Press Release-IV-21-014, NRC Proposes $45,000 Fine to Terracon Consultants, Inc
| ML21278A078 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 03032178 |
| Issue date: | 10/01/2021 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs Region IV |
| To: | |
| Category:Press Release | |
| References | |
| IR 2019005 Press Release-IV-21-014 | |
| Download: ML21278A078 (1) | |
Text
N o : IV -2 1 -0 1 4 October 1, 2021 Co n ta c t: V ic to r D ric k s, 817-200 -1128 N RC P ro p o ses $45, 000 Fin e to T erra c o n C o nsu lta nts, I n c.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $45,000 f ine to Terracon Consultants In c. of Olathe, Kansas, f or five violations of NRC requirements involving the loss of control of a portable nuclear gauge.
The violations involve:
- Failure by Terracon to control and maintain constant surveillance of licensed m a teria l.
- Failure to use an approved container for the transport of licensed material.
- Failure to lock or place the gauge inside a container to prevent unauthorized or accidental removal.
- Failure to properly block and brace the canister from movement during transportation.
- Fa ilu re to p ro v id e re q u ire d n o tific a tio n to th e N RC im m e d ia te ly f ollo w ing d is c o v e ry o f its loss, as described in an April 1 inspection re p ort.
NRC staf f met virtually with company representatives on May 20, 2021, during a pre -
decisional enf orcement conference to discuss the violations, which stem f rom a Nov. 25, 2019, incident in which a worker placed an unsecured portable nucl ear gauge in the bed of a truck and drove away f rom a temporary job site in Killingly, Connecticut, and lost the gauge.
The gauge was subsequently recovered, but the technician did not provide complete and accurate inf ormation regarding the circumstances of the event during interviews with company o f f ic ia ls.
The company has 60 days to dispute the f ine or request involvement of a neutral third-p a r t y mediator to resolve the issues.