NRC: Press Release Region III - 2002-049 - NRC Staff Proposes $3,000 Fine for Violations of NRC Requirements in Theft of Gauge in Independence, Missouri

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U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Office of Public Affairs, Region III
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No. III-02-049		August 30, 2002
CONTACT:	Jan Strasma (630) 829-9663 Viktoria Mitlyng (630) 829-9662	E-mail: OPA3.RegionIII@nrc.gov
NRC STAFF PROPOSES $3,000 FINE FOR VIOLATIONS OF NRC REQUIREMENTS IN THEFT OF GAUGE IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI Printable Version
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has proposed a $3,000 fine against Maxim Technologies, Inc., for violations of NRC requirements associated with the theft of a moisture-density gauge on May 2 in Independence, Missouri. The engineering consulting company, headquartered in Addison, Texas, has offices throughout the country, including one in Wausau, Wisconsin, which was performing work in Missouri at the time of the theft. The gauge which was stolen is used for measuring soil moisture and compaction at contruction sites. The gauge, which contains two sealed radiation sources, was stolen from the back of an open pickup truck while the truck was parked at a restaurant in Independence. The gauge was locked in its transportation case, but the case was not secured to the truck. The case containing the gauge was taken from the truck. The gauge, still in its locked case, was recovered the next day after it was found by members of the public who reported it to the police. The gauge was not damaged, and there was no risk of significant radiation exposure to the public. The company was cited for failing to secure the gauge or maintain constant surveillance over it while in an area of public access. The NRC, in proposing the fine, noted that the company had subsequently taken prompt and comprehensive corrective actions including reprimanding the employee involved, retraining its staff, and revising its procedures. Maxim Technologies has until September 30 to pay the fine or protest it. If the fine is protested and subsequently imposed by the NRC staff, the company may request a hearing.
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