ML21300A392
| ML21300A392 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of California-Davis |
| Issue date: | 12/23/2021 |
| From: | Travis Tate NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Frey W McClellan Nucleaer Research Center |
| Bassett C | |
| References | |
| IR 2021202 | |
| Download: ML21300A392 (17) | |
See also: IR 05000607/2021202
Text
Dr. Wesley D. Frey, Facility Director
McClellan Nuclear Research Center
University of California, Davis
5335 Price Avenue, Building 258
McClellan, CA 95652-2504
SUBJECT: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-DAVIS - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000607/2021202
Dear Dr. Frey:
From October 11 - 14, 2021, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted
an inspection at the University of California-Davis/McClellan Nuclear Research Center. The
enclosed report documents the inspection results discussed on October 14, 2021, with you,
Burton Mehciz, Interim Reactor Supervisor, and David Reap, Radiation Safety Officer.
The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and
compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.
The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed various activities, and
interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of significance were
identified. No response to this letter is required.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2.390, Public
inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your
response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public
Document Room or from the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and
Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at
http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). December 23, 2021
W. Frey - 2 -
If you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Craig Bassett at
(240) 535-1842, or by electronic mail at Craig.Bassett@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
Travis L. Tate, Chief
Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility
Oversight Branch
Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power
Production and Utilization Facilities
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket No. 50-607
License No. R-130
Enclosure:
As stated
cc: See next page
Takacs, Michael signing on behalf
of Tate, Travis
on 12/23/21
University of California-Davis/McClellan Docket No. 50-607
cc:
David Reap, Radiation Safety Officer
5335 Price Avenue, Bldg. 258
McClellan, CA 95652-2504
Burton Mehciz, Interim Reactor Supervisor
5335 Price Avenue, Bldg. 258
McClellan, CA 95652-2504
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-34
Sacramento, CA 95814
Radiological Health Branch
California Department of Public Health
P.O. Box 997414, MS 7610
Sacramento, CA 95899-7414
Test, Research and Training
Reactor Newsletter
Attention: Ms. Amber Johnson
Dept of Materials Science and Engineering
University of Maryland
4418 Stadium Drive
College Park, MD 20742-2115
Dr. Prasant Mohapatra
Vice Chancellor for Research
Department of Computer Science
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO/PM NRR/DANU/UNPO/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/BC
NAME CBassett NParker MTakacs for TTate
DATE 10/27/2021 10/29/2021 12/23/2021
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.: 50-607
License No.: R-130
Report No.: 05000607/2021202
Licensee: University of California-Davis
Facility: McClellan Nuclear Research Center
Location: McClellan Park
Sacramento, California
Dates: October 11 - 14, 2021
Inspector: Craig Bassett
Approved by: Travis L Tate, Chief
Non-Power Production and Utilization Facility
Oversight Branch
Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power
Production and Utilization Facilities
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosure
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
University of California-Davis
McClellan Nuclear Research Center
Inspection Report No. 05000607/2021202
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected
aspects of the University of California-Davis (UCD, the licensees) 2 megawatt Class I research
reactor safety program, including: (1) operator licenses, requalification, and medical
examinations; (2) experiments; (3) organization and operations and maintenance activities;
(4) review and audit and design change functions; (5) procedures; (6) fuel movement;
(7) surveillance; and, (8) emergency preparedness. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) staff determined the licensees program was acceptably directed toward the protection of
public health and safety and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Operator Licenses, Requalification, and Medical Examinations
Operator training, requalification, and medical examinations was conducted as required by
the regulations and the training and requalification program and the program was
maintained up-to-date.
Experiments
The licensees program for reviewing, approving, and conducting experiments satisfied
procedural and technical specification (TS) requirements.
Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities
The organizational structure and staffing were consistent with TS requirements.
Reactor operations were conducted in accordance with procedures, TSs, and the
appropriate logs were maintained.
The preventive maintenance system was used effectively to ensure that maintenance
activities were completed in a timely manner.
Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
The facility Nuclear Safety Committee (NSC) met semiannually, reviewed the topics outlined
in the TSs, and conducted annual audits of facility operations as required by the TSs.
The review, evaluation, and documentation of changes to the facility satisfied facility
procedure and the regulations.
Procedures
The procedure review, revision, control, and implementation program satisfied TS
requirements.
- 2 -
Fuel Movement
Fuel movement and handling was conducted in accordance with procedural requirements
and fuel inspections were completed annually as required by the TSs.
Surveillance
Surveillance activities at the facility were completed within the TS-prescribed time frames.
The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the
- 3 -
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The UCD 2 megawatt Class I Training, Research, Isotope, General Atomics Mark-II research
reactor continued to be operated in support of neutron radiography, neutron tomography, and
sample/product irradiation. During the inspection the reactor operated up to eight hours per day
at varying power levels up to 1 megawatt to support neutron radiography and sample irradiation.
1. Operator Licenses, Requalification, and Medical Examinations
a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69003)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance with the
UCD/McClellan Nuclear Research Center (MNRC) Operator Training and Requalification
Program outlined in Procedure UCD/MNRC-0009-DOC-05, Selection and Training Plan
for Reactor Personnel, and Section 6.1.4 of the UCD/MNRC TSs, Revision 13, dated
March 28, 2003:
status of qualified operators licenses
selected operator physical examination records, training and lecture attendance
records, reactivity manipulations and active duty performance records, and annual
operating tests and requalification written examinations for the current training cycle
current memorandum for the training coordinator from Dr. Wesley Frey, UCD/MNRC
Director, dated August 24, 2021
various entries documented on UCD/MNRC operations log pages from Log Book
Nos. 182 through 188
UCD/MNRC 2019 annual report, submitted to the NRC on July 6, 2020
UCD/MNRC 2020 annual report, submitted to the NRC on June 22, 2021
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that there were six qualified senior reactor operators (SROs) on
staff at the facility. The inspector verified that all operators licenses were current. The
inspector verified that operators maintained active duty status in accordance with the
qualification program. The inspector also reviewed medical records for the operators
and verified that they received the biennial medical examinations required by the
regulations.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined each operators training, requalification, and medical
examination was completed and maintained up-to-date as required by the licensees
requalification program and regulatory requirements.
- 4 -
2. Experiments
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69005)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance with the
licensees program for conducting experiments as outlined in Procedure
UCD/MNRC-0033-DOC-05, University of California, Davis/McClellan Nuclear Research
Center Research Reactor Facility Experiment Review and Authorization Process, and
TS Sections 3.8, 4.8, and 6.5:
Log Books No. 182 through 188
selected facility use authorization forms, irradiation summary forms, and listing of
approved experiments and authorized experimenters
various UCD/MNRC irradiation request forms and tracking sheets for 2020 through
the present
Procedure UCD/MNRC-0081-DOC-00, UCD/MNRC Experiment Coordination
Checklist
the two most recent annual reports for UCD/MNRC submitted to the NRC
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that no new experiments were proposed or approved since the last
inspection. The inspector verified that the experiments conducted at the facility was
reviewed and approved by the NSC as required by procedure UCD/MNRC-0033-DOC-
05. The inspector confirmed that the experiments conducted at the facility were
completed under the cognizance of the Reactor Supervisor and the SRO on duty, and in
accordance with TS requirements.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the licensees program for reviewing, approving, and
conducting experiments satisfied TSs and procedural requirements.
