PNO-I-97-073, survey Identified Former Cask Wash Down Area Needing Further Characterization & Remediation within Licensee Control Area.Concrete Blocks Used for Temporary Shield Wall Was Used by 15 Households as of 971130

PNO-I-97-073:survey Identified Former Cask Wash Down Area Needing Further Characterization & Remediation within Licensee Control Area.Concrete Blocks Used for Temporary Shield Wall Was Used by 15 Households as of 971130

ML20202E111
Person / Time
Site:	Haddam Neck File:Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Co icon.png
Issue date:	12/01/1997
From:	Bellamy R, Mark Miller NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I)
To:
References
PNO-I-97-073, PNO-I-97-73, NUDOCS 9712050261
Download: ML20202E111 (1)

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g. December 1, 1997 1

PRELIMINARY NOTXFXCATXON OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-I-97-073 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region I staff in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania on this date.

Facility kicensee Emeraency Classification Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Co. Notification of Unusual Event Haddam Neck 1 Alert Hartford, Connecticut Site Area Emergency Dockets: 50-213 Genera] Emer u ency X Not Applicable 4

Subject:

STATUS OF OFFSITE SURVEYS FOR CONTAMINATED BLOCKS As part of the licensee's decommissioning activities, a Historical Site Survey identified a former cask wash down area needing fu nner characterization and remediation within the licensee's Radiation Control Area. The licensee also identified that in 1977, concrete blocks were given to plant employees that had been used for a temporary shield wall at this location. The shield wall contained approximately 5130 concrete blocks. As of November 30, 1997, licensee records indicated that 15 households had used these blocks for walkways, ramps, retaining walls, landscaping and, at one household, for a garage.

As of November 30, 5 of the 15 locations have been surveyed, accounting for about 15% of the blocks released from the site. Two locations did not show contamination above environmental levels. For the other three locations about 10% of the blocks had levels greater than twice background, and have been taken back to the Haddam Neck site. The highest contact dose rate measured is 1 mR/hr.

The licensee is arranging visits to the remaining householda to assess radiological conditions. During these initial visits, the 1.icensee will determine if immediate remediation is required. To make this determination, the licensee will implement dose rate criteria that is below NRC decommissioning guidance. Property owners will be informed to leave the concrete blocks in place, until the licensee can arrange for a follow-up curvey and actions, as necced. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) and NRC had no objection to the licensee's action plan.

The CT DEP is observing the licensee's surveys and taking independent measurements. The NRC senior resident irepector is also observing the licensee's activities. Region I plans to augment these efforts by having a regional radiation specialist inspect the licensee's survey protocol, including adequacy of procedures, instrumentation, and interpretation of results. Press releases were issued by the licensee and CT DEF on the evening of November 26, which resulted in some media interest.

The contents of this PN have been communicated to the Connecticut state government.

Contact:

Ronald Bellamy Marie Miller ,L (610)337-5200 (610)337-5205 ,t 9712050261 971201 PDR hI. i* ' " *

• O IkE PNO-I-97-073 PDR d . .

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