ML20249A941
| ML20249A941 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Dow Chemical Company |
| Issue date: | 01/16/1979 |
| From: | Haller N, Mccormick R, William Ward NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNS-78-004, PNS-78-4, NUDOCS 9806190166 | |
| Download: ML20249A941 (1) | |
Text
pf) /9dv~O M L Cy Pbf '%ethf PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION A,
- ?l January 16, 1979
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PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF SAFEGUARDS EVENT--
PNS-78-04 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE i
national security or public interest significance.
The infonnation presented is as initially received without verification or evaluation and is basically all that is known by IE staff as of this date.
Facility:
Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, TRIGA Reactor (DN50-264)
Subject:
UNCHALLENGED INSPECTOR ACCESS TO RESEARCH REACTOR BUILDING Two inspectors from Region III (Chicago) during the period of January 10-12, 1978 commenced a physical security inspection at the Dow TRIGA Reactor.
The reactor is situated in a block square fenced-in area j
shared by several other buildings which are not interconnected, The inspectors entered the fenced-in " limited area" through the Plastics Building without any challenge.
They entered the Reactor Building, which is within the " limited area," through an unlocked rear door, proceeded through the control room into the reactor room. Although seen by at least five building occupants, their presence was not challenged.
They had not registered with the building receptionist in the front lobby and had not been badged as visitors.
After about 10 minutes of unencumbered access, the inspectors asked to see the reactor supervisor and identified themselves.
7 The licensee is authorized to possess 3.4 kg U-235, 20% enrichment.
6 Actual possession was less than the authorized amount, and was completely
/
contained in the reactor. Additionally, it was irradiated to a level in
/f exuess of 100 REMS at three feet, a level of radiation defined by NRC regulations as affording self protection against theft.
The reactor was not in operation at the time of the inspection.
4 6
An Immediate Action Letter was sent to the licensee on January 13, 1978, 2
to assure the institution of positive access controls to the Reactor Building.
Contact:
WJWard, IE x28080 RGMcCormick IE x28080 NMHaller, IE x27650 Distribution:
Transmitted H St Y! Y O Chairman Hendrie Commissioner Bradford Commissioner Kennedy S. J. Chilk, SECY C. C. Kamerer, CA Commissioner Gilinsky (For Distribution)
Transmitted:
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-w PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION 9806190166 790116 "
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