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ENS 427522 August 2006 18:10:00(On) 08/02/06 at 1600 hrs. EST, Plant Security officers discovered a canister marked: 'Flammable Contains Phosphorus Notify Military or Law Enforcement if Found,' on plant owner-controlled property, outside the protected area. St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office (SLCSO) was contacted for determination of hazard posed. According to Plant Security supervision, the canister did not, and does not pose a threat to plant personnel, the public, or plant operations. SLCSO has asked other local experts to examine the canister and arrange for satisfactory disposal. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 427471 August 2006 15:16:00During a routine monthly test of the Criticality Warning System (CWS), a segment of that system (DCP & DOP Warehouse) was found to have no audible horns functioning. Processes were shutdown, the personnel evacuated and the emergency organization assembled. The preliminary investigation found that an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that supplies power to the CWS horn amplifiers was not functioning. After a retest verified that the horns in the balance of the plant were functioning, those areas were allowed to resume operations. At the same time, the UPS for the DCP/DOP Warehouse segment of the system was replaced with a new unit and allowed to charge. Once charged, the system was tested and verified to have audible horn coverage. Operations were then allowed to restart in these areas. As of approximately 1210 PM the CWS horns were fully operational and the facility was returned to normal operational status. Investigation of the incident is continuing including an attempt to determine the root cause of the UPS malfunction. The licensee notified Region II (J. Pelchat) and will notify State and local organizations.
ENS 4274331 July 2006 14:04:00

At 1326 on 7/31/06 there was a discharge of CO2 to the cable tray room. This is not a normally accessible room. Plant personnel verified no smoke, no fire. At 1340 the order was given to evacuate all personnel from the Reactor and Auxiliary Buildings as a precautionary measure. An Unusual Event was declared (HU3) at 1344 due to the affect on normal operation of the plant. The CO2 has been isolated, the buildings are being walked down and atmospheric testing is underway in the affected areas. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, Canada, State and County officials.

  • * * UPDATE ON 07/31/06 AT 15:17 FROM B. WALLAND TO A. COSTA * * *

At 1344 an Unusual Event was declared due to a toxic release into the Auxiliary Building (HU3). Release was due to a CO2 initiation, and has been isolated. Reactor building and Auxiliary building have been evacuated. Air sampling of the affected areas is underway. Notified R3 DO (O'Brien).

  • * * UPDATE ON 07/31/06 AT21:44 FROM N. MAJOR TO M. RIPLEY * * *

Walk downs for atmospheric conditions are complete and satisfactory for all areas of the Auxiliary Building. Normal access to Auxiliary building has been restored. This restores access to all affected areas. Unusual Event is terminated at 2133. Notified IRD (T. Blount), R3 DO (K. O'Brien), NRR EO (M. Tschiltz), DHS (Biasco) and FEMA (Kimbrell).

ENS 4274431 July 2006 14:13:00At approximately 1213 hours on July 31, 2006, with Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 1 operating normally at 100% power, the main generator tripped resulting in a reactor trip per design. All control rods inserted (fully) and the auxiliary feedwater system (AFW) automatically actuated per design and the reactor was stabilized in mode 3. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) for the reactor trip (4-hour report) and under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A ) for the RPS (reactor protection system) and AFW actuations (8-hour report). The cause of the generator trip is currently under investigation. Steam is being released via steam dump to the condenser and all systems functioned as required. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4274231 July 2006 12:51:00

The State provided the following information via email: The Bureau was informed by the RSO of the H.C. Nutting Company (Ohio license # 31210310024) on July 31, 2006 that a moisture density gauge (Troxler model 3430, serial # 23699) was stolen from the back of a truck parked in a closed garage at a residence in Columbus, Ohio. A lock and chain were cut to gain access to the gauge. The theft occurred between 2:30 PM and 8:30 PM on July 30, 2006. A report was filed with the Columbus Police Department. The (Ohio) Bureau is investigating. The gauge contains two sealed sources: Cs-137 (9 millicuries) and Am-241:Be (44 millicuries). OH Incident Number: OH2006-061.

  • * * UPDATE FROM STATE TO M. RIPLEY 1140 EDT ON 10/23/06 * * *

The State provided the following update information via email: UPDATE 10/23/06: The gauge has been recovered through a local pawn shop. Notified R3DO (M. Ring), NMSS EO (S. Wastler) and ILTAB (Email)

ENS 4272525 July 2006 11:41:00

The licensee was performing maintenance on "D" Steam Generator Low Level bistables when 4 (four) out of 8 (eight) trip control breakers opened possibly due to a 24 V DC power supply transient to 2 (two) of 4 (four) logic matrix relays. The reactor trip logic was verified to be functional and capable of processing valid reactor trip signals. The actuation was invalid as no plant transient occurred and no process variable was exceeded which would otherwise have required a reactor trip. The licensee notified the State and the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 08/14/06 AT 0947 ET BY M. EWER TO MACKINNON * * *

Upon further review, the initial notification of this event is determined to have been conservative. A review of NUREG 1022, Rev. 2, 'Event Reporting Guidelines, 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73,' as well as the supporting comments in the notice of final rulemaking for changes to 10 CFR Parts 50 and 72 contained in the Federal Register on October 25, 2000, indicates that these documents stress the need for reporting of system actuations. As stated in NUREG 1022, 'actuation of multichannel actuation systems is defined as actuation of enough channels to complete the minimum actuation logic. Therefore, single channel actuation logic,' Per the final rulemaking, 'the principal reason for reporting an actuation of one of these systems is that it is indicative of an unplanned plant transient that the NRC needs to evaluate to determine if action is necessary to address a safety problem.' In the event described in CR-06-06880, a portion of the RPS actuation sufficiently to cause four of the eight TCBs to open (i.e, a half trip), but not enough channels actuated to complete the minimum actuation logic for RPS (i.e, insufficient channels to fulfill the safety function of the RPS to deenergized the control rod drive mechanisms to shutdown the reactor). There was no unplanned plant transient as a result of the half trip. Determination Based on the above assessment, this condition in NOT reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) as an actuation of any of the systems listed in paragraph 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B). Accordingly, the report of a 4 hour non-emergency event under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(b) for a half RPS trip actuation should be withdrawn. R1DO (Lorson) notified. The NRC Resident Inspector will be notified by the licensee of this retraction.

ENS 4272121 July 2006 18:31:00The State provided the following information via email: The RSO (Deleted) of Florida Hospital called. Florida Hospital in Ormond Beach (873 Sterthaus Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32174) had a medical misadministration. They were using a HDR (Nucleotron Microselectron Classic, 8 Ci Ir-192 activity) to deliver vaginal treatment of 500 cGy per fraction. A typical patient gets 3-5 fractions. The delivery tube was 18.5 cm too long resulting in the source being outside the patient. The RSO indicated that the dose to the prescribed area was zero. (Due to the patients position, it was determined that) the dose to the skin is probably not too high. The Medical Physicist (MP) (deleted) has not yet determined what the skin dose estimate would be. (The MP) discovered the mistake after observing a treatment. The mistake happened because two different types of applicators are used. One has a longer tube than the other. The tubes were mixed up, which resulted in the misadministration. At least one patient is affected by this and maybe as many as 4 others. The MP believes that using film recorded for each treatment, the hospital can determine how many and which patients are affected. The treating physician has been notified, the referring physician and the patient have not. The State of Florida Bureau of Radiation Control will investigate.
ENS 4271620 July 2006 16:45:00On 7/11/06, the licensee administered an I-131 source (54.6 millicuries) to an elderly female for Goiter treatment and subsequently released her. On 7/20/06, the patient went with her daughter to another medical center in West Virginia, and it was related to the staff that a capsule was under the patient's pillow. The staff requested and the capsule was brought to the center, which was confirmed to be the source intended for the patient's treatment at the University of Virginia Medical Center. The West Virginia medical center contacted the licensee and has possession of the source capsule in their hot lab. This incident is being monitored by the licensee who is continuing with an investigation.
ENS 426876 July 2006 04:25:00

