ML20135C073

Responds to Note Questioning Whether or Not There Is Need to Issue Another in to Remod Licensees of Security Concerns Surrounding Use,Transportation & Storage of Portable Gauges

ML20135C073
Person / Time
Issue date:	11/27/1996
From:	Camper L NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
To:	Cool D NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS)
References
SSD, NUDOCS 9612060158
Download: ML20135C073 (5)

Text

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, November 27,1996 MEMORANDUM TO: Donald A. Cool, Director Division ofIndustrial and Medical Nuclear Safety, NMSS FROM: Lany W. Camper, Chief Medical, Academic, and Commercial Use Safety Branch Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety, NMSS

SUBJECT:

REVIEW OF INFORMATION NOTICE REGARDING PORTABLE GAUGEG BEING STOLEN OR LOST This is in reply to your note questioning whether or not there is a need to issue another Information Notice to remind licensees of the security concems surrounding the use, transportation and storage of portable gauges. The previous information Notice, No. 87-55, October 29,1987, addressed an increase in incidents of portable gauges being lost or stolen and the primary contributing factor being failure of the users to secure and maintain control over the gauges.

A review of PNs for the last twelve months involving lost or stolen gauges indicates that in most cases users had adequately secured the gauges in accordance with NRC requirements. In fact, only 3 out of 26 gauges stolen / lost were improperly secured. A further review of the PNs back to 1992 showed no change in the theft / loss of portable gauges nor any difference in the percentage of gauges stolen / lost that were improperiy secured.

Based on the above information, the staff does not see a compelling reason to issue an Information Notice, at this time, reminding licensees of the security concems surrounding the use, transportation and storage of portable gauges. However, in view of the lack of security infractions, an Information Notice at this time would have to focus primarily on the number of events rather than on security and control. The Generic Assessment Panel (GAP) is currently monitoring the frequency and nature of events involving stolen gauges. GAP is increasingly concemed about the number of events involving theft of such devices. Therefore, it is anticipated that, at some point, GAP will determine if any further action, e.g., IN's or rulemaking, are indicated for this category of licenses.

CONTACT: Stephen W. Holmes, NMSS (301) 415-5799 DISTRIBUTION: IMNS:5498 '

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l UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 October 29,1987 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 87-55: PORTABLE MOISTURE / DENSITY GAUGES:

RECENT INCIDENTS OF PORTABLE GAUGES BEING STOLEN OR LOST

[ Refer also to NRC Information Notice No. 86-67, August 15,1986, Same subject)

Addressees:

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All NRC licensees authorized to possess portable gauges.

Purpose:

This notice is intended to infor licensees of the recent increase in incidents of portable gauges being lost or stolen during use, transportation, and storage. It is expected that recipients will -

review the information for applicability to their licensed activities and consider actions, if I appropnate, to preclude similar problems from occurring at their facilities. However, suggestions  ;

contained in this information notice do not constitute NRC requirements; therefore, no specific l action or written response is required. j Description of Circumstances:

Several incaderds have occurred recently where portable moisture and density gauges have been lost or stolen from licensees, either from Job sites or from vehicles during transportation. Gauges lost or stolen were not secured or were stolen while left unattended by the users. In one recent event, a gauge was stolen after the user failed to lock the case and failed to chain the case to the truck, which itself was left unattended. This event resulted in four violations of NRC requirements. In another case, a gauge was stolen after being left outdoors, unattended, over a weekend, at a construction site.

Discussion:

A primary contributing factor in these incidents was the failure of the gauge users to secure and maintain control over the gauges. Title 10 CFR 20.207 requires that licensed material (e.g.,

portable gauges) must be under the constant surveillance and immediate control of the licensee, or must be secured in storage. At construction sites, the licensee must constantly control access to the gauge dunng use at the site, and keep it in locked storage when not in use. 8710230213 IN 87-55 October 29,1987 Page 2 of 2 NRC licensees transporting portable gauges are subject to the regulations in 10 CFR Part 71. Section 71.5(a) incorporates certain regulations (49 CFR 170-189) of the Department of Transportation (DOT), to which these licensees are also subject.

Licensees who transport gauges to and from temporary job sites in private vehicles are shippers acting as private carriers, and as such, must comply with the DOT regulations goveming both shippers and camers Title 49 CFR 177.842(d) requires that packages containing radioactive material (i.e., the gauge in its case) must be blocked and braced to prevent movement of the

, package during transportation (see Information Notice 87-31, attached). For pickup trucks, this

j requirement is usually met when the gauge is secured within its case, and the case is secured and locked to the bed of the truck. The NRC has also noted several incidents where gauges were damaged in transportation accidents or by being run over by construction vehicles. The most prevalent cause of such incidents is the failure by the licensee to secure and lock the cargo door, combined with a failure to properly secure the device / case to the bed of the vehicle.

Licensees are reminded that they should use care to avoid these types of incidents. If a gauge is damaged, the area around the gauge should be restricted, and the licensee's radiation safety officer and NRO should be promptly notified.No specific action or written response is required by this notice if you have any questions regarding this information notice, please contact the appropriate NRC regional office or this office. Richard E. Cunningham, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and SafeguardsTechnical

Contact:

Don Mackenzie, NMSS (301) 427-4052 Attachments: 1. Information N'stice No.86-672. List of Recently issued NRC Information Notices

NRC Form 8-C (4-79)

NRCM O240 COVER SHEET FOR CORRESPONDENCE Use this Cover Sheet to Protect Originals of Multi-Page Correspondence.

