IR 05000027/2017201

Washington State University - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Routine Inspection Report 05000027/2017201

ML17215B522
Person / Time
Site:	Washington State University
Issue date:	08/17/2017
From:	Mendiola A J Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch
To:	Keane C Washington State Univ
Morlang G M
References
IR 2017201
Download: ML17215B522 (16)

Text

August 17, 2017

Dr. Christopher Keane

Vice President for Research

Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164-6525

SUBJECT: WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-027/2017-201

Dear Dr. Keane:

From July 17 - 20, 2017, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an

inspection at your Washington State University TRIGA research reactor located in the Nuclear

Science Center. The enclosed report documents the inspection results, which were discussed

on July 20, 2017, with Dr. Donald Wall, Director of the Nuclear Science Center, and members of

your staff.

The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commission's 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 noncompliance

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 NRC's 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). Should you have any questions concerning this in spection, please contact Mr. Gary Morlang at 301-415-4092 or electronic mail at Gary.Morlang@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. 50-27

License No. R-76

Enclosure:

As stated

cc: w/enclosure: See next page

ML17215B522; concurrence via e-mail NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB* NRR/DPR/PROB* NRR/DPR/PROB NAME GMorlang NParker AMendiola DATE 8/14/17 8/14/17 8/17/17

Washington State University Docket No.50-027

cc:

Director

Division of Radiation Protection

Department of Health

7171 Cleanwater Lane, Bldg #5

P.O. Box 47827

Olympia, WA 98504-7827

Mr. David Clark, Director

Washington State University

Radiation Safety Office

P.O. Box 641302

Pullman, WA 99164 1302

Dr. Ken Nash Chair

Washington State University

Reactor Safeguards Committee

Nuclear Radiation Center

P.O. Box 641300

Pullman, WA 99164 1300

Mr. Corey Hines, Reactor Supervisor

Washington State University

Nuclear Radiation Center

P.O. Box 641300

Pullman, WA 99164 1300

Test, Research and Training

Reactor Newsletter

P.O. Box 118300

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611-8300

U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

Docket No.50-027

License No. R-076

Report No. 50-027/2017-201

Licensee: Washington State University

Facility: Nuclear Science Center

Location: Pullman, WA

Dates: July 17 - 20, 2017

Inspector: Gary Morlang

Approved by: Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Policy and Rulemaking

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Washington State University Nuclear Science Center NRC Report No. 50-027/2017-201

The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the on-site review of selected

aspects of the Washington State University (the licensee's) Class II research and test reactor

safety program including: (1) operations logs and records, (2) surveillance and limiting

conditions for operation, (3) experiments, (4) committees, audits and reviews (5) emergency

preparedness, (6) maintenance logs and records, and (7) fuel handling since the last U.S.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection of these areas. The licensee's program was

acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety and in compliance with

NRC requirements.

Operations Logs and Records

Operational activities were consistent wi th applicable technical specifications (TSs) and procedural requirements.

Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operations The program for tracking and completing surveillance checks and limiting conditions for operation satisfied TS requirements.

Experiments

Conduct and control of experiments and irradiations met the requirements specified in the TSs, the applicable experiment irradiation authorizations, and associated procedures.

Committees, Audits and Reviews

The review and audit program was being conducted by the Reactor Safeguards Committee.

The composition and meeting frequency satisfied requirements specified in the TSs.

Emergency Preparedness

The Emergency Plan (E-Plan) and Implementing Procedures were being reviewed and updated as required.

Emergency response facilities and equipment were being maintained as required and responders were knowledgeable of proper actions to be taken in case of an emergency.

Off-site support was acceptable and communications capabilities were adequate.

Annual drills were being conducted and critiques were being held as required by the E-Plan. Maintenance Logs and Records Maintenance logs, records, performance, and reviews satisfied TSs and procedure requirements.

Fuel Handling

Fuel handling activities and documentation were in compliance with the requirements specified in the TSs and procedures.

Enclosure REPORT DETAILS Summary of Facility Status The Washington State University (WSU, the lic ensee's) one megawatt (MW) TRIGA research and test reactor continued normal, routine operations. A review of the applicable records

indicated that the reactor was operated as needed in support of education, operator training,

and irradiation of various materials. During the inspection, the reactor was operated at levels up

to one MW and in accordance with applicable procedures to support ongoing irradiation

activities.