Indian Point Unit 3 tripped on Generator Differential (Direct Generator Trip). Current conditions are stable, mode 3 operation with all automatic actions occurring properly. Steam Generators levels are stable on aux. feed water. Unit 2 was unaffected by the trip. All control rods inserted fully and decay heat is being removed via steam dump to the condenser. All required safety related systems are working properly and the electrical buses and diesel generators are in their normal alignment. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE AT 0938 ON 07/06/08 B. ROKES TO W. GOTT * * *

The Auxiliary Feedwater System actuated and the Auxiliary Feedwater Pump started as designed due to the reactor trip. The actuation of the Auxiliary Feedwater System was the result of Steam Generator shrink/swell effect due to the reactor trip at full power. The actuation of the Auxiliary Feedwater System is an eight-hour non-emergency event reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv). The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R1DO (P. Henderson)

ENS 4267028 June 2006 10:40:00The State provided the following information via facsimile: The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control was notified on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at 5:18 p.m., that a Pd-103 (1.33 mCi) seed had jammed in a Mick applicator at 11:30 a.m., on June 27, 2006. Medical Physicist (Name Deleted) stated that the Mick cartridge was unscrewed to release spring pressure, which subsequently sheared the end of the seed off. The cartridge was removed and placed in a lead container, the applicator was flushed out and the seed was placed in a lead container. All remaining seeds were then placed in a shielded container and the implant was completed. (The Medical Physicist) stated that the area was surveyed with a Ludlum Model 3A utilizing a scintillation probe. One towel and water drained in a basin indicated contamination. These items were bagged and taken to the hot lab for decay in storage. (The Medical Physicist) was advised by Mark L. Windham to submit a written report detailing this event to the Department within 30 days. The event is considered closed and pending the licensee's investigation and report to the Department, updates will be made through the national NMED system. SC Report ID No.SC060009 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.
ENS 4265620 June 2006 16:54:00

Emergency plan unusual event entered due to a seismic event (LU-1). No equipment damage has been identified. The seismic event occurred at 1611hrs and tremors were felt in the Control Room. Unit 1 remained at full power and initial plant walkdown identified no safety equipment damage. Plant instrumentation indicated an acceleration of 0.005 Gs. Per U.S. Geological Survey website the quake was a 3.4 on the Richter scale and occurred NNW of the site. There is a small likelihood of after shocks. No radioactive releases have occurred.

  • * * UPDATE ON 06/20/06 AT 2019 EDT FROM JEFFREY D. ANDERSON TO M. RIPLEY * * *

Perry Plant has completed walkdowns from the Seismic Event that occurred at 1611. No Plant problems identified from walkdowns. Unusual Event has been terminated at 2000 on 6/20/06. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, State and local officials. Notified NRR (M. Case), IRD (Wilson), R3DO (O'Brien), DHS (Fite) and FEMA (Casto).

ENS 4265420 June 2006 15:05:00

Licensee was performing work on pavement at State Route 22, Indiana County, PA when a Moisture Density Gauge was damaged by compacting equipment. The damage to the gauge was restricted to the casing and the licensee has confirmed that the sources are in their retracted safe positions. The damaged gauge was moved off the pavement and a perimeter was established around it. Contact readings were recorded as 60 millirem/hr. The licensee has contacted Northeast Technical who is the service provider. The gauge will be temporarily transferred to office storage and will be subsequently transported to the service provider for repairs. The density gauge is a Troxler model 3450, serial number 00397 containing 8 millicuries Cs-137, 40 millicuries Am-241/Be (source numbers 750-6096 and 47-28081 respectively).

  • * * UPDATE ON 6/21/06 AT 1100 EDT FROM CALVIN OVERDORFF TO GERRY WAIG * * *

The licensee called to correct the radiation contact reading reported above. The contact reading originally reported as 60 millirem/hr should read 6 millirem/hr to 11 millirem/hr. Notified R1DO (M. Sykes) and NMSS (G. Morell). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.

ENS 4263312 June 2006 17:25:00Feedwater was being place into long path recirculation mode in accordance with N1-OP-16 to support a chemistry sample. During this evolution, reactor water level rose high enough such that the High Level Annunciator (92.2") was received, the turbine tripped (off of the turning gear) and a HPCI (High Pressure Coolant Injection) initiation signal was received as per design. HPCI system did not initiate flow and no pumps started because the Feedwater Booster Pumps were not in service (pull-to-lock). HPCI was reset and Reactor Water level (was) restored to the operating band 65" - 83". A copy of this Notification Worksheet will be provided to the Resident Inspector. This event has been captured on Condition Report 2006-2703. A prompt investigation has been performed. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4260728 May 2006 01:10:00At 1714 the Division II electrical buses were declared inoperable due to room temperatures greater than 104 F. The appropriate 24 hour LCO was entered. The C.4 abnormal procedure for loss of ventilation was entered. The procedure stated to consider opening doors in the area to provide additional ventilation. Doors were opened for additional cooling. The procedure states to declare ALL Division I 4KV equipment inoperable. At that time both 15 and 16 emergency buses were inoperable. At this time, this condition could have been prevented the fulfillment for Safety Function Systems needed to remove residual heat and mitigate the consequence of an accident. At 1745 the ventilation was re-adjusted and temperature returned the less than 104 F. All doors were closed and the 24 hour LCO exited. The licensee will notify this incident to the NRC Resident Inspector and the State.
ENS 4267329 June 2006 08:41:00The State provided the following information via facsimile: Incident: A Metco crew was working at the PPG facility (Lake Charles, LA) the evening of May 24, 2006, when they reported a disconnected source (to the LA Department of Environmental Quality on May 26, 2006). Timeline of events: 1. 6:25 pm - Crew set up to make three exposures in PPG at the area known as the loading dock. 2. 6:45 pm - Crew makes their first exposure. 3. 6:48 pm - The crew retracts the source but the camera does not lock and the survey meter is still giving high readings. 4. 6:50 pm - (Worker 1) and (Worker 2) were notified of the disconnect. 5. 7:05 pm - (Worker 1) and (Worker 2) meet at the Metco shop and leave to go to PPG facility. 6. 7:13 pm - (Worker 1) and (Worker 2) arrive at PPG. 7. 7:20 pm - The source is retrieved. 8. 7:21 pm - The camera and equipment were examined to see where the malfunction occurred and the investigation began. Investigation: After further review of the incident, it was determined that the source was never connected to the drive cable before making an exposure. The crew had performed only one shot when they realized the source did not retract fully. Key Points: 1. A perimeter of 150' was maintained after the disconnect occurred. This was inside of a building that had 1.5' concrete walls. 2. The barrier was kept at 2 mrem/hr after the disconnect occurred. 3. The source remained in the collimator and laid facing the floor until (Worker 1) and (Worker 2) arrived onsite. 4. None of the radiographers present on site received a dose of more than 15 mrem. 5. (Worker 1), who performed the source retrieval, received a total dose of 365 mrem. Exposure Device Manufacturer: Amersham Model No.880 Sigma S/N S1712 Isotope: Ir-192 Source Activity: 91 Ci LA Report ID No.LA060013
ENS 4258418 May 2006 08:57:00The licensee left a paving job site and while driving to another job site noticed that the truck's tailgate was down. The driver stopped and noticed that the gauge was missing and the licensee contacted the State Colorado Department of Health and Environment who responded to incident site. It appears that the gauge was not secured in its casing and most likely was run over on the highway as it fell from the truck bed. Pieces of the gauge (handle and push rod) were found in the proximity of the intersection of Interstate 25 with Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The moisture density gauge was a Troxler Model 3401 serial number 30-1031 containing two sources: 8 millicuries of Cs-137 and 40 millicuries of Am/Be. The sources have not yet been found. The State and Highway Patrol are at the incident area and will continue to investigate this occurrence. At 1155 on 05/18/06, Tim Bonzer from the Colorado Department of Health reported that both sources had been recovered and packed in a sand filled cooler and will be transported to the state office where the sources will be leak checked prior to shipping to Troxler. THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.
ENS 4265319 June 2006 15:18:00The State provided the following information via facsimile: The Radiation Safety Office of Fort James Operating Company notified the department on 23 May 2006 that one Generally licensed tritium exit sign was missing. The exit sign was noted missing on 5 May 2006 during a corporate inventory of all radioactive material possessed at the site. The sign's bracket was also missing. There was no evidence the sign was damaged while being removed. The Radiation Safety Officer interviewed numerous workers to try and locate the sign but was unable to determine what happened. Isotope and Activity involved: 11.5 Ci (425.5 MBq) H-3. Tritium Exit Sign, S/N M5099. WA State Report No.WA-06-021 THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.
ENS 425452 May 2006 16:09:00

