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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC-2024-0071771 of Page 4 C:\Users\hmickelson\Downloads\Inspection Report RADMOD-IM 10-1-2024 (1).docx INSPECTION REPORT Inspection Module: RADMOD-IM: Internal Monitoring Inspection Location: Energy Fuels - White Mesa Uranium Mill (Mill), Blanding Utah. Inspection Items: Occupational Air Sampling and Bioassay Monitoring Inspection Dates: September 30 & October 1, 2024 Inspectors: Ryan Johnson, Utah Division Waste Management and Radiation Control (DWMRC) Personnel Contacted: Garrin Palmer, Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Justin Perkins, Radiation Safety Technician (RST) Terry Slade, RST Governing Documents: UAC R313-15 Radioactive Materials License (RML) UT1900479 Applicable Mill procedures and manuals Opening Meeting Energy Fuels Resources: Garrin Palmer (RSO) Utah DWMRC: Ryan Johnson (Health Physics Inspector) During the opening meeting, the inspector discussed the inspection items and documentation to be reviewed during the inspection. The Mill staff reminded the inspector of the safety requirements for the Mill. DRC Meters Used Model Serial Number Calibration Due Date Dose Rate Bicron B789W 5/21/25 Contamination Ludlum 25017719 4/10/25 2 of Page 4 C:\Users\hmickelson\Downloads\Inspection Report RADMOD-IM 10-1-2024 (1).docx Inspection Summary The inspection consisted of an RSO interview, reviewing applicable documentation and a Mill tour. The following discussion provides more detail of the specific items reviewed. Item 1. Documentation Review: The Inspector reviewed applicable documentation. Observations: The DWMRC Inspector reviewed the following documents: General area air sampling worksheets; and Bioassay analytical results and chain of custody forms. The Mill did not process a lot of ore (natural and alternate feed) in 2023. The work (i.e. cleaning out tanks) at the Mill has been done under Radiation Work Permits (RWPs) or according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The inspector verified that: Respirator protection was being used by the Mill personnel performing the work; Bioassay samples were being collected from the Mill personnel performing the work; Bioassay results indicated that the Mill personnel were not inhaling uranium; and Bioassay sampling and analysis standard operating procedure (SOP) was being followed. The Mill analyzes its bioassay samples in its own lab. No bioassay samples were above the Mill’s action level in 2023. Most samples were non-detect during this time. The Inspector verified: The Laboratory follows a procedure that uses ANSI/HPS N1330-2011 Performance Criteria for Radiobioassay as a guide (which is referenced in NRC Regulatory Guide 8.22 Bioassay at Uranium Mills); Results are reviewed by the Laboratory Technician and given to the RSO; 25% of the samples are sent to an offsite laboratory as a quality control check; The sample preparation area is regularly surveyed for Alpha to prevent contamination of the samples. Corrective actions from last year were effective; and In April 2023, all of the bioassay samples had detectable uranium (usually only a handful of samples will have detectible uranium). In an interview with the RSO, the RSO explained the results were from the labs DI system was not filtering water properly. The lab subtracted the DI blank from the sample results and the results were within the SOP requirements. None of the results were above the Mill’s action level of 15 ug/l. The RSO memo on this observation is attached to this Report. Deficiencies: None Item 2. Mill Tour: The Inspectors walked through the restricted area on a general site tour. The tour included the ore pad, the Mill, the alternate feed circuit, solvent extraction building and the tailing impoundments. Observations: The DWMRC inspector also observed: Ore and Alternate feed material being stored on the ore pad; and OSL badges were appropriately being used by all observed employees at the Mill. Radiological readings observed during Mill tour. 3 of Page 4 C:\Users\hmickelson\Downloads\Inspection Report RADMOD-IM 10-1-2024 (1).docx Location Dose Rate (µrem/hr) Product Yard 30 Ore Pad 100-500 Silmet Alternate Feed 4,500 Chemours 4,000 Mill 300-500 Packaging Area 50 Tank #5 11,000 The Inspector also collected large area swipe samples in eleven areas within the restricted area. Location Alpha (dpm/100cm 2) Beta (dpm/100cm2) Scale House 9 29 Lunch Room 6 13 Lunch Room #2 7 13 Locker Room 6 25 Control Room 8 51 Laboratory Metallurgic 3 18 Laboratory Chem 5 20 Bucking Room 11 49 Maintenance Office 6 20 Deficiencies: None Item 3. Radiological Surveys and Monitoring: The Inspector reviewed the weekly surveys done around the Mill. Observations:The Inspector reviewed the radiological monitoring documentation performed at the Mill site. The documentation indicated that: All areas of the Mill are being surveyed for radiological conditions; Surveys indicate that the Mill is being maintained within regulatory radiological parameters Documentation is legible, complete and using appropriate units; and “Clean” areas are being maintained. Meter Type Model Meter Serial # Probe Serial # Cal. Due Meter Condition Alpha Scintillator Ludlum 3 257131 PR281518 12/14/2024 Good Alpha Scintillator Ludlum 2929 216270 PR3230 9/10/2025 Good Alpha Scintillator Ludlum 3030 363474 PR401097 8/23/2025 Good Deficiencies: None 4 of Page 4 C:\Users\hmickelson\Downloads\Inspection Report RADMOD-IM 10-1-2024 (1).docx Closeout Meeting Energy Fuels: Garrin Palmer (RSO) Terry Slade (RST) Logan Shumway (Mill Manager) Utah DWMRC: Ryan Johnson (Health Physics Inspector) Findings None Recommendations None Recommendation for Next Inspection Prepared By: Ryan Johnson 10/10/2024 (Print Name) (Signature) (Date) Reviewed By: Heather Mickelson 10/10/2024 (Print Name) (Signature) (Date) Reviewed By: Adam Wingate 10/10/2024 (Print Name) (Signature) (Date)