1. Operations Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)

The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to verify compliance

with technical specification (TS) Section 6.2 and the applicable procedures:

• WSU U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) TSs dated September 30, 2011

• Observation of selected operations activities on July 19, 2017

• Scram Summary Log (S.1) entries for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Pulsing Summary Log (S.2) entries for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Washington State University Nuclear Science Center (WSUNSC)

Maintenance Log (O.8) from January 2016 to present

• Reactor Operating Log (O.1) sheets from January 2016 through July 14, 2017, entitled "WSU Nuclear Science Center Reactor Log,"

NRC Form Number (No.) 22, latest form revision (March 2015)

• Selected entries on Reactor Start-Up Check-off (O.3) forms entitled WSUNSC Form No. 34, "WSU Reactor Start-Up Check-off," latest form

revision (October 2016) for 2016 and to date in 2017

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor,"

for the periods from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, dated

August 19, 2016

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor," for

the periods from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, dated August 7, 2015

• WSUNSC Administrative Procedure, Section No. 1, entitled "Responsibilities and Authority of Reactor Operating Staff," (not dated)

• WSUNSC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) No. 1, "Standard Procedure for Use of the Reactor," (May 9. 2017)

• WSUNSC SOP No. 2, "Standard Procedure for Startup, Operation, and Shutdown of the Reactor," (May 9, 2017)

b. Observations and Findings Reactor operations were carried out following written procedures and in

accordance with TS requirements. Shift staffing satisfied the minimum

requirements for duty and on-call personnel. Quarterly audits were conducted by

Reactor Safeguards Committee (RSC) personnel. Accurate correlation between

reactor logs, scram logs, pulse logs, and maintenance logs was noted.

Equipment problems and events were we ll documented and resolved, with the senior reactor operator (SRO) approval if required for restart of the reactor.

c. Conclusion The operational activities were found to be consistent with applicable TS and

procedural requirements.

2. Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operations a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

To verify compliance with TS Sections 3, 4, and 5, the inspector reviewed

selected aspects of:

• Reactor Operating Log (O.1) sheets from January 2016 through July 2017, entitled "WSU Nuclear Science Center Reactor Log," NRC

Form No. 22, latest form revision May 2017

• Control Element Inspection Log (O.5) for 2016 and 2017

• Monthly Core Reactivity Parameters Log (O.7) for 2016 thru July 2017

• Maintenance Log, Volume 1 (O.8), pages 148-158

• Preventative Maintenance Checklists (O.2) for 2016 and to date in 2017

• RSC meeting minutes for 2016 and 2017

• Power Calibration Log forms (also in O.2) for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Monthly Console and Auxiliary Equi pment Checklist Log (O.9) containing documentation of equipment maintenance as indicated on the WSUNSC

Form No. 40, entitled "Console Auxiliary Equipment Maintenance Checklist,"

latest form revision July 2016

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor,"

for the periods from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, dated

August 19, 2016

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor," for

the periods from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015 dated August 7, 2015

• WSUNSC SOP No. 5, "Standard Procedure for Performing Preventive Maintenance," dated May 9, 2017

• WSUNSC SOP No. 11, "Standard Procedure for Control Element Maintenance, Removal, and Replacement," dated May 9, 2017

• WSUNSC SOP No. 20, "Standard Procedure for Performing Power Calibrations," dated May 9, 2017

• WSUNSC SOP No. 23, "Standard Procedure for Annual Fuel Inspection,"

dated May 9, 2017 * WSUNSC SOP No. 24, "Standard Procedure for Fuel Burnup Calculation,"

dated May 9, 2017

• WSUNSC SOP No. 25, "Standard Procedure for Core Changes and Fuel Movement," dated March 12, 2015

b. Observations and Findings The Inspector determined that the daily, weekly, monthly, semiannual, annual,

and other periodic checks, tests, and verifications for TS required limiting

conditions for operation (LCO) were being completed as required. Extensive

checklists were used to track completion of the various required surveillances

and LCO verifications. The checklists included the date and name that each

activity was completed. All recorded results observed by the inspector were

within prescribed TSs and procedure parameters and in close agreement with

the previous surveillance results.

c. Conclusion The surveillance logs, records, performance, and reviews satisfied TSs and

procedure requirements. The program for tracking and completing surveillance

requirements was detailed and thorough.

