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Orphan Sources
The NRC is taking action to address the problem of unwanted and uncontrolled
radioactive materials, often referred to as orphan sources.
Definition of an Orphan Source
The term "orphan source" generally refers to a sealed source of
radioactive material contained in a small volume--but not radioactively contaminated
soils and bulk metals--in any one or more of the following conditions:
- In an uncontrolled condition that requires removal to protect public health
and safety from a radiological threat
- Controlled or uncontrolled, but for which a responsible party cannot be
readily identified
- Controlled, but the material's continued security cannot be assured. If
held by a licensee, the licensee has few or no options for, or is incapable
of providing for, the safe disposition of the material
- In the possession of a person, not licensed to possess the material, who
did not seek to possess the material
- In the possession of a State radiological protection program for the sole
purpose of mitigating a radiological threat because the orphan source is
in one of the conditions described in one of the first four bullets and
for which the State does not have a means to provide for the material's
appropriate disposition
Examples of Instances Where Orphan Sources Have Become a Problem
- Measuring and controlling devices containing radioactive materials that
were improperly disposed of as scrap metal and taken to metal recyclers
- Radioactive material used with gauges in industrial processes and in road
and building construction that was found by the side of the road or in a
river
- Sealed radioactive sources used in oil and gas exploration that are no
longer wanted but contain radioactive materials that exceed the limits for
disposal at commercial low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities
Actions NRC Is Taking
The agency has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU
)
with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on the management of certain of the
materials. It also has approved providing funding to the Conference of Radiation
Control Program Directors (CRCPD) --a
group of State radiation protection officials--to support a national
program
for safely dealing with the materials.
Related Regulations and Guidance
- 65
FR 79139 (12/18/2000) Base Civil Penalties for Loss, Abandonment, or
Improper Transfer or Disposal of Sources; Policy Statement (Related to final
rule, 12/18/00)
Related Documents and Other Resources
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