department of environmental protection ......29 30 37 46 31 34 41 29 37 21 22 17 374 net change...

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

DIVISION OF CLIMATE, CLEAN ENERGY & RADIATION

PROTECTION

RADIATION PROTECTION ELEMENT

MONTHLY REPORT

JUNE 1 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021

SECTION I: OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

SECTION II: BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE

A. OFFICE OF THE BUREAU CHIEF

B. REGISTRATION SECTION

C. MACHINE SOURCE SECTION

D. TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION AND LICENSING SECTION

E. MAMMOGRAPHY SECTION

F. BUREAU ENFORCEMENT SERVICES SECTION

SECTION III: BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION


B. RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS PROGRAM

C. ROUTINE ACTIVITIES

D. SUMMARY OF ENFORCEMENT – NOVEMBER 2020

E. RADIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SECTION

(REAS)

F. RADON SECTION

SECTION IV: BUREAU OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING


B. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SECTION

C. NUCLEAR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SECTION

D. NUCLEAR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SECTION

SECTION I- OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Original signed by:

__________________________

Assistant Director, Pat Mulligan

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SECTION II – BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE (BXC)


CRCPD H-7 Committee on Diagnostic X-ray, Monthly Technical Trends and Topics

On June 1, Bureau staff participated in CRCPD H-7 Committee on Diagnostic X-ray conference

call to discuss current issues and topics of mutual concern to State X-ray compliance personnel.

National Practitioners Data Bank Facility Registration Renewal and Attestation

On June 1, the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners registration was renewed with the

National Practitioners Data Bank including Attestation of the reported activities since the last

attestation.

Bureau Webinar Training Activities

Bureau staff participated in the following Webinar training activities: 10 June, California EPA'S

Pollution and Prejudice Project; 17 June, HDIAC Webinar: The “Tyranny of Distance” in

Homeland Defense: WMD in the US.

Water Management, Division of Water Supply and Geoscience, Water Systems Operations

Element, Lean Six Sigma-KAIZEN Event: Lead and Copper Rule: Notices of Action Level

Exceedance

On 16 and17, and 22-24 June, Chief Robinson, Green Belt trainee, facilitated the Lean Six

Sigma-KAIZEN Event for the Water Management, Division of Water Supply and Geoscience,

Water Systems Operations Element, Lead and Copper Rule: Notices of Action Level

Exceedance.

Contact: Arthur Robinson (609) 984-5634

B. REGISTRATION SECTION

Machine Source Registration and Renewal Fees

The Registration Section has begun invoicing the registrants for FY2021 registration renewals.

In addition, new equipment is invoiced 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 2021

Monthly

Invoiced

Monthly

Collected

Fiscal YTD

Invoiced

Fiscal YTD

Collected

Fiscal YTD

Adjustments

Percent

Collected

$14,381.00 $12,057.00 $3,080,501.00 $3,054,323.00 $2,830.00 99%

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Progress on Collection of FY 2021 Registration Renewal Fees

Renewal

Groups

Paid

7/31/20

Paid

8/31/20

Paid

9/30/20

Paid

10/31/20

Paid

11/30/20

Paid

12/31/20

Paid

1/31/21

Paid

2/28/21

Paid

3/31/21

Paid

4/30/21

Paid

5/31/21

Paid

6/30/21

0-F 37% 69% 86% 94% 96% 98% 99% 99% 100% 100% 100% 100%

G-L N/A 43% 73% 86% 95% 97% 97% 99% 99% 100% 100% 100%

M-R N/A N/A 43% 74% 86% 92% 96% 97% 98% 99% 100% 100%

S-Z N/A N/A N/A 30% 68% 86% 94% 97% 98% 99% 100% 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, 25% percent paid on-line.

Monthly Machine Source Registration Activity FY 2021

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun YTD

New Facilities 13 20 14 25 17 11 11 8 15 12 19 24 189

Terminated

Facilities 29 30 37 46 31 34 41 29 37 21 22 17 374

Net Change

(Facilities) -16 -10 -23 -21 -14 -23 -30 -21 -22 -9 -3 7 -185

New Registrations 128 140 138 200 134 109 166 96 153 150 196 185 1795

Stored

Registrations 43 45 73 67 40 66 59 51 80 45 51 37 657

Disposed

registrations 94 99 75 87 80 67 87 60 93 93 91 75 1001

Net Change

(Machines) -9 -4 -10 46 14 -24 20 -15 -20 12 54 73 137

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.

Contact: Lisa Brodbeck (609) 984-5370

C. MACHINE SOURCE SECTION

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.

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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 2021, IQ evaluations were performed on 21 x-ray units with the following results:

• 15 units (71%) had excellent image quality scores.

• 6 units (29%) had good image quality scores.

• 0 units (0%) had fair image quality scores.

• 0 units (0%) had poor image quality scores.

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 or digital image receptor speed, and film or digital image 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

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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.

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

• In June 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on twelve x-ray units that performed

lumbo-sacral spine x-rays. Zero units (0%) had extremely high ESE measurements.

• In June 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on zero x-ray units that performed

chest x-rays. Zero units (0%) had extremely high ESE measurements.

• In June 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on nine x-ray units that performed foot

x-rays. Zero units (0%) had extremely high ESE measurements.

Dental Facilities

Dental facilities use two types of digital imaging: direct radiography (DR) or computed

radiology (CR); also, referred to as phosphor storage plates (PSP). Dental facilities also use two

speeds of film: D and E/F or Insight. (Insight is the branded name of Kodak’s F speed film). D is

the slowest speed and requires sixty percent more radiation than E/F or F to produce an

acceptable image. Direct radiography requires the least radiation.

An analysis of the historical data from May to December 2015, the Bureau inspected two

thousand eight hundred and twenty-one (2,821) intra oral dental units. Eighty one percent (81%)

of all dental facilities evaluated in 2015 were using digital imaging systems. This percentage

breaks down to seventy three percent (73%) used DR and eight percent (8%) used CR (PSP).

Only nineteen percent (19%) of all dental facilities evaluated in 2015 were using film-based

imaging. This percentage breaks down to twelve (12%) used D speed film and seven percent

(7%) used E/F or F speed film.

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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 a few cents more per film then D speed. No

changes in equipment or processing are necessary to use a faster speed film.

When the Bureau conducts inspections to determine compliance with New Jersey Administrative

Code 7:28, a measurement of entrance skin exposure (ESE) is taken. The Bureau collected

baseline ESE data on dental x-ray machines for the years 2008 and 2009. This data was

evaluated to establish the ranges for four ESE categories similar to those in the medical quality

assurance program (low, average, high and extremely high). 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 digital or 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)

Image

Receptor Low Average High

Extremely

High

Digital (DR) 0 to 20 21 to 110 111 to 160 ≥161

CR (PSP) 0 to 35 36 to 170 171 to 215 ≥216

Film Speed

D 0 to100 101 to 285 286 to 350 ≥351

E/F,F, Insight 0 to 50 51 to 150 151 to 205 ≥206

• In June 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 224 dental x-ray units that used DR

digital imaging. Eleven units (5%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.

