Answer to Question #2163 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I have a nuclear measuring device that I am looking to dispose of, either by giving it away or to find a local or more local company that does packaging and disposal. This device was used to measure the density of heavy media water in coal cleaning. It has ¹³⁷Cs in it. The device was used in the 1980's and since then has been unused. Can you aid me in locating someone who has use for this device or has the means to dispose of it? I'm located in Central Pennsylvania.

A

At this time, Pennsylvania is not an Agreement State, thus, your ¹³⁷Cs "nuclear measuring device" should be under regulatory control of a Byproduct Material License (Specific or General) of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and in a secured storage location. If you are not aware, and you have a "generally licensed" ¹³⁷Cs source, it is now subject to "registration" with the NRC, and disposal or transfer is restricted to another NRC or Agreement State radioactive material licensee. The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) does maintain a list of sources available to other users, but I wouldn't be too hopeful for such a transfer, as the supply is no doubt greater than the demand. The CRCPD also provides a listing of Radioactive Waste Broker & Processor Services that can assist you with disposal. Lastly, if you need it, I would offer assistance from our Commonwealth Radiation Control Program staff. Should you be lacking financial resources for proper disposal, federal funds may be available for "orphan source" disposal through an agreement we just signed with the CRCPD, and may be able to use in this case.

David J. Allard, CHP,
Acting Deputy Secretary, Air, Recycling & Radiation Protection
Director, PaDEP, Bureau of Radiation Protection