ML091000651

Texas A&M University 2008 Annual Report (Facility License R-83)

ML091000651
Person / Time
Site:	05000128
Issue date:	03/30/2009
From:	Reece W Texas A&M Univ
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
2009-0008
Download: ML091000651 (22)

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TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 3575 TAMU COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77843-3575 NUCLEAR SCIENCE CENTER 979/845-7551 FAX 979/862-2667 March 30, 2009.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attn: Document Control Desk Washington, D.C. 20555

Subject:

2008 Annual .Report (Facility License R-83) 2009-0008 To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed please find the 2008 Annual Report for the Texas Engineering Experiment Station Nuclear Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843.

If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to call Latha Vasudevan or myself at (979) 845-7551.

Sincerely, W. D. Reece, Director Enclosure LV/jg Xc: 211 /Central File Annual Report File Dr. Ken Hall, Deputy Director of TEES, Licensee and RSB Chairman Jim Remlinger, Associate Director Latha Vasudevan NSC RSO A'bQD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MANKIND http://nsc.tamu.edu

Texas A&M University Nuclear Science Center Annual Report-2008 Nuclear Science Center Texas Engineering Experiment Station Texas A&M University System College Station, Texas 77843-3575

Texas A&M University System Texas Engineering Experiment Station 2008 Annual Report Facility Operating License R-83 Nuclear Science Center 1095 Nuclear Science Road College Station, Texas 77843-3575 Prepared By: Latha Vasudevan, NSC RSO Reviewed By: W. D. Reece, NSC Director March 2009

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 CONTENTS

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Nuclear Science Center Staff .............................................................................. 5

2. Reactor Utilization for 2008 ................................................................................................ 5 2.1 TAM U Academ ic Support Program ................................................................... 7 2.2 DOE University Reactor Sharing Program ............................ 7 2.3 Comm ercial Activity and External Research ..................................................... 7

3. Facility and Procedure Changes ..................................................................................... 7 3.1 Facility M odifications ......................................................................................... 7 3.2 Experiment Authorization and Modification Authorization ............................... 8

4. Reactor M aintenance and Surveillance ............................................................................ 8 4.1 Scheduled M aintenance ....................................................................................... 8 4.2 Unscheduled M aintenance .................................................................................. 8 4.3 Unscheduled Shutdowns ......................................................................................... 10 4.4 Emergency Plan and Review ...................................................................... .......... 10 4.5 Reactor Safety Board ......................................................................................... 10 4.6 Inspections and Audits ....................................................................................... 10 4.7 Notice of Violation ........................................................................................... 11

5. Health Physics Surveillance ............................................................................................... 11 5.1 Radioactive Shipm ents ........................................................................................... 11 5.2 Personnel Monitoring ....................................................................................... 11 5.3 Facility Monitoring ........................................................................................... 12 5.4 Particulate Effl uent Monitoring ....................................................................... 12 5.5 Gaseous Effluent M onitoring ............................................................................ 13 5.6 Liquid Effluent M onitoring .............................................................................. 14

6. Environm ental M onitoring ........................................................................................... 15 6.1 Environm ental Samples .................................................................................... 16 6.2 Site Boundary Dose Rate .................................................................................. 16

7. Radioactive W aste Shipm ents ....................................................................................... 18 Appendix A : N SC Organization Chart .................................................................................... 19 Appendix B: Reactor Safety Board Membership ..................................................................... 20 2

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 List of Tables Table 2 : Reactor Utilization Summ ary in 2008 ................................................................ 6 Table. 4-2: Unscheduled M aintenance ................................................................................... 8 Table 4-3: Unscheduled Shutdowns ................................................................................... 10 Table 5-3: Total Dose Equivalent (mrem) Recorded on Area Monitors ............................. 12 Table 5-4: Particulate Effl uent Releases ................................................................................. 13 Table 5-5: Gaseous Effl uent Releases ................................................................................. 14 Table 5-6: Liquid Effl uent Releases ................................................................................... 15 Table 6-1: Environm ental Sample Analysis ........................................................................ 16 Table 6-2: Site Boundary Dose Rates ................................................................................. 17 List of Figures Figure 2: Annual Reactor Utilization in MW-hrs of Operation ......................................... 6 3

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 I. Introduction The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Nuclear Science Center (NSC) is a multi-disciplinary research and education center supporting basic and applied research in nuclear related fields of science and technology as well as providing educational opportunities for students in these fields as a service to the Texas A&M University System and the state of Texas. The NSC also provides services to commercial ventures requiring radiation or isotope production services.