• In June 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 30 dental x-ray units that used CR

(PSP) digital imaging. Five units (17%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.

• In June 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 9 dental x-ray units that used D

speed film. Zero units (0%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.

• In June 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 10 dental x-ray units that used E/F,

F, or Insight speed film. Zero units (0%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.

Dental Amalgam Inspections

Effective November 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 June 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

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information on the questionnaire and visually inspects that an amalgam separator has been

installed. In June 2021, 103 amalgam questionnaires were collected. The total dental amalgam

questionnaires collected for FY2021 is 937.

Inspection Activity and Items of Non-compliance

A two-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.

Contact: Rachel McVeigh (609) 984-5370

D. TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION AND LICENSING SECTION

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.

Technologist Education & Licensing Section

FY 2021 Invoiced & Collected

Invoice Type Monthly

Invoiced

Monthly

Collected

Fiscal YTD

Invoiced

Fiscal YTD

Collected

Examinations $0 $160 $480 $480

Initial Licenses $7,380 $6,000 $68,220 $67,000

Renewal Licenses $540 $4,320 $2,124,270 $1,847,880

Totals $7,920 $10,480 $2,192,970 $1,915,360

Contact: Al Orlandi (609) 984-5890

E. MAMMOGRAPHY SECTION

Stereotactic Facilities Inspected

The Mammography Section inspected three facilities with stereotactic/needle localization breast

biopsy unit during the month of June. A total of 34 of the 61 planned stereotactic facility

inspections have been performed since July 1, 2020.

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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 two categories: Level 1 and Level 2.

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 non-compliances are considered serious. The facility must respond with

their corrective actions within thirty days.

The Mammography Section inspected 24 facilities in June. A total of 209 of the 234 facilities

scheduled to be inspected under the contract that will expire on August 20, 2021. There were no

facilities found to have non-compliance issues.

Facility Non-compliance Discovered

• There were no facilities with a Level 1 and Level 2 Repeat non-compliances.

• There was one facility with Level 2 non-compliances.

• There was no documentation of 8 hours of training for the radiologic technologist in each

mammographic modality for which mammograms were performed.

Contact: Mary Kanewski (609) 984-5370

F. BUREAU ENFORCEMENT SERVICES SECTION

Enforcement Actions for June 2021

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 Departments NJEMS database system, it enters summary inspection

information into NJEMS on all inspections conducted by the Bureau to provide more accurate

inspection numbers for the Department’s NJEMS reports. See the table below for current month

and year to date information.

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Inspections and Enforcement Documents Issued

June 2021

Bureau of X-Ray Compliance

Month YTD

Compliance Inspections

entered into NJEMS 26 242

Dental/CBCT

Inspections entered into

NJEMS

104 825

Notice of

Violations

Closed Effective Pending Total YTD

6 2 6 14 101

Administrative

Orders


0 0 12 12 140

Notice of

Prosecutions


0 0 12 12 125

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

$7,200.00 $70,050.00 $58,850.00 $16,600.00 $75,450.00

Contact: Ramona Chambus (609) 984-5370

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APPENDIX A - NJDEP BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR ACTIVITY REPORT 06/01/2021 THROUGH 06/30/2021

Inspector: ALL

07/01/2021

Discipline: ALL

Page 1 of 3

132 346

1

9

11

12

15

28

Inspection Type

ROUTINE INSPECTION

HAND DELIVERY

INVESTIGATION

STEREOTACTIC INSPECTION

QA INSPECTION ROUTINE LEVEL 1

DENTAL CBCT INSPECTION

Inspection Description

88

1

5

3

25

10

Facilities Inspected

279

3

21

43

Total On-Site Inspections:

NOV

AO

NOP

Amount of Penalties

14

12

14

$7,250

Number of Inspections Performed

Number of Enforcement Documents Issued

6

18

23

30

OFFICE VIOLATION RESPONSE REVIEW

OFFICE QA VIOLATION RESPONSE REVIEW

OFFICE TECH CERT INSPECTION

DENTAL CBCT OFFICE REVIEW INSPECTION

10

25

5

3

11

25

5

3

Machines Inspected

Total Office Inspections: 43 44

17

Machines Audited

17

4

3

4

Machines Uninspected

17 28

0

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Inspector: ALL

07/01/2021

Discipline: ALL

Page 2 of 3

CB-001

CB-003

D-002

D-003

D-016

D-022

G-007

REG1

S-001

TC-001

QA-011

QA-012

QA-037

QA-174

No Alternate QA program for CBCT

CBCT No MPQCS

Survey of environs not available or not performed.

Survey not available upon relocation or changes to shielding.

kVp exceeds manufacturer's specifications (certified unit).

Signal audible to operator indicating termination of exposure not provided for certified units.

device not working properly.

Failed to register the ionizing radiation producing machine within 30 days of acquisition.

Radiation survey inside and outside controlled area not performed by a qualified individual.

x-rayed humans without a valid NJ license.

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.

QC tests from Table 2 (Fluoroscopic) not performed at the required intervals.

All images for QC tests for items 8, 11, 12 & 13 maintained for 1 year.

CB

Dental

G

Registration

S

TC

Quality Assurance

Violations Cited Non-QA

Violations Cited QA

Violation Code Description Non-Compliance

Number of Violations

Total Violations Cited Non-QA

Total Violations Cited QA

22

14

22.3(i)

22.7(a)3

16.8(a)1

16.8(a)2

16.3(a)7

16.3(a)13

2.5(c)

3.1 (a) and (b)

7.1(a)

19.3(c)

22.5(a)2

22.5(a)3

22.6(a)2

22.5(j)3

Glossary Information By Code

4

4

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

5

7

2

3

2

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Inspector: ALL

07/01/2021

Discipline: ALL

Page 3 of 3

Violation Code Description Non-Compliance

Number of Violations

Total Violations 36

Glossary Information By Code

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APPENDIX A - TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION AND LICENSING SECTION

MONTH OF JUNE 2021

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

36 5 2 54 - - - 1 98 1,102 1,100

Licenses Renewed 18 1 2 27 - 1 - - 49 20,457 N/A

Total Licensed 8,830 913 797 10,853 48 16 5 81 21,543 N/A N/A Exams Scheduled - - - - - - - - 0 0 N/A