The following information was received from the state via e-mail:

(The licensee's) Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Illinois Dept. of Transportation (Radioactive Material License No. IL-1100-01), called to report (to Illinois Emergency Mgmt. Agency) that a Troxler moisture density gauge, Model 3440, serial no.16550 (Cs-137 Source S/N 50-5822, 8 millicuries; Am-241/Be Source S/N 47-11975, 40 millicuries) was stolen from one of their vehicles assigned to their Edwards subsite (Peoria area). The open bed Dodge Ram truck was at a Peoria asphalt plant when the discovery was made.  The user went to use the device this morning at the site and when he opened the back of his vehicle to remove the gauge, he noted the gauge was missing from the transport container although initial appearances suggested the container was still secure and intact.  The transport container is bolted and padlocked to the bed of the vehicle. In addition the transport case has a locking hasp which is padlocked.  This locking device was damaged and the gauging device subsequently removed.  It is not known at this time when the device was actually stolen.  It was last used on April 17, 2006.  Peoria County Sheriffs personnel have been contacted as well as the Illinois State Police.

(The RSO's) investigation this afternoon showed that no other tools or equipment had been taken from the vehicle although other items contained in the transport case were missing such as the reference block, and cleaning kit. The operator indicated that he could not consciously remember verifying the security of the transport container since the last time the gauge was used in April, only that it appeared to be locked. He was able to confirm that the handle of the gauge had been secured and padlocked following its last use. Illinois Emergency Mgmt. Agency Item No: IL060020

  • * * UPDATE AT 16:20 ON 5/30/2006 FROM D. PERRERO TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *

On May 29, 2006 the Agency was contacted by the Peoria Fire Department (PFD). The PFD had responded to a request from the Peoria Police Department to investigate a moisture/density gauge which had been found by a member of the public in Kickapoo Creek. Upon investigation by the PFD, it was determined that the radiation levels from the device were as expected for an intact device with no shielding failure. The device was taken into custody and secured by the Peoria Police Department in a remote portion of their Police Property Division. The information on the identification plate on the device was used to positively determine ownership as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). On Tuesday morning, the IDOT Radiation Safety Officer was contacted and advised of the situation. Arrangements were immediately made for him to personally go to Peoria to identify the gauge, inspect its condition and safely transport the gauge back to their Springfield, IL offices for further repair and evaluation. Upon his arrival he determined that the gauge handle was still locked in the safe position and there was no structural damage to the gauge. The gauge was field tested with negative results for contamination due to leakage. IDOT intends to have the gauge cleaned, serviced, calibrated and put back into service after replacement of the electrical components. Pending receipt of the final report from the IDOT RSO which details the correct action taken to prevent a recurrence, we are considering this matter closed. Notified NMSS (Morell), R3DO (Kozak) and ILTAB (via E-mail). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.

ENS 4272625 July 2006 14:23:00

The State provided the following information via facsimile: Dosimetry supplier reported 12 Rem exposure. Licensee determined that employee left badge in truck, in radiation field at several locations (various job sites) during the monitoring period. TX Incident No. I-8348

  • * * UPDATE ON 8/29/2006 FROM STATE OF TEXAS TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *

The State provided the following information via facsimile: On June 20, 2006, the Licensee notified the Agency that on June 19, 2006, a courtesy call from their dosimeter processor informed them that a worker's film badge indicated an exposure of 12.355 Rem for the month of May, 2006. The RSO removed the worker from rotation to prevent any further exposure. An investigation by the Licensee indicated no abnormal self reading dosimeter readings. The worker could not think of any reason why he would have received that much exposure. The individual only performed work involving radiation on seven occasions in the month of May. During the investigation, it was revealed that the worker had routinely left his dosimetry in the glove box of their work truck at the end of the day. The RSO stated that all of his trucks are in use supporting radiography operations each day. It is believed that the badge was exposed to the majority of the indicated exposure while in the glove box. Individuals who worked with the individual stated that they were not aware of any reason why this worker would have received any unusual exposure. The Licensee assessed the worker's dose to be 59 mrem for the exposure period based on daily exposure records. No Notice of Violation was issued. Notified the R4DO (Cain) and NMSS EO (Burgess).

