HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7525 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY( )UNCIL MEMBERSNo.
7525
DoE10 RP To the Mayor and Members of the City Council May 7 , 1991
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�Texay. Subject: NUCLEAR DENSITY GAUGE INCIDENT
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On September 20, 1990, one of two nuclear density gauges used by inspectors in the
Transportation and Public Works Department either fell or was taken from a vehicle
transporting the testing device from one job site to another. Exactly how the gauge
was lost is unknown and probably will never be known; however, the gauge was recovered
approximately two hours later at a southwest Fort Worth business. Since this machine
poses a potential threat, a very thorough and lengthly investigation involving local
and state officials was conducted.
The City of Fort Worth was subsequently cited by the Texas Department of Health for two
violations of the Texas Regulation for Control of Radiation. Violation Number 1
asserted that the loss of the gauge resulted in the loss of control of radioactive
material, thereby creating a threat to public health and safety and to the environment.
A penalty of $4,000 was proposed for that violation. Violation Number 2 asserted that
the City of Fort Worth failed to take steps to mitigate the hazard by assuring that
prompt action was taken to recover the lost radioactive material. A penalty of $2,500
was proposed for that violation.
On December 18, 1990, the City of Fort Worth requested a hearing with the Texas
Department of Health to contest the findings and the proposed penalties. On February
13, 1991, representatives of the City of Fort Worth, including the Department of Law,
met with the Texas Department of Health to discuss resolution of the matter.
As a result of that meeting, the City of Fort Worth was assessed an administrative
penalty of $4,000. The penalty that was finally assessed was based on the undisputed
fact that the radioactive material was not in our possession for a period of
approximately two (2) hours.
Immediately following the incident on September 20, 1990, use of both density testers
was suspended until specific protective equipment was installed on the vehicles used
to transport the instruments. The protective equipment is a steel cage permanently
mounted on the back of the City owned truck that is now exclusively assigned to
transport the two gauges. The steel cage is designed so that when it is locked, the
gauge is totally inaccessible and steadily secured during transportation. The method
of transportation is in complete compliance with State regulations concerning transport
of radioactive material.
Additionally, the Fire Department's Emergency Management Division has taken measures
to insure that communication between the City and the Bureau of Radiation Control is
improved. We have also made sure that all field personnel understand their
responsibilities when dealing with any situations where a nuclear threat could be
involved.
Should the City Council desire additional information, wil be furnished upon
request.
v L
David A. Ivory
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS