2006 Delaware Code - CHAPTER 74 — RADIATION CONTROL

§ 7401. Declaration of policy.

It is the policy of this State in furtherance of its responsibilities to protect the public health and safety to:

(1) Institute and maintain a regulatory program for sources of ionizing radiation so as to provide for (i) compatibility with the standards and regulatory programs of the federal government, (ii) a single, effective system of regulation within the State, and (iii) a system consonant insofar as possible with those of other states;

(2) Institute and maintain a program to permit development and utilization of sources of ionizing radiation for peaceful purposes consistent with the health and safety of the public; and

(3) Encourage the constructive uses of radiation, and to prohibit and prevent exposure to ionizing radiation in amounts which are or may be detrimental to health. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7401; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 1.)

§ 7402. Purpose.

It is the purpose of this chapter to effectuate the policies set forth in § 7401 of this title by providing a program to:

(1) Effectively regulate sources of ionizing radiation for the protection of occupational and public health and safety;

(2) Promote an orderly regulatory pattern within the State, among the states and between the federal government and the State and facilitate intergovernmental cooperation with respect to use and regulation of sources of ionizing radiation to the end that duplication of regulation may be minimized;

(3) Establish regulatory responsibilities with respect to radioactive material;

(4) Permit maximum utilization of sources of ionizing radiation consistent with the health and safety of the public; and

(5) Survey radon concentrations indoors to determine elevated radon levels and advise the General Assembly of those potential health effects as are set forth in publications and guidelines of the federal government. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7402; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 192, §§ 2, 3.)

§ 7403. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) "Authority" means the Authority on Radiation Protection created by § 7404 of this title.

(2) "By-product material" means any radioactive material (except special nuclear material) yielded in or made radioactive by exposure to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing special nuclear material.

(3) "General license" means a license or registration effective pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Authority without the filing of an application to transfer, acquire, own, possess or use quantities of or devices or equipment utilizing by-product, source, special nuclear materials or other radioactive material occurring naturally or produced artificially.

(4) "Ionizing radiation" means gamma rays and x-rays, alpha and beta particles, high-speed electrons, neutrons, protons, and other nuclear particles, but not sound or radio waves or visible, infrared or ultraviolet light.

(5) "NARM" means any naturally occurring or accelerator-produced radioactive material, except source material.

(6) "Person," in addition to the definitions contained in § 302 of Title 1, means any public or private institution, group, agency, political subdivision of this State, any other state or political subdivision or agency thereof and any legal successor, representative, agent or agency of the foregoing, other than the United States Atomic Energy Commission or any successor thereto and other than federal government agencies licensed by the United States Atomic Energy Commission or any successor thereto.

(7) "Radioactive material" means any material (solid, liquid or gas which emits radiation spontaneously (e.g. byproduct, source material, special nuclear material and NARM).

(8) "Source material" means (i) uranium, thorium or any other material which the Authority declares to be source material in concurrence with the United States Atomic Energy Commission or any successor thereto who has determined the material to be such; or (ii) ores containing 1 or more of the foregoing materials in such concentration as the Authority declares by order to be source material in concurrence with the United States Atomic Energy Commission or any successor thereto who has determined the material in such concentration to be source material.

(9) "Special nuclear material" means (i) plutonium, uranium 233, uranium enriched in the isotope 233 or in the isotope 235, and any other material which the Authority declares by order to be special nuclear material in concurrence with the United States Atomic Energy Commission or any successor thereto who has determined the material to be such, but does not include source material; or (ii) any material artificially enriched by any of the foregoing, but does not include any of the source material.

(10) "Specific license" means a license or registration issued by the Authority, after application, to use, manufacture, produce, transfer, receive, acquire, own or possess quantities of or devices or equipment utilizing by-product, source, special nuclear materials or other radioactive material occurring naturally or produced artificially.

(11) "Users of ionizing radiation" means persons who supervise the application of ionizing radiation and/or apply ionizing radiation to human beings for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7403; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1; 60 Del. Laws, c. 698, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 4.)

§ 7404. Authority on Radiation Protection.

(a) There is created an Authority on Radiation Protection which shall consist of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services or the Secretray's duly authorized designee, the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control or the Secretary's duly authorized designee, the Chief of the Bureau of Environmental Health of the Department of Health and Social Services, and 12 other persons who shall be appointees of the Governor. Two appointees shall be from the Radiation Advisory Board of the Medical Society of Delaware, 1 appointee shall be from the Dental Society of Delaware, 1 appointee shall be a qualified member from the staff or faculty of the University of Delaware or Delaware State University, 1 appointee shall be a nonmedical member from industry, and the remaining 7 shall be appointed members of the public who need not fall into any of the other categories for membership on the Authority, but who have knowledge of and an interest in radiation protection. Each nonpublic member shall have had training in 1 or more of the following fields: radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation physics, health physics or related sciences with specialization in ionizing radiation; provided however, that not more than 2 persons shall be specialists in any 1 of the above-named fields. Each county shall be represented by at least 2 members. Each of the 15 members shall have 1 vote.

