ENS 57870
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
08:00 Aug 14, 2025 | |
| Title | Damaged Moisture Density Gauge |
| Event Description | The following information was provided by the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Radiation Protection (WADOH) via email:
At 0100 PDT [on 08/14/2025] an intoxicated driver collided with several pieces of equipment in a roadside construction zone, including a nuclear portable gauge. This event occurred on SR 16 eastbound directly before the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Gig Harbor, Washington. The nuclear gauge that was damaged was a licensed Troxler model 3450. The damage appeared to consist of the handle being separated from the body of the gauge. The gauge was not in use at the time. The radiation safety officer (RSO) cordoned off the area and prevented individuals from coming within 150 feet of the source. The timeline of this event is still being investigated. The RSO contacted WADOH at 0205 PDT. Emergency response, consisting of fire and hazmat personnel, arrived on site at approximately 0500 equipped with a Geiger Mueller radiation detection instrument. Two individuals donned Tyvek [suits] and proceeded towards the source, with WADOH directing their response via telephone communication. The highest radiation levels were 15 mR/hr, measured approximately one foot from the source, which indicated that the sources were likely still within the shielded position. The two emergency responders used a shovel to pick the source handle and gauge body up and place the pieces back into the Troxler type 'A' shipping container. This took approximately 8 minutes and the dose received is assumed to be less than 2 mrem each. The container was then closed, and additional radiation surveys were taken. The on contact dose on the exterior of the container was 2 mR/hr, which is below the expected dose rate while within the container. WADOH arrived on-site at approximately 0730 PDT and took contamination surveys on the source assembly, which was visibly intact. No contamination was detected. Under Troxler's guidance, the licensee transported the material within the type 'A' container back to their calibration facility to perform leak tests. Leak tests have been performed and are being sent out for counting prior to shipment back to Troxler. The gauge will remain in a secured position until it is shipped back to Troxler. The licensee will follow Troxler guidance and all applicable DOT regulations. A full report will be delivered to WADOH within 30 days. WADOH will continue conversations with the licensee to determine the full scope of the situation, and additional details will be provided as they are found. Gauge sources: 9 mCi Cs-137, 44 mCi Am-241/Be, and 66 microcuries Cf-252 WA Incident Number: WA 25-009
The following information was provided by the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Radiation Protection (WADOH) via email: Dose assessment: Four responders were on-site. Two responders were in a radiation field of up to 15 mR/hr for 8 minutes. The conservative estimate is a 2 mrem total effective dose equivalent each. Dose to WADOH responder was less than 1 mrem. [As part of corrective actions,] WADOH has generated job aids for responding to portable gauge emergencies. Additional procedural changes are being developed. Focused training on similar emergencies is being developed to ensure office-wide readiness. The licensee will internally audit all emergency procedures for portable gauge license, including updating the gauge transportation forms with radiation safety officer personal phone number. All required traffic control was in place. No further actions required. Corrective actions will be verified during a routine inspection. Notified R4DO (Deese) and NMSS Event Notification (email) |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Wa Department Of Transportation Gig Harbor, Washington (NRC Region 4) | |
| License number: | WN-L071-1 |
| Organization: | Wa Office Of Radiation Protection |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+8.27 h0.345 days <br />0.0492 weeks <br />0.0113 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Dane Blakinger 16:16 Aug 14, 2025 |
| NRC Officer: | Adam Koziol |
| Last Updated: | Sep 10, 2025 |
| 57870 - NRC Website | |
Wa Department Of Transportation with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 578702025-08-14T08:00:00014 August 2025 08:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State Damaged Moisture Density Gauge 2025-08-14T08:00:00 | |