PNO-IV-89-067, on 891128,depleted U Contamination Found at Residence Vacated by Jp Larsen.Removable Alpha Contamination Up to 800 dpm/100 Cm Existed in Garage & Basement. Contaminated Areas Isolated
| ML19332E183 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/29/1989 |
| From: | Spitzberg D NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-IV-89-067, PNO-IV-89-67, NUDOCS 8912060339 | |
| Download: ML19332E183 (2) | |
-.
November 29, 1989 PRSLIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE -- PNO-IV-89-67 J
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 the Region IV staff on this date.
FACILITY: Wrangler Laboratories, Larsen Licensee Emergency Classification:
s Laboratories, Orion Chemical Company Notification of Unusual Event and John P. Larsen Alert Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable
SUBJECT:
DEPLETED URANIUM CONTAMINATION FOUND AT RESIDENCE VACATED BY JOHN P. LARSEN The state of Utah Bureau of Radiation Control notified Region IV on November 28, 1989, that they have found depleted uranium (DU) contamination in a Provo, Utah, residence recently. vacated by John P. Larsen.
Mr. Larsen is the owner of Wrangler Laboratories, Larsen Laboratories, and Orion Chemical Company; NRC general licensees which have pending before the ASLBP a decision concerning the NRC's revocation of Mr. Larsen's general licenses for use of DU in Wyoming (ASLBP No. 84-582-01 SC).
hr. Larsen also possesses a specific source material license in Utah which is under suspension.
The contamination was first identified by a private health physicist who was l
contacted by the new owners of the residence after they found papers marked
" uranium" in the house.
The state confirmed that removable alpha contamination up to 800 dpm/100 cm2 existed in the garage and basement.
Higher levels of beta gamma contamination were found and are still being assessed. The state also found small quantities of yellow crystals believed to be a DV compuund.
The state believes the basement area may nave been used as a uranium processing laboratory.
In addition to the residual contamination found at the residence, the state measured DU contamination well above background on several articles of refuse removed from the house by a neighbor who assisted Mr. Larsen in his movc.
Contamination was also found on the neighbor's truck. The contaminated areas have been isolated and further surveys and urine bicassay samples will be performed by the state to better characterize the problem.
i The NRC has not issued a press release, Neither the licensee nor the NRC plans to issue a press release.
i The state has been informed.
Region IV received notification of this occurrence by telephone from the state of Utah at 1:00 p.m. cn November 28, 1989.
Region IV has informed OGC.
This information has been confirmed with a state representative.
CONTACT:
D. Blair Spitzberg, FTS 728-8191.
i W 4:
RIV:C:DRSS g
(
BBeach/51r R ar n j
11/29/89 a p\\
11 29/89 0
?" 691129
'89~ogy PDC
y w ay -
n 1,f 1 gN0-IV-89-67.-
"2-
...s.
Q,..i.:.
' DISTRIBUTION:
lg' +'
OWFN NMBB.
NL MAIL:' DCS (Orig. IE34)
'Chmn. Carr.
CA =
NMS$.-
AE00 '
Comm. Roberts OGC-NRR-IRM -
'(5520: // /#p Com. Rogers GPA SLITP OIG FAXi f89 (a.
TNTO '
' Egions &'H
[?
-ACRS.
_L-St
-PDR.
PDR NSAC;
.EW-W RRI e
ASLAP N
0
( e,nsee Reactor)
PHILLIPS ACRS.
('l '
plSTRIBUTION:
..;x-
! v i
~
.1 Ih e
J.
- -