The following report was received via fax:
On August 5, 2015, while investigating a collection of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) at Newell Recycling Southeast facility in Phenix City, AL, representatives from the Alabama Office of Radiation Control identified what appeared to be a very old gauge containing radioactive material. Initial field analysis measurements identified the isotope as Sr-90.
A follow-up visit on August 7, 2015 by Alabama Office of Radiation Control personnel confirmed the source of radiation to be a very old device containing a sealed Sr-90 source. Maximum radiation levels of 1500 mR/hr (beta + gamma) and 300 mR/hr (gamma only) at the port opening were measured. The device was secured and placed in storage at the facility. A leak test was performed and the results are pending.
The origin of the device is unknown. There are no identifying marks on the device. The Alabama Office of Radiation Control continues to investigate to determine the make, model and serial number. It is assumed that the device is a very old, generally licensed device that was abandoned, lost or stolen in the past.
Alabama Incident 15-36