ML25225A105
| ML25225A105 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Idaho State University |
| Issue date: | 08/13/2025 |
| From: | Tony Brown NRC/NRR/DANU/UNPO |
| To: | Dunzik-Gougar M Idaho State University, Pocatello |
| References | |
| IR 2025201 | |
| Download: ML25225A105 (1) | |
Text
Dr. Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar Reactor Administrator Professor of Nuclear Engineering Idaho State University 921 S. 8th Avenue, MS 8060 Pocatello, ID 83209-8060
SUBJECT:
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT NO. 05000284/2025201
Dear Dr. Dunzik-Gougar:
From August 4 - 6, 2025, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff conducted an inspection at the Idaho State University Aerojet General Nucleonics-201M Research Reactor.
The inspection results were discussed with you and members of your staff on August 6, 2025.
The enclosed report documents the inspection results.
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 violations of more than minor 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 Publicly Available Records component of NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).
August 13, 2025
M. Dunzik-Gougar 2
Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Jonathan Braisted at (301) 287-3482, or via email at Jonathan.Braisted@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Tony Brown, 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. 50-284 License No. R-110
Enclosure:
As stated cc w/enclosure: GovDelivery Subscribers Signed by Brown, Tony on 08/13/25
ML25225A105 NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UNPO NRR/DANU/LA NRR/DANU/BC NAME JBraisted NParker TBrown DATE 8/13/2025 8/13/2025 8/13/2025
Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION Docket No.:
05000284 License No.:
R-110 Report No.:
05000284/2025201 Licensee:
Idaho State University Facility:
Aerojet General Nucleonics-201M Research Reactor Location:
Pocatello, ID Dates:
August 4 - 6, 2025 Inspectors:
Jonathan Braisted Craig Bassett Approved by:
Tony Brown, 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
2
SUMMARY
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued monitoring the licensees performance by conducting an inspection at the Idaho State University (ISU) Aerojet General Nucleonics-201M (AGN-201M) Research Reactor facility, in accordance with the research and test reactor inspection program. This is the NRCs program for overseeing the safe operation of licensed research and test reactors. Refer to https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/non-power.html for more information.
List of Violations No violations of more than minor significance were identified.
Additional Tracking Items Item Type Tracking Number Title Status Report Section NOV 05000284/2023201-01 Failure of Two Operators to Receive a Biennial Medical Examination as Required by Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) 55.53(i)
Closed 69001.02.04 IFI 05000284/2023201-02 Occurrence at ISU and Subsequent Notification of the NRC Closed 69001.02.11
3 REPORT DETAILS Facility Status The ISU AGN-201M Research Reactor facility, licensed to operate at a maximum steady-state thermal power of 5 watts, continued to operate in support of operator training, surveillance, experiments, and laboratory work. During the inspection, the reactor was not operated due to an ongoing reactor benchmarking project.
Inspection Scopes Inspections were conducted using the appropriate portions of the inspection procedures (IPs) in effect at the beginning of the inspection unless otherwise noted. Currently approved IPs with their attached revision histories are located on the public website at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/insp-manual/inspection-procedure/index.html.
Inspections were declared complete when the IP requirements most appropriate to the inspection activity were met consistent with Inspection Manual Chapter 2545, Research and Test Reactor Inspection Program. The inspectors reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel to assess licensee performance and compliance with Commission rules and regulations, license conditions, site procedures, and standards.
69001 - Class II Research and Test Reactors This inspection included a review of selected aspects of the research and test reactor, since the last inspection, to verify activities were conducted safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements and licensee commitments.