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November 7, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-96-060 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events'of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Texas Agreement State Licensee Notification of Unusual Event Rone Engineers Alert 11234 Goodnight Lane Site Area Emergency Dallas, Texas General Emergency License No: LO2356 X Not Applicable

Subject:

PORTABLE GAUGE STOLEN The licensee reported that a Troxler Model 3430 gauge was stolen from the back of a truck this morning (November 7) at 6:30 a.m. CST in Fort Worth, Texas. The driver had parked the truck at the front of a convenience store when the theft occurred. The gauge contains two sealed sources including a 40-millicurie americium-241 source and a 8-millicurie cesium-137 source. A case holding the gauge had been secured to the bed of the' truck with a padlocked chain. An eyebolt on the chain had been pried open to effect-the theft. The gauge was also locked within the chained case.

The local police and the Texas Department of Health were notified by the-licensee.

Region IV received notification of this occurrence by telephone from the licensee at 10:00 a.m. CST on November 7, 1996. This information has been confirmed with a licensee representative.

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I Region IV has discussed the gauge theft with a state representative. The state representative will keep Region IV apprised of any new

! developments.

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Contact:

Charles Cain Charles Hackney (817)860-8186 (817)860-8267 h ll00W- /f

1 October 16, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-96-072 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date. ,

s Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Cat Engineering Consultants Notification of Unusual Event (An Agreement State Licensee) Alert Coral Gables, Florida Site Area Emergency License No: FL-2611-1 General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE I Florida, an Agreement State, notified NRC that a portable moisture density gauge was reported stolen from the licensee's truck located in a residental area of Orlando, Florida. The event occurred during the night of October 15, 1996.

The device was a Troxler, Model 3440, portable gauge, serial number 26065. The device contains 9 millicuries of cesium-137, and 44 millicuries of americium:berylium. The device was reported to have been locked inside the transportation container, and the container was locked and secured to the truck with a cable and lock.

The State related that the Polk County Sheriff's Department was investigating the event, and that a press release was being prepared for i release.

This information is current as of 3:00 p.m. (EDT), on October 16, 1996.

Contact:

R. L. Woodruff (404)331-5545 l

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September 12, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-I-96-064 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region I staff (King of Prussia, Pennsylvania)n on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Abi Laboratories Job Trailer Notification of Unusual Event Philadelphia International Airport Alert 8252 Enterprise Road Site Area Emergency  ;

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania General Emergency i Dockets: 03033841 License No: 37-30215-01 X Not Applicable

Subject:

PORTABLE GAUGE STOLEN On the morning of September 12, 1996, ABI Laboratories notified the NRC that, at 6:00 a.m., they discovered that a portable gauge and other .

equipment had been stolen from their trailer at Philadelphia l International Airport. The gauge had been placed in the locked trailer i at the end of the workday on September 11, 1996. The trailer was on a construction site.within a locked, fenced area. The Troxler Model 3430 moisture / density gauge with two sealed sources containing 40 millicuries of Americium 241 and 8 millicuries of Cesium 137, respectively, has not been located. The police have responded to the incident. The licensee plans to issue a. press release.

All information is current as of 2:00 p.m.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been notified.

The Region I Public Affairs Office is available to respond to press inquiries.

Contact:

Eric H. Reber (610)337-5276 I l

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August 29, 1996 f PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-III-96-056 5 This preliminary notification c Tstitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest signiticance. The information is as initially l received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region III staff (Lisle, Illinois) on this date.

i Facility Licensee Emercency Classification l Alt And Witzig Engineering, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event Alt And Witzig Engineering, Inc. Alert Indianapolis, Indiana Site Area Emergency License No: 13-18685-01 General Emergency X Not Applicable l

Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE On August 29, 1996, the licensee reported that a Troxler Model 3400 l

} moisture- density gauge had been stolen. The gauge contained sealed l radiation sources of 8 millicuries of cesium-137 (0.30 gigabecquerel) and 40 millicuries (1.48 gigabecquerel) of americium-241. The licensee

reported that the gauge, within its transport case, was chained and locked to the "open" bed of a truck with the transport case and source e

locked. There was evidence that the chain securing the gauge transport case had been cut. The sources do not represent a significant radiation hasard when secured in the shielded position.

i l The vehicle was parked in front of the residence of one of the licensee's i employees at the time of the theft. The gauge was stolen some time during

the night or early morning before 6

20 a.m. when the user was preparing to go to work.

i The local police were notified of the theft. The licensee plans to issue j a news release and offer a reward in an attempt to recover the gauge.  !

1 The State of Indiana and the NRC Office of Nuclear Material Safety and  !

Safeguards have been notified. The information in this preliminary I i notification has been reviewed with licensee management.

i l The licensee notified NRC Region III (Chicago) at 12:30 p.m. (EDT) on i August 29, 1996. This information is current as of 3:00 p.m. (EDT).

Contact:

D. G. WIEDEMAN ROY CANIANO I

(630)829-9808 (630)829-9801 A

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August 20, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-96-043 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Western Technologies, Pheonix, Az Notification of Unusual Event Western Technologies, Phoenix, Az Alert Phoenix, Arizona Site Area Emergency License No: 07-080 General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

THEFT OF PORTABLE GAUGE FROM ARIZONA LICENSEE On Friday, August 16, 1996, the licensee reported to the State of Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (RRA) the theft of a portable gauge which occurred during the night of August 15-16, 1996. The gauge was subsequently recovered on August 18. The gauge is a Troxler Model 3440 containing 10 millicuries of cesium-137 and 50 millicuries of americium-241.

The truck in which the gauge was stored was stolen from a motel in Mesa, Arizona. The driver had left the truck unlocked and had left the keys to the truck on the seat of the vehicle. The gauge was stored in its case in a locked compartment in the back of the truck. The stolen vehicle was later seen in the vicinity of an attempted burglary in Gilbert, Arizona, the morning of August 16.

