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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
RADIATION PROTECTION AND RELEASE PREVENTION MONTHLY REPORT
JUNE 1 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2016
SECTION I OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
SECTION II BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE
SECTION III BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION
SECTION IV BUREAU OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
SECTION I – OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTHLY REPORT
• Multiagency WINGS Aerial Support Exercise and Nuclear Response Training
During the week of June 20, the Federal government conducted a multiagency exercise todemonstrate its airborne radiation detection capabilities. Centered at the Miller Air Parkin Ocean County, the training brought together representatives of USEPA, Department ofHomeland Security, the US Army, and a wide range of other Federal and State responders.Pat Mulligan, manager of the Bureau of Nuclear Engineering, provided essential supportby facilitating placement of radiological sources at controlled facilities in the OceanCounty area for aerial services to locate. In addition to the Federal effort, nuclearemergency responders from each section of the NJDEP Radiation Protection Elementparticipated in a ground-based training exercise on June 22 to locate and characterize thehidden radiological sources. Supervised instruction allowed participants to gain directexperience with a variety of field instruments, including those for general assessment andidentification of specific isotopes.
• Replacement of Degraded Baffle Bolts Continues at Salem Unit 1
During the Refueling Outage at Salem Unit 1 in May 2016, PSEG reported to the NRCthat they had identified anomalies on baffle-former bolts while conducting a scheduledvisual inspection of reactor vessel internals. Due to the visual anomalies, PSEGcommenced ultrasonic inspection of the baffle-former bolts to determine the extent ofcondition and determine a repair plan. As a result of the ultrasonic inspection andevaluation of the baffle-former bolts, PSEG developed a plan to replace affected bolts. Asof the end of June, repair efforts were still in progress.
_______________________ Paul G. Orlando Assistant Director
Page 2 of 38
Original signed by:
SECTION II – BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE (BXC)
A. Office of the Bureau Chief
Contact: Arthur Robinson (609) 984-5634 Commission on Radiation Protection Exemption The Bureau prepared and issued a document based on the Commission on Radiation Protection recommendations and Department approval of an exemption to Aribex NOMAD MD Hand Held Medical radiologic unit, which is used for obtaining diagnostic medical imaging of patient extremities. Salem Quarterly Exercise On June 16, 2016, BXC staff participated in the Salem Quarterly Exercise at the Emergency Operations Facility and the Forward Command Post. Federal Interagency WINGS Exercise On June 22, 2016, BXC staff participated in the Federal Interagency Aerial Response Wings Exercise shadowing BER staff. The event was sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and hosted by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency in Ocean County. New Employee Orientation & Customer Service Training On June 9, 2016, BXC staff recently hired by the DEP received New Employee & Customer Service training on: DEP- Mission Statement, Equal Opportunity and Public Contract Assistance, Human Resources Services overview, Human Resource Operations overview, Occupational Health & Safety topics, and etc. Cutaneous Electronic Brachytherapy (CEBT) Training On June 1, 2016, Assistant Director Paul Orlando, Radiation Protection Element gave a presentation to BXC staff on the CRCPD H-45 Task Force Superficial Radiation Therapy-EBrachytherapy committee’s work and charges. He also discussed types of CEBT manufacturers’ equipment that an inspector might find in the field during inspections.
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B. Registration Section Contact: Al Orlandi (609) 984-5890
Machine Source Registration and Renewal Fees As of October 2015, the Registration Section has invoiced all registrants for their FY 2016 registration renewals. In addition, new equipment registrations are invoiced for administrative and prorated registration fees when they are installed. The table below represents monthly and year to date activities.
Machine Source Fees Invoiced and Collected for FY 2016
Monthly Invoiced Monthly Collected
Fiscal YTD Invoiced
Fiscal YTD Collected
Fiscal YTD Adjustments
Percent Collected
$10,171.00 $12,258.00 $3,009,851.00 $3,005,186.00 $6,714.02 99.9%
Progress on Collection of FY 2016 Registration Renewal Fees
Renewal Groups
Paid 7/31/15
Paid 8/31/15
Paid 9/30/15
Paid 10/31/15
Paid 11/30/15
Paid 12/31/15
Paid 1/31/16
Paid 2/28/16
Paid 3/31/16
Paid 4/30/16
Paid 5/31/16
Paid 6/30/16
0-F 36% 75% 92% 97% 98% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 100%
G-L N/A 46% 81% 90% 97% 98% 98% 99% 99% 99% 99% 100%
M-R N/A N/A 48% 76% 89% 95% 97% 98% 99% 99% 99% 99% S-Z N/A N/A N/A 48% 80% 89% 97% 99% 99% 99% 99% 100%
The Bureau of X-ray Compliance issued administrative orders to registrants who have failed to pay their annual registration fees. Of the total number of invoices paid to date, 11% percent paid on-line.
Monthly Machine Source Registration Activity FY 2016
The Registration Section staff continues to collect registrant e-mail addresses and enter them into the database in preparation for sending future notices and invoices electronically.
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun YTD New Facilities 22 19 19 16 31 17 18 21 25 18 17 19 242 Terminated Facilities 25 33 45 36 26 32 26 25 22 24 22 24 340 Net Change (Facilities) -3 -14 -26 -20 5 -15 -8 -4 3 -6 -5 -5 -98
New Registrations 173 140 166 152 184 170 174 188 195 179 140 142 2003 Stored Registrations 39 42 91 55 48 37 45 28 34 40 18 33 510 Disposed registrations 111 90 112 95 87 106 101 92 83 95 91 101 1164 Net Change (Machines) 23 8 -37 2 49 27 28 68 78 44 31 8 329
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C. Machine Source Section Contact: Bill Klimik (609) 984-5370 The machine source section is charged with the responsibility of inspecting all x-ray machines used within the state. Below is a summary of the inspection initiatives that the section is engaged in. Medical Diagnostic Quality Assurance Inspections One initiative of the machine source section is the inspection of medical facilities that perform diagnostic x-ray procedures to ensure that they have implemented a quality assurance program. Department regulations require that each facility implement a program that includes the periodic performance of quality control tests and in-depth annual equipment performance testing of its x-ray equipment by Department certified medical physicists. The goal of the quality assurance program is for facilities to ensure optimal operation of the x-ray equipment in order to achieve high quality diagnostic x-ray images while simultaneously maintaining/reducing patient radiation exposure to acceptable levels. As part of the Bureau’s inspections, image quality and patient radiation exposure metrics are gathered and evaluated as an indicator of facility performance. These measurables are reported to the facility along with the results of similar facilities performing similar x-ray studies. Image Quality As part of the Bureau’s quality assurance inspection program, an x-ray image of our image quality (IQ) phantom is taken and scored by the inspector in six criteria: background density, high contrast resolution, noise and artifacts, density uniformity, low contrast detail and low contrast resolution. Additionally our database calculates an overall image quality score which is reported to the facility.
A report is generated and sent to each facility at which an IQ film was done. This report identifies which category (excellent, good, fair or poor) each of the six tests and the overall score the IQ falls into. The report explains IQ and its determining factors. Facilities with poor IQ scores are asked to consult with their physicist and determine the cause of the poor IQ, take corrective actions to improve IQ, and send a report of their findings and corrective actions to the BXC within thirty days.
In June 2016, IQ evaluations were performed on 113 x-ray units with the following results:
69 units (61.1%) had excellent image quality scores.
42 units (37.2%) had good image quality scores. 2 units (1.7%) had fair image quality scores. 0 units (0%) had poor image quality scores.
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Entrance Skin Exposures
Entrance skin exposure (ESE) is a measurement of the radiation exposure a patient receives from a single x-ray at skin surface. There are three main factors that affect ESE: technique factors, film-screen speed, and film processing. A key element of our strategy is to ensure that facilities are aware of their ESE and to encourage them to take steps to reduce their ESE if it is high. When the Bureau conducts inspections to determine compliance with New Jersey Administrative Code 7:28, a measurement of entrance skin exposure (ESE) is taken. A report containing the measurement results is sent to each facility at which an ESE measurement was taken. This report categorizes the facilities measured ESE as low, average, high or extremely high. Facilities with extremely high ESE readings are asked to consult with their physicist and determine the cause of the extremely high ESE, take corrective actions to reduce the x-ray machine ESE, and send a report of their findings and corrective actions to the BXC within thirty days. Medical Facilities
Prior to the implementation of quality assurance regulations in June 2001, baseline data revealed that twenty-five percent of New Jersey facilities had extremely high ESE. These facilities are delivering unnecessary radiation exposure to its patients. The Bureau has documented a steady decrease in the number of facilities with extremely high patient radiation exposure since the implementation of its quality assurance program.
June 2016, ESE measurements were calculated on 77 x-ray units that performed lumbo-sacral spine x-rays. No units (0%) had extremely high ESE measurements. In June 2016, ESE measurements were calculated on 10 x-ray units that performed chest x-rays. One unit (10.0%) had extremely high ESE measurements. In June 2016, ESE measurements were calculated on 26 x-ray units that performed foot x-rays. No units (0%) had extremely high ESE measurements.
Radiographic ESE Ranges in Milliroentgens (mR)
Exam Low Average High Extremely High
Chest < 5 5 to 20 21 to 30 > 31 LS Spine < 100 100 to 450 451 to 600 > 601
Foot < 5 5 to 30 31 to 40 > 41
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Dental Facilities The Bureau collected baseline ESE data on dental x-ray machines for two years and after evaluating this data, established the ranges for four ESE categories similar to those in the medical quality assurance program (low, average, high and extremely high). When this data was examined it revealed that twenty percent of New Jersey dental machines had high or extremely high ESE. Facilities with extremely high ESE are delivering unnecessary radiation exposure to its patients. Dental facilities use two speeds of film: D and E/F or Insight. (Insight is the branded name of Kodak’s F speed film). Dental facilities also use two types of digital imaging: direct radiography (DR) or computed radiology (CR); also referred to as phosphor storage plates (PSP). Slower speed films require higher patient radiation dose to produce an acceptable image. D is the slowest speed and requires sixty percent more radiation than F to produce an acceptable image. Direct radiography requires the least radiation.
An inexpensive way to reduce radiation is to change to a faster speed film. Our research determined that E/F or F speed film costs only five cents more per film then D speed. No changes in equipment or processing are necessary to use a faster speed film. While direct radiography systems have the lowest average ESE, they do require the purchase of new, more costly equipment. When the Bureau conducts inspections to determine compliance with New Jersey Administrative Code 7:28, a measurement of entrance skin exposure (ESE) is taken. A report is generated and sent to each facility at which an ESE measurement was taken. This report gives the ESE and identifies which category the ESE falls into. The report explains ESE and its determining factors. Facilities with extremely high ESE readings are asked to consult with their film representative or physicist and determine the cause of the extremely high ESE, make changes to reduce ESE, and send a report of their findings and corrective actions to the BXC within thirty days. The table below depicts the current ESE ranges for the various imaging systems used.
Dental ESE Ranges Measured in Milliroentgens (mR)
Film Speed Low Average High Extremely High
D 0 to100 101 to 285 286 to 350 ≥351 E/F,F,Insight 0 to 50 51 to 150 151 to 205 ≥206
Image Receptor
CR (PSP) 0 to 35 36 to 170 171 to 215 ≥216 Digital (DR) 0 to 20 21 to 110 111 to 160 ≥161
In June 2016, ESE measurements were calculated on 32 dental x-ray units that used CR (PSP) digital imaging. No units (0%) were measured as having extremely high ESE. In June 2016, ESE measurements were calculated on 4 dental x-ray units that used D speed film. No units (0%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.
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In June 2016, ESE measurements were calculated on 118 dental x-ray units that used DR digital imaging. Two units (1.7%) were measured as having extremely high ESE. In June 2016, ESE measurements were calculated on 6 dental x-ray units that used E/F, F or Insight speed film. Two unit (33.3%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.
Dental Amalgam Inspections Effective October 1, 2009, all dental facilities that generate amalgam waste were required to install amalgam separators (N.J.A.C. 7:14A-1 et seq.). In April 2010, the Bureau met with Division of Water Quality staff to discuss the dental amalgam requirements and to develop an amalgam questionnaire. This questionnaire would be provided to each dental facility when they are scheduled for an x-ray inspection. During each inspection, the inspector verifies the information on the questionnaire and visually inspects that an amalgam separator has been installed. In June 2016, 52 amalgam questionnaires were collected. The total dental amalgam questionnaires collected for FY2016 is 1015. Inspection Activity and Items of Non-compliance A three-page Inspector Activity Report of inspections performed, enforcement documents issued and a description of the non-compliances found follows in Appendix A of this report.
D. Technologist Education and Licensing Section Contact: Al Orlandi (609) 984-5890 The Section continued to process license and examination applications investigate complaints and respond to inquiries during the month of June. Statistical information follows in Appendix A of this report. In addition to its regular business functions, the following highlights are reported: Technologist Education and Licensing Section (Fees) The Section continues to invoice individuals for initial licenses and examinations as applications are received or license renewal requests are made. The table below represents monthly and fiscal year-to-date billing and revenue activities.
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Technologist Education & Licensing Section FY 2016 Invoiced & Collected
Invoice Type Monthly Invoiced
Monthly Collected
Fiscal YTD Invoiced
Fiscal YTD Collected
Examinations $160 $160 $1,110 $1,110 Initial Licenses $10,500 $5,900 $92,960 $92,960 Renewal Licenses $720 $1,350 $19,610 $19,610 Totals $11,380 $7,410 $113,680 $113,680
E. Mammography and Support Section Contact: Ramona Chambus (609) 984-5356
Stereotactic Facilities Inspected
The Mammography Section inspected 11 facilities with stereotactic/needle localization breast biopsy units during the month of May. A total of 61 of the 58 planned stereotactic facility inspections have been performed since July 1, 2015. Mammography Facilities Inspected Mammography facilities are inspected by the Bureau’s FDA certified MQSA inspectors under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Any areas of non-compliance discovered during MQSA facility inspections are classified into one of three categories: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Level 1 and Repeat Level 2 non-compliances are the most serious and the facility has fifteen days from the date of the inspection to respond to the FDA detailing the corrective actions they have taken. Level 2 and Repeat Level 3 non-compliances are considered serious. The facility must respond with their corrective actions within thirty days. Level 3 non-compliances are considered less serious and the facility is expected to correct the non-compliance in a timely manner. Inspectors will review facility corrective actions at the next annual inspection.
The Mammography Section inspected 29 facilities in June. There were no facilities found to have non-compliance issues. A total of 221 of the 234 facilities scheduled to be inspected under the current FDA MQSA contract have been inspected to date. The contract will expire on July 31, 2016. Facility Non-compliance Discovered There were no facilities with Level 1 non-compliances. There were no facilities with Level 2 non-compliances. There were no facilities with Level 3 non-compliances. A table of inspection details can be found in Appendix A.
