ML19256C605
| ML19256C605 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/02/1979 |
| From: | Higginbotham L, Metzger J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| 14-02938-07, 14-2938-7, PNO-79-098, PNO-79-98, NUDOCS 7910100600 | |
| Download: ML19256C605 (1) | |
Text
h PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION May 2, 1979 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE--PNO-79-98 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of an event of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance.
ine information presented is as initially received without verification or evaluation and is basically all that is known by IE staff on this date.
Facili !.y:
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa License No. 14-02938-Oi
Subject:
DISCOVER'r OF VIALS CONTAINING CREATINE PICRATE POSSIBLY LABELED OR CONTAINING RADI0 ACTIVE f1ATERIALS A jogger discovered a glass chemical desiccator alongside a road in Johnson County, Iowa, and contacted the University of Iowa on April 30, 1979.
The desiccator contained 14 glass vials and a small brown container.
The out-side of the desiccator was marked with tape containing the radioactive symbol and word " Radioactive."
External gamma measurements and contamination surveys showed no radioactivity.
The desiccator is now in a glovebox at the Radiation Protection Office at the University of Iowa.
The vials were marked with the words " Creatine Picrate."
Picrate salts are unstable and potentially explosive.
Assistance with respect to disposal of this material is beina provided by the State Fire Marshall.
Region III arranged for assistance to be provided by the Federal Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
The Department of Energy and the State af Iowa have been notified.
The media is involved in this incident.
The Univer.ity has not issued a press release.
Region III does not plan a press release, but will respond to media questions.
A Region III Inspector was sent to the site on May 2, 1979.
Region III (Chicago) received notification of this occurrence at 1:30 p.m.,
April 30,1979.
The information provided at that time did not identify any explosive potential.
The information provided herein is current as of 1:00 p.m., May 2,1979.
Contact:
J. R. Metzger, IE x28188; L. B. Higginbotham, IE x28188 Distribution:
Transmitted H St T.L Chairman Hendrie Comm'issioner Bradford S. J. Chilk, SECY Commissioner Kennedy Commissioner Ahearne C. C. Kammerer, CA Commissioner Gilinsky (For Distribution)
MNBB J g s_77 P. Bldt M'5~~}
J. G. Davis, IE
~
Transmitted:
H. R. Denton, NRR Region L 4' M L. V. Gossick, ED0 H. L. Ornstein, EDO R. C. DeYoung, NRR J. J. Fouchard, PA R. J. f!attson, NRR N. M. Haller, MPA V. Stello, NRR (MAIL)
R. G. Ryan, OSP R. S. Boyd, NRR J. J. Cummings, 0IA H. K. Shapar, ELD SS Bldr9' M R. flinogue, SD W. J. Dircks,' NMSS S. Levine, RES 7
ggj PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION
.