Organization and Staffing (IP Section 02.01)
This inspection included a review of the licensees organizational changes and shift staffing records to verify compliance with technical specification (TS) requirements and licensee commitments. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various ISU AGN-201M TSs related to organization and staffing letter informing the NRC of a reactor supervisor personnel change various ISU AGN-201M operations log ROL-101 forms ISU AGN-201M annual operating reports ISU AGN-201M general operating rules procedure listing of reactor facility personnel and contact information posted in the control room
4 Operations Logs and Records (IP Section 02.02)
This inspection included a review of the licensees operation logs and records to verify they were maintained and that significant issues were reported and resolved as required by the TSs and the licensees administrative procedures. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various ISU AGN-201M operations log ROL-101 forms various ISU AGN-201M master log entries from various ISU AGN-201M TSs related to records retention various ISU AGN-201M operations procedures Procedures (IP Section 02.03)
This inspection included a review of selected licensee procedures to verify: administrative controls were in accordance with the TSs, license requirements, and licensee commitments; the procedures in use were current and reviewed and approved, as required; procedures could be implemented as intended; and reactor personnel were observing administrative controls and TS requirements relative to procedural adherence. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various ISU AGN-201M operating, surveillance, and maintenance procedures administrative procedure for preparation of 10 CFR 50.59, Changes, tests and experiments, evaluations various ISU AGN-210M TSs related to procedures and approvals Requalification Training (IP Section 02.04)
This inspection included a review of selected documents pertaining to operator requalification training to verify requirements of the licensees approved requalification plan and 10 CFR Part 55, Operators Licenses were met. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
medical examination records for selected operators active license status for selected licensed operators various ISU AGN-201M master log entries and ROL-101 forms training records for lectures, reactivity manipulations, evaluations, and examinations Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation (IP Section 02.05)
This inspection included a review of surveillances listed in the TSs to verify requirements were met. Limiting conditions for operation were also reviewed to verify that operating conditions were maintained in accordance with the licensees procedural requirements. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various ISU AGN-201M operations procedures various ISU AGN-201M surveillance procedures various ISU AGN-201M master log entries and ROL-101 forms
5 Experiments (IP Section 02.06)
This inspection included a review of selected experiments and procedures to verify licensee experiments were reviewed, approved, and conducted in accordance with TS requirements, licensee procedures, and the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various ISU AGN-201M operations procedures various ISU AGN-201M ROL-101 forms various approved experiment procedures ISU AGN-201M isotope production and disposition log and forms Design Changes (IP Section 02.08)
This inspection included a review of design changes to determine whether they were reviewed, approved, and implemented in accordance with 10 CFR 50.59, the TSs, and the licensees administrative procedures. The inspectors verified that modified equipment would continue to meet regulatory and procedural requirements and licensee commitments. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various 50.59 screens and evaluations ISU annual operating reports Reactor Safety Committee (RSC) meeting minutes administrative procedure for preparation of 10 CFR 50.59 evaluations post-modification testing procedure of facility change various ISU AGN-210M TSs related to the RSC and approvals Committees, Audits and Reviews (IP Section 02.09)
This inspection included a review of the licensees committees, audits and reviews to verify the safety review committee and independent audits were conducted in accordance with the TSs and that issues identified from reviews were resolved in accordance with TS requirements and the licensees procedures. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various audits performed by the RSC RSC meeting minutes Maintenance Logs and Records (IP Section 02.11)
This inspection included a review of the licensees maintenance logs and records to verify that operational and maintenance activities were conducted and maintained in accordance with regulatory and TS requirements. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
various ISU AGN-201M operations and maintenance procedures various maintenance forms, data sheets, and records various ISU AGN-201M master log entries and ROL-101 forms
6 Fuel Handling Logs and Records (IP Section 02.12)
This inspection included a review of the licensees fuel handling logs and records to verify TS and procedural requirements were met. Specifically, the inspection included a review of the following:
ISU AGN-201M fuel inventory sheets various ISU AGN-201M maintenance procedures various ISU AGN-201M master log entries and ROL-101 forms Inspection Results No violations of more than minor significance were identified.
One Severity Level IV violation and one inspector follow-up item were closed.
Failure of Two Operators to Receive a Biennial Medical Examination as Required by 10 CFR 55.53(i)
Severity Level IV NOV 05000284/2023201-01 Closed 69001.02.04 The inspectors reviewed the licensees response to the notice of violation (NOV)05000284/2023201-01 and determined that the reason, corrective actions taken, and the date when full compliance was achieved for this violation is adequately addressed and captured on the docket. The inspectors verified that the licensee completed the corrective actions and was in full compliance. This item is considered closed.
Inspector Follow-up Item Closed Occurrence at ISU and Subsequent Notification of the NRC IFI 05000284/2023201-02 69001.02.11
==
Description:==
During the inspection in July/August 2023, the inspector reviewed an occurrence at the licensees facility. By \
letter dated May 24, 2023, the licensee notified the NRC of an occurrence at the facility. The report stated that on April 17, 2023, a slow drip of water from underneath the reactor tank inside the reactor skirt was discovered. After an investigation, the licensee determined that the drip was coming from between the lead shield and the steel reactor tank. The issue was not resolved at that time so an IFI was opened.
During this inspection, the inspectors reviewed the status of the reactor tank leak. The licensee had taken various immediate actions but a long-term solution was not implemented at the time of the first inspection. During this inspection it was noted that, because of an ongoing benchmarking project, the licensee dismantled the reactor and the core and the source of the leak was identified. The licensee has made arrangements for the piping that was the cause of the leak to be welded to stop the leak. This issue is considered closed.
7 Exit Meeting and Debriefs The inspectors verified no proprietary information was retained or documented in this report.
On August 6, 2025, the inspectors presented the inspection results to Dr. Dunzik-Gougar and other members of the licensee staff.
