Semantic search

The following was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: The Agency was contacted on 5/13/24 concerning one lost iodine-125 brachytherapy seed with an activity of approximately 0.267 millicuries. On 5/13/24, Bard Brachytherapy received a package from Northside Hospital - Gwinnett (Lawrenceville, GA), and initially identified a total of seven of the nineteen iodine-125 brachytherapy seeds were missing. Five seeds were found shortly thereafter in the packing material. The common carrier was called to return to the Bard facility and an additional seed was located within the delivery vehicle. Additional searches of the local Schaumburg, IL (common carrier) hub and OHare airport facility were unsuccessful in locating the final seed. The Agency was notified that the final seed was considered lost. The package is reported as having left Lawrenceville, GA and then Norcross, GA before arriving at the Schaumburg, IL facility. Reportedly, the package had no indication of damage from transit. The cause of the loss seed appears to be inadequate packaging when shipped. Illinois event number: IL240013.

• * * UPDATE ON 5/22/2024 AT 1058 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO SAMUEL COLVARD * * *

The licensees written report was received 5/22/23 and provided no additional information. Exposures to the carrier and other members of the public are not expected to exceed reportable limits. Due to the small size and the proximity required to accumulate a reportable exposure, this incident is not expected to result in public exposures exceeding regulatory limits. The Illinois licensee followed reporting timelines and package receipt procedures. Provided no new information becomes available that would allow identification of the seed, reasonable search efforts have been undertaken and this matter is considered closed. Notified R3DO (Ziolkowski), R1DO (Carfang), NMSS Events Notification (email), ILTAB (email). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A Less than Cat 3 LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

The following information was obtained from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: The Agency was contacted on April 30, 2024, by Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, IL, to advise a patient was administered a therapeutic dose of iodine-131 on March 7, 2024, and was confirmed pregnant on April 29, 2024. The licensee estimates the pregnancy began 3-7 days after the iodine administration. Negative pregnancy test results were confirmed prior to the administration. Both the patient and the referring physician were notified on April 29, 2024. Using dose modeling (published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection) (ICRP-88) methodology, and assuming conception was 3 days post-administration, the Agency estimates dose to the embryo/fetus over the term of the pregnancy to be 19.8 rem. This is based on an effective half-life of 5.5 days over the 3 days from administration. The patient has had a thyroidectomy which complicates the use of available biokinetic models, but likely also alters the effective half-life. The licensee is researching to determine an appropriate value for the effective half-life (which may range down to 14.4 hours and result in a 900 mrem effective dose). Agency inspectors will conduct a reactionary inspection, and this report will be updated as additional information becomes available. IL Report Number: IL240010

• * * RETRACTION ON 5/10/24 AT 1630 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO TENISHA MEADOWS * * *

The following was received from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: Agency inspectors performed a reactive inspection on 5/3/24. The licensee and involved physicians performed a detailed literature and patient review (remnant thyroid) and concluded 9.4 to 56.4 hours was the range of applicable effective half-lives. The licensee asserts, given the patients sex, age, recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) treatment status, weight, renal function and disease burden; that 14.4 hours is the appropriate effective half-life to utilize. Empirical calculation using whole body counts was no longer viable due to decay/clearance. Based on a review of available literature and previous incidents, the Agency would concur that 14.4 hours is an appropriate value for a patient having undergone a thyroidectomy. Estimates on the date of conception relative to the date of administration were confirmed by the licensee and a range of 3/10/24 to 3/18/24 provided. The 3/10/24 date was utilized (as a means of conservation) which results in a 0.9 rem (9 mSv) dose to the embryo using the afore mentioned ICRP 88 methodology. The licensee submitted their written report and assessment on 5/10/24. The licensee consulted the I-131 package insert for tissue-specific dose conversion factors. Consistent with ICRP 88, the dose to the patients uterus was used as representative of that to the embryo. While relying on dose conversion factors differing from those in ICRP 88, the licensee calculated a 5.19 mSv embryonic exposure. Notwithstanding the variation between the licensees 5.2 mSv vs. the Agencys 9 mSv dose estimate; the dose falls beneath the reportable criteria. Notified R3DO (Ruiz), NMSS Regional Coordinator (Riveria-Capella), and NMSS Events Notification via email.