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F. Enforcement Contact: Arthur Robinson (609) 984-5634
Enforcement Actions for June 2016 Bureau Enforcement is responsible for producing and following up on all enforcement actions for violations found during Bureau x-ray inspections. Since the Bureau has not yet been fully integrated into the Department’s NJEMS database system, it enters summary inspection information into NJEMS on all inspections conducted by the Bureau in an effort to provide more accurate inspection numbers for the Department’s NJEMS reports. See the table below for current month and year to date information.
Inspections and Enforcement Documents Issued
June 2016
Bureau of X-Ray Compliance
Compliance Inspections entered into NJEMS
Month YTD
109 843
D-Speed Inspections entered
into NJEMS Month YTD
31 866
Batch Enforcement
for Fees
Closed Effective Pending Total YTD 0 0 0 0 1015
Notice of Violations
Closed Effective Pending Total YTD 12 16 0 28 231
Administrative
Orders Closed Effective Pending Total YTD
6 8 16 30 435
Notice of Prosecutions
Closed Effective Pending Total YTD 1 9 13 23 339
Amount
Assessed in Penalties
Amount Assessed for
Month
Total amount
assessed for FY
Amount Collected
from current FY
Amount Collected
from previous FY
Total amount collected
$18,800.00 $231,900.00 $170,900.00 $29,250.00 $200,150.00
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Bureau Enforcement is performing enforcement on facilities that have not yet paid their annual registration renewal fees. All outstanding fees for fiscal year 2015 have been paid. Beginning with the month of September, we have started the new enforcement for the facilities that have not paid the fiscal year 2016 fees. In March, the overdue facilities were given to the scheduling section to send inspectors to collect the fees. See the chart below for the progress of the FY16 fees.
Overdue Fees
Total Paid
Still Overdue
0 - F 393 393 0 G - L 170 170 0 M - R 260 258 2 S - Z 192 192 0
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APPENDIX A - NJDEP BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR ACTIVITY REPORT 06/01/2016 THROUGH 06/30/2016
Inspector: ALL
07/05/2016
Discipline: ALL
Page 1 of 3
219 403
1
2
8
9
10
11
12
15
17
22
Inspection Type
ROUTINE INSPECTION
VIOLATION INSPECTION ON SITE
NO SHOW
HAND DELIVERY
EMBARGO
INVESTIGATION
STEREOTACTIC INSPECTION
QA INSPECTION ROUTINE LEVEL 1
QA VIOLATION INSPECTION ON SITE
NON-QA INSPECTION - HOSPITALS
Inspection Description
98
1
1
1
1
4
11
100
1
1
Facilities Inspected
283
3
11
101
1
4
Total On-Site Inspections:
NOV
AO
NOP
Amount of Penalties
31
17
23
$14,650
Number of Inspections Performed
Number of Enforcement Documents Issued
6
18
23
27
OFFICE VIOLATION RESPONSE REVIEW
OFFICE QA VIOLATION RESPONSE REVIEW
OFFICE TECH CERT INSPECTION
OFFICE COMPLIANCE LETTER (FEES)
26
24
5
3
27
25
5
8
Machines Inspected
Total Office Inspections: 58 65
88
Machines Audited
40
1
4
2
2
6
Machines Uninspected
88 55
0
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APPENDIX A - NJDEP BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR ACTIVITY REPORT 06/01/2016 THROUGH 06/30/2016
Inspector: ALL
07/05/2016
Discipline: ALL
Page 2 of 3
A-001
A-002
A-005
C-006
C-007
C-008
C-014
CB-001
CB-003
D-002
D-016
D-023
D-027
G-007
R-019
R-021
R-163
R-338
personnel monitoring records or true copy of same not available upon request.
Testing safety devices every six months.
Finger or wrist personnel monitoring equipment not provided.
Requirements for film badges not met.
Requirements for operating/emergency procedure manuals not met:
Reguirements for external radiation not met:
Requirements for safety interlock tests not met.
No Alternate QA program for CBCT
CBCT No MPQCS
Survey of environs not available or not performed
kVp exceeds manufacturer's specifications (certified unit).
Timer reproducibility exceeds 5% for certified unit
Radiation reproducibility exceeds 5% for certified unit
device not working properly
Means or device to indicate when x-ray beam perpendicular to image receptor
SID indicated to within 2% (fixed SID has permanent marking)
Means provided to limit source to skin distance > 8" for mobile and portable eq
Fixed apertures require permanent marking of size and SID.
Analytical
Cabinet
CB
Dental
G
Radiographic
Registration
Violations Cited Non-QA
Violation Code Description Non-Compliance
Number of Violations
8.1(g)
21.6(a)1
21.6(a)3
17.7(c)
17.7(b)
17.7(d)
17.7(f)5
22.3(i)
22.7(a)3
16.8(a)1
16.3(a)7
16.3(a)14
16.3(a)17
2.5(c)
15.3(d)1
15.3(d)3
15.5(b)11i
15.3(c)2
Glossary Information
1
1
1
4
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
5
1
By
By
1
1
1
4
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
5
1
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APPENDIX A - NJDEP BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR ACTIVITY REPORT 06/01/2016 THROUGH 06/30/2016
Inspector: ALL
07/05/2016
Discipline: ALL
Page 3 of 3
REG1
TA-059
TC-001
QA-010
QA-011
QA-012
QA-020
QA-023
QA-036
QA-037
QA-038
QA-097
QA-172
QA-174
Failed to register the ionizing radiation producing machine within 30 days of acquisition.
For therapy energies of One MeV and above, a timer system shall be provided which has a display at the treatment control panel in minutes and seconds.
x-rayed humans without a valid NJ license
QA manual not complete.
QC tests from Table 1 (Radiographic) not performed at the required intervals.
Medical Physicist's QC Survey not performed at required interval or all tests not performed.
Registrant shall develop and continuously implement a QA program that
Failed to immediately initiate steps to bring processing into
No QA manual for fluoro equipment
QC tests from Table 2 (Fluoroscopic) not performed at the required intervals.
