department of environmental protection ......terminated facilities 29 30 37 46 31 34 41 29 37 0 0 0...

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

DIVISION OF CLIMATE, CLEAN ENERGY & RADIATION

PROTECTION

RADIATION PROTECTION ELEMENT

MONTHLY REPORT

MARCH 1 THROUGH MARCH 31, 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 March 2, 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.

Bureau Webinar Training Activities

Bureau staff participated in the following Webinar training activities: 8-11 March, USNRC

Virtual Regulatory Conference (RIC); 9-10 March, Homeland Defense Information and Security

Analysis Center, Webinar – “Historical Discussion of the Trinity Nuclear Weapons Test (a two-

part series)”.

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

$13,482.00 $22,892.60 $3,042,048.00 $2,991,400.00 $2,710.00 98%

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% 0 0 0

G-L N/A 43% 73% 86% 95% 97% 97% 99% 99% 0 0 0

M-R N/A N/A 43% 74% 86% 92% 96% 97% 98% 0 0 0

S-Z N/A N/A N/A 30% 68% 86% 94% 97% 98% 0 0 0

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, 21% percent paid on-line.

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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 0 0 0 134

Terminated Facilities 29 30 37 46 31 34 41 29 37 0 0 0 314

Net Change (Facilities) -16 -10 -23 -21 -14 -23 -30 -21 -22 0 0 0 -180

New Registrations 128 140 138 200 134 109 166 96 153 0 0 0 1264

Stored Registrations 43 45 73 67 40 66 59 51 80 0 0 0 524

Disposed registrations 94 99 75 87 80 67 87 60 93 0 0 0 742

Net Change

(Machines) -9 -4 -10 46 14 -24 20 -15 -20 0 0 0 -2

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: Ramona Chambus (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.

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.

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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 March 2021, IQ evaluations were performed on 58 x-ray units with the following results:

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

• 16 units (28%) had good image quality scores.

• 1 unit (1%) 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

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

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• In March 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on forty-one x-ray units that

performed lumbo-sacral spine x-rays. No units (0%) had extremely high ESE

measurements.

• In March 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on six x-ray units that performed

chest x-rays. No units (0%) had extremely high ESE measurements.

• In March 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on eleven x-ray units that performed

foot x-rays. One unit (9%) 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.

The Bureau inspected two thousand eight hundred and twenty-one (2,821) intra oral dental units

from May to December of 2015. 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.

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

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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 March 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 378 dental x-ray units that used

DR digital imaging. Forty-two units (11%) were measured as having extremely high

ESE.

• In March 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 13 dental x-ray units that used CR

(PSP) digital imaging. Three units (23%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.

• In March 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 35 dental x-ray units that used D

speed film. No units (0%) were measured as having extremely high ESE.

• In March 2021, ESE measurements were calculated on 13 dental x-ray units that used

E/F, F or Insight speed film. One unit (8%) was 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

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

installed. In March 2021, 140 amalgam questionnaires were collected. The total dental

amalgam questionnaires collected for FY2021 is 609.

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 March. 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 2021 Invoiced & Collected

Invoice Type Monthly

Invoiced

Monthly

Collected

Fiscal YTD

Invoiced

Fiscal YTD

Collected

Examinations $0 $0 $160 $160

Initial Licenses $5,700 $4,380 $50,580 $49,180

Renewal Licenses $2,880 $16,200 $2,120,400 $1,827,360

Totals $8,580 $20,580 $2,171,140 $1,876,700

Contact: Al Orlandi (609) 984-5890

E. MAMMOGRAPHY SECTION

Stereotactic Facilities Inspected

The Mammography Section inspected 2 facilities with stereotactic/needle localization breast biopsy

unit during the month of March. A total of 31 of the 61 planned stereotactic facility inspections

have been performed since July 1, 2020.

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 9 facilities in March. A total of 176 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

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

2) There were no facilities with Level 2 non-compliances.

Contact: Mary Kanewski (609) 984-537

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F. BUREAU ENFORCEMENT SERVICES SECTION

Enforcement Actions for March 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.

