ML20127P426

PNS-I-85-009:on 850626,alcohol Discovered in Device Used to Measure Absorption of Moisture During Fabrication of Commercial Nuclear Fuel Rods.Sabotage Initially Suspected. Subsequent Info Indicated Contamination Due to Leak

ML20127P426
Person / Time
Site:	07001100
Issue date:	06/28/1985
From:	Joyner J, Keimig R, Madden W NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I)
To:
References
PNS-I-85-009, PNS-I-85-9, NUDOCS 8507020414
Download: ML20127P426 (1)

Text

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DCS: 70-1100/850627 Date: June 28, 1985 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE--PNS-I-85-09 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without veri-fication or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by the Region I staff on this date.

Facility: Combustion Engineering, Inc. Licensee Emergency Classification:

Nuclear Power Systems Notification of Unusual Event Windsor, Connecticut Alert (D/N 70-1100) Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

REPORT OF SUSPECTED TAMPERING WITH A PRODUCTION CONTROL DEVICE The licensee notified Region I at 9:00 a.m., June 27, 1985 that a device which is used by Quality Control (QC) to measure the absorption of moisture during the fabrication process for comercial nuclear reactor fuel rods was found to contain a liquid, thought to be alcohol, when it was examined by QC at the completion of a production process at 8:00 p.m., June 26, 1985. Due to on-going labor union contract negotiations, the licensee suspected that the liquid may have been intentionally introduced into the device to disrupt operations at the facility. An investigation was initiated promptly by the licensee. No other anomalies in the production process were found.

As part of the licensee's investigation, a meeting was conducted with the day shift facility employees to advise them of the matter. Shortly thereafter, an employee came forward and demonstrated how the liquid (confirmed to be alcohol) may have been introduced inadvertently into the device during its cleaning process. The licensee confirmed this potential and now believes that a leaking seal was responsible for the alcohol entering the d?.vice during its cleaning process. This later iri smation was conveyed to Region I t,y the licensee at 1:30 p.m. , June 27, 1985. -

The NRC Operations Center, IAT and the State of Connecticut were informed of the initial report based upon the licensee's suspicion of an industrial sabotage. They were also advised concerning the revised information. This Preliminary Notification is current as of 3:00 p.m., June 27, 1985 and is issued for information only.

CONTACT: W. J. Madden R. R. Keimig J. H. Joyner 488-1256 488-1255 488-1251 DISTRIBUTION:

H. St. MNBB Phillips /b/O E/W Willste Mail: ADM:DMB Chairman Palladino ED0 NRR IE NMSS D0T:Trans only Conan. Zech PA OIA RES Comm. Bernthal MPA AE00 Comm. Roberts ELD Comm. Asselstine ACRS Air Rights INP0----

SECY SP NSAC----

CA PDR Regional Offices TMI Resident Section /o 8/J RI Resident Office Licensee:

8507020414 850628 (Reactor Licensees)

-1 -009 PDR ,