The following is a summary of information received via email from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): IEMA was notified August 29, 2023, by G.E. Healthcare in Arlington Heights, IL (RML IL-01109-01) to advise a radiopharmaceutical package was missing - presumably in transit. This package contained (3) shielded vials of In-111, accounting for 12.3 mCi at the time of shipment. The last known location was the (common carrier) Indianapolis transfer hub on August 24, 2023. This package does not represent a significant public safety hazard and there is no indication of intentional theft or diversion. The radiopharmaceutical package was offered for shipment on August 24, 2023, for delivery to the customer the following day. The package was labeled Yellow-II (TI of 0.1), UN2915. At of the time of the report, the activity has since decayed to approximately 2.8 mCi. The licensee advised that on August 29, 2023, (common carrier) declared the package as lost with an unknown status. Illinois Item Number: IL230022 See EN56682 and EN56697 for similar events.

• * * UPDATE ON 9/5/203 AT 1448 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO ERNEST WEST * * *

This package was located at a landfill in Indiana on 9/5/2023" Notified R3DO (Ruiz), NMSS Event Notifications and ILTAB via email THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

The following information was received via email and telephone by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency): The Agency was notified the afternoon of August 16, 2023 by G.E. Healthcare in Arlington Heights, IL (RML IL-01109-01) to advise of two radiopharmaceutical packages missing in transit. The last known location was the common carrier facility in Memphis, TN. The carrier informed the licensee that the packages could not be located and are now identified as missing. These packages do not represent a significant public safety hazard and there are no indications of intentional theft or diversion. Details of the packages are below: Package 1: Shipped on August 11, 2023 to RLS USA, Inc. Sugar Notch in Pittston, PA under tracking number 782355003930. Contained (1) 3 mL shielded vial of In-111. Package activity at the time of shipment was 5.210 mCi. Currently, 1.5 mCi at the time of this e-mail. The last scan occurred at 0035 CDT on August 12, 2023. GE Healthcare contacted the customer and confirmed that the package was not received. Package 2: Shipped on August 11, 2023 to Cardinal Health in Sarasota, FL under tracking number 782382357185. Contained (1) 3 mL shielded vial of In-111. Package activity at the time of shipment was 5.210 mCi. Currently, 1.512 mCi at the time of this e-mail. The last scan occurred at 0035 CDT on August 12, 2023. GE Healthcare contacted the customer and confirmed that the package was not received.

• * * UPDATE ON 9/25/2023 AT 1127 EDT FROM IEMA TO LAWRENCE CRISCIONE * * *

The licensee advises no updates have become available and the packages are both considered lost. As both have decayed to background, the Agency considers these incidents closed. Illinois Event Number: IL230018 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: The Agency (Illinois Emergency Management Agency) was notified the evening of 3/16/23 by General Electric (GE) Healthcare in Arlington Heights, IL to advise of two radiopharmaceutical packages that were missing in transit. The last known location was the carrier hub in Memphis, TN. The carrier has advised efforts to locate the packages have ceased and both have been declared as lost. These packages do not represent a significant public safety hazard and there are no indications of intentional theft or diversion. TN and TX program officials have been notified as well. Additional details will be provided as they become available. This matter has a 30-day reporting requirement to the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) with a required call to the NRC Headquarters Operations Officer (HOO). Details on the packages are as follows: Package 1: (The package) shipped 3/8/23 to Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, TX. (The package) contained (1) 10mL shielded vial of I-123. Package activity at the time of shipment was 14.3 mCi. (The package contains) 0.0002 mCi of activity as of 3/17/2022 at 1500 EDT. The last scan occurred 2247 CDT on 3/8/23. GE Healthcare contacted the customer and confirmed that the package was not received. Package 2: (The package) shipped 3/10/23 to Panhandle Nuclear in Amarillo, TX. (The package) contained (1) 10mL shielded vial of In-111. Package activity at the time of shipment was 3.2 mCi. (The package contains) 0.585 mCi of activity as of 3/17/2022 at 1500 EDT. The last scan occurred 0009 CDT on 3/11/23. GE Healthcare contacted the customer and confirmed that the package was not received. IL Event Number: IL230007

• * * UPDATE ON 04/18/23 AT 1220 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO JOHN RUSSELL * * *