ENS 4252826 April 2006 18:23:00At 1345 on April 26, 2006, a decision to shutdown the plant was made due to an Inoperable service water train. At 1700 on April 26, 2006, the plant shutdown was initiated. On April 25, 2006, a leak was found on the Service Water supply line to the 'B' emergency diesel generator. At 1725 on April 25, 2006, the 'B' train of service water was declared inoperable and the technical specification limiting condition for operation was entered for one train of service water being inoperable. The end state for exceeding the allowed outage time for the limiting condition for operation for service water is the reactor coolant system Tavg less than 350 degrees Fahrenheit. During investigation of the leak, an additional small leak was discovered approximately 180 degrees from the first leak on the same section of pipe. Based on this additional leak, a conservative decision was made to shutdown the unit. It is estimated that the repair to the service water piping would not be completed within the allowed outage time and therefore per 10CFFR50.72(b)(2)(i) this event is reportable as the initiation of any nuclear plant shutdown required by plant's technical specifications. All systems are currently functioning as required for the unit shutdown and the "B" EDG is operable and available. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4251720 April 2006 09:54:00A non-licensed contract supervisor tested positive for a controlled substance during a random test. The individual's access to the plant has been terminated. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 425618 May 2006 11:43:00The licensee provided the following information via email: This report is being submitted by Team Industrial Services, Inc. (TISI), as required by 10CFR Part 21. This report is to serve as notification of a nonconforming condition encountered by TISI, when using crank assemblies, manufactured or serviced by the supplier shown below, with Amersham-660B radiographic exposure devices. NDT Repair Service and Supply, Inc. 7874 Highway 90 East Morgan City, LA 70380 An initial failure of these crank assemblies (s/n NDT-267) was noted by TISI personnel performing industrial radiography at a jobsite in Sewaren, NJ on 04/18/06. Specifically, the radiography crew was able to connect the drive cable assembly to the exposure device, without connecting the drive cable to the source connector. As a result, the radiography crew was unable to return the source assembly to the exposure device, and emergency source retrieval was required. Based on our understanding of the specifications established in ANSI N432-1981, section 6.1.4, these controls should not have allowed exposure of the source assembly if the drive cable was not properly connected. Subsequent evaluation of other crank assemblies purchased from the supplier noted the same failure. As a result, all TISI branches have been directed to identify these assemblies as nonconforming and to remove them from service. A Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) has been issued, per TISI's Quality Assurance Program, against this supplier as a result, requesting a determination of the root cause of this nonconformance, action to correct, and action to prevent recurrence. See related EN#42508.
ENS 424672 April 2006 15:46:00At 1402 Beaver Valley Unit 2 experienced a reactor trip due to a Main Generator trip. Unit 2 was operating at 100% power at the time of the trip (control rods inserted fully). All systems functioned as expected. Emergency busses (are) being supplied by offsite power. Auxiliary Feedwater started as expected. Both Emergency Diesel Generators started on momentary undervoltage and remained operating unloaded. The Control Room Crew entered Emergency Operating procedure E-0, 'Response to Reactor Trip and Safety Injection' and have transitioned as expected to ES-0.1 'Reactor Trip Response.' The plant is stable in Mode 3 with steam generator levels and Reactor Coolant System temperature restored to normal values with Auxiliary Feed System operation. The cause of the Generator / Reactor trip is being investigated. No radiological releases ongoing or caused by this event. Beaver Valley Unit 1 is in Mode 5 for a Steam Generator Replacement outage and was unaffected. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4245731 March 2006 14:07:00Followup information to the February 15, 2006, notification (ENS #42339 (at Braidwood)) involving the discovery of elevated levels of tritium in several vacuum breaker vaults located along the discharge piping to the Rock River. At that time we indicated we planned to install monitoring wells along this pipeline to determine if tritium has migrated from these vaults. Fifteen shallow test wells and eight deeper, more permanent wells were drilled on company property to obtain water samples. Of the 23 wells, two had measurable levels of tritium, however they were well below the Environmental Protection Agency's standard for drinking water (20,000 picocuries per liter). These elevated levels pose no health or safety hazard to the employees or public. Investigation into the source of the elevated tritium levels continues. A press release is planned for the afternoon of March 31, 2006 regarding the results obtained from these monitoring wells. Incident reported according to 10 CFR 50.72 (c)(2) and the licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4241714 March 2006 13:32:00As a licensee employee was leaving the office in Purcellville, VA in his truck, he was stopped at an intersection nearby by bystanders. They informed him that an object (a Troxler gauge in its case) had fallen from the open tailgate of his truck. Local police responded to the incident and contacted the fire marshal who told the officer that the device in its case was designed for that type of an impact. The gauge remained intact and no radiation exposures were reported. The Troxler moisture density gauge is a model # 3411, containing Am-241 (40 millicuries) and Cs-137 (8.7 millicuries). The employee loaded and secured the case containing the gauge and proceeded to the job site. The licensee will perform a leak test on the gauge. The licensee is holding mandatory gauge refresher training for their employees as a corrective action to this incident. THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.
ENS 423875 March 2006 11:12:00The following event description is based on information currently available. If through subsequent reviews of this event, additional information is identified that is pertinent to this event or alters the information being provided at this time, a follow-up notification will be made via the ENS or under the reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.73. On March 5, 2006 at approximately 0710 MST Palo Verde Unit 3 experienced a reactor trip (RPS actuation) from 100% rated thermal power due to low departure from nucleate boiling (ratio) (DNBR) trips on all four channels of the core protection calculators (CPCs). The unit was at normal temperature and pressure prior to the trip. Prior to the reactor trip, at approximately 0704 MST, a CEAC (Control Element Assembly Calculator) #1 sensor fail alarm was received. While investigating the alarm, at 0710 MST, a control element assembly (CEA) deviation alarm for CEAC #1, all four CPC channel sensor fail alarms, and a CEA withdrawal prohibit alarm were received. The reactor tripped six seconds later. A CEA calculator (CEAC) fail alarm was received on CEAC #1. The apparent cause is presently suspected to be a failure of CEAC #1. An investigation has commenced to determine the root cause of the reactor trip. All of the control rods fully inserted into the core. Four of eight steam bypass control valves quick opened, per design, directing steam flow to the condenser. No main steam or primary relief valves lifted and none were required. There was no loss of heat removal capability or loss of safety functions associated with the event. Electrical buses transferred to offsite power as designed. The Shift Manager determined this event was an uncomplicated reactor trip. No significant LCOs have been entered as a result of this event. No major equipment was inoperable prior to the event nor contributed to the event. Unit 3 is stable at normal operating temperature and pressure in Mode 3. No ESF actuations occurred and none were required. The event did not result in any challenges to the fission product barrier or resulted in any releases of radioactive materials. There were no adverse safety consequences or implications as a result of this event. The event did not adversely affect the safe operation of the plant or health and safety of the public. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 423125 February 2006 14:59:00Unit 2 Train B emergency diesel generator D6 was removed from service at 2010 CST on 1/29/06 for planned maintenance and Technical Specification (TS) 3.8.1, 'AC Source - Operating,' Condition B, 'One DG inoperable,' was entered. TS Required Action 3.8.1.B.4 requires D6 be restored to operable status with a Completion Time of 7 days. The planned maintenance activities included replacing two sets of two pistons, rings and cylinder liners on Engine 2 of D6 (D6 is a tandem-engine diesel generator). Return-to-service testing was initiated on 2/4/06 and at approximately 0000 CST; the test was halted due to high-indicated crankcase pressure on Engine 1. The test procedure specifies shutting down the diesel generator if crankcase pressure on either engine exceeds 30mm for more than a few minutes (the setpoint for the crankcase pressure trip is 52 mm). Investigation of the cause of the high-indicated crankcase pressure on Engine 1 started immediately. Unit 2 Train A emergency diesel generator (D5) was demonstrated operable by completing a surveillance test at 1507 CST on 2/4/06. Evaluation of the scope of work to return D6 to operable status and the schedule for completing the work indicated that repairs could not be completed within the remainder of the 7-day Completion Time. Based on this assessment an orderly shutdown of Unit 2 is being performed. Shutdown (to mode 5) of Unit 2 commenced at 1336 CST on 2/5/06. Unit 2 shutdown will continue until D6 is restored to operable status. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 423093 February 2006 23:05:00At 2124 hrs on 2/3/06, a containment leak inspection team reported pressure boundary leakage (RCS) at a welded connection on a 3/4" bypass line around the RHR loop suction valve 2HV8701B. Presently the unit is in Mode 3. Preparations are being made to commence cooldown to Mode 5 for repair of the leak. Unit 2 was taken from 100% RTP to approximately 30% RTP beginning at 1200 hrs on 2/01/06 for repairs of an EHC leak on the main turbine front standard. The EHC leak was repaired and power ascension to 100 % RTP commenced at 2213 hrs on 2/01/06. Approximately 100 % RTP was reached on 2/3/06 at 0600 hrs. Between 1900 hrs on 2/01/06 and 1600 hrs on 2/02/06, radiation monitor 2RE2562A went into Intermediate Alarm for short durations on three different occasions. Due to moving the plant, an accurate RCS leak rate could not be performed. A containment entry was performed on the night shift 2/2/06 and again on dayshift 2/3/06. Utilizing a robot and camera, leakage was observed inside the bioshield in the area of RCS Loop #1. The source of the leak on both containment entries was inconclusive. At 1412 hrs on 2/3/06, a shutdown of Unit 2 was initiated to allow further investigation/repair of the leak inside containment. Unit 2 was placed in Mode 3 at 1807 hrs on 2/3/06. See also EN# 42194 for a similar incident. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4225512 January 2006 17:32:00The State provided the following information via email: On January 11, 2005 the Division learned of an event involving a leaking sealed source that was intended for the therapeutic treatment of prostate cancer. On January 5, 2006, the Chicago Prostate Cancer Center (CPCC) in Westmont, IL (IL-02015-01) received four packages (which) contained sources that had been loaded into (an) applicator as well as 'loose seeds' for reference and potential application. One of the four packages contained 10 sealed sources of Cs-131 and 42 additional sources (actual activity of 3.8 milliCi, each) (were) pre-loaded into treatment applicators by Anazao Health of Tampa Florida via IsoRay, Inc of Richland Washington who manufactured the sources. Although the outer packaging was shown to be free from contamination, once the cardboard outer container was opened, and the secondary lead container was opened, a seed was visually detected on the outer lead container. The seed was also notably damaged. Associated contamination was subsequently found on the secondary container, and the primary lead container as well as a second 'seed' of Cs-131 that had been trapped and bent within the primary lead container. Although all the sources were accounted for, none of the 10 seeds were contained within the innermost glass vial as its lid was not engaged with the vial. Cs-131 is a very low energy gamma emitter (33 KeV) with a half life of 9.7 days. The form of Cs involved is bound to a non-volatile, insoluble material. The Division discovered that the CPCC had experienced widespread contamination within the source preparation area as a result of the damaged sources and the failure to don proper protective gloves. The affected surfaces and items had been subsequently decontaminated and set aside as waste by the staff that was present on January 5, 2005. Contamination levels ranged from 1,000 cpm to 5,000 cpm as measured by their Geiger counter and rate meter. Items which had been touched by the medical physicist who had not been wearing disposable gloves were found to be contaminated. One of the assisting staff members experienced contamination on their hand that was later completely decontaminated. A Division representative was dispatched from the West Chicago offices to the facility shortly after we were notified, to determine the effectiveness of the decontamination effort, the extent of contamination that may have remained and to interview the Radiation Safety Officer (redacted). The inspector's initial investigation today showed that contamination was limited to the source handling room which is a restricted area and that indeed all the sources were accounted for and secured. She also obtained the verbal report from (the RSO). The only remaining contamination she was able to find were two spots on a counter of approximately 1,000 cpm - 2,000 cpm and the containers which were involved. The inspector returned to the facility on the following day to interview the responsible physicist, and the assisting technician. Gamma spectroscopy performed on samples of the contaminated items indicate the presence of Cs-131 rather than any of the other nuclides used by the facility. The Division is continuing its investigation and is acquiring additional information from the licensee. The Division has been in contact with the State of Washington regarding this matter. A formal report is due from the licensee within the next 30 days. This event was reported to the U.S. NRC Operations Center on January 12 and assigned event number 42255.
ENS 4222623 December 2005 13:30:00

