DHS 157.55 HistoryHistory: CR 01-108: cr. Register July 2002 No. 559, eff. 8-1-02; CR 06-021: am. (1) (d) Register October 2006 No. 610, eff. 11-1-06.

DHS 157.56(1)(1) Provisions. Notification of incidents, and sources of radiation lost in other than well logging operations, shall be made under appropriate provisions of subch. III.

DHS 157.56(2)(2) Initial actions. Whenever a sealed source or device containing radioactive material is lodged in the well-bore or may have ruptured and caused contamination, a licensee shall do all the following:

DHS 157.56(2)(a)(a) Monitor at the surface for the presence of radioactive contamination with a radiation survey instrument or well logging tool during recovery operations.

DHS 157.56(2)(b)(b) Notify the department immediately by telephone and subsequently, within 30 days, by confirmatory letter if the licensee knows or has reason to believe that a sealed source has been ruptured. The confirmatory letter shall identify the well or other location, 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.

DHS 157.56 NoteNote: The department may be contacted at: 608-267-4797 during normal business hours of 7:45 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except state holidays, and other times at 608-258-0099.

DHS 157.56(3)(3) Unsuccessful recovery. When it becomes apparent that efforts to recover the radioactive source will not be successful, a licensee shall do all the following within 30 days of making the determination that source recovery is not possible or request an extension from the department:

DHS 157.56(3)(a)(a) Advise the well operator of the requirements contained in this section and an appropriate method of abandonment, which shall include all the following:

DHS 157.56(3)(a)1.1. Immobilization and sealing in place of the radioactive source with a cement plug.

DHS 157.56(3)(a)3.3. Mounting of a permanent identification plaque at the surface of the well, containing the information required by sub. (4).

DHS 157.56(3)(b)(b) Notify the department by telephone within 24 hours, giving the circumstances of the loss and request approval of the proposed abandonment procedures.

DHS 157.56(3)(c)(c) File a written report with the department within 30 working days of the abandonment. A licensee shall send a copy of the report to the department of natural resources bureau that issued permits or otherwise approved of the drilling operation. The report shall contain all the following information:

DHS 157.56(3)(c)2.2. A description of the well logging source involved, including the radionuclide and its quantity, chemical and physical form.

DHS 157.56(3)(c)9.9. Any other information, such as a warning statement, contained on the permanent identification plaque.

DHS 157.56 NoteNote: Written reports and requests for extensions may be mailed to the department at the following address: Department of Health Services, Radiation Protection Section, PO Box 2659, Madison, WI, 53701-2659. The telephone contact number is: 608-267-4797 during normal business hours and 608-258-0099 after hours.

DHS 157.56(4)(4) Posting. Whenever a sealed source containing radioactive material is abandoned in a well a licensee shall post a permanent plaque, as described in ch. DHS 157 Appendix K, at the surface of the well. The plaque shall be constructed of long-lasting material, such as stainless steel or monel, and contain all the following information engraved on its face: