LAC 33:XV.1417. Release for Unrestricted Use

A. Once facilities, equipment or sites exceed the level of contamination provided in LAC 33:XV.1404 and are subject to the provisions of this Chapter, they shall not be released for unrestricted use until they have been decontaminated in accordance with this Section. 1. For general or specific licensees that have an area or soil with contamination above the limits of LAC 33:XV.1404 and soil decontamination shall be performed, the decontamination of soil shall be to 5 picocuries per gram above background of radium-226 or radium-228. 2. For general or specific licensees who have equipment with a maximum exposure level above that specified in LAC 33:XV.1404, equipment decontamination shall be performed to reduce the exposure levels below those specified in LAC 33:XV.1404 and ensure that the equipment is free of loose contamination. 3. In all other cases, the decontamination shall reduce radiation levels below the exemption levels provided in LAC 33:XV.1404. B. If closure activities involve construction with a subsurface impact to a depth greater than three feet, prior approval by the Office of Environmental Compliance shall be attached as part of the application addressing the certification of the groundwater quality. All pits, ponds, and lagoons shall comply with departmental regulations and/or policies dealing with groundwater quality. C. Unless otherwise directed in writing by the department, in order to release property for unrestricted use, a licensee shall submit a plan for the decontamination to the Office of Environmental Compliance for approval. Upon approval, the licensee shall implement the plan in accordance with such approval. 1. Information contained in previous applications, statements, or reports filed with the department under the license may be incorporated by reference if the references are clear and specific. 2. The plan shall provide for a confirmatory survey submitted to the department for review. 3. The licensee shall provide notice to the department of completion of decontamination. Upon proper completion of the plan and notice to the department, the department shall acknowledge such completion. 4. The site shall not be released for unrestricted use until the acknowledgment in LAC 33:XV.1417.C.3 is issued. D. The closure application shall include specific details of the NORM site closure plan including each of the following: 1. the results of tests, experiments, or any other analyses relating to backfill of excavated areas, closure and sealing; 2. any proposed revision of plans for: a. decontamination and/or dismantlement of surface facilities; b. backfilling of excavated areas; and/or c. stabilization of the NORM site for post-closure care; and 3. any new information regarding the environmental impact of closure activities and long-term performance of the NORM site. E. The licensee shall monitor the NORM site and perform necessary maintenance and repairs at the site until the acknowledgement in LAC 33:XV.1417.C.3 is issued.