At 4:30 p.m. on August 18, a citizen reported to the Maricopa Sheriff Department that he had found the locked and labelled case containing the gauge in the desert near Mesa. The sheriff notified the Arizona RRA who took custody of the device and returned it to the licensee. The Arizona RRA does not believe that anyone opened the case containing the gauge.

After the theft occurred, the licensee issued a press release and offered a $500 reward for information leading to the return of the gauge. At the same time, Arizona officials informed Mexico, New Mexico, California, Utah, and Nevada of the vehicle description and that the truck carried the gauge. There was subsequent media interest in the event.

Local police and the Arizona RRA continue to investigate the circumstances of the theft of the truck which is still missing.

Enforcement action is planned in regard to the Arizona licensee for failure to secure the material. The Arizona RRA has leak tested the device and found no contamination.

Region IV first received notification of this occurrence by fax from the Arizona RRA at 4:00 p.m. CDT on August 16, 1996. This information is complete as of 10:00 a.m. on August 20, 1996.

Region IV has informed NMSS, OPA, and OSP.

Contact:

Charles Cain (817)860-8186

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! August 7, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-III-96-048 i This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE

safety or public interest. significance. The information is as initially i received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is 4 known by Region.III staff (Lisle, Illinois) on this date.

i j Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification

M. C. Nutting Company Notification of Unusual Event H. C. Nutting Company l

, Alert j Cincinnati, Ohio Site Area Emergency l License No: 34-18882-01 General Emergency

X Not Applicable

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Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE 1

! On August 7, 1996, the licensee reported that a vehicle which had a l Troxler Model 3400 moisture-density gauge secured inside had been stolen.

j The gauge contained sealed radiation sources of 8 millicuries of I cesium-137 (0.30 gigabecquerel) and 40 millicuries (1.48 gigabecquerel) i of americium-241. The licensee reported that the vehicle was locked, and

the transport case was locked and concealed under a draw cover in the 2 back of the vehicle. Additionally, the source rod was also locked in.the shielded position. The sources do not represent a significant radiation hazard when secured in the shielded position.

4 The vehicle was parked in front of an apartment complex at the residence of an authorized user at the time of the incident. The vehicle was stolen some time between 12:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. (EDT) on August 7, 1996.

! The local police were notified of the theft. The licensee plans to issue

] a news release and notify local radio stations.

j The State of Ohio and the NRC Office of Nuclear Material Safety and a safeguards have been notified. The information in this preliminary

{ notification has been reviewed with licensee management.

'The licensee notified NRC Region III (Chicago) at 10:15 a.m. (EDT) on August 7, 1996. This information is current as of 11:30 a.m. (EDT).

Contact:

TOYE SIMMONS B. J. HOLT (630)829-9842 (630)829-9836

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August 7, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-96-054 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE-l safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially

! received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is l known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date.

l E0cility Licensee Emeroency Classification l Gallet & Associates, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event l (Jul Agreement State Licensee) Alert Birmingham, Alabama Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable l

Subject:

STOLEN TORXLER MOIS'iURE DENSITY GAUGE On August 7,1996, a representative of the State of Alabama advised the region that the li ensee reported the theft of a Troxler moisture density gauge from a Company vehicle.

The theft occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m., August 6, 1996 from a t

Company truck which was parked in the parking lot of a local shopping mall in Irondale, Alabama. The licensee reported that the hinges on the secured container in which the gauge was stored were broken, and the

gauge was apparently stolen.

The Troxler gauge in question was a Model 3401B, Serial Number 11353, containing 9 Millicurie Cs-137 and 44 Millicurie Americium-Beryllium.

Local law enforcement officials from the cities of Birmingham and Irondale, Alabama, as well as the Jefferson County Sheriff's have been notified.

No media interest has been expressed, and the licensee is expected to i issue a press release today.

l The Region was notified of this event by a representative of the State of Alabama at 11:00 a.m., EDT, August 7, 1996.

The region will monitor the activities of the State.

This information is current as of 12:00 p.m., EDT, August 7, 1996 l

Contact:

R. Trojanowski *

(404)331-5597

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j July 30, 1996 '

t ERELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-96-041

. This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE  :

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! safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially  !

received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is  !

l' known by Region IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date.

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, Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification

! Arkansas Agreement State Notification of Unusual Event Anderson Engineering, Inc. Alert Little Rock, Arkansas Site Area Emergency )

General Emergency  ;

X Not Applicable

Subject:

PORTABLE GAUGE STOLEN IN AGREEMENT STATE The Arkansas Division of Radiation Control notified the NRC Region IV Office on July 30, 1996, that a portable gauge containing licensed material was reported as stolen from a temporary job site in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The gauge, a Troxler Model 3411-B which contains sealed sources of cesium-137 (10 millicuries) and americium-241 (40 millicuries) , was stored in a locked storage trailer,at_the job. site. Anderson Engineering repor,ted that although the[traileriwssilocked,_ Ehe gauge's transport fcase t

wasinotal'ocked,"norl,was'ther gaugeiltself.lockedE(ho prevent the sour 6e rod fros~being e~xtended~from the gauge). Other items were also stolen from the trailer.

The Arkansas official reporting the event stated that Arkansas plans to issue a press release. Arkansas has notified Oklahoma' officials, because they believe the stolen property may be transported to Oklahoma.

Region IV received notification of this occurrence by telephone from Arkansas officials and is current as of 11:00 a.m. CDT on July 30, 1996.

