radioactive materials licensing marcellus shale gas production nys department of health center for...
TRANSCRIPT
Radioactive Materials Licensing Marcellus Shale Gas Production
NYS Department of Health
Center for Environmental Health
Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection
Radioactive Materials Licensing
NYSDOH – Regulates about 1100 licensees
Medical (hospitals, physician’s offices), academic, research & development, industrial, etc.
Materials are acquired from licensed manufacturers, pharmacies, etc. through highly regulated process in the U.S.
NORM Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material
Not subject to licensure if removed from its place of origin, unless concentrated
Technically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM)
Enhanced in concentration by actions of humans whether intentional or not
Natural gas industry activities can concentrate NORM
Radioactive Materials Licensingfor the Gas Production Industry
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material - NORM
Removed and concentrated incidental to gas production (production brine)
Scale build-up on equipment, pipes, tanks, etc. Potential exposure to workers and the public Disposal issue
Uranium, Thorium, and their decay products
Predominant isotopes - Radium 226 & Radium 228
Licensing Objectives
Minimize radiation exposure to individuals
Ensure proper disposal of NORM
Prevent incorporation of NORM into consumer products (from reuse or recycled metals)
Basis/Threshold for Licensing Exposure rate greater than 50uR/hr. Assumes 2000 hrs. at 50 uR/hr. 100 mR/year (limit for members of the
public) Condition of the DEC Permit to Drill
Exposure rate measurement at accessible areas of piping/equipment
>50uR/hr. - subject to a radioactive materials license
Licensing Process
DOH application form & guide (instructions) Fee $1000/yr. Single License issued to owner/operator for
all wells Subject to inspection
License Document
Limits use to possession incidental to gas production
Requires periodic radiation surveys
Labeling equipment that is excess of 50uR/hr.
Inventory of affected equipment
Limitations for service of affected items
Contact Information
Robert Dansereau, Assistant Director, or
Charles Burns, Chief - Radioactive Materials Licensing Section
Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection
547 River Street
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 402-7550
(518) 402-7554 fax
email: [email protected]
www.nyhealth.gov/radiation