NRC Proposes $150,000 Civil Penalty for Violations at New Jersey Nuclear Power Plant Undergoing Decommissioning

NRC Proposes $150,000 Civil Penalty for Violations at New Jersey Nuclear Power Plant Undergoing Decommissioning

21-010-i.pdf

SECY-21-0100 Decommissioning Program 2021 Annual Report

Dear Decommissioning Working Group,

Two Enclosures on Status of the Decommissioning Program 2021 Annual Report

For your review and reference

N2

Michael J. Keegan

 

ML21280A402

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21280A402 

Document Title:  SECY-21-0100 - Enclosure 1 - Status of the Decommissioning Program 2021 Annual Report

Document Type: Commission SECY Paper

Document Date: 11/30/2021

 

 

ML21280A401

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21280A401 

Document Title:  SECY-21-0100 - Status of the Decommissioning Program - 2021 Annual Report

Document Type: Commission SECY Paper

Document Date: 11/30/2021

Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation Decommissioning Funding Plans

Dear Decommissioning Working Group,

Two Enclosures on Status of the Decommissioning Program 2021 Annual Report

For your review and reference

N2

Michael J. Keegan

ML21280A402

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21280A402 

Document Title:  SECY-21-0100 - Enclosure 1 - Status of the Decommissioning Program 2021 Annual Report

Document Type: Commission SECY Paper

Document Date: 11/30/2021

ML21280A401

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21280A401 

Document Title:  SECY-21-0100 - Status of the Decommissioning Program - 2021 Annual Report

Document Type: Commission SECY Paper

Document Date: 11/30/2021

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Information Request to Support Triennial Baseline Design-Basis Capability of Power-Operated Valves Inspection

PEACH BOTTOM ATOMIC POWER STATION, UNITS 2 AND 3 –
INFORMATION REQUEST TO SUPPORT TRIENNIAL BASELINE DESIGN- BASIS CAPABILITY OF POWER-OPERATED VALVES INSPECTION; INSPECTION REPORT 05000277/2022011 AND 05000278/2022011

ADAMS ACCESSION NUMBER: ML21348A164

PB DBAI - POV RFI Letter.pdf

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Design Basis Assurance Inspection (Programs) Inspection Report 05000387/2021010 and 05000388/2021010

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Design Basis Assurance Inspection (Programs) Inspection Report 05000387/2021010 and 05000388/2021010

ADAMS Accession No.  ML21347A036

SSESS POV IR 2021-010.pdf

Former U.S. NRC Senior Resident Inspector Found Guilty of Making False Statements

Former U.S. NRC Senior Resident Inspector Found
Guilty of Making False Statements

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA—As a result of a joint investigation between the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Public Integrity Section, a former NRC Senior Resident Inspector pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, before the Honorable Norman K. Moon, to making false statements on NRC inspection reports.  Such false statements violate 18 U.S.C. § 1001, a federal crime that carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

The former employee, Gregory Croon, 60, of Clarksville, Tennessee, produced intentionally falsified inspection reports when he worked as the NRC’s senior resident inspector at the North Anna Power Station in Mineral, Virginia, between 2016 and 2018; he retired from the NRC in 2020. 

“The accuracy of NRC inspection reports is critical to the NRC’s oversight of licensees’ safe operation of nuclear power plants around the nation,” said NRC Inspector General Robert J. Feitel.  “Croon’s false statements could have jeopardized that safety oversight function.”

NRC OIG Special Agent Adam Tierney, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Todd Walter, Technical Advisor Terri Spicher, and DOJ trial attorneys conducted the extensive investigation, which included numerous interviews of both NRC and licensee personnel, and the comprehensive review of NRC and licensee records.  Sentencing in the case is scheduled for March 7, 2022. 

“The combined efforts of the NRC OIG special agents and our law enforcement partners yielded an appropriate and just result in this case.  Nonetheless, it is vital to remember that we must all remain vigilant, watch for fraudulent activity, and report it promptly,” said Feitel.

The OIG has a responsibility to independently and objectively conduct audits and investigations to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the NRC’s programs and operations.