While performing semi-annual criticality accident alarm system (CAAS) testing, one unit in a pair of detectors failed to initiate the site wide alarm. Spare unit was immediately installed and all systems successfully tested. Production facility covered by this CAAS (was) in a shutdown status at the time of testing. Subsequent troubleshooting indicated a faulty electronic relay contact in the failed unit. Testing of CAAS is conducted on a semi-annual basis in accordance with procedure, NFS-HS-A-80, Sections 5.5 & 5.6. (The) Detector pair on 2nd floor of Oxide Conversion Facility did not activate site-wide alarm as expected. Alarm indication did occur as expected at the local read-out panel, and at the central alarm panel located in an adjacent building occupied by security guards. Investigation revealed failed relay contact in Eberline Instruments Model RMS-3 read-out meter. (The) Unit (was) replaced, and (a) subsequent test (was) satisfactory. No actual safety consequences occurred as a result of this event; however, there was a risk of potential health and safety consequence to the occupational workforce, involving significant radiation exposure from accidental criticality event with no warning to initiate prompt site-wide evacuation. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE FROM MICHAEL TESTER TO HUFFMAN AT 1626 EST ON 2/06/06 * * *

Following evaluation of this event by the licensee's Part 21 review committee, Nuclear Fuel Services has reached the conclusion that this event was the result of a design defect in the relay used in the RMS-3 read-out meter. This event is being updated to reflect the Part 21 reportability conclusion. The Eberline RMS-3 read-out meter is manufactured by Thermo Electron Corporation. Nuclear Fuel Services has been in contact with Eberline during its investigation and Eberline is aware of the conclusions. The defective relay is manufactured by Potter and Brumsfield. Immediate corrective actions included replacement of the defective equipment, and re-testing to ensure operability; long term corrective action includes design and installation of PLC based surveillance equipment to continuously monitor the function of system components by NFS Engineering Department in approximately 3 - 6 months. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. The R2DO (Bernhard), NMSS EO ( Janosko) and Part 21 coordinator (Markley) have been notified.

  • * *UPDATE BY HUFFMAN ON 2/7/06 * * *

This event has been decontrolled to make it publicly available and permit information about this problem to be shared with all affected parties. NRC management has determined that the report does not contain information about sensitive operations at the NFS site. R2DO(Bernhard) and NMSS (Morell) notified.

ENS 4222222 December 2005 15:03:00A licensed supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a "for cause" fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access to the plant has been terminated. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4222122 December 2005 14:10:00

A licensee's employee had his 1988 Cadillac Brougham stolen while it was parked in front of his house in Westland, MI and a Troxler moisture density gauge was inside the vehicle (Model 3440, S/N 13815, containing 8 millicuries of Cs-137 and 40 millicuries of Am-241:Be). The gauge was locked in its wired down casing. The vehicle was stolen sometime between 1900 and 0400 hours on 12/21/05 and 12/22/05 respectively. The licensee contacted NRC Region III, the Westland Police (report No.0542989) and the State Police who subsequently contacted the State Homeland Security.

  • * * UPDATE AT 1705 ON 12/22/05 FROM J. KALISZ TO A. COSTA * * *

The licensee reported that the automobile was taken away at the owner's location by a car repossession company. The gauge and its case were intact inside the car and have been recovered by the licensee. Notified R3 DO (Peterson), NMSS EO (Camper) and TAS (email). THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.

ENS 421842 December 2005 11:45:00This notification is being made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) for a press release issued by Exelon Nuclear at 10:00 AM CST on December 2, 2005 regarding elevated levels of tritium found in groundwater on the Braidwood Station site property near the plant's north boundary. An environmental monitoring program at the Braidwood Generating Station has found higher than normal concentrations of tritium close to an underground pipe inside the plant's northern boundary, and the station has begun a remediation program. An Exelon Nuclear environmental team is drilling test wells on and just beyond the Braidwood property line in order to determine how much tritium may have moved beyond the plant boundaries and ultimately to clean up the tritium. Exelon Nuclear has notified NRC regional personnel, appropriate state agencies, local and state elected officials and four property owners who are potentially affected. The tritium was found in shallow groundwater 8 to 15 feet deep on company property. It poses no health or safety risk to the public and does not threaten drinking water wells in the area. Tritium is a naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen that emits a very low level of radiation and is a natural part of water. It is found in more concentrated levels in water used in nuclear reactors. The closest private residential wells to the site showed no tritium above natural background levels. A sample of water from a pond 50 yards north of the plant property line showed tritium levels of about 2,400 picocuries per liter, above background levels but less than one-eighth of the federal drinking water limit. The residential and pond test samples were taken with the consent of property owners and the results received on Dec. 1. The underground pipe that passes near the monitored site in the past has carried water containing tritium from the plant to the Kankakee River, where it was periodically discharged under federal guidelines as part of normal plant operations. No tritiated water is currently in the pipe and no tritium is currently being introduced into the ground. Braidwood has not released levels of tritium that exceeded federal limits. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector, State and local agencies and has issued a press release.
ENS 4217830 November 2005 17:14:00This report is being made pursuant to the requirements of License Condition 2.G of the Seabrook Station Operating License. Inverter 1F was inoperable for greater than the 24 hours allowed by Technical Specification 3.8.3.1.h. The inverter was inoperable for a total of 35 hours 59 minutes. The inverter was declared to be inoperable at 0323 on November 29, 2005 and was not returned to operable status until 1522 on November 30, 2005, this exceeded the 24 hour TS limit. The NRC approved a Notice of Enforcement Discretion at 0220 on November 30, 2005, which allowed an extension of 18 hours (until 2123 11/30/05). The inverter was declared operable prior to the expiration of the extension. This event will be documented in a License Event Report pursuant to the requirements of 10CFR50.73. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4213510 November 2005 15:28:00

This is a non-emergency Event Notification made in accordance with 10 CFR 20.2201(a)(1)(ii) to inform the NRC of a nuclear material accountability discrepancy amounting to, in the aggregate, a portion of a spent fuel rod used at Plant Hatch (HNP). In the process of reviewing records and physically verifying the contents of the spent fuel pool (SFP) as a part of activities associated with SNC's (Southern Nuclear Company) response to Bulletin 2005-01, SNC has identified discrepancies between fuel segments located in the SFP and segments indicated in plant records. The segments originated in the early 1980s during fuel reconstitution and inspection activities. The discrepancies call into question the location of segments of single spent fuel rods in each of three bundles. Characterization of three segments located in the SFP provided rod serial numbers which, in turn, were used to determine the bundles from which these segments originated. These bundles were then inspected, and the length of fuel in the location corresponding to each rod segment's intended location was determined. The aggregate in-bundle length found in these rod locations was combined with the lengths of the segments located in the SFP and compared to the design active fuel length of the three rods. This comparison results in a material discrepancy of approximately 55 inches, based on the length measurements. In addition to this discrepancy, historical records indicate two segments (totaling 13 inches of fuel length), which may not be within the inventory of segments identified to date in the SFP. When this amount is added to the length associated with the three rod locations, a discrepancy of approximately 68 inches results. When the planned supplemental inspection of select bundles and SFP locations is completed and photographs are evaluated to aid in the determination of special nuclear material present, this 68 inch estimate may increase or decrease. On June 16, 2005 SNC formed a team to identify and characterize material in the SFPs at Hatch in order to account for special nuclear material (SNM) at the level of detail requested by Bulletin 2005-01. A work scope was established and specialized resources were contracted to support the work activities. During the performance of these work activities, a number of items of interest were characterized as being either SNM or non-SNM items. On October 28, 2005, SNC submitted the interim status report to NRC. On November 4, 2005 the Hatch Plant Review Board (PRB) reviewed the SNM Issue Resolution Team's assessment of data produced by the records searches and physical cataloging of SNM in the SFPs. Based on that review, the PRB concurred that a discrepancy exists in material accounting for a portion of a spent fuel rod in each of three bundles and records, as noted above, which in the aggregate approximates 68 inches of fuel rod length. This length is equivalent to about 45% of the length of one intact fuel rod. Further physical examination of the SFP will include additional examination of SFP floor areas that have not been examined to date and selected fuel bundle inspections. The SFP floor areas are limited to a small number of locations that are under equipment or objects stored on the SFP floor. This expanded work scope is expected to be completed by December 15, 2005. Based on the nature of the fuel rod segments and radiation monitoring, a high degree of confidence exists that the segments are in a restricted area of the plant or otherwise under the control of a licensed facility such that the public health and safety has not been adversely affected. In addition, there is no evidence of theft or diversion. This notification satisfies the 30-day notification requirement of 10 CFR 20.2201(a)(1)(ii). A subsequent written report will be made in accordance with 10 CFR 20.2201(b). The licensee has informed the NRC Resident Inspector regarding the discrepancies. SNC will be making a press release describing the current status of this issue. Accordingly, this notification also satisfies the 4-hour notification requirement of 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) with respect to issuance of the press release associated with this issue.

  • * * UPDATE AT 15:48 ON 8/21/2006 FROM FRANK GORLEY TO ABRAMOVITZ * * *

This is an update of non-emergency Event Notification 42135 that was previously made on November 10, 2005, in accordance with 10CFR 20.2201. This non-emergency Event Notification is made in accordance with 10 CFR 74.11 and informs the NRC of the loss of special nuclear material (SNM) from the historic breakage of several fuel rods used at Plant Hatch (HNP) in the early 1980s amounting to, in the aggregate, approximately 18 inches of a spent fuel rod. This amount is based on the available information, potentially affected by incomplete historic documentation. While reviewing records and physically verifying the contents of the spent fuel pool (SFP) in 2005 and 2006 associated with its response to Bulletin 2005-01, SNC identified discrepancies between fuel rod segments located in the SFP and segments indicated in plant records. This discrepancy was the subject of Event Notification 42135 and LER 2005-003 transmitted by letter NL-05-2262 dated 12/09/2005, including Rev. 1 of the LER, dated 04/14/2006 (transmitted by letter NL-06-0689). Additional locations in and around the fuel racks and additional fuel bundles were inspected between November 11, 2005, and July 21, 2006. Fuel vendor disorientation and plant SNM offsite shipping records reviews and quantity reconciliations were also recently completed. Based an the results of this expanded work scope, SNC concluded that some SNM material has been lost. This material either resides in some unidentified location in the SFP, resides in the bottom of the SFP as particles or small pieces, or was inadvertently shipped to a licensed low level waste processing facility. One SNM fragment, referred to as Item 30, was dropped during the physical activities in the pools and has not yet been recovered. This 4-1/2-inch fuel segment had been characterized and quantified and was dropped in the SFP during handling. A search was performed to look for item 30, but the intact segment was not found. During this search, a cladding segment with no appreciable SNM inside was located and identified as Item 32. It may be a portion of Item 30. Item 30's fuel length of 4-1/2 inches is included in the total characterized as lost. Based on the nature of the fuel rod segments, fragments, pellets, pellet chips, and small particles, and the barrier provided by in-plant radiation monitoring Instrumentation, a high degree of confidence exists that the lost SNM is either still in the SFP or was inadvertently shipped offsite to a licensed low level waste processing facility. Throughout its investigation and review, SNC has identified no evidence to indicate the possibility of theft or diversion of the missing quantity of SNM material. This notification satisfies the one-hour notification requirement of 10 CFR 74.11 (b). A subsequent written report will be made in accordance with 10CFR74.11(c). The licensee has informed the NRC Resident Inspector regarding the discrepancies and the conclusion regarding the lost material. SNC will be making a press release describing the current status of this issue. Accordingly, this notification also satisfies the 4-hour notification requirement of 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) with respect to issuance of the press release associated with this issue. Notified the R2DO (Lesser), PAO (Brenner), and NRR EO (Jung).

