March 31st, 2011 - Notes From the Consortium Call at 2000

7/28/2019 March 31st, 2011 - Notes From the Consortium Call at 2000

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ET05 HocThursday, March 31, 2011 9:48 PMLIA06 Hoc; LIA08 Hoc; UA01 Hoc; LIAll Ho cConsortium Call.docConsortium Call.doc

Attached are my notes from this evening's call. I'll send you any name corrections and email addresses as Iget them in.Please do a quick check to make sure I've captured everything before sending out.Regards,Melissa [email protected] Actions Officer ([email protected])NRC Headquarters Operation Center


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Consortium Call - 3/31/2011 20:00Attendees:

* NRC Headquarters Operations Officer* Sal Golub, DOE/NE* Kevin Mulligan, INPO* Rick MNielsen, INPO* Randy Trapasso, INPO* Lt Col. Price, PACOM w/radiation support team

V? Lynch, INPO* Al Hochevar, Industry Support, Tokyo* Lt . Cmdr. Robert Mercer, J4* Thomas G Vavoso, Naval Reactors

???, INPO Alan Blarney, NRC Japan* Brian Sheron, NR C HQ* Glenn A Southern, Naval Reactors

NR C HQ: Thanks everyone for participation. Requests name and affiliation be emailed toET05.hocanrc.Qov to facilitate minutes. Much was discussed last night, nothing new from NRCHQ. Before moving to status list, does anyone have issues or comments to discuss regardingroles/leads?No response.NR C HQ: Should be referencing request list, does everyone have a copy.Rick Nielson from INPO received a copy earlier this morning and couldn't tell if this was mostcurrent version.NR C HQ: The version should be current from 19:00 today. These are forwarded at 07:00, 15:00,19:00 and 23:00. Not sure how much has changed from yesterday. Suggests that INPO canwalk through status of the items assigned to them as the coordinating agency, we can start withthat.Rick Nielson, INPO sent in a track changes version which brings everything up-to-date.NR C HQ: That is the version that we're using.To m Vavoso, Naval Reactors requests that the updated list be sent out because he doesn'tseem to have the correct version either.NRC HQ: Will send a new version right now. Looks like most of the INPO items were closedout, is that correct?INPO: Yes, we will close them unless there is a change or a new request comes in from Japan.Is that acceptable.NR C HQ: Yes. The other items we have are request from GOJ to PNNL for technical assistanceon water decontamination and storage. This did no t come in to us and we are no t coordinating.


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Understanding is that this went directly to PNNL and that there is one or two individuals fromPNNL on their way to Japan.Sal Golub offers to update. Tw o individuals should have arrived in Japan and will be workingdirectly with those that requested their participation so we can close this one. (Item 12 on page4 of yesterday's chart).NRC HQ: Suggests that responsible organization sends in update or emails us so that we canupdate them here. Next item is on water barges for PACOM.Lt . Cmdr. Mercer - Barge arrived yesterday, Japan to start pumping from the barges last nightbut do not have that information yeA Barge 2 still at Onahama and is scheduled to leave today.iStill have issue with pump.NR C HQ: Only other item for PACOM was regarding air transport from the military and the notesays that preference should be for commercial carrier and to limit requests that can't be takencare of by commercial carrier. Want to know how this gets provided back to Japan.Mercer - IfJapan submits request formally, we can push the item up the chain. Comment thatcommercial transport could be more expeditious is correct. Fo r items that are difficult totransport that way we understand bu t that's how the process work. Needs to know from INPO ifthey have had any movement on a commercial carrier or is the best path still for militarytransport.Neilson - At this point commercial would be the appropriate way to transport some of the items.There are around 4 boxes in the San Diego area, commercial would work-for those. In theHuston area there is about half a pallet and a drum that have equipment to be sent and thesecould also go commercial. The material in Ontario is a substantial weight and volume butMilitary might be the most appropriate means of transport. Don't have a request, whatever is -expedient bu t need to know how commercial transport would be paid for, that is the issue.Understood.Mercer - Will continue to work with PACOM logistics. Want to know if Neilson is the appropriatecontact?Neilson - Yes, CA and TX are ready to ship immediately. Material in Ontario is being checkedright now to ensure that the best equipment is sent to Japan.Lt. Col. Addison - Do not intend to dissuade the use of military air vs . commercial are but topoint ou t that the path of least resistance for small materials is commercial air. Understood thatsome items need military support and that is understood. PACOM has funds for transport forJapan relief; however, formal request needs to be coordinated with PACOM.Neilson - No preference on how any of this is shipped, understands the priorities from military.INPO has no preference, just wants the most expedient way.NR C HQ - Will leave it up to INPO to decide what is the most expedient way to transport.