NRC OIG Press Release_SRI Guilty_12132021.pdf

Summary of November 16, 2021, Meeting with Exelon Generation Company, LLC Regarding a Planned Request for an Alternative to Extend the Inservice Inspection Interval (EPID L-2021-LRM-0103)

Subject:  Summary of November 16, 2021, Meeting with Exelon Generation Company, LLC Regarding a Planned Request for an Alternative to Extend the Inservice Inspection Interval (EPID L-2021-LRM-0103)

ADAMS Accession No.:  ML21333A153

ADAMS Hyperlink: https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21333A153 

Using Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search”
Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”
Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number
Click Search 

Indian Point RAI on HI-LIFT Crane

ML21337A295
https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21337A295 

Document Title:  Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit 3 - Subsequent Request for Additional Information re: License Amendment Request to Revise Licensing Basis for New Auxiliary Lifting Device (E-mail dated 12/3/2021) (EPID L-2020-LLA-0051)

Document Type:  E-Mail
                                Request for Additional Information (RAI)

Document Date:  12/03/2021

NUREG-1055 1984 Report to Congress on Quality Assurance

Please peruse Abstract of NUREG-1055 1984 Report to Congress on Quality Assurance entitled:

Improving Quality and the Assurance of Quality in the Design and Construction of Nuclear Power Plants A Report to Congress (NUREG-1055) https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0630/ML063000293.pdf 

ABSTRACT
At the request of Congress, NRC conducted a study of existing and alternative programs for improving quality and the assurance of quality in the design and construction of commercial nuclear power plants. A primary focus of the study was to determine the underlying causes of major quality-related problems in the construction of some nuclear power plants and the untimely detection and correction of these problems. The study concluded that the root cause for major quality-related problems was the failure or inability of some utility managements to effectively implement a management system that ensured adequate control over all aspects of the project. These management shortcoming arose in part from inexperience on the part of some project teams in the construction of nuclear power plants. NRC's past licensing and inspection practices did not adequately screen construction permit applicants for overall capability to manage or provide effective management oversight over the construction project.

The study recommends a number of improvements in industry and NRC programs. For industry, the study recommends self-imposed rising standards of excellence, treatment of quality assurance as a management tool, not a substitute for management, improved trend analysis and identification of root causes of quality problems, and a program of comprehensive third party audits of present and future construction projects. To improve NRC programs, the study recommends a heavier emphasis on team inspections and resident inspectors, an enhanced review of new applicant's capabilities to construct commercial nuclear power plants, more attention to management issues, improved diagnostic and trending capabilities, improved quality and quality assurance for operating reactors, and development of guidance to facilitate the prioritization of quality assurance measures commensurate with the importance of plant structures, systems, and components to the achievement of safety. This document should prove of value in critiquing the proposed changes in Quality Assurance in 2021

Thank you for review/consideration

Michael J. Keegan
Don't Waste Michigan

NRC Accepts Application for Kairos Construction Permit

 NRC Accepts Application for Kairos Construction Permit

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted for review an application from Kairos Power for a permit to construct a test reactor at a site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Kairos submitted the first portion of the application on Sept. 29, and the remainder on Oct. 31.

The Kairos application seeks to build the company’s “Hermes” test reactor. The 35-megawatt, non-power reactor would use molten salt to cool the reactor core, providing operational data to support development of a larger version meant for a commercial nuclear power plant. The company will be required to submit a separate application for an operating license in the future.

Accepting the application for review, or “docketing,” does not indicate whether the Commission will approve or reject the construction permit request. Additional information regarding new reactor licensing and specific information on the review of the Hermes application is available on the NRC website.

Beginning in March 2018, Kairos engaged in extensive pre-application activities with the NRC staff to address key aspects of the Hermes design. Because of this constructive engagement, the agency was able to establish a shortened review schedule of 21 months. Barring unforeseen delays, the staff expects to complete its environmental and safety reviews by September 2023.

The NRC will soon publish in the Federal Register a notice of acceptance and docketing. A future Federal Register notice will provide an opportunity to intervene in an adjudicatory hearing.

21-052.pdf

NRC Proceeding "Exelon Generation Company, LLC"

Subject: Re: NRC Proceeding "Exelon Generation Company, LLC"

**EIE Update**  Due to certain NRC computer security enhancements the process to open submissions having more than one attachment has had to be changed. Now, after opening the link in the e-mail and validating their certificate, users will see a page with a button saying “Download Attachments". Selecting that button will cause the attached .zip file to be downloaded to the users' computer. Thereafter, the files can be opened using the normal protocol.  **EIE Update**

MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Re: NRC Proceeding "Exelon Generation Company, LLC"

The Office of the Secretary has received a Submission entitled

"NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HEARING REQUEST AND PETITION FOR LEAVE TO INTERVENE"

submitted by Susan Satter who is affiliated with Illinois Attorney General's Office.  It contains 1 attachment(s).