The NSC reactor is a 1 MW TRIGA research reactor in a large (108,000-gal.) pool. The size of the NSC reactor pool provides great flexibility in the experiments that may be conducted near the reactor. The Science Center has a calibration facility using a Cs-137 calibrator, a large-object irradiation cell, a film neutron radiography system, a large neutron/gamma irradiation cell, and two neutron beam ports, hot cells and manipulators, and other supporting facilities.

Laboratory facilities include counting laboratories with gas flow proportional detectors and High Purity Germanium detectors, a two-station pneumatics sample transfer system, a fast neutron irradiation system, a delayed neutron detection system and a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis system.

The NSC reactor design allows for easy loading/unloading of various types of samples. The NSC actively produces a variety of radioisotopes for industry, hospitals, and 'academic users. The NSC provides nationally recognized neutron activation analysis (NAA) services to many research and academic institutions in the United States. The Nuclear Engineering Department on campus is a major user of the NSC reactor. The NSC is also one of the major attractions on campus. Last year, the NSC hosted about 1957 visitors including: elementary, middle school, high school and college students as well as faculty members, national laboratory scientists and industrial clients.

Through these tours, the NSC taught people with widely varying backgrounds about nuclear science.

With strong support from the University, the NSC is continuously increasing the diversity of its facilities and services. The NSC and the Nuclear Engineering Department are collaborators of the Innovations in Nuclear Infrastructure and Education Grant. As part of this grant, the NSC supported the graduate student projects on the delayed neutron counting system and continued to produce the prototype for distance learning modules. Moreover, Texas Work Force Commission provides support for operator training program.

With the DOE instrumentation grant, NSC has pursued the development of a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) system that will be utilized for research and teaching in future. NSC continues to improve on the detection capabilities of the HPGe system and upgrade the software that is being used for the PGNAA system.

NSC management has been working on the LEU conversion Safety Analysis Report that was submitted to NRC as an amendment to the R-83 license renewal process. NSC license will be amended to incorporate an increase in the special nuclear material so as to make room for new fission detectors in future.

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Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 This annual report has been prepared to satisfy the reporting requirements of Technical Specification 6.6.1 of the facility operating license R-83 and of the Department of Energy University Reactor Fuel Assistance Program subcontract No. C87-101594 (DE-AC07-76ER02426).

1.1 Nuclear Science Center Staff The staff at the Nuclear Science Center consists of four major groups: Reactor Operations, Health Physics/Technical Coordination, Reactor Maintenance, and Administrative Services.

Personnel directly involved with the operation and maintenance of the reactor are NRC-licensed operators. The NSC is committed to its educational responsibilities and many members of the staff are part or full-time students at Texas A&M University. Appendix A shows the Nuclear Science Center Organization Chart.

The Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) of the Texas A&M University System operates the NSC. The Director of the NSC is responsible to the Deputy Director of the TEES for the administration and the proper and safe operation of the facility. The NSC Radiation Safety is responsible for the Director of NSC for matters relating to safety and for maintaining a proper radiation safety program. In addition to the internal structure, the Reactor Safety Board (RSB) advises the Deputy Director of the TEES and the Director of the NSC on issues or policy pertaining to reactor safety. The Texas A&M University Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHSD) provide assistance when it is required for emergencies and for special operations as agreed. The Texas A&M University Police Department provides security support on a daily basis and is a key support group in the event of a security incident. The College Station Fire Department and the College Station Medical Center provides offsite emergency support when it is required as per agreement.

2. Reactor Utilization .for 2008 The Nuclear Science Center (NSC) reactor has been in operation since 1962. The reactor is a 1 MW MTR-converted TRIGA reactor. Until the refueling in September 2006, the reactor used highly enriched uranium fuel (70%), but now uses low enriched uranium fuel (20%). Core VIII-A is the current core configuration and has been in use since March 1986. The NSC reactor is pulse operational and is pulsed up to powers of approximately 1,100 MW for nuclear engineering laboratories, staff training, and public tours.

