A recent discovery in Midland County had the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recover a 60-year-old radioactive source partially buried, emitting dangerous levels of radiation.
Radiation Source Discovered
A Corporal from DPS’ Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit was on patrol along S County Road 1210 in Midland County when his system began alerting him to radiation exposure. A systematic survey was conducted, revealing a source nearby emitting radiation.
Several agencies, including the FBI and the Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, dispatched assistance. An excavation plan was set to uncover the source, and radiation levels were closely monitored for all personnel.
The source was discovered to be a 100-millicurie Cs-137 source, sealed since its manufacture in April 1967. The isotope Cesium (Cs)-137 is a byproduct of nuclear fission, often used in radiation therapy devices for treating cancer.
Safe Recovery and Prevention
The source was safely recovered without incident, and there was no threat to the public following its extraction. DPS’ Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Team, consisting of eight people for the entire state of Texas, handles the detection and prevention of radiological and nuclear material.
Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.