Investigations Conducted 1 - - 2 - - - - 3 30 30

Licenses Verified 383 - 3 410 - - - - 796 6,493 7,000

Expired Licenses - - - - - - - - 0 3 N/A

Unlicensed

- - - - - - - - 0 15 N/A

Enforcement Documents Issued

- - - - - - - - 0 72 N/A

NEAs Issued - - - - - - - - 0 0 N/A

Offer of Settlement - - - - - - - - $0 $20,150 N/A

Licenses Sanctioned 1 - - - - - - - 1 5 N/A

Approved Educational Schools

15 2 3 23 - - - - 43 43 N/A

New School Application Evaluated

1 - - 1 - - - - 2 8 8

Curriculum Modifications Evaluated

- - - - - - - - 0 15 20

School Inspections Conducted

- - - - - - - - 0 0 7

Total Schools Reviewed - - - - - - - - 2 23 27

Clinical Applications Approved

- - - 101 - - - - 101 1,175 1,100

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Appendix A - Bureau of X-ray Compliance Mammography Section

June 2021

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 15 9 0 24 209 234 Machines Inspected 0 24 17 0 41 307

FDA Violations Level 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 FDA Violations Level 2 0 1 0 0 1 11

Registered 0 4 0 0 4 37 Canceled 0 2 0 0 2 38

Stereotactic Facilities Inspected 0 2 1 0 3 34 61 Machines Inspected 0 2 1 0 3 37 Notice of Violation 0 0 0 0 0 0

Administrative Order 0 0 0 0 0 0 Notice of Prosecution 0 0 0 0 0 0

Registered 0 0 0 0 0 3 Canceled 0 0 0 0 0 6

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SECTION III - BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION (BER)


The Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) is the mechanism by which

the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) ensures that Agreement States and the NRC are

adequate to protect the public health and safety, and compatible with the NRC regulations. The

IMPEP process employs a team of Agreement State and NRC staff to assess both Agreement

State and NRC radiation control licensing and inspection programs. Agreement State members

must be fully qualified and complete special IMPEP training to be selected to participate in

another state or NRC IMPEP. Karen Flanigan participated in the New Hampshire IMPEP in

April. This month, Nancy Stanley participated in the NRC’s IMPEP. The NRC staff perform

inspection and licensing of radioactive materials in states that do not have an Agreement.

Traditionally, each Region of the NRC and Headquarters have a separate IMPEP. This year, the

review of the NRC Materials Program was a consolidated review of the entire program at one

time. This included the three Regional Offices (Regions I, III, and IV) and the sealed source and

device evaluation and uranium recovery programs in NMSS (NRC headquarters). Along with

Karen and Nancy, Jack Tway is also trained to perform IMPEPs. This demonstrates New

Jersey’s continued commitment to the National Materials Program.

B. RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS PROGRAM

Medical, Industrial, and Reciprocity

During the month of June 2021, the Radioactive Materials Program responded to (4) radiation

incidents:

Date Type of

Incident

Description Status

6/8/21 Scrap A load of scrap from NH set off the radiation

monitors at a scrap facility in NJ. The load was

rejected and returned to its origin in NH.

Closed

6/9/21 Scrap An item brought in by a local police department

triggered the radiation monitors at a scrap facility in

NJ. It was identified as containing Ra-226. The item

has been secured, safely stored, and is awaiting

proper disposal.

Pending

6/16/21 Other A resident in Morris County brought a shielded

container he said contained U-238 fuel pellets to the

local PD, who then called the Morris County Hazmat

team. This person had spent part of his career

working in the nuclear industry. BER staff, along

with the Morris County Hazmat responders, went to

his home to perform surveys and ensure that the

Pending

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material is safe, and properly stored while disposal

options are explored.

6/16/21 Other A separate resident in Morris County contacted the

county Hazmat team regarding an item he found

while cleaning out a deceased relative’s house. BER

staff, along with the Morris County Hazmat

responders, also went to his home to perform surveys

and ensure that the material is safe, and properly

stored while disposal options are explored. The

material in question appeared to be slate-like and was

found to contain Ra-226.

Pending

Contact: Nancy Stanley (609) 984-5452

C. ROUTINE ACTIVITIES

This Month

6/1/21-6/30/21

FY-To-Date

7/1/20-6/30/21

Number of Amendments Processed 26 190

Number of Renewals Processed 0 50

Number of Initial Applications Processed 0 6

Number of Active Licenses 563 563

Number of Terminations 5 19

Number of Reciprocity Requests Received 31 298

Number of Incidents 6 39

Number of Inspections 4 70

Contact: Debbie Wenke (609) 984-5509 or Jack Tway (609) 984-5514

General Licensing

Reconciliation of the Generally Licensed and Tritium Databases that were inherited from the

NRC in 2009 continues. No source on the databases was verified during June.

Staff continues to maintain entry of quarterly reports from manufacturers and distributors into

the generally licensed database. No reports were received reflecting quarterly transactions.

Generally Licensed Device Registration Forms continue to be maintained. A total of 49

registrations are currently active.

Contact: Sarah Sanderlin (609) 984-5466

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D. SUMMARY OF ENFORCEMENT – JUNE 2021

Bureau of Environmental Radiation – By Month

(6/1/2021 - 6/30/2021)

Administrative

Orders

Closed Effective Pending Total

Radioactive

Materials Section

1

1

0

2

Radon Section 0 0 4 4

Notice of

Prosecution


Radioactive

Materials Section

0

0

0

0


Notice of

Violations


Radioactive

Materials Section

0

1

1

2


Bureau of Environmental Radiation – Fiscal Year to Date

7/1/2020 - 6/30/2021

Administrative

Orders

Closed

Effective

Pending

Total

Radioactive

Materials Section

2

2

0

4


Notice of

Prosecution


Radioactive

Materials Section

0

0

0

0


Notice of

Violations


Radioactive

Materials Section

1

4

1

6


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Amount Assessed in Penalties = FY

Total Amount

Assessed for

FY21

Amount

Collected from

Current FY21

Amount Collected

from FY20

Total Amount

Collected

(FY20+FY21)

Radioactive

Materials Section

$0.00

$0.00

$3,750.00

$3,750.00

Radon Section $400.00 $400.00 $0.00 $0.00

Amount Assessed in Penalties = By Month

Total Amount Assessed for

6/1/2021 - 6/30/2021

Amount Collected from

6/1/2021 - 6/30/2021

Radioactive

Materials Section

$0.00

$0.00

Radon Section $400.00 $0.00

Contact: Nancy Stanley (609) 984-5452 or Anita Kopera (609) 984-5543

E. RADIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SECTION (REAS)

Water Treatment

There are currently 23 active specific licenses for water treatment systems. Staff completed

review of 9 routine submittals of dosimetry/discharge data per specific license conditions.