(b) Authority members appointed by the Governor shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. Two shall be initially appointed for terms of 1 year, 1 for a term of 2 years and 1 for a term of 3 years. The terms shall commence on July 1st in the year of appointment. Each Authority member shall hold over after the expiration of the member's term until the member's successor has been appointed and has taken office. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term.

(c) The Secretary of Health and Social Services or the Secretary's duly authorized designee shall be Secretary of the Authority. The Department of Health and Social Services shall be the Administrative Agent for the Authority. The Department of Health and Social Services shall make such inspections, conduct such investigations and do such other acts as may be necessary to carry out this chapter within the limits of the appropriation made for this purpose. The Administrative Agent shall have all of the powers conferred by law upon the Authority except adopting the rules and regulations provided for in this chapter, subject, however, to the general direction of the Authority.

(d) The Authority members when attending Authority meetings or when doing work for the Authority shall be paid necessary traveling and other expenses connected with such meetings or work.

(e) The Authority shall elect a chairperson to serve for 1 year from those members appointed by the Governor. A majority of the Authority shall constitute a quorum to transact its business.

(f) The Authority shall hold at least 4 regular meetings each calendar year and such special meetings as it deems necessary.

(g) The Authority shall review policies and programs relating to control of ionizing radiation and make recommendations thereon to the agencies of the State.

(h) The Authority may aid the Department of Health and Social Services in the employment, training of and prescribing of the power and duties of such individuals as may be necessary to carry out this chapter. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7404; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1; 57 Del. Laws, c. 591, §§ 16, 17; 60 Del. Laws, c. 698, § 2; 64 Del. Laws, c. 302, §§ 1, 2; 67 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 5; 69 Del. Laws, c. 67, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 149, § 198; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.)

§ 7405. Rules and regulations; adoption; notice; hearing.

The Authority shall adopt rules and regulations as may be necessary for the control of sources of ionizing radiation. Prior to adoption of any rule or regulation, the Authority shall publish or otherwise circulate notice of its intended action and afford interested parties an opportunity, at a public hearing, to submit data and views orally or in writing. Such rules and regulations may provide for the establishment of fees by the Authority for the issuance of licenses, permits or registrations. No code, rule, regulation or amendment or repeal thereof shall be effective until 60 days after adoption thereof. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7405; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1; 60 Del. Laws, c. 698, § 3.)

§ 7406. Licensing and registration of sources and users of ionizing radiation.

(a) The Authority shall promulgate rules and regulations for the general or specific licensing of radioactive material and devices or equipment utilizing such materials and for the registration or exemption of such material, devices or equipment. Such rules or regulations shall provide for the amendment, suspension or revocation of such licenses or registration.

(b) The Authority may require registration or licensing of other sources of ionizing radiation as it may deem necessary.

(c) The Authority may require licensing or certification of users of ionizing radiation.

(d) The Authority may provide for recognition of other state or federal licenses or registrations. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7406; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1; 60 Del. Laws, c. 698, § 4; 67 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 6.)

§ 7407. Inspection.

The Authority or its duly authorized representatives shall have the power to enter at all reasonable times upon any private or public property for the purpose of determining whether or not there is compliance with or violations of this chapter and rules and regulations issued thereunder, except that entry into areas under the jurisdiction of the federal government shall be effected only with the concurrence of the federal government or its duly authorized designated representative. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7407; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7408. Records.

(a) The Authority shall require each person who possesses or uses a source of ionizing radiation to maintain records relating to its receipt, storage, transfer or disposal and such other records as the Authority may require subject to such exemptions as may be provided by rules or regulations.

(b) The Authority shall require each person who possesses or uses a source of ionizing radiation to maintain appropriate records showing the radiation exposure of all individuals for whom personnel monitoring is required by the rules and regulations of the Authority. Copies of these records and those required to be kept by this section shall be submitted to the Administrative Agent or Authority on request. Any person possessing or using a source of ionizing radiation shall notify each employee for whom personnel monitoring is required of such employee's personal exposure record annually, at any time such employee has received excessive exposure, and upon termination of employment. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7408; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7409. Federal-state agreements.

(a) The Governor, upon the recommendation of the Authority, may enter into agreements with the federal government providing for discontinuance of certain of the federal government's responsibilities with respect to sources of ionizing radiation and the assumption thereof by this State.