As of 4/17/2023 the packages remain lost. No additional information has been provided by the carrier. The packages have decayed to background and do not represent a public safety hazard. This report will be updated with any new information but is otherwise considered closed. Notified R3DO (Orth), NMSS Events Notification, and ILTAB via email. THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) via email: At 1730 CST on 2/23/2023, the IEMA was contacted by the radiation safety officer (RSO) for Rubino Engineering to advise of a portable moisture/density gauge involved in an accident at a temporary jobsite. Reportedly, a Troxler 3400 series gauge was in use at a construction site in Maple Park, IL when it rolled down an embankment and was struck by a skid steer. The licensee's technician remained on scene and assessed minor damage to the case. The source rod was not extended at the time of the accident. Both sources were reported as intact and the area secured until the RSO could arrive within an hour with a survey meter. No exposure concerns were reported or anticipated. The RSO arrived on site approximately an hour later to assess, survey, package, and return the device to safe storage. The IEMA advised that they were available to respond if contamination was suspected or if there were complications in retrieving and returning the sources to storage. At approximately 1900, the RSO advised IEMA that the device had been returned to storage. Surveys of the device and source holders were consistent with an undamaged device. On 2/24/2023, IEMA inspectors initiated a reactionary inspection to verify the presence of both sources, assess for removeable contamination, advise on proper return of the unit to the manufacturer, determine root cause of the incident and evaluate compliance with IEMA regulations. Updates from that inspection, as well as specifics on the device serial number and sources will be provided once available. Illinois Item Number: IL230005

• * * UPDATE ON 4/18/23 AT 1326 EDT FROM IEMA TO SAM COLVARD* * *

On 2/24/23, IEMA inspectors performed a reactionary inspection and verified the presence of both sources. An assessment for removeable contamination was performed with negative results. Inspectors advised on the proper return of the unit to the manufacturer and verified the package TI (Transport Index). No items of non-compliance were identified as the licensee met license and regulatory requirements. The root cause was determined as ill-advised placement of the gauge on filter fabric (near the edge of a hill) which got pulled by a skid steer while backing at the bottom of the hill causing the gauge to tumble down the hill in the path of the backing skid steer. The licensee advised that corrective actions included advising gauge users regarding placement of gauges near any edge while at a field site and discussion on modification of field use procedures to place the gauge back in the transport container during lapses between testing. This matter may be considered closed pending satisfactory sealed source leak test results from the manufacturer upon return of the gauge to Troxler and the licensee's required written report per 340.1230(b). Notified R3DO (ORTH), and NMSS Events Notification (E-mail).

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: The Agency received written correspondence on February 16, 2023, indicating a worker at a Romeoville, IL nuclear pharmacy (Sofie, RML IL-02074-01) received a whole body dose that exceeded the occupational limits in 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.210. The exposure occurred over the course of 2022 and no adverse health impacts are anticipated. Specifically, the information provided indicates a quality control production associate received 5,090 millirem over the course of 2022, exceeding the occupational limit of 5,000 millirem. The licensee has conducted an investigation and believes the cause is related to both a management deficiency and equipment issues. New duties assigned in July of 2022 resulted in increased exposure which was apparently not reviewed and/or assessed at a frequency sufficient to limit occupational dose. Additionally, dose delivery equipment reportedly failed at some point in 2022, resulting in the use of equipment with insufficient shielding. The licensee identified corrective action as more frequent dosimetry exchange, repair of equipment (timeline unspecified) and reassignment of duties. This is a reportable incident under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1230 and was reported to NRC the same day (2/16/23). The licensee provided timely notification. In the next week, IEMA inspectors will perform a reactionary inspection to assess the adequacy of the licensee's investigation and corrective action, compliance with Agency regulations and root cause determination. Illinois Event Number: IL230004

• * * UPDATE FROM GARY FORSEE TO DONALD NORWOOD ON 3/6/2023 AT 1059 EDT * * *

The following information was received via email: On March 3, 2023, Agency inspectors performed a reactionary inspection. The root cause of failing to provide adequate monitoring of occupational exposures was confirmed. This was compounded when delivery equipment failed and alternate procedures were utilized. The subject employee who exceeded the annual occupational dose of 5,000 mrem (5 rem) was reported as having received 5,090 mrem. However, during the inspection, inspectors discovered that from February 14, 2022, through April 25, 2022, the employee was wearing visitor dosimetry, which wasn't added to the individuals dosimetry report. It was added to her Form 5 by the RSO which was completed on February 20, 2023. The total exposure was 5,781 mrem for this individual. It was also noted that as a result of not adding the visitor badges to the individuals report the employee first exceeded the annual occupational dose at the end of October, 2022, having reached 5,057 mrem. Additional violations regarding employee dosimetry were noted and are being assessed at this time. However, they are not expected to result in another occupational exposure. The Agency has requested dosimetry records for all licensee staff working under the alternate procedures. Updates will be provided as they become available. otified the R3DO (Havertape) and the NMSS Events Notification email group.