There are currently 18 active general license registrations for water treatment systems (13 radium

systems and 5 uranium systems).

Contact: Joseph Power (609) 777-4252

Decommissioning and Contaminated Site Reviews

Staff completed review of 6 technical reports/referrals. A brief compliance inspection and site

visit was conducted at the National Lead and Kintock sites. Staff worked on the following

sites/projects:

• Heritage Minerals site in Manchester

• Howmet Site in Dover

• Maywood FUSRAP Site

• Middlesex Sampling Plant FUSRAP site

• National Lead site in Sayreville

• Pantasote site in Passaic

• PSE&G Hudson Generating Station

Contacts: James McCullough (609) 984-5480 or Joseph Power (609) 777-4252

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Historic Non-Military Radium Project

Staff performed surveys at one historic radium company in Newark and are awaiting sample

analytical results. U.S. EPA is planning to implement remedial actions at one site identified

previously through this effort.

Contacts: James McCullough (609) 984-5480 or Jenny Goodman (609) 984-5400

F. RADON SECTION

Radon Rule

The public comment period closed on June 5, 2021. Comments are being organized and

responses prepared.

Contact: Anita Kopera (609) 984-5543 or Charles Renaud (609) 984-5423

Electrets

Four electrets were mailed out as part of the post-mitigation testing program. Two other electrets

were returned from one of the homeowners from last month. They were analyzed and the

homeowner was notified appropriately.

Contact: Charles Renaud (609) 984-5423

CRCPD E-25 Conference Planning

Staff has worked with the E-25 Committee to plan this year’s national radon conference. The

venue has been secured and the event will be held in Rockville Maryland this October. Members

have been reaching out to industry leaders to speak at the conference and an event schedule has

been drafted.

Contact: Brian Giancola (609) 984-5434

Measurement and Mitigation Radon Certifications

Certification Type Initial Renewal

MES 1 3

MET 14 72

MIS 6

MIT 2

MEB 1

MIB 2

Contact: Maxine Williams (609) 984-5628

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APPENDIX B: BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION SUMMARY OF STATISTICS

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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 April 2021 are due by June 1, 2021.

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SECTION IV – BUREAU OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING (BNE)


Significant Events

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have been working from home since March 16th, 2020.

B. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SECTION

Oyster Creek – Permanently Shutdown

Exelon permanently ceased power operations at Oyster Creek on September 17th, 2018. Oyster

Creek immediately began the process of defueling the reactor which was completed on

September 25th, 2018. Following defueling completion, Exelon provided certifications to the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of permanent cessation of power operations and

permanent removal of fuel from the reactor. Oyster Creek is currently in the DECON mode of

decommissioning.

On August 31, 2018, Exelon Generation and Holtec International submitted a License Transfer

Application (LTA) to the NRC. The NRC completed its review of the LTA and found that

Holtec is suitable and qualified to complete the safe decommissioning of Oyster Creek. The

NRC approved the LTA on June 20, 2019.

On July 1, 2019, Holtec International and its subsidiaries announced the ownership and

acquisition of Oyster Creek. Oyster Creek Environmental Protection (OCEP) is the licensed

owner of Oyster Creek. Holtec Decommissioning International (HDI) is the licensed

decommissioning operator. HDI has contracted Comprehensive Decommissioning International

(CDI) to manage and perform day-to-day decommissioning activities at Oyster Creek.

Decommissioning Projects:

Removal and segmentation of the reactor vessel head heat shield, reactor vessel head, drywell

head and the drywell concrete shield plugs have been completed. Segmentation of the reactor

vessel internals has commenced. Segmentation of the reactor steam dryer and steam separator is

complete. Packaging of the steam separator into different containers is complete. Phase 1 of the

reactor vessel internals is complete. Segmentation of the top guide tubes is complete. CDI has

completed the removal of the reactor vessel internal piping. CDI is currently working on

segmentation of the upper shroud.

After CDI withdrew the construction permit application from Lacey Township for the expansion

of the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) concrete pad, the dry runs to

demonstrate the spent fuel loading/transfer operations of the dry storage system were completed

in December 2020. On December 14, 2020, Oyster Creek began its final spent fuel dry cask

storage campaign. The campaign consisted of loading spent nuclear fuel from the Oyster Creek

spent fuel pool into multi-purpose canisters, installing the canisters into dry cask storage casks,

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and transporting the casks to the ISFSI. On May 21, 2021, the last dry spent fuel storage cask

was placed on the independent spent fuel storage pad, which safely completed Oyster Creek’s

final spent fuel campaign. Oyster Creek loaded and placed a total of 33 casks on the independent

spent fuel storage pad in 21 weeks, thus setting a world record by completing the fastest transfer

of all spent nuclear fuel from a plant’s spent fuel pool to its dry storage facility. All of Oyster

Creek’s spent fuel assemblies are now safely stored in robust dry storage casks at the ISFSI

awaiting transport to either an interim storage or permanent disposal location.

Three outer buildings (not located in the radiological controlled area) have been demolished and

removed from the site. Eight power transformers have been removed from the site. All reactor

control rod hydraulic control units (HCU) and associated components have been dismantled.

The original site water tank and a demineralized water storage tank have been dismantled and

shipped offsite. A lube oil tank has also been removed and transported offsite. Demolition of

the old north guard house, the abandoned torus water storage tank, the new maintenance building

and the radwaste surge tank is complete. CDI is currently working on demolition of the

augmented off gas building.

Contact: Veena Gubbi (609) 984-7457

BNE Activities at Oyster Creek

One (1) NES Engineer was onsite on June 3rd and June 29th to discuss decommissioning

activities with CDI personnel.


Hope Creek

Hope Creek began the month operating at 100% power. On June 11th, power was reduced to

~90% to repair a main condenser tube leak. Power was returned to 100% on June 13th. On June

16th, a reactor feedwater pump unexpectedly tripped causing reactor power to automatically

decrease to 69%. The cause of the trip was determined/repaired, and power was returned to

100% later in the day. On June 27th, PSEG made the conservative decision to conduct a

maintenance outage to replace a main steam relief valve pilot valve that was leaking. Following

completion of the maintenance work, Hope Creek synchronized the main generator to the offsite

electrical grid on June 30th and then began power ascension with 100% power expected to occur

on July 2nd.

In addition to the above, Hope Creek decreased power for brief periods in June to perform

reactor control rod pattern adjustments. During these periods, power remained in the ~90% to

~97% range.

Contact: Jacob Fakory (609) 984-7458 or Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469

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Salem Unit 1

Salem Unit 1 ran at essentially full power throughout June except for a brief period on June 4th

when power was reduced to ~89.5% for main turbine valve testing.

