Bureau of Radiation Protection
2004
Radioactive Material
Event Report
of Landfill and Metal Recycler Alarms
and other Orphan Source Events
Prepared by:
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Radiation Protection
Rachel Carson State Office Building
400 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Ph. 717-787-2480
Edward G. Rendell, Governor
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Kathleen A. McGinty, Secretary
Department of Environmental Protection
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Introduction
This report documents radioactive materials, devices, and sources that have been
involved in events, improperly discarded as solid waste, or abandoned in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania beginning in the years 2003 and 2004. The catalog
includes many, but not all, of the documented radioactive material events for this period.
This catalog is the first of a series of annual publications and continues to be updated
with event information as the information becomes available. The purpose of the
photograph catalog is to report on activities of the Bureau of Radiation Protection and to
provide a visual reference and educational tool for interested parties. When available,
basic information has been included for each item.
The photos are separated into the following three categories:
1. Section 1 - Radioactive Materials and Devices that Alarmed Waste Processing
and Disposal Facility Monitors
2. Section 2 - Radioactive Materials and Devices that Alarmed Scrap Metal
Recycling Facility Monitors
3. Section 3 - Events Involving Radioactive Materials and Devices
The following abbreviations are used in this document:
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CRCPD - Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors
EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency
LLRW - Low Level Radioactive Waste
NMED - National Materials Event Database
NRC - Nuclear Regulatory Commission
PA DEP - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
This document fulfills an obligation in the Radiation Protection Act (Act 1984-147) that
the Department report such events to the Governor, Legislature and the public.
Questions and comments are welcome and should be directed to the Bureau:
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Radiation Protection
P.O. Box 8469
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8469
Phone: 717-787-2480
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................i
SECTION 1 - RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND DEVICES THAT ALARMED WASTE
PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL FACILITY MONITORS
RA-226 NEEDLE .....................................................................................................1
RADIUM-226 BUTTON SOURCES .........................................................................2
RADIUM DIAL CLOCK ............................................................................................3
CRUCIFIX................................................................................................................4
LEVEL GAUGE........................................................................................................5
VACUUM GAUGE ...................................................................................................6
RABE NEUTRON SOURCE IN MODERATOR .......................................................7
AIR COMPASS ........................................................................................................8
CYCLOTRON COLLIMATOR ..................................................................................9
LUMINOUS MARKERS .........................................................................................10
RADIUM SOURCES IN TEST TUBES ..................................................................11
RADIUM DIAL COMPASS.....................................................................................12
UNIDENTIFIED CABLE .........................................................................................13
RA-226 LUMINOUS MARKER...............................................................................14
UNIDENTIFIED CABLE .........................................................................................15
UNIDENTIFIED DEVICE .......................................................................................16
SMOKE DETECTOR .............................................................................................17
HOT SWITCHING BULB .......................................................................................18
UNIDENTIFIED MATERIAL ...................................................................................19
SEWAGE SLUDGE ...............................................................................................20
SECTION 2 - RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND DEVICES THAT ALARMED SCRAP
METAL RECYCLING FACILITY MONITORS
INDUSTRIAL SMOKE DETECTOR .......................................................................21
UNIDENTIFIED DEVICE .......................................................................................22
YARWAY WATER LEVEL INDICATOR.................................................................23
CRANE CONTROL PANEL GAUGES & LABEL ...................................................24
SECTION 3 - EVENTS INVOLVING RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND DEVICES
TROXLER DENSITY GAUGE................................................................................25
FLOW GAUGE.......................................................................................................26
FLOW GAUGES ....................................................................................................27
ABANDONED CHEMICAL REAGENTS ................................................................28
DEVICES AND SOURCES....................................................................................29
COBALT SOURCES..............................................................................................30
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Section 1
Radioactive Materials and Devices
that Alarmed Waste Processing and
Disposal Facility Monitors
Ra-226 Needle
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This radium needle alarmed the monitor at a landfill and was ultimately
disposed of in a licensed Low-level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) facility in WA
State. The disposal was funded by PA DEP and CRCPD. Radium "needles"
were used by physicians to treat cancer.
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Ra-226
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Dose rate ~ 7.5 mrem/hr on contact
-1-
Radium-226 Button Sources
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These sources alarmed a landfill monitor and were ultimately disposed of in a
licensed LLRW facility in WA State. The disposal was funded by PA DEP and
CRCPD.
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Sources were originally sold as part of a Geiger counter kit as response
check sources.
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83 of these sources were recovered and disposed of.
-2-
Radium Dial Clock
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This clock alarmed a monitor at a waste recycling facility.
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The hands and numbers are painted with radium for luminescence.
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Dose rate ~ 2.6 mrem/hr on contact.
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Disposed of by a LLRW broker.
-3-
Crucifix
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This crucifix alarmed a radiation landfill monitor and was disposed of by a
LLRW broker.
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Radium painted for luminescence.