The NSC reactor operated for 1914.5 hours5.787037e-5 days <br />0.00139 hours <br />8.267196e-6 weeks <br />1.9025e-6 months <br /> in 2008 with a total integrated power of 76.4 MW-days. There were 474 "Requests for Irradiation" processed at the NSC during the reporting period. The NSC provided services to TAMU departments, other universities, research centers, and secondary schools in and outside the state of Texas. The cumulative total energy output since 5

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 initial criticality of the LEU fuel is 166.63 MW-days. Table 2 shows the reactor utilization summary in 2008 and Figure 2 shows the annual reactor utilization in MW-hrs of operation.

Table 2: Reactor Utilization Summary in 2008 Days of Reactor Operation 245 Integrated Power (MW-days) 76.4 Number of Hours at Steady-State 1914.5 Number of Pulses 54 Number of Reactor Irradiations (RFS) 474 Beam Port/Thermal Column Experiment Hours 757.2 Hours Irradiation Cell Use 109.18 Number of Visitors 1957 Unscheduled Shutdowns 3 2,500 2,413 0w 2,400 W,2 , 3 00 CL 2,200 2,120 2,155 2,143 2,138 2,081 S2,100 1,944 4 *-1 9 31,9 46 1,9 5 1 15 1,9 O

CA 2,000 1 1,924

• 1,835

1,900 1,800 1,700 S1,600 1,500 .. _ _. .a * .a 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year Figure 2. Annual Reactor Utilization in MW-hrs of Operation 6

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 2.1 TAMU Academic Support Program Texas A&M University provides funding for the reactor for such academic activities as nuclear engineering laboratories, neutron activation analysis demonstrations and laboratories, graduate student thesis and dissertation research, and undergraduate research projects. The program has been very successful and is crucial for many graduate students who use the NSC reactor for research and have not received research grants. The wide range of academic users from the university reflects in the NSC's reputation as a multi-disciplinary institution.

2.2 DOE University Reactor Sharing Program The DOE University Reactor Sharing Program that was providing support for those institutions that do not normally have access to a research reactor ended in the year 2007. There was no Work done under reactor sharing program in 2008.

2.3 Commercial Activity and External Research The NSC provides services to a variety of users that provide their own funding. The majority of commercial activities focus on production of radioactive tracers for the Texas petroleum and chemical industries. Another commercial activity uses the converted Thermal Column area to produce micropore filters used in ultra-pure water systems in the semiconductor industry.

Outside research grants fund a significant amount of the NSC's research. The NSC is involved with neutron activation analysis and radioassays for a wide variety of samples for outside customers. The NSC has many years of experience producing radioisotopes and has developed several customer-specific methods for radioactive sample production and handling. The production of radioisotopes generally involves handling radioactive material with high activities.

The NSC staff takes precautions to minimize the exposures during the transfer of radioactive materials to shipping shields.

3. Facility and Procedure Changes 3.1 Facility Modifications New cabinets and counter top were installed in the facility lunch room.

NSC built and installed a new service platform for the large propane tank.

NSC built and replaced the Log Channel detector canister with one that attaches to the reactor frame work more securely. The Log Channel detector cables were replaced with stainless steel 7

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 jacketed triax with mineral insulation. The new cable is radiation resistant and significantly reduces the noise on the channel.

The pitot tube diameter was adjusted to correct for the new exhaust system air flow rate.

The NSC Reactor Building, Hyperbaric Lab, Machine Shop, Liquid Waste system, and Cooling Tower were all connected to the Texas A&M sanitary sewer waste treatment system.

. 3.2 Experiment Authorization and Modification Authorization There were no new Experiment Authorizations (EA) or Modification Authorizations (MA) covered in 2008.

4. Reactor Maintenance and Surveillance 4.1 Scheduled Maintenance NSC personnel performed regular maintenance on the Fuel Element Temperature Channel, Area Radiation Monitors and the Linear, Log, and Safety Power Channels as required by the Technical Specifications. They also performed all surveillance required by the reactor license. Control rod worth and scram time measurements performed in July 2008 gave the following results., The total rod worth was $15.453. The most reactive control rod was Shim Safety #4 with a worth of $4.307. The shutdown margin was $3.167 and core excess was

$6.051. Scram times on all rods were less than 1.2 seconds. In addition, operators performed calorimetric calibration following each maintenance period, and fuel inspections with no abnormalities noted (as required by the Technical Specification). The cold critical reactivity worth, performed for each reactor experiment, shows that the most reactive fixed experiment is the Fast Flux Irradiation Device (-$1.141).