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Neilson - Not sure what is best, seems like commercial would be expensiv, Leave it upto thelogistics experts to make that determination. Again, seems like the items i TX and CA will bebest to go commercia \.

Vavoso - How does this get resolved, wh o has the action to resolve this?Blamey - Who is the point of contact for INPO.Nielson - Rick NielsonBlarney - Yesterday there was a large push at the Embassy to get a process in place. Willcheck with Embassy people and get them in touch with INPO to get the process started. WantstelephoneNielson '77-n-6"44-8I1-is t e phone number. I'm there during the day and the center is staffed24-7..E I. (b)(6) INR C HQ - Sounds like it's under control now in terms of who has the action.Blamey - Yes, will check with Embassy staff and report ou t tomorrow.NR C HQ - Next items down are DOE's, items 15-21.Sal - I can update a few of those items. #15 results have been provided to the WH for review asof a day or two ago. Hadn't been able to confirm if that was sent to Japan, hoping someonefrom the Embassy can provide status. May have more up-to-date status when he provides theredline. Nothing to report on 16-18. Item #19 there was a telecom dealing with the robotics issueand there was a lot of detailed information provided on sensors, gamma cams, radiationhardened cameras and when we can provide those. Waiting for GOJ to respond back and thenwill roll into the issue of funding and transportation.Jay S?? - Guardedly optimistic on this. Tactic looks like commercial air. Working for some ofthe logistics issues including property control, how Japan accepts, and how to deliver. There isa lot going on with the use of robotic devices and the approach is across the board on DOE onhow the equipment would be used and what DOE Jas vs. what can be provided by industry.Hopes to have the equipment out thefdor by 4/51-11.NR C HQ: Logistics and transportation will be something that you work out?DO E - Yes, will use their money to ship, will allocate money to replace equipment and will waitfor interagency to see ifcosts are reimbursed. Also looking at the larger devices that can beused later on for rubble removal, etc. Had a long discussion. This is an area where we knowthere will be a need. There is a lot of good commercial equipment ou t there but don't know thelead time. Ifthe lead time is too great and DOE has it, will move out smartly on getting it there.For larger things, might need military lift. Not a logistics person, but some of the devices arepretty major and getting them there will be an issue. Will also be providing advice on shielding.May be able to automate existing systems. There are a lot of things to work out on hardening,etc. Will be a dynamic, as-you-go problem.NR C HQ - Next item is the use of unmanned helicoptj, MAX.--


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What's that for?NRC HQ - Don't know the purpose, apparently there was a request. Remembers from lastweek that there was some offer for this to fly over the plant either with water or a camera. Notsure if it's needed right now.Naval Reactors - thinks that's right. Inthe early days this was a means of providing water orsands for the spent fuel pools. Thinks it needs to be reevaluated as a technical need. Who doesthat?NRC HQ - Seems it should be embassy.DO E - Agrees, need to know in succinct terms what they want/need. Communications aregetting better, thinks that early on the idea was everything and anything. Suggests that roboticsand automated equipment working group bring this up with the Japanese Interagency team toevaluate if it is needed. Thinks there are cheaper ways to do this unmanned as opposed to this25mil asset.Hochevar - This was initially requested to determine status and levels of SFPs. This is hard todo. That's the generation of that request.Vavoso - This is different,CKMAAX3hs heavy lift capability, not for this purpose.Mercer - That's not correct was to move debris and to provide water an d sand. Pretty sure thatGOJ canceled this request anyway. Should already be a closed issue. Wants embassy toconfirm.Blamey - Will follow up with DOE and Embassy people at 11:00 meeting.Southern - Recommends name and PO C be identified for each item instead of an organization.NRC HQ - Okay. Who was going to take the action on this?Blamey - I will follow up with the embassy to see if his is still needed or not.NR C HQ - Next are freshwater supply pumps from Bechtel.Neilson - We initially helped get Bechtel involved and then ou r role diminished and Bechtel tookover liaising with NR C on this and getting it moved from Australia to Japan. Not sure if INPO isthe coordinating agency or not. Would be happy to represent the industry, but this seems to beinvolved to the point that this level of coordination isn't needed.NRC HQ - Not sure that this is still needed. Wasn't first train already delivered?YesVavoso - Main issue is that there were 4 pump trains initially and the question is whether or notthe remaining 3 trains should be delivered.NRC HQ: Thought the plan was to deliver and test the first train prior to making decision. Lastwe heard the 2 nd train was being prepped for shipment but hasn't heard more.


