ML20217G088

Submits Latest Info on 4 Kittens Contaminated W/Radiation at Plant,Unit 1 as of 960206

ML20217G088
Person / Time
Site:	San Onofre
Issue date:	02/07/1996
From:	Sloan J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
To:	Wise R NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
Shared Package
ML20217G062	List: IA-97-315, Submits Latest Info on 4 Kittens Contaminated W/Radiation at Plant,Unit 1 as of 960206 ML20217G057 ML20217G068 ML20217G083 ML20217G088
References
FOIA-97-315 NUDOCS 9710090201
Download: ML20217G088 (2)

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From: James A. Sloan, R-ly To RXW Russell Wise, R.IV Date: 2/7/96 1:18pm subjects Kittens -Reply The latest on the cats / kittens (as of 2/6/96):

The adult cat was trapped by a contract post control person on 1/31/96 outside the protected area near Unit 1. He was interviewed by the licensee. He stated the cat was wet and listless, so he dried the cat off with an old pair of pants and took the cat, in a cage, to his residence. The cat was kept in the cage in his garage overnight, then taken to the Mesa and released on 2/1/96. He also stated that the nipples of the cat did not look engorged, as would have been expected for a nursing female.

Radiologically, the licensee has determined the following: The pants were determined tn have about 2.4 nanocuries of Cs-l'47 (about 98% of the activity) and some Co-60. The cat left a "present" in the cage, which contained 1.9 nCi Cs-137. The normal free release limit is 2.2 nCi (equivalent to 5000 dpm).

The licensee brought in the family of the pest control worker and whole body counted the worker (negative results). The licensee offered to count the family, but apparently this was not determined to be necessary.

The adult cat has not yet been located and recaptured.

The licensee noted that there is another cat, now very flat, o- interstate 5 adjacent to the site. The licensee does not plan to try to is .ieve the carcass due to personnel safety concerns.

The kittens were found on 2/1 inside the protected area, ouside the RCA, near Unit 1. The same pest control person tried to remove them from the PA. but the portal conitor alarmed. The kittens were taken to the Unit 2/3 RCA control point. They had about 6000 CPM by frisker before decon, and about 1000 cpm after decon. A count of a urine sample also had activity (about 600 cpm, Cs-137, some Cs-134, and some Co-60).

Activity on the kittens has been decreasing.

Day 1 4 nCI Day 2 3.6 nCi Day 3 3.3 nCi The licensee had not determined if the kittens will ever by releasable, and currently plans to care for them in the RCA forever.

A memorandum was e-mailed to all employees regarding what management expectations are regarding animals found in the protected area or OCA.

Basically, the expectations are to take measures to remove all animals identified (call pest control). Additionally, management expects that all materials (except some tools and personal items) be surveyed by HP before removal from the protected area. The kittens were not surveyed in accordhnce with this expectation.

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-considering a voluntary report.is for loss of licensed material, with Co-limit.

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U. S. Nuclear Regulatory. Commission Attention: Document Control Desk Washington,-D. C. 20555 l

Subject:

Docket Nos. 50-206, 50-361 and-50-362 Voluntary Report Licensee Event Report No.96-001 l San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2 and 3 J This. submittal provides a voluntary report describing the discovery-of four slight.'y contaminated kittens at San Onofre.

Neither the health nor the safety of plant personnel or the i public was_affected by this occurrence.

Sincerely, (I . I k m kb'.frithyr l

Enclosure:

LER No.96-001 l cc L. J. Callan, Regional Administrator, NRC Region IV

! J.--E. Dyer, Director, Division of Reactor Projects, NRC Region-IV J K. E. Perkins, Jr., Director, Walnut Creek Field Office. NRC l Region IV l

J. A. Sloan, NRC Senior Resident Inspector, San Onofre Units 2& 3' i- -L. C. Carson, NRC Project Manager, San Onofre, Unit 1 M. B. Fields, NRC Project Manager, San Onofre Units 2 and 3 Institute of Nuclear Power Operations -(INPO) 110069-

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LICENSEE EVE 01 REPORI (LER)

., .- i 3 FaclLity Name (1) Docket NW$er (2) ' Pone e3)

