ML17201Q549

Massachusetts Institute of Technology U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Routine Inspection Report No. 50-020/2017-201

ML17201Q549
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	07/27/2017
From:	Anthony Mendiola Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch
To:	Queirolo A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Eads J
References
50-020/2017-201, IR 2017201
Download: ML17201Q549 (17)

See also: IR 05000020/2017201

Text

July 27, 2017

Mr. Al Queirolo, Director

of Reactor Operations

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Research Reactor

138 Albany Street, MS NW12-116A

Cambridge, MA 02139

SUBJECT: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - U.S. NUCLEAR

REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT

NO. 50-020/2017-201

Dear Dr. Queirolo:

From April 25-27, 2017, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission)

conducted an inspection at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor facility.

The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed on April 27, 2017,

with you and members of your staff.

The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and

compliance with Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license.

The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed

personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of significance were identified.

No response to this letter is required.

In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 2.390, Public

inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your

response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public

Document Room or from the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and

Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room).

A. Queirolo -2-

Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Mr. Johnny H. Eads at

(301) 415-0136 or by electronic mail at Johnny.Eads@nrc.gov.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Policy and Rulemaking

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Docket No.50-020

License No. R-37

Enclosure:

As stated

cc: See next page

ML17201Q549; *concurred via e-mail NRC-002

OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB* NRR/DPR/PROB/LA* NRR/DPR/PROB/BC

NAME JEads NParker AMendiola

DATE 7/24/17 7/21/17 7/27/17

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Docket No.50-020

cc:

City Manager

City Hall

Cambridge, MA 02139

Department of Environmental Protection

One Winter Street

Boston, MA 02108

Mr. Jack Priest, Director

Radiation Control Program

Department of Public Health

529 Main Street

Schrafft Center, Suite 1M2A

Charlestown, MA 02129

Mr. John Giarrusso, Chief

Planning and Preparedness Division

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

400 Worcester Road

Framingham, MA 01702-5399

Test, Research and Training

Reactor Newsletter

P.O. Box 118300

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611-8300

Ms. Sarah M. Don, Reactor Superintendent

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Research Reactor

138 Albany Street, MS NW12-116B

Cambridge, MA 02139

U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

Docket No.50-020

License No. R-37

Report No. 50-020/2017-201

Licensee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Facility: Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dates: April 25-27, 2017

Inspector: Johnny Eads

Approved by: Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Policy and Rulemaking

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosure

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

NRC Inspection Report No. 50-020/2017-201

The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected

aspects of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (the licensees) Class I six megawatt

research reactor safety program including: (1) organization and staffing, (2) reactor operations,

(3) operator requalification, (4) maintenance and surveillance, (5) fuel handling, (6) experiments,

(7) procedures, and (8) emergency preparedness since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC) inspection of these areas. The licensees program was acceptably directed

toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance with NRC requirements.

Organization and staffing

• Organizational structure and staffing were consistent with technical specification (TS)

requirements.

Reactor Operations

• Reactor operations were conducted in accordance with procedure and the appropriate logs

were being maintained.

Operator Requalification

• Operator requalification was conducted as required by the Requalification Program and the

program was being maintained up-to-date.

• Operators were receiving biennial medical examinations as required.

Maintenance and Surveillance

• The system for tracking and completing maintenance items and surveillance checks and

calibrations was adequate and was being maintained as required.

• Maintenance and surveillance records, performance, and reviews satisfied TS and

procedure requirements.

Fuel Handling

• Fuel was being controlled as required and fuel movements were conducted in accordance

with TS and procedural requirements.

Experiments

• The program for reviewing and conducting experiments satisfied procedural and TS

requirements.

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Procedures

• The procedure review, revision, control, and implementation program satisfied TS

requirements.

Emergency Preparedness

• The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency

Plan (E-Plan).

• Emergency response equipment was being maintained and inventoried as required.

• Emergency drills were being conducted annually as required by the E-Plan.

• Emergency preparedness training for licensed operators and personnel from various

support organizations was being completed as required.

REPORT DETAILS

Summary of Facility Status

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT or the licensee) Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

(NRL) six megawatt research and test reactor continued to be operated 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> a day, 7 days

a week in support of educational experiments, research and service irradiations, and reactor

operator training. During the inspection, the reactor was shutdown for maintenance.

1. Organization and Staffing

a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69006)

The inspector reviewed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor

(designated as MITR-II) organization and staffing to ensure that the requirements

of technical specification (TS) 7.1, implemented through Renewed Facility

Operating License R-37, Amendment 40 issued August 13, 2015, were being

met regarding the following:

• Management responsibilities

• Qualifications of facility operations personnel

• MIT NRL Organization Chart, dated April 12, 2017

• Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2016 to present

• Staffing requirements for reactor operation stated in TS 7.1.3

• MIT Research Reactor, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute

of Technology Annual Report to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for

the Period January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016.

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector noted that the Director of Reactor Operations continued to report

to the Director of the MIT NRL, who in turn reported to the President of the

university through the Vice President for Research. This organization was

consistent with that specified in the TS. The organizational structure and the

responsibilities of the reactor staff had not changed since the last inspection.

Staffing levels remained consistent with those noted during the last inspection of

the facility. The current reactor operations organization consisted of the Director

of Reactor Operations, the Deputy Director of Reactor Operations, the Assistant

Director of Operations, the Superintendent of Operations, the Training

Coordinator, a Quality Assurance Supervisor, and various reactor supervisors,

and reactor operators (ROs). The Deputy Director of Reactor Operations, the

Assistant Director of Reactor Operations, the Superintendent of Operations, the

Quality Assurance Supervisor, the Training Coordinator, and the majority of the

reactor supervisors were licensed senior reactor operators (SROs). In addition to

the operations staff, there were various support groups, including a research

staff, a research development group, a reactor engineering staff, maintenance

personnel, and a reactor radiation protection group. Through a review of reactor

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operations logs for the period from March 2016 through the present, and through

interviews with operations personnel, the inspector determined that the licensee

normally operated 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> a day with three crews and no shift rotation. Each

operating crew was staffed with various personnel (with at least two licensed

operators on duty at the MITR-II per shift). Operations shifts were scheduled for

a period of 8 hours9.259259e-5 days <br />0.00222 hours <br />1.322751e-5 weeks <br />3.044e-6 months <br />. The review of the reactor (console) logbooks and associated

records confirmed that shift staffing during reactor operations met the minimum

requirements for duty and on-call personnel specified in TS 7.1.3.

c. Conclusion

The licensees organization and staffing were in compliance with the

requirements specified in TS 7.1.

2. Reactor Operations

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69006)

To verify that the licensee was conducting reactor operations in accordance with

TS Sections 2 and 3 and procedural requirements, the inspector reviewed

selected portions of the following:

• Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2016 to present

• MIT Research Reactor, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute

of Technology Annual Report to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for

the Period January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016.

b. Observations and Findings

(1) Reactor Operation

The inspector observed facility activities on various occasions during the

week including routine reactor operations and updating the console logs

while the reactor was shutdown for maintenance. Written procedures and

checklists were used for each activity as required. It was noted that the

reactor operators followed the appropriate procedures, were

knowledgeable of the required actions, and professional in the conduct of

their duties.

(2) Staff Communication

During the inspection, the inspector observed reactor operator turnover

activities during the shift. The status of the reactor and the facility was

discussed on each occasion as required. The oncoming personnel were

briefed on the upcoming activities and scheduled events before assuming

the operations duty. Through direct observation and records review, the

inspector verified that the content of turnover briefings was appropriate

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and that shift activities and plant conditions were discussed in sufficient

detail.

c. Conclusion

MITR-II reactor operations, as well as turnovers and operator cognizance of

facility conditions during routine operations, were acceptable.

3. Operator Requalification

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69003)

To verify that the licensee was complying with the requirements of Title 10 of the

Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 55 and TS 7.2.3.3 (b) and

conforming to Chapter 12, Sections 12.1 and 12.10 of the facility safety analysis

report, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:

• Current status of operator licenses

• Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2016 to present

• Results of the annual written examinations completed in 2016

• Medical examination records for selected operators for the past 2 years

• Procedure Manual (PM) 1.16, Requalification and Qualification, latest

revision dated February 20, 2013.

b. Observations and Findings

There were 21 individuals licensed to operate the reactor at MIT. Of those

personnel, 15 were qualified SROs and 6 were ROs. A review of various

Requalification Program records indicated that the program was maintained

up-to-date and that SRO and RO licenses were current. MITR-II operator files

and reactor logs also showed that all operators maintained active duty status with

the exception of one SRO who was designated as inactive by the facility. A

review of the MITR Safety Committee (MITRSC) meeting minutes and

independent audit results indicated that the program was being audited annually

as required by TS 7.2.3.3.(b).

A review of the pertinent logs and records also showed that training was being

conducted in accordance with the licensees requalification and training program.

A series of lectures were given to operators during the 2 year training and

requalification cycle. Information regarding facility changes, procedure changes,

and other relevant information was routinely routed to all licensed operators for

their review. The inspector verified that the required reactor operations, reactivity

manipulations, other operations activities, and reactor supervisor activities were

being completed and the appropriate records were being maintained. The

inspector also noted that all operators were receiving biennial medical

examinations within the time frame allowed as required by the program.

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c. Conclusion

Operator requalification was up-to-date and being completed as required by the

MITR-II Operator Requalification Program. Operators were receiving biennial

medical examinations as required.

4. Maintenance and Surveillance

a. Inspection Scope (IPs 69006 and 69010)

To verify that the licensee was meeting the surveillance requirements specified in

TS Section 4 and that maintenance was being conducted, the inspector reviewed

selected aspects of the following:

• MITR-II Job Workbook

• MITR-II Daily Operations Schedule

• Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2016 to present

• MIT Research Reactor, Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute

of Technology Annual Report to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for

the Period January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016.

b. Observations and Findings

(1) Maintenance

The inspector reviewed the system that the licensee had developed to

track and complete maintenance activities. The system was designed to

ensure that all maintenance activities were planned and completed as

scheduled, that post maintenance testing was conducted, and that the

entire process was documented appropriately. The licensee used a

locally developed system called the Test and Calibration Tracker which

listed nearly all the tests, checks, and calibrations that were due on a

monthly basis, as well as MITR-II Systems, Tests, and Calibrations

notebooks to document completion of the various periodic maintenance

and surveillance activities. The inspector noted that all such tasks were

tracked through this system. The program appeared to be effective.

(2) Surveillance

Various periodic surveillance verifications and calibration records of

equipment, including the testing of various reactor systems,

instrumentation, and auxiliary systems were reviewed by the inspector.

TS surveillance items were completed on schedule as required by TS and

in accordance with licensee procedures. The results of selected tests,

checks, and calibrations reviewed by the inspector were noted to be

within the TS and procedurally prescribed parameters.

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c. Conclusion

The system for tracking and completing maintenance items and surveillance

checks and calibrations was adequate and was being maintained as required.

Maintenance and surveillance records, performance, and reviews satisfied TS

and procedure requirements.

5. Fuel Handling

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69009)

To ensure that the licensee was following the requirements of TSs 3.1.4, 3.1.6,

4.1.5, and 5.4, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following:

• Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2016 to present

• Approved packets for core configurations completed in 2016 and 2017,

including:

Fuel Loading Permission Form (form revision dated

February 20, 2013), completed for fuel element transfers in 2016

and 2017 to date

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector reviewed the fuel movement process and verified that fuel moves

were conducted according to established procedure and documented on specific

fuel movement sheets developed by the Reactor Engineer. The inspector

reviewed selected fuel movement sheets for 2016 and to date in 2017. They had

been developed and used for each specific core refueling as required.

c. Conclusion

Fuel was being controlled as required and fuel movements were performed in

accordance with approved procedures and TS requirements.

6. Experiments

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69005)

To verify compliance with the licensees procedures, TSs 6, 7.5, and

10 CFR 50.59 the inspector reviewed the following:

• Reactor Digital Logbook covering the period from March 2016 to present

• Experiment Review Process documented in PM 1.10, Experiment Review

and Approval, latest revision dated February 20, 2013.

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector reviewed the experimental review and approval process described

in PM 1.10. The inspector reviewed selected safety review forms and irradiation

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request forms for experiments that were currently active. The experimental

facilities and/or equipment had been evaluated in accordance with TS

requirements and the associated data sheets indicated that the experiments

would be within the specified limits. The analysis for each had been performed

and the reviews and approvals completed. The appropriate reviews and

approvals had also been completed for the samples and/or materials to be

irradiated and the experiments were conducted under the cognizance of the

reactor supervisor and in accordance with the specified requirements.

c. Conclusion

Conduct and control of experiments met the requirements of the TS and the

applicable facility procedures.

7. Procedures

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69008)

To verify that the licensee was meeting the requirements of TS 7.4, the

inspectors reviewed selected aspects of the following:

PM 1.4, Review and Approval of Plans, Procedures and Facility Equipment

and Changes Thereto, which included:

- PM 1.4.1, Plan, Procedure, and Equipment Change

Classification, latest revision dated February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.2, Class C Review and Approval, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.3, Class B Review and Approval, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.4, Class A Review and Approval, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.5, Safety Review Form, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

- PM 1.4.6, Procedure Manuals, latest revision dated

February 20, 2013

PM 1.5, Procedure Adherence and Temporary Change Method, latest

revision dated February 20, 2013

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector noted that procedures had been developed for reactor operations

and safety as required by the TS 7.4. The licensees procedures were found to

be acceptable for the current facility status and staffing level. The inspector

noted that the administrative procedure specified the responsibilities of the

various positions and for the MITRSC.

