ML20057C245
| ML20057C245 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07000824 |
| Issue date: | 09/10/1993 |
| From: | Cline W NRC Office of Inspection & Enforcement (IE Region II) |
| To: | Robert Carlson Babcock & Wilcox Co |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9309280120 | |
| Download: ML20057C245 (2) | |
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0FROM EG GWV SEP 101993 Docket No.70-824 License No. SNM-778 Babcock and Wilcox Company ATTN: Mr. R. V. Carlson President B&W NESI P. O. Box 11165 Lynchburg, VA 24506-1165 Gentlemen:
SUBJECT:
NRC INSPECTION REPORT NO. 70-824/93-01 Thank you for your response of August 20, 1993, to our Notice of Violation, issued on July 23, 1993, concerning activities conducted at your Babcox and Wilcox, Nuclear Environmental Services, Inc., Lynchburg Technology Center (NESI-LTC) facility. We have evaluated your response and found that it meets the requirements of 10 CFR 2.201.
From our review of the subject response, we identified several issues regarding Violation B which required further clarification and/or additional details to evaluate the adequacy of your corrective actions. The violation cited your failure to evaluate the concentration of the iron-55 (Fe-55) radionuclide in effluents released from your facility. The response documented that samples of the January - June 1993 liquid waste composite and filters from the main stack were analyzed to evaluate the potential Fe-55 concentrations in liquid and gaseous effluent pathways, respectively. The statement that concentrations were below an established lower limit of detection appeared to be contrary to the results obtained during the NRC inspection, when review of 10 CFR Part 61 analyses indicated detectable concentrations of Fe-55 in airborne and liquid pathways, i.e., for High Efficiency Particulate Airborne (HEPA) filters and for evaporator wastes.
In some analyses, Fe-55 was a significant contributor, in swe instances exceeding 90 percent, to the total activity in the waste streams.
- Further, the response documented that your low background counting system used for effluent sample analyses was evaluated and found to be adequate to detect Fe-55; however, no details regarding this evaluation were provided.
- Finally, your response stated that no further action is planned regarding the issue; but details regarding future estimates of Fe-55 concentrations in effluent streams were not included in the response documentation.
During a teleconference conducted September 8,1993, between Mr. D. Spangler, Health Physics Supervisor, of your staff, and Mr. G. B. Kuzo, NRC RII, these identified issues were discussed in detail.
We were informed that the filter and liquid samples were collected from effluent pathway locations downstream of the sample types for which the inspector previously noted measurable Fe-55 concentrations, and agree that the low radionuclide concentrations in effluent lD 9309280120 930910 i
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streams, approximately,1 E-14 microcuries per cubic centimeter (pCi/cc) could limit the consistent detection of effluent radionuclides, including Fe-55. To address our concerns regarding the adequacy of your low beta counting equipment to detect Fe-55 in effluents, your staff agreed to provide documentation regarding the subject evaluation referenced in the response. We noted that, in addition, a spiked sample may be sent to you to verify the low beta counter system's analytical capabilities.
Finally, it is our understanding that this issue is undergoing further review and that a routine program to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 20 to evaluate Fe-55 in the facility effluents is expected to be established in the furture.
If your understanding of this matter differs from the actions outlined above, please inform Mr. G. B. Kuzo of my staff at (404) 331-2560. We will examine your corrective actions during a future inspection.
Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.
Sincerely, ort G! wJ.s1Grg o gy WILLtAM E. CUNE William E. Cline, Chief Radiological Protection and Emergency Preparedness Branch Division of Radiation Safety and Safeguards cc:
C. C. Boyd, Jr.
Babcock & Wilcox NNFD Research Laboratory P. O. Box 11165 Lynchburg, VA 24506-1165 Robert B. Strobe, M.D., M.P.H.
State Health Commissioner Office of the Commissioner Virginia Department of Health P. O. Box 2448 Richmond, VA 23218 bcc:
D. Kasnicki Document Control Desk License Fee Management Branch U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: NRC Resident Inspector Mail Code 42 P. O. Box 785 Lynchburg, VA 24505-0785 RII:DRSS RII:DRSS f R
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