Region IV has informed OSP, NMSS, and OPA.

Contact:

Charles Cain (817)860-8186 l

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June 26, 1996 l PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-III-96-039 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region III staff (Lisle, Illinois) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification !

Alt & Witzig Engineering Notification of Unusual Event Alt & Witzig Engineering Alert Site Area Emergency Indianapolis, Indiana l

License No: 13-18685-01 General Emergency i X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE On June 26, 1996, the licensee reported a theft of a Troxler moisture / density gauge that took place at about 9:00 p.m. on June 25, 1996. The gauge was stolen from a pickup truck parked at Menards Hardware Store in Beech Grove, Indiana. The licensee reported that the camper top had been broken into and the chain securing the gauge had been cut. The gauge contains a nominal 40 millicuries (1,480 MBq) americium-241 sealed source and a 10 millicurie (370 MBq) cesium-137 sealed source. The gauge's source rod was locked in the shielded position at the time of the theft and the gauge was stored in its locked transport case.

NRC Region III (Chicago) will review the circumstances surrounding the theft during a future inspection.

The State of Indiana and the NRC Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards have been notified. The licensee has notified the local police and plans to issue a news release and offer a reward in an attempt to i recover the gauge. The information in this preliminary notification has i been reviewed with licensee management. l The licensee notified the NRC Operations Center of this event at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on June 26, 1996. This information is current as of 3:30 p.m.

(CDT).

Contact:

B. J. HOLT DARREL WIEDMAN (708)829-9836 (708)829-9808 1

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June 25, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-96-035 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is l known by Region IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date.

l Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification Halliburton, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event i Halliburton Engineering Services Alert  ;

Bossier City Site Area Emergency '

Bossier City, Louisiana General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

RECOVERY OF MISSING DENSOMETER This updates information provided in PNO-II-96-045 issued by Region II on l

June 24, 1996. The original preliminary notification described the loss of a slurry densometer (containing approximately 50 millicuries of l

cesium-137) by Halliburton, Inc. during travel from a temporary jobsite in Mississippi back to Halliburton's office in Bossier City, Louisiana.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. (CT) on June 24, 1996, representatives of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality informed NRC Region IV staff that the missing densometer was found near Minden, Louisiana, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on June 23, 1996, and was later returned to Halliburton. Louisiana representatives reported that the densometer apparently fell out of an unlocked compartment normally used to store densometers on Halliburton vehicles during transportation. Initial l examination of the densometer at Halliburton's facility did not identify any damage to the device.

The state of Mississippi has been informed.

Region IV received notification of this occurrence by telephone call from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality at approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 24, 1996. I Region IV has informed NMSS and has coordinated with Region II.

t The information herein is current as of 10:00 a.m., June 25, 1996.

Contact:

Linda L. Howell Charles A. Hackney (817)860-8213 (817)860-8267

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May 31, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-96-029 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region-IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification Sunrise Engineering Inc. Notification of Unusual Event

[ Draper Office Alert

P.O. Box 186 Site Area Emergency  !

! Utah Agreement State General Emergency l l Fillmore, Utah X Not Applicable i License No: UT-1400313 i

Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE / DENSITY GAUGE

At 12:10 p.m., May 31, 1996,the NRC Headquarters Operations Center was l notified by the Utah Division of Radiation Control that a Troxler nuclear gauge had been stolen from a Utah licensee. The Utah representative stated that Sunrise Engineering, Inc. (SEI), located in Fillmore, Utah, reported on May 31 that a Troxler moisture / density gauge was' stolen from the back of an SEI vehicle at approximately 1530 MDT on May 30, 1996. An SEI representative stated that the gauge had been chained and locked (in a transportation container) in the bed of a pickup truck and that a bolt cutter was used to remove the gauge. The stolen gauge was identified as a l Troxler Model 3430 (S/N 23008) containing approximately 8 millicuries of l cesium-137 and 40 millicuries of americium-241. The Agreement State-licensee also notified the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department of the stolen gauge. The Utah Division of Radiation Control has notified local l media, and announcements have been made by radio and television in the Salt Lake City area. The Utah Division of Radiation Control has also notified radiation control program directors in surrounding states and plans to notify scrap metal yards in the Salt Lake City area.

The Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards has been informed.

Region IV received notification of this occurrence by facsimile from NRC Headquarters Operations Center at 12:08 p.m. CDT, May 31, 1996.

This information herein has been discussed with the State and is current as of 3:00 p.m. (CDT), May 31, 1996.

Contact:

Linda L. Howell Charles Hackney (817)860-8213 (817)860-8267 l

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May 29, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-96-028 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE' safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date. .

l Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification California Agreement State Notification of Unusual Event Engeo, Inc Alert San Ramon, California Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

GAUGES STOLEN FROM TEMPORARY JOBSITE The licensee, ENGEO, Inc., reported to the state of California at 4:45 p.m., May 28, 1996, that two portable gauges in transport cases were  !

stolen from a temporary jobsite in the San Jose, California, area over the Memorial Day weekend. The gauges were stored in a locked 8- by l 20-foot metal storage unit (" Sea Land"). The locks and chains securing i the gauges were both cut. Also stolen were other tools and a pickup  ;

truck. The local police, NRC, and the gauge manufacturers have been notified. There will be a press release with a reward offered for return of the gauges. The licensee's Radiation Safety Office (RSO) is Daniel l

-Haynosch, and he can be reached at 510-838-1600. The RSO is performing a local search as well as offering a $500 reward for the gauges. The gauges are a Troxler 3400, S/N 22181 and a Humboldt 5000, S/N 1742. The San Jose Police Case No. is 96-1490262.

