IR 05000166/2015201

University of Maryland - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Routine Inspection Report No. 50-166/2015-201

ML15362A496
Person / Time
Site:	University of Maryland
Issue date:	12/29/2015
From:	Anthony Mendiola Research and Test Reactors Branch B
To:	Koeth T Univ of Maryland
References
IR 2015201
Download: ML15362A496 (12)

Text

December 29, 2015

SUBJECT:

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-166/2015-201

Dear Dr. Koeth:

From December 1-3, 2015, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed a routine inspection at your Maryland University Training Reactor facility. The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facility. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection.

The inspection examined activities conducted under your license as they relate to the conduct of operations, and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license. The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no safety concerns or non-compliances with NRC requirements were identified. No response to this letter is required.

In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, and requests for withholding, a copy of this letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Johnny H. Eads at 301-415-0136.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch

Division of Policy and Rulemaking

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Docket No. 50-166 License No. R-70

Enclosure:

As stated

cc: See next page

University of Maryland

Docket No. 50-166

cc:

Director, Dept. of Natural Resources Power Plant Siting Program Energy & Coastal Zone Administration Tawes State Office Building Annapolis, MD 21401

Mr. Roland G. Fletcher, Program Manager IV Radiological Health Program Maryland Department of Environment 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 750 Baltimore, MD 21230-1718

Mr. Vincent G. Adams Facility Coordinator Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Building 090 University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742

Mary J. Dorman Radiation Safety Officer Department of Environmental Safety 3115 Chesapeake Building 338 University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742

Test, Research, and Training Reactor Newsletter University of Florida 202 Nuclear Sciences Center Gainesville, FL 32611

ML15362A496

• concurred via email NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB*

NRR/DPR/PROB*

NRR/DPR/PROB NAME JEads (ABaxter for)NParker AMendiola DATE 12/28/15 12/28/15 12/29/2015

Enclosure U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

Docket No:

50-166

License No:

R-70

Report No:

50-166/2015-201

Licensee:

The University of Maryland

Facility:

Maryland University Training Reactor

Location:

College Park, MD

Dates:

December 1-3, 2015

Inspector:

Johnny H. Eads

Accompanied by:

Mike Takacs, Security Specialist

Approved by:

Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief

Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The University of Maryland Maryland University Training Reactor NRC Inspection Report No. 50-166/2015-201

The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the University of Marylands (the licensees) Class II research reactor facility safety programs including: (1) organization and staffing, (2) health physics, (3) emergency planning, (4) maintenance logs and records, (5) fuel handling logs and records, and (6) transportation.

The licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and in compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.

Organization and Staffing

• The operations organizational structure and responsibilities were consistent with Technical Specification (TS) requirements.

• Shift staffing met the minimum requirements for current operations.

Health Physics

• The licensees radiation protection program was effective in minimizing radiation doses to individuals through training, notices to workers, radiation monitoring and surveys, and calibrated equipment.

Emergency Planning

• The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency Plan and implementing procedures.

Maintenance Logs and Records

• Maintenance was performed and logs and records maintained consistent with TS and licensee procedure requirements.

Fuel Handling Logs and Records

• Fuel handling and inspection activities were being completed and documented in accordance with the requirements specified in the TS and facility procedures.

Transportation

• Radioactive material shipments were made according to procedures and regulatory requirements.

REPORT DETAILS

Summary of Facility Status

The Maryland University Training Reactor (MUTR or the licensee) operates the 250 kilowatt reactor in support of graduate and undergraduate research, laboratory instruction, and a variety of radiation services. During the inspection, the reactor was not operated.

1.

Organization and Staffing

a.

Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure (IP) 69001)

The inspector reviewed the following regarding the licensees organization and staffing to ensure that the requirements of Section 6.1 of Technical Specifications (TS) were being met:

• Staff qualifications

Management responsibilities

Staffing requirements for the safe operation of the facility

Maryland University Training Reactor (MUTR) organizational structure and staffing

b.

Observations and Findings

This organization was consistent with that specified in the TS. The organizational structure and the responsibilities of the reactor staff had not changed since the last inspection.

The campus health physics staff provided support to the reactor staff as requested and performed specific audits, inspections, and surveys of the reactor.

The campus health physics staff also had the responsibility for the universitys broad scope State byproduct license. The coordination of radiation protection activities between the health physics staff and the reactor staff was acceptable.

The inspector reviewed the minimum shift staffing requirements for reactor operations and determined that the MUTR continued to meet the TS requirements

c.

Conclusions

The licensee was in compliance with organizational and staffing requirements for operation of the reactor facility.

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2.

Health Physics

a.

Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 20 requirements:

• Radiation Safety Procedure 1, Instrument Calibration, dated June 2001

Radiation Safety Manual, dated 2001

Report on Reactor Air and Water, Samples and Analysis, and Reactor Compartment Area Monitoring, dated November 23, 2015

Environmental Dosimeter Data for 2014 and 2015

Annual Operating Report, 2014

b.

