Information Notice 1986-33, Information for Licensee Regarding the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Accident
| ML031250016 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/06/1986 |
| From: | Jordan E NRC/IE |
| To: | |
| References | |
| IN-86-033, NUDOCS 8605060559 | |
| Download: ML031250016 (11) | |
SSINS No.:
6835 S I
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
1~
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C.
20555 May 6, 1986 IE INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 86-33:
INFORMATION FOR LICENSEE REGARDING THE
CHERNOBYL NUCLEAR PLANT ACCIDENT
Addressees
Fuel cycle licensees and Priority 1 material licensees.
Purpose
The purpose of this notice is to provide background information only and requires
no action on the part of recipients. The reference background information relates
to the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident and is contained in the enclosed copy of
Information Notice No. 86-32 sent to NRC nuclear power plant licensees on
May 2, 1986.
Discussion:
As indicated by thr. enclosed information, radioactive material from the Chernobyl
accident is expected to be detected in the continental United States through EPA
t
)
environmental surveillance, perhaps as assisted by Department of Energy facilities
and NRC-licensed nuclear power reactor sites. The level of activity in the
United States is expected to be low and should have little, if-tny, impact on
licensee monitoring programs.
As stated in the enclosed notice" any anomalous
detection of radioactive material should be evaluated in accordance with your
license to assure that any detected materials are properly identified as to
source (i.e., licensed activities or the Chernobyl Event).
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Regional
Administrator of the appropriate NRC regional office, or this office.
L dn Di rector
DIvision of
rgency Preparedness
and Engineering Response
Office of Inspection and Enforcement
Technical Contact:
L. Rouse, NMSS
427-4205 Attachments:
2. List of Recently Issued IE Information Notices
.<
v5
PRIORITY ATrINTION R;EQUESTED
SSINS No.:
b83b
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Attachment I
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
7 WASHINGTON, D.C.
20555 May 6, 1986 Page I of 9 May 2, 1986 IE INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 86-32:
REQUEST FOR COLLECTION OF LICENSEE
RADIOACTIVITY MEASUREMENTS ATTRIBUTED
TO THE CHERNOBYL NUCLEAR PLANT ACCIDENT
Addressees
All nuclear power reactor facility licensees holding an operating license (OL)
or construction permit (CP).
Purpose
The purpose of this information notice is to update licensees of the recent
Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and to request voluntary reporting of
any licensee environmental radioactivity measurement data probably caused by
that event.
In order to enhance the Federal and state monitoring programs, all nuclear power
reactor facilities with on-going environmental monitoring programs are requested
to consider the NRC request to report confirmed anomalous environmental radioac- tivity measurements probably caused by radioactive material released in the
accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the U.S.S.R.
It is requested
that recipients review the attached information and provide the environmental
data discussed herein.
Description of Circumstances
Information issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the
recent reactor accident in Chernobyl, USSR is contained in Attachments 1, 2 and 3.
In the week following the accident at Chernobyl, elevated levels of radioactivity
have been detected in air, rainwater, soil and food in many European countries.
The radionuclides that have been detected in air in these countries include:
1-131, Cs-137, Cs-134, Te-132, Ru-103, Mo-99, Np-239, and Nb-95.
Although
estimates of plume arrival time and location of entry into the continental
United States are highly uncertain at this time, the plume may arrive in the
Pacific Northwest United States during May 7-10, 1986.
Discussion:
It appears likely that radioactive material from the Chernobyl accident may
arrive within the continental U.S. in concentrations that are readily detectable.
In order to enhance nationwide environmental surveillance, the EPA (and some
states) have increased the airborne monitoring sampling frequencies to be better
able to detect any traces of the plume.
In order to supplement and reinforce
this state and federal nationwide surveillance program, the NRC licensees (as
K)D
.0f' 9 IN 81-32 May 2, 1986 part of their routine Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP)J are requested to
voluntarily provide the following information:
1.
Report to the NRC any anomalous environmental radiation or radioactivity
measurement that can be reasonably assumed to have resulted from the
Chernobyl accident. These confirmed measurement results from the
licensee's routine EMP should be telephonically reported to the NRC
Operations Center (301-951-0550) within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> of determining that
material from the accident has been measured.