4.2 Unscheduled Maintenance Table 4-2 lists the unscheduled maintenance performed in year 2008.

Table 4-2: Unscheduled Maintenance 01-03-2008 The Re-circulating Pump switch was found to be defective. The switch, switch housing, and conduit were replaced.

01-10-2008 A defective encoder was replaced on the Transient Rod to restore its position indications.

01-16-2008 The remote control unit in the Reception Room for opening the 8

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 front gate was replaced.

03-06-2008 The Thermal Column scram interlock switch failed and was replaced.

03-07-2008 The rod down switch for Rod 4 was replaced.

03-21-2008 The magnet faces for Rod 4 were cleaned after it failed to lift the rod.

04-30-2008 A defective relay that actuates the panel alarm was found defective and replaced.

05-08-2008 The acid pump used regenerate the de-mineralizer bed failed and was replaced.

06-03-2008 The drive chain for the front gate was replaced.

06-08-2008 Zener diodes were installed in the fire alarm panel to act as surge limiters to help eliminate the false alarms that occur during lightening storms.

06-20-2008 The hot cell manipulators in the MHA were adjusted for proper operation.

08-29-2008 The primary pump flow indication was showing a low flow rate. The meter and sensor were checked for proper calibration.

Then the nearly clogged inlet screen was cleaned restoring normal flow.

09-22-2008 The magnet wires were repaired and the magnet faces were cleaned on Rod drive 2.

10-02-2008 The rod down switch for ROD 1 was replaced.

10-20-2008 A universal joint connecting the reactor bridge jacks failed and was replaced.

11-17-2008 A defective hydraulic cylinder for the MHA portable fork lift was replaced.

11-18-2008 The drain pipe from the Lab Building to the heat exchanger sump was repaired.

12-10-2008 The reactor console clock quit working and was replaced.

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Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 4.3 Unscheduled Shutdowns There were three unscheduled reactor shutdowns during 2008. The cause is detailed below in Table 4-3.

Table 4-3: Unscheduled Shutdowns 3/26/2008 Malfunctioning equipment caused period meter to indicate improperly during startup. Period scram point was reached at 2% of maximum reactor power. Equipment was repaired prior to the next start up.

8/1/2008 Reactor scrammed due to the manual SCRAM button being accidentally pressed.

8/14/2008 Reactor scrammed due to reading on Safety Power Channel #2 of over 124%. Safety Power Channel #2 indicated higher than actual power due to neutron reflection from the Thermal Column while operating against the Thermal Column; actual reactor power was 42.5% and did not exceed 100%.

4.4 Emergency Plan and Review The Nuclear Science Center Management and the RSB reviewed the NSC Security and Emergency Plans. The Emergency Plan is undergoing a revision to incorporate minor changes in the plan. The update on the Security Plan to include the Compensatory Measures and finger printing requirements were discussed. There has been no mandate to update the security plan by the NRC.

4.5 Reactor Safety Board The Reactor Safety Board is responsible for providing an independent review and audit of the safety aspects of the NSC reactor. The Reactor Safety Board (RSB) met once in the year 2008 as per the Technical Specifications requirement and there were no pending items. Appendix B provides the reactor safety board membership.

4.6 Inspections and Audits The Reactor Safety Board sub- committee performed the required audits and inspections as per the Technical Specifications requirement. The results of the audit will be submitted to the RSB during 2009 meeting.

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Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 4.7 Notice of Violation There was no "Notice of Violation" in 2008.

5. Health Physics Surveillance The purpose of Health Physics surveillance is to ensure safe use of radioactive materials in the Nuclear Science Center's research and service activities and to fulfill the regulatory requirements of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and State agencies. The NSC maintains a Health Physics group as an integral part of the organization. They are responsible for radiological as well as chemical, and physical safety concerns. The radiation safety team at the TAMU Environmental Health and Safety Department provides additional support to the NSC Health Physics group upon request.

5.1 Radioactive Shipments The Health Physics monitoring and technical support that was provided in 2008 assured minimal exposure during sample handling, shipment of radioactive material, and normal reactor operation. The radiation exposures were maintained ALARA. During 2008, about 386 radioactive samples were handled of which 362 samples were released to various research facilities including Texas A&M University campus and the rest were retained at the Nuclear Science Center facility. A total of 307 curies were handled in 2008.