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Mercer - The first train is what is being used to pump from barges. Provided training on thesesystems.Vavoso -. Are these attached to barges?Mercer - The first one is, 2" pump is being reserved as a backup.Vavoso - technical need question is whether there is an need for anything more.Blarney - Will see ifhe can work through to see if 2nd 3 rd, and 4 th trains are needed? Not sure ifINPO will be engaged on the other trains, probably will be DOE, DOD, or NRC.Vavoso - What are next actions?Blarney - Next action is with NRC to check with TEPCO or NISA to find ou t if additional pumpsare needed and will report back. Doesn't want to stop or delay any momentum on movingforward on that but will report back on status of need. Doesn't know if anything is already inprocess and if it is, doesn't want to slow that down.DOE - Would the 2nd train be required for the 2nd barge?Blarney - Not sure.Mercer - No, plan for 2n"barge is for TEPCO to use their own transfer pump and they have thelarger pump set up as a contingency from the Bechtel system.Vavoso - Keep in mind that the NR C RST put ou t a paper that recommends adding additionalwater to the containments so there may be further needs for pumping capability at the site.Mercer - Agrees. Besides shielding and rad monitoring needs, water application will remain amajor need.NRC HQ - #24 was rad survey meters and individual dosimetry, this was a duplicate and will beremoved unless anyone has any concerns. #25 says "protective body armor" and there is nocoordinating agency listed. Not sure what the purpose is an d where this item comes from.Neilson - INPO might have provided some information on this, use of tungsten as light-weightshielding and using rain gear as beta shielding. This information/advice was provided and this isthe closes he can think of related to this.NR C HQ - Doesn't know if this is a request for items or for the information.DO E -This was on the list from Japan. INPO provided the information and itis in Japan's courtto figure out what they want to do with it. Need to figure ou t how to track these items.Blamey - Working on a process to interface with the GOJ with more rigid interface than we ha dbefore so that we can have more follow-up on this. With regards to that, understanding is thatthere were two request, to military and NRC. Not sure if they've come back with specificrequests.


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DO E - So what we're looking for is protective body shielding, suggests we change terminology.Mercer - The request memo is dated 3/29/11 and it is item 11 on the memorandum. Leadagency on Japanese side is NISA and MOD.NR C HQ - Need to clarify exactly what they want, not sure what is meant by body armor.Blamey - Will interface with NISA on this to get clarification of what they mean and do they stillneed it.Nielson - On item 3.5 (between 3 and 4) INPO gave a pretty extensive list of possibilities toNISA on what is available and what are the specifications. Suggest referencing that list indiscussions with GOJ.NR C HQ - 27 says use of "extinguishent/coolant (nitrogen)" does anyone know what that is??? -__asprobably no t a good ideajVavoso - There is a need for nitrogen to purge containment. Not sure if that is what this isreferring to.Blamey - This request came quite some time ago and we haven't been able to figure out what'sbehind it.Mercer - This is from the same memo and need to clarify with NISA.Blamey - have tried to get clarification and will continue. They're planning to use nitrogencompressors to purge containment, really can't pin down the specific item that NISA wasrequesting.Vavoso - Need a process to inform NISA that we're closing it and will take no further action onit.Blarney - Working with embassy to pu t that framework in place.NR C HQ - Next item is plastic bottles for water for infant/baby use and that was assigned toUSAID. Is anyone from USAID on the call.No response.NR C HQ - We will check with USAID on this.Some of these items seem to be a function of early requests that were sent out the door reallyquickly.Blamey - will revisit with GOJ to see if there is still a need. Wants NRC HQ to check withUSAID.NRC HQ - Will do that.Blamey - That will be good because they haven't been following the humanitarian list.


