Radioactive Materials
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed an agreement with the State of Minnesota to assume part of the agency’s regulatory authority over certain radioactive materials in the state. On March 31, 2006, Minnesota became the 34th state to sign such an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Under the agreement, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has transferred to Minnesota the responsibility for licensing, rulemaking, inspection and enforcement activities for: (1) radioactive materials produced as a result of processes related to the production or utilization of special nuclear material (SNM); (2) uranium and thorium source materials; and (3) SNM in quantities not sufficient to form a critical mass.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission transferred approximately 170 licenses, most for medical and industrial uses of radioactive material, to Minnesota’s jurisdiction. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission retained jurisdiction over a number of activities identified in 10 CFR Part 150, including regulation of commercial nuclear power plants and federal agencies using certain nuclear material in the state. In addition, NRC retained authority for the review, evaluation and approval of sealed sources and devices containing certain nuclear materials manufactured in Minnesota and distributed throughout the country.
Rule Change Index with Cross Reference (PDF:46.9 KB/2 pages)
Radioactive Materials Rule Making Information
On August 8, 2011, the Minnesota Department of Health Notice of Adoption was published in the State Register for rules published in the September 13, 2010 State Register. The changes accomplish the following:
- correct errors;
- address inconsistencies;
- remove redundant language;
- re-institute rules for the control of aerosols and gases; and
- address certification of Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
Links to the Notice of Adoption, Statement of Need and Reasonableness, and Adopted Permanent Rules Relating to Radiation Safety are below:
Notice of Adoption (PDF:90.7 KB/3 pages)
Statement of Need and Reasonableness (PDF:89.2 KB/17 pages)
Adopted Permanent Rules Relating to Radiation Safety (PDF:808 KB/29 pages)
Radioactive Materials Emergency Information
To report a radioactive materials incident, during business hour 8 - 4:30, Monday through Friday, call the Radioactive Materials Unit at 651-201-4400.
After hours, contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at 651-649-5451.
Be ready to provide the following information when contacting the Minnesota Duty Officer:
- Telephone number for call-backs at the scene or facility;
- Have local officials been notified of the incident – Fire Department, Police Department, etc;
- Date, time and location of the incident;
- Materials and quantity involved in the incident;
- Responsible party of the incident – trucking firm name, property or business owner name, etc;
- What kind of assistance is requested – informational, specialized team, etc;
- What has happened or what is happening.