It is intended for inclusion in the referenced proceeding. It was submitted through the NRC Electronic Information Exchange (EIE) system and arrived on 11/24/2021 at 06.00 PM.

As a hearing participant, you are entitled to view and/or retrieve this Submission by visiting the following web link.  

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HEARING REQUEST AND PETITION FOR LEAVE TO INTERVENE - https://eie.nrc.gov/eie/adj/downloadAttachment.eie?submissionId=56312&docId=27588 (122 KB)

If the submission contains 2 or more attachments, they will be delivered to you as a single compressed zip file from which you may open the attachments. The delivery model works best with the free download product named "SecureZip".  This is the product used in the screen shots in the Adjudicatory User's Guide. Other compression products will work but the access steps may vary.

The link will remain active for 30 day(s) after which its contents will be removed from the EIE system. Not later than 3 days from the date of this message the attachment(s) will also be available through NRC Electronic Hearing Docket (EHD) web site. The web link for this site is: https://adams.nrc.gov/ehd and the documents can be located by browsing in the appropriate hearing folder.

Receipt of this message constitutes completion of service of this filing.

PARTIES SERVED WITH THIS SUBMISSION:  Black, Amanda M.; Castellon, Krupskaya T.; Clark, Brooke P.; Docket, Hearing; Domeyer, Tamra; Epstein, Eric; Eskelsen, Grant; Hampton, Georgiann E.; Heck, Jared K.; Kearney, Margrethe; Krause, Emily I.; Lighty, Ryan K.; Naber, Anita G.; Newell, Brian P.; ocaamail, ocaamail; Polonsky, Alex; Ross, Peter; Roth, David E.; Satter, Susan; Shaw, Noah; Sola, Clara I; Speiser, Herald; Vrahoretis, Susan H.; Wachutka, Jeremy L.

NRC's Semiannual Status Report on the Licensing Activities

Dear No Nuke Community

NRC's Semiannual Status Report on the Licensing Activities 
This Zip file of 3 provides NRC overview and status of Rule Makings
N2
Michael J. Keegan
Don't Waste Michigan

ML21295A449
https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21295A449 

11-16-21 Letter to the Honorable Edward Markey, et al., from NRC Chairman Hanson, submits the NRC's Semiannual Status Report on the Licensing Activities and Regulatory Duties of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, April 1 to September 30, 2021---

Program Coordination Between the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection; Comments of TMI-Alert, Inc.

Re: Comments of Three Mile Island Alert, Inc.

TMIA's Comments on the Proposed LOU ith the DEP, (11_22_221).docx

ACT NOW! Tell the Senate to CANCEL Nuclear Subsidies in the BBBA Inbox

 

Dear Eric,

Breaking! This morning, the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act which still includes over $35 billion in nuclear bailouts for corrupt corporations. Now the bill heads to the Senate where we have one more chance to STOP the nuclear bailout! Tell the Senate “No Nuclear Subsidies in the Build Back Better Act!” The BBBA is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in real climate solutions and environmental justice. Speak up and demand that your Senators remove the nuclear subsidies once and for all and take action towards a just transition to a 100% renewable energy future - carbon-free and nuclear-free. Demand that your Senators CANCEL the Nuclear PTC and Invest BBBA Dollars in a Just Transition to 100% Renewable Energy

Thank you and be well,

The NIRS Team

Diane D'Arrigo

Denise Jakosberg

Tim Judson

Ann McCann

Hannah Smay

View in your browser

NRC Terminates Humboldt Bay Nuclear Power Plant License

NRC Terminates Humboldt Bay Nuclear Power Plant License

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has terminated the license for the Humboldt Bay Power Plant, Unit 3, in California and released the site for unrestricted use. The termination comes after Pacific Gas & Electric Co. successfully decommissioned the facility to meet the NRC’s radiation protection standards.

Humboldt Bay Unit 3 was a boiling water reactor operated by PG&E from 1963 to 1976. Units 1 and 2 at the site, located approximately 4 miles from Eureka, California, in Humboldt County, were fossil fuel power plants that were previously decommissioned. PG&E currently operates a separate fossil fuel plant adjacent to the site.

Unit 3’s independent spent fuel storage installation will remain under a separate NRC license. PG&E remains responsible for the security and protection of the storage facility and is required to maintain $53.3 million in liability insurance coverage until the fuel has been removed from the storage facility site. PG&E also is responsible for safely decommissioning the storage facility site once the fuel is gone.