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NRC HQ - Will do that and take it off the list once we confirm that USAID has it on their list. #29is on temporary radwaste processing skids, says INPO is the coordinating organization.Nielson - Mr. Trapasso has the lead on this, the update on the current status is the wrongwording. Wants Trapasso to address.Trapasso - Sent to Hochevar information on this to see if it is what GO J wanted. The itemshould be closed out. It's a duplicate on something that was earlier on the list and was closedout earlier on.Vavoso - Confirms that itwas closed out until we hear from Japan bu t still should be tracked tosee ifJapan accepts.Trapasso - GOJ has the contact information.Blamey - View from the Embassy was that ifGOJ requested information, we would close theitem once the information was provided and a new action would be created once GOJ made aspecific request for assistance rather than leave all of these items on the list. This list willprobably be consolidated and collapsed into the master list that the Embassy has an d everyoneshould let him know on the next call if they want a different process.Vavoso - That's okay as long as GO J understand that they have the ball.Blarney - Embassy is trying to bring more structure and discipline to the process and will getfeedback at the meeting today.INPO - INPO is in favor of closing out the request when the information is provided and openingan new request once GOJ asks for something specific.NRC HQ - Will consider this item closed and will reopen as needed if we hear from GOJ. Item#30, temporary holding tanks for removing contaminated water. This lists DOE and DOD on theitem.DO E - Developed a list of capabilities and equipment. Is communicating back and forth on howto handle the water. Is working this, has dialog established. In the near term, this item may beclosed when the ball is in GOJ's court.Vavoso - Rear Admiral Gregory is working a similar issue.DO E - Collection, treatment, or storage?Vavoso - Collection and storage.DOE - Wasn't aware but many of these issues are being worked in parallel.NRC HQ - We'll wait for Japanese to let us know needs.Vavoso - sees issue of this is being worked in both military and private sector. May need tocoordinate rather than have itworked in parallel.


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DO E - This is part of the idea of having one list. Need to have a process to know who is doingwhat. Need to identify names. Sal from DOE as the contact for this item and the Military contact.Vavoso - Will provide contact information for Admiral Gregory.DOE - Will provide PO C of someone who is doing the work when the redline is submitted.Southern - Recommends that someone be the responsible party for making the contact withGOJ, this won't be clear if we identify 2 contacts on the list.DO E will take the lead to do this.Vavos 254705 is DSN numbi for Admiral Gregory.DO E doesn't have DSN.Nielson - There was an issue about the suitability for equipment used for the contaminatedwater and how to decontaminate once it is used for this.Vavoso - Naval Reactors is providing assistance to Admiral Gregory on decontamination.NR C HQ - We will take INPO off this item as it is primarily between DOE and DOD. Seems likewe have a go-forward approach on this one. Next, on #32 it's DOE?DO E - This is related because it is on treatment of contamination. Have provided information toJapanese an d is waiting to hear back on their needs. First phase of information provided, willprovide more. Item should remain open while information gathering continues.NR C HQ - Next one is for NRC, expertise on temporary shielding options to determine ifreactors can hold up under additional pressure.DOE - suggests DO E be tagged for this item as well because it is a holistic problem. There willbe big play from DOE on this when you get into robotics for getting this in place, etc.NR C HQ - Don't have an update on where we are about their question regarding whether or no tthe buildings would be strong enough.DOE - Will sort ou t with the RST and the Japan team.Blamey - Japan team will take initial leadership to work with DOE and may move back to HQ ifneeded.

NR C HQ - Last item is request for rad monitors, personal dosimetry, and shielding masks. Maytie back to item #24. Looks like this is the same item.DOE - Don't know if DOE is doing anything on this. Persons on the call haven't done anyinformation on what they have. Have heard that a private company is willing to donate but thatGOJ can't pay or figure ou t how to transport. Want embassy to check if DOE needs to dosomething?