3. Experiments a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

To verify compliance with the licensee's program for conducting experiments and

irradiations as outlined in TS Sections 3.6, 4.6, and 6.4.7 and in various

procedures, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:

• WSUNSC Irradiation Data Log sheets for the period from January 2016 to the present * WSUNSC Reactor Operating Log (O.1) sheets from January 2016 to the present * Experiment approvals documented on WSUNSC Form No. 1, entitled "Project Initiation Request Form," latest form revision dated March 2011, with the

associated experiment overviews, safety reviews and analyses, isotope

production data, accident analyses, and approvals

• SOP No. 1, "Standard Procedure For Use Of The Reactor," latest revision dated March 12, 2015

• SOP No. 2, "Standard Procedure For Startup, Operations and Shutdown of The Reactor," latest revision dated May 9, 2017

• SOP No. 3, "Standard Procedure For Performing Experiments Using The Reactor," latest revision dated May 9, 2017 b. Observations and Findings Various new experiments had been proposed since the last inspection. The

inspector verified that new experiments were reviewed and approved by a SRO

and by either the Assistant Facility Director or the Facility Director. Certain

experiments were also approved by the RSC when required. The inspector also

verified that the experiments were completed under the supervision of the SRO

and in accordance with TS requirements.

The inspector reviewed the existing experiment and irradiation authorization

documents, Irradiation Data Log sheets, Reactor Logbook, and interviewed staff

members. It was noted that the information typically entered on the Irradiation

Data Log sheets was now being entered into a data base developed by facility

personnel. The appropriate data was recorded and the radioactive material

produced was handled and controlled as required.

c. Conclusion The conduct and control of experiments and irradiations met the requirements

specified in the TSs, the experiment irradiation authorizations, and applicable

procedures.

4. Committees, Audits and Reviews a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

In order to verify that the licensee had established and conducted reviews and

audits as required in TS Section 6.4, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:

• WSU RSC meeting minutes for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Safety review and audit records documented on WSUNSC forms entitled,

"Reactor Safeguards Committee Facility Records Quarterly Audit," for the

period from January 2016 through the present

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor," for

the periods from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, dated August 19, 2016

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor," for

the periods from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, dated August 7, 2015 b. Observations and Findings The RSC membership satisfied TS requirements and the Committee's procedural

rules. The RSC, or a subcommittee thereof, was required to hold semi-annual

meetings each year. It was noted that three committee meetings were held in

2016, and two committee meetings to date in 2017.

Review of the committee meeting minutes indicated that the RSC provided

appropriate guidance and direction for reactor operations. Additionally, the

annual review of the radiation protection program and the biennial reviews of the standard operating procedures, the emergency plan (E-Plan), and the security

plan had been conducted and documented.

Since the last inspection, audits of reactor facility records and reviews of

operating abnormalities, changes to procedures, equipment changes, and

proposed tests or experiments had been completed and documented. The

inspector noted that audits were conducted during the meetings held by the RSC.

c. Conclusion The review and audit program was being completed acceptably by the RSC.

5. Emergency Preparedness a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

To ensure that the licensee was acceptably implementing the various aspects of

their emergency preparedness program, the inspector reviewed selected aspects

of: * WSUNSC SOP No. 15, "Standard Procedure for Action in the Event of an Alarm," dated May 9, 2017

• Emergency Preparedness Plan for the WSUNSC dated May 21, 2015

• Emergency drills and exercises for the past two years

• Administrative Requirements Schedule Log (A.4) sheets

• Training records for licensee staff and support personnel

• Emergency response facilities, supplies, equipment, and instrumentation

• Offsite support as documented in the Letter of Agreement with the hospital

• WSUNSC Short Form Emergency Procedure, latest revision dated November 21, 2008

• WSUNSC SOP No. 14, "Standard Procedure in the Event of an Emergency Situation," dated May 9, 2017

b. Observations and Findings The E-Plan in use at the facility, entitled "Emergency Preparedness Plan for the

Nuclear Science Center, Washington State University," was being reviewed and

updated as required by TSs.

Emergency facilities, instrumentation, and equipment were being maintained and

controlled, and supplies were being inventoried as required in the Emergency

Preparedness Plan.

The Inspector determined through records review and through interviews with

licensee personnel that emergency responders were knowledgeable of the

proper actions to take in case of an emergency. The agreement with the

Pullman Regional Hospital, which had been updated May 24, 2016. Communications capabilities with the various campus, city, and county support

groups were acceptable and off-site support for the facility was verified to be

acceptable and in accordance with the Emergency Preparedness Plan. The

alarm system had been tested weekly and monthly as stipulated in the

Emergency Preparedness Plan.

The inspector determined that the emergency drills were being conducted as

required by the Emergency Preparedness Plan. Critiques were written following

the drills and they addressed problems noted during the conduct of the drill with

assigned corrective actions.

c. Conclusion The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the

requirements stipulated in the E-Plan.