PG&E submitted final status surveys of the Unit 3 site and requested license termination in October. The NRC staff evaluated the surveys, conducted inspections, and reviewed confirmatory analyses before concluding the site meets NRC criteria for license termination for unrestricted use.

The NRC’s safety evaluation report of PG&E’s request to release the site will be available through the NRC website.

21-051.pdf

NRC Increases Oversight at Vogtle Unit 3

NRC Increases Oversight at Vogtle Unit 3

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will increase oversight at one of the Vogtle nuclear power plants under construction in Waynesboro, Georgia, after finalizing two inspection findings involving the safety-related electrical raceway system at Unit 3. Southern Nuclear Operating Company operates the site.

The NRC launched a special inspection in June 2021 to understand the cause and extent of construction quality issues in the electrical raceway system, consisting primarily of conduits and cable trays designed to prevent a single event from disabling redundant safety-related equipment.

The finalized inspection findings include two violations of federal regulations. NRC inspectors found that Southern Nuclear did not properly implement its corrective action program, resulting in construction quality issues, extensive rework, and a report to the NRC for a significant quality assurance breakdown. They also found that the company did not follow design specifications while installing safety-related cables for reactor coolant pumps and equipment designed to shut down the reactor safely.

In a written response to the initial report, Southern Nuclear proposed the NRC combine the two violations since both involve failing to adhere to engineering standards for electrical equipment and systems vital to emergency reactor shutdown. After considering the additional written information from the company and the inspection results, the NRC determined that the two findings would remain separate.

The NRC characterizes these findings as a low-to-moderate safety significance and will schedule a supplemental inspection to verify Southern Nuclear understands the root cause and has taken appropriate corrective actions.

There is no increased risk to the public as Southern Nuclear corrects the conditions as there is no nuclear fuel in the reactor. The NRC will not authorize the company to load fuel and operate Vogtle Unit 3 until it has met the standards in the combined license.

21-022-ii.pdf

Exelon Generation Company, LLC - Approval of Indirect Transfer of Licenses and Draft Conforming License Amendments

SUBJECT:   Exelon Generation Company, LLC - Approval of Indirect Transfer of Licenses and Draft Conforming License Amendments

ADAMS Accession Nos. 

Order: ML21277A192

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21277A192 

Draft Amendments: ML21277A193

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21277A193 

​​​​​​​Safety Evaluation (Non-Proprietary): ML21277A248

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21277A248 

Using Web-based ADAMS, select “Advanced Search” 

Under “Property,” select “Accession Number”  

Under “Value,” enter the Accession Number 

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Unit 2 - Issuance of Amendment No. 263 Re: Temporary Change to Unit 2 Technical Specification 3.8.7 to Allow Replacement of Unit 1 480 Volt Load Center Transformers

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNIT 2 – ISSUANCE OF AMENDMENT NO. 263 RE: TEMPORARY CHANGE TO UNIT 2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 3.8.7 TO ALLOW REPLACEMENT OF UNIT 1 480-VOLT LOAD CENTER TRANSFORMERS (EPID L-2020-LLA-0245) 

ML21229A157.pdf

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000277/2021003 and 05000278/2021003

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000277/2021003 and 05000278/2021003

ADAMS Accession No.  ML21313A238

PBIR2021-003.pdf

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Unit 1 - Information Request to Support Post-Approval Site Inspection for License Renewal

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNIT 1 – INFORMATION REQUEST TO SUPPORT POST-APPROVAL SITE INSPECTION FOR LICENSE RENEWAL; INSPECTION REPORT 05000387/2022011

SQ1 IP71003 Ph2 Document Request.pdf

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Temporary Instruction 2515/194 Inspection Report 05000387/2021011 and 05000388/2021011

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 – TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION 2515/194 INSPECTION REPORT 05000387/2021011 AND 05000388/2021011

Susquehanna OPC IR 2021-011.pdf

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000387/2021003 and 05000388/2021003

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Integrated Inspection Report 05000387/2021003 and 05000388/2021003

ADAMS Accession No.  ML21307A311

SUS2021_003 FINAL.pdf

Holtec Inspection Report (Casks) - 3 Violations

ML21301A166

https://adamswebsearch2.nrc.gov/webSearch2/main.jsp?AccessionNumber=ML21301A166 

Document Title: Holtec Inspection, NRC Inspection Report 07201014/2021201  Document Type: Inspection Report                                Letter Document Date: 10/28/2021

