A Technical (Licensing) Question!

[steve.rima@doegjpo.com (Steven Rima)]

     RADSAFERs,
     
     I actually have a technical question that I am hoping someone can 
     assist me with. I've been looking through 10 CFRs, becoming more 
     frustrated the more I look (Imagine that!) Here's the question: What 
     quantity of SNM (Pu 239/240) requires a license for possession, use, 
     etc.? A regulatory citation would be great.
     
     Here's a little background information: We have analyzed samples from 
     the ducting in a radiochemistry laboratory that is slated for 
     demolition. If we count the samples long enough, a few show extremely 
     small trace amounts of Pu 239/240. I'm not completely convinced that 
     it's really there, but I can't positively rule it out either. It seems 
     to me that a concentration and/or quantity below which licensing is 
     not required would be in the regulations somewhere, but I've not found 
     it. If I find a few atoms of SNM in an entire building, is a license 
     needed?
     
     Thanks in advance,
     
     Steve
     
     Steven D. Rima, CHP, CSP
     Radiation Safety Officer
     MACTEC, Inc.
     970-248-6787
     fax 248-6725
     cell 260-3848
     steven.rima@doegjpo.com
     or
     sdrima@mactec.com
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