This information herein has been discussed with the licensee and is current as of 12 noon, May 29, 1996.

NMSS has been informed of this matter.

Contact:

Jack Horner (510)975-0224 I

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May 15, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-96-038 i

This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE  !

safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially j received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is 1 known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date.

l Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification Southern Earth Sciences, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event (An Agreement State Licensee) Alert Mobile, Alabama Site Area Emergency

! License No: AL-647 General Emergency X Not Applicable l

Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE l

l The Alabama Division of Radiological Health notified NRC by faxsmile on l

May 7, 1996, that the Licensee had reported a stolen moisture density gauge. As of May 15, the gauge has not been recovered.

The device was stolen from the Licensee's truck parked at a residence in Satsuma, AL (near Mobile) between 5:00 p.m. on April 29, 1996, and 6:00 a.m. (CDT) on April 30, 1996. The device was a Campbell-Pacific Nuclear Corporation gauge with a 10 millicurie (370 MBq) cesium-137 l source, and a 50 millicurie (1.85 GBq) americium-241 source. The device l was reported by the Licensee to have been chained and locked in the j truck, and the chain was cut. The maximum surface dose rate on the device is 13 millirem per hour (.13 mSv).

The Licensee issued a press release on April.30, 1996, and offered a l reward for the recovery or information leading to the recovery of the j device. The State also provided to Satsuma/ Mobile Police Department, l State Department of Public Safety, and the Alabama Emergency Management l

t Agency, information regarding the stolen device including the device description, actions to be taken, and who to notify in case the device was recovered.

This information is current as of 4:00 p.m., EDT, May 15, 1996.

l

Contact:

R.L. Woodruff (404)331-5545 L

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April 30, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE Ph0-IV-96-021 e

This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially i received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification i Broce Construction Company, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event Temp Job Site Near Lawton, Ok Alert 2745 Broce Drive Site Area Emergency Norman, Oklahoma General Emergency Dockets: 03033354 License No: 35-27481-01 X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGING DEVICE CONTAINING CESIUM-137 On April 29, 1996, the radiation safety officer (RSO) for Broce Construction Company, Inc., (Broce) notified Region IV that a portable gauge containing a sealed source was stolen from a temporary storage location at a job site near Lawton, Oklahoma, on April 27 or 28. The I device contained approximately 8 millicuries (296 MBq) of cesium-137.

The device had been placed in storage within a 8 X 20 foot mobile equipment trailer, in a locked Department of Transportation Type 7A container, at a construction site on April 27, 1996. The trailer housed  !

construction tools and associated equipment and the licensee's Troxler l Model 4545 (Serial No. 59) portable gauge. The trailer had a double door which was locked by construction personnel prior to leaving the job site on April 27. In addition, the trailer hitch had a lock which secured the ,

trailer within a fenced area. The job site was an asphalt production facility located on a private citizen's farm approximately 6 miles east ,

of'Lawton, Oklahoma. i The RSO stated that a perimeter fence had been installed around the asphalt facility, and that the fenced area had a locked access gate.

However, the RSO reported that the gate may have been unlocked at the ,

l time of the theft so that the land owner could have access to the l l surrounding farm land.

The RSO stated that between 7:30 p.m. on April 27 and 8 a.m. on April 28, the trailer and the equipment contained therein were stolen from the '

site. Apparently, the thieves broke the lock that was attached to the trailer hitch, hooked the trailer to a vehicle, and drove off with the entire trailer and its contents.

The licensee has filed a stolen property report with the Comanche County Sheriff's department. The sheriff's department has notified law enforcement organizations in the surrounding area and intends to issue a i press release to neighboring communities to assist with recovery of the j device.

4 The state of Oklahoma has been informed.

Region IV received notification of this occurrence by telephone from the licensee's RSO at 8:30 a.m. on April 29, 1996. Region IV has informed NuhEY" , , _

PNO-IV-96-021 t .

NMSS. t i

This'information herein has'been discussed with the licensee and is I current as of 10 a.m. April 29, 1996.

Contact:

Mark R. Shaffer Linda L. Howell l (817)860-8287 *

(817)860-8213 l

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March 11, 1996

PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-96-015 l

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This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is j known by Region II staff-(Atlanta, Georgia) on.this date, i

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Stottler Starmer & Associates, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event 8680 North Atlantic Avenue Alert Cape Canaveral, Florida Site Area Emergency )

License No: FL-825-2 General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

FOUR STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGES Florida, an Agreement State, notified NRC Region II on March 11, 1996 that the Licensee reported the theft of four portable gauges on March 4, 1996. The devices were stolen from the temporary. job-site located at Interstate 75 and State Road 54 in Pasco County, Florida.

The devices were identified as Troxler Model 3440 containing approximately 40 millicuries of americium-241: beryllium and 8 millicuries of cesium-137 as sealed sources. The model 3440 device has a reported maximum dose rate of 20.5 millirem per hour at the surface of the device.

The devices were locked inside a temporary storage building located inside a chain link fenced area. The fence was cut and the padlock to the storage building was removed during the night of March 4, 1996. The radioactive sources in the devices were locked in the shielded position.

Local law enforcement authorities were notified and the device manufacturer was notified. Region II is requesting the State to issue a press release.

1 This information is current as of 05:45 p.m., EST, March 11, 1996. l

Contact:

R.L. Woodruff (404)331-5545 ,

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-1: March 11, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURREN(;E PNO-II-96-014 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially I received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is -

known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date.