 

 

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Security Baseline Inspection Report 05000387/2021401 and 05000388/2021401

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Security Baseline Inspection Report 05000387/2021401 and 05000388/2021401

ADAMS Accession No.  ML21298A203

Susq Sec BI IR 2021401.pdf

TMI-Alert's Decommissioning Testimony

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meets Oct. 19 To Hear Report On Radiation Decontamination Of Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Reactors, Waste Sites 

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2021/10/dep-citizens-advisory-council-meets-oct.html

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet in-person and virtually on October 19 to hear a presentation from DEP on the decontamination and decommissioning of oil and gas wastewater treatment facilities, nuclear power plants, waste dump sites and other sites in Pennsylvania.

TMI-1, (7_22_19).docx

TMI-2, (2_10_21).pdf

Peak Water Demands in the Delaware River Basin Have Likely Occurred

Peak Water Demands in the Delaware River Basin Have Likely Occurred

New DRBC report shows that despite population increases, water use is projected to decrease; consumptive use is projected to remain constant

For Immediate Release

October 19, 2021

(West Trenton, N.J.) -- The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) recently published a report entitled Water Withdrawal and Consumptive Use Estimates for the Delaware River Basin (1990-2017) with Projections through 2060.

"DRBC’s planning programs include the evaluation of sustainable water availability in the Delaware River Basin, supporting efforts to ensure water security for over 13 million people in four states," DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini said. "This is the first time in DRBC’s history that nearly 30 years of water use data have been used to project future water withdrawals and consumptive water uses for multiple water use sectors."

Most of the water used in the Basin comes from surface water. Major water use sectors highlighted in this report include public water supply, power generation, industry, mining, irrigation, self-supplied domestic (private water wells) and out-of-basin transfers. The report also evaluated and projected consumptive use, or water that is withdrawn from the Basin but is not returned; examples include out-of-basin water transfers and water lost to evaporation from being used for cooling purposes in power generation.

The data show that peak water withdrawals in the Basin have likely already occurred. Further, despite a continued increase in population, water demands are projected to decrease through 2060. More people using less water overall is indicative of the benefits of water efficiency in the Basin.

The data also show that the amount of water consumptively used is projected to remain relatively constant. One reason is a change in technology for generating power; newer recirculating technology withdrawals less water overall but results in higher rates of evaporation.

"While peak water demand may be in the past, the complex interstate systems that support water resources throughout the Basin still need proper management and protection," Tambini continued. "The results of this study will be incorporated into water availability and water resiliency assessments for the Delaware River Basin that will also consider a repeat of extreme drought conditions and changes to flow and sea level rise due to climate change."

The report, as well as the historical and projected data supporting this report, is available at https://www.nj.gov/drbc/programs/supply/use-demand-projections2060.html.

The DRBC is a federal/interstate government agency created in 1961 by concurrent compact legislation, marking the first time that the federal government and a group of states joined together as equal partners in a river basin planning, development and regulatory agency. The five Commission members are the governors of the Basin states (Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania) and the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ North Atlantic Division, who represents the federal government.

To learn more about the Commission, please visit www.drbc.gov or follow DRBC on Twitter at @DRBC1961.

#  #  #  #
Contact: 
Kate Schmidt, Kate.Schmidt@drbc.gov
#  #  #  #

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Exemption from Specific Requirements of 10 CFR Part 26 (EPID L-2021-LLE-0041 [COVID-19])

Subject:  Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Exemption from Specific Requirements of 10 CFR Part 26 (EPID L-2021-LLE-0041 [COVID-19])

ADAMS Accession No.:  ML21265A438

ML21265A438.pdf

PA DEP News Release : DEP, State Police Urge Public to Report Missing Portable Nuclear Gauge

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/14/2021

CONTACT:
Jamar Thrasher, DEP
717-319-1758

RECOVERED - DEP, State Police Urge Public to Report Missing Portable Nuclear Gauge
Company offers $1,000 reward for the gauge’s return

Williamsport, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Pennsylvania State Police are assisting in the search for a missing portable nuclear gauge containing sealed sources of radioactive material that belongs to Pennsylvania-based CMT Laboratories. The company is offering a $1,000 reward for its safe return. 

An image of the gauge is included at the end of this press release. Anyone who finds the gauge should not handle it directly, but rather maintain distance, limit time of proximity, and immediately contact Pennsylvania State Police Lamar Barracks at 570-726-6000. A trained individual will recover the gauge.