(Environment air sampling
probably is the most sensitive and thus most likely means of detecting
the airborne materials. Some other less-sensitive potential means of
detection may include personnel whole body counting equipment).
The reporting format should provide for:
1.
Sample date(s) and approximate locations(s).
2.
Medium or pathway (e.g., air particulate, air charcoal, milk).
3.
Type of analysis (e.g., gross beta, iodine-131, other gamma emitter).
4.
Statistical data (mean, range, number of samples).
Any data provided by NRC licensees will be shared with appropriate federal
agencies.
The NRC as part a combined Interagency Task Force is providing daily
technical information reports to the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).
This updated technical information is available to member utilities through INPO's
Nuclear Network system.
Because the sensitivity and broad scope of existing
licensee programs, augmentation of the NRC licensee EMPs is not necessary.
Any anomalous detection of radioactive material should be evaluated in
accordance with facility license, technical specifications and applicable
regulations to assure that the detected materials are properly identified as
to source (e.g., either plant operations or the Chernobyl Event).
We appreciate your cooperation with us on this matter.
If you have any
questions regarding this matter, please contact the Regional Administrator of
the appropriate NRC regional office, or this office.
- i
a
4 act
Dlvisi
and Egineering Response
Office of Inspection and Enforcement
Technical Contacts:
James E. Wigginton, IE
(301) 492-4967
Roger L. Pedersen, IE
(301) 492-9425 Attachments:
1.
EPA Task Force Report (May 1, 1986)
2.
Talking Points (April 30, 1986)
3.
Fact Sheet (May 2, 1986)
4. List of Recently Issued 1E Information Notices
Ma
2
1986:
Soviet Nuclear
May 2 of
A:
Accident
rOR RELEASE:
2:00 P.X., THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1986
A Task Force Report
CONTACT
DAVE COHEN
(202)
382-4355
-
On Tues&ay. the Environmental Protection Agency, which
maintains the nat'ion's radiation monitoring network* increased
its Lanplin; frequency for airborne raiioactivity toldaily.
Results
obtained thus far show no increase in radioactivity above normal
background levels.
The Canadian air nonitoring
network has also
increased its sampling frequency to daily.
Results there show no
increase in radioactivity.
The air mass containing the radioactivity froi the initial
Chernobyl nuclear event is now widely dispersed throughout
northern Europe and Polar regions.
P.,rti.'ai
of radioactivity.off
the northwest forwegian coast yesterday morning shnqli continue to
disperse with possible noveoent toward the east in the next several
days. Other portions of the radioactive air mass may nove eastward
through the Soviet Union and through the Polar regions over the
coning week.
The Soviets have reported they have snothered the fire.
From
our information-it is not clear whether the fire is out or not. We
also cannot confirn no4A reports of Samage at a second reactc, best
the second hot spot seen in the LAt41nST photos is not a reactor.
The U.S. Government has offered to provide technical
assistance to the Soviet Government to deal with the accident.
On Wednesday afternoon. a senior Soviet official from their
Enbassy in Washinqton delivered a note to the Department of
State expressing appreciation for odr offer of assistance and
stating that for the time being, assistance is not needed.
At the present tine. the U.S. no',"rnnent has no data on
radiation levels or contamination levels at any location wit..in
the Soviet Union.
We also have no firn information concerning
the numher of casualties fron the accident.
(more)
vr.
04gE 4 oi 9 The Deparment of State is not advi-ing against travel to the
S.oviet Union. Scandinavia and Eastern Zurope.
As a-result of the
nuclear accident. the State Department has issued a travel advisory
recommending against travel to Kiev and adjacent areas.
We are
largely dependent on the Soviets for information on conditions
within the USSR and we are doing everything possible to obtain
relevant information from Soviet authorities.
Americans planning
travel to the Soviet Union and adjacent countries should carefully
monitor press reports on this rapidly changing situation to make as
fully Informed a decision as possible with respect to their travel
plans.
They should bear in mind that many of these countries have
reported increased levels of radiation in the environment.
,The State Department Office of Legislative Affairs has
comented that customary international law requires the Soviet
Union to notify other States/Countries of the possibility of
transboundary effects of the incident and to furnish them with
the information necessary to address those effects.
The White House has established an interagency Task Force
to coordinate the Government's response to the nuclear reactor
accident in Chernobyl.