Inspections and Enforcement Documents Issued

March 2021

Bureau of X-Ray Compliance

Month YTD

Compliance Inspections

entered into NJEMS 48 142

Dental/CBCT

Inspections entered into

NJEMS

135 536

Notice of

Violations

Closed Effective Pending Total YTD

4 0 9 13 67

Administrative

Orders


3 1 24 28 85

Notice of

Prosecutions


0 3 24 27 76

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

$20,200.00 $49,650.00 $24,250.00 $14,100.00 $38,350.00

Contact: Ramona Chambus (609) 984-5370

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APPENDIX A - NJDEP BUREAU OF X-RAY COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR ACTIVITY REPORT 03/01/2021 THROUGH 03/31/2021

Inspector: ALL

04/01/2021

Discipline: ALL

Page 1 of 3

252 563

1

9

11

12

15

22

28

Inspection Type

ROUTINE INSPECTION

HAND DELIVERY

INVESTIGATION

STEREOTACTIC INSPECTION

QA INSPECTION ROUTINE LEVEL 1

NON-QA INSPECTION - HOSPITALS

DENTAL CBCT INSPECTION

Inspection Description

120

46

8

3

58

1

16

Facilities Inspected

423

3

57

1

79

Total On-Site Inspections:

NOV

AO

NOP

Amount of Penalties

24

14

23

$19,300

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

9

17

2

3

10

18

2

3

Machines Inspected

Total Office Inspections: 31 33

46

Machines Audited

38

105

9

4

Machines Uninspected

46 156

0

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Inspector: ALL

04/01/2021

Discipline: ALL

Page 2 of 3

CB-001

CB-003

CB-005

D-002

D-003

D-016

D-025

G-007

R-021

REG1

TC-001

QA-011

QA-012

QA-037

QA-038

No Alternate QA program for CBCT

CBCT No MPQCS

No QA Program for CBCT

Survey of environs not available or not performed

Survey not available upon relocation or changes to shielding

kVp exceeds manufacturer's specifications (certified unit).

Timer accuracy exceeds manufacture'rs specifications (certified units).

device not working properly

SID indicated to within 2% (fixed SID has permanent marking)

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

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.

No Med Phys QC Survey for Fluoro

CB

Dental

G

Radiographic

Registration

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

43

24

22.3(i)

22.7(a)3

22.3(a)

16.8(a)1

16.8(a)2

16.3(a)7

16.3(a)16

2.5(c)

15.3(d)3

3.1 (a) and

19.3(c)

22.5(a)2

22.5(a)3

22.6(a)2

22.6(a)3

Glossary Information By Code

1

1

1

17

2

1

1

1

1

15

2

16

5

2

1

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Inspector: ALL

04/01/2021

Discipline: ALL

Page 3 of 3

Violation Code Description Non-Compliance

Number of Violations

Total Violations 67

Glossary Information By Code

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APPENDIX A - TECHNOLOGIST EDUCATION AND LICENSING SECTION

MONTH OF MARCH 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

20 - - 48 - - - 1 69 999 1,100

Licenses Renewed 38 8 5 135 - - - 2 188 20,150 N/A

Total Licensed 8,670 900 784 10,557 48 15 5 79 21,058 N/A N/A

Exams Scheduled - - - - - - - - 0 1 N/A

Investigations Conducted 1 - - 3 - - - - 4 20 30

Licenses Verified 121 - - 269 - - - - 390 4,207 7,000

Expired Licenses - - - - - - - - 0 1 N/A

Unlicensed

- - - 3 - - - - 3 12 N/A

Enforcement Documents Issued

- - - 12 - - - - 12 52 N/A

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

Offer of Settlement - - - $3,200 - - - - $3,200 $15,350 N/A

Licenses Sanctioned - - - 1 - - - - 0 4 N/A

Approved Educational Schools

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

New School Application Evaluated

1 - - 2 - - - - 3 4 8

Curriculum Modifications Evaluated

- - - 1 - - - - 1 12 20

School Inspections Conducted

- - - - - - - - 0 0 7

Total Schools Reviewed - - - - - - - - 1 12 27

Clinical Applications Approved

- - - 62 - - - - 62 924 1,100

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Appendix A - Bureau of X-ray Compliance