“It is critical for anyone who has information about the lost nuclear gauge to contact state police immediately,” DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection Director David Allard said. “As long as the device is not tampered with or damaged, it presents no hazard to public safety.”

The gauge was reported missing by the company the evening of Wednesday, October 13, 2021. The gauge’s authorized user completed their work at approximately 6:00 PM and inadvertently departed the job site without properly securing the gauge in its case. The vehicle left the job site, in the proximity of E. Valley Road, Logan Township, Clinton County, and traveled toward Loganton when the loss of the gauge was noticed.

If the gauge is badly damaged or was struck by a vehicle, there is potential for contamination.

CMT Laboratories is licensed by DEP to possess and use the gauge. This type of nuclear gauge is commonly used to evaluate the properties of building materials at construction sites throughout the commonwealth. The radioactive material contained within the gauge is believed to be in a safe, shielded position. However, it may have been damaged in the fall from the transport vehicle.

The nuclear density gauge is a Troxler Model 3440. The gauge is yellow in color and about the size of a shoe box, with an electronic keypad and a metal rod extending from the top surface. The Troxler gauge contains approximately 9 millicuries of Cesium-137 and 44 millicuries of Americium-241. The radioactive material is double encapsulated within the device to protect its integrity.  

Anyone who finds the gauge should not handle it directly, but rather maintain distance, limit time of proximity, and immediately contact Pennsylvania State Police Lamar Barracks at 570-726-6000. A trained individual will recover the gauge.

For more information on DEP’s Bureau of Radiation Protection, visit https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/RadiationProtection/Pages/default.aspx.

Shown above: A Troxler Model 3340 portable nuclear gauge. A similar gauge owned by CMT Laboratories went missing on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 in Clinton County. Contact Pennsylvania State Police Lamar Barracks at 570-726-6000 with any information. A $1,000 reward is being offered by CMT Laboratories for the gauge’s safe return. (Image source: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.)

###

Susquehanna - AUTOMATIC REACTOR SCRAM AFTER MAIN TURBINE TRIP

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

EVENT REPORTS FOR
10/08/2021 - 10/12/2021
 

   55514

Power Reactor

Event Number: 55514

Facility: Susquehanna

Region: 1     State: PA

Unit: [2] [] []

RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4

NRC Notified By: Charles Yoder

HQ OPS Officer: Lloyd Desotell

Notification Date: 10/11/2021

Notification Time: 17:05 [ET]

Event Date: 10/11/2021

Event Time: 13:21 [EDT]

Last Update Date: 10/11/2021

Emergency Class: Non Emergency

10 CFR Section:

50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A) - Eccs Injection

50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) - RPS Actuation - Critical

50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - Valid Specif Sys Actuation

Person (Organization):

CARFANG, ERIN (R1)

Power Reactor Unit Info

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX Crit	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
2	A/R	Y	95	Power Operation	0	Hot Standby

Event Text

AUTOMATIC REACTOR SCRAM AFTER MAIN TURBINE TRIP

"At 1321 EDT on October 11, 2021, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station Unit 2 reactor automatically scrammed due to a trip of the Main Turbine.

"Unit 2 reactor was being operated at approximately 95 percent RTP [rated thermal power] with no evolutions in progress. The Control Room received indication of a Main Turbine trip with both divisions of RPS [Reactor Protection System] actuated and all control rods inserted. Turbine bypass valves opened automatically to control reactor pressure and subsequently failed open causing the reactor to depressurize. When reactor pressure reached approximately 560 psig, the operations crew manually closed the Main Steam Isolation Valves (MISVs) to stop the depressurization. Reactor water level lowered to -31 inches causing Level 3 (+13 inches) isolations. No [automatic] ECCS [Emergency Core Cooling System] actuations occurred. HPCI [High Pressure Coolant Injection] and RCIC [Reactor Core Isolation Cooling] were manually initiated to control reactor water level. The Operations crew subsequently maintained reactor water level at the normal operating band using RCIC and reactor pressure was controlled with HPCI in pressure control mode and main steam line drains. The Reactor Recirculation Pumps tripped as designed on EOC-RPT [end of cycle recirculation pump trip].

"The reactor is currently stable in Mode 3. An investigation into the cause of the turbine trip is underway.

"The NRC Resident Inspector was notified. A voluntary notification to PEMA will be made.

"This event requires a 4 hour ENS notification in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A), 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) and an 8 hour ENS notification in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A)."