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Operations procedures were typically reviewed by operators and support

personnel prior to being used/implemented and were revised as needed. The

inspector noted that abnormal and emergency procedures were reviewed

annually by all licensed operators as required and revised when needed. Major

procedure revisions were reviewed and approved by the Director of Reactor

Operations and submitted to the MITRSC for review. All procedure changes

were routinely routed to all operators for review as well.

It was also noted that management and supervisory oversight was focused on

proper implementation and adherence to procedures. Through observation of

various activities in progress during the inspection, the inspector noted that

adherence to procedures was adequate.

c. Conclusion

Procedures were properly prepared and implemented in compliance with license

requirements.

8. Emergency Preparedness

a. Inspection Scope (IP 69011)

The inspector reviewed selected aspects to verify compliance with TS 7.2.3.d

and the licensees Emergency Plan and associated procedures of the following:

• Training records for MITR Support Personnel

• Review and Critique of the 2016 Emergency Exercise conducted on

August 16, 2016

• Review and Critique of the 2016 actual medical emergencies which occurred

on February 13, 2016 and July 6, 2016

• PM 4.0, MITR-II Emergency Plan and Procedures, revision dated

June 20, 2013

• PM 4.4.4, Emergency Operating Procedures

b. Observations and Findings

The inspector reviewed the Emergency Plan (EP) and implementing procedures

in use at the reactor and verified that the procedures were reviewed annually by

all licensed operators in accordance with the Operator Requalification Program.

Through records reviews and interviews with facility emergency personnel (i.e.,

licensed operators or emergency responders), the inspector determined that they

were knowledgeable of the proper actions to take in case of an emergency.

Training for staff members had been conducted annually as required and

documented acceptably.

Emergency training for MIT Police Department personnel was required to be

conducted annually by EP Section 4.10.1.1. The inspector reviewed the training

records and noted that the most recent training had been completed as required.

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The inspector verified that letters of agreement with various emergency support

organizations were on file and being maintained.

Communications capabilities with support groups were acceptable and were

verified annually through a communications check with the various organizations.

Emergency call lists had been revised and updated as needed and were

available in various areas of the facility, including in controlled copies of the

Emergency Procedures Manuals. The inspector also verified that emergency

equipment was being inventoried quarterly as required.

The inspector verified compliance with the EP requirement for annual emergency

plan drills. The licensee met this requirement by conducting radiological

emergency and medical emergency drills each year or by taking credit for an

actual emergency. Following each drill, a critique was conducted to identify

areas of strength and weakness. Drills and critiques were documented in writing

as referenced above. The drills appeared to be challenging and provided a good

indication of each organizations responsiveness and capabilities.

c. Conclusion

The licensee was maintaining acceptable emergency preparedness in

accordance with TS and E-Plan requirements.

9. Exit Interview

The inspection scope and results were summarized on April 27, 2017, with members of

licensee management. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed the

preliminary inspection findings. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection

and did not identify as proprietary any of the material provided to or reviewed during the

inspection.

PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED

Licensee Personnel:

J. Bernard Senior Advisor, Research Staff

S. Don Superintendent Operations

J. Foster Deputy Director of Reactor Operations

E. Lau Assistant Director of Reactor Operations

W. McCarthy Reactor Radiation Protection Officer and Deputy Director, MIT

Environment, Health, and Safety Office

A. Queirolo Director of Reactor Operations

S. Tucker Quality Assurance Supervisor

INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED

IP 69003 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Operator Licenses, Requalification, and

Medical Examinations

IP 69005 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Experiments

IP 69006 Class 1 Research and Test Reactors Organization and Operations and

Maintenance Activities

IP 69008 Class 1 Procedures

IP 69009 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Fuel Movement

IP 69010 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Surveillance

IP 69011 Class 1 Research and Test Reactor Emergency Preparedness

ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED

Opened:

None

Closed:

None

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

EP Emergency Plan

IP Inspection Procedure

MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MITR Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor

MITRSC Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor Safety Committee

NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NRL Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

PM Procedure Manual

RO Reactor Operator

SRO Senior Reactor Operator

TS Technical Specification