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NRC NEWS U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, REGION II 61 Forsyth Street, Suite 23T85, Atlanta, GA 30303

NRC Staff Proposes $5,500 in Fines Against West Virginia Company for Violations of NRC Regulations

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has proposed $5,500 in civil penalties against Allegheny Wireline Services of Weston, West Virginia, for deliberate violations of NRC requirements at its Elderton, Pennsylvania, facility related to the use of radioactive materials in well logging.

Well logging is a technique used in oil and gas exploration to help predict the commercial viability of new or existing wells. It involves lowering a well-logging tool, including a sealed source of radioactive material, into a well on a wire. This device sends data on the well's underground characteristics to the surface, where it is plotted on a chart.

An NRC inspection and investigation determined that on numerous occasions prior to July 15, 1998, radiological surveys of well sites were not being performed, yet records indicated that they were conducted. In addition, the Radiation Safety Officer knew surveys were not being performed and that records were not accurate. The radiological surveys are required during well logging activities to promptly identify a missing or damaged source. The company has informed the NRC that corrective actions have been taken to address the violations and prevent recurrence.

The company has 30 days from receipt of the Notice of Violation to either pay the fines or protest their imposition.

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