PNO-I-97-056, on 970827,load Shredded non-ferrous Automotive Parts from Metal Recycler in Temple,Pa,Tripped Radiation Monitor.Radiation Levels on Contact W/Pile of Shredded Matl Were as High as 100 Mr/Hr
| ML20217Q994 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/03/1997 |
| From: | Costello F, Duane White NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-I-97-056, PNO-I-97-56, NUDOCS 9709040063 | |
| Download: ML20217Q994 (2) | |
.
. September 3,
1997.
PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-I-97-056 1
Thio. preliminary notification _ constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially 1 received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is
- -known by Region I' staff in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania on this'date, i
Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Unknown Notification of Unusual Event j
Royal Green Metal Recyclers Alert Huller Lane Site Area Emergency Temple, Pennsylvania 19560 General Emergency j
License Not N/A X Not Applicable i
j
Subject:
RUPTURED AMERICIUM SOURCE 1
On September 2, 1997, Region I was notified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) that.on Wednesday, August i-27i-a load of shredded non-ferrous automotive parts from a metal recycler in-Temple, Pennsylvania, tripped a radiation monitor at a Michigan recycling center and was returned to the Pennsylvania facility.
Radiation monitors at the Temple facility did not detect the source-when itlinitially. arrived at the site and when the shredded load left Temple for Michigan.
The facility is in the process of upgrading its radiation monitors.
The radiation levels on the side of the truck upon its return from Michigan _ were approximately 9 milliroentgens per hour -(mR/hr).
A portion of the-load with the elevated radiation levels was dumped on a
-tarped area and subsequently covered with a second tarp and the area secured.
Radiation _ levels on contact with the pile of shredded material were as high as 100-mR/hr.
PADEP personnel took a sample of the contaminated material and identified the presence of americium 241 with a portable multichannel analyzer and alpha detectors.
On September 2, PADEP personnel sorted through the segregated shredded material.
Several pieces of a radioactive source were isolated, the largest piece recovered was a thin metal tube about 2.5 centimeters long with-radiation levels on contact reading approximately 80 mR/hr.
Fixed
-alpha-contamination levels on this piece were measured up to 400,000 disintegrations-per minute.
The model of the source or the device which
-_ contained the source has not yet been determined.
Region I dispatched an inspector to the facility on September 2 to take samples of-the contaminated material.
Gamma spectroscopy-analysis of the samples taken by inspector in the. Region I laboratory confirmed 1the
-presence of americium _241 as_the-isotope present.
On September 3, Region I inspectors were dispatched to the facility to take pictures of the-source to aid in its identification and make preliminary surveys of the facility.
EPA Region III has been notified and has assumed the role of lead federal agency.
Representatives from PADEP, NRC, EPA and DOE held a telephone conference-call on September 2'to discuss the current status of the incident and the next steps to be takenlto properly dispose of the damaged-source and conduct necessary surveys to evaluate any potential
-exposure to members of the public.
PADEP will be working with the 6 p4 S ~
-9709040063 970903 0 Of i PDR I&E
/t t Y O,
-PNO-I-97-056 PDR I
PNJ:-I-97 -_056 ;,
fecility to dispose'of the source and conduct necessary radiation
- curveys, The Region I Office of Public. Affairs is prepared to respond to media
'_ inquiries.-
PADEP, EPA and the-facility have been notified regarding the contents of this notification.
Pennsylvania is considering issuing a preso. release.
The-information in this notification is current as of 11:00 a.m. on 4
Saptember 3,-1997.
Contact:
Duncan White Frank Costello (610)337-5042 (610)337-5275 f
r i
t
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