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: The Agency was notified after hours on 10/27/22, that a radiopharmaceutical package containing 4.089 mCi of In-111 was reported as lost while in the care of a common carrier. This does not represent a significant public safety hazard and there is no indication of intentional theft or diversion. Details on the package and shipment are provided below. TN (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) program have been notified along with the US NRC Operations Center. The package was shipped 10/13/22, from the licensee's facility in Arlington Heights, IL to Isologic Innovative in Burlington, Ontario Canada. The package made it to the (common carrier) hub in Memphis, TN under tracking number (REDACTED). Thereafter, it could not be accounted for and was declared lost on 10/27/22. The package activity was 4.089 mCi at time of shipment, but has decayed to approximately 0.127 mCi at this time (10/28/22). Updates will be provided as they become available. Illinois Event Number: IL220041

• * * UPDATE FROM GARY FORSEE TO LLOYD DESOTELL AT 1349 EDT ON 11/04/2022 * * *

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency via email: The package has been located and delivered as intended. The Agency considers this matter closed. Notified R3DO (Ruiz). Notified NMSS Events Notification and ILTAB via email. THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: The Agency was contacted on February 3, 2023, by Jiva Resources in Sauget, IL to advise that five Cs-137 gauges had been impacted by a fire in September 2022. A Jiva Resources representative called and initially reported the five radioactive gauges as stolen 'in the last week.' When Agency staff returned his call that same morning, the devices had been located but were identified as having been involved in a fire back in September 2022. While the container (sealed drum) holding the gauges was impacted by the fire, it is unclear if there was any impact to the gauges. The devices include two Ohmart model SH-F1 gauges (serial numbers 2879GK and 1652GK) and three Vega model SR-A gauges (serial numbers 2174GK, 2878GK, and 63008). All contain 20 millicuries of Cs-137 except for serial number 63008 which contains 30 millicuries of Cs-137. It should be noted the SH-F1 housings are identified in the Sealed Source and Device Registry as being fireproof (rated above 800 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes) while the SR-A housings are lead-filled cylindrical steel shells, which are noted for retaining the source should the lead shielding melt out. Exposure rates should be less than 5 mR/hr at one foot - which will be confirmed by Agency staff. Leak tests will be conducted and source security assessed. Additional regulatory requirements regarding proper disposal, storage, leak testing and reporting will be investigated as well.

• * * UPDATE ON 02/06/2023 AT 1248 EST FROM GARY FORSEE TO LLOYD DESOTELL * * *

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: Agency staff attempted to perform a reactionary inspection the morning of February 6, 2023, to inspect the condition of the five radioactive gauges identified above. This effort confirmed that the registrant did in fact lose accountability of the gauges as it appears they were stolen at some point in the last four months. The last known location was in Sauget, IL in September 2022 when that storage location was involved in a fire. Since that time, the building has reportedly been accessible to looters. Local scrap yards and public safety partners will be notified. Illinois Incident Number: IL230002 Notified: R3DO (Szwarc); NMSS Events Notification and ILTAB via email.

• * * UPDATE ON 04/04/2023 AT 1120 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO BRIAN LIN * * *

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: On 3/7/23 the property owner (39N properties) was contacted to coordinate a site visit. The Agency was advised that on 2/23/2023, all assets were transferred to JET Resources by matter of court decision. The Agency staff coordinated with the new property owners and performed a site visit on 3/30/2023. The Agency staff performed surveys for nearly 2.5 hours to attempt to locate the gauges. While it is possible the gauges may still be buried beneath debris, surveys on the accessible surface did not show evidence of the gauges. Sodium iodide surveys performed throughout the site yielded count rates that were indistinguishable from background. The area is secured and looting does not appear to be an issue as initially reported. Site cleanup is ongoing and the new owners will coordinate with the Agency if anything suspect is located. The contractor has radiation detection equipment. Enforcement regarding this matter is ongoing. While this report will be updated with any developments, all available evidence indicates these gauges are no longer on the site and were either stolen or improperly transferred by the previous owners. This matter is considered closed by the Agency unless additional information becomes available. Notified: R3DO (Orlikowski); NMSS Events Notification, NMSS Regional Coordinator (Rivera-Capel), and ILTAB via email.