Contact: Elliot Rosenfeld (609) 984-7548

Salem Unit 2

Salem Unit 2 ran at essentially full power throughout June.


BNE Activities at Artificial Island

During the maintenance outage at Hope Creek, one (1) NES Engineer and the NES Supervisor

attended the daily 0630 and 1430 virtual Outage Control Center (OCC) briefings to maintain

awareness of outage activities.

Contact: Jacob Fakory (609) 984-7458 or Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469

On June 29th, ten (10) DEP employees participated in a virtual meeting with PSEG Nuclear

management. Among the items discussed were the operating history of the three units; the

results of the 27th refueling outage at Salem 1; the results of the 23rd refueling outage at Hope

Creek; the scope of the upcoming 25th refueling outage at Salem 2; feedback from the BPU

concerning the ISFSI/Spent Fuel Study; and the status of COVID protocols and success/failure.


NES Maintains Contact with PSEG, Holtec, NRC and NJ State Management While

Working Remotely

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, NES staff have been working remotely from home.

NES staff have been actively in telephone and email contact with the PSEG management (Salem

& Hope Creek) and Holtec management (Oyster Creek) to discuss activities at the individual

stations.

The NES staff has also been in contact with the NRC Resident inspectors to determine if the

NRC has any concerns about the stations.

If any events or concerns would occur, the NES staff would be available to visit the stations

while maintaining COVID-19 protocol.

NES has established a process with station management to maintain site access qualification at

the stations. Access to operating information via remote access has also been maintained.

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The NES staff meets daily via Microsoft Team video chat in order to ensure that the staff is fully

informed of station status and work assignments for the section.

The NES staff has also attended, via video, the weekly updates from the DEP Commissioner.

Contact: Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469

NRC Performs Inspection of PSEG’s Implementation of the 10 CFR 50.59 Process at Salem

During the week of June 14th, the NRC performed an inspection of the 10 CFR 50.59 Process at

Salem. The inspection followed NRC Inspection Procedure 71111.17T, “Evaluations of

Changes Tests and Experiments”. The inspection monitored the effectiveness of PSEG’s

implementation of changes to Salem’s structures, systems and components; risk significant

normal and emergency operating procedures; test programs; and the updated final safety analysis

report (UFSAR) in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 50.59. The inspection provided

assurance that required license amendments have been obtained. The results of the inspection

will be included in the NRC Third Quarter 2021 Integrated Inspection Report for Salem (2021-

003).

One (1) NES Engineer observed the inspection virtually.


NRC Performs Radioactive Solid Waste Processing and Radioactive Material Handling,

Storage, and Transportation Inspection at Hope Creek

On June 14th thru 19th, the NRC performed a Radioactive Solid Waste Processing and

Radioactive Material Handling, Storage, and Transportation Inspection at Hope Creek in

accordance with NRC Inspection Procedure 71124, Attachment 8. The inspection assessed the

effectiveness of PSEG’s programs for processing, handling, storage, and transportation of

radioactive material. In addition, a routine review of problem identification and resolution

activities per NRC Inspection Procedure 71152, “Problem Identification and Resolution” was

made.

One (1) NES engineer observed the inspection virtually.

Contact: Jacob Fakory (609) 984-7458

NES Staff Attends NRC Teleconferences/Webinars while Working Remotely

1. NRC Annual Performance Assessment at Salem Units 1 and 2 and Hope Creek Nuclear

Generating Stations

The NRC completed its 2020 performance assessment of Salem and Hope Creek and

provided its assessment in letters to PSEG dated March 3rd. The NRC determined the

performance at Salem and Hope Creek was within the Licensee Response Column of the

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Reactor Oversight Process (RPO) because all inspection findings had very low safety

significance (i.e., Green), and all Performance Indicators (PI) were within the expected

range (i.e., Green). A plant in the Licensee Response Column requires the least amount of

NRC oversight.

On June 16th, the NRC hosted a public webinar to present its assessment of the safety

performance of ten (10) nuclear generating stations in NRC Region I, including Salem

and Hope Creek. The NRC provided background concerning the ROP and the inspection

activities and other information that the ROP uses to assess the performance of a nuclear

generating station. The NRC’s COVID response for onsite inspection activities and

licensing activities during 2020 was discussed. The NRC’s 2020 assessment of the

performance of each station was presented by either the NRC Senior Resident or

Resident Inspector for that site.

Two (2) NES Engineers and the NES Supervisor attended the webinar.


2. Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) – Meeting of the Subcommittee on

Metallurgy & Reactor Fuels and the Subcommittee on Radiation Protection & Nuclear

Fuels to Discuss Regulatory Guide 3.76 “Implementation of Aging Management

Requirements for Spent Fuel Storage Renewals”

The ACRS is independent of the NRC staff and reports directly to the NRC Commission.

One of the functions of the ACRS is to review and report on safety studies and reactor

facility licenses. On June 23rd, two ACRS subcommittees held a teleconference to

discuss proposed draft Regulatory Guide (RG) 3.76, “Implementation of Aging

Management Requirements for Spent Fuel Storage Renewals”. RG 3.76 describes an

approach that is acceptable to the NRC staff for format and content for renewals of

licenses for Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations (ISFSIs) and implementation of

Aging Management Programs (AMPs). A representative from Nuclear Energy Institute

(NEI) provided an overview on the guidance in NEI 14-03, “Format, Content and

Implementation Guidance for Dry Cask Storage Operations-Based Aging Management.”

The NRC staff provided the panel an overview on the draft RG 3.76. Following the NRC

presentation, the subcommittees’ questions/concerns were addressed by the NEI and

NRC presenters.

Three (3) NES Engineers and the NES Supervisor attended the teleconference.


NES Staff Attends Department of Energy (DOE) National Transportation Stakeholders

Forum (NTSF) Teleconferences/Webinars

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

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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.

1. NTSF Webinar to Discuss the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP)

On June 2nd, the NTSF held a webinar to discuss the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program

(NNPP) (also known as Naval Reactors). Naval Reactor representatives provided

overviews of the NNPP; NNPP container rail shipments; the Navy's spent nuclear fuel

(SNF) shipments, including its shipment practices and accident exercises. The

representatives also shared their recent experience with heavy-haul shipments of SNF in

support of refueling the program's land-based prototype reactor in West Milton, NY.

Three (3) NES Engineers and the NES Supervisor attended the webinar.