The Task Force is under the direction
of Lee H. Thomas, Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency, with representatives from the White House, Department of
State, EPA. Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Canission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Air Force, Department of Agriculture, Pood and Drug Administration, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Interior, Federal.
Aviation Administration, the U.S. Public Health Service, and
other agencies.
,
....
S
.
C)
IN 86-32 May 2, 1986
TALKINtG POINTSL
CRERNORYL NUCLEAR ACCIDENT
April 30, 1986
a Late Friday, April 25, or early Saturday, April 26. a
serious accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear facility
near Kiev in the Soviet Union.
As a result of:an apparent
loss of reactor coolant, the facility experienced a core, meltdown, explosion, and fire. Causes of the accident are
Page 5 of
I
notL
o The explosion and resulting fire released a plume of
radioactive materials to the atmosphere.
So long as the
reactor core fire continues, radioactive gases will be given
off.*
o The facility involved is a graphite-noderatedtt
boiling-water-cooled, pressure-tube unit.
it is one of four
such units at Chernobyl. To our knowledge, only this one
unit, known as Unit *4, is involved in the accident.
o The initial plume traveled in a northwest direction
toward Scandanavia. Predictions now suggest it will move in
an eastward direction. Radiation levels above normal background
have been detected in Scandanavian countries. However, these
levels pose no significant risk to human health or the
environment.
o The U.S. government has made an offer of technical
assistance to the Soviets. This good faith offer was made
out of genuine concern for the health and safety of the Soviet
people. The Soviet government responded April 30 that no
foreign assistance is needed.
o We have also requested specific information on the
accident. To date, we have not received a full response to
that request. This is also a matter of great concern to the
United States.
o The radiation plume emitted as a result of the Chernobyl
accident will disperse over time throughout the Northern
Hemisphere.
Eventually, some radioactive contamination will
reach the United States.
However, based on the limited
information we now have, there is no reason to believe that
levels reaching this country will pose any significant risk
to human health or the environment.
Please see the accompanying
fact sheet on radiation health effects for basic information
on exposure.
1
-2- Page. 6 of '
o It is very unlikely that any significant amountS of
radiation from the accident wilI reach the U.S. during the
next few days. The Environmental Protection Agency's .
-
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring.System -
ERAMS -
is conducti-ng daily sampling throughout the nation.
In
addition to ambient air, the system also monitors readiatioh
levels in drinking water., surface water, and milk.
o The White House has established an interagency task
force to monitor the health, safety and environmental consequences
of the Chernobyl accident. The task force is chaired-by Lee
Thomas, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Members represent the following federal agencies:
EPA, DOE, NRC, NOAA, HHS, USDA, DOD, DOT and others.
On a
daily basis. the task force compiles, evaluates, and widely
distributes cur~rent technical information on the Chernobyl
accident and its environmental and health consequences,
.
w0 Attachment 3 IN 86-33 May 2, 1986 Fact Sheet-Chernobyl
SOVIET NUCLEAR
ACCIDENT
FOR RELEASE:
2:00 P.M., FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1986
CONTACT
- DAVE COHEN (202) 382-4355 Radiation monitoring networks -in the United States and
Canada are continuing to analyze for airborne radioactivity
daily.
No increases In radioactivity above normal background
levels have been detected in either country. Canadian officials
intend to increase the sampling frequency of their milk
monitoring network, which consIsts of 16 stations near
population centers in southern Canada, to weekly beginning
next week.
It is believed that air containing radioactivity now covers
much of Europe and a large part of the Soviet Union.
The distribu- tion of radioactivity is likely to be patchy. Air containing
radioactivity detected by aircraft at 5000 feet about 400 miles
west of northern Norway is believed to have moved westward and now
appears to be heading south or southeastward perhaps to return to
western Europe. There is no independent confirmation of the radio- activity in the air moving eastward across Asia.
(A weather map should be attached to today's Task Force Report.
If you do not have a copy, it can be picked up in the EPA press
office, room 311, West Tower, 401 M St., S.W. (202) 382-4355.)
Environmental monitoring data have been provided by the Swedish
government for the Stockholm area for April 28-30.
