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Cultural Uranium

 
Site Contact:
Shun-Ping Chau
Federal On-Scene Coordinator

(chau.shun-ping@epa.gov)

Site Location:
Pierre, SD 57501
 response.epa.gov/CulturalUranium

The State of South Dakota encountered a small quantity of yellow cake uranium and uranium ore at the Historical Museum in Pierre, South Dakota and requested EPA assistance in assessment and to identify disposal options.

 

 

 


Samples of processed yellow cake uranium, sample # 8 (date of photo unknown, date is correlated to when received by EPA). Source of photo: State of South Dakota Samples of processed yellow cake uranium, sample # 7 (date of photo unknown, date is correlated to when received by EPA). Source of photo: State of South Dakota Samples of processed yellow cake uranium, sample # 6 (date of photo unknown, date is correlated to when received by EPA). Source of photo: State of South Dakota A western view of the exterior of the museum where the uranium was found. A pancake probe attached to a ludlum used to detect sources of radiation is shown here. The location of where the uranium materials were found in the museum is shown here. The uranium materials were scanned with SAM 940 to determine the isotopes and type of radiation the samples were emitting. Surface wipe samples were taken and analyzed after handling to verify no residue was left on site. The materials were packaged in double-walled stainless steal containers, wrapped in aluminum foil and sealed in a five-gallon bucket packed with borax. The five-gallon bucket containing the materials was placed in a metal 55-gallon drum until they can be properly disposed.