Observations and Findings

The inspector toured the facility, finding practices regarding the use of dosimetry, radiation monitoring equipment, placement of radiological signs and postings, use of protective clothing, and the handling and storing of radioactive material or contaminated equipment to be in accordance with regulations and the licensees written Radiation Protection Program (RPP).

The inspector reviewed the calibration records of the radiation monitoring equipment and found all were calibrated as required by procedure. The inspector performed a spot check of selected radiation monitoring equipment and did not identify any instances where out-of-calibration radiation monitoring equipment had been used during surveys.

The inspector reviewed dosimetry records for the various operators at the MUTR.

The Radiation Safety Officer maintained all records in accordance with TS requirements. During the dosimetry review, it was noted that individual radiation worker doses were minimal compared to this limit and no individual exceeded the dose limits since the last NRC inspection. The inspector performed a spot check of dosimetry in both emergency response kits and found them to be calibrated.

A copy of the current NRC Form 3, Notice to Radiation Workers, was posted at various locations throughout the reactor facility, as required by 10 CFR Part 19.

The inspector reviewed the environmental monitoring records for the fixed dosimeters located throughout the facility and the campus and found that radiation doses were being monitored and reviewed as appropriate.

The inspector determined that facility surveys and postings were properly conducted and met regulatory requirements.

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c.

Conclusions

The licensees RPP was effective in minimizing radiation doses to individuals through training, notices to workers, radiation monitoring and surveys, and calibrated equipment. The RPP met TS requirements. Effluent releases, effluent monitoring, and environmental monitoring satisfied license and regulatory requirements.

3.

Emergency Planning

a.

Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed the implementation of selected portions of the emergency preparedness program including:

• Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) for the MUTR, Revision 12, dated December 4, 1999

b.

Observation and Findings

The inspector reviewed the EPP and determined that it had not changed since the last inspection. The inspector toured the MUTR and found the emergency preparedness equipment and capabilities to be as described in the EPP and implementing procedures.

The emergency plan requires that emergency supplies be maintained and that an inventory list of these supplies be maintained and verified on a routine basis.

The inspector verified that the required materials and inventory were being maintained as required.

The inspector met with members of the University of Maryland, Department of Environmental Safety. Interviews were conducted with the University of Maryland Fire Marshall and the University of Maryland Emergency Management Coordinator. Based on these interviews, offsite emergency response organizations appeared to be well trained and equipped to respond to emergencies at the facility, if they were to occur.

The emergency plan requires periodic drills to support training of emergency response personnel. The inspectors reviewed documentation related to annual exercises for 2014. Based on a review of these records, the requirements of the emergency plan continue to be met for training of personnel and conduct of drills.

c.

Conclusions

The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency Plan and implementing procedures.

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4.

Maintenance Logs and Records

a.

Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed the following selected maintenance log and records to verify compliance with the requirements of TS:

• Reactor Console Logbook from 2014 to present

b.

Observations and Findings

The inspector reviewed the maintenance records related to scheduled and unscheduled preventive and corrective maintenance activities that had occurred during the inspection period.

Routine and preventive maintenance was controlled and documented in the appropriate logs. These documents indicated that all maintenance activities were in accordance with the requirements in licensee administrative controls.

The inspector verified that all maintenance was conducted in accordance with the requirements of TS, and system operational checks were performed before returning them to service.

c.

Conclusions

Maintenance was performed and logs and records maintained consistent with TS and licensee procedure requirements.

5.

Fuel Handling Logs and Records

a.

Inspection Scope (IP 69001)

The inspector reviewed the following to verify that requirements of TS and administrative procedures were being met:

• Annual Report for the MUTR, 2014

b.

Observation and Findings

The inspector interviewed staff and determined that the only fuel handling operations which occurred since the last inspection were related to fuel removal in support of maintenance on the reactor control rods. These activities appeared to be well planned and controlled in accordance with TS and administrative procedural requirements.

c.

Conclusions

Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by TS and facility procedures.

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6.

Transportation

a.

Inspection Scope (IP 86740)

To verify that the licensee was complying with the applicable requirements, the inspector reviewed the following:

• Radiation Safety Manual, dated 2001

Annual Operating Report, 2014

b.

Observations and Findings

The licensee stated that they generally transfer radioactive material from the reactor license to the broad scope campus license for use by experimenters on campus or for processing as waste along with other campus radioactive waste.

As a result, shipments under the reactor license are unusual and infrequent.

c.

Conclusions

Radioactive material shipments were made according to procedures and regulatory requirements.

7.

Exit Interview

The inspection scope and results were summarized on December 3, 2015, with members of licensee management. The inspector described the areas inspected and discussed in detail the inspection findings. The licensee acknowledged the results of the inspection.

PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED

Licensee

V. Adams

Facility Coordinator and Senior Reactor Operator M. Dorman

Radiation Safety Officer Director, Nuclear Reactor

INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED

IP 69001

Class II Research and Test Reactors

ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED

Opened

None

Closed

None

Discussed

None

PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED

ADAMS Agencywide Document Access Management System 10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations EPP

Emergency Preparedness Plan IP

Inspection Procedure MUTR Maryland University Training Reactor NRC

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission RPP

Radiation Protection Program TS

Technical Specifications