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Dose rate ~ 1.2 mrem/hr on contact
-4-
Level Gauge
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This level gauge alarmed a landfill monitor and was returned to the
manufacturer. Level gauges are used in various industrial settings such as
bulk material conveyors, hoppers, and storage containments.
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Am-241 Gauge
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Activity ~150 µCi
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Dose rate ~ 8 mrem/hr on contact.
-5-
Vacuum Gauge
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This vacuum gauge alarmed the monitor at a solid waste incinerator facility in
June of 2004 and was returned to the original owner for disposal. Vacuum
gauges are typically used in various industries to measure gas pressure in
closed systems.
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Ra-226, Activity ~100 µCi
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Activity ~ 100 µCi
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Dose rates ~1.3 mrem/hr at 30 cm, .25 mrem/hr at one meter
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Alphatron vacuum gauge, NRC Equipment Corp. Model 820
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NMED PA040002
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RaBe Neutron Source in Moderator
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This source alarmed a monitor at a waste transfer station. The original owner
(college) took possession of the source. Radium-Beryllium (RaBe) sources,
when combined are a source of neutrons used for scientific research and for
well logging in geophysical prospecting for petroleum.
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Ra-226
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Dose rate ~ 300 mrem/hr gamma.
-7-
Air Compass
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This compass alarmed monitor at a landfill and was ultimately disposed of in
a licensed LLRW facility in WA State. The disposal was funded by PA DEP
and CRCPD. Luminescent radium paint was used on aircraft dials &
instruments through WWII to increase their visibility at night.
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Ra-226
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Cyclotron Collimator
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This collimator caused a monitor alarm in
August of 2004, at a waste transfer station.
The collimator was returned to the owner
for disposal.
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Cobalt-56
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Part of the beam line collimator assembly
on model RDA111 and Eclipse Cyclotron
accelerators manufactured by CTI.
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Accelerators are used in medical
treatment, research and production of
radioactive materials.
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NMED PA040006
BlueSpectrum
RedSpectrum
Background
1.2E+4
1.1E+3
1.1E+2
1.1E+1
12 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000
Spectrum from handheld analyser
-9-
3325
Luminous Markers
Single Marker
(1.5" in diameter)
Metal Container
w / Luminous Markers.
Markers were individually
packaged in canvas pouches.
(1.5" in diameter)
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These luminous markers caused a monitor alarm in Sept. of 2004, at a solid
waste incinerator. The Army Corps of Engineers took custody of the markers
and will dispose of them.
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Luminous markers are used to illuminate personnel, pathways & other objects
to increase visibility at night.
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LABELED: Corps of Engineers USA Luminous Markers, MFG By US Radium
Corp
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Ra-226
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DOSE RATES: Contact-
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20.1 mrem/hr
1 foot-
1.02 mrem/hr
1 meter-
112 µrem/hr
NMED PA040005
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Radium Sources in Test Tubes
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These circa 1940 test tubes of Radium-226 (as RaBaCl) were found in April
2004 in a load of glass due to be recycled.
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Activity ~ 6 mCi Ra-226
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The material was ultimately disposed of in a licensed LLRW facility in WA
State. The disposal was funded by PA DEP and CRCPD.
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NMED # PA040009
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Radium Dial Compass
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This compass originated from a load of household waste that alarmed a
landfill monitor in May of 2004. The item is preserved as a collector’s item.
Radium painted dials were used due to their luminescent qualities.
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Dose rate ~ 2 mrem/hr contact.
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Unidentified Cable
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This radium-laden cable alarmed a landfill monitor in July of 2004. The item
was disposed of in the 2004 "Radium Roundup" campaign funded by PA DEP
and CRCPD. Cables such as this are most commonly used in plastic
manufacturing to eliminate electrostatic charges.
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Dose rate ~1.7 mrem/hr on contact.
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Ra-226 Luminous Marker
Back side of
marker with
clip.
Front of marker.
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This luminous marker alarmed a landfill monitor in 2003. Luminous markers
of this type were used to illuminate personnel and objects at night.
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Ra-226
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Dose rate ~ 4mrem/hr on contact.
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Disposed of in a licensed Low-level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) facility in WA
State. The disposal was funded by PA DEP and CRCPD.
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Unidentified Cable
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This unidentified cable alarmed a landfill monitor.
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No further information was available at publishing time.
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Cables such as this are most commonly used in plastic manufacturing to
eliminate electrostatic charges.
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Unidentified Device
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This device alarmed a landfill monitor.
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No further information was available at publishing time.
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Smoke Detector
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This industrial smoke detector alarmed a landfill monitor in October 2004.
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Ra-226
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Dose Rate ~1.25 mrem/hr
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This item was disposed by a LLRW broker.
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Hot Switching Bulb
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This bulb alarmed a landfill monitor.
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Ra-226
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No further information was available at publishing time.
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Unidentified Material
• This unidentified material alarmed a landfill monitor in October 2004.
• Ra-226
• Dose Rate ~0.45 mrem/hr
• Material was separated from the load and stored for disposal.