​​​​​​​

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, October 12, 2021

NRC Proposes $45,000 Fine to Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: IV-21-014 October 1, 2021
Contact: Victor Dricks, 817-200-1128

NRC Proposes $45,000 Fine to Terracon Consultants, Inc.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $45,000 fine to Terracon Consultants Inc. of Olathe, Kansas, for five violations of NRC requirements involving the loss of control of a portable nuclear gauge.

The violations involve:

• Failure by Terracon to control and maintain constant surveillance of licensed material.
  
  
• Failure to use an approved container for the transport of licensed material.
  
  
• Failure to lock or place the gauge inside a container to prevent unauthorized or accidental removal.
  
  
• Failure to properly block and brace the canister from movement during transportation.
  
  
• Failure to provide required notification to the NRC immediately following discovery of its loss, as described in an April 1 inspection report.

NRC staff met virtually with company representatives on May 20, 2021, during a pre- decisional enforcement conference to discuss the violations, which stem from a Nov. 25, 2019, incident in which a worker placed an unsecured portable nuclear gauge in the bed of a truck and drove away from a temporary job site in Killingly, Connecticut, and lost the gauge.

The gauge was subsequently recovered, but the technician did not provide complete and accurate information regarding the circumstances of the event during interviews with company officials.

The company has 60 days to dispute the fine or request involvement of a neutral third-party mediator to resolve the issues.

21-014-iv.pdf

NRC Proposes $150,000 Civil Penalty to Entergy Operations, Inc.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: IV-21-013 October 1, 2021
Contact: Victor Dricks, 817-200-1128

NRC Proposes $150,000 Civil Penalty to Entergy Operations, Inc.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $150,000 fine to Entergy Operations Inc. for three willful violations of agency requirements at the River Bend nuclear power plant. Entergy operates the plant in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

The violations involved:

• On Aug. 13, 2018, a proctor made an unauthorized copy of an exam after thinking he had lost pages of the exam taken by the examinee. He then falsified answers on behalf of the examinee and submitted it.
  
  
• On Sept. 1, 2019, a non-licensed operator assigned to the plant’s control building failed to properly complete a tour of all areas as required.
  
  
• On March 31, 2020, a senior reactor operator provided a key to a maintenance supervisor who was not authorized to receive it and the supervisor accessed a room containing

cybersecurity-related equipment.

NRC staff met with company representatives virtually on Aug. 16, 2021, during a pre-decisional enforcement conference to discuss the violations as described in a July 1, 2021, inspection report. The company has 60 days to dispute the fine or request involvement of a neutral third-party mediator to resolve the issues.

21-013-iv.pdf

NRC to Hold Virtual Regulatory Performance Meeting to Discuss Supplemental Inspection Results for Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: IV-21-012 September 30, 2021
Contact: Victor Dricks, 817-200-1128

NRC to Hold Virtual Regulatory Performance Meeting to Discuss Supplemental Inspection Results for Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant

Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff will discuss the results of a recent onsite supplemental inspection of the Grand Gulf nuclear power plant during a virtual meeting to be held Oct. 4.

The session will run from 5-7 p.m., Central time. Following registration, a confirmation email will be sent with details on how to join the video webinar. To listen to the audio presentation, participants must call 888-323-9703 and enter passcode 1786567#. The meeting will be recorded and later made available on the NRC website.

NRC staff responsible for plant inspection and oversight will participate in the discussion, including the Region IV Regional Administrator and the supplemental inspection team leader. NRC staff will discuss the results of a comprehensive inspection conducted between Aug. 23 and Sept. 17 in response to the station’s degraded performance in 2020. Officials from Entergy Operations, Inc., which operates the plant, will discuss their performance improvement plan. Members of the public will have an opportunity to ask questions of NRC staff following the business portion of the meeting.

Grand Gulf, located in Port Gibson, Mississippi, continues to operate safely. Because of the number of unplanned plant shutdowns in 2020, the plant is receiving increased oversight and inspection focus.

The annual assessment letter for Grand Gulf is available on the NRC website. Current performance information for the plant is also available and is updated on a quarterly basis.