3. Organization and Operations and Maintenance Activities
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69006)
The inspector reviewed the following regarding the UCD/MNRC organization, staffing,
staff responsibilities, reactor operations, and preventive maintenance program to ensure
that the requirements of TS Sections 3.0, 6.1, and 6.8 were met:
qualifications of facility personnel
Log Books No. 182 through 188
current UCD/MNRC organizational structure and management responsibilities
various UCD/MNRC startup checklist forms, shutdown checklist forms, and facility
rounds log forms for 2020 through the present
UCD/MNRC-0004-DOC-13, Technical Specifications for the University of California,
Davis/McClellan Nuclear Radiation Center (UCD/MNRC)
Procedures UCD/MNRC-0007-DOC-05, Maintenance Procedures, and
UCD/MNRC-0016-DOC-12, UCD/MNRC Operating Instructions
preventive maintenance system database including equipment history
- 5 -
selected MNRC work order forms documenting completed maintenance tasks
the two most recent annual reports for UCD/MNRC submitted to the NRC
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that the Vice Chancellor for Research was designated as the
licensee for the UCD/MNRC. The inspector verified that the facility was under the direct
control of the MNRC Director who was accountable to the Vice Chancellor for the safe
operation and maintenance of the facility. The inspector also noted that the organization
was as stipulated in TS Section 6.1. Facility staffing was also reviewed by the inspector.
The inspector found staffing requirements for safe operation of the research reactor
facility were met.
The inspector found that recorded results listed operational conditions and parameters
which were consistent with license and TS requirements and indicated that operational
limits were not exceeded. The inspector observed various facility activities and found
operations were conducted in accordance with the applicable procedures and
documented in the required logs.
The inspector found the preventative maintenance system was designed to generate
MNRC Work Order forms (MWOs) and the data from each completed MWO was entered
into the computerized tracking system for tracking maintenance completion. The
inspector verified that the licensee conducted maintenance activities at the frequencies
required by their maintenance program.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined the licensees organization and staffing were in compliance
with the requirements specified in TS Section 6.1. The inspector also determined
reactor operations were conducted in accordance with procedures, TSs, and the
appropriate logs were maintained. Further, the inspector verified that the facility
preventive maintenance system was implemented effectively by the licensee to ensure
completion of maintenance activities in a timely manner.
4. Review and Audit and Design Change Functions
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69007)
To verify that the required reviews and audits were completed by the licensee and to
ensure that facility changes were reviewed and approved as required by the licensees
change process outlined in procedure UCD/MNRC-0043-DOC-05, Facility Modification
Procedure, and TS Section 6.2, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
annual audits conducted for 2019 and 2020
NSC meeting minutes for March 2020 through the present
UCD/MNRC facility modification notebook containing facility modification log forms
selected facility modification installation authorization forms and the associated
checklist forms processed during 2019 through the present
- 6 -
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that the composition of the NSC and qualifications of NSC
members were as specified in TS Section 6.2.1. The inspector noted that minutes of
NSC meetings confirmed that the committee met semiannually as required by TS Section 6.2.2, and provided the reviews and oversight specified in TS Section 6.2.3.
The inspector found that safety reviews were conducted by the NSC or a designated
representative. The inspector also noted that various audits were conducted by
members of the NSC or other groups from campus. The inspector confirmed the audits
were adequate and covered the activities specified in TS Section 6.2.4.
The inspector confirmed that the licensee implemented procedure UCD/MNRC-0043-
DOC-05, Facility Modification Procedure, which incorporated criteria provided by the
regulations. The inspector verified that one change request and two screenings were
processed since the previous NRC inspection and none of the proposed changes
required a license amendment or approval by the NRC.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the NSC met semiannually, reviewed the topics outlined
in the TSs, and conducted annual audits of facility programs as required by TSs. The
inspector also determined that the facility design change program satisfied NRC
requirements.
5. Procedures
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69008)
To verify compliance with TS Section 6.4, the inspector reviewed selected portions of the
following:
MNRC document list including the date of the last procedure reviews
Procedures UCD/MNRC-0005-DOC-09, Document Control Plan and
UCD/MNRC-0043-DOC-05, Facility Modification Procedure
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector noted that TS Section 6.4 required that procedures be prepared and
approved for the activities listed in that section and that the procedures and changes
thereto be approved by the UCD/MNRC Director. The inspector verified that this
process was followed by the licensee. The inspector also noted periodic reviews of the
procedures were required by the TSs to assure that they were current. The inspector
confirmed that biennial reviews of the maintenance procedures and annual reviews of
the other procedures were completed as required by TSs.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined the current procedure review, revision, control, and
implementation program satisfied the TS requirements.