2. Midwestern Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee (MRMTC) Meeting

Due to COVID-19 concerns, MRMTC held a virtual meeting on June 14th in place of its

normal spring meeting. Participating in this meeting were members and/or

representatives of MRMTC, Tribal Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee

(TRMTC), DOE Office of Environmental Management, DOE Office of Nuclear Energy

and the other three State Regional Groups (SRGs: Northeast, Southern, Western). The

representatives from the DOE provided an update on DOE activities for 2021; the railcar

development program; intergovernmental engagement; and the Transportation

Emergency Preparedness Program (TEPP) training sessions. A representative from

DOE’s Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) presented an update of activities at the

DOE’s WIPP burial site in New Mexico for the nation's defense-related and research-

related transuranic (TRU) waste. The representatives from the TRMTC provided an

update on the Tribal activities. The representatives from the midwestern states provided

an update on the ongoing activities in their states. Representatives of the other three

SRGs provided brief updates of the activities of their respective groups.

One (1) NES Engineer and the NES Supervisor attended the virtual meeting.


3. Tribal Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee (TRMTC) Meeting

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On June 15th, TRMTC held a virtual meeting. Participating, among others, were

members and/or representatives of TRMTC, DOE Office of Environmental Management,

DOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal

Railroad Administration (FRA) and the four SRGs. The representatives from the DOE

provided an update on DOE activities for 2021; the railcar development program;

intergovernmental engagement; and the Transportation Emergency Preparedness

Program (TEPP) training sessions. A representative from WIPP presented an update of

activities at the WIPP DOE burial site for DOE generated radwaste located in New

Mexico. The representatives from the TRMTC provided an update on the Tribal

activities. Representatives of the four SRGs provided brief updates of the activities of

their respective groups. The DOT and FRA provided a joint discussion presentation on

the Tribal Affairs Office and Tribal Consultation Plan of Action. The FRA presented an

update on the Draft Safety Compliance Oversight Plan.

The NES Supervisor attended the virtual meeting.


4. Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB) High-Level Radioactive Waste (HLRW)

Committee Meeting

Due to COVID-19 concerns, WIEB held a virtual meeting on June 16th in place of its

normal spring meeting. Participating in this meeting were members and/or

representatives of WIEB, TRMTC, DOE Office of Environmental Management, DOE

Office of Nuclear Energy and the other three SRGs. The representatives from Nevada

Agency for Nuclear Projects, the Nuclear Decommissioning Collaborative and Williams

College seniors presented their perspectives on the consent-based siting for storage or

disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. A representative from

California Energy Commission provided a brief overview on the various plans that

Southern California Edison recently put forward on the “Relocation of San Onofre

Nuclear Generating Station Spent Nuclear Fuel to an Offsite Storage Facility or a

Repository”. A WIEB representative provided an update on the activities of the HLRW

Committee and WIEB activities. The representatives from the western states provided an

update on the ongoing activities in their states. Representatives of the other three SRGs

provided brief updates of the activities of their respective groups.

One (1) NES Engineer and the NES Supervisor attended the virtual meeting.


5. NTSF Webinar to Discuss the Vermont Yankee Rad-Waste Canister (RWC) Shipment

Campaign

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On June 17th, the NTSF held a webinar to discuss the Vermont Yankee Rad-Waste

Canister (RWC) Shipment Campaign. An overview of the radiological decommissioning

of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant Station was presented. A review of the

status of the shipment campaign and lessons learned in regard to waste packaging,

transportation, disposal and other associated issues was also presented.



6. NTSF Webinar – “Day in the Life of a WIPP Shipment”

DOE’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is the nation's only deep geologic long-lived

radioactive waste repository. Located twenty-six miles southeast of Carlsbad, NM, WIPP

permanently isolates defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste 2,150 feet underground

in an ancient salt formation.

On June 29th, the NTSF held a webinar to discuss what a “Day in the Life of a WIPP

Shipment” involves. The webinar presentation was made by a three-person panel

representing DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the Idaho State Police and WIPP.

The INL representative described how the TRU is characterized, prepared, and loaded for

shipment. The Idaho State Police representative discussed the Commercial Vehicle

Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspections of the shipment and vehicle done prior to its

departure from INL and the tracking of the shipment while enroute. The WIPP

representative described the shipment receipt inspection process and the placement of the

shipment into its final resting place in the below ground salt mine. Following the

presentations, webinar attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions.



7. NTSF Planning Committee Meeting

On June 9th, the 2021 National Meeting Planning Committee held a virtual meeting. The

NES Supervisor is a member of the committee and attended the meeting. Due to the

present COVID-19 situation combined with the travel bans of many States and Tribes, it

was previously decided to hold the 2021 NTSF national meeting virtually. During this

meeting, discussions pertaining to the webinars being developed in lieu of actual meeting

sessions were discussed. Preplanning for the 2022 meeting was also discussed by the

representative from the Northeast regional group. Activities of various ad-hoc working

groups were also discussed.


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Vermont Yankee Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel’s (NDCAP) Federal

Nuclear Waste Policy Committee Holds Public Meeting

On December 7th, 2020, the NDCAP voted to create a Federal Nuclear Waste Policy Committee

to take a deeper look at current and potential policies on nuclear waste (spent nuclear fuel) and to

provide information to the NDCAP concerning the spent fuel storage and disposal issues in the

United States. The Committee will develop recommendations on the nuclear waste policies for

the full panel to consider.

On June 21st, the Federal Nuclear Waste Policy Committee held a virtual public meeting. Panel

members discussed federal government funding for Consolidated Interim Storage Facilities

(CISF); the Nuclear Waste Policy Act; the Yucca Mountain permanent repository; and, spent

nuclear fuel reprocessing. A representative from the nuclear industry provided an overview on

the Waste Controls Specialist (WCS) activities.

One (1) NES Engineer attended the virtual meeting.


Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel

(NDCAP) Holds Public Meeting

On May 24th, the Pilgrim NDCAP held a virtual public meeting. The NDCAP advises the

Massachusetts Governor and educates citizens across the state on activities related to the shut

down and decommissioning of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. The NDCAP holds public

meetings at least four times per year. At the meeting, a representative of the Comprehensive

Decommissioning International (CDI), a subsidiary of Holtec International, provided an update

on the annual nuclear decommissioning trust fund and current decommissioning activities (fuel

move campaign; building demolition; reactor segmentation; and site characterization study) at

the Pilgrim site. A representative of the Commonwealth’s Interagency Working Group (IWG)

provided an update on the site assessment work. A representative from Plymouth Township

provided an update on the security at the Pilgrim Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation

ISFSI). Following the presentations, questions and concerns from the panel members were

addressed by the presenters. After the panel question and answer session, questions and

concerns from the members of the public were addressed.

One (1) NES Engineer watched the recording of the meeting on June 14th.


Community Engagement Panel (CEP) at Southern California Edison’s (SCE) San Onofre

Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Holds Public Meeting

The SONGS CEP serves as a conduit for public information and encourages community

involvement and communication with the SONGS co-owners on matters related to SONGS

decommissioning. The CEP holds public meetings at least four times per year.