Encility Licensee Emeroency Classification Florida Dept. Of Transportation Notification of Unusual Event 2006 NE Waldo Rd. Alert Gainesville, Florida Site Area Emergency l License No: FL-0109-1 General Emergency I X Not Applicable l

Subject:

PORTABLE GAUGE STOLEN i

Florida, an Agreement State, notified NRC Region II on March 11, 1996 that the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) reported the theft of one portable gauge. The theft occured during the afternoon on February 22, 1996 at a temporary job location located near Davie, Florida (Miami [

Beach).  !

The device was a Troxler Model 3440 containing approximately 40 l millicuries of americium-241: beryllium and 8 millicuries of cesium-137 as l l sealed sources. The model 3440 has a reported maximum dose rate of 20.5 millirem per hour at the surface of the device.

The device was reported to have been chained and locked to the bed of a '

State DOT truck. Initial information indicated that the radioactive sources were locked in the shielded position in the device. Local law enforcement authorities were notified. Region II is requesting the State to issue a press release.

This information is current as of 05:15 p.m.,EST, March 11, 1996. j

Contact:

R.L. Woodruff (404).331-5545 l

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March 8, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-I-96-016 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is

.known by Region I staff (King of Prussia, Pennsylvania)n on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Lane Construction Company Notification of Unusual Event ,

Lane Construction Company Alert '

965 East Main Street Site Area Emergency Meriden, Connecticut General Emergency Dockets: 03015231 License No: 060628402 X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN TROXLER MOISTURE DENISTY GAUGE On March 8, 1996 at 9:37 a.m., the licensee informed the Region I Duty Officer that a Troxler Model 3440 moisture density gauge (serial No.

22276) containing 8 millicuries of cesium 137 and 40 millicuries of americium 241 was stolen from a locked storage shed at their corporate office. The gauge was in its original shipping container. The gauge had been stored in a locked plywood cabinet within the locked storage shed.

The licensee plans to move the storage location of their gauges to the basement of their main building.

The local police and State Department of Environmental Protection were notified.

Region I Public Affairs office is prepared to respond to media interest.

Contact:

John McGrath (610)337-5069 l

96 a.5 m2:3 (P

February 26, 1996  ;

PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-96-012 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region II staff (Atla *da, Georgia) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emercency Classification Collins Engineering Notification of Unusual Event l 231 Largo Drive Alert i Nashville, Tennessee Site Area Emergency License No: R-19152-E8 General Emergency X Not Applicable l

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Subject:

STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGE l

l Tennessee, an Agreement State, notified Region II that a Tennessee l

Licensee reported a stolen portable gauge. The device was stolen sometime between Friday night and Monday morning from a locked out-building. storage area at the Licensee's facility in Nashville, TN.

The device was a Troxler, Model 3411, moisture density gauge, S/N 4391, containing approximately 9 millicuries of cesium-137 and 44 millicuries

, of americium-241: beryllium. The device was in_a.. transport case and thought to be locked. yowever;7oneTofytwo3keysvis; missing.

The local authorities were notified and a press release was being ,

prepared by the State. l l

l This information is current as of 05:00 p.m., EDT.

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Contact:

R.L. Woodruff (404)331-5545 l

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February 7, 1996 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-96-007 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region IV staff (Arlington, Texas) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification Agra Earth & Environmental, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event Agra Earth & Environmental, Inc. Alert 3232 West Virginia Site Area Emergency Phoenix, Arizona General Emergency l License No: AZ-7-95 X Not Apqlicable l

Subject:

STOLEN CAMPBELL PACIFIC NUCLEAR MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE On February 5, 1996, AGRA Earth & Environmental, Inc., holder of Arizona License 7-95, reported to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff (Case No.

l 96020503A) that a Campbell Pacific Nuclear (CPN) moisture density gauge I had been stolen from a locked trailer located in a locked fenced area at l a Nogales, Arizona, job site at 91 Old Ruby Road in Nogales, Arizona. The circumstances of the theft are currently under investigation by both the .

Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. The licensee is offering a $500 reward for the return of the l gauge.

l The State of Arizona published a Notice of the theft on February 5, 1996, and subsequently reported the incident to the Headquarters Operation's Officer on February 6, 1996. The state's written Notice was distributed l to media contacts within the state and to radiation control programs in l

surrounding states. ,

Region IV has informed NMSS.

This information is current as of 1:00 p.m. (CT). 2

Contact:

Jack Hornor Dwight Chamberlain (510)975-0224 (817)860-8249 '

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February 7, 199G PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-I-96-006  !

This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE' safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region I staff (King of Prussia, Pennsylvania)n on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Miller Engineering And Testing Notification of Unusual Event Miller Engineering And Testing Alert 100 SHEFFIELD POAD Site Area Emergency Manchester,New Hampshire General Emergency Dockets: 03022208 License No: 28-23457-01 X Not Applicable ,

Subject:

TROXLER PORTABLE NUCLEAR DENSITY GAUGE STOLEN I On February 6, 1996, at 5:15 p,m., the licensee notified the NRC's Headquarters Operations Center that a Troxler Model 3411-B portable nuclear density gauge (serial number 6838) containing approximately 8 millicuries of cesium-137 (Cs-137) and 40 millicuries of Americium-241 l

(Am-241) was stolen from the back of a pickup truck in Dorchester, Massachusetts. According to the licensee, the gauge user was returning to the Northborough, New Hampshire office after completing work at a job r site in Rockland, Massachusetts. The source rod was locked in its shielded position and the gauge was locked in its transport case. The transport case was chained and locked to the bed of Te pickup truck.

When the gauge user returned to his truck, he founc -he cap of the pickup truck was unlocked. In addition, the gauge, transport case, chains and locks were missing.