SAN ON0FRE NucttAR CENERAi!NG STA110N. UNITS 1. 2 AND 3 015101010121016 1 of 0 3 litle (4)

DISCOVERY OF FOUR SLIGHTLY CONTAMINATED K11 TENS Al SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR GENERAL!NG $1 Ail 0N EVENI DA1E (5) LER NUMBER (6) REPORI DAIE (7) 01HER F ACILillE* ~ . 4VOLVED (8)

Month Day Year Year /// Semential /// sevision Month Day Year facility Names t.ocket Ntaberf s)

/// Ntaber 1/1 Ntabe r SONGS UN!T 2 01 51 01 01 01 31 61_.1 Ol2 01 1 91 6 91 6 0 1 0 l 1.1.. 010 0l3 01 5 91 6 $Qf(Q.VNif 3 015101010131612 OP.,RAilNG THlh REPORI'lS $USM TTLD'PUR$UANT'TO ' HE REQUIREMLN15 0F .0CFR MODE (9) fthick one or more of the followina) (11) _

0 20.402(b) 20.40(c) 50.73(a)(2)(iv) _ 73.71(b)

POWER _ 20.405(a)(1)(1) , 50.36(c)(1) , 50.73(a)(2)(v) _ 73.71(c)

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LEVEL 20.405(a)(1)(ll) ,_ 50.36(c)(2) , 50.73(a)(2)(vil) K. Other (Specify in (101 0 101 0 ._,., 20.405(a)(1)(lii) , 50.73(a)(2)(1) _ 50.73(a)(2)(vill)(A) Abstract below and 20.405(a)(1)(lv) 50.73(a)(2)(ll) 50.73(a)(2)(vill)(B) in text)

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///////////////////////// VOLUNTARY REPORT fffffffffffffffffffffffft LICENSEF CONTACT f0R IMll LER (1 4 Name TE!EPHONE MtW ER AREA CODE R. W. Kriener. Vice President. Nuclear Generation 7l114 316181 l612151} '

COMPLETE ONE LINE FOR EACH COMPONENT FAILURE DESCRIBED IN IN!l, REPORI'(13e CAUSE SYSTEM COMP 0hENI MANUFAC.- REPORTABLE /////// CAUSE SYSTEM COMPONENT MANUFAC.- REPORTABLE //////

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$UPPLEMENTAL REPOR' EXPECTED i,14) Month Day Year Expected Submiasion Date (15)

M J f vet. comotete EXPEff ED SMS8(ll](ON DATE) l l NO IX l l I IBI,1RACT (Limit to 140(, spaces, i.e., app-exWtely fif teen single space typewritten Lines) (16) or 2/1/96, four kittens were discovered in a small space between office buildings inside th6 Lnit 1 Protected Area / Restricted Area but outside the radiologically controlled area. As they were being taken out of the ProtecCed Area / Restricted Area, co" .u K lon was detected on them by the exit portal i monitors. The kittens ws y m ceved and each measured about 6000 counts per minute. Health Physics wot m.s qu e each kitten a warm bath and shampoo, which lowered che levels to about 1000 counts per minute. After the baths, Health Physics analyzed each kitten and found about one microcurie of activity, s (primarily cesium 137, and small amounts of cesium 134 and cobalt 60). While tne quan'.ity of radioactive material found on and in the kittens is far below Nuclear Regulatory commission (NRC) reporting requirements, Edison is voluntarily providing this report.

After the kittens were found- the remains of an adult eat on Interstate 5 were sighted and recovered by a plant worker. Subsequent analysis of the cat found similar levels of activity as in the kittens. Based on the similarity of color between this adult cat and the kittens, the rarity of cats on-site, and the similar contamination in each case, Edison believes it likely the adult cat was the mother of the kittens.

The kittens remain under the care of plant workers. A local veterinarian has described the kittens as very healthy. There have been over 500 requests from local residents, the general public, and plant workers who wish to adopt the kittens.- Because of the very low quantities of activity involved, this occurrence did not affect the health or safety of plant workers or the public.