No Med Phys QC Survey for Fluoro
Registrant failed to immediately initiate corrective action recommended I
QC Test records maintained for 12 months
All images for QC tests for items 8, 11, 12 & 13 maintained for 1 year
Registration
Therapy 1 Mev and Above
TC
Quality Assurance
Violations Cited Non-QA
Violations Cited QA
Violation Code Description Non-Compliance
Number of Violations
Total Violations 86
Total Violations Cited Non-QA
Total Violations Cited QA
40
46
3.1 (a) and
14.4(l)1
19.3(c)
22.5(a)1
22.5(a)2
22.5(a)3
22.4(a)
22.5(e)
22.6(a)1
22.6(a)2
22.6(a)3
22.8(f)1
22.5(j)1
22.5(j)3
Glossary Information
5
1
5
1
16
3
1
1
1
9
7
2
3
2
By
By
5
1
5
1
16
3
1
1
1
9
7
2
3
2
Page 14 of 38
APPENDIX A - TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION AND LICENSING SECTION
MONTH OF JUNE 2016
License Category
Diagnostic Rad
Nuc Med
Rad Therapy
Dental Rad
Chest Rad
Podiatric Rad
Orthopedic Rad
Fusion Imaging
CT
Monthly Total
FY to Date
FY Projected
Initial Licenses Processed
52 2 2 61 - - - 1 118 1,335 1,200
Licenses Renewed 4 - - 9 - - - - 13 363 N/A
Total Licensed
9,505 1,117 864 12,028 90 30 8 15 23,657 N/A N/A
Exams Scheduled - - - - - - - - 0 3 N/A
Investigations Conducted 1 - 1 2 - - - - 4 47 30
Licenses Verified 189 31 6 541 - - - - 767 7,455 7,000
Expired Licenses - - - - - - - - 0 13 N/A
Unlicensed
- - - - - - - - 0 43 N/A
NOPs Issued - - - - - - - - 0 112 N/A
NEAs Issued - - - - - - - - 0 0 N/A
NOP Offer of Settlement - - - - - - - 0 $57,800 N/A
Licenses Sanctioned 2 - - 2 - - - - 4 8 N/A
Approved Educational Schools
16 2 2 26 - - - - 46 N/A N/A
New School Application Evaluated
- - - - - - - - 0 9 6
School Inspections Conducted
- - - 2 - - - - 2 15 15
Total Schools Evaluated - - - 4 - - - - 2 24 22
Clinical Applications Approve
- - - 99 - - - - 99 1,119 1,100
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Appendix A - Bureau of X-ray Compliance Mammography Section
June 2016
Type of Facility
IND
UST
RY
PHY
SIC
IAN
HO
SPIT
AL
GO
VE
RN
ME
NT
TOTAL MONTH
FY TO DATE
TOTAL DUE
THIS FY
MQSA Facilities Inspected 0 20 9 0 29 221 234 Machines Inspected 0 25 17 0 42 310
FDA Violations Level 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 FDA Violations Level 2 0 0 0 0 0 22 FDA Violations Level 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 Registrations 0 1 4 0 5 34 Stored 0 2 1 0 3 30 Canceled 0 0 0 0 0 0 Stereotactic
Facilities Inspected 0 7 4 0 11 61 58 Machines Inspected 0 7 4 0 11 64
Notice of Violation 0 0 0 0 0 2 Administrative Order 0 0 0 0 0 0 Notice of Prosecution 0 0 0 0 0 0 Registrations 0 0 0 0 0 0 Stored 0 0 0 0 0 0 Canceled 0 0 0 0 0 0
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SECTION III - BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION (BER)
OFFICE OF THE BUREAU CHIEF
Field Day
Staff participated in a federally run exercise focused on aerial radiation detection capabilities. Because the Environmental Protection Agency staff would be bringing live radioactive sources for this exercise, they invited the Radiation Protection Program (RPP) to participate in a training exercise for emergency response personnel. Some young members of the RPP as well as the Bureau of Emergency Response had prior limited experience working with live radioactive sources. The experience was invaluable and there were many lessons learned in measuring activity from live sources. Kudos to Nancy Stanley and Ed Truskowski who organized the training exercise in a relatively short period of time.
During the same time period, James McCullough, Supervisor of the Radiological and Environmental Assessment Section was conducting a radiological survey of a Daycare center in Northern New Jersey. As part of a 10 year license review, daycare centers must submit environmental data to the Department for review. BER staff was contacted by the Site Remediation Program when there review revealed a 1986 report from the US Army Corps of Engineers that documented radiological contamination in the vicinity of this property. Although the report concluded that there was no hazard to the school or occupants, BER staff felt a survey was prudent. Newly purchased instrumentation was utilized that enabled staff to expeditiously plot survey results in visual graphs to evaluate the extent of contamination. These efforts revealed no immediate concerns; however, final evaluation will not be concluded until laboratory sample results are received in August or September. Staff will follow-up with the facility at that time.
A. RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS PROGRAM
Drills and Exercises
On June 21, 22, and 23, 2016 one member of the RMP participated as part of the Unified Command in the WINGS 2016 Aerial Response Exercise sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The exercise took place at the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management located at the Miller Air Park in Berkeley Township.
Page 17 of 38
On June 22, several members of the RMP, along with staff from three other Bureaus, participated in an emergency response exercise held at the Ocean County Training Center with live radioactive sources. The exercise was organized and facilitated by RMP staff.
Contact: Deborah Wenke (609) 984-5509 Catherine Biel (609) 984-5663
Medical, Industrial, and Reciprocity
Courses One member of the RMP attended a week-long NRC course on the Fundamentals of Health Physics in support of the Agreement State initiative.
Five other members of the RMP attended the 40 hour Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training course sponsored by the USEPA in Edison, NJ.
Contact: Deborah Wenke (609) 984-5509 Catherine Biel (609) 984-5663
Routine Activities of the Radioactive Materials Program
June 2016 FY-To-Date Number of Amendments Processed: 17 181 Number of Renewals Processed: 2 26 Number of Initial Applications Processed: 1 18
Number of Active Licenses 595 595 Number of Terminations: 7 33 Number of Reciprocity Requests Received: 23 60 Number of Incidents: 8 102 Number of Inspections: 6 130
Contact: Deborah Wenke (609) 984-5509
Catherine Biel (609) 984-5663
B. RADIOCTIVE MATERIALS RADIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT TEAM (RAMRAT)
During the month of June, 2016 the Radioactive Materials Program (RMP) responded to eight (8) radiation incidents: 1. On June 1, 2016 Trenton Dispatch notified the Radioactive Materials Program
(RMP) that a load of municipal solid waste (MSW) from Philadelphia had set off the radiation monitors at Covanta Camden and was rejected. A special permit was issued, permitting the load to return to Pennsylvania.
Page 18 of 38
2. On June 1, 2016 the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(PADEP) notified RMP that a load of MSW had set of the radiation monitors and had been tentatively identified as Ra-226 at the Commonwealth Landfill in Pennsylvania, and was being returned to LEMCOR transfer station in Newark. RMP staff responded to LEMCOR and confirmed the Ra-226 identification. LEMCOR contacted a waste broker to dispose of the item.
3. On June 15, 2016 Trenton Dispatch notified the RMP that Newark Fire Department reported a portable gauge found in the trunk of a vehicle at a towing company in Maplewood, where it had been taken after an automobile accident. RMP staff responded to the scene and contacted the licensee who came and safely secured and removed the device.
4. On June 15, 2016 Trenton Dispatch notified the RMP that a load of MSW from a transfer station in Paterson had set off the radiation monitor at Covanta Oxford. The load was rejected and subsequently identified as I-131. After receiving permission to send the load to Keystone Landfill in Pennsylvania, a special permit was issued to allow for the transfer of the load after PADEP was notified.
5. On June 17, 2016 Trenton Dispatch notified the RMP that a load of MSW from the New York City Department of Sanitation had set off the radiation monitors at a transfer station in Jersey City. The load was rejected and a special permit issued for it to return to New York.
6. On June 20, 2016 Trenton Dispatch notified the RMP that a load of MSW from the New York City Department of Sanitation had set off the radiation monitors at a transfer station in Jersey City. The load was rejected and a special permit issued for it to return to New York.
7. On June 29, 2016 Trenton Dispatch notified the RMP that a load of MSW from the New York City Department of Sanitation had set off the radiation monitors at a transfer station in Jersey City. The load was rejected and a special permit issued for it to return to New York.
8. On June 29, 2016 Trenton Dispatch notified the RMP that a load of MSW in a roll off container from a nursing facility in Union county had set off the radiation monitors at Covanta Union. The load was rejected and a special permit was issued for it to return to the nursing facility, where it has been surveyed by RMP staff, and isolated securely and safely, pending disposal after decay at a later date.
