6) committees, audits and reviews; (7) emergency planning; and (8) 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.
Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities
The organizational structure and staffing were consistent with technical specification (TS)
requirements.
Procedures
The procedure review, revision, control, and implementation program satisfied TS requirements.
Experiments
The program for reviewing, approving, and conducting experiments satisfied procedural and TS requirements.
Health Physics
The radiation safety and environmental monitoring programs were conducted in compliance with regulatory and TSs requirements.
Design Changes
The design change and control program satisfied NRC requirements.
Committees, Audits and Reviews
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.
Emergency Planning
The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the emergency plan (E-Plan).
Transportation Activities
Radioactive material (RAM) was shipped in accordance with the applicable regulations.
REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The UCD 1 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 was operated several hours per day at various power levels up to 900 kilowatts to support neutron radiography and sample irradiation.
1.
Organization and Staffing a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001, Section 02.01)
The inspector reviewed the following regarding the UCD/McClellan Nuclear Research Center (UCD/MNRC) organization, staffing, and staff responsibilities to ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.1 were met:
current UCD/MNRC organizational structure
UCD/MNRC annual reports for 2020 and 2021
staffing requirements for safe operation of the research reactor facility b.
Observations and Findings The inspector noted that the current organization consisted of several individuals including: (1) the UCD/MNRC Director, (2) the Reactor Supervisor, (3) the Radiography Supervisor, (4) the Radiation Safety Officer/Security Manager, (5) an Electronics Engineer, and (6) a Level III radiographer, two Level II radiographers, three radiographer trainees, and an assistant. The inspector confirmed that six of the staff members mentioned above were also licensed senior reactor operators (SROs) and three of the radiographers/trainees were in training to become reactor operators. The inspector found that staffing for safe reactor operation was adequate based on the current amount of work conducted 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 complied with the requirements outlined in TS Section 6.1.
2.
Procedures a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.03)
To verify compliance with TS Section 6.4, the inspector reviewed selected portions of the following:
various Document Review, forms completed by staff members
various facility operations, health physics, and maintenance procedures
MNRC Document List, showing all the licensees current documents and procedures including the latest review date for each
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 confirmed that operations and health physics procedures were required to be 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.
3.
Experiments b.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.06)
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:
UCD/MNRC annual reports for 2020 and 2021
listing of current experiments, recent reviews, and authorized users
various entries documented in the latest UCD/MNRC operations logbooks
various UCD/MNRC irradiation request forms, irradiation summary forms, and irradiation tracking sheets for 2022 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.
4.
Health Physics a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.07)
The inspector reviewed selected portions of the following records and reports regarding the licensees radiation protection program to ensure that the requirements of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 19, Notices, Instructions and Reports to Workers: Inspection and Investigations, 10 CFR Part 20, Standards for Protection against Radiation, and TS Sections 4.7 and 6.4.2 were met:
UCD/MNRC annual reports for 2020 and 2021
radiation protection training records for facility personnel
MNRC radiation safety program review reports for 2021 and 2022
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
radiochemical analysis data/results of water samples taken from a ground water well near the facility for 2022 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 conducted as required by facility procedures and regulatory requirements.
(6) Environmental Samples, Dosimetry, and Gaseous Releases The inspector verified that there were no liquid effluent releases from the facility during 2021 and 2022 and that no solid radioactive waste shipments were made from the facility during that period. 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 doses above regulatory limits.
The inspector confirmed that facility gaseous releases were monitored, totals calculated, and the results documented in the annual operating report as required by the TSs. The inspector noted that airborne concentrations of gaseous releases were within the concentrations stipulated in 10 CFR Part 20, Appendix B, Table 2. The inspector also noted that the annual radiation dose to the public from gaseous effluents as the result of reactor operations was below the dose constraint of 10 millirem per year as specified in 10 CFR 20.1101, Radiation protection programs, paragraph (d).
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the radiation protection and ALARA programs, as implemented by the licensee, satisfied regulatory and TS requirements.
5.
Design Change Functions a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.08)
To verify that 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 September 2021 through the present
UCD/MNRC Facility Modification Notebook, containing the Facility Modification Log, forms b.
Observations and Findings 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 specified in the regulations with additional requirements mandated by site-specific conditions. The inspector confirmed that no changes/modifications requiring NRC approval were completed during 2022.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined the design change control program satisfied NRC requirements.
6.