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4 L7CENSEE EVENT REPORT (LER) TEXT CONTINUAi10h SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR GENERATION STATION DOCKET NUMBER LER SUMBER PAGE UNIT 1 05000206 ,,15-J a l-0 9 2 of 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENTS:

Plants .

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3 Reactor Vendor: Combustion Engineering Discovery Date: Febrvary 1, 1996 Mode: Unit 1, Safestor Units 2 and 3, About 996 Power On February 1, 1996, four small black kittens were discovered in a small space between two Unit 1 administration buildings inside the Protected Area / Restricted Area but outside the radiologically controlled area. As the kittens were being taken out of the Protected Area / Restricted Area, contamination was detected on them by the exit portal monitors in our security building. Health Physics immediately responded and surveyed the kittens and the workers who handled them with a standard J frisker. The results showed that none of the workers were contaminated, but each 4 kitten measured about 6000 counts per minute. To reduce this activity, Health Physics workers gave each kitten a warm bath and shampoo, which lowered the icvels

, to about 1000 counts per minute.

After the baths, Health Physics analyzed each kitten and found about one microcurie of activity, primarily cesium 137, and small amounts of cesium 134 and cobalt 60.

Since the initial evaluation, measured activity has steadily decreased. A local veterinarian, who has made several visits to the plant and provided the first recommended vaccinations, describes the kittend as very healthy. Presently, their living quarters, which includes a pen, bed, and toys, is in a room within the Unit 2/3 n.d1At gically controlled area near the main entry station. They remain in the cara 0! ,o;7t workers.

The ga oc ~,ty of radioactive material found on and in the kittens is far below Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reporting requirements. Nevertheless, SCE has provided prompt and frequent updates to NRC resident and regional personnel and is voluntarily providing this Licensee Event Report.

During an effort to find the kittens' mother, we learned that an animal control officer had caught an adult cat on Edison property just outside the Protected Area / Restricted Area near Unit 1, one day before the kittens were found. Because the cat was wet from a rm storm and listless, the animal control officer took the cat home where it slept overnight in a cage in the officer's garage. The next morning, the cat appeared healthy and alert. Thus, consistent with our practice, the cat was released in a suitable area away from the plant.

After the kittens were found, workers at the plant tried, without success, to find the adult cat in the area where it had been released. Health Physics then contacted the animal control officer who handled the cat and surveyed him, his vehicle, and his home. While no centamination was found in or on him or in his vehicle or home, trace levels of activity (a few nanocuries) were found on a rag he used to dry the cat, and in feces deposited in the cage, d As the search continued, the remains of an adult cat on Interstate 5 were sighted and recovered by a plant worker. Health Physics analyzed the cat and found similar levels of activity as in the kittens. Based on the similarity of color between this adult cat and the kittens, the rarity of cats on-site, and the similar contamination in each case, Edison believes it likely the adult cat was the mother of the kittens.

In an ef' ort to find out how the kittens became contaminated, Health Physics performed a comprehensive survey both inside and outside the radiologically controlled area. While no contamination was found in either the area where the kittens were discovered or outside the radiologically controlled area, a few areas were identified inside Unit l's radiologically controlled area where a small animal (like a cat) could gain access and become contaminated. These areas meet all the regulatory requirements for access control and precautionary procedures to restrict

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LICENSEE EVENT REPORT (LER) TEXT CONTI?NJrTION SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR GENERATION STATION DOCKET NUMBER LER HUMBER PAGE 05000206 96-001-00 3 of 3 UNIT 1 worker access. Nevertheless, to reduce the chance of a small animal entering these areas again, additional physical barriers will be installed, where practical.

The kittens remain under the care of plant workers. There have been over 500 requests from local residents, the general public, and plant workers who wish to adopt the kittens. Because of the very low quantities of activity involved, this occurrence did not affect the health or safety of plant workers or the public.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

A search of the LER files yielded no similar event in the last three years, 4

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AR LINGtoN. T E X As 760M 8064 January 10,1997 Harold B. Ray, Executive Vice President Southern California Edison Co.

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station P.O. Box 128 San Clemente, California 92674-0128

SUBJECT:

NRC INSPECTION REPORT 50-361/96 19; 50 362/96-19 AND NOTICE OF VIOLATION

Dear Mr. Ray:

Ar$ NRC inspection was conducted December 16-20,1U6, at your San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Units 2 and 3 reactor facilities. The enclosed report presents the scope and results of that inspection.