Contact: Nancy Stanley (609) 984-5452
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C. RADIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SECTION (REAS) General Licensing Reconciliation of the Generally Licensed and Tritium Databases that were inherited from the NRC in 2009 continues. 31 sources on the databases were verified during June.
Staff continues to maintain entry of quarterly reports from manufacturers and distributors into the generally licensed database. 2 reports were received in June, and a total of 35 reports were received during the second quarter.
Generally Licensed Device Registration Forms continue to be maintained. A total of 63 registrations are currently active.
Contact: Joseph Power (609) 777-4252
Water Treatment
Water treatment system specific licenses contain license conditions requiring submission of certain results to the Bureau. Staff implemented changes to facilitate tracking these submissions. Beginning July 1 these actions will be tracked and reported monthly.
Generally Licensed Water Treatment Systems Registration Forms continue to be reviewed and maintained. Efforts to certify data submitted regarding 3 submissions was conducted during June. Preparations for FY2017 registration were completed.
Contact: James McCullough (609) 984-5480
Decommissioning and Contaminated Site Reviews
Staff attended a 40-hr Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training course at U.S. EPA Region 2 facilities in Edison, NJ.
Staff participated on conference calls relating to the following sites: Heritage Minerals, Goethals Bridge Replacement Project and Maywood Superfund site.
Staff reviewed submissions relating to the following sites: Sayreville Economic & Redevelopment Agency (former NL site), Prologis Teterboro, Shieldalloy Metallurgical Corporation, and PSEG Penhorn Substation.
Staff reviewed a referral from the Site Remediation Program regarding potential radiological soil contamination at a daycare and school campus. Office research and a subsequent site visit were conducted. The site survey included GPS-logged gamma walkover survey and soil sampling at three locations. Staff utilized ArcGIS to map and evaluate the walkover survey data. Soils samples were submitted to the NJDOH
Page 20 of 38
laboratory for analysis. No immediate protective actions were necessary or recommended based on the observed exposure rates. Staff will evaluate further when soil analyses are received.
A site visit was conducted at the NL site to evaluate progress with implementing the remedial action work plan and to discuss remedial action strategies for a specific area presenting difficult conditions for heavy machinery access.
Contact: Jenny Goodman (609) 984-5498 James McCullough (609) 984-5480 D. RADON SECTION
Program Administration Fee Billing Report On June 21, 2016, the Program Administration Fee (PAF) billing for the semiannual period from July 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 was sent to Treasury for printing and mailing. The total amount billed was $93,991.00. Thus far, we have received payments of $5,870.00 leaving a balance due of $88,121.00.
Contact: Herb Roy (609) 984-5433 Measurement and Mitigation Radon Certifications
Certification Type Initial Renewal MES 1 4 MET 4 70 MIS 1 4 MIT 3 1 Provisional to Full 5 MEB 3 MIB 2
Contact: Anita Kopera (609) 984-5543
Page 21 of 38
E. SUMMARY OF ENFORCEMENT – June 2016
Bureau of Environmental Radiation – Fiscal Year To Date (7/1/15 – 6/30/16)
Administrative Orders Closed Effective Pending Total Radioactive Materials Section
20
0
7
27
Radon Section 2 5 4 11
Notice of Prosecutions Closed Effective Pending Total Radioactive Materials Section
7
0
2
9
Radon Section 3 2 1 6
Notice of Violations Closed Effective Pending Total Radioactive Materials Section
17
1
2
20
Radon Section 5 3 8 16
Amount Assessed in Penalties
Total Amount Assessed for
FY 16
Amount
Collected from Current FY16
Amount
Collected from FY15
Total Amount
Collected (FY15+FY16)
Radioactive Materials Section
$19,958.78
$19,958.78
$4,375.00
$24,333.78
Radon Section $3,150.00 $1,200.00 $750.00 $1,950.00
Page 22 of 38
APPENDIX B: BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
0
400
800
1200
1600
2000
2400
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Num
ber o
f Cal
ls
Radon Information Line Calls and Emails - FY16
0
50
100
150
200
0
15
30
45
60
Num
ber o
f Pac
kets
Information Packets Requested - FY16
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
Num
ber o
f Cer
tific
atio
ns
Radon Certifications Issued - FY16
Page 23 of 38
Radon testing and mitigation data is submitted to the Radon Section monthly by all certified radon businesses. This data has been collected for all building types since the implementation of the radon certification regulations in 1991. According to N.J.A.C. 7:28-27.28 (a) and (e), Radon test results and mitigation reports for May 2016 are due by July 1, 2016.
RADON TEST RESULTS
0
15000
30000
45000
60000
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
Num
ber o
f Hom
es T
este
d
Number of Homes Tested for Radon - FY2016
0
18000
36000
54000
72000
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
Num
ber o
f Tes
ts
Radon Tests Conducted inAll Building Types - FY2016
Page 24 of 38
Radon testing and mitigation data is submitted to the Radon Section monthly by all certified radon businesses. This data has been collected for all building types since the implementation of the radon certification regulations in 1991. According to N.J.A.C. 7:28-27.28 (a) and (e), Radon test results and mitigation reports for May 2016 are due by July 1, 2016.
RADON MITIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS
0
800
1600
2400
3200
4000
0
100
200
300
400
500
Num
ber o
f Hom
es M
itiga
ted
Number of Homes Mitigated for Radon - FY2016
0
800
1600
2400
3200
4000
0
100
200
300
400
500
Num
ber o
f Sys
tem
s In
stal
led
Radon Mitigation Systems Installedin All Building Types - FY2016
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SECTION IV – BUREAU OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING (BNE)
Significant Events
Replacement of Degraded Baffle Bolts Continues at Salem Unit 1
During the Refueling Outage at Salem Unit 1, PSEG reported to the NRC that they had identified anomalies on baffle-former bolts while conducting a scheduled visual inspection of reactor vessel internals. Due to the visual anomalies, PSEG commenced ultrasonic inspection of the baffle-former bolts to determine the extent of condition and determine a repair plan. As a result of the ultrasonic inspection and evaluation of the baffle-former bolts, PSEG developed a plan to replace affected bolts. As of the end of June, repair efforts were still in progress. On June 21st and 22nd, one BNE engineer observed the NRC inspection of the Salem 1 baffle bolt replacement project. The NRC inspection reviewed the physical work, the documentation and the plans going forward. The NRC report will be part of the NRC Salem 1 quarterly report which will be issued within forty-five days following the end of the second quarter (June 30). Contact: Elliot Rosenfeld (609) 984-7548 or Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469
Nuclear Power Plant Operation Oyster Creek Oyster Creek operated at 100% power throughout the month of June. Contact: Veena Gubbi (609) 984-7457 Hope Creek Hope Creek began the month operating at 100%. On June 4, a scheduled down-power to 60% was accomplished. During the down-power, Hope Creek performed main turbine valve testing, reactor control rod pattern adjustments and cleaning of one of the main condenser circulating water boxes. During power escalation, a steam leak was discovered on a main turbine control valve. The turbine/generator was taken offline and repairs were made. Power was returned to 100% on June 8. Hope Creek operated at 100% power for the remainder of the month. Hope Creek operated at 100% power throughout the month. Contact: Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469 Salem Unit 1 The unit was shut down in its 24th refueling outage during the entire month. The outage was extended due to the discovery of several degraded baffle bolts that secure the core baffle plate to the reactor vessel.
