PNO-IV-06-009, Union Electric Company, Callaway Plant, Subject: Radioactive Contamination Identified by Licensee at Locations Along the Plant Discharge Pipeline
| ML061810413 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Wolf Creek  |
| Issue date: | 06/30/2006 |
| From: | Shannon M NRC Region 4 |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-IV-06-009 | |
| Download: ML061810413 (3) | |
June 30, 2006PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE -- PNO-IV-06-009This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or publicinterest significance. The information is as initially received without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by the Region IV staff on this date.FacilityUnion Electric CompanyCallaway PlantFulton, Missouri 65251Docket: 50-482License: NPF-30Licensee Emergency Classification Notification of Unusual Event Alert Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable
SUBJECT:
RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION IDENTIFIED BY LICENSEE AT LOCATIONS ALONG THE PLANT DISCHARGE PIPELINEDESCRIPTION: This PN is being issued following notification from the licensee that recentsampling along the plant's discharge line revealed contamination levels exceeding the EPA standard for drinking water of 0.02 microcuries per liter. However, there is no evidence ofradioactive contamination in drinking water based on the licensee's sampling and analysis ofwells in the area. On June 14, 2006, the licensee notified Region IV that elevated levels of tritium and two otherradionuclides were identified at four locations along the blowdown discharge pipeline atunderground enclosures (manholes). The radioactive material is believed to have leaked from air-relief valves during routine radiological releases through the discharge pipeline. The radionuclides included low levels of tritium, cobalt-60, and cesium-137. These levels were belowNRC reporting criteria and below 10 CFR 20 limi ts. On June 22, 2006, the licensee updated Region IV with the results of additional samples takenin the first locations and at three additional manholes. With the exception of tritium, theadditional samples were similar to the first samples. Tritium levels ranged from 0.02 to0.2 microcuries per liter. While this contamination level is below NRC reporting criteria and10 CFR Part 20 limits, it does exceed the EPA standard for drinking water of .02 microcuries perliter. All sample locations are on the licensee's property and the water is not intended for humanconsumption.
While the licensee's environmental monitoring continues, the radioactive contamination poses no danger to public health and safety. The licensee temporarily suspended all liquid radioactivedischarges and installed basins under the air-relief valves to capture any leakage. The licensee plans to issue a press release on this matter on Friday, June 30, 2006.Region IV has informed EDO, NRR, and PA. The state of Missouri was informed telephonically.The information presented herein has been discussed with the licensee and is current as of1:00 p.m. on June 30, 2006.ADAMS ACCESSION NUMBER: ML061810413CONTACT:Michael P. Shannon, Chief 817-860-8215mps1@nrc.gov