The following was received from the state of
New Jersey via email:
A local Police Department informed [NJ Department Radioactive Materials Program] that a suspicious package was discovered behind a deli/apartment building. Hazmat officials responded. The package was identified as the transport container for a portable moisture density gauge. Labeling on the container identified the gauge as a CPN International, Inc., MC Series Portaprobe, serial number M380404223. The labeling further stated that the gauge contained a Cs-137/Am-241/Be source. The listed activities were 10 mCi of Cs-137 as of 11/19/97 and 50 mCi of Am-241/Be as of 6/6/97. The shipping container appeared intact, with appropriate cautionary labeling. The highest exposure rate reported was 0.9 mR/hr at two feet from the container. The licensee reportedly told officials on the scene that they were out of business and could not explain how the device got to the location where it was found. Due to the lack of security that allowed the device to be moved to the location where it was found, we were not confident that the licensee would be able to secure the item if it was returned to them. The hazmat team secured the device overnight at their office location. The device will be secured pending completion of the investigation and subsequent proper disposition of the device.
The State of
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Environmental Radiation was notified.