21-012-iv.pdf

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Security Baseline Inspection Report 05000387/2021402 and 05000388/2021402

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Units 1 and 2 - Security Baseline Inspection Report 05000387/2021402 and 05000388/2021402

ADAMS Accession No.  ML21266A212

Susq Sec BI IR 2021402.pdf

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Biennial Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection Report 05000277/2021012 and 05000278/2021012

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Units 2 and 3 - Biennial Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection Report 05000277/2021012 and 05000278/2021012

ADAMS Accession No.  ML21265A334

Peach Bottom PIR Report 2021-012.pdf

WASTE MANAGEMENT Release of La Crosse and Zion sites for unrestricted use delayed until 2022 Mon, Sep 13, 2021, 8:00AMRadwaste Solutions

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Release of La Crosse and Zion sites for unrestricted use delayed until 2022
Mon, Sep 13, 2021, 8:00PMRadwaste Solutions

The La Crosse site in 2019 with major decommissioning completed. The coal-fired Genoa plant is in the background. (Photo: EnergySolutions)

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has extended its orders transferring the licenses for the La Crosse and Zion nuclear power plants from EnergySolutions back to the plant owners until late 2022. This is the third time the NRC has extended the effectiveness of the license transfer orders for the decommissioned plants since approving them in 2019.

EnergySolutions, which took over the licenses for the Zion plant in Illinois and the La Crosse boiling water reactor in Wisconsin for expedited decommissioning, requested the 12-month extensions as it works to respond to requests from the NRC for additional information regarding the final status survey reports (FSSRs) for the two sites. The NRC issued the extension orders for La Crosse and Zion on August 30 and published notice in the September 7 Federal Register.

LaCrosse: EnergySolutions subsidiary LaCrosseSolutions acquired the La Crosse site license from the Dairyland Power Cooperative in 2016. On November 12, 2019, the company announced that it had completed the physical work of decommissioning the plant, which was shut down in 1987 and had already been partially decommissioned.

By a September 2019 order, the NRC consented to the transfer of the La Crosse license back to Dairyland Power. Unless good cause could be shown for extending it, the NRC order was to become null and void if the license transfer was not completed within one year.

LaCrosseSolutions twice applied to the NRC to extend the order’s September 2020 expiration date for an additional six months, first in June 2020 and again in February 2021. The NRC approved both extensions.

In August this year, the company again requested that the order be extended, this time for an additional 12 months, to September 2022. In requesting the extension, LaCrosseSolutions noted that NRC staff is continuing to review the site’s FSSRs. “Based on the current status of the NRC review, it is anticipated that additional time will be needed to address any questions or potential issues identified by the NRC during review of the responses to the request for additional information and the revised FSSRs,” the company said.

Zion: Similarly, EnergySolutions subsidiary ZionSolutions requested in August that the transfer of Zion’s license back to Exelon Generation be extended by 12 months, after previously being granted two six-month extensions, one in October 2020 and the other in May 2021. The NRC first approved the transfer order in November 2019, following ZionSolutions’ completion of the majority of decommissioning work at Zion.

ZionSolutions, in requesting the extension, likewise noted that more time was needed to respond to NRC staff requests for information regarding the site’s FSSRs. “The extension provides the NRC staff with additional time to assess the responses provided by ZionSolutions and make a final determination regarding the release of land for unrestricted use,” the company said.

On August 19, the NRC sent ZionSolutions a 38-page letter with 11 requests for additional information regarding radiological conditions at the Zion site.

TMI - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO CONTRACTOR FATALITY

Power Reactor
Event Number: 55455
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: Brian Miscavage
HQ OPS Officer: Thomas Kendzia Notification Date: 09/10/2021
Notification Time: 14:45 [ET]
Event Date: 09/10/2021
Event Time: 10:55 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/10/2021 Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - Offsite Notification
72.75(b)(2) - Press Release/Offsite Notification Person (Organization):
DENTEL, GLENN (R1)
MILLER, CHRIS (NRR EO)
RIVERA-CAPELLA, GRETCHEN (NMSS DAY)
GOTT, WILLIAM (IR)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION, (EMAIL)

Power Reactor Unit Info

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX Crit	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	N	N	0	Defueled	0	Power Operation

Event Text

OFFSITE NOTIFICATION DUE TO CONTRACTOR FATALITY

"This is a four-hour notification, non-emergency for a notification of another government agency. This event is being reported under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) and 10 CFR 72.75(b)(2).

"At 1055 EDT on 9/10/21, an employee of a site contractor that was performing work under a contract and in possession of the immediate area where the work was being performed, was involved in a material handling accident in the owner controlled area at Three Mile Island. Londonderry Township EMS and Fire responded to render assistance to the individual. Upon arrival to the site, medical personnel declared the individual deceased.

"The fatality was work related and the individual was outside of the Radiological Controlled Area."