ENS 4208126 October 2005 12:22:00

Due to an electrical fault in the Susquehanna Emergency Operations Facility (EOF), the power to the building has been removed. Testing and repairs are underway and expectations are that power will be restored in approximately 6 hours. The EOF is located approximately 30 miles from the Susquehanna plant and the loss of power does not effect plant operation. Until repairs are complete communications and accident assessments will be made in the on site Technical Support Center (TSC). The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Luzerne and Columbia Counties have been notified by the Susquehanna Emergency Planning Organization. The NRC and PEMA will be notified upon power restoration. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE ON 10/26/05 AT 1500 EDT FROM JIM HUFFORD TO ARLON COSTA * * *

As of approximately 1300 hours on 10/26/2005, power was restored to the Susquehanna Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) and the facility is considered operable. The NRC Resident Inspector will be updated. Notified the R1DO (Silk).

ENS 4207825 October 2005 22:05:00

Small Class B fire on the Unit 3 High Pressure Turbine. Fire is currently out, presented no challenges, and lasted 13 minutes The fire occurred underneath the high pressure turbine bearing and was caused by oil soaked insulation. The fire was extinguished by the site's fire brigade and resulted in no injuries to plant personnel. Plant safety and emergency systems were not affected by the fire and all plant systems functioned as required. Currently, the fire brigade is being debriefed and it is anticipated that the site will terminate the Unusual Event shortly. The licensee notified the State, local authorities and the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE AT 23:54 EDT ON 10/25/2005 FROM MICHAEL COEN TO RIPLEY * * *

Small class B fire on the Unit 3 High Pressure Turbine. Fire is currently out, presented no challenge, and lasted 13 minutes. Terminated Unusual Event at 2330. The plant is in mode three both before and after the event. The plant startup schedule has not been determined. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the IRD Manager (Blount), FEMA (Chris Leggett), R2DO (Ernstes), and NRR EO (Hannon).

ENS 4208326 October 2005 17:55:00Metropolis Works, Metropolis, Illinois (MTW) is reporting a failure to follow procedure related to the installation of valves in UF6 cylinders. A violation of ANSI Standard N14.1 (2001) 'Uranium Hexafluoride Packaging for Transport', Section 6.14.6 was reported 26 October, 2005. This is a reportable event because it is a violation of an applicable national standard and also an action outside the licensee's procedures. ANSI N14-1 (2001) 6.14.6 states, 'No material of any kind other than the specified solder shall be used on the threads to facilitate installation (of cylinder valves into the UH6 type 48Y cylinders).' Contrary to that standard, MTW site maintenance personnel did use Teflon spray to facilitate installation of cylinder valves into type 48Y cylinders. Use of a thread lubricant, such as Teflon, can be expected to increase the degree the valve threads are engaged for a given torque. Teflon is a fluorinated compound and is not a chemical hazard in contact with UF6. This issue was discovered when USEC inspectors noted white residue around cylinder valves previously replaced by the licensee when those valves were later replaced by the cylinder manufacturer. Analysis of the residue showed it was Teflon. USEC notified the licensee of the finding 25 October 2005. Interviews with maintenance workers disclosed that Teflon had been used when replacing some cylinder valves. The licensee is investigating the quantity and type of cylinders that might have been subjected to Teflon during valve replacement. Notification of all customers that might have received cylinders with valves installed with Teflon is in progress. The licensee notified NRC Region 2 (D. Hartland). Notified R2DO (Ernstes).
ENS 4207525 October 2005 13:01:00At 1000 EDT on October 25, 2005, it was discovered that no good data is being transmitted via the FTS-2001 communications link. The communications link itself is functioning properly; however, the front end processor and the spare train for Unit 4 are not on-line. The estimated time of repair for restoration of data flow is approximately 1700 EDT on 10/25/05. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4207224 October 2005 12:41:00

This event is being reported as 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B), an unanalyzed condition that significantly degrades plant safety. A postulated fire water system line break did not take into consideration the movement of a fire door boundary. Consequently, the break may affect safe shutdown of the plant. The door boundary was moved in May 1999. While assessing a calculation to update fire pump curves (CR 04-00422-04) it was found that the calculation does not appear to have been updated for the tornado depressurization event modifications (DCP 99-05014). Specifically, door DG-112 was moved to the control complex wall from the diesel generator wall. This door movement isolates the rattle space that was previously credited as a relief path for this internal flood. A full break is postulated for this line as the result of a safe shutdown earthquake. As the result of the postulated pipe break, both fire protection pumps are expected to auto start resulting in a break flow rate into the hallway of approximately 6,000 gpm. Standard Perry design practice is to assume a 30 minute duration for the pipe break flow isolation unless justified otherwise. The line in question was isolated at 2027 on 10/21/05. The valves are being maintained closed under administrative controls. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

        • RETRACTION ON 10/28/05 AT 1748 EDT FROM H. KELLY TO P. SNYDER ****

An 8-hour notification was made on October 24, 2005 under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B) for an unanalyzed condition that significantly degrades plant safety. The report was made due to a postulated break for a non-safety non-seismic fire water pipe that could possibly affect safe shutdown of the plant. An evaluation was completed on October 28, 2005. This evaluation confirmed that the current plant configuration is consistent with the design basis. The evaluation used for the original event notification assumed a full break of the involved piping. Perry design basis for this moderate energy system is a leakage crack. The postulated leakage from the crack in the piping remains within design basis and does not significantly degrade plant safety. Since Perry remains in compliance with design basis and there is no unanalyzed condition that significantly degrades plant safety, there is no reportable condition. Therefore, ENF 42072 is retracted. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R3DO (Lipa).

ENS 4206620 October 2005 14:30:00On October 20, 2005, the Safety Parameter Display System (SPDS) is being removed from service to perform planned upgrades to the system. The removal of SPDS from service for Hope Creek also affects the transmission of data via the Emergency Response Data System (ERDS). Appropriate compensatory measures are in place while SPDS is out of service. The SPDS is expected to be returned to service in approximately 8 days. This is a voluntary/courtesy notification. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4206520 October 2005 12:47:00A scrap yard operator contacted the Indiana State Department of Health to request investigative assistance after their radiation monitor alarm sounded while monitoring a batch of trash. A Health Physicist was dispatched to the scrap yard and discovered a Cesium-137 source in the trash. Upon further investigation it was determined that the source belonged to a general licensed company which was no longer in operation. The company owned two like sources, but only source CS4464 (S/N 4699931) containing 14 millicuries of Cesium-137 was found. The found source is not leaking and it has not caused any injury to personnel. The Indiana State Department of Health has contacted Region III and will continue looking for the other missing source. Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.
ENS 4205817 October 2005 19:18:00At 1816 EDT on 10/17/2005 Vogtle Unit 1 was manually tripped from 100% power due to lowering Steam Generator level on Loop 2. The Main Feedwater Regulating Valve for Loop 2 failed closed and operator attempts to re-open it were unsuccessful. The operators initiated a manual reactor trip when it was apparent that Steam Generator level would not be restored. Following the manual reactor trip, an automatic actuation of the Motor Driven and Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pumps occurred due to low level in the Steam Generators. The Main Feedwater Regulating Valve for Loop 1 did not close as expected for the feedwater isolation signal (P-4 / Tavg 564 degrees F) that resulted from the manual trip. The Loop 1 Main Feedwater Regulating Valve was manually closed by the operators. All control rods are fully inserted. This incident did not affect Unit 2. Unit 1 is stable in Mode 3 and removing heat by dumping steam to the condensers. All safety related systems or equipment are available and functioning as required. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4205715 October 2005 13:25:00On 10/15/2005, at 09:30 am CDT, Wolf Creek Generating Station Operations personnel discovered a diesel fuel oil spill on acreage controlled by Wolf Creek generating Station, at the Makeup Water Screen House. The spill was not currently active and had occurred at an unknown previous date and time. The spill amount is estimated to be in excess of "Reportable Quantities of Hazardous Waste" per 40 CFR 302.4, which is greater than 1.4 gallons. The actual spill amount is not known, however there is no puddling or runoff. The spill has been reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This (incident) requires a report to the NRC per 10 CPR 50.72 (b) (2) (xi). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4202730 September 2005 11:39:00On 9/30/2005, an unplanned loss of the Emergency Response Data Acquisition and Display System (ERDADS) output to the Unit 2 control room occurred for greater than one hour. This event is considered a loss of emergency assessment capability in accordance with the guidance provided in St. Lucie Plant procedures. Maintenance activity is ongoing to restore ERDADS capability to the Unit 2 Control Room. This non-emergency notification is being made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 4200421 September 2005 02:37:00

