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: red07@health.state.ny.us

www.nyhealth.gov/radiation