The licensee notified the Boston City Police Department and the police i informed the media. The licensee also notified Campbell Pacific and l Troxler, two gauge manufacturers, and requested that they place this -

i gauge on the manufacturer's " stolen gauge list."

l The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and State of New Hampshire have been l notified. The Region I Office of Public Affairs is prepared to handle l inquiries from the media. -

This information is current as of 12 p.m. on February 7, 1996.

Contact:

Kathleen Dolce Frank Costello (610)337-5251 (610)337-5275 4

96 O 22.0 0 l74' ^O

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December 7, 1995 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-III-95-062 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is krown by Region III staff (Lisle, Illinois) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification '

j Cti And Associates, Inc. Notification of Unusual Event

! Cti And Associates, Inc. Alert l l Brighton, Michigan Site Area Emergency l License No: 21-17007-01 General Emergency

X Not Applicable

Subject:

MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE STOLEN FROM LICENSEE'S FACILITY j On December 6, 1995, t'.e licensee reported that a Troxler 3401 Series moisture density gauge containing a nominal 8 millicurie (296 MBq) cesium-137 sealed source and a 40 millicurie (1480 MBq) americium-241 sealed source, had been stolen from locked storage at the licensee's Ann j Arbor, MI location. The thef t occurred some time af ter 7:30 p.m. (EST) ,

December 5, 1995. According to the Corporate Radiation Safety Officer (CRSO), the device had been returned and secured in locked storage in its transport case from' field operations at approximately 3:00 p.m., December 5, 1995. The device's source rod was locked in its shielded position, although the case containing the device was not locked. The general l office building was locked at approximately 7:30 p.m. According to the CRSO, evidence of forced entry through back windows and the gauge storage room door was observed. No other items in the building were stolen. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department has been notified.

The licensee submitted a written report of the occurrence to Region III l in a letter dated December 6, 1995, which was received on December 7, l 1995. NRC Region III (Chicago) will continue to monitor licensee recovery l efforts.

l NMSS and the State of Michigan have been notified. The information in this preliminary notification has been reviewed with licensee management.

I <

l Region III was notified of the theft at 10:00 a.m. (CST) on December 6, l 1995. This information is current as of 12:00 p.m. on December 7, 1995. l

Contact:

SAM MULAY THOMAS KOZAK j (708)829-9837 (708)829-9866 i

W/2020M7 N'

l November 28, 1995 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-95-067 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The-information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date.

Epcility Licensee Emercency Classification Atlantic Geotechnical Services, Inc Notification of Unusual Event Ashland, Virginia Alert Dockets: 03032657 License No: 45-25191-01 Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGE On November 28, 1995, the licensee reported that a portable moisture-density gauge (Campbell-Pacific Model MC-3), containing 50 millicuries (mci) of Americium-241 and 10 mci of Cesium-137 was stolen from a licensee truck on the night of November 27, 1995. The gauge was in its storage box and was chained and locked to the bed of the pickup truck parked in Hopewell, Virginia. The dose rate at the surface of the storage box is approximately 10 millirem per hour.

The licensee has notified the Hopewell Police Department and the theft is under investigation. The licensee is preparing a press release for the local media and plans to offer a reward for the recovery of the gauge.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has been notified.

This information is current as of 12:157p.m., November 28, 1995.

Contact:

Jerry Ennis  ;

(404)331-5787 l l

$NBM W

November 3, 1995 l PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-III-95-058 ,

1 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known_by Region III staff (Lisle, Illinois) on this date.

Facility Licensee Mg1 gen v Cis_s_sification 4 Applied Construction Technologies, Inc. Notification of Unusdal Event Applied Construction Technologies, Alert Cleveland, Ohio Site Area Emergency License No: 34-25834-01 General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE On November 2, 1995, the licensee reported that a Troxler Model 3430 moisture-density gauge stored in the back of a company vehicle had been stolen. The gauge contained sealed radiation sources of 8.5 millicuries (0.30 GBq) of cesium-137 and 40 millicuries (1.48 GBq) of americium-241.

The gauge and the transport case were locked, however, the vehicle was unlocked.

The vehicle was parked at a convenience store in Eastlake, Ohio while the authorized user visited the rest room. Upon return, the user noticed that i the back door to the camper was open and the gauge had been stolen.

The local police were notified of the theft. The Ohio Department of Health and the NRC Office of Nuclear Materials Safety were also notified.

The information in this preliminary notification has been reviewed with licensee management.

Region III (Chicago) will review the circumstances surrounding the theft during a future inspection.

The licensee issued a press release on November 2, 1995.

The NRC Operations Center was notified of the theft at 5:30 p.m. (EST) on November 2, 1995. This information is current as of 10:00 a.m. (EST) on November 3, 1995.

Contact:

B.J. HOLT D. WIEDEMAN (708)829-9836 (708)829-9808 h,(// U $ 0Z

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October 31, 1995 i l PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT CR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-95-063 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially i

received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is I

known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date.

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Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Ecs Limited Notification of Unusual' Event

- An Agreement State Licensee Alert Research Triangle Park, North Carolina Site Area Emergency General Emergency.

! X Not Applicable i

Subject:

STOLEN GAUGE On October 31, 1995, a representative of the State of North Carolina notified Region II that a Troxler moisture / density gauge belonging to l Engineering Consultant Services (ECS) Limited of Research Triangle Park, I North Carolina had been stolen,s,.The-gauge was located in the rear of a a pick up truck. The Vehicle wasestolenbat approximately 7:00 a.m. on October 31, 1995, from a technicisn's house in Durham, NC.