- 7 -
6. Fuel Movement
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69009)
To ensure that the licensee followed the requirements of TS Sections 3.2.4, 4.2.4, and
5.3, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:
Log Books No. 182 through 188
selected UCD/MNRC fuel movement and transfer forms, fuel handling checklists,
and fuel inspection and tracking sheets for 2020 and 2021
selected UCD/MNRC element location forms and the core status boards located in
the control room and in the reactor room indicated current fuel element locations
Procedures UCD/MNRC-0019-OMM-04, 5220, Fuel Handling Tools and
UCD/MNRC-0011-OMM-04, 5240, Fuel
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that fuel was moved according to an established procedure and in
conjunction with specific fuel movement sheets. The inspector also noted that the
inspections were completed annually in compliance with TS Sections 3.2.4 and 4.2.4.
The inspector verified that fuel handling tools were maintained and were controlled and
secured when not in use. The inspector found fuel was used and stored in authorized
locations and the licensees current core was designated as core 30B.
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that fuel movements and inspections were conducted in
accordance with the TS and procedural requirements.
7. Surveillance
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69010)
To verify that the licensee complied with TS Section 4.0, the inspector reviewed selected
aspects of:
Log Books No. 182 through 188
selected MWOs documenting various completed and pending surveillance items for
2020 and to date in 2021
Procedure UCD/MNRC-0007-DOC-05, Maintenance Procedures
the two most recent annual reports for UCD/MNRC submitted to the NRC
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector found that routine maintenance work and surveillance activities were
completed as required by the TSs. The inspector verified that many major maintenance
and surveillance items were completed during the licensees annual maintenance
shutdown. The inspector reviewed selected data recorded in the system database and
found the results of surveillances were within the TS and procedurally prescribed
parameters.
- 8 -
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the MNRC preventive maintenance system was used to
track and complete surveillance activities at the facility in a timely manner in accordance
with the TSs.
a. Inspection Scope (IP 69011)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following documents and records to
verify compliance with the UCD/MNRC-0001-DOC-08, Emergency Plan for the
University of California, Davis - McClellan Nuclear Research Center (UCD/MNRC),
approved by the NSC Chairman dated June 12, 2006:
documentation of the 2020 and 2021 emergency drills and critiques
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UCD Medical Center,
dated May 1, 2006
MOU between the County of Sacramento and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire
District (SMFD) and McClellan Airport and Park, dated November 23, 2004,
concerning fire protection services
MOU with the Sacramento County Sheriffs Department, dated December 18, 2000
training schedule for maintenance of qualifications for reactor operators for the last
two requalification cycles which included emergency preparedness training
Procedure UCD/MNRC-0018-DOC-07, University of California, Davis/McClellan
Nuclear Research Center Emergency Procedures
various UCD/MNRC emergency procedures for emergency response personnel
b. Observations and Findings
The inspector verified that the E-Plan was reviewed and updated biennially as required.
The inspector also reviewed the UCD/MNRC emergency procedures associated with the
E-Plan and found the procedures were also reviewed and revised as needed. The
inspector verified that an MOU existed between the UCD/MNRC and each of the support
agencies listed in the E-Plan. The inspector also verified that the memorandum
stipulated that the agency or group would be available during an emergency and would
provide support for the facility.
The inspector confirmed that emergency preparedness training for SROs and other staff
was conducted. The inspector verified that training for support organization personnel
was provided. The inspector noted that emergency call lists were revised and updated,
as needed, and were available in the control room and in the various emergency cache
kits as required by the E-Plan. The inspector verified that emergency equipment,
including personal protective equipment and decontamination materials, was available
and inventoried semiannually as required by the E-Plan.
The documentation of the drills conducted during the past 2 years was reviewed by the
inspector. The inspector noted that emergency drills were conducted annually and
included the participation of off-site support groups every other year as required by the
E-Plan. The inspector found that the drills and the critiques held thereafter were well
documented.