Extrapolations
of those data suggest that radiation exposure levels at the Chernobyl
site would have been in a range from 20 rem to hundreds of rem
whole-body for the two-day period over which most of the radiation
release probably took place. Radiation doses for the thyroid gland
have been estimated to be in a range from 200 rem to thousands of rem
for the same period. These doses are sufficient to produce severe
physical trauma including death.
It should be emphasized that these
are estimates subject to considerable uncertainty. The U.S. has
as yet no information from the Soviet Union as to actual radiation
levels experienced at the accident site.
Page--d of
-2--.
The Soviets have reported they have smothered the fire.
We
$
still cannot confirm that the reactor fire in unit 4 has been
extinguished.
There is evidence that the reactor or associated
equipment continues to smolder.
We also cannot confirm news
reports of damage at a second reactor, but the second hot spot
seen in the LANDSAT photos is not a reactor.
Based on the fact that no harmful levels of radioactivity are
expected to reach the continental United States, it is highly
unlikely that potassium iodide (KI) will be needed to minimize
the uptake of radioactive iodine from the Russian nuclear power
plant accident.
KI, although relatively harmless, has been
associated with certain allergic reactions; thus, since the use
of KI is not without some risk to the population, the U.S. Public
Health Service recommends against taking KI as a precautionary
measure.
Federal authorities do not believe there is any reason
for concern at this time about the safety of either our domestic
food or drug supplies.
Nor should there be concern over imported
products already in the United States or on their way to the
United States at the time of the nuclear accident in the Soviet
Union.
The State Department is continuing efforts to obtain relevant
information from Soviet authorities on the nuclear accident and
the potential health dangers that might be posed to individuals
in the Soviet Union and adjacent countries.
State has noted, for
example, recent statements issued by Polish authorities concerning
public health precautionary measures.
The State Department is seeking more information from all the
governments in the region.
The U.S. is sending experts to
potentially affected areas for medical consultation and to provide
relevant expertise on which to make appropriate recommendations
with regard to the health of American citizens.
With the limited data at hand, the Departments of State and
Health and Human Services have issued an advisory against travel
to Kiev and adjacent areas.
To minimize possible exposure to
radioactive contamination, we also suggest that those in Eastern
Europe avoid milk and other dairy products.
In addition, State
is recommending that women of child-bearing age and children
should not travel to Poland until the situation is clarified.
The State Department is receiving reports from our European
embassies, based on their discussions with local officials, as to
the impact of the accident and local reactions to it. We are
still not receiving the necessary technical information from the
Soviets on the details of the accident.
H1:5 -3- The White House has established an Interagency Task Force
to coordinate the Government's response to the nuclear reactor
accident in Chernobyl. The Task Force is under the direction
of Lee M. Thomas, Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency, with representatives from the White House, Department of
State, EPA, Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Air Force;
Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Interior, Federal
Aviation Administration, the U.S. Public Health Service, and
other agencies.
PLEASE NOTE: THE EPA PRESS OFFICE WILL BE OPEN OVER THE WEEKEND
FOR UPDATING.
HOURS WILL BE FROM lOam TO 2PM.
202-382-4355.
-
k ..
Attachment 2
IN 86-33 May 6, 1986
LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED
IE INFORMATION NOTICES
Information
Date of
Notice No.
Subject
Issue
Issued to
86-32
86-31
86-30
86-29
86-28
86-27
Request For Collection Of
Licensee Radioactivity
Measurements Attributed To
The Chernobyl Nuclear Plant
Accident
Unauthorized Transfer and
Loss of Control of
Industrial Nuclear Gauges
Design Limitations of
Gaseous Effluent Monitoring
Systems
Effects of Changing Valve
Motor-Operator Switch
Settings
5/2/86
5/6/86
4/29/86
4/25/86
All power reactor
facilities holding
All power reactor
facilities holding
All power reactor
facilities holding
All power reactor
facilities holding
4/28/86
Access Control at Nuclear
Facilities
4/21/86
All power reactor
facilities holding
and nonpower reactor
facilities, and fuel
fabrication & pro- cessing facilities
86-26
86-25
Potential Problems In
Generators Manufactured By
Electrical Products
Incorporated
Traceability And Material
Control Of Material And
Equipment, Particularly
Fasteners
4/17/86
4/11/86
All power reactor
facilities holding
All power reactor
facilities holding
WL = Operating License
CP = Construction Permit