The inspection identified three radiological control violations which callinto question the attentiveness of the staff at San Onofre. These violations addressed the control of radioactive material, the labeling of radioactivu material containers, and the awareness by plant workers of radiological conditions. Our concern is heightened because of the 23 examples, found by your staff between August and December 1995, where uncontrolled radioactive material was found outside of the radiological controlled area. Your corrective actions have not yet been effective in correcting this problem.

The violations are cited in the enclosed Notice of Violation (Notice) end the circumstances surrounding the violations are described 5 detailin the enclosed report. Please note that you are required to respond to this letter and should follow the instructions specified in the enclosed Notice when preparing your response. The NRC will use your response, in part, to determine whether further enforcement action is necessary to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the NPC's " Rules of Practice," a copy of this letter, its enclosure (s), and your response will be pli ;ad in the NRC Public Document Room (PDR). To the extent possible, your response should not include any personal privacy, proprietary, or safeguards information co that it can be placed in the PDR without redaction.

Should you have any questions concerning this inspe' . ion, we will be pleased to discuss them with you.

Sincetely,

/s/ by KEB Thomas P. Gwynn, Director Division of Reactor Safety

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c. Conclusions

' Good, effective reviews. and self-assessments of the radiation protection program were performed by well qualified auditors.

R8 Miscellaneous Radiological Protection and Chemistry issues R8.1 Performance Reports

The inspectors noted that the licensee produced several types of performance

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reports. The Quarterly Performance Reports written since August 1995, provided management with a good summary of the radiation protection program performance during the quarter. These reports presented management with the appropriate information to evaluate and assess the performance of the radiation protection progra'n.

1 R8.2 (Closed) Licensee Event Reoort (Voluntarv) 206/361/362/96-001 - Discoverv of Four Stiahtiv Contaminated Kittens

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.The inspectors verified the corrective actions described in the licensee's letter, dated March 5,1996, were implemented. No similar problems were IJentified.

V. Manaaement Meetinas l 'X1 Exit Meeting Summary An exit meeting was conducted on December 20,1996, at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Site. During this meeting, the inspectors reviewed the scope and findings of the inspection as detailed in this report. The licensee acknowledged the findings presented. - The licensee stated that they planned to provide additional information regarding their position on the labeling of radioactive material containers. No proprietary information was ioentified, i-L The licensee provided addition information in a letter dated January 2,1997,

. regarding their position on several inspection findings. The inspectors reviewed the information and determined that it did not change any of the findings documented in this report. This was telephonically communicated to the licensee on January 9, 1997.

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' ATTACHMENI PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED -

Licensee l

R. Krieger, Vice President Nuclear Generation D. Nunn, Vice President Engineering & Technical Services

-J. Barrow, Supervisor, Health Physics E. Bennett, Auditor, Nuclear Oversite Department T. Cooper, Supervisor, Health Physics J. Fee, Manager, Maintenance E. Goldin, Supervisor, Health Physics

. M. Lewis, Supervisor, ALARA R. Kaplan, Compliance Engineering P.-Knapp, Manager, Health Physics p

J. Madigan, Acting Manager, Health Physics J. Moore, Health Physics Contractor Coordinator

[ G. Plumlee Ill Compliance l

R. Sandstrom, Manager, Training

. K. Slagle, Manager, Nuclear Oversight R. Warnock, Project Manager, Health Physics H. Wood, Auditor, Nuclear Oversite Department

- R. Wood, Supervisor, Training NBC J. Russell, Resident inspector INSPECTION PROCEDURE USED 83750 Occupational Radiation Exposure LIST OF ITEMS OPENED AND CLOSED Opened VIO -50 361/362/9619-01 Worker awareness of area radiological conditions VIO 50-361/-362/9619-02 Failure to control radioactive material VIO ~ 50 361/-362/9619 03 Failure to label containers of radioactiva material Closed LER 50-206/361/362/96001 D?.covery of Four Slightly Contaminated Kittens

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Copyrighted Document Addressed Under FOIA l

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