8 Documents Reviewed Inspection Procedure Type Designation Description or Title Revision or Date AGN-201 Operations Log 2024 to the present Technical Specifications for Idaho State University AGN-201 M Reactor 10/10/2024 Letter from ISU informing NRC of reactor supervisor personnel change 06/26/2025 Miscellaneous Annual Operating Report 2024, 2025 69001.02.01 Procedures GOR General Operating Rules Rev. 5 AGN-201 Operations Log 2024 to the present 69001.02.02 Miscellaneous ISU AGN-201M Reactor Facility Master Log 2024 to the present AP-ISU-NEL-001 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluations Rev. 1 GOR General Operating Rules Rev. 5 MP-1 Rod Drive Maintenance and Rod Worth Measurements Rev. 7 OP-1 AGN-201 Operating Procedure #1 Rev. 7 OP-2 AGN-201 Operating Procedure #2 Rev. 7 SP-1 Surveillance Procedure 1 Rev. 1 SP-2 Surveillance Procedure 2 Rev. 1 SP-3 Surveillance Procedure 3 Rev. 2 SP-4 Shield Tank Water Level Interlock Calibration SP-5 Shield Tank Water Temperature Interlock Calibration 05/19/2016 69001.02.03 Procedures SP-6 Seismic Displacement Interlock Calibration and Test 05/19/2016 Personnel records Medical examination records for various licensed operators Various dates Records License status for various active operators All current 69001.02.04 Logs and Forms Reactor log and associated forms ISU AGN-201M Reactor Facility Master Log and ROL-101 forms For the period from July 2023 to the present
9 Inspection Procedure Type Designation Description or Title Revision or Date Training Records Operator training records Documentation of training lectures, reactivity manipulations, console evaluations, and examinations For the period from July 2023 to the present Requalification Program Current approved operator requalification program Reactor Operator Requalification Program for the Idaho State University Reactor Rev. 4 OP-1 AGN-201 Operating Procedure #1 Rev. 7 OP-2 AGN-201 Operating Procedure #2 Rev. 7 Procedures Various surveillance procedures (SPs)
SPs 1 - 6 (as noted in 69001.02.03 above)
Various as noted above 69001.02.05 Logs and Forms Reactor log and associated forms ISU AGN-201M Reactor Facility Master Log and ROL-101 forms For the period from July 2023 to the present various ISU AGN-201M forms various ISU AGN-201M ROL-101 forms For the period from July 2023 to the present experiment form Isotope Production and Disposition Form Rev. 2, for the period from 2023 to 2025 Logs and Forms Isotope log ISU AGN-201M Reactor Isotope Production and Disposition Log For the period from July 2023 to the present various operations procedures ISU AGN-201M - OP-1 and OP-2 Both versions Rev. 7 69001.02.06 Procedures various experimental procedures (EPs)
EP-1 through EP-12, EP-14 through EP-19, and EP-21 and 22 Various revisions and approval dates ISU-50.59-2024-1 Installation of relays to allow Soft Shutdown of AGN-201m reactor 06/24/2024 Miscellaneous ISU-50.59-2025-1 Add corrosion protection tape to outside portion of CRDM 04/01/2025 69001.02.08 Procedures AP-ISU-NEL-001 10 CFR 50.59 Evaluations Rev. 1 Audits of technical specification compliance 2023, 2024 Audit of the emergency plan 2024 Audit of actions taken to correct deficiencies 2023, 2024 69001.02.09 Miscellaneous Audit of performance, training, and qualifications of the facility staff 2023
10 Inspection Procedure Type Designation Description or Title Revision or Date Audit of the ISU AGN-201 physical security plan 2023, 2025 Reactor Safety Committee (ReSC)
Meeting Minutes 2023, 2024, 2025 OP-1 AGN-201 Operating Procedure #1 Rev. 7 OP-2 AGN-201 Operating Procedure #2 Rev. 7 MP-1 AGN-201M Rod Maintenance Rev. 7 Procedures MP-2 Procedure to Open, Disassemble, and Reassemble The AGN-201M Core Tank Rev. 1 Forms and Records selected forms and records maintenance forms, data sheets, and records For the period from July 2023 to the present 69001.02.11 Logs and Forms Reactor log and associated forms ISU AGN-201M Reactor Facility Master Log and ROL-101 forms For the period from July 2023 to the present Records Fuel records AGN-201M fuel inventory sheets For the period from July 2023 to the present MP-1 AGN-201M Rod Maintenance Rev. 7 Procedures MP-2 Procedure to Open, Disassemble, and Reassemble The AGN-201M Core Tank Rev. 1 69001.02.12 Logs and Forms Reactor log and associated forms ISU AGN-201M Reactor Facility Master Log and ROL-101 forms For the period from July 2023 to the present Fuel handling Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and ISU Benchmarking project Criticality Safety Evaluation for the Handling and Storage of AGN-201 Reactor Fuel in Support of the Reactor Benchmarking Project 06/02/2025 Radiation Work Permit (RWP) for the Benchmarking Project R110 RWP-002 Routine Handling of the AGN-201 Fuel Components 05/23/2025