The model 3400 Troxler gauge, containing 8 millicuries of cesium-137 and 40 millicuries of americium-241, was stored in an[hnlodked7transporETl?

case. The cesium-137! source = rod-in'the device wastal'so notalocked. The licensee has notified'6he~~St' ate"of~ North Carolina'5"Divisio$~'o'f~ Radiation Protectiolocal police department. A press release has not been issued.

Radiation dose rates at 1 meter from the gauge are approximately 0.3 millirem per hour which is below the 2.0 millirem per hour rate in an unrestricted area.

This information is current as of 2:00 p.m. on October 31, 1995.

Contact:

A. Jones (404)331-5565 W//M G30$ If

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l October 30, 1995 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-95-062 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is t known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date.

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! Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification i Kci Technololgies Notification of Unusual Event Manassas, Virginia Alert

, License No: 45-19018-01 Site Area Emergency I

General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN GAUGE l On October 29, 1995, the Radiation Safety Officer of Whitlock, Dalrymple,

! Poston and Associates (recently purchased KCI Technologies) located in  ;

l Manassas, VA reported that an undamaged Troxler soil moisture density l gauge was stolen from a trailer at a construction site located in Wilkes i Barre, Pennsylvania (Luzeren County). The gauge was stolen between Friday '

[ evening, October 27, 1935, and Saturday morning October 28, 1995. The l

3411B Troxler gauge, containing 8 millicuries of cesium-137 and  !

40 millicuries of amercium-241, had been stored in a locked transport l l case chained to a fixture inside of a trailer. The cesium-137 source rod l was locked. Other industrial, non-radioactive items were also stolen from the trailer.

i

.The licensee notified the State, County, and city emergency management agencies. The Wilkes Barre fire department and police department were also notified. The local police issued a press release. An article was also in the Sunday morning edition of the Wilkes Barre paper detailing the incident. The gauge has not been recovered. Radiation dose rates at 1 meter from the gauge are approximately .3 millirem per hour which is below the 2 millirem per hour rate in an unrestricted area.

l The Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia have been informed.

i This information is current as of 12 noon on October 30, 1995.

Contact:

A. Jones

( (4 04 ) 331- 55 F 5 l

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October 10, 1995 1 l

PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-III-95-052 This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE  ;

safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially '

received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region III staff (Lisle,. Illinois) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification l Eth Consultants Notification of Unusual Event Nth Consultants Alert Detroit, Michigan Site Area Emergency License No: 21-14894-01 General Emergency X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE On October 9, 1995, the licensee reported that a vehicle which had a Troxler Model 3411 moisture-density gauge secured inside had been stolen.

The gauge contained sealed radiation sources of 8.5 millicuries (0.30 GBq) of cesium-137 and 40 millicuries (1.48 GBq) of americium-241. The licensee reported that the sources were locked in a case and the case was locked to the inside of the van by a cable.

The windowless van was parked at the residence of an authorized user in Detroit, Michigan at the time of the incident. The van was stolen some  ;

time between 12:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. (CDT) on October 9, 1995.

The local and state police were notified of the theft. The Michigan Department of Health and the NRC Office of Nuclear Materials Safety were i also notified. The information in this preliminary notification has been reviewed with licensee management.

Region III (Chicago) will review the circumstances surrounding the theft  ;

during a future inspection. l The NRC Operations Center was notified of the theft at 5:30 a.m. (CDT) on October 9, 1995. This information is current as of 9:00 a.m. (CDT) on October 10, 1995,

Contact:

THOMAS KOZAK JOHN JONES (708)829-9866 (708)829-9832 il I

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September 25, 1995 j PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-95-053A l

This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region II staff (Atle a, Georgia) on this date. ,

t Facility Licensee Emeraency Classification Weavexx Corporation Notification of Unusual Event Wake Forest, North Carolina Alert ,

Dockets: 03020201 License No: 32-18405-02 Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable l

Subject:

STOLEN PORTABLE GAUGE

! i This updates the licensee's report September 12, 1995, that an NDC Model ,

104RPD portable gauge containing 80 millicuries of Americium 241 had been -

stolen from a locked licensee van in Terre Haute, Indiana.

l On September 22, 1995, as the result of a newspaper article in the local newspaper and Weavexx's offer of a $3,000 reward, an individual returned the stolen gauge to Weavexx. The device, which appeared to be. undamaged, is being returned to the manufacturer for further examination.  ;

i l This information is current as of 9:15 a.m., September 25, 1995. t

Contact:

C. M. Hosey  ;

(404)331-5614 ^

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September 13, 1995 j PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-II-95-053 l This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region II staff (Atlanta, Georgia) on this date.

Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Weavexx Corporation Notification of Unusual Event  !

Wake Forest, North Carolina Alert I i Dockets: 03020201 License No: 32-18405-02 Site Area Emergency i General Emergency I X Not Applicable

Subject:

STOLEN PCRTABLE GAUGE  !

In the afternoon of September 12, 1995, the licensee notified Region.II l that a portable gauge had been stolen from a locked licensee's van parked i for the night at a hotel in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 11, 1995.

The gauge was a NDC Model 104RPD portable device used to measure paper properties at customer plants. The gauge contained 80 millicuries of Americium 241. The dose rate two inches from the gauge surface with the shuttter open is approximately 80 millirem per hour. The gauge was in a storage box with the shutter closed. Neither the box nor the shutter are equipped with locks.

The licensee notified the local police and the incident is under investigation. The licensee is also preparing a press release for the Terre Haute area offering a reward for the return of the gauge.

Region III has been notified. Region III will inform the State of Indiana.

This information is current as of 8:00 a.m., September 13, 1995.

Contact:

C. M. Hosey 1 (404)331-5614 i I

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