6. Maintenance Logs and Records a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

To verify compliance with TS Sections 3, 4, and 5, the inspector reviewed

selected aspects of:

• Reactor Operations Summary Sheets for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Control Element Inspection Log (O.5) for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Monthly Core Reactivity Parameters Log (O.7) for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Maintenance Log, Volume 1 (O.8), pages 148-158

• Preventative Maintenance Checklists (O.2) for 2016 and to date in 2017

• RSC meeting minutes 2016 and to date in 2017

• Power Calibration Log forms (also in O.2) for 2016 and to date in 2017

• Monthly Console and Auxiliary Equi pment Checklist Log (O.9) containing documentation of equipment maintenance as indicated on the WSUNSC

Form No. 40, entitled "Console Auxiliary Equipment Maintenance Checklist,"

latest form revision June 2016

• WSUNSC Reactor Operating Log (O.1) sheets from January 2016 to date in 2017

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor," for

the periods from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, dated August 19, 2016

• WSU Annual Report entitled "Annual Report on the Operation of the Washington State University Nuclear Radiation Center TRIGA Reactor," for

the periods from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, dated August 7, 2015

• WSUNSC Administrative Procedure, Section No. 5, entitled "Surveillance Documentation Review," (not dated)

• WSUNSC Administrative Procedure, Section No. 6, entitled "Performance of Maintenance Activities," (not dated)

• WSUNSC SOP No. 5, "Standard Procedure for Performing Preventive Maintenance," dated May 9, 2017 * WSUNSC SOP No. 11, "Standard Procedure for Control Element Maintenance," dated May 9, 2017

• WSUNSC SOP No. 20, "Standard Procedure for Performing Power Calibrations," dated May 9, 2017

b. Observations and Findings The Inspector noted that routine and preventive maintenance was controlled by,

and documented in, the maintenance or reactor operations logs and the monthly

Console Auxiliary Equipment Maintenance Checklists consistent with the TSs

and licensee procedures. Unscheduled maintenance or equipment repair was

reviewed to determine if the work required a Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 50.59 evaluation. Verifications and operational systems checks were performed following completion of the maintenance to ensure system

operability before the equipment was returned to service.

c. Conclusion The maintenance logs, records, performance, and reviews satisfied TSs and

procedure requirements.

7. Fuel Handling a. Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to ensure that the

licensee was complying with TS Sections 4.1.6, 5.2, 6.8, and 6.9:

• Control Element Inspection Log (O.5) for 2016 and 2017

• Monthly Core Reactivity Parameters Log (O.7) for 2016 and 2017

• Core Change Log (O.6) through July 2017

• Fuel handling equipment and instrumentation

• Selected WSUNSC Reactor Log sheets from 2016 through the present

• WSU special nuclear material Physical Inventory Log sheets dated March 21, 2012, from 2016 through the present

• WSUNSC Administrative Procedure, Section No. 9, entitled "Special Nuclear Material Accountability Plan," (not dated)

• WSUNSC SOP No. 23, "Standard Procedure Annual Fuel Inspection," dated May 9, 2017

• WSUNSC SOP No. 11, "Standard Procedure for Control Element Maintenance," dated May 9, 2017 b. Observations and Findings Procedures for refueling, fuel movement, and TSs required surveillances ensured

controlled operations for Core 35-A. A detailed plan for performing fuel

movement was required to be developed prior to each fuel movement operation.

The inspector noted that the data recorded for fuel movements that had been

conducted in the past were acceptable and were required to be cross referenced

in the operations logs. Log entries, indicating fuel movements, were completed

under the direct supervision of a SRO as required.

Through records review and interviews with licensee personnel, the inspector

determined that various fuel movement operations had been conducted since the

last inspection in this area. The most significant fuel movement involved

removing fuel bundles from the core to allow for fuel inspection in

January 2016. The inspector verified that a detailed plan had been completed for

the fuel movement activities as required. The plan had been reviewed and

approved by the Facility Assistant Director and the Facility Director as required.

c. Conclusion The fuel handling activities and documentation were as required by facility TSs

and procedures.

8. Exit Interview The inspection scope and results were summarized on July 20, 2017, with members of

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

detail the inspection findings. The licensee acknowledged the inspection results

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

by the inspector during the inspection.

PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED Licensee Personnel

C. Hines Assistant Director, Nuclear Science Center T. LaVoie Senior Reactor Operator D. Wall Director, Nuclear Science Center H. Bennet Senior Reactor Operator C. Jackson Administrative Assistant

INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors

ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED Opened None

Closed None PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED E-Plan Emergency Plan IP Inspection Procedure LCO Limiting Condition for Operation MW Megawatt No. Number NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission RSC Reactor Safeguards Committee SOP Standard Operating Procedure SRO Senior Reactor Operator TS Technical Specification WSU Washington State University WSUNSC Washington State University Nuclear Science Center