Press Release-IV-97-035, Western Colorado Testing Inc. Fined $2,500 by NRC for Rules Violations

Press Release-IV-97-035 Western Colorado Testing Inc. Fined $2,500 by NRC for Rules Violations

ML003706563
Person / Time
Issue date:	06/16/1997
From:	Office of Public Affairs Region IV
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Category:Press Release
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Press Release-IV-97-035
Download: ML003706563 (1)

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UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, REGION IV 611 Ryan Plaza Drive - Suite 400 Arlington, Texas 76011-8064 RIV: 97-35 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Breck Henderson June 16, 1997 OFFICE: 817/860-8128 PAGER: (800) 443-7243 (065477)

WESTERN COLORADO TESTING INC. FINED $2,500 BY NRC FOR RULES VIOLATIONS The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has proposed to fine Western Colorado Testing, Inc. (WCTI), of Grand Junction, Colo., $2,500 for failing to obtain authorization before using radioactive materials in areas under NRC jurisdiction.

Western Colorado Testing is licensed by the State of Colorado to use moisture-density gauges containing radioactive materials in Colorado. However, an NRC inspection completed February 3 found that the company used its gauges for work in Idaho in 1996 and in Wyoming in 1995, states under NRC jurisdiction, without filing proper forms and paying required fees.

An NRC investigation, completed on January 8, produced evidence that WCTI senior managers were aware of the requirement to inform the NRC prior to work in areas of NRCs jurisdiction and that therefore the violations were willful.

In a letter to WCTI president James R. Fife, NRC Regional Administrator Ellis Merschoff said, The NRC considers the failure to obtain authorization to use byproduct material in areas under its jurisdiction . . . to be a matter of significant regulatory concern because it denies the NRC an opportunity to assure that the activities are conducted in compliance with NRC radiation safety requirements.

The violation has been categorized as a Severity Level III problem on the NRCs four-level classification system. Level I is the most serious violation.

WCTI has 30 days to respond to the NRCs notice of violation, during which time it may pay the penalty or file a protest. If the protest is denied the company may request a hearing.