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Salem Unit 2 The unit ran at essentially full power until 4:23 AM on June 28th when the unit tripped from full power as a result of a Generator ground fault protection signal. The unit remained shut down for the remainder of the month. Contact: Elliot Rosenfeld (609) 984-7548 DOE Hosts National Transportation Stakeholders Forum From June 7 through 9, 2016, the BNE Nuclear Engineering Section (NES) supervisor and one BNE engineer attended the National Transportation Stakeholders Forum (NTSF) in Orlando, FL. The forum was sponsored and funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE). Representatives from state, federal and tribal governments as well as private enterprises were in attendance. The DOE NTSF is the mechanism through which DOE communicates at a national level with states and tribes about the DOE’s shipments of radioactive waste and materials. The purpose of the NTSF is to bring transparency, openness, and accountability to DOE’s transportation activities through collaboration with state and tribal governments. The NTSF informs states and tribes about ongoing, upcoming, or tentatively planned DOE shipments or shipping campaigns that may have an impact on their jurisdictions. It also allows the DOE to obtain input from states and tribes about concerns, needs, or logistics that are relevant to shipment planning and execution. Additionally the NTSF can identify emerging issues for DOE and its transportation stakeholders that may affect shipment planning, preparedness, and execution, including intergovernmental consultation and cooperation. The BNE personnel attended various NTSF presentations, e.g., national updates for regional transportation stakeholder groups (state and tribal); present state of the NTSF organization; status of the DOE nuclear fuels and transportation planning project, including consent based interim spent fuel storage siting; Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing/re-licensing and inspection of independent spent fuel storage installations (ISFSI); Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) activities focused on safe transportation of hazardous materials (e.g., crude oil and radioactive materials); expectations of what will occur (e.g., communication, training, inspections, outreach, etc.) when spent nuclear fuel is shipped through a state; DOE testing and certification for spent nuclear fuel transportation containers; DOE training and exercises to support transportation incident response; and stakeholders prospective on the transportation of low-level radioactive waste to the Nevada national security site. In addition, on June 8th, the BNE personnel attended the Northeast (NE) High-Level Radioactive Waste Transportation Task Force meeting. This task force assists the northeastern states in planning and preparing for the transportation of high-level radioactive materials and spent nuclear fuel with the goal of safe, secure and uneventful transportation. It also facilitates two-way communication and discussion of information, comments and policies among the northeastern states and with the federal government. The BNE NES supervisor is one of the co-chairs for this organization. Each of the attending northeastern states provided a report of the
Page 27 of 38
activities pertaining to radioactive shipments and commercial nuclear power in the respective state. Members who serve on NTSF working groups presented updates concerning the activities of their respective working group. Updates were provided concerning the Yankee plants in New England that have permanently shut down. In addition, a representative from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) discussed the shipment of highly enriched uranium waste from Canada to the DOE Savannah River site. Contact: Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469 Dry Spent Fuel Storage at Oyster Creek The fourth Oyster Creek spent fuel cask was transferred to the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) pad on June 14th, 2016. The transfer completed the 2016 IFSI Campaign. There are now twenty seven (27) spent fuel casks stored at the ISFSI. Total capacity for the ISFSI is thirty four (34) casks. Contact: Veena Gubbi (609) 984-7457 Dry Spent Fuel Storage for Salem Unit 2 During June, Salem Unit 2 began its Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) 2016 campaign. This campaign consists of loading spent fuel from the Salem 2 spent fuel pool into six Multi-Purpose Canisters (MPC’s), preparing the MPC’s for storage via Hi Storm containers and transferring the MPC/Hi Storm assemblies from Salem 2 to the ISFSI located on Artificial Island north of Hope Creek. With the completion of the transfer of the six MPC/Hi Storm assemblies in July, there will be fifty-six MPC/Hi Storm assemblies stored at the ISFSI. On June 23rd, two members of the BNE NES observed the loading and transporting activities of one of the Salem Unit 2 MPC/Hi Storm assemblies. Contact: Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469 NRC Begins 3-Week Component Design Basis Inspection On June 13th, the NRC began a three week onsite inspection at Oyster Creek of the design bases of various nuclear safety-related components. This 5-person inspection team is scheduled to be completed on July 15th. It is being done in accordance with the NRC’s Inspection Procedure 71111.21, “Component Design Bases Inspection.” This inspection verifies that plant components are maintained within their design basis. The plant components are selected based on their risk significance. Numerous walk-downs are performed to observe the condition of the component and the surrounding area. Additionally, this inspection provides assessment of the capability of the selected components and operator actions to perform their design bases functions. One BNE Engineer is observing this inspection. Contact: Veena Gubbi (609) 984-7457
Page 28 of 38
DEP Management and Staff Meet with PSEG Management and Staff Eight DEP personnel participated in a BNE/PS Nuclear Management meeting on June 21st. Among the items discussed were: the operating status of the three (3) units, the status of Salem 1’s 24th refueling outage including the baffle bolt issue and replacement, the scope of the upcoming 20th refueling outage at Hope Creek and an environmental update. Contact: Elliot Rosenfeld (609) 984-7548 BNE Activities at Artificial Island A BNE engineer attended Outage Control center meetings for the 24th refueling outage at Salem 1 on June 1, 7, 8, 28 and 29. The outage status, issues and resolutions are discussed at these meetings. A BNE engineer met with the Salem Plant Manager on June 14th. Among the items discussed were: status of the 24th refueling outage at Unit 1 including baffle bolt replacement, operating status/challenges for Unit 1, and organization/staffing status. Contact: Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469 or Elliot Rosenfeld (609) 984-7548 Radioactive Materials Shipment Notifications The Bureau of Nuclear Engineering is responsible for tracking certain radioactive materials that are transported in New Jersey. Advance notification for these radioactive materials are in three categories: 1) Spent Fuel and Nuclear Waste; 2) Highway Route Control Quantity Shipments; and 3) Radionuclides of Concern. Each category has to meet certain packaging and notification requirements established by the federal government. Below is a table representing the number of shipments completed in June 2016.
Spent Fuel and Nuclear Waste
Highway Route Control Quantity Shipments
Radionuclides of Concern
0 2 0 Contact: Rich Pinney (609) 984-7558
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BUREAU OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY EVENT NOTIFICATIONS FOR JUNE 2016
Emergency events (EEs) at nuclear power plants are classified, in increasing order of severity, as an Unusual Event (UE), Alert, Site Area Emergency (SAE), and General Emergency (GE). Non-emergency events (NEEs) are less serious events that require notification of the NRC within one to four hours. The nuclear power plants operating in New Jersey also notify the BNE of NEEs. The BNE analyzes the NEEs as part of its surveillance of nuclear power plant operation.
