ML20198N211
| ML20198N211 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07000008 |
| Issue date: | 10/29/1997 |
| From: | NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20198N208 | List: |
| References | |
| 70-0008-97-02, 70-8-97-2, NUDOCS 9711030217 | |
| Download: ML20198N211 (6) | |
Text
--
_7.__.._____.__-.._____...____.-_______-
a U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 2
REGION 111 1
Docket No:
070-00008 License No:
SNM 7
?
Report No:
070-00008/97002(DNMS) d Licensca:
Battelle MemorialInstitute Colurnbus Division Location:
505 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio Dates:
August 25 27,1997 inspectors:
J. House, Ph.D., Senior Radiation Specialist G. McCann, Senior Radiation Specialist I
Accompanying Celeste Lipp, Ohio Department of Public Health Personnel:
Robert Reio, Ohio Department of Public Health 4
Charles McCracken, Ohio Department of Public Health Approved By:
B. L. Jorgensen, Chief Decommissioning Branch i
d k
9711030217 971029
]
PDR ADOCK 07000008 C
't EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE COLUM8US DIVISION 4
NRC Inspection Report No. 070 00008/97002(DNMS)
This was a routine announced inspection during which NRC radiological surveys were performed in randomly selected rooms located in BMI buildings 1,6, and 7. Wipe samples and soil samples were collected for independent radiological analysis in the NRC Region lll laboratory.
Characterization surveys, and remediation had been performed in these buildings, by BMI and their contractors, in accordance with approved procedures. In addition to the BMI surveys, BMl's independent verification (radiological survey) Contractor (IVC) had also conducted biased surveys in Buildings 1,6 and 7.
The licensee's remediation and final surveys appeared to be in compliance with BMl's approved procedures. Except for a small piece of uranium metal found in a trench (excavated drain line) in the first floor, and a few small areas found on upper surfaces in two rooms on the fourth floor of Building 1, the inspector's surveys and subsequent laboratory analyses of radiological samples did not identify any residual radiological materials in excess of the NRC unrestricted release limits.
The NRC inspectors were informed during the Exit Meeting by BMI managers that the two four+h floor rooms and the rooms immediately adjoining them would be completely resurveyed. Licensee representatives also stated that a root cause analysis was being performed to determine why these rooms (which had been previously identified by BMI surveyors as being contaminated) had not been decontaminated and resurveyed. During a September 9,1997, telephone conversation, BMI's Characterization Manager indicated that the Root Cause Analysis findings indicated that f ailure to follow survey and quality assurance procedures had resulted in the contaminated areas not having been remediated and resurveyed, and that refresher training on the procedures had been provided to the staff. The NRC inspectors believe that the BMI procedures were adequate.
No violations of NRC requirements were identified during this inspection.
2
DETAILS 1.0 D.gekoround in 1943, Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI) performed atomic energy research and development while under contract with the Manhattan Engineer District. These programs continued under the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Other nuclear programs were operated under Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Special Nuclear Materials License No. SNM 7. Work conducted under SNM-7 included: evaluations of power and research reactor fuels; post irradiation examinaticn of fissile material, control rods, and structural components; operation of a critical assembly laboratory; and, operation of a research reactor.
In 1986, BMI discontinued its nuclear fuel research and began remediation of its facilities such that they would be available for unrestricted use. The decommissioning and decontamination operations were being conducted at the King Avenue and West Jefferson facilitios. The Decontamination Plan was approved via en NRC letter dated December 6,1993.
2.0 Radioloaical Surveys 2.1 Scooe (87104)
The inspectors conducted radiological surveys in BMI Buildings 1,6 and 7 using radiological survey equipment to scan floors, side walls and upper ceiling surfaces for rosidual levels of beta gamma emitting isotopes. In addition to the surveys, the inspectors collected 68 wipes, and performed a direct radiological measurement in each area where a wipe was taken. Five soil samples were also collected from open tronches which had been cut in the floors of the building in order to remove drain lines.
2.2 Observations and Findinas Buildina 1 During the scannirsg surveys conducted in Building 1, two locations were identified where levels of residual radiological material exceeded the ambient radiological backgrourid levels. The first location was an open trench in the first floor. A small piece of uranium metal was found in the trench. The metal piece was removed from the trench and placed with BMI's radiological waste pending disposal. A subsequent survey of the soil where the metal had been found did not reveal any residual contamination.