Mammography Section March 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 7 2 0 9 176 234 Machines Inspected 0 9 3 0 12 255

FDA Violations Level 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 FDA Violations Level 2 0 0 0 0 0 10

Registered 0 1 3 0 4 29 Canceled 0 0 2 0 2 25

Stereotactic Facilities Inspected 0 1 1 0 2 31 61 Machines Inspected 0 1 1 0 2 34 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 2 Canceled 0 0 1 0 1 6

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SECTION III - BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION (BER)


This month the Bureau hired 2 new members. Claire Drozd is working in the Medical Section of

the Radioactive Materials Program and beginning the training process so she can eventually

perform licensing and inspection of medical facilities. Vincent Williams was hired as a

temporary employee through the NJ Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness grant. Vinny

will be upgrading procedures, developing an online training class and assisting with in person

training.

B. RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS PROGRAM

Medical, Industrial, and Reciprocity

During the month of March 2021, the Radioactive Materials Program responded to 2 (two)

radiation incidents:

Date Type of Incident Description Status

3/19/21 Scrap A railcar of scrap from New Hampshire set off the

radiation monitors at a NJ recycling facility. The

load was returned to its origin out of state.

Closed

3/20/21 Scrap A railcar of scrap from Pennsylvania set off the

radiation monitors at a NJ recycling facility. The

load was returned to its origin out of state.

Closed

Contact: Nancy Stanley (609) 984-5452

Training

No training occurred during March.

Contact: Nancy Stanley (609) 984-5452

C. ROUTINE ACTIVITIES

This Month

1/1/21-1/31/21

FY-To-Date

7/1/20-1/31/21

Number of Amendments Processed 13 121

Number of Renewals Processed 3 41

Number of Initial Applications Processed 2 5

Number of Active Licenses 561 561

Number of Terminations 3 14

Number of Reciprocity Requests Received 24 228

Number of Incidents 3 27

Number of Inspections 9 52

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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 sources on the databases were verified during March. Staff

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

generally licensed database. One report was 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

D. SUMMARY OF ENFORCEMENT – MARCH 2021

Bureau of Environmental Radiation – By Month

(3/1/2021 - 3/31/2021

Administrative

Orders

Closed Effective Pending Total

Radioactive

Materials Section

0

0

0

0

Radon Section 0 0 2 2

Notice of

Prosecution


Radioactive

Materials Section

0

0

0

0


Notice of

Violations


Radioactive

Materials Section

0

0

2

2


Bureau of Environmental Radiation – Fiscal Year to Date

7/1/2020 - 3/31/2021

Administrative

Orders

Closed

Effective

Pending

Total

Radioactive

Materials Section

0

1

0

1


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Notice of

Prosecution


Radioactive

Materials Section

0

0

0

0


Notice of

Violations


Radioactive

Materials Section

1

2

2

5


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 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Amount Assessed in Penalties = By Month

Total Amount Assessed for

3/1/2021 - 3/31/2021

Amount Collected from

3/1/2021 - 3/31/2021

Radioactive

Materials Section

$0.00

$0.00

Radon Section $0.00 $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 1 routine submittal 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). Annual registration forms have been mailed to registrants. 17

forms have been completed.

Contact: Joseph Power (609) 777-4252

Decommissioning and Contaminated Site Reviews

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Staff completed review of 8 technical reports/referrals and 3 decommissioning financial

assurance reviews. The JT Baker FUSRAP site was released for unrestricted use. Staff worked

on the following sites/projects:

• EPEC Site in Fords

• Heritage Minerals site in Manchester

• Howmet Site in Dover

• JT Baker FUSRAP site in Phillipsburg

• Maywood FUSRAP Site

• Middlesex Sampling Plant FUSRAP site

• National Lead site in Sayreville

• Pantasote site in Passaic

• Phelps Dodge Site in Elizbeth

• PSE&G Fossil Mercer Generating Station in Hamilton

• Shieldalloy site in Newfield

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

Historic Non-Military Radium Project

Staff are planning surveys necessary to address one historic radium company, located at six

contiguous properties in Newark. Three of these properties were scheduled to be surveyed in

November, but this site visit has been postponed due to restrictions on on-site inspections.