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Sewage Sludge
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Sewage sludge contaminated with Co-60 and other fission products have
alarmed radiation monitors at waste facilities.
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This picture is of a “reed bed” for solids reduction at a wastewater treatment
facility (WTF). The sewage sludge that comprises the “soil” layer beneath the
reeds in this photo is contaminated with byproduct material that was disposed of
in the municipal sewer system as a byproduct from a licensed nuclear laundry.
Since the wastewater treatment process concentrates the solids in wastewater,
the Radioactive contamination was also concentrated, causing an alarm at the
monitor landfill when it was delivered for disposal.
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DEP is working with the NRC and the facility operator to ensure the remaining
sludge in the reed bed is properly disposed of.
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Section 2
Radioactive Materials and Devices
that Alarmed Scrap Metal
Recycling Facility Monitors
Industrial Smoke Detector
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This smoke detector alarmed a monitor at a scrap metal facility. The
originator took possession of the item and disposed of it.
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Dose rate ~2 mrem/hr
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The detector was originally installed to monitor for smoke in the ventilation
ductwork at a large facility.
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No further information was available at publishing time.
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Unidentified Device
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This unidentified device alarmed a scrap metal facility monitor in February
2004. The source material was found inside.
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Th-232
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Activity ~ 0.4 mCi
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Dose rate ~175 mrem/hr on contact, 5 mrem/hr at 30 cm
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The device was ultimately disposed of in a licensed LLRW facility in WA
State. The disposal was funded by PA DEP and CRCPD.
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Yarway Water Level Indicator
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This water level indicator was identified at an industrial facility.
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Ra-226
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No further information was available at publishing time.
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Crane Control Panel Gauges & Label
- 24 -
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The control panel & dashboard gauges and dials were all painted with radium.
Radium paint was used for night illumination. The nameplate is shown for
information.
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No further information was available at publishing time.
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Section 3
Events Involving Radioactive
Materials and Devices
Troxler Density Gauge
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This gauge was severely damaged when an asphalt roller accidentally rolled
over it in October of 2003. The damaged gauge was returned to the
manufacturer for repair. Density gauges like this are used to measure soil
compaction and moisture content for construction purposes.
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0.5 mrem/hr @ 30cm
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Am/Be241 ~ 40mCi
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Cs137 ~ 8 mCi
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NMED# 030887
- 25 -
Flow Gauge
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This TN Model 5201 Generally Licensed device was found at an abandoned
mine site in March 2004. The device was returned to the manufacturer. Flow
gauges such as this are used to measure material density and flow through
piping.
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Cs-137
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Activity ~ 100 mCi
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Dose rate information ~75 mrem/hr on contact, ~4 mrem/hr at 30 cm
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NMED # PA040008
- 26 -
Flow Gauges
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These two Generally Licensed devices were found at an abandoned mine site
in July 2004. The gauges were sent to a waste broker.
Ronan Model SA8-C10 Serial #M1814
Cesium 137
150 mCi
Dose Rates: ~1.0 mrem/hr at 30 cm, 170 ~ µrem/hr at 1 meter
Texas Nuclear Model 5191 Serial #B1807
1 Ci Cesium 137
Dose Rates: 1.2 mrem/hr at 30 cm, 210 µrem/hr at 1 meter
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NMED # PA040010
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Abandoned Chemical Reagents
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These materials, which appeared to be radioactive or contaminated with
radioactive substances, were discovered during a closure survey of a
scientific laboratory in October of 2004. Several of the containers' contents
were impossible to identify from their labeling. The total weight of the
materials was approximately 10-15 lbs. A LLRW broker disposed of the
material.
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Uranium and Thorium oxides and metals.
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No further information was available at publishing.
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Devices and Sources
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A total of 483 Generally Licensed (GL) devices and sources were abandoned
when a business in the Pittsburgh area failed. The source material included
Am-241, AmBe, Ba-133, Co-60, Cs-137, Na-22, Ra-226, and Sr-90. Total
activity was estimated at ~51 Curies with the majority being Co-60 and Cs137.
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At the request of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) the sources
were packaged and disposed of by a LLRW waste broker funded by the U.S.
Department of Energy.
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Cost of this site remediation and disposal is estimated at ~ $500,000 (USD).
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No further information was available at publishing time.
- 29 -
Cobalt Sources
Cobalt source rods in liner
Cobalt source rods in rack
Shipping cask liners for Cobalt sources
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The U.S. EPA funded and contracted to have 469 sealed Co-60 sources
removed from a manufacturing business after the licensee filed for bankruptcy
and informed the NRC that it could not provide security and disposal for the
licensed material. The PA DEP provided security until all of the licensed
material was removed from the site and disposed of at the radioactive waste
disposal site in Barnwell, SC. The approximate total activity of all sources was
87,900 curies, and the remediation and disposal costs were estimated to be
in excess of 2 million dollars.
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For more information, visit DEP's website at www.dep.state.pa.us,
Keyword: "DEP Radiation."
2900-BK-DEP4017
5/2005