DRC-2021-021645 - 0901a06880fc8af2

INSPECTION REPORT DRC-2021-021645
Inspection Module: RADMOD-ALARA
Inspection Location: Energy Fuels - White Mesa Uranium Mill, Blanding Utah.
Inspection Items: 2020 Annual ALARA Report, Daily and Weekly Inspections and Monthly Reports
Inspection Dates: November 15 & 16, 2021
Inspector(s): Ryan Johnson, Utah Division Waste Management and Radiation Control
(DWMRC)
Personnel Contacted:
Garrin Palmer, Energy Fuels Resources Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
Terry Slade, Radiation Safety Technician (RST)
Governing Documents:
• UAC R313-15
• Radioactive Materials License (RML) UT1900479, License Condition 11.6
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Regulatory Guide 8.31
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 inspectors of the safety requirements for the Mill. The
Mill is currently receiving ore from New Mexico, receiving alternate feed and receiving and processing
Chemours ore.
DRC Meters Used Model Serial Number Calibration Due Date
Dose Rate Ludlum 19 101673 5/11/2022
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Inspection Summary
Item 1. Document Review- License Condition 1 1.6 of the Mill's RML requires the Mill to perform an
annual ALARA audit of the radiation safety program as per NRC Regulatory Guide 8.3 1. The 2020
ALARA Audit took place in August of 202 1 . The inspector reviewed the report of that audit. The ALARA
report is not required to be submitted to the DWMRC, therefore, it is available to review by DWMRC Staff
at the Mill.
Observations: The DWMRC inspector observed:
ALARA Report
• The Mill followed the outline in NRC Regulatory Guide 8.3 1, Section 2.3.3 Radiation Protection
and ALARA Audit for the ALARA Report; and
• The ALARA report contained information on each subject of the outline;
• The tables and graphs have general information on the radiological conditions observed at the Mill;
• Appropriate units were used
• The report has meaningful information and describes the radiological and ALARA conditions
around the Mill.
Daily and Weekly Inspections and Monthly Reports
• Several different people do daily inspection specific to their job function;
o Occupational Safety Staff Daily inspections documents housekeeping issues and postings
around the Mill;
o Operating Forman's Daily inspection documents maintenance issues and, if observed. any
radiation issues;
• The daily inspection forms are clear, concise and legible;
• The Inspector spot checked the daily inspection forms. Of the inspection forms reviewed by the
Inspector, no non-compliance issues were identified;
• The weekly inspections are done by the RSO (or designee) and someone from operations;
• The weekly inspection forms are clear, concise and legible;
• Weekly inspection forms mainly document housekeeping and maintenance issues around the Mill
and the inspection forms have initials and check marks next to the items identified indicating that
the issue had been taken care of
• The Inspector spot checked the weekly inspection forms. Of the inspection forms reviewed by the
Inspector, no non-compliance issues were identified; and
• The Monthly reports adequately summarize the information from the daily and weekly inspections.
Deficiencies: None
Item 2. Mill Tour: The Inspector walked through the restricted area on a general site tour. The tour
included the ore pad and the mill.
Observations: The DWMRC inspector also observed:
• Alternate feed being stockpiled on the ore pad;
• OSL badges were appropriately being used by all observed employees at the Mill;
• OSL badges are properly being stored; and
• Mill personnel were wearing appropriate PPE.
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Recommendation for Next Inspection
None
Prepared By:
Reviewed By: Phil Goble
(Print Name) (Signature)
11/22/2021
(Date)
16-2-
Radiol ical readin s observed during Mill tour
Location Dose Rate (µR/hr)
Yellowcake Storage Yard 425
Ore Pad 100-400
Chemours Ore Storage Area 3,000
Mill 80
SX 50-70
Alternate Feed Circuit 45
During the Mill Tour the Inspector was able to confirm that the Posting of Notices to Workers as required
by R313-18-11 are on the bulletin board in the break room of the administration building and the locker
room. This included:
• The DWMRC-04 form: and
• A memo indicating where the following documents can be found:
o State of Utah rules R313-15 and R313-18;
o Copies of EFRI' s current radioactive material license;
o EFRI operating procedures; and
o Notices of Violation issued by DWMRC to EFRI.
Deficiencies: None
Closeout Meeting
Energy Fuels:
Terry Slade
Utah DWMRC:
Ryan Johnson (Health Physics Inspector)
Findings
None
Recommendations
Take regular dose rate readings around the Chemours ore storage area and around the hopper
where the Chemours ore is processed to evaluate posting requirements.
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