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

F. RADON SECTION

Radon Rule

The rule is on target to be proposed in the April 5, 2021 New Jersey Register.

Preparations are underway for the virtual public hearing that will be conducted on May 5, 2021.

Work continues on the new applications, checklists, and procedures that will be needed to

implement the rules when they are adopted. Work has also begun on the database changes that

will be required.

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

Electrets

Two electrets returned from a homeowner were received at the office. They were analyzed and

the homeowner notified appropriately.

Contact: Charles Renaud (609) 984-5423

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Measurement and Mitigation Radon Certifications

Certification Type Initial Renewal

MES 1 4

MET 31 78

MIS 2 3

MIT 1

MEB

MIB

Contact: Maxine Williams (609) 984-5628

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APPENDIX B: BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION SUMMARY OF STATISTICS

of 43

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 January 2021 are due by March 1, 2021.

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SECTION IV – BUREAU OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING (BNE)


None.

B. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SECTION

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. Phase 2 has begun with CDI currently performing the

segmentation of the top guide tubes.

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

Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) concrete pad. CDI will remove the spent

fuel from the fuel pool, load the fuel into dry storage casks and transfer the casks to the original

licensed pad.

Excavation of the cask transfer pit is complete. The dry runs to demonstrate the spent fuel

loading/transfer operations of the dry storage system were completed in December 2020. The

spent fuel dry storage campaign has started at Oyster Creek. All fuel assemblies presently in the

spent fuel pool will be moved into dry storage on the ISFSI pad no later than the end of 2021.

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.

Contact: Veena Gubbi (609) 984-7457

Hope Creek

Hope Creek began March operating at 91% power. During March, Hope Creek continued its

power coast-down. This coast-down occurs at the end of an operating fuel cycle prior to a

refueling outage. Hope Creek will be entering its twenty-third Refueling Outage (H1R23) in

mid-April. At the end of March, Hope Creek was operating at 81%.

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 March except for a 13-hour period on

March 24th to March 25th when power was reduced to 89% due to the emergent closure of a

feedwater heater string inlet valve.

Contact: Elliot Rosenfeld (609) 984-7548

Salem Unit 2

Salem Unit 2 ran at essentially full power throughout March except for a 6-hour period on March

26th when power was reduced to 89% to perform main turbine valve testing.

Contact: Elliot Rosenfeld (609) 984-7548

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 in order 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.

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

NES Staff Reviews the Holtec Decommissioning International (HDI) License Amendment

Request to Revise the Oyster Creek Permanently Defueled Technical Specifications

On March 16th, HDI submitted to the NRC a “License Amendment Request to Revise the Oyster

Creek Nuclear Generating Station Permanently Defueled Technical Specifications to Reflect

Permanent Removal of Spent Fuel from Spent Fuel Pool”. The proposed amendment would

revise the Facility License and the Technical Specifications to reflect removal of all spent

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nuclear fuel from the spent fuel pool and completion of the transfer of spent fuel to dry cask

storage in an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI). HDI provided notification to

the NRC that all spent fuel will be transferred to the ISFSI by November 2021. In support of this

condition, revisions to both the Facility License and the Technical Specifications are required for

a facility with all spent nuclear fuel in dry storage casks on an ISFSI.


NES Staff Attends NRC Teleconferences/Webinars while Working Remotely

A. NRC Holds Virtual Regulatory Information Conference (RIC)

The NRC held its annual Regulatory Information Conference (RIC) the week of March

8th - 11th. Due to the pandemic, the RIC was held virtually this year. The RIC is the

largest public meeting the NRC hosts bringing together participants representing

stakeholders from other governmental agencies, industry, international organizations, and

the general public.

The conference’s 28 technical sessions covered a broad range of topics, including:

advanced reactors, accident tolerant reactor fuel, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity,

microreactors, and risk-informed decision making. Each day BNE Engineers participated

in morning and afternoon sessions featuring panelists addressing a broad range of topics

of interest.