5.2 Personnel Monitoring Personnel Monitoring was provided to approximately 34 personnel.' All measured doses to personnel were below the limits set forth in 10 CFR 20. Five individuals received whole body dose greater than 10% of the annual limit in 10 CFR 20. Their deep dose equivalent (DDE) recorded were 562, 588, 859, 629, and 724 mrem for the year. Airborne monitoring during sample handling continued to show no significant airborne activity. Therefore, total effective dose equivalent will equal deep dose equivalent for 2008. A total of 6.5 manrem was recorded for the year 2008. When total manrem/curie was determined for 2008, the dose per curie equaled 0.024 (manrem/Ci).

During 2008, about 1957 visitors toured the Nuclear Science Center. Minimal exposures were measured with pocket ion chambers worn by these visitors and the pocket ion chamber readings of their respective tour guides.

NSC employees who were likely to exceed 10% of their total annual dose wore whole body badges (Luxel dosimeter) and extremity badges (TLD dosimeters) that were provided by Landauer, a NVLAP accredited supplier. Landauer also provides the reports of the doses received.

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Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 5.3 Facility Monitoring Surveys of the Nuclear Science Center facilities were performed to assess radiological hazards to NSC workers. Radiation levels and sources of radioactive contamination were routinely monitored. Approximately 350 smear samples were collected and evaluated each month. All accessible areas at the NSC wear surveyed for radiation and contamination levels monthly. Areas where contamination is expected, access/egress controls are in place and are evaluated on shorter intervals. Area monitors were placed at strategic locations in the reactor facility, this provides dose equivalent (mrem) on a monthly basis. Table 5-3 summarizes the annual accumulated dose equivalent (mrem) recorded on the area monitors for 2008.

Table 5-3: Total Dose Equivalent (mrem) Recorded on Area Monitors Accumulated Dose Dore Monitor ID Location Equivalen Equivalent (mrem)

BLDG MNTR 1 Upper Research Level 1472 Mezzanine BLDG MNTR 2 Lower Research Level 798 Mezzanine BLDG MNTR 3 Lower Research Level 36 AREA Control Room o08 AREA Upper Research Level 919 AREA Room next to MHA 2321*

• Radioactive materials were stored in the temporary locations in MHA.

5.4 Particulate Effluent Monitoring Radioactive particulates were monitored at the base of the central exhaust stack and summarized on a monthly basis. The annual average release concentration was 4.3x10-15 0 XCi/cc. The total radioactivity activity released for. 2008 was 0.5 [tCi. Table 5-4 summarizes monthly particulate effluent releases during 2008. The most common isotope noted during particulate effluent releases were Ir- 192 and Sb- 124.

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Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 Table 5-4: Particulate Effluent Releases Activity Average Additional Total from FAM Exhaust release releases activity Month channel 1 concentration released Quarter (lPCi) Volume*3 (uCi/cc) (PtCi) (Ci)

(cc) 4 January 1.17xl10' 9.32x 1012 1.26x10' l.17x10 7' February <BG 9.96x1012 <BG <BG March <BG 9"96x1012 <BG <BG 2 5 8 Average: 3.90X10- 9.74x1012 4.19x1-' 3.90x 0-1.17x1lW' 2.92x1013 1.26x10-" 0.OOE+00 1.17x10-7 8

April 8.29x 10-2 9.64x1012 8.60x10'5 8.29x 10-2 5 May 4.03x 10- 9.96x1012 4.05x10' 4.03x10 8' 2

II June 5.63x 10- 9.64x 1012 5.85x iO' 5 5.63x108' 2 8 Average: 5.99X10- 9.74x 1012 6.17x10-'5 5.99x 0-4 7 1.80x10-' 2.92x10'2 1.85x1IY' 0.OOE+00 1.80X10-July <BG 9.96x1012 <BG <BG 7

August 2.05x10' 9.96x 1012 2.06x10' 4 2.05x 0-III September <BG 9.96x 10122 <BG <BG 2

Average: 6.82x10- 9.96x10' 6.85xlW' 5 6.82x10-8 4

2.05xlW'1 2.99x1013 2.06x10'1 0.OOE+00 2.05X10-7 October <BG 9.96x1012 <BG - <BG November <BG 9.64x 1012 <BG <BG IV December- <BG 9.96x1 012 <BG <BG 2

Average: O.OOE+00 9.85X10 0.OOE+00 0.60E+00 0.OOE+O0 2.96x1013 0.OOE+O0 0.OOE+00 0.OOE+00 notes:

1. Average Release Concentration equal to: Activity from FAM ( facility air monitoring) Channel I divided by volume of air going through the stack

2. Exhaust Volume equal to: ( # days/month)*( 24hrs/day)*(60min/hr)*(7875 ft3 /min)/ (3.53x 10-5 cc)

3. Additional Release equal to: (Individual releases calculated from facility air monitoring data)

4. Total Release equal to: (activity for channel l+(Additional Release))* 10-6

5. <BG indicates that the monthly count rates were less than the background count rates.

