A routine patrol by a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) corporal near a Midland County road led to the discovery of a 100-millicurie cesium-137 source buried several inches underground.
Recovery Operation
The corporal, assigned to the agency’s Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit, was patrolling near South County Road 1210 on July 24 when a vehicle-mounted radiation detection system sounded an alarm. The corporal surveyed the area with additional equipment and traced the radiation to a source below ground. He then requested help from local, state, and federal agencies to remove it safely.
DPS personnel and partner agencies conducted the recovery operation on July 25. The participating organizations included the FBI, Texas Department of State Health Services, Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, Midland Health Department, Midland Emergency Management, and Chevron security representatives.
The responding teams assessed the site, developed an excavation plan, and established hot and cold zones. They continuously monitored radiation exposure and rotated workers under established safety protocols. Crews located the source about 6 to 8 inches below the surface. DPS identified the item as a 100-millicurie sealed radioactive source manufactured in April 1967.
Responders documented the source, verified radiation readings, and recovered it without incident. DPS reported no injuries, no personnel contamination, and no threat to the public.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