(b) In the event that the Governor enters into an agreement with the federal government all federal licenses which are valid on the effective date of such agreement shall have the force and effect of a state license or registration issued by the Authority. Such licenses shall be deemed to expire on a date which shall be the earlier of (1) the date of expiration specified in the federal license or (2) 90 days from receipt from the Authority of notice that the federal license will no longer be recognized by the Authority. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7409; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7410. Inspection agreements and training programs.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Governor, the Authority may enter into agreements with the federal government, other states or interstate agencies for inspections or other functions relating to control of sources of ionizing radiation.

(b) The Authority may institute training programs for the purpose of qualifying personnel to carry out this chapter and may make personnel available for participation in any program or programs of the federal government, other states or interstate agencies. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7410; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7411. Conflicting laws.

Ordinances, resolutions or regulations of a governing body or of any other governmental unit relating to by-product, source and special nuclear materials shall not be superseded by this chapter if they are consistent with this chapter and rules and regulations hereunder. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7411; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7412. Administrative procedure and judicial review; emergency rules.

(a) In any proceeding under this chapter (1) for the issuance or modification of rules and regulations relating to control of sources of ionizing radiation, or (2) for granting, suspending, revoking or amending any license or registration, or (3) for determining compliance with, or granting exceptions from, rules and regulations of the Authority, the Authority shall afford an opportunity for a hearing on the record upon the request of any person who may be affected by the action of the Authority and shall admit any such person as a party to such proceeding.

(b) Whenever the Administrative Agent finds that an emergency exists requiring immediate action to protect the public health and safety, the Administrative Agent may, without notice or hearing, issue a regulation or order reciting the existence of such emergency and requiring that such action be taken as is necessary to meet the emergency. Such regulation or order may be effective immediately. Any person to whom such regulation or order is directed shall comply therewith immediately, but on application to the Authority shall be afforded a hearing within 30 days. On the basis of such hearing, the emergency regulation or order shall be continued, modified or revoked within 30 days after such hearing.

(c) Any final order entered in any proceeding by the Authority or the Administrative Agent shall be subject to judicial review by the Superior Court of this State. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7412; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7413. Injunctions.

Whenever, in the judgment of the Authority, any person has engaged in or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule, regulation or order issued thereunder, the Authority may request the Attorney General to make application to the Court of Chancery for an order enjoining such acts or practices or for an order directing compliance and, upon a showing by the Authority that such person has engaged or is about to engage in any such acts or practices, a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order or other order may be granted. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7413; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7414. Prohibited uses.

It is unlawful for any person to use, manufacture, produce, transport, transfer, receive, acquire, own or possess any source of ionizing radiation unless licensed by, registered with or specifically exempted by the Authority in accordance with this chapter. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7414; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7415. Impounding of materials.

The Authority may, in the event of an emergency, impound or order the impounding of sources of ionizing radiation, with the approval of the Atomic Energy Commission when deemed necessary, in the possession of any person who is not equipped to observe or fails to observe the provisions of this chapter or any rules or regulations issued thereunder. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7415; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7416. Penalties; jurisdiction of Superior Court.

Whoever violates any of this chapter or rules, regulations or orders of the Authority shall be fined not in excess of $500 or be imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. Each violation shall be considered a separate offense. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction of offenses under this chapter. (16 Del. C. 1953, § 7416; 56 Del. Laws, c. 266, § 1.)

§ 7417. Storage of radioactive material.

(a) No facility for the permanent deposit, storage, reprocessing or disposal of spent nuclear fuel elements, or for the permanent deposit, storage, reprocessing or disposal of high or low-level radioactive waste material, shall be constructed or established in this State unless the Authority on Radiation Protection first finds that such facility promotes the general good of the State and approves, after a public hearing, a petition for the approval of such facility.

(b) No high-level waste material shall be held in temporary storage for longer than 5 years.

(c) No low-level radioactive waste material shall be held in temporary storage for longer than 10 years.

(d) Whenever the Authority on Radiation Protection finds that the continued presence of a facility for the deposit, storage, reprocessing or disposal of materials in subsection (a) of this section is injurious to the public welfare, the Authority shall issue its order shutting the facility and requiring immediate removal of such material. (61 Del. Laws, c. 432, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 7; 70 Del. Laws, c. 145, § 1.)

§ 7418. Radioactive material originating in another state.

The Authority on Radiation Protection shall not permit the deposit in Delaware, for any period of time, of any radioactive waste material set forth in § 7417(a) of this title originating in any other state. (61 Del. Laws, c. 432, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 8.)