5.5 Gaseous Effluent Monitoring Argon-41 is the major gaseous effluent produced and released at the Nuclear Science Center.

This effluent is monitored at the central exhaust stack. Total Argon-41 released during 2008 was 8.97 mCi with an annual average release concentration of 7.54x 10-11 ACi/cc.

Table 5-5 summarizes monthly gaseous effluent (Ar-41) releases during 2008.

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Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 Table 5-5: Gaseous Effluent (Ar-41) Releases Activity Exhaust Average release Additional Total activity Quarter Month from Volume concentration releases released channel 3 (cc) (tiCi/cc) (ttCi) (Ci)

(gtci)

January 4.02x10 2 9.32x1012 4.31x10" 4 .02 x104 February 5.11x10 2 9.96x10 2 5.13x10l" 5.11x10 4 1 March 3.97x10 2 9.96x1012 3.99x10"- 3.97x0-4 Average: 4.37x10 2 9.74x10' 2 4.48x10" 4.37x104 1.31x10 3 2.92x1012 1.34x10"' 0 O.OOE+00 1.31x10"3 April 7.01x102 9.64x1012 7.28xl-0I 7.01xl0-4 May 4.67x10 2 9.96x1012 4.69x10"- 4.67x104 II June 4.03x10 2 9.64x1012 4.19xi0l" 4.03x10- 4 Average: 5.24x10 2 9.74x10 12 5.38x10-l 5.24x104 1.57x10 3 2.92xlO 2 1.62x10"'0 1.57x10"3 July 7.32x10 2 9.96x1012 7.35x10"- 4.24x10' 7.74x104 August 7.21x10 2 9.96x101 2 7.24x10" 7.2lx1O4 III September 1.06xl0 3 9.96x1012 1.06x10' 0 1.06xl0-3 Average: 8.37x10 2 9.96x1012 8.41x10" 8.51x104 2.51x10 3 2.99x10"3 2.52x10"'0 4.24x10' 2.55x10"3 October 7.43x1 02 9.96x1012 7.47x10t" 7.43x104 November 6.00xl0 2 9.64x1012 6.22x10" 6.00xlO-4 IV December 2.19x10 3 9.96x1012 2.20x10-1 ° 2.19x10-3 Average: 1.18x10 3 9.85x1012 1.19x10"10 1.18x10-3 3.54x10 3 2.96x1013 3.57x10-' 0 O.OOE+00 3.54x10-3 Annual Average: 9.82x1012 7.54x10" 7.48x10"4 Summary 1.18x1014 9.05x10"° 4.24x10' 8.97x10"3 notes:

1. Average Release Concentration equal to: Activity from Channel 3 divided by volume of air going through the stack

2. Exhaust Volume equal to: ( # days/month)*( 24 hrs/day)*(60 min/hr)*( 7875 ft3 /min)/ (3.53x10- 5 cc)

3. Additional Release equal to: (Individual releases calculated from facility air monitoring data)

4. Total Release equal to: (activity for channel 3+(Additional Release))* 10-6 5.6 Liquid Effluent Monitoring Radioactive Liquid effluents are maintained in collection tanks before release from the confines of the Nuclear Science Center. Sample activity concentrations and isotope identifications were determined before each release. The concentration values for each isotope were compared with the effluent concentrations in water (10 CFR 20) and were determined to be in compliance. On September 2008, a new sewer system was tied into the Texas A&M waste treatment plant for release of liquid waste and NSC started releasing liquid waste through the sewer system effective September 2008. Sample activity concentrations were then compared with Sewer line 14

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 concentrations (10 CFR 20) and were determined to be in compliance. There were 20 releases in 2008, totaling 5.57x1 0 5 gallons including dilution. The total radioactivity released was 2.68 mCi with an annual average concentration of 1.27x1 0.6 pCi/cc. The annual dose to the public calculated from liquid effluents is about 1 mrem. Summary of the release data are presented in the following Table 5-6. Radioactivity concentrations for each isotope found were below the Effluent Concentration limits specified in 10 CFR 20, Appendix B. Some of the major radionuclides identified in the waste stream were Na-24, Sc-46, Cr-51, Mn-54, Co-58, Co-60, Zn-65, Sb-122, Sb-124, Cs-137, etc.