- 9 -
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that the licensees emergency preparedness program was
conducted in accordance with the facility E-Plan.
9. Follow-up on Previously Identified Item
a. Inspection Scope (IP 92701)
The inspector reviewed the licensees actions taken in response to a previously
identified Inspector Follow-up Item (IFI) and an Unresolved Item (URI).
b. Observation and Findings
(1)05000607/2020202-01 - IFI - Follow-up on the issue of the licensee clarifying the
emergency training given to facility personnel and documenting the training.
During an inspection in June 2020, the inspector noted that emergency training for all
facility personnel was conducted but it was not apparent what the training consisted
of nor that it was recorded properly. The training did not appear to be extensive and
did not include a lot of detail. The issue was identified as an inspector follow-up item
IFI.
During this inspection, the inspector reviewed the emergency preparedness training
materials provided to staff members, including presentation slides and handouts.
The inspector found that the material provided sufficient emergency response
training for the staff. This issue is considered closed.
(2)05000607/2020202-02 - URI - Follow-up on the issue of the licensee holding a drill
within the allowed time frame for the year 2020.
During the inspection in June 2020, the inspector also noted that no drill was
conducted for 2020. Because the licensee planned to hold a drill with the SMFD
later in the summer when Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Emergency
restrictions were relaxed, no violation was issued. However, the licensee was
informed that the issue of holding a drill within the allowed time frame for the current
year would be identified as a URI.
During this inspection, the inspector confirmed that the licensee responded to a fire
alarm at the facility on November 11, 2020. The SMFD also responded and both the
licensee and SMFD personnel checked the facility to ensure that no actual problem
existed. The groups then discussed proper response protocol. The fire alarm was
treated as a drill because of the extensive interaction that occurred between the
SMFD and licensee personnel. Following the drill, a critique was held with all
licensee personnel and the correct response to such an alarm was reviewed with all
staff. This issue is considered closed.
- 10 -
c. Conclusion
The inspector determined that an IFI and a URI were addressed by the licensee and the
issues are considered closed.
10.Exit Interview
The inspection scope and results were summarized on October 14, 2021, with the Facility
Director, the Interim Reactor Supervisor, and the Radiation Safety Officer. The inspector
described the areas inspected and discussed in detail the inspection findings. The licensee
acknowledged the findings presented.
- 11 -
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee Personnel
C. Dresser Radiography Supervisor and SRO
T. Essert Electrical Engineer and SRO
W. Frey Facility Director and SRO
E. Gabbler Radiographer trainee, RO trainee
B. Mehciz Operations Manager, and SRO
D. Reap Radiation Safety Officer, Security Officer, and SRO
S. Warren Radiographer, Level III and SRO
M. Wilkinson Radiographer, Level II
Other Personnel
None
INSPECTION PROCEDURE USED
IP 69003 Class I Research and Test Reactor Operator Licenses, Requalification, and
Medical Examinations
IP 69005 Class I Research and Test Reactor Experiments
IP 69006 Class I Research and Test Reactor Organization and Operations, and
Maintenance Activities
IP 69007 Class I Research and Test Reactor Review and Audit and Design Change
Functions
IP 69008 Class I Research and Test Reactor Procedures
IP 69009 Class I Research and Test Reactor Fuel Movement
IP 69010 Class I Research and Test Reactor Surveillance
IP 69011 Class I Research and Test Reactor Emergency Preparedness
IP 92701 Follow-up
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
05000607/2020202-01 IFI Follow-up on the issue of the licensee clarifying the emergency
training given to facility personnel and clearly documenting the
training.05000607/2020202-02 URI Follow-up on the issue of the licensee holding a drill within the
allowed time frame for the year 2020.
Attachment
PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
IFI Inspector Follow-up Item
IP Inspection Procedure
MNRC McClellan Nuclear Research Center
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MWO McClellan Nuclear Research Center Work Order
NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NSC Nuclear Safety Committee
SMFD Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department
SRO Senior Reactor Operator
TSs Technical Specifications
UCD University of California-Davis
URI Unresolved Item
- 2 -