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On June 17th, the SONGS Decommissioning CEP held a virtual meeting. The representatives

from SCE provided an overview of the decommissioning and demolition activities at the site.

The representatives from SONGS Decommissioning Solutions (SDS) provided an overview of

the dismantlement plan, timeline, demolition sequence, environmental stewardship and

mitigations, waste packaging and transportation. Following the presentations, questions and

concerns from the CEP were addressed by both the SCE and SDS. After all CEP’s questions

were addressed, the public was given an opportunity to raise its concerns/questions.

One NES Engineer watched the recording of the meeting on June 29th.


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 is in three

categories: 1) Spent Fuel and Nuclear Waste; 2) Highway Route Control Quantity Shipments;

and 3) Radionuclides of Concern. Each category must meet certain packaging and notification

requirements established by the federal government. Following is a table representing the

number of shipments completed in June 2021:

Spent Fuel and

Nuclear Waste

Highway Route Control

Quantity Shipments

Radionuclides of

Concern

0 0 0

Contact: Jerry Humphreys (609) 984-7469 or Veena Gubbi (609) 984-7457

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BUREAU OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY EVENT NOTIFICATIONS FOR

JUNE 2021

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 twenty-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 2021 JAN - JUNE 2021 JAN - JUNE 2020

EE

NEE

EE

NEE

EE

NEE

OYSTER CREEK

0

0

0

0

0

0

SALEM 1

0

0

0

0

0

1

SALEM 2

0

0

0

0

0

0

SALEM SITE

0

0

0

0

0

1

HOPE CREEK

0

0

0

0

0

0

OC

SA Unit 1

SA Unit 2

HC

0

100

Plant Operating Performance – June 2021

Note: On September 17th, 2018 Oyster Creek permanently ceased operation.

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C. NUCLEAR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SECTION

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 60 samples during the month of June 2021. 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 annual data tables. The data tables,

covering sampling results conducted during the prior calendar year in the environs of the Oyster

Creek and Salem / Hope Creek nuclear power plants, can be found on the NJDEP website at

http://www.nj.gov/dep/rpp/bne/esmr.htm, along with data tables from previous years.

Questions regarding specific test results or the annual environmental report can be directed to

Karen Tuccillo at (609) 994-7443. Results of specific analyses can be obtained by request.

COUNT OF SAMPLES COLLECTED IN JUNE 2021

SAMPLE MEDIUM NUMBER OF SAMPLES

AIR FILTER 28

AIR IODINE 12

MILK (Cow) 4

SURFACE WATER 8

VEGETABLES 8

TOTAL SAMPLES 60

Update on Salem Units 1 & 2 and Hope Creek Tritium Monitoring

During the month of June 2021, 5 groundwater monitoring well samples were collected and

shipped to the BNE’s contract laboratory, GEL Laboratories, for radiological analysis.

Contact: James J. Vouglitois (609) 984-7514 or Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443

Holtec / Oyster Creek Plant Access Training

On June 10, 2021, a staff member completed Annual Site Access (Fitness for Duty / Access

Authorization) training at Oyster Creek.

Contact: Paul E. Schwartz (609) 984-7539

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http://www.nj.gov/dep/rpp/bne/esmr.htm

USNRC Annual Assessment Region I Nuclear Power Plants

Staff members attended a webinar on the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

(USNRC) Annual Assessment of operating nuclear power plants in Region I. The purpose of

this meeting was for the USNRC staff to meet directly with individuals to discuss regulatory and

technical issues, including safety performance and operation through the previous calendar year.

Attendees had an opportunity to ask questions of the USNRC staff or make comments about the

issues discussed throughout the meeting.

The USNRC combined the meeting for all operating nuclear power plants in Region I, including

Beaver Valley, Calvert Cliffs, Hope Creek, James A. Fitzpatrick, Limerick, Nine Mile Point,

Peach Bottom, R.E. Ginna, Salem and Susquehanna nuclear stations.

The NRC’s annual assessment letters regarding each site’s performance during 2020 (2020q4)

can be found at: https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/oversight/listofasmrpt.html. Additional

information related to the NRC’s annual assessment process and the safety performance of each

site can be found on the NRC’s website at:

https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/oversight.html

Contacts: Paul E. Schwartz (609) 984-7539 or Jay Vouglitois (609) 984 7514

Oyster Creek Historical Site Assessment for Decommissioning

NEES staff are in the process of reviewing the Historical Site Assessment (HSA) for the Oyster

Creek Nuclear Generating Station, prepared by Holtec/Comprehensive Decommissioning

International. The purpose of the HSA is to identify systems, structures, components, and land

areas at the Oyster Creek Station where there is a potential for radiological contamination to

exist as a result of the operation of the nuclear power plant from 1969 to 2018. The results of the

HSA will be used to develop survey and sampling plans as part of the License Termination

process and to ensure compliance with the NJDEP Bureau of Environmental Radiation

Remediation Standards for Radioactive Materials.

Contacts: Karen Tuccillo (609) 994-7443.

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). On

September 17, 2018, the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station ceased to generate power

leading to a reduction in gaseous effluents. On September 25, 2018, the plant officially entered

Decommissioning.

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https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/oversight/listofasmrpt.html

https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/oversight.html

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), former Oyster Creek owner Exelon Corporation was required to cleanup and remove

tritium discharges released onsite from underground pipe leaks that occurred during calendar

year 2009. In late November 2010, the pumping of groundwater at Oyster Creek was initiated in

support of the ongoing tritium groundwater monitoring project. With DEP approval, Exelon

sampled groundwater from a dedicated pumping well (MW-73), measuring the concentration of

tritium in the extracted groundwater and discharging it into the plant’s intake structure.

On June 20, 2019, the NRC approved the transfer of the Oyster Creek license from Exelon

Corporation to Oyster Creek Environmental Protection, as owner, and Holtec Decommissioning

International (HDI), as decommissioning operator. The license-transfer officially took place on

July 1, 2019. HDI continued the sampling and measurement of tritium concentrations in

groundwater from MW-73.

On January 9, 2020, in a letter from the State of New Jersey DEP to the Holtec International

Decommissioning Plant Manager of Oyster Creek, the Bureau of Nuclear Engineering and Site

Remediation Program concurred that the Oyster Creek site had complied with the requirements

outlined in the paragraph 41 of the Directive and Notice to Insurers EA ID #: PEA100001,

thereby closing the Directive. While the pump and treat remediation of tritium has been

completed, HDI continues groundwater monitoring as part of their Radiological Groundwater

Protection Program.

In addition to groundwater monitoring, it is necessary for the plant to process and discharge

liquid effluents as a necessary activity during decommissioning of the site and eventual license

termination. Radioactive liquid effluent discharged as a result of decommissioning activities will

be monitored by HDI. All liquid effluent data are reported below. Additional information on the

Oyster Creek tritium leak is available at the DEP website,

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/bne/octritium.htm.

