ML20136H639
| ML20136H639 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/13/1997 |
| From: | Jim Hickey NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Madera J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| References | |
| REF-WM-3 NUDOCS 9703190221 | |
| Download: ML20136H639 (4) | |
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4 UNITED STATES j
j NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001
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March 13, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO:
John R. Madera, Chief Nuclear Materials Branch 1 Division of Radiation Safety
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and Safeguards, RIII FROM:
John W. N. Hickey, Chief Low-level Waste and Decommis 'oning Projects Branch Division of Waste Management, NMSS
SUBJECT:
REVIEW OF ACCIDENTAL DISPOSAL OF AM-241 SEALED SOURCE IN MUNICIPAL LANDFILL BY S.C. JOHNSON AND SONS, INC.
The Low-Level Waste and Decommissioning Projects Branch has completed its review of the Technical Assistance Request (TAR) dated January 29, 1997.
Based on our review, it does not appear that a dose savings would be achieved by retrieving the lost americium source, as long as the source is buried under other waste.
If however, the source is not buried, there is a potential for a worker to obtain a significant dose.
According to the TAR, it is likely that the americium source was disposed of in the landfill, but this has not been confirmed. A survey was not performed at the landfill because of its large size (40 acres), the uncertainty about the possible location of the source, and the high probability that the source was already covered with other waste.
It has been several months since the source was lost, and in that period, it could have been buried under 10 feet of waste.
If the source is buried, because it is a weak gamma emitter
(~26, 33, and 59 Kev), the exposure rate on the surface would be too low to detect and the corresponding dose would be negligible.
If, however, the source is on the surface of the landfill, and the shutter of the gauge is open, the exposure rate could be as high as 40 mR/hr at 1 foot.
Because of the concern that the source could be exposed, the Region III inspector was contacted.
He perforn ' an inspection of the landfill during the investigation of this case. We urWorstand that it is his conclusion that the source would no longer be on the surface. This is based on the method fcr disposing of waste in the landfill, the high volume of waste disposed, and the length of time between the )ossible burial of the source and the present.
He stated that it is very unlicely that the source remains on the surface.
I gjLlY U y %y CONTACT:
Heather Astwood, NMSS/DWM (301) 415-5819 77 5 hW 9703190221 970313 PDR WASTE
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J.'Madera e Based on the low' risk of, exposure, if the source were buried, the large amount of effort and possible exposure involved in trying to retrieve the source, and the possibility that thersource is not in the landfill, it is unnecessary to retrieve.the source.
However, because~ of the potential for high exposure, if on the surface,'the. Region has a basis to request that the licensee Jerform a surface scan of the landfill.
This a'ction-is at the discretion of t1e regional office,..
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NAME HAstwood RNel' son Mckey DATE 3/13/97 3/13/97 *
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NO Category:
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j J. Madera Based on the low risk of exposure if the source were buried, the large amount of effort and possible exposure involved in trying to retrieve the source, and
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the possibility that the source is not in the landfill, it is unnecessary to retrieve the source.
However, because of the potential for high exposure, if on the surface, the Region has a basis to request that the licensee aerform a surface scan of the landfill.
This action is at the discretion of t1e l
regional office.
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NAME HAstwood RNelson Mckey DATE 3/13/97 3/13/97 I/k/97 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY J
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J. Madera i Based on the low risk of exposure, if the source is buried. the large amount of effort and possible exposure involved in trying to retrieve the source, and the possibility that the source is not in the landfill, it is unnecessary to retrieve the source.
However, because of the potential for high exposure, if on the surface. the Region has a basis to request that the licensee perform a surface scan of the landfill.
This action is at the discretion of the regional office.
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J.$adera Based on the low risk of exposurejif the source were buried, the large am nt Y
of effort and possible exposure involved in trying to retrieve the sour
, and the possibility that the source is not in the landfill, it is unnecess ry to retrieve the source.
However, because of the potential for high ex surg,,i f y
on the surface, the Region has a basis to request that the license aerforrn a surface scan of the landfill.
This action is at the discretion o t1e regional office.
TICKETi[L[0P-705i DlSTRIBUTION:
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" = copy without attactument/ enclosure; "E" = Copy with attachment / enclosure; "N" = Ne copy Path and File Name: A:\\ JOHNSON.MEM
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NAME HAstwood /lA RNelsob JHickey/
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NO Category:
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LSS YES NO X
Delete file.after distribution:
Yes No X f
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