The State provided the following information via e-mail:
Received notification on 8-13-06 from Schlumberger that they had logging tool stuck in the G. B. Boots Smith #1 exploration well located Jones County, Mississippi. Logging tool containing 1.7 curie Cesium-137 source (Serial # GSR-J-5031) and a 16 curie American-241: Be source (Serial # NSR-F-2316) was stuck below 17660 feet. Operating company was fishing for logging tool string. Schlumberger discussed initial procedure of abandoning sources with DRH. Fishing operations for logging tool containing sources was unsuccessful and decision was made to abandon tool string in hole. Licensee stated that tool would be cemented in hole with cement plug set at 17100 feet. Operator set approximately 300 feet of cement used on top of 10 bars of 0.75 inch/ 10 foot joints of solid steel rods with the top at 16782 feet. Well was to be completed at a shallower depth.
Isotope(s) : Cesium-137 & American-241:Be
Activity: 1.7 Ci Abandoned, 16 Ci Abandoned.
Date of Incident: 8-8-06
Date Reported to DRH: 8-13-06
Were any other licensees involved, if so identify below: None others involved.
Describe clean-up actions taken by DRH: None taken
List radiation measurements taken by DRH: No survey reading taken by DRH. Schlumberger surveyed drilling mud during fishing operations and did not observe any reading out of the normal readings.
List any other actions required of DRH: 30 written report required from licensee. Licensee must also place plaque on well bore signifying that abandoned source is in well bore. DRH will inspect plaque on well head after it is installed.
List any actions taken to notify NRC, other Agreement States: Notify NRC by e-mail 8-21-06. Notified NMED on 8-21-06 by e-mail.
Case Closed: No
Record of incident in RAM files: Yes
Enforcement action taken: None taken. Abandonment of sources not licensee's fault. No corrective actions required.