B. NRC & PSEG Hope Creek Presentation of Pre-submittal meeting

On March 30th, two NES Engineers and the NES Supervisor attended a pre-submittal

teleconference between the NRC and PSEG Nuclear. The purpose of the meeting was to

discuss plans and details of the upcoming License Amendment Request (LAR) regarding

changes to the ultimate heat sink Technical Specification for Hope Creek. Hope Creek is

planning to submit the LAR in April. The LAR will request changes to the Technical

Specification that will reflect the additional margin that is available in the safety analysis

for the ultimate heat sink.


NES Staff Attends the Center on Global Energy Policy’s Where to now for the US Nuclear

Waste Program Meeting

On March 2nd, the Center on Global Energy Policy of Columbia University hosted a webinar

addressing the U.S. nuclear waste program and the policy options outlined in a recent report by a

representative of the Center. The federal government has failed in its statutory responsibility to

deliver a disposal pathway for commercial spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive

waste (HLW). The report’s author/Center on Global Energy Policy representative explained

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how the United States reached its current standstill over SNF and HLW disposal. He provided

waste management ideas from other countries along with a few domestic ones that could help

U.S. policy makers that are or will be considering options for improving the prospects of SNF

and HLW disposal going forward. Following his presentation, a panel of experts discussed

various aspects of U.S. SNF and HLW management.


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

Nuclear Waste Policy Committee Holds Public Webcast

On December 7th, 2020 at the NDCAP meeting, 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 was formed later in December and will

develop recommendations on the nuclear waste policies for the full panel to consider.

On March 15th, the Federal Nuclear Waste Policy Committee held a virtual public meeting. The

Committee discussed the Yucca Mountain permanent repository, the proposed Consolidated

Interim Storage Facilities (CISF) and the Deep Isolation Project. A representative from the

Western Shoshone Tribes provided his view on Yucca Mountain and CISF.


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

Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Holds Public Webcast

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.

On March 18th, the SONGS Decommissioning CEP held a Skype meeting. The representatives

from North Wind and SCE provided an overview on the Final Plan Report for relocation of

SONGS Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) to either an offsite storage facility or a geological repository.

The Final Plan consists of three documents: Action Plan, Strategic Plan and Conceptual

Transportation Plan. The Action Plan lays out near term measures that SCE must take to be

prepared to move the fuel should an opportunity arise. The Strategic Plan identifies the

pathways, options, and feasibility, both near term and long term, to relocate the fuel. The

Conceptual Transportation Plan focuses on specific steps and strategic considerations in

planning for and executing the shipment of spent fuel from San Onofre to an offsite location.

Following the presentations, questions and concerns from the CEP were addressed by both the

SCE and Northwind. After all CEP’s questions were addressed, the public was given an

opportunity to raise its concerns/questions.


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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

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.

A. NTSF Type B Packaging Certification Teleconference

On March 24th, the NTSF held a teleconference to discuss the Type B Packaging

Requirements. Type B packages are used to transport spent fuel from nuclear power

plants, transuranic waste, special form radioactive sources (e.g., radiography cameras,

irradiators, etc.), normal form sources (e.g., Moly-99) and other highly radioactive

material. The NRC and the Department of Energy (DOE) provided an overview of the

design, NRC approval process, regulatory and testing requirements for a Type B package.

One NES Engineer and the NES Supervisor participated in the teleconference.

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

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. Below is a table representing the number of

shipments completed in March 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

MARCH 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.

MARCH 2021 JAN - MAR 2021 JAN – MAR 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

0

HOPE CREEK

0

0

0

0

0

0

OC

SA Unit 1

SA Unit 2

HC

0

100

Plant Operating Performance – March 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 50 samples during the month of March 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. Results of specific analyses can be obtained by request.

COUNT OF SAMPLES COLLECTED IN MARCH 2021

SAMPLE MEDIUM NUMBER OF SAMPLES

AIR FILTER 28

AIR IODINE 10

MILK (Cow) 4

SURFACE WATER 8

TOTAL SAMPLES 50

Documents Reviewed

Salem Generating Station Radioactive Effluent Controls (REC) Offsite Dose Calculation

Manual, Revision 29.

Hope Creek Generating Station Radioactive Effluent Controls (REC) Offsite Dose Calculation

Manual, Revision 29.

Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations Offsite Dose Calculation Manual (ODCM) for the

common Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP), Revision 0.