JUNE 2016 JAN–JUN 2016 JAN-JUN 2015 EE
NEE
EE
NEE
EE
NEE
OYSTER CREEK
0
1
0
3
0
3
SALEM 1
0
1
0
2
0
2
SALEM 2
0
1
0
4*
0
1
SALEM SITE
0
0
0
1
0
0
HOPE CREEK
0
0
0
1
0
4
*One NEE from January 2016 was retracted in March
OC
SA Unit 1
SA Unit 2
HC
0
50
100
Plant Operating Performance - June 2016
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Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program The BNE conducts a comprehensive Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP) in the environs surrounding New Jersey’s four nuclear generating stations. The program collected 63 samples during the month of June 2016. The number and type of samples collected are given in the table below. Sample results are entered into the BNE’s database for tracking and trending of environmental results. Data obtained from these analyses are used to determine the effect, if any, of the operation of New Jersey’s nuclear power plants on the environment and the public. BNE staff reviews all results to ensure that required levels of detection have been met and that state and federal radiological limits have not been exceeded. Any exceedances, or anomalous data, are investigated. The REMP includes the development of an Annual Environmental Surveillance and Monitoring Report and/or annual data tables for the environs of the Oyster Creek and Salem/Hope Creek nuclear power plants. The report and/or tables, covering sampling results conducted during the prior calendar year, can be found on the NJDEP website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/rpp/bne/esmr.htm, along with reports from previous years. Questions regarding specific test results or the annual environmental report can be directed to Karen Tuccillo. Results of specific analyses can be obtained by request. COUNT OF SAMPLES COLLECTED IN MAY 2016 SAMPLE MEDIUM NUMBER OF SAMPLES AIR FILTER 27 AIR CHARCOAL 27 MILK (Cow) 4 SURFACE WATER 3 AQUATIC BIOTA 2 TOTAL SAMPLES 63
Documents Reviewed:
1. Exelon Generation, Annual Radiological Environmental Operating Report for 2015, Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station Unit 1, April 2016
2. Exelon Generation, Annual Radiological Groundwater Protection Program Report for 2015, Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station Unit 1, April 2016
The above documents are available to the public at the USNRC website, http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/tritium/plant-specific-reports/oc.html
3. GEL Laboratories, LLC, Environmental Laboratory Quarterly Quality Assurance Report for Environmental Analysis (January – March 2016)
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Contact: Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443 or Paul E. Schwartz (609) 984-7539 Update on Salem Units 1 & 2 and Hope Creek Tritium Monitoring During the month of May 2016, 61 groundwater monitoring well samples were collected and shipped to the BNE’s contract laboratory, GEL Laboratories for radiological analysis. Documents Reviewed During June 2016:
1. Groundwater Sampling Frequency Optimization, PSEG Salem Nuclear Generating Station, June 13, 2016.
Contacts: Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443 Effluent Release Data The BNE monitors the effluents released from all four (4) nuclear generating stations each month. The reported effluents include fission and activation products, total iodine, total particulate and tritium released to the atmosphere and water. At the Oyster Creek, Hope Creek and Salem nuclear power plants, releases to the air and water are monitored each month and compared to historic releases. Releases to the atmosphere are from the 112-meter stack (Oyster Creek) or various monitored building vents (Oyster Creek, Hope Creek and Salem). Prior to November 2010, Oyster Creek did not routinely release liquid effluents to the environment. In accordance with a DEP Directive (EA ID #: PEA100001) issued to the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, and the Spill Compensation and Control Act (N.J.S.A. 58:10-23.11), Exelon is required to cleanup and remove tritium discharges released onsite from underground pipe leaks that occurred during calendar year 2009. In late November 2010, the remedial pumping of groundwater at Oyster Creek was initiated in support of the ongoing tritium groundwater remediation project. With DEP approval, Exelon is pumping groundwater from a dedicated pumping well (MW-73), continuously measuring the concentration of tritium in the extracted groundwater, and discharging it into the plant’s cooling water intake structure, allowing it to mix with the cooling water throughout the plant and discharge to the canal. Additional information on the Oyster Creek tritium leak is available at the DEP website, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/bne/octritium.htm. Gaseous and liquid effluent data from the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants for May 2016 are included below. The March 2016 ‘Gaseous Effluent Fission Gases’ datum for Salem Unit 2 was not available. In addition, May 2016 gaseous and liquid effluent data from the Oyster Creek plant were not available as of the drafting of this report. All results will be included in the July 2016 monthly summary that will be available in early August 2016. Documents Reviewed:
1. Exelon Generation, Annual Radioactive Effluent Release Report for 2015, Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, April 2016
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Documents are available to the public at the USNRC website, http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/tritium/plant-specific-reports/oc.html
PSEG Nuclear Radioactive Effluent Releases
Nuclear Environmental Engineering Section For the Period of 05-01-16 to 05-31-16
Hope Creek Gaseous Effluents
Hope Creek Liquid Effluents
Effluent Effluent Fission Gases 0 Ci Fission Products 0.000003 Ci Iodines 0.000245 Ci Tritium 0.143 Ci Particulates 0.000008 Ci Tritium 14.4 Ci Salem Unit 1 Gaseous Effluent
Salem Unit 1 Liquid Effluents
Effluent Effluent Fission Gases 0.000064 Ci Fission Products 0.00458 Ci Iodines 0.00009 Ci Tritium 31.4 Ci Particulates 0 Ci Tritium 59.2 Ci Salem Unit 2 Gaseous Effluent
Salem Unit 2 Liquid Effluents
Effluent Effluent Fission Gases 0.00672 Ci Fission Products 0.0007 Ci Iodines 0 Ci Tritium 19.7 Ci Particulates 0 Ci Tritium 15.0 Ci
Contact: Paul E. Schwartz (609) 984-7539
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Emergency Planning Activities On June 16, 2016, staff participated in a quarterly emergency preparedness exercise in support of PSEG’s Salem nuclear power plant and the State’s emergency response plan. Team members provided support at the Emergency Offsite Facility in Salem City, New Jersey and the Emergency News Center in Woodstown, New Jersey. Nuclear Environmental Engineering Section staff participated in the Annual Emergency Action Level (EAL) review and training for the Salem and Hope Creek Emergency Response Plan provided by PSEG Nuclear staff on June 30, 1016. The purpose of the training was to (1) Explain the purpose of the Emergency Preparedness Event Classification Guidelines, (2) Review the proper interpretation of the EAL’s, (3) Review Beyond Design Basis External Event emergency response such as the Fukushima accident, and (4) Discuss current emergency response issues for the perspective of the State of New Jersey, the Office of Emergency Management / N.J. State Police (OEM), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). The training took place at the PSEG Energy and Environmental Resources Center, located in Salem City, New Jersey. Contacts: Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443
Annual Calibration and Maintenance of the Panasonic Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD) Reader BNE staff independently analyzes TLD badges that measure direct radiation in the environment using a Panasonic UD716 TLD reader. On June 23, 2016, annual servicing and calibration of the TLD badge reader was performed by the manufacturer (Radiation Detection Co.). The reader calibration process involves analysis of TLD badges irradiated by a service provider to a known value and updating reader/software master file parameters to ensure accurate TLD badge results. Contact: Compton Alleyne (609) 984-7455 Annual Requalification Training for Unescorted Access at Nuclear Facilities On June 14, 2016, a staff engineer completed annual re-qualification training for site area access, radiological worker and fitness for duty at the Oyster Creek nuclear plant. Staff engineers accompany USNRC inspectors on in-plant radiological, environmental, emergency planning, and plant system inspections. The annual training allows the engineer unescorted access to the site. Contact: Paul E. Schwartz (609) 984-7539 Meeting with PSEG and NRC on the Status of the Spent Fuel Pool Leak Mitigation at Salem Unit 1
On June 14, 2016, representatives of the Nuclear Environmental Engineering Section, Bureau of Nuclear Engineering Management, and the NJ Geological and Water Survey participated in a meeting with the NRC and PSEG to discuss the status of the ongoing efforts to mitigate the spent
Page 34 of 38
fuel pool leak, and to monitor and remediate the contaminated groundwater attributable to that leak, at Salem Unit 1. The discussion focused on the recent results of the ongoing ground water monitoring and remediation and the need for additional characterization of the tritium contamination in the Vincentown Formation.
