ML20141F786

Insp Rept 99990003/97-03 for Federal Law Enforcement Training Ctr on 970619.No Violations Noted.Major Areas Inspected:Review of Circumstances Surrounding Identification of Small Radioactive Source During Wk of 970609-13

ML20141F786
Person / Time
Issue date:	06/25/1997
From:	NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II)
To:
Shared Package
ML20141F784	List: ML20141F778 ML20141F786
References
REF-QA-99990003-970625 99990003-97-03, 99990003-97-3, NUDOCS 9707030177
Download: ML20141F786 (5)

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U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION II Docket No.: 999-90003 License No.: N/A Report No.: 999 90003/97-03 Facility: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Location: Brunswick, Georgia Date of Inspection: June 19, 1997 Inspector: Orysia Masnyk Bailey, Radiation Specialist Approved By: John P. Potter Chief Materials / Licensing Branch 2 Division of Nuclear Materials Safety Enclosure 9707030177 REG 2 GA99997062 m en,5,,

99990003 PDR

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l EXECUT"!c C MMARY Federal Law Enforcement Training Center 999 90003/97 03 This special, announced inspection was conducted to review the circumstances surrounding the identification of a small radioactive source at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) during the week of June 9 13. 1997.

An individual found a 1 microcurie cobalt 60 button source ta)ed beneath a desk surface. Through discussion, the inspector determined tlat the FLETC 3ersonnel did not know, at the time of the inspection, how the source came to

)e placed beneath the desk surface. Their investigation into the matter is ongoing. The source was given to the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, who will retain the source. No violations of NRC fcgulations or safety issues were identified.

Attach'nent:

List of Persons Contacted Inspection Procedure Used

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h REPORT DETAILS

01. Materials Possession and Control (87100)

a. Scope This special, announced ins)ection was conducted to review the circumstances surrounding t1e identification of a small radioactive source at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) during the week of June 9-13, 1997. An individual found a 1 microcurie cobalt 60 button source taped beneath a desk surface.

The inspector reviewed the licensee's possession and control of licensed material to determine if such material was being properly handled and stored.

b. Observations and Findinas The inspector interviewed FLETC personnel and a State of Georgia environmental radiation specialist assigned to Brunswick, Georgia ]

concerning the presence of the cobalt 60 button source which was .

found during the week of June 9 13, 1997, taped beneath a desk in j a classroom.

The State inspector was not familiar with any use of licensed materials at the facility with the exception of wea>ons sights and exit signs. He confirmed that an individual from F_ETC had brought the source to his office and that the source had been forwarded to the Atlanta, Georgia office.

FLETC security and safety and environmental personnel stated that their investigation into this matter was ongoing. The inspector asked for, and FLETC personnel agreed to provide a copy of the completed investigation report. FLETC personnel stated that, to date, they had not determined how the source came to be placed l beneath the desk. The desk is located near the door to the hall. l this room is not normally secured; however, the entire facility is I well secured. The licensee does not normally use licensed materials. There are nine tritium exit signs and numerous tritium gun sights at the facility, but button sources are not routinely used. Annually, the Environmental Protection Agency 3rovides training to its law enforcement personnel regarding clemical I hazards, to include radiological hazards. At this time a  !

contractor brings sources to the facility. FLETC security i personnel advised that they had contacted the EPA, but that no sources were missing. The FLETC security staff is in the process )

, of questioning personnel who had access to the classroom to see if I l any further information can be gleaned.

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The source was a 1 microcurie cobalt 60 source manufactu nd by "the Nucleus," it had no serial number or manufacture date. This amount is considered an exempt quantity, as listed in 10 CFR 30.71, Schedule B. 10 CFR 30.18 allows this type of material to be possessed without specific license as long as it is not commercially transferred.

c. Conclusions No regulatory requirements were violated and no safety issues were identified.

EXIT MEETING

SUMMARY

An exit meeting was held with representatives of FLETC on June 19, 1997. The scope and inspection findings were discussed. FLETC staff were advised that no violations or safety issues were identified. FLETC staff were asked if they could provide the results of their investigation when complete, and they agreed to do so.

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l ATTACHMENT l

I LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED l Federal Law Enforcement Trainina Center

• Bill Colsen Jr.. Safety and' Environmental Manager

• 0. Wayne Melton, Security Specialist

• John Sipe, Jr., Assistant Division Chief Georaia Deoartment of Natural Resources Jerry D. Morris, Environmental Radiation Specialist  ;

• Present at June 19, 1997, exit interview  !

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INSPECTION PROCEDURE USED IP 87100 Licensed Material Program l

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