The following information was provided by the
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (Department) via phone and email:
The licensee informed the Department via phone on May 19, 2025, at approximately 1546 EDT, that one of their authorized users backed over a Humboldt Model 5001 EZ portable gauging device (Serial No. 5732), containing 11 millicuries of Cs-137 and 44 millicuries of Am-241:Be. The licensee reported that no immediate health and safety concerns had been identified.
The on-call duty officer was dispatched to the construction site to investigate the event. The Humboldt Model 5001 EZ portable gauging device was crushed on one side of the device and the securing rod (depth rod) was transversely broken off. The source rod was intact, remained in the shielded position, and did not appear to be visibly damaged. Dose rate surveys at the surface of the gauge and at 1 meter indicated no elevated exposure. The Department performed swipe tests of the affected areas in addition to ambient dose rate surveys. All results were background. The licensee packaged the gauge within its transport case and a survey was performed to ensure compliance with Department of Transportation requirements (Transportation Index) prior to transporting it back to the licensee's facilities to await disposal.
This event is still under investigation by the Department.
- * * UPDATE ON 6/18/2025 AT 1620 EDT FROM JACOB PRICE TO ERNEST WEST * * *
The following information was provided by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (Department) via email:
The licensee submitted the 30-day written report on June 16, 2025. Details of the 30-day written report were consistent with the details obtained from the licensee during the on-site visit and interviews. A leak test record of the portable moisture density device (Humbolt 5001 EZ serial number 5732) dated May 27, 2025, indicated the leak test results of less than 0.005 microcuries. The portable moisture density device (Humbolt 5001 EZ serial number 5732) was transferred to the manufacturer for repairs on June 3, 2025. As a result of this event, the licensee has updated their emergency and operating procedures, and training. The licensee has committed to training all portable moisture density device authorized users to the revised procedures.
South Carolina Event Number: SC250005
Notified R1DO (Warnek) and
NMSS Events Notification (Email)