Table 5-6: Liquid Effluent Releases Volume Total Average Number of Released Radioactivity Concentration Quarter Month Releases (cc) (Ci) (ftCi/cc)

I January * * *

• February * * *

• March * * *

• Quarter Total:

II April 2 3.44x 108 2 .0 7 xlO 6.02x 10-7 May 3 4.15xl0 8 3.27x10 4 7.87x 10-7 June 4 3.76x 108 4 .6 2 x10-4 1.23x10-6 Quarter Total: 9 1.13x10 9 9.95x10 4 III July 3 3.71x108 3 . 3 6 xl 04 2.84x 10-6 August 2 3.53x10 8 1.42xl0-4 7.54x 10-7 aSeptember 1 1.84x10 7 5.65x10-5 3.07x 10-6, Quarter Total: 6 7.42x108 5.35x10 4 IV aOctober 3 1.14x10 8 4.07x10-4 3.57x10-6 aNovember * ,

• aDecember 2 1.18x10 8 7 .4 4 x 10- 6.26x 10-6 Quarter Total: 5 2.33x10 8 1.15x10 3 Annual Total: 20 2.11x10 9 2.68x10 3 1.27x10-6 Summary

• No releases a sewer releases 15

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008

6. Environmental Monitoring In conjunction with representatives from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Radiation Control, a quarterly environmental survey is conducted to insure compliance with federal regulations. This program consists of TLD monitors located at various locations on the NSC site and two background monitors; one located at 3.84 miles NW of facility and the other at 0.25 miles SE of facility. A quarterly sampling and analysis of NSC creek sediment were included in the program. Effective September 2008, NSC no longer discharges liquid waste through the creek but through the newly added sewer system. TDSHS no longer require the collection of a quarterly sediment sample. A letter from TDSHS to this effect is on file.

6.1 Environmental Samples The environmental samples were collected for the first three quarters in accordance with the cooperative surveillance program established between the TDSHS Environmental Monitoring, Division of Regulatory Services, Austin, Texas, and the Nuclear Science Center. The agreement is for isotopic analysis of NSC creek sediment samples. The creek samples were analyzed using the High Purity germanium detector system at NSC. A second set of sediment samples were analyzed by the TDSHS for comparison. The 4 th fourth quarter creek sample was not collected as there were no discharges through the creek. The concentrations of environmental samples determined for each quarter are listed below in Table 6-1. The most common isotopes were Mn-54, Co-58, Co-60, Fe-59, Zn-65, Pb-214, TI-208 etc. The concentrations were less than lxl0-6 pCi/g.

Table 6-1: Environmental Sample Analysis Quarter Sediment liCi/g I NSC creek < 8.9x10-6 II NSC creek < 8.2x10-6 III NSC creek < 6.8x10-6 IV No longer required No longer required 6.2 Site Boundary Dose Rate The environmental survey program measures the integrated radiation exposures at the exclusion area boundaries. These measurements are made for periods of approximately 91 days using TLDs. Monthly measurements of direct gamma exposure rate in jiR/h are also made at each of 16

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 the TLD locations. The dosimeters were provided and processed by Texas Department of State Health Services, Environmental Monitoring, Division of Regulatory Services, Austin, Texas.

Total TLD dose is multiplied by the occupancy factor (1/16) to determine total deep dose to the general public. To determine internal exposure to individuals outside the site area the EPA's approved code, COMPLY was used. The exposure calculated via COMPLY was 1.2xlO-4 mrem/yr. This exposure is added to the deep dose to calculate total dose. The total calculated dose to the general public was 0.2 mrem. Table 6-2 summarizes the site boundary dose rates.

Table 6-2: Site Boundary Dose Rates Internal Total Site Quarterly Exposure rates TLD Deep Dose Dose

1. Location (mrem/9 1 days) Dose Dose (mrem) (mrem) 300 ft. W of 3.3 3.1 3.2 **

reactor building, near 2 fence comer 9.6 0.60 0.00012 0.60 250 ft WSW 1.1 0 0.8 **

of reactor building, on SW chain link 3 fence 1.9 0.12 0.00012 0.12 200 ft NW of 4.4 3.1 4 **

reactor building, on chain link fence, near 4 butane tank 11.5 0.72 0.00012 0.72 225 ft NE of 0 1 1.6 **

reactor building, on fence N of 5 driveway 2.6 0.16 0.00012 0.16 190 ft SE of 0 1 2.4 **

reactor building, near 10 fence comer 3.4 0.21 0.00012 0.21 300 ft NE of 1.1 0 1.6 **

reactor building, near 11 fence comer 2.7 0.17 0.00012 0.17 375 ft NE of 2.2 3.1 2.4 **

reactor 18 building 7.7 0.48 0.00012 0.48 17

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 320 ft NE of 0 0 0.8 reactor 19 building 0.8 0.05 0.00012 0.05 3 miles NW of 2.2 0 0

• 14 facility 2.2 0.14 0.00012 0.14 0.25 miles SE 0 0 0

• 23 of facility 0.0 0.00 0.00012 0.00

• 14 and 23 are background TLD's

• • Results pending with TDSHS. 4th quarter results will be added to Table 6-2 when it becomes available.

7. Radioactive Waste Shipments During the year 2008, there were no solid wastes shipped to a final disposal facility. However, dry solid wastes with short half-lives (<120 d) were properly stored for decay. These will eventually be segregated, sorted and disposed as non-radioactive waste. Low specific activity wastes that contain long lived isotopes will be quantified, packaged and sent it for final disposal through an authorized contracting service.

18

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 APPENDIX A NSC ORGANIZATION CHART-2008 Dr. Warren D, Reece Director Jim Remlinger Associate Director ToFrLatha Vasidevan Elise Blaha VACANT Managerof Operations, S TomFisheradioga Supervisor Admninistrative Coordinator Safety Pyicsr BusinessAdministrative I Reactor Maintenance, Services HeCaNthtysc 1 JerryNewhouse VACANT Reactor Supervisor Alfred Hanna fHeafth Physics Supervisor Wen Hsing Hsu Scientific tnstrument S Duty HP Senior Research Maker Il Assocate Jared Porter Albeit TIierina NSC Serfior Nuclear Engineering Research Reactor Operator Chad Everett Jenna Homeyer I Scientific Instrument Associate Business Coordinator I Makerl WesCullum NSC Senior Nuclear Robert Pact, Reactor Operator i Joe Snook Technician 11 VACANT Foreman Offie Assistant M

MechanZShop SarahSchIV"ajt NSC*eSniorNuclear ReactorF I risRut-lde Operator NSC Radioactive Shipper SComputer System Manager JimReynolds Machinist I Nitstin Lo CIair NSCNuclear Reactor Robert Miler Operator NSC Health Physics Apprentice - MariaLazo Student WorkerUIt Jesse Johns S VACANT NsC:Nudearleactol Operator SAppren NSC Health Physics ti ce Jane Lucas VACANT NSCNuclear Reactor i Central Receiving I Operator Appientice 19

Texas A&M University System Nuclear Science Center Annual Report 2008 APPENDIX B Reactor Safety Board Membership (2008)

Chairman/Licensee:

Dr. Ken Hall, Deputy Director Texas Engineering Experiment Station Members:

Dr. John Ford, Assistant Professor Nuclear Engineering Department Dr. Marvin Adams, Associate Professor Nuclear Engineering Department Dr. Bill Charlton, Associate Professor Nuclear Engineering Department Dr. William Dennis James, Research Chemist Chemistry Department Dr. John Hardy, Professor Physics Department Dr. Teruki Kamon, Professor Physics Department Dr. Sean McDeavitt, Assistant Professor Nuclear Engineering Department Dr. Karen Vierow, Associate Professor Nuclear Engineering Department Ex-Officio Members:

Dr. Warren Reece, Director Nuclear Science Center Dr. Latha Vasudevan, NSC RSO Nuclear Science Center Mr. Jim Remlinger, Associate Director Nuclear Science Center Dr. Raymond Juzaitis, Professor and Head Nuclear Engineering Department Mr. Daniel Menchaca, RSO Environmental Health and Safety Department 20