• * * UPDATE ON 12/11/23 AT 1240 FROM WHITNEY COX TO KAREN COTTON * * *

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (the Agency) via email: ONS-RAM (Office of Nuclear Safety - Radioactive Materials) was contacted by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on 12/6/23, to advise that they had discovered what appeared to be generally licensed gauges, reported as lost/abandoned in February of this year at Jive Resources in Sauget, IL. IEMA-OHS (Illinois Emergency Management Agency - Office of Homeland Security) staff responded and recovered three generally licensed gauges containing 20-30 mCi of Cs-137 each. The gauges were found corroded, partially submerged, and had been involved in a fire. Field surveys/wipes did not show evidence of leakage, but ash samples and wipes will be submitted to the lab for confirmation. Two gauges remain unaccounted for, but were not located after additional searches/surveys of the site. The following gauges were recovered: Vega Americas Model SR-A gauges with S/Ns 2174GK, 2878GK, and 63008. Notified: R3DO (McCraw); NMSS Events Notification, NMSS Regional Coordinator (Brenneman), and ILTAB via email. THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (The Agency) via email: At approximately 2100 CDT on 9/16/22, the Agency received notice of a radiopharmaceutical package lost in the care of a commercial carrier while in transit from Arlington Heights, IL to Austin, TX. As of 9/27/22, the carrier continues to search for the package, which contained 2 vials of I-123 with an activity of 32 millicuries (mCi) (at the time of shipment, 9/14/22). The 32 mCi of I-123 have now decayed beneath 3 nanocuries. The carrier has indicated that the last known scan was the night of 9/14/22, when it arrived in Austin. They are actively searching the facility and have escalated to the local station management teams. There is no reason to believe the radioactive material was stolen, diverted, or is in the public domain. Texas program staff were notified along with the United Stated Nuclear Regulatory Commission Operations Center. Illinois Event Number: IL220035

• * * UPDATE ON 9/30/2022 AT 1659 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO MIKE STAFFORD * * *

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency via email: This source was found by the carrier and delivered. This matter is considered closed. Notified R3DO (Szwarc) and R4DO (Kellar). Notified via email: NMSS Event Notification and ILTAB THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

The following information was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (Agency) via email: The Agency was contacted on the morning of May 24, 2022, to advise that a fire had occurred at approximately 1900 CDT on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at a Renewable Energy Group, LLC. Renewable Energy Group, LLC (Facility) is a biodiesel refinery located in Seneca, IL. The fire reportedly impacted two Vega model SHLD-1 generally licensed devices containing 10 millicuries of Cs-137 each. Serial numbers are unknown at this time and the registrant has not been able to make any radiation measurements or leak tests. It is noteworthy, the sealed source device registry sheet indicates the manufacturer subjected these devices to the 'Accident Condition Fire Test' in ANSI N43.8-2008. The resultant accident condition indicates it would not lose shielding when subjected to 538 degrees Celsius (1000 degrees Fahrenheit) for five minutes. Regardless, Agency staff have been dispatched to determine the status of shielding, potential contamination and source security. The facility representatives have been advised to contact the manufacturer or a licensed service provider to have the gauges removed and properly packaged for service/disposal. Provided the device is not moved from its current mounting, the pipe (with the device attached) may be relocated to facilitate source security. Facility representatives advised there is no safety concern at the remaining structure. The licensee was required to report within 24 hours, but missed the reporting deadline. Updates will be provided as they become available. IL Reference Number: IL220016

• * * UPDATE ON 5/24/22 AT 1605 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO KAREN COTTON * * *

