WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several events were reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) this week. Here are two safety incidents involving nuclear materials and facilities.
Reactor Violation at MIT
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reported a safety violation involving its non-power research reactor on Jan. 6.
According to the NRC, a reactor operator left the control room at 7:23 a.m. for three minutes to perform routine maintenance without properly securing the reactor. The reactor key remained in the console, a violation of the facility’s technical specifications. The incident was classified as a non-emergency, with no harm reported to the public or reactor personnel.
The 6 MW research reactor at MIT is used for academic and research purposes. The NRC is investigating to ensure compliance and prevent future violations.
Recovery of Stolen Radioactive Gauge
In Denver, Colorado, a radioactive gauge stolen in December 2021 was recently recovered, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
The Troxler Model 3430 portable gauge, which contains cesium-137 and americium-241:beryllium, was stolen from a truck in Westminster, Colorado. The device, commonly used in construction to measure soil moisture and density, resurfaced in December 2024 when a member of the public discovered it and abandoned it after learning it contained radioactive materials.
On Jan. 2, CDPHE confirmed the recovered gauge matched the stolen device. It has been returned to a licensed location. Officials stated that the radioactive materials were properly shielded and posed no risk to public health during the time the gauge was missing.
The Troxler 3430 is classified as a Category 4 radioactive source under international guidelines, meaning the amount of radioactive material it contains is unlikely to cause significant harm unless improperly handled or tampered with.
Ongoing Investigations
The NRC and state agencies are investigating both incidents to determine procedural gaps and ensure compliance with safety standards. No immediate risks to public safety were reported, according to the NRC.
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