IR 05000030/2008002
| ML091480119 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Plum Brook File:National Aeronautics and Space Administration icon.png |
| Issue date: | 05/26/2009 |
| From: | Christine Lipa Division of Nuclear Materials Safety III |
| To: | Whitlow W US National Aeronautics & Space Admin (NASA), John H. Glenn Research Ctr at Lewis Field |
| References | |
| IR-08-002 | |
| Download: ML091480119 (7) | |
Text
May 26, 2009
SUBJECT:
NRC INSPECTION REPORTS 05000030/2008002 AND 05000185/2008002 - NASA PLUM BROOK REACTOR FACILITY
Dear Dr. Whitlow:
On April 30, 2009, the NRC completed inspection activities at the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) Plum Brook Reactor Facility. The purpose of the inspection was to determine whether the decommissioning activities were conducted safely and in accordance with NRC requirements. Specifically, during an onsite inspection on March 23 - 24, 2009, the inspectors evaluated decommissioning performance and radiation survey activities. In addition, the inspectors performed confirmatory soil sampling with evaluation by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). At the conclusion of the on-site inspection on March 24, 2009, the inspectors discussed the inspection findings with members of your staff. A final report from ORISE of the results of the soil sample analysis was provided to the NRC on April 22, 2009. A follow-up telephone exit was conducted on April 30, 2009, following review of the ORISE report.
This inspection consisted of an examination of decommissioning activities at the NASA Plum Brook Reactor Facility as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations. Areas examined during the inspection are identified in the enclosed report. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of a selective examination of procedures and representative records, and interviews with personnel.
Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC did not identify any violations.
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390 of the NRC's "Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC's document system (ADAMS). The NRCs document system is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. We will gladly discuss any questions you may have regarding this inspection.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Christine A. Lipa, Chief Materials Control, ISFSI, and Decommissioning Branch
Docket Nos.: 050-00030 and 050-00185 License Nos.: TR-3 and R-93
Enclosure:
NRC Inspection Reports 05000030/2008002 and 05000185/2008002
REGION III==
Docket No.
050-00030 and 050-00185
License No.
TR-3 and R-93
Report Nos.
05000030/2008002 and 05000185/2008002
Licensee:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Facility:
Plum Brook Reactor Facility Test Reactor and Mockup Reactor
Location:
Sandusky, Ohio
Dates:
March 23 - 24, 2009
April 22-30, 2009 (In-office review)
Inspectors:
William G. Snell, Senior Health Physicist Jeremy Tapp, Health Physicist
Approved by:
Christine A. Lipa, Chief Materials Control, ISFSI, and Decommissioning Branch Division of Nuclear Materials Safety
Enclosure
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NASA Plum Brook Reactor Facility Inspection Report Nos. 05000030/2008002 and 05000185/2008002
This routine decommissioning inspection included a review of the licensees current performance related to decommissioning activities and radiation survey and soil sampling activities.
Research and Test Reactor Decommissioning
In-process independent confirmatory surveys and independent and confirmatory soil sampling have validated the adequacy and accuracy of the licensees procedures and final status survey (FSS) results. Reviews of FSS records verified that residual contamination was less than the derived concentration guideline levels (DCGLs) stated in the licensees final status survey plan.
Enclosure
- 3 -
Report Details
1.0 Research and Test Reactor Decommissioning (69013)
1.1 Inspection Scope
In-process independent confirmatory surveys and independent and confirmatory soil sampling were conducted by the inspectors to determine the adequacy and accuracy of the licensees procedures and final status survey (FSS) results. The inspectors also reviewed licensee FSS design and FSS request packages which included the licensees survey methodology, and calibration records.
1.2 Observations and Findings
The licensee had completed remediation work in the Hot Pipe Tunnel southwest corner area, in which the concrete floor had been completely removed to the soil. Cracks in the concrete floor in that area contained contamination that could not be practically removed with sequential core-bores, and the licensee decided complete removal of the concrete floor in this area was warranted. The licensee had performed their FSS of the Hot Pipe Tunnel southwest corner area and the inspectors observed the licensee perform the ten percent quality control soil surface survey with no issues. The inspectors then performed independent confirmatory surveys with a 2x2 NaI detector of selected soil surface areas and exposed concrete edges for elevated gamma radiation levels. All results were in agreement with the licensees. The inspectors also collected two soil samples from the southwest corner area of the Hot Pipe Tunnel and selected a soil sample already collected by the licensee from the same area for independent confirmatory analysis. All three samples were provided to the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for evaluation by gamma spectroscopy for Cs-137 and Co-60. ORISE completed their analysis of the soil samples and provided the NRC with the results in the document, Letter Report for Analytical Results for Three Soil Samples from NASA Plum Brook, Sandusky, Ohio, dated April 22, 2009 (ML091180196). The results showed that the concentration of each radionuclide of concern was below the respective derived concentration guideline level (DCGL) and in agreement with the licensees results.
The inspectors review of FSS records, specifically, FSS Design #24B, Revision 0, and survey numbers FSS-700, FSS-699, FSS-698, FSS-697, and FSS-696 associated with Survey Request SR-138, for the Hot Pipe Tunnel southwest corner area identified no issues. Also, the FSS survey and soil sampling design was consistent with the current Mutli-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) guidance.
In addition, the inspectors performed a facility tour and observed work being performed.
Observations of the work and a tour of the facility determined that work areas were adequately established to ensure worker safety and the control of radioactive material, areas were roped off and labeled as appropriate, personal protective clothing was adequate, and radioactive waste was being appropriately stored. The inspectors also reviewed selected instrument calibration records and found no issues with the calibration dates, process, or documentation. Specific records reviewed were the calibrations
Enclosure
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performed on 12/23/2008 and 3/23/2009 for a Beta Scintillation Detector Model No.44-116 with Serial Number 225973, on 1/7/2009 and 3/18/2009 for a Beta Scintillation Detector Model No.44-116 with Serial Number 225978, and on 1/20/2009 for a 2x2 NaI Gamma Scintillator Detector Model No. 44-10 with Serial Number 196942.
1.3 Conclusion
In-process independent confirmatory surveys and independent and confirmatory soil sampling have validated the adequacy and accuracy of the licensees procedures and FSS results. Reviews of FSS records verified surveys were performed appropriately and in accordance with MARSSIM guidance. The licensee was also effectively completing decontamination and dismantlement activities along with adequate calibration of survey instruments and completion of associated documentation. No radiological concerns were identified during a facility tour and observations of work in progress.
2.0 Exit Meeting Summary
The inspectors presented the inspection results to licensee management at the conclusion of the onsite inspection on March 24, 2009. A follow-up telephone exit was conducted with the Plum Brook Reactor Facility Program Manager on April 30, 2009, following the review of the ORISE Final Report. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented.
ATTACHMENT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Attachment SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee
- K. Peecook, Program Manager
- Indicates presence at the exit meeting held on April 30, 2009.
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
IP 69013 Research and Test Reactor Decommissioning
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened None
Closed None
Discussed None
LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
DCGL Derived Concentration Guideline Level DNMS Division of Nuclear Material Safety FSS
Final Status Survey MARSSIM Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual NASA National Aeronautical and Space Administration NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission ORISE Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Documents used during the inspection were specifically identified in the Report Details, above.