ML19170A105

Us Dept. of Defense, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute - Reply to Notice of Violation Dated May 10, 2019

ML19170A105
Person / Time
Site:	Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
Issue date:	06/06/2019
From:	Gilstad J US Dept of Defense, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML19170A105 (1)

Text

ARMED FORCES RADIOBIOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 4555 SOUTH PALMER ROAD, BUILDING 42 BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20889-5648 June 06, 2019 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Attn.: Document Control Desk

Subject:

Reply to Notice of Violation Dated May 10, 2019, Docket No. 50-170, License R-84.

Reason for the violation: During an NRC_follow-up inspection conducted April 9-10, 2019, the NRC inspector found that the licensee had installed a new reactor console and performed several reactor startups for low power testi.ng, but failed to complete the written evaluation to include all of the items specified under 10 CFR 50.59(c)(2). Specifically, the licensee's 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation of the new reactor console, dated March 2, 2018 did not address item 10 CFR 50.59(c)(2)(iv), "Result in more than a minimal increase in the consequences of a malfunction of an SSC important to safety previously evaluated in the final safety analysis report (as updated)." Furthermore, low power testing with the new reactor console occurred during the months of March, April and May of 2018, without a completed 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation. This has been determined to be a Severity Level IV violation, Section 6.1.d of the Enforcement Policy. ,

Corrective steps that have been taken: The 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation related to the new reactor console has been tabled in favor of a license amendment package. Also, in a letter dated December 06, 2018, AFRRI informed the NRC of a fuel movement operation designed to provide a minimum amount ofreactivity, allowing the reactor to be operated in a subcritical state while conducting training and maintenance activities.

This is the only operation performed since May of 2018. The current configuration o:fthe reactor core will not allow criticality to be achieved .

. Corrective steps that will be taken: In lieu of a 10 CFR 50.59 evaluation, a license .amendment package will be prepared and submitted to the NRC for review and approval.

Date when full compliance will be achieved: AFRRI will present the proposed License Amendment Request to the NRC no later_than September 30, 2020.

Should you need additional information, please col:ltact Mr. Walter (Dale) Tomlinson at (301) 295-9247.

(\ ~ l l~ 1/1,J:>

~tad,MD CAPT, MC, USN Institute Director

Enclosures:

1. Notice of Violation 05000170/2019202 , y;t;PI Copy to:

• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission fr°ZO AT1N: Cindy Montgomery, NRR/DLP/PRLB Mail Stop 12-D20 tAl /(_ (!__

Wi;ishington, DC 20555-0001 Learning to Care/or TJ,ose in Hal'm's Way