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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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)
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Related Documents and Other Resources
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