CERCLA Emergency Response - Removal Site Evaluation

1.1.2 Site Description

On October 8, 2014, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an interview with the tenant of an apartment in Boise, ID that is suspected of buying and/or selling radioactive material on Ebay. Upon arrival at the residence, NRC observed suspected radioactive and hazardous substances. As a result, a hazardous materials response team was mobilized to assess conditions in the apartment.

Later that day the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) conducted an inspection of the apartment. IDEQ documented numerous locations and/or containers with powders, residues, and/or liquids throughout the apartment, some in unlabeled and/or open containers. IDEQ also documented equipment that could be used for chemical processing (glassware, mixing containers, etc.) as well as evidence of chemical processing (residues).

Concurrent with IDEQ, NRC conducted an inspection at the apartment. This inspection documented that the tenant had in his possession a variety of radioactive materials that included suspected uranium, uranium salts, and equipment associated with handling radioactive materials. Radiation levels in the apartment were reported to range from 0.5 mR to 1.5 mR.

As a result of these inspections, the State of Idaho requested EPA to respond to determine if there is a threat to human health or the environment.

1.1.2.1 Location
Renaissance Apartments

6342 North Park Meadow Way

Building 5, Apartment 304

See PolRep #1 for site activities through 10/11/14

10/12/14
EPA, DOE, IDEQ, ERRS, & START conducted the following activities:

Discovery and decontamination of radioactivity outside of the apartment
Additional radiation surveys were conducted on the exterior of the apartment unit in question, which is one unit in Building Five of the apartment complex.  The surveys included sidewalks, grassy areas, exposed soil, the parking lot, and near the building dumpsters.  During this survey, radioactivity was detected at 76 locations on the concrete walkways leading from the apartment unit in question, down a stairway, and onto the front sidewalk of Building Five.  Each location was approximately the size of a quarter and consisted of a faint droplet-shaped spot of dried material.  All 76 locations were covered to prevent contamination from spreading.   No radiation above background levels was detected in other areas outside of the apartment.   

In addition, in order to serve as a surrogate for background, additional surveys were conducted in other apartments in Building Five, including adjacent dwellings.  No radioactive contamination was detected above background levels in the other residences or in any other staircase or walkway near Building Five.

 Further radioactive characterization of the apartment
DOE RAP and START contractor continued efforts to characterize the nature and extent of radiological materials in the apartment.   This work included further sampling, analysis, and identification of unknown radioactive materials.  While working in the apartment, the team also discovered several previously unidentified containers with radioactive materials.  One focus of the sampling efforts was to determine if any radioactive materials had escaped the apartment through drains, vents, and/or fans.  Based on the survey and sampling results, it does not appear as though any materials were released via those pathways. 

 Public and Media Outreach
An EPA Community Outreach Coordinator has been on-site to answer questions from residents of the apartment complex about site activities.  As part of these efforts, a meeting was held at the complex community center that allowed residents to hear about site work, ask questions, and engage with EPA, IDEQ, and a radiation health physicist.

Tenant relocation and personal property
EPA continued to provide support to the tenants by providing them access to temporary housing. DOE RAP and START continued radiation screening of the tenant's personal property.  These items were handed over to EPA for return to the tenant.

10/13/14
EPA, DOE, IDEQ, ERRS, & START conducted the following activities:

Decontamination and removal of contamination discovered on concrete surfaces outside the apartment
With the discovery of contamination outside of the apartment, actions were quickly taken to decontaminate and physically remove the quarter-sized radioactive concrete areas.  ERRS contractor first used a cleaning solution to remove the majority of radioactive residues.  In addition to decontamination, ERRS also used a mechanical scabbler to physically remove a thin layer of concrete and the remaining contamination.  START contractor analyzed each location after ERRS decontaminated and removed concrete.  The measurements START collected did not exceed background radiation levels measured in areas where no contamination was present.  All 76 locations were decontaminated and removed. Additional radiation monitoring will be conducted on 10/13/14 to further confirm removal.

Sample data analysis
DOE RAP finalized their analysis of the samples collected on 10/12/14 and transferred custody of samples, preliminary sample results, and other documentation to EPA. With characterization activities completed, the DOE RAP demobilized from the site, but will be providing final sample results after it is further processed at Idaho National Laboratories.

Surface Soil Sampling
START contractor collected 6 surface soil samples from areas located around Building Five and 2 quality assurance samples. The samples were screened for radioactivity; however, nothing above background levels was detected. The samples will be submitted to a laboratory for confirmation and additional analysis.

 Public and Media Outreach
The site community involvement coordinator continued engaging with apartment complex residents and developed a fact sheet for residents and interested parties. Media efforts included 2 on camera interviews and 2 press interviews.  Several media outlets made visits to the site throughout the day.

 Tenant relocation and personal property
EPA continued to provide support to the tenants by providing them access to temporary housing.   DOE RAP and START completed radiation screening of the tenant's personal property.  These items were handed over to EPA for return to the tenant.

(1) Segregation of radioactive material from hazardous chemicals.  (2) Sampling and Hazard/Disposal Categorization of chemicals.  (3) Removal and proper disposal of radioactive and chemical wastes from the apartment.  (4) Clearance of the apartment for re-occupancy.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

October 10
EPA: 5

DOE: 8

NRC: 2

IDEQ: 1

START contractor: 3