ML20217H668
| ML20217H668 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/31/1998 |
| From: | Pederson C NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| To: | Lee T AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20217H672 | List: |
| References | |
| REF-QA-99990003-980331 NUDOCS 9804060025 | |
| Download: ML20217H668 (2) | |
Text
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March 31, 1996 Tony B. Lee Director of Materials Management Lexalite International Corporation P.O. Box 498 Charlevoix, MI 49720-0498
SUBJECT:
NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Dear Mr. Lee:
This refers to your letter dated February 18,1998, notifying our office of the loss of a polonium-210 anti-static air gun. The air gun (NRD, Inc., Model P-2051, Serial No. 91902) contained 10 millicuries of polonium-210. On, or about, February 16,1998, Lexalite personnel discovered that the air gun was missing. Search efforts to recover the missing air gun have proven unsuccessful. Your investigation to date has concluded that the device was likely disposed of as ordinary waste.
After reviewing this incident, the NRC has determined that a violation of NRC requirements occurred. The violation concerns Lexalite's unauthorized transfer (loss) of an NRC generally licensed device, and is cited in the enclosed Notice of Violation. Your February 18,1998, report also included Lexalite's proposed corrective actions to prevent recurrence. These actions, which included a sign-out log for all air guns and more frequent audits, appear adequate. No written response to this letter is required, and we have no further questions regarding this matter.
Although the amount and form of polonium-210 discarded would not present a significant radiological hazard, the violation demonstrates the importance of maintaining adequate control of all radioactive material to ensure that improper handling or disposal does not occur. We caution you that any similar violations in the future may result in additional enforcement action, including the imposition of monetary penalties (fines) and orders suspending, revoking or modifying your authorization to possess and use generally licensed devices.
In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the NRC's " Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter and the enclosure will be placed in the NRC Public Document Room.
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T. Lee We will gladly discuss any questions you have concerning this matter.
Sincerely, Original signed by Cynthia D. Pederson, Director Division of Nuclear Materials Safety General License (10 CFR 31.5)
Docket No. 999-90003
Enclosure:
Notice of Violation Distribution:
Docket File w/ encl PUBLIC IE-07 w/enct Rlli Enf. Coordinator w/ encl J. Lieberman, OE w/enci J. Goldberg, OGC w/enci D. Cool, NMSS w/enci Greens w/o enci i
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\lNSPRPTS\MTLS\070\ LEX 98001.DNM To receive a copy of this document, indicate in the box:"C's Copy without endosure "E"a Copy with endosure*N*s No copy OFFICE Rill:DNMS ,l Rlll:DNMS o l Rlli:EICSA l Rill:DNMS l NAME JCameron/ jaw /?pt GWright /N BClaytorL41pA> CPederson
- h DATE 03/F/98 03/W98 03&O98 036//98
- OFFICIAL RECORD COPY j