DOE-Idaho Operations Summary
Issued July 27, 2006
DOE-Idaho Bi-Weekly Operations Summary
For the Period of July 10-July 23, 2006
Environmental Management
Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP)
Summary of Occurrence Reports
(Note: Date below indicates when notification was made of the incident)
No New Reportable Items During This Reporting Period.
Operational Status
Through July 8, a cumulative total of 11,246 cubic meters (includes 3,100 m3 Project) of initial transuranic (TRU) waste volume (i.e., Idaho Settlement Agreement volume) has been shipped to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). For the week ending July 15, the AMWTP made 21 shipments, exceeding the objective of 20 planned shipments.
Environmental Management
Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP)
July 13: During resin removal activities at the old ion exchange system area, Building CPP-603, a leaking swivel joint fitting sprayed water, exposing two workers to Basin Water Treatment System (BWTS) recycle water. The workers were examined, including whole body counts, and it was determined that there was neither radiological contamination nor internal uptake of radiological material. Further evaluation of potential intake of hazardous material is in progress. However, based on preliminary analysis of the recycle material, it is believed exposure above permitted limits has not occurred. (EM-ID–CWI-LANDLORD-2006-0006)
July 13: After removal and transport of an excess scrap metals bin from Test Area North to the Central Facilities Area excess yard, a piece of radiologically-contaminated metal piping was discovered. The level of contamination on the piping was 14,000 disintegrations per minute. The contaminated piping was placed under proper controls, appropriate notifications were made, and a critique was scheduled. (EM-ID–CWI-TAN- 2006-0007)
July 17: While performing corrective maintenance activities on an excavator and working to correct interference from an ammonia scrubber system, a small quantity of ammonia was released. Maintenance personnel were in supplied-air hoods. The radiological control technicians (RCT) supporting this work were wearing powered air-purifying respirators. The RCTs noted odor and experienced some eye and throat irritation. Work was immediately stopped, requisite notifications were made, and the RCTs were transported to Central Facilities Area for medical evaluation. They were later released to return to work with no restrictions. An industrial hygienist determined that the
exposure received was below the 8-hour threshold limit value (TLV).
(EM-ID–CWI- RWMC-2006-0013)
Operational Status
Nothing reportable.
Nuclear Energy
Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Summary of Occurrence Reports
(Note: Date below indicates when notification was made of the incident)
July 13: A DOE Facility Representative observed that a paint crew van and trailer at the Reactor Technology Complex was not properly hitched together. The trailer receiver was not fully engaged around the towing ball on the van. In addition, the trailer lights and brakes were not connected. Appropriate notifications were made and the trailer remained parked until it could be correctly connected to the van. (NE-ID–BEA-RTC-2006-0005)
July 18: During performance of an electrical upgrade at the Materials and Fuels Complex, an oily substance was encountered while removing electrical cables from a conduit. Not anticipating contaminated cables, the subcontractor continued work. The oily substance was recognized by a BEA electrical engineer to look similar to a PCB contamination found in this general area several years before. Appropriate notifications were made to BEA management, the workers were removed from the area and the work area was posted and isolated. Samples of the oily substance were determined to be 260,000 parts per million PCB. Potentially contaminated worker clothing was collected and bagged. Contaminated cables were placed in waste box containers and contaminated
floor and ground areas were isolated. The entire work area was secured. A conservative calculation estimates the amount of PCB contained in the conduit at approximately six pounds. Notifications were made to the appropriate agencies. (NE-ID–BEA-MFC-2006- 0003)
Operational Status
Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Fleet Operations in conjunction with the Transportation Technology Department was recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) at the May 2006 DOE Pollution Prevention Workshop with a Pollution Prevention Best in Class Award for their research on engine oil bypass filters. Best in Class recipients are subsequently nominated for the White House Closing the Circle Awards. Testing of the oil bypass filter systems on 17 INL fleet vehicles resulted in 64 fewer diesel bus oil changes. This represents a savings of 541 gallons of new oil not being consumed and a commensurate reduction in waste oil. Overall, this is an 89% reduction
in oil changes and new oil used.