South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-63 - Radioactive Materials (Title A)
Part VIII - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WELL LOGGING OPERATIONS
Section 61-63.VIII.RHA 8.27 - Notification of Incidents and Lost Sources; Abandonment Procedures for Irretrievable Sources

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-63.VIII.RHA 8.27

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

8.27.1 The licensee shall immediately notify the Department by telephone and subsequently within 30 days by confirmatory letter if it knows or has reason to believe that a sealed source has been ruptured. This notice must designate the well or other location and describe the magnitude and extent of the escape of radioactive material, assess the consequences of the rupture, and explain efforts planned or being taken to mitigate these consequences.

8.27.2 The licensee shall notify the Department of the theft or loss of radioactive materials, radiation overexposures, excessive levels and concentrations of radiation, and certain other accidents as required by RHA 3.17, 3.18 and 3.19 of these regulations.

8.27.3 If a sealed source becomes lodged in a well, and when it becomes apparent that efforts to recover the sealed source will not be successful, the licensee shall:

8.27.3.1 Notify the Department by telephone of the circumstances that resulted in the inability to retrieve the source and request approval to implement abandonment procedures; or that the licensee implemented abandonment before receiving Departmental approval because the licensee believed there was an immediate threat to public health and safety; and

8.27.3.2 Advise the well owner or operator, as appropriate, of the abandonment procedures under RHA 8.5.1 or 8.5.3.

8.27.3.3 Either ensure that abandonment procedures are implemented within 30 days after the sealed source has been classified as irretrievable or request an extension of time if unable to complete the abandonment procedures.

8.27.4 The licensee shall, within 30 days after the sealed source has been classified as irretrievable, make a report in writing to the Department. The licensee shall send a copy of the report to each appropriate state or federal agency that issued permits or otherwise approved of the drilling operation. The report must contain the following information:

8.27.4.1 Date of occurrence;

8.27.4.2 A description of the irretrievable well logging source involved, including radionuclide, quantity, chemical, and physical form;

8.27.4.3 Surface location and identification of the well;

8.27.4.4 Results of efforts to immobilize and seal the source in place;

8.27.4.5 A brief description of the attempted recovery effort;

8.27.4.6 Depth of the source;

8.27.4.7 Depth of the top of the cement plug;

8.27.4.8 Depth of the well;

8.27.4.9 The immediate threat to public health and safety justification for implementing abandonment if prior Departmental approval was not obtained in accordance with RHA 8.27.3.1 of this section.

8.27.4.10 Any other information (e.g. warning statement) contained on the permanent identification plaque; and

8.27.4.11 State and Federal agencies receiving copy of this report.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.