The following update was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency via email: Details: Two Vega Americas Inc., model SHLD1 fixed gauges were confirmed to have been impacted by fire. Serial number A-T604 did not appear to have its integrity compromised. Serial number A-T509 exhibited an exposure rate of approximately 350 - 400 mR/hour near contact. Large area wipes showed no indication of contamination. An exclusion zone was established at approximately 4 feet in diameter and six feet above the damaged gauge. (The second floor was far enough as to not warrant exposure concerns). In order to prevent public exposures, it was determined the gauges should be isolated. Consistent with the sealed source device registry, both devices will remain mounted to their pipes - and the pipe/gauge assembly will be moved to a secure location. The devices were bagged to prevent the spread of any contamination that could not be detected by large area wipes. Serial number A-T509 will be inverted to direct the unshielded beam into the ground. Inspectors are overseeing the work and will verify the gauges are locked and access restricted until appropriately licensed personnel can dismount and properly package the devices for disposal. Safety Analysis: No evidence of removable contamination. Exposure rates were elevated, but no personnel had been exposed. Pending placement of the devices into secure storage in an orientation that will shield the source, the Agency does not anticipate any exposures in excess of regulatory limits. Reportability: Device A-T509 met the reportable criteria in 32 Ill. Adm. Code 340.1220(c)(4). The incident was reported to the ((NRC Headquarters Operations Officer)) HOO at 1209 CST today under event number 55912. A written report is due from Renewable Energy Group, LLC within 30 days that details suspected root cause and corrective action. The ((Nuclear Material Events Database)) NMED report will be updated and electronically transmitted to ((Idaho National Laboratory)) INL.

• * * UPDATE ON 6/1/2022 AT 0908 EDT FROM GARY FORSEE TO BRIAN LIN * * *

The following update was provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency via email: A licensed service provider was on site 5/31/22 to properly remove and package the gauge for disposal. Agency staff were on site to oversee operations. Agency staff verified leak tests on both gauges indicated no contamination, the area of the fire was able to be released for unrestricted use (relative to radioactive material) and the gauges were properly stored and secured. Both gauges were successfully locked in a 40 ft single Conex box. Max reading of 1.9 mrem/hr measured at surface of the Conex box. Survey of affected deck area (with gauges removed) verified as at background. Gauges were chained inside the Conex box and the box itself was padlocked shut . The box will be labeled with a CRAM (Caution Radioactive Material) sticker and is sitting in the back of the property. Licensee was informed of the need for proper disposal within 2 years in accordance with 32 Ill. Adm. Code 330.220(a)(6). This report will be updated with any additional information. Pending receipt of the registrant's written report, this matter is considered closed.

The following was received from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) via email: The RSO ((Radiation Safety Officer)) for the licensee contacted IEMA to report that on March 2, 2022, a patient was administered a 100 mCi I-131 dose. A pregnancy test was performed in advance of the administration and indicated negative (not pregnant). On April 13, 2022, the RSO received a call notifying him the patient was determined to be 7 days pregnant when the administration occurred. The patient was informed and returned to the hospital to do a whole-body count as a means to estimate biological half-life. The licensee has calculated upwards of 20 microCi of I-131 was retained by week eleven of the pregnancy and 75 percent was taken up by the fetus. Dose prior to eleven weeks was reportedly estimated as that to the maternal uterus (ICRP 88 states this is accurate to 8 weeks). It is unclear if the calculation methodology used was consistent with RG 8.36 (NUREG/CR-5631) or ICRP 88 but will be reviewed when staff investigate. The licensee is estimating the dose to the fetus through 12 weeks of development as 266 mGy (26.6 rads). Illinois Item Number: IL220018

• * * UPDATE FROM GARY FORESEE TO BRIAN PARKS AT 1526 EDT ON 6/16/2022 * * *

The following was received from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IMEA) via email: A reactionary inspection was performed 6/2/22. The required 15-day report was received on 6/12/22 and put forward root cause and corrective action. The cause of the event was determined to be the ineffectiveness of the pregnancy testing policy to account for very early stage (i.e., first week of gestation) pregnancies that standard pregnancy tests cannot detect. The licensee revised its pregnancy testing policy to include patient instruction to abstain from intercourse for at least ten days prior to the administration of the dose. The licensee will be cited for failing to provide timely notification and corrective action to prevent a recurrence sought in the response. Pending no further developments and resolution of appropriate enforcement action, this matter is considered closed. Notified R3DO (Feliz-Adorno) and NMSS Events Notification E-mail Group.