In addition to the picco of metal found, two rooms (1-403A and 1-4038) on the fourth floor (Building 1) were found to have small areas of contamination which appeared to exceed the NRC unrestricted release limits. The inspectors determined that BMI personnel had identified the spots during the characterization survey, and 3
radiological measurement results had been written on the building surfaces,in black marker, near the areas. In addition, the draft Decontamination Report for Building KA 1 First Floor Though fourth Floors cated July 1997, documented that these areas had been identified as contaminated. However, these areas had been overlooked during the decontamination and final survey phases of the project.
During a September 9,1997 conversation, BMI's Characterization Manager stated that the root cause analysis indicated that the major cause of the failure to decontaminate these areas was personnel error in fbiling to follow prescribed survey and quality issurance prccedures. Had the procedures been followed the areas would have been addressed. He also indicated that the technician survey personnel had been re trained in the procedures since the NRC inspection.
Except for the above two instances, the inspectors did not identify any areas which exceeded the NRC unrestricted release criteria in Building 1. The surveys were conducted on the first floor (Figure 1), the second floor (Figure 2),
l third flooi (Figure 3) and fourth floor (Figure 4).
Rulldina 6 arid _1 The inspee. ors performed direct radiological scans and prepared smears for removable activity in Building 6 (Figure 5) and Building 7 (Figures 6), but did not identify any residual activity greater than the NRC ra Nogicallimits for unrestricted release of fa*ilities and equipment.
I l
Samole Analysis Resuha The inspector contacted BMI's Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) on September 19, 1997, and advised him that analysis of the wipes collected at the time of the inspection did not identify any removable beta and alpha radiological contamination greater than 20 disintegrations per minute per 100 centimeters square 2
(dpm/100 cm ).
For surface contamination, the NRC guidelines are 1,000 dpm (17 becquerels (Bq)/100 cm') activity averaged over an area not to exceed 2
one square raeter: 3,000 dpm (50 Bq)/100 cm maximum activity over an area not 8
2 to exceed 100 cm ; and 200 dpm (3.4 Bq)/100 cm removable activity. These guide'.ues are found in the NRC's ' Guideline for Decontamination of Facilities and Equipment Prior to Release for Unrestricted Use or Termination of Licenses for Byproduct, Source, or SpecialNuclear Material," dated August 1987.
The inspector contacted the Assistant RSO on October 29,1997, concoming the results of soil sample analyses. The five soil samples collected did not exceed the NRC wil concentration limits for unrestricted release. The highest measurable activity identified was approximately 10 pCi/g total uranium, with no daughter-product activity. Thorium was present to a maximum concentration of about 3 pCi/g.
4
)
The NRC has established soil radioactive material concentration guidehnes for the disposal or storage of thorium and uranium wastes. These guidelines are cited in the NRC Branch Technical Position, Olsposalor Onsite Storage of Thorium or Uran /um from Past Operations, 46FR205, October 23,1981. The maximum applicable concentration for surface soil in areas accessible to the public is 05 pCl/g natural uranium (U 238 decay chain without daughters in equilibrium), and 10 pCi/g for thorium.
2.3 Conclusions l
The inspectors determined that, except for two items! areas, the licensee had effectively characterized and decontaminated contaminated areas, and performed I
adequate Final Surveys in Buildings 1,6 and 7 located at the King Avenue site.
The inspectors determined that the two exceptions involved isolated instances, and that the characterization and final surveys performed by the licensee were sufficient j
to protect the public health and safety.
3.0 Exit Meetina The inspectors conducted a meeting to discuss preliminary inspection results with members of licensee management and staff at the conclusion of the inspection on August 27,1997. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented.
5
___..m__._.__.._________.____..
i Partial List of Persons Contacted Licensee I
L. Ermold, Program Manager, Decontamination and Decommissioning Operations S. Lavendecker, Manager, Safety, Health and Environmental Support /RSO J. Poliziani, Characterization Manager C. Jensen, R9diological Technical Support Manager R. Lang, Characterization Technician 4
5 1
1
,1 3
T P
d i
4 4
4 6
d
- l-
__,-.--es, w.. -..
.-a wy
-m,,,,.i
,,...m.
7-w y,-
,y-w.----c,
,.y y,n-w-m v o sv ar "wva=