Information on the NRC’s oversight of groundwater contamination at nuclear power plants can be found on the NRC website at: http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/grndwtr-contam-tritium.html Contacts: Jay Vouglitois (609) 984-7514 or Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443 Semi-Annual Management Meeting with PSEG NEES staff participated in the semi-annual management interface meeting with PSEG senior staff at the Salem/Hope Creek facility on June 21, 2016. PSEG provided updates on plant performance for the three nuclear generating stations, senior management’s perspective on the state of the nuclear power industry, the scope of the October 2016 refueling outage for Hope Creek, the results of the recent INPO evaluation at Hope Creek, the status of plant modifications being made in response to the Fukushima Accident, the status of the baffle bolt replacement project at Salem Unit 1, and the status of the monitoring and remediation of the groundwater contamination associated with the spent fuel pool leak at Salem Unit 1. Contacts: Paul Schwartz (609) 984-7539, Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443, or Jay Vouglitois (609) 984-7514 NRC Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Inspection at Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Environmental Engineering Section staff participated in the NRC inspection of the Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP) at PSEG’s Salem/Hope Creek nuclear facility during the week of June 6th, 2016. This inspection is conducted at least every two years as part of the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process, which is designed to provide assurance of safe facility operation. The objectives of the inspection are to (1) verify that the REMP quantifies the impact of the radioactive effluents released to the environment and validates the integrity of the gaseous and liquid effluents program, (2) verify that the REMP is implemented in accordance with the licensee’s Technical Specifications, Offsite Dose Calculation Manual, and the design objectives specified in the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 50, Appendix I) and (3) validate that any doses to members of the public are within the limits set forth in 10 CFR Part 20, “Standards for Protection Against Radiation” and 40 CFR Part 190, “Environmental Radiation Protection Standards for Nuclear Power Operations”. The results of this inspection will be reported by the NRC during the third quarter of 2016. The report for this inspection, as well as historical inspection reports for Salem, Hope Creek and other nuclear generating stations can be obtained at the NRC website: (http://www.nrc.gov/NRR/OVERSIGHT/ASSESS/listofrpts-body.html). Additional details regarding the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process can be found at http://www.nrc.gov/NRR/OVERSIGHT/ASSESS/index.html. The NRC’s inspection procedure for Radiological Environmental Monitoring Programs can be viewed at http://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1534/ML15345A067.pdf Contacts: Jay Vouglitois (609) 984-7514 or Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443
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Continuous Radiological Environmental Surveillance Telemetry System Thirty-two Continuous Radiological Environmental Surveillance Telemetry (CREST) sites are located in the environs of Oyster Creek, Salem I, II, and Hope Creek nuclear generating stations. CREST is a part of the Air Pollution/Radiation Data Acquisition and Early Warning System, a remote data acquisition system whose central computer is located in Trenton, New Jersey. Sites are accessed via cellular communication and polled for radiological and meteorological data every minute. The Air Pollution/Radiation Data Acquisition and Early Warning System is equipped with a threshold alarm of twenty-five (25) microRoentgens per hour. The system notifies staff via text messages and email alerts if the threshold is exceeded, providing 24-hour coverage of potential radiological abnormalities surrounding each nuclear facility. Contact: Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451 The following tables include the average ambient radiation levels at each site for the month of May:
Artificial Island CREST System Ambient Radiation Levels May 2016 Derived From One Minute Averages
UNITS = mR/Hr
AI1 AI2 AI3 AI4 AI5 .0065 .0067 .0067 .0076 .0071 AI6 AI7 AI8 AI9 AI10
.0069 .0058 .0058 .0077 .0056
Oyster Creek CREST System Ambient Radiation Levels May 2016 Derived From One Minute Averages
UNITS = mR/Hr
OC1 OC2 OC3 OC4 .0068 .0058 .0061 .0053 OC5 OC6 OC7 OC8 .0059 .0062 .0053 .0059 OC9 OC10 OC11 OC12 .0062 .0054 .0057 .0057 OC13 OC14 OC15 OC16 .0054 .0056 .0077 .0072
**** indicates insufficient valid data Contact: Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451
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Licensee Meeting Representatives of NEPS met with staff from PSEG Nuclear LLC and Exelon Energy on June 13 for a regularly-scheduled licensee meeting. Updates to the methods for characterizing emergency conditions at nuclear power plants were discussed, as well as recently-released USEPA draft guidelines for protecting drinking water supplies during an emergency. Topics also included regulatory developments at the national level regarding emergency planning and procedures, and long-range strategies for exercises and drills. Contact: Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451 Salem Quarterly Nuclear Emergency Response Drill On June 16, staff from the Bureau of Nuclear Engineering and the Bureau of X-Ray Compliance participated in a quarterly nuclear emergency response drill for the Salem nuclear reactors. NJDEP nuclear emergency responders were provided with an opportunity to develop and reinforce their skills while coordinating with their counterparts at partner agencies and PSEG Nuclear. The drill also verified the effectiveness of data assessment and communications systems that would be needed during an emergency response. Contact: Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451 Multiagency WINGS Aerial Support Exercise and RPP Nuclear Response Training During the week of June 20, the Federal government conducted a multiagency exercise to demonstrate its airborne radiation detection capabilities. Centered at the Miller Air Park in Ocean County, the training brought together representatives of USEPA, Department of Homeland Security, the US Army, and a wide range of other Federal and State responders. Pat Mulligan, manager of the Bureau of Nuclear Engineering, provided essential support by facilitating placement of radiological sources at controlled facilities in the Ocean County area for aerial services to locate. In addition to the Federal effort, nuclear emergency responders from each section of the NJDEP Radiation Protection Programs participated in a ground-based training exercise on June 22 to locate and characterize the hidden radiological sources. Supervised instruction allowed participants to gain direct experience with a variety of field instruments, including those for general assessment and identification of specific isotopes. Contact: Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451 Coffee with the Commissioner On Jun 28th, two of the NEPS staff members, Atul Vaid and Sahar Azmat, attended an event Coffee with the Commissioner in recognition of their outstanding work to advance DEP’s mission. Coffee with the Commissioner is an informal gathering where DEP’s Commissioner, Bob Martin, meets and personally thanks the employees who are recommended by the Assistant Commissioner and Executive team for their excellent performance in their respective fields. Sahar and Atul were recognized for their work in enhancing and testing RadResponder, a data collection and management tool provided by FEMA, for application to nuclear emergency response. Contact: Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451
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PSEG Emergency Action Level Training On June 30, those nuclear emergency responders who would potentially play a role in evaluating conditions at a damaged nuclear power plant attended a training session offered by PSEG Nuclear on the methods used to classify the emergencies. Topics included the types of such emergencies, strategies for evaluation, and the outcomes that would arise. Attendees were also provided with an overview of response strategies for accidents beyond those considered plausible during the original design of the plants. Representatives of partner agencies, including the NJ State Police Office of Emergency Management, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and the BNE also provided short presentations on recent developments related to nuclear emergency preparedness. BNE Manager Pat Mulligan discussed draft guidance on protection of drinking water released by USEPA in June. Contact: Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451 Quarterly Inspection Dates Toms River EOF June 6 Toms River JIC June 6 Berkeley FCP June 6
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