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We have the same problem here in New York.
My understanding is that the incinerator's permit does not require them to have
detectors. But it does prohibit them from burning radioactive waste. At least
one incinerator installed detectors because they recycle ferrous metals
which are periodically cleaned out of the incinerator - its mixed in with the
ash. Shipments of such material have been rejected by the scrap metal recyclers
because of radioactive contamination, principally from norm. In order to stop
this from entering the incinerator's waste stream the detectors were installed,
but now they are getting several hits a month from outpatient waste, of which
they were happily unaware up until now.
The profound benefits to the patients of
keeping them out of the hospital, far outweigh the resulting inconvenience to
waste handlers and regulators. The best of the possible solutions to this
problem, given all the political ramifications, may be to simply pull out the
detectors.
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Clayton Bradt, CHP <raldrich@nysnet.net> phone: 518/457-1202 Assoc. Radiophysicist fax: 518/485-7406 NYS Dept. of Labor Radiological Health Unit Blg.12, Rm 169 State Office Campus Albany, NY 12240 *********************************************************************** |