At 2240 09/20/2005 an engineering evaluation concluded that the Residual Heat Removal Containment Sump Isolation Valves were inoperable based on their inability to open against a higher differential pressure than had been previously evaluated. Historically Wolf Creek has operated with the Component Cooling Water isolated to the Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchangers. If the pumps started during accident conditions there is a potential that the pump heat generated could cause system pressure to increase to the suction relief valve setting of 450 psig. Testing of the valves has shown that they are capable of opening with 207 psid across the valve. Technical Specification 3.0.3 was entered at 2240 9/20/2005 due to the inoperability of both Residual Heat Removal trains. Power reduction was commenced at 2340. Component Cooling Water was aligned to the Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchangers at 0004 9/21/2005 restoring operability of the Residual Heat Removal trains. At 0017 9/21/2005 actions were commenced to restore power to 100%. This event is reportable under 10 CFR50.72(b)(2)(i) Technical Specification required shut down (4 hour) and 10 CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(B) Event or Condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a Safety Function (8 hour). The NRC Resident has been contacted.

      • UPDATE AT 15:39 EST ON 11/08/05 FROM DEES TO KNOKE ***

Evaluation of the Residual Heat Removal Containment Sump Isolation Valves concluded that the valves were operable and the Residual Heat Removal trains were capable of fulfilling their safety function. Therefore, this event is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R4DO (Whitten).

ENS 4199514 September 2005 23:38:00

On 9/14/05 at 2138, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCl) system was declared inoperable. The HPCI Pump In Service Surveillance Test was in progress with system flow and speed being adjusted to establish surveillance test conditions. Speed and flow oscillations were observed when turbine speed approached 3900 rpm. Since speed and flow oscillations prevented the establishment of surveillance test conditions, HPCI was declared inoperable. Evaluations of these speed and flow oscillations are ongoing. Loss of the HPCI is reportable under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v) as loss of a single train safety system required to mitigate the consequences of an accident. No additional Emergency Core Cooling Systems or Safety Related equipment was inoperable during this time period. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM LICENSEE (BREADY) TO NRC (HUFFMAN) AT 11:38 EST ON 10/30/05 * * *

Evaluation of the HPCI system speed and flow oscillations concluded that the HPCI system was capable of mitigating the consequences of an accident. Therefore this event is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v) as a loss of a single train safety function and is being retracted. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. R1DO (Silk) notified.

ENS 4199114 September 2005 14:11:00

On September 14, 2005, at approximately 0832 hours (EDT), Brunswick began losing the function of several offsite emergency preparedness sirens as a result of adverse weather conditions associated with Hurricane Ophelia. There are a total of 36 sirens located in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, NC. The maximum number of sirens that were inoperable was twenty (20). As of 1330 (EDT), eleven (11) sirens in Brunswick County and four (4) sirens in New Hanover County remain inoperable. The Brunswick and New Hanover County Emergency Operations Centers are aware of the condition of the sirens and maintenance activities are in progress to restore siren capabilities. Other communications with local, state, and federal emergency response organizations have not been affected. The initial safety significance of this condition is considered minimal. Unit 1 and 2 are currently operating in Mode 1 under normal parameters. State and county emergency response officials are aware of the condition and compensatory measures are in place to provide warning to the affected areas if required. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE AT 0028 EDT ON 9/15/05 FROM KENON CHISM TO S. SANDIN * * *

On September 14, 2005, under Event Notification 41991, Brunswick Plant reported the loss of a number of offsite emergency preparedness sirens as a result of adverse weather conditions associated with Hurricane Ophelia. Maintenance activities continue for restoration of the siren capabilities lost. As of 2340 hours (EDT) on September 14, 2005, nine (9) sirens remain inoperable, six (6) sirens in Brunswick County and three (3) sirens in New Hanover County. The licensee will inform the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Munday).

  • * * UPDATE AT 1639 EDT ON 9/15/05 FROM DANIEL HARDIN TO J. ROTTON * * *

On September 14, 2005, at 1411 hours, the Brunswick plant provided a notification (reference Event Number 41991) in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii) for the loss of function several offsite emergency preparedness sirens as a result of adverse weather conditions associated with Hurricane Ophelia. This update is to notify the NRC Operations Center that as of September 15, 2005, at 1600 hours, all but 3 of 36 sirens have been restored and the condition no longer meets the criteria of 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(xiii). Restoration efforts for the remaining sirens are in progress. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Munday)

ENS 4199314 September 2005 14:24:00Licensee personnel noted a pipe crack in the waste water system which allowed contaminated water to drip onto the air handling equipment for the laboratory. The leaking sink was in the laboratory receiving area for waste disposal. The waste water penetrated the air handler and contaminated the unit. The air handling unit was shut down and access control for contamination was initiated for the entire area. Contamination was measured up to 20K dpm but no one has been injured nor contaminated. Most of the beta activity comes mainly from P-32, C-14 and S-35. Area decontamination procedures are currently underway. The licensee will provide a detailed written report of this incident to the U.S. NRC.
ENS 4198312 September 2005 23:27:00

On September 12, 2005, at 2300 hours, a hurricane warning was issued, which resulted in the declaration of an unusual event for both units. Unit 1 and 2 are currently operating at 100 percent of rated thermal power. The plant area is not currently experiencing any hurricane force winds. The wind speed at the site is approximately 24 miles per hour. State and county emergency response organizations have been notified. The resident inspector has been notified. There is no significant impact to the safety of the plant at this time. The plant is currently in Abnormal Operating Procedure 0AOP-13.0, 'Operation During Hurricane, Flood Conditions, Tornado, or Earthquake,' and Plant Emergency Procedure 0PEP-02.6, 'Severe Weather,' in preparation for hurricane conditions. On-site facilities are not being activated at this time. No off-site assistance is requested. Request suspension of additional follow up notification unless plant conditions change. All Emergency Core Cooling Systems and the Emergency Diesel Generators are fully operable if needed. The electrical grid is stable.

  • * * UPDATE AT 0758 EDT ON 9/14/05 FROM BRUCE HARTSOCK TO S. SANDIN * * *

Commenced reduction in power on Unit 2 in anticipation of exceeding 74 mph winds. Prediction revised to maximum of 64 mph onsite. Power reduction stopped. Plant stabilized. Power will be restored. Notified RCT (Hasselberg) and R2IRC (Casto).

  • * * UPDATE AT 0028 EDT ON 9/15/05 FROM KENON CHISM TO S. SANDIN * * *

As of 2300 hours (EDT) on September 14, 2005, the Hurricane Warning south of Cape Fear, North Carolina, has been discontinued; therefore, the Unusual Event has been terminated. Entry into the Unusual Event was reported by Event Notification 41983. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 continue to operate at 100 percent power. There has been no damage affecting safety equipment or causing operational constraints as a result of Hurricane Ophelia. The licensee notified state/local agencies and will inform the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Munday), NRR (Mayfield), IRD (McGinty), FEMA (Snyder), and DHS (Gomez).