Texas DPS Trooper Finds Buried Radioactive Source

A routine patrol by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper led to the discovery and safe recovery of a decades-old radioactive source buried underground in Midland County, Texas.

Routine Patrol Leads to Rare Discovery

According to DPS, the discovery happened last Friday, July 24, when a Corporal assigned to the agency's Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit (did you know that was a thing?) received an alert from a radiation detection system mounted inside his patrol vehicle while driving near South County Road 1210.

Using additional detection equipment, the trooper narrowed down the source of the radiation and determined it was coming from beneath the ground. After confirming the presence of the material, DPS called in local, state, and federal partners to coordinate a safe recovery operation.

The following day, crews carefully excavated the area while continuously monitoring radiation levels and following strict safety procedures. Officials established designated safety zones and rotated personnel to minimize radiation exposure during the operation.

Radioactive Source Buried Since the 1960s

The source was eventually found about six to eight inches below the surface. It was identified as a sealed Cesium-137 radioactive source containing 100 millicuries of material that was manufactured in April 1967.

Authorities said the radioactive source was safely recovered without incident. No injuries were reported, no personnel were contaminated, and officials said there was never a threat to the public.

The recovery involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, the Midland Health Department, Midland Emergency Management and Chevron security personnel.

Specialized DPS Unit With Advanced Detection Technology

The incident also brought to light the unique capabilities of DPS' Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit. The specialized team uses vehicle-mounted radiation detectors, backpack detection systems, handheld isotope identification devices, personal radiation detectors and even drones equipped with radiation detection technology to locate radioactive or nuclear materials that may be outside regulatory control.

DPS says the unit's mission is to detect and prevent potential radiological threats before they can pose a danger to the public. The agency is also in the process of equipping every Texas DPS trooper with a personal radiation detector and providing specialized training to help identify potential radiological or nuclear threats.

Now, we know.

Texas Department of Public Safety