NRC PROPOSES $3,250 FINE AGAINST INDIANA COMPANY FOR FAILING TO SECURE NUCLEAR GAUGES
Printable Version

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a $3,250 fine against Alt & Witzig Engineering Inc., headquartered in Carmel, Ind., for a violation of NRC requirements.

The NRC identified the violation during a routine inspection at the company’s Lafayette, Ind., facility and a temporary job site in May of this year. The violation involved the failure to properly secure portable nuclear gauges when not in use. The portable gauges are used in highway and construction projects to measure the density and moisture content of soil and foundation material.

The agency requires two independent systems to secure the gauges. In one instance gauges were stored in a room with only a single locked door, and in the second instance a gauge was stored in a locked box on the open bed of a truck.

“We expect all companies that hold NRC licenses to safely and securely handle nuclear material by adhering to the regulations,” said NRC Regional Administrator James Caldwell.  “This violation is a concern because someone could have been exposed to radiation if the devices were stolen and the radiation sources exposed.” 

After the NRC inspector brought the violation to the company’s attention, they took immediate corrective actions to properly secure the gauges.

Alt & Witzig Engineering Inc. has until Sept. 23 to pay or contest the fine. If the fine is contested and subsequently imposed by the NRC, the company may request a hearing.

NRC news releases are available through a free listserv subscription at the following Web address: http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/listserver.html. The NRC Home Page at www.nrc.gov also offers a Subscribe to News link in the News & Information menu. E-mail notifications are sent to subscribers when news releases are posted to NRC's Web Site.

Privacy Policy | Site Disclaimer
Wednesday, September 03, 2008