ML19256C806
| ML19256C806 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/09/1979 |
| From: | Higginbotham L, Metzger J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| 07-3860-02, 07-3860-04, 7-3860-2, PNO-79-048, PNO-79-48, NUDOCS 7910120481 | |
| Download: ML19256C806 (2) | |
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W PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION March 9, 1979 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE--PNO-79-48 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of event of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance.
The infcrmation presented is as initially received without verification or evaluation and is basically all that is kcown by IE staff on this date.
Facility: National Lead (NL) Industries Wilmington, Delaware Licensee Nos. SUB-972, 07-3860-02, 07-3860-04
Subject:
DECONTAMINATION OF FACILITY In the process of performing a scheduled decontamination of its facility, the licensee determined that leaks of contaminated waste water had occurred around seams and joints in underground pipes. The licensee's consultant, Chem Nuclear, who is performing the decontamination, reported finding soil contaminatior in the vicinity of the pipes giving direct radiation levels of up to 40 mR/hr. Th? soil is being removed by Chem Nuclear.
The licensee had also dumped nitric acid solutions containing depleted uranium along the bank of the Christiana river.
The plant site borders on the river. 0'er the years these dumpings have resulted in the accumulation of depleted uranium along the river bank.
Chem Nuclear is removing contaminated material from this area.
The licensee has indicated that soil, water, and river sediment samples are being taken to evaluate migration of contaminated material.
At this time it appears that contamination is limited to the licensee:s property.
An inspection conducted on March 2,1979 revealed the decontamination activities.
The contamination levels were confirmed by Region I analysis on March 9,1979, of samples taken during the March 2 inspection and the licensee action identified in a telephone conversation on March 9,1979.
The inspection indicated that Chem Nuclear is conducting its activities in accordance with NRC rules and regulations.
Region I is 'ollowing activities closely and will conduct an inspection during the wcek of March 12, 1979.
Media interest has been expressed. A newspaper reporter contacted Region I today with questions about the use of radium by NL Industries at the Wilmington site, Radium is not regulated by the NRC. The State of Delaware has been ir. formed.
CONTINUED 7 9 3 9 y g o yp
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1447 085
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O Co'itinued March 9, 1979 Page 2 Pfl0-79-48 f1RC, Region I, (Philadelphia) received confirmation of this occurrence by telephone from the licenseet Radiation Safety Officer at 11:00 A.M.
on March 9, 1979.
Contact:
JRMetzger, IE x28188 LBHigginbotham, IE x28188 Distribution:
Transmitted H St h.b b Chairman Hendrie Commissioner Bradford S. J. Chilk, SECY Commissioner Kennedy Commissioner Ahearne C. C. Kammerer, CA Commissioner Gilinsky (For Distribution)
Transmitted: MfiBBl,/b P. Bldg
/
J. G. Davis, IE L. V. Gossick, ED0 H. R. Denton, flRR Region.l~
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- C'7 H. L. Orns'.ein, EDO R. C. DeYoung,flRR J. J. Fouchard, PA R. J. flattson, flRR fl. M. Haller, MPA V. Stello,flRR (MAIL)
R. G. Ryan, OSP R. S. Bo R
J. J. Cummings, 0IA SS Bldg /yd, !@C
' 'fd R. Minogue, SD H. K. Shapar, ELD W. J. Dircks, flMSS PRELIMIflARY f40TIFICAT10ft 1447 086
.