ML23052A108

News Release-IV-23-001: NRC Proposes $16,000 Civil Penalty to the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center

ML23052A108
Person / Time
Issue date:	01/12/2023
From:	Office of Public Affairs Region IV
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News Release-IV-23-001
Download: ML23052A108 (1)

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No: I V 001 January 12, 2023 CONTACT: Victor Dricks, 817-200- 1128 NRC Proposes $16,000 Civil Penalty to the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed an $16,000 civil penalty to the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center for seven violations of NRC requirements associated with their use of radioactive materials.

The NRC identified the apparent violations of agency requirements during a July 28, 2022, inspection of the facility in Waipahu, Hawaii.

The violations involved possession of more radioactive material than authorized under its license; the improper storage of radioactively contaminated waste; and failure to develop and implement a radiation protection program reflecting the scope and extent of licensed activities.

Details of the inspection and the apparent violations were documented in a Sept. 21, 2022, report.

The center responded to the NRC in an Oct. 21, 2022, letter.

The NRC made its enforcement decision after reviewing the circumstan ces surrounding the apparent violations, the immediate actions taken in response, the apparent cause and corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence.

The center has 30 days to pay the fine, dispute the fine, or request involvement from a neutral third-party mediator to resolve the issue.