ML19256C614
| ML19256C614 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/07/1979 |
| From: | Liza Cunningham, Sniezek J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-79-102, NUDOCS 7910100611 | |
| Download: ML19256C614 (1) | |
Text
PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION May 7, 1979 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE--
PNO-79-102 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of an event of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance.
The information presented is as initially received without verification or evaluation and is basically all that is known by IE staff as of this date.
FACILITY:
Tennessee Valley Authority Browns Ferry, Unit No. 2 License No. DPR-52 Athens, Alabama
SUBJECT:
MEDIA INTEREST ON RELEASE AT BROWNS FERRY On May 4, a radiation alarm on the residual heat removal (RHR) service water system occurred indicating a radioactivity release from Unit 2 which was shutdown for refueling. The heat exchanger in use was promptly isolated and another of the four installed heat exchangers placed in service.
A service water sample from the isolated heat exchanger analyzed promptly after the isolation indicated 16 percent of MPC.
Three additional samples were analyzed and no contamination was detected.
The isolated RHR heat exchanger was leak tested and no leaks were found.
Subsequent evaluation indicates that the radiation alarm was activated by an external source. The water sample indicating contamination in the heat exchanger is believed erroneous due to the likely use of a contaminated sampling bottle.
The licensee issued a verbal statement to the press on May 5 relating information concerning the 16 percent of MPC. Extensive press coverage was experienced based on this initial report even though considerable information was available which indicated a very low probability of the release.
A corrected press release is planned by the licensee.
The NRC is not planning a news release; however, NRC used the updated information in responding to press queries. The State of Alabama has been informed.
Region II (Atlanta) received notification of this occurrence by telephone from the plant manager at 12:05 a.m. on May 5.
This information is current as of 11:30 a.m.
on May 7.
Contact:
LJCunningham, IE x28188 JHSniezek, IE x28098 Distribution:
Transmitted H St 9'Old Chairman Hendrie Commissioner Bradford S. J. Chilk, SECY Commissioner Kennedy Commissioner Ahearne C. C. Kammerer, CA Commissioner Gilinsky (For Distribution)
Transmitted:
HNBB 4.2_R_
P. Bldg Lf 3$
J. G. Davis, IE.
L. V. Gossick, EDO ~
H. R. Denton, NRR Region % 4 d H. L. Ornstein, EDO R. C. DeYoung, NRR J. J. Fouchard, PA R. J. Mattson, NRR N. M. Haller, MPA V. Stello, NRR (MAIL)
R. G. Ryan, OSP R. S. Boyd, NRR J. J. Cummings, OIA H. K. Shapar, ELD SS Bldg 44 l 4/C)
R. Minogue, SD W. J. Dircks, NMSS S. Levine, RES
<n7 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION
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