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Consolidated Decommissioning Guidance

Characterization, Survey, and Determination of Radiological Criteria, Draft Report for

Comment, NUREG-1757, Volume 2, Revision 2 (Appendix F and G).

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

Contacts: Karen Tuccillo (609) 984-7443

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

During the month of March 2021, (2) groundwater monitoring well samples were collected and

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

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

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Virtual Regulatory Information

Conference (RIC)

Staff members took part in the virtual 2021 NRC Annual RIC from March 8, 2021 through

March 11, 2021. The RIC includes national and international participants from other

government agencies, industry, international organizations, and the general public. RIC

participants share and discuss information on significant and timely nuclear regulatory activities

and emergent issues. Complete information including the program agenda, participants, digital

exhibits, and other items can be found at the following website, Regulatory Information

Conference | NRC.gov


United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Draft Decommissioning Guidance

Staff members participated in an NRC public hearing / request for comments on the proposed

draft of the, “Consolidated Decommissioning Guidance; Characterization, Survey, and

Determination of Radiological Criteria, Volume 2, Revision 2 (NUREG-1757)”. The guidance

document provides technical information on acceptable methods to meet license termination rule

criteria found in 10CFRPart 20, Subpart E. Information on draft report and NUREG-1757 can

be found on the NRC website at, Consolidated Decommissioning Guidance, Characterization,

Survey, And Determination Of Radiological Criteria: Draft Report For Comment (NUREG-

1757, Volume 2, Revision 2) | NRC.gov

Presentation notes and related documents on the public meeting can be found on the NRC

website at, NRC: Public Meeting Schedule.


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

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https://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/conference-symposia/ric/index.html#purpose

https://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/conference-symposia/ric/index.html#purpose

https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1757/v2/index.html



https://www.nrc.gov/pmns/mtg?do=details&Code=20210054

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

Decommissioning.

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 February 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 02-01-21 to 02-28-21

Hope Creek

Gaseous

Effluents

Hope Creek

Liquid Effluents

Effluent Effluent

Fission Gases 0 Ci Fission Products 0.0002 Ci

Iodines 0.000093 Ci Tritium 6.33 Ci

Particulates 0.000012 Ci

Tritium 37.4 Ci

Salem Unit 1

Gaseous Effluent

Salem Unit 1

Liquid Effluents

Effluent Effluent

Fission Gases 0.021 Ci Fission Products 0.00013 Ci

Iodines 0 Ci Tritium 0.024 Ci

Particulates 0 Ci

Tritium 144.0 Ci

Salem Unit 2

Gaseous Effluent

Salem Unit 2

Liquid Effluents

Effluent Effluent

Fission Gases 0.025 Ci Fission Products 0.00012 Ci

Iodines 0 Ci Tritium 0 Ci

Particulates 0 Ci

Tritium 159.1 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 0.066 Ci Tritium 0 Ci

Holtec Decommissioning International (HDI)

Radioactive Effluent Releases



Oyster Creek Liquid Effluents

Effluent

Fission Products No Ci

Tritium Releases2 Ci

Oyster Creek Liquid Effluent Groundwater Extraction3

Effluent

Tritium Not in

Service Ci

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

2 There were no scheduled liquid discharges during the month of February 2021 3 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

March:

Artificial Island CREST System Ambient Radiation Levels

March 2021 Derived From One Minute Averages

UNITS = mR/Hr

AI1 AI2 AI3 AI4 AI5

.0062 .0063 .0057 .0062 .0065

AI6 AI7 AI8 AI9 AI10

.0063 .0055 .0054 .0072 .0052

Oyster Creek CREST System Ambient Radiation Levels

March 2021 Derived From One Minute Averages

UNITS = mR/Hr

OC1 OC2 OC3 OC4

.0040 .0054 .0039 .0048

OC5 OC6 OC7 OC8

.0053 .0056 .0048 .0050

OC9 OC10 OC11 OC12

.0058 .0053 .0053 .0054

OC13 OC14 OC15 OC16

.0050 .0054 .0051 .0053

**** indicates insufficient valid data


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State of Readiness Work

During March 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.