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Blarney - DOE should have their embassy look into this. Thoug ht that industry was working onsomething similar, not sure.DOE - Wants NRC Japan team and Industry reps in Japan to press DOE counterparts in Japanto join the call.NR C HQ - Requests that NRC Japan make contact with DOE, Japan.Blarney - Will do .Vavoso - Sounds like there is a real need that isn't being fulfilled. Sounds like the teams leavingJVillage had 5 people using the same dosimeter.DOE - This should be something that can be fixed quickly, will be getting to the bottom of it.First question is what is in-country and if not can move forward quickly. Agrees that this is ahorrible problem and high-priority.Blarney - Will push through the Embassy more urgently and will try to status with the DOEpeople at the embassy.NR C HQ - Requests that Blarney report back on the next call.Blarney - Wants to consolidate NR C and INPO items that are not closed with the Embassy listand will have DOE do the same.NR C HQ - That was all the items on the material request list. Not going through the action itemsbecause the leads have been identified. This should be in the notes, which will be providedshortly. Are there new items to be discussed or acted on?

Nielson - INPO has one that will be sent to the NRC to update and that is to source Strontium90 gamma spectronometers. Al Hochevar has the information to present to Japan. It's an actionthat INPO received and completed today an d will provide record of this if it is needed. Also, itmay be useful to establish a protocol on how to update the list so that NRC isn't inundated withmaterial that is changed. Suggests NR C gives protocol on how they want to receive updates tomaterial list, how often and in what form would the NRC prefer updates?NR C HQ - Right now we're sending this out 4 times a day. Not sure that we need to send it thatoften. Will probably only get updates once-a-day from everyone. Will it make sense if we ship itou t at 07:00 or 08:00 for everyone to update and then it could be sent back so that the NRC canincorporate the updates and resend around 18:00 so that everyone has the latest version for the20:00 call with everyone's updates included.INPO agrees that itwould work well and they will provide their input by 13:00. This is goodprotocol for INPO.NR C HQ - Will send ou t a draft at 07:00 or 08:00 to everyone and would like fax or emailupdates by 12:00 or 13:00 so that NRC can update and provide by 18:00 or 19:00 in advance ofthe call.Blarney - The plan is fine with NR C and Japan. As a rhythm is established, this process maychange.


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Mercer - USF Japan has 24-hour staffing and this works for them, as long as it works for NRCJapan.Blarney - NR C has backed off on the night coverage bu t should be able to send updates in asthey have them so the process shouldn't be a big impact.NR C HQ - Wouldn't be a problem. Even ifEmbassy updates aren't incorporated, they could beprovided during the conference call. Any other items for discussion?Southern - Has a commercial number that should work. for the[jN number previouslyprovided. 01 1-813-117-554-70\Mercer - That is correct number.DO E - In yesterday's discussion and in the notes that followed the meeting there was a desireto consolidate embassy list with this one and wants for this to happen.Blamey - Will be working this with the Embassy after the call. It is in process. Will get DOE andDOD Embassy support to incorporate their items in the Embassy list. Trying to move towardsone master list.NR C HQ - Should HQ continue their list?Blarney - Yes until we get everything cleaned up and ready to transfer to the Embassy list.Consolidation is still in process so will stay the course while we make sure the new processworks.NR C HQ - The LT will take the lead on getting the minutes and revised list ou t by 08:00 easternthis morning and would like comments back to support publishing an 18:00 list in advance of thecall. Should we have another call at this time tomorrow, or wait until over the weekend?Blarney - Should probably at least have one call tomorrow as there is a high priority item(dosimetry) to move forward on. Call may be abbreviated but should happen.INPO agrees.NR C HQ - Will schedule another call for tomorrow at 20:00 and will have an updated table.Maybe call will be abbreviated. Anything else?Mercer - Want (b)(6) be added to distribution list.NR C HQ - Thanks everyone for participation. Minutes will be out fairly quick and the list willcome ou t again in the morning. Want updates tomorrow. Will provide address to send updatesin minutes.*********************Updates should be sent to LIAO1 .hocpnrc.gov; LIA06.hoc(c.nrc..qov;LIA08.hoc.nrc.oov: LIA1 1.hoc(Qnrc..ov; ET05.hoc(cnrc.gov

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March 31st, 2011 - Notes From the Consortium Call at 2000