The following report was received via email:
A Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) van was involved, in an accident while carrying a Humboldt 5001 soil moisture density gauge. The gauge contained 10 mCi of Cs-137 (s/n9733GQ) and 40 mCi of Am-241 (s/nNJ03934). The Louisiana State Police notified LA DEQ of the accident and stated that the overpack was not breached and that readings at the surface were 0.9 mR/hr. The gauge and overpack were inspected at the DOTD district laboratory that was 0.5 miles from the accident. The overpack was in overall excellent condition except for a small hole (approximately 1 inch in circumference) which had been punched through the exterior wall but did not puncture the interior wall of the overpack. The overpack and gauge were surveyed by a DEQ inspector and recorded readings of 0.2 mR/hr at 1 meter which, correspond to the transportation index. A leak test has been sent off for the gauge and the results are pending. Will update with further information when it becomes available.
LA Event Report ID No.: LA080005