Post-Salem Virtual Exercise Debrief

On March 2, 2021, NEPS staff hosted a virtual meeting with Nuclear Emergency Response staff

to discuss the successes and challenges encountered in the February 25, 2021 Salem Virtual

Exercise. Overall, it was a highly successful exercise, especially as the first held on an entirely

virtual platform. Based upon the very positive feedback, the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

Section has requested that FEMA use the upcoming April 28th Salem exercise to fulfill the

biennial requirement for an evaluated exercise.


Virtual Exercise Field Command Center Discussions

NEPS and Nuclear Emergency Response staff have taken part in several discussions regarding

the implementation of the Virtual Field Command Center, including those on March 3, 2021,

March 10, 2021 and March 24, 2021. Discussions topics included debate on how to best meet

FEMA exercise grading requirements while most of the staff plays remotely, how FCC staff will

share information with each other, and how to best communicate with fellow responders playing

at the EOF, ENC, and EOC. Discussions and testing aim at preparing for the April 28th FEMA

evaluated exercise at Salem Generating Station.


Licensee EP Meeting

On March 8, 2021, NEPS staff hosted an online licensee emergency preparedness meeting with

PSEG Nuclear LLC, HOLTEC/CDI, and NJ OEM. Holtec Site Vice President Jeff Dostal

provided an update on decommissioning activities at Oyster Creek. Other discussion topics

included: feedback from the February 25th drill; Memorandum of Understanding status; the April

28th graded exercise scenario submission; Extent of Play draft document; PSEG fall exercise

status.


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Exercise Planning Conference

On March 9, 2021, the fourth Exercise Planning Conference was hosted by New Jersey Office of

Emergency Management in preparation for the April 28, 2021 evaluated exercise at Salem/Hope

Creek. Representatives from FEMA Regions 2 and 3, State of Delaware, Salem and Cumberland

Counties and PSEG Nuclear were in attendance as the final phases of planning are completed.

The Exercise Plan including Extent of Play has been submitted and approved by FEMA. The

majority of the exercise will be held on a virtual platform, with several Out-of-Sequence

evaluations planned for May, including evaluations of Field Monitoring Teams and the new

Field Command Center location.


RadResponder/RadCAP Training for ENC

On March 9, 2021, NEPS staff hosted a virtual training for Nuclear Emergency Response staff.

NEPS staff has revised SOPs which include updates in data reporting in RadResponder and

RadCAP. The focused training for Emergency News Center staff briefed them on changes and

current processes, as well as best ways to access needed data during a drill or actual event.

Contact Ann Pfaff (609) 984-7451

NRC RIC

On March 8-11, 2021, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission hosted its annual Regulatory

Information Conference on a virtual platform. NEPS staff attended sessions on the NRC’s

Transformation Journey, Advance Reactors, Microreactors, Evolution of the U.S. Electric Grid

and Impact on Nuclear Technology, Operations of the Current Fleet and Decommissioning. The

NRC offered the conference to interested stakeholders free of charge and without the need to

travel, giving access to presentations that would not otherwise have been available to NEPS staff.


SRAO Training

On March 23, 2021, NEPS staff provided training for new State Radiation Assessment Officers

(SRAOs) as they join the on-call response roster. A Primary and Secondary SRAO are on call

24/7/365 to receive notifications from State Police Office of Emergency Management for events

at New Jersey’s nuclear generating stations. The training covered relevant SOPs, use of Nixle to

notify responders, and tools necessary to access information and data in a response.


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Replacing Emergency Response Vehicle Laptops

NEPS staff have been working with Jenn Daino and DOIT staff to procure laptops to replace the

aging Toughbooks used in our Nuclear Emergency Response vehicles. The new systems are

necessary to keep up with the demands of the current version of Windows OS and the Nuclear

Emergency Response equipment communication software.

On March 17, 2021, NEPS staff was supported by Jenn Daino who worked with Thermo

Eberline to install Viewpoint software and necessary scripts on new Emergency Response

Vehicle laptops.

On March 25, 2021, NEPS staff worked with Jenn Daino and Thermo Eberline to test and

troubleshoot communication between Emergency Response Vehicle Equipment and new Vehicle

laptops.


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