(daly.eric@epa.gov)

Site Location:
#19 Road, km. 0.5
Guaynabo, PR 00965
response.epa.gov/Nickel-63RadiologicalResponse

Initial Response:

On February 5, 2010, OSC Daly received a call from OSC Garrison regarding a report from the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB). EQB requested EPA assistance in assessing a potential radioactive source. There are twelve (12) obsolete drug screening instruments, Model IONSCAN 400A, being stored in a secured area in Guaynabo, PR. The current owner of the equipment wants the area assessed and assistance in proper disposal of the instruments. OSC Daly contacted the RERT Commanders, ERRD-RPB Management, CEPD Management, and the Region 02 Health Physicists. That is all the information we have at this time. I do not know who has possession of this item (TSA, Airport, other). I do not know an isotope or even what type of radiation (Alpha, Beta, and Gamma). There is also the possibility that this is not a radioactive source all together.
RERT Commander, Sam Poppell, was on duty and contacted both OSCs. Mr. Poppell identified the manufacturer of the instrument as Smiths Detection. The technician verified that there is a radiological source in each of the units, Nickel-63 (Ni-63). The Ni-63 is a beta emitter and a sealed source within the unit. Since the radiological isotope is contained in the unit as a sealed source, the radiation is not detectable with survey instrumentation. Sealed sources pose no internal radiation hazard. The only way to detect the source while it is in this configuration is to perform a leak test using a cotton swab and alcohol. The swab would then be sent to a fixed radiation lab for analysis. This method is only effective if the sealed source is leaking. Basically the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires that the Ni-63 source(s) be removed by the manufacturer or a qualified HP technician before the units are disposed of as scrap. Smiths Detection is requesting the serial numbers for each of the units to confirm that they are Smiths Detection equipment and to determine the radiation source activity per unit. Mr. Poppell will continue to work with Smiths Detection to identify the units, the Ni-63 activity per unit, and a means of getting Smiths Detection to receive these units back for proper disposal.

According to EQB, IONSCAN 400A units are allegedly the property of the Administracion de Correccion (Administration of Corrections, AOC). AOC is an agency "appointed" to the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation of Puerto Rico (DCRPR) which in turn is an executive department of the government of Puerto Rico. EQB is still investigating, but it appears that AOC and/or DCRPR are viable responsible parties if the radiological sources require a removal action.

EQB and EPA Personnel will visit the Guaynabo storage area on February 8, 2010. Activities will include the recording of unit serial numbers, observe the condition of the units, verify the presence of the sealed sources, and photo documentation. The information collected will be shared with all involved agencies.