Committees, Audits and Reviews a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.09)
To verify that the required reviews and audits were completed by the licensee and that the NSC was meeting as required, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
annual audits conducted for 2021 and 2022
NSC meeting minutes for September 2021 through the present
b.
Observations and Findings The inspector verified that the NSC met semiannually as required by TS section 6.2.2 and provided the reviews and oversight specified in TS section 6.2.3.
The inspector confirmed that various audits were conducted which covered the activities specified in TS section 6.2.4. The inspector noted that, with the issuance of a renewed facility license and revised TSs, the NSC will be required to only meet annually in the future.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the NSC met semiannually, reviewed the topics outlined in the TSs, and conducted annual audits of facility programs as required by TSs.
7.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001, Section 02.011)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following documents and records to verify compliance with the UCD/MNRC-0001-DOC-08, Emergency Plan for the University of California-Davis/McClellan Nuclear Research Center (UCD/MNRC):
documentation of the 2021 and 2022 emergency drills and critiques
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with each of the following: UCD Medical Center; the County of Sacramento and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and McClellan Airport and Park; and the Sacramento County Sheriffs Department
training schedule for maintenance of qualifications for reactor operators which included emergency preparedness training
Procedure UCD/MNRC-0018-DOC-07, University of California-Davis/McClellan Nuclear Research Center Emergency Procedures b.
Observations and Findings The inspector verified that the E-Plan was reviewed and updated biennially as required and noted that the UCD/MNRC emergency procedures were reviewed and revised as needed. The inspector confirmed that an MOU existed between the UCD/MNRC and each of the support agencies listed in the E-Plan and that each would be available in case of an emergency and would provide support for the facility.
The inspector confirmed that the emergency preparedness training for SROs and other staff was conducted. The inspector verified that training for support organization personnel was provided when requested. The inspector noted that the emergency call lists were revised and updated, as needed, and were available in the control room and in the various emergency cache kits as required by the E-Plan.
The inspector verified that emergency equipment and materials were available and inventoried semiannually as required by the E-Plan.
The inspector verified that emergency drills were conducted annually and included the participation of off-site support groups every other year as required by the E-Plan. The inspector confirmed that the drills, and the critiques held following the drills, were documented as required by the E-Plan. During the inspection, the inspector and the Facility Director visited UCD Medical Center and discussed the response actions the center would provide. The inspector noted a good working relationship between UCD Medical Center personnel and the reactor staff.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the facility E-Plan.
8.
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 2022 including completed radiological survey forms
training records for the two staff personnel authorized to ship hazardous material in accordance with the regulations specified by the NRC and 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 nine shipments of various types of RAM in 2022. The inspector noted that shipping records were correctly filled out and the shipments were completed as required by the regulations.
The inspector verified that the licensee retained current copies of consignees RAM possession licenses, and that the staff members involved in the shipment of RAM received the training required by the regulations.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that RAM was shipped in accordance with the applicable NRC and DOT regulations.
9.
Follow-up on Previously Identified Issues a.
Inspection Scope (IP 92701)
The inspector reviewed the following regarding a previously identified Unresolved Item (URI):
calculations indicating facility gaseous releases for the past several years
UCD/MNRC annual reports for 2020 and 2021 b.
Observations and Findings During an inspection in January 2021, 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, paragraph (d).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. Because of the calculation error and questions concerning the gaseous releases from the facility, the licensee was informed that this issue would be considered by the NRC as a URI which would be reviewed during a future inspection (URI 05000607/2022201-01).
During this inspection the inspector verified that the licensee reviewed the data from the past 12 years and corrected the algorithm used to calculate the gaseous releases from the facility. The revised calculations of the releases for those years showed that the releases were within the regulatory limits of 10 CFR 20.1101. This issue is considered closed.
c.
Conclusion The inspector determined that the licensees calculated doses from gaseous releases indicated that results are below the specified regulatory limits.
8.
Exit Interview The inspector summarized the inspection scope and results on January 12, 2023, 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.
Attachment PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee Personnel C. Dresser Radiography Supervisor and SRO Facility Director and SRO T. Essert Electrical Engineer and SRO B. Mehciz Reactor Supervisor and SRO D. Reap Radiation Safety Officer, Security Officer, and SRO INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors IP 86740 Inspection of Transportation Activities IP 92702 Follow-up ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened None Closed 05000607/2022201-01 URI Review the answers to the license renewal request for additional information questions concerning the calculations of gaseous releases from the facility and previous annual reports to determine whether the licensee violated the requirements in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 20.1101.