The May 2021 gaseous and liquid effluent release data for the Oyster Creek, Salem, and Hope

Creek nuclear plants have been included in this report.

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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/bne/octritium.htm

PSEG Nuclear

Radioactive Effluent Releases1

Nuclear Environmental Engineering Section

For the Period of 05-01-21 to 05-31-21

Hope Creek

Gaseous

Effluents

Hope Creek

Liquid Effluents

Effluent Effluent

Fission Gases 0.00016 Ci Fission Products 0.0003 Ci

Iodines 0.00011 Ci Tritium 8.2 Ci

Particulates 0.00042 Ci

Tritium 14.1 Ci

Salem Unit 1

Gaseous Effluent

Salem Unit 1

Liquid Effluents

Effluent Effluent

Fission Gases 0 Ci Fission Products 0.00006 Ci

Iodines 0 Ci Tritium 7.9 Ci

Particulates 0 Ci

Tritium 174.0 Ci

Salem Unit 2

Gaseous Effluent

Salem Unit 2

Liquid Effluents

Effluent Effluent

Fission Gases 0.026 Ci Fission Products 0.00011 Ci

Iodines 0 Ci Tritium 16.7 Ci

Particulates 0 Ci

Tritium 0.14 Ci

1 Effluent releases are preliminary totals. The official radioactive effluent releases from each facility are

contained in the licensee’s “Annual Radioactive Effluent Release Report” and can be found on the USNRC

website at, https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/tritium/plant-info.html. These reports

are submitted annually by the licensee to the NRC by May 1st of the following calendar year.

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https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/tritium/plant-info.html.T

Holtec Decommissioning International (HDI)

Radioactive Effluent Releases



Oyster Creek

Gaseous Effluents

Elevated Releases

Oyster Creek

Gaseous Effluents

Ground Releases

Effluent Effluent

Fission Gases 0 Ci Fission Gases 0 Ci

Iodines 0 Ci Iodines 0 Ci

Particulates 0 Ci Particulates 0 Ci

Tritium 0.111 Ci Tritium 0 Ci

Holtec Decommissioning International (HDI)

Radioactive Effluent Releases



Oyster Creek Liquid Effluents

Effluent

Fission Products 0 Ci

Tritium 0.501 Ci

Oyster Creek Liquid Effluent Groundwater Extraction2

Effluent

Tritium Not in Service Ci

Contact: Paul E. Schwartz (609) 984-7539

2 On November 4, 2019, Pumping Well MW-73 failed and was placed out of service (Idle). The current

plan is to discontinue monitoring MW-73 and to terminate pumping unless activity is identified that would

require restoration of groundwater extraction by returning the pump for MW-73 to service.

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D. NUCLEAR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SECTION

Continuous Radiological Environmental Surveillance Telemetry System

Thirty-three 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

June:

Artificial Island CREST System Ambient Radiation Levels

June 2021 Derived From One Minute Averages

UNITS = mR/Hr

AI1 AI2 AI3 AI4 AI5

.0063 .0064 .0064 .0064 .0066

AI6 AI7 AI8 AI9 AI10

.0065 .0056 .0054 .0074 .0053

Oyster Creek CREST System Ambient Radiation Levels

June 2021 Derived From One Minute Averages

UNITS = mR/Hr

OC1 OC2 OC3 OC4

.0040 .0054 .0058 .0048

OC5 OC6 OC7 OC8

.0058 .0060 .0047 .0051

OC9 OC10 OC11 OC12

.0058 .0082 .0054 .0055

OC13 OC14 OC15 OC16

.0047 .0053 .0050 .0053

**** indicates insufficient valid data


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State of Readiness Work

During June 2021, NEPS staff have diligently worked to ensure the BNE is in a continued State-

of-Readiness under current social distancing and work-from-home conditions. NEPS operating

in a State-of-Readiness means that the section is ready to respond to a nuclear emergency under

current conditions. To ensure a continued State-of-Readiness, at least one NEPS staff person

comes into the office one to two days per week in order to complete a checklist of items

pertaining to the proper maintenance and operation of emergency response vehicles, radiation

detection instruments, and facility communication equipment.


Radio Committee Meeting

NEPS staff attended the DEP Radio Committee meeting held virtually on Tuesday, June 9, 2021.

Agenda topics included discussion of the Radio User Agreement, purchase of additional P25

radios, Interoperability Projects and associated exercises and User Group Training.


Licensee EP Meeting

On June 14, 2021, NEPS staff held a virtual State and Licensee emergency preparedness meeting

with PSEG Nuclear LLC, Holtec/CDI and NJOEM. Discussion topics included: public hearing

preparations and coordination; RadWatch exchange planning; Ocean County sirens and Pick-up

& Ring lines; new eight-year exercise cycle planning; NJ and DE IMAAC training; dose

assessment workshop planning; discussion on ERPA 8 coverage and revisions; Holtec

decommissioning updates; congratulating Jon Christiansen on his full retirement at the end of

June!


RadWatch Unit Replacement

NEPS staff have received newly zeroed RadWatch units from New Jersey State Police Office of

Emergency Management as replacements for the ones currently held by nuclear emergency

responders. RadWatches are used as Legal Dose of Record dosimeters during a nuclear

emergency to determine dosage obtained by a responder for an event. The replacements will be

distributed after logging and creation of a database for tracking purposes.


Emergency Operations Facility Quarterly Inspection

On June 24, 2021, NEPS staff performed a full inspection of the Emergency Operations Facility

(EOF). The BNE is assigned space at the PSEG provided EOF for use during an emergency to

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coordinate dose assessment, engineering assessment, field data collection, and developing

Protective Action Recommendations, when necessary. NEPS staff performs these quarterly

inspections to ensure all computers, programs, methods of communications and necessary tools

are available and functioning in case of an emergency. Due to the public health emergency, the

inspections have been completed less frequently than every quarter.


Meeting with PSEG Nuclear LLC Management

On June 29, 2021, Bureau of Nuclear Engineering staff met with PSEG Nuclear LLC

management for their periodic update meeting. PSEG provided briefings on plant status for

Salem and Hope Creek, refueling outages, New Jersey Wind Port Project, Dry Cask Storage and

Spent Fuel Study submitted to BPU and DEP in April, pandemic response and organizational

changes during the virtual meeting. The meetings are held on a periodic basis, sometimes

quarterly or semi-annually, depending on the topics to be discussed. This allows BNE and its

management chain to maintain good working relationships and interface with all levels of PSEG

Nuclear management regarding operation of Salem 1 & 2 and Hope Creek Nuclear Generating

Stations.


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