Radioactive Source Reduction and Management

Publications

Radiation Source Reduction & Management

Source Reduction

Source Tracking

Tracking Radioactive Materials with RFIDs

Orphan Source Detection
and Response

Orphan Source Recovery

Orphan Source Recovery Efforts

Additional Information

These reports and publications provide both background information and the results of projects to develop non-nuclear alternative technologies, track existing sources through commerce, and recover orphan sources.

On this page:

Life-Cycle Assessment
Source Reduction
Source Tracking
Orphan Source Detection and Response
Orphan Source Recovery
Archival Documents

Life-Cycle Assessment

The Material Flow for Radioactive Cesium-137 in the United States in 2000 (PDF) (61pp, 789Kb [about pdf format])- Oct.8, 2004
materials cycle for Cs-137 and recommendations for improved controls

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Source Reduction

Initial Research

Radiation Source Alternative Initiative (PDF) (6pp, 277Kb [about pdf format]) September 30, 2001
report on sealed radiation sources that summarizes health risks and identifies possible alternative technologies

Radioactive Materials Product Stewardship (PDF) (96pp, 1.06Mb [about pdf format]) June 11, 2003
technical evaluation of relevant issues associated with nuclear fixed gauges and tritium exit signs

Industrial Applications of Sealed Radiation Sources and Alternative Non Nuclear Technologies (39pp, 427Kb [about pdf format]) September 30, 2002
deals with the applications of sealed radioactive materials in industry.

Portable Gauges

Evaluation of Soil Compaction Measuring Devices (PDF) (132pp, 3.5Mb [about pdf format]) March 2005
results of study of soil compaction measuring devices available in the market

Modification of the Clegg Hammer as and Alternative to Nuclear Density Gauge to Determine Soil Compaction (PDF) (36pp, 1.4Mb [about pdf format]) February, 2006
final report on enhancement and modification of the Clegg-Hammer device to gain acceptance as an alternative to the Nuclear Density Gauge in soil compaction control.

EPA Transition to Portable Gauges, Fixed Gauges, and Other Devices

Fixed Gauges

Feasibility Study for Introduction of Alternatives to Fixed Industrial Gauging Devices Utilizing Radioisotopes (PDF) (45pp, 249Kb [about pdf format]) September, 2003
examines the potential for adoption of sensors that use alternative technologies

Feasibility of a Pilot Project, Gauging Devices Final Report (PDF) (23pp, 232Kb [about pdf format]) - June 30, 2006
potential pilot project partners and technical goals and requirements for a pilot project that will facilitate the research and development, validation, and adaptation of alternative gauging devices

Radiography Cameras

Demonstration of Pulsed X-ray Machine Radiography as an Alternative to Industry Radiography Cameras (PDF) (38pp, 2.7Mb [about pdf format]) - November 2006
report on demonstration of pulsed, battery operated, portable x-ray source with a peak x-ray energy of 270 kV is an alternative radiography technology for inspection of pipe welds

Comparison of Imaging Capabilities Between Ultrasonics and Radiography (PDF) (37pp, 2.165Mb [about pdf format]) - May 2004 Southwest Research Institute Draft Final Report
report on investigation of ultrasonic imaging systems versus radiography

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Source Tracking

Tracking Radioactive Sources in Commerce (PDF) (10pp, 886SKb [about pdf format]) March, 2005
This report describes EPA and DOE's investigation of technologies to improve tracking and monitoring of high-level radiological sources while in commerce.
-Companion Poster (PDF)

RadSTraM: Radiological Source Tracking and Monitoring, Phase I Interim Final Report (PDF) (61pp, 1.1Mb [about pdf format]) June, 2005
This report focuses on the technical information gained from the Radiological Source Tracking and Monitoring (RadSTraM) investigation and its implications.

RadSTraM: Radiological Source Tracking and Monitoring, Phase II Final Report (PDF) (40pp, 2.1Mb [about pdf format]) January, 2007
This report focuses on the technical information gained from the Radiological Source Tracking and Monitoring (RadSTraM) Phase II investigation and its implications.

Radio Frequency Tracking of Hazardous Waste Across International Borders (PDF) (2pp, 116Kb [about pdf format]) October, 2005
this fact sheet describes a verification study on combining RFID technology with hazardous waste electronic manifest capability
-Companion Poster (PDF) (1p, 2.75Mb)

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Stakeholder Meeting Discussion Points, August 23, 2005 (PDF) (3pp, 93 Kb [about pdf format])
discussion points from stakeholder meeting on potential issues related to RFID tracking of radioactive materials

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Orphan Source Detection and Response

Identifying Radioactive Sources at the Demolition Site (PDF) (4pp, 108Kb [about pdf format]) March, 2005
This paper discusses the issue of unidentified radioactive sources at demolition sites and describes the training CD EPA has developed for contractors.
-Companion Poster (PDF) (1pp, 1.1 Mb [about pdf format])

Response to Radiation Alarms at Metal Processing Facilities (PDF) (1pp, 476.5 Kb, [about pdf format])
This poster provides an overview of EPA’s Interactive Training for

International Approach to Monitoring for Radioactively Contaminated Scrap Metal (PDF) (5pp, 102Kb [about pdf format]) March, 2005
This paper is a report on the activities of the UNECE and EPA on identifying and solving issues related to radioactive contamination of international scrap shipments.
-Companion Poster (PDF) (1pp, 1.1 Mb [about pdf format])

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Orphan Source Recovery

NNSA Recovers More than 15,000 Radioactive Sources From Around the United States(PDF) (1pp, 67Kb [about pdf format]) press release, May, 2007
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has
recovered and secured more than 15,000 orphan sources in the United States

Proceedings: Monitoring and Response Procedures for Radioactive Scrap Metal (PDF) (130pp, 2.38Mb [about pdf format]) June, 2006
Appendix A presents the analysis of the survey of scrap metal industry.