TMI "event" 11/21

Event Number: 45514 Facility: THREE MILE ISLAND Region: 1 State: PA Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] B&W-L-LP,[2] B&W-L-LP NRC Notified By: ROGER BARNES HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN Notification Date: 11/22/2009 Notification Time: 01:13 [ET] Event Date: 11/21/2009 Event Time: 22:45 [EST] Last Update Date: 12/18/2009 RADIATION RELEASE IN CONTAINMENT ASSOCIATED WITH STEAM GENERATOR REMOVAL "This event is being reported via the ENS to the NRC Operations Center within four hours after notifications were made to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and local counties for an event of potential public interest. This notification was made at 22:45 on November 21, 2009, after the occurrence of an event related to the safety and health of onsite personnel for which a press release has been made. The press release was made following the event of potential public interest notifications. This report is being made under 10 CFR 72.75(b)(2). "At approximately 16:00 on Saturday November 21, 2009, low levels of radiation activity were measured on radiation monitors installed in the TMI-1 reactor building. Personnel were directed to immediately leave the reactor building until the source of the activity could be identified. Surveys directly outside of the reactor building construction opening indicated a slight increase in activity. Levels have returned to normal. No contamination was identified outside of the reactor building. Approximately 150 workers were monitored for exposure to the radiation activity. No worker approached or exceeded any exposure limits. The sources of the activity are believed to be from maintenance tasks related to cutting lines in preparation for removal of the 'B' Steam Generator." The licensee is still investigating the cause of the event but indicated that the radiation release is no longer in progress. Containment Ventilation is established to provide an inflow into containment to the extent possible (considering the openings in containment). The licensee contacted state and local authorities and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. The licensee has also issued a press release. * * * UPDATE FROM NEFF TO TEAL AT 1824 EST ON 12/18/2009 * * * "This provides an update to notification EN #45514 that reported a non-emergency offsite notification for an event on November 21, 2009, at the Three Mile island Nuclear Station. "Updated news release and notifications to local, state and federal elected and regulatory officials were performed today, December 18, 2009, that provide an outage update as well as communication the results of analysis of Offsite Environmental Monitors following the November 21, 2009 event."