NRC Issues Order Imposing Fine to Puerto Rico Firm for Violation Involving Nuclear Gauge and Decommissioning

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: I-24-006 April 15, 2024
CONTACT: Diane Screnci, 610-337-5330
Neil Sheehan, 610-337-5331
 
NRC Issues Order Imposing Fine to Puerto Rico Firm for Violation Involving Nuclear Gauge and Decommissioning
 
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued an order imposing a $17,500 civil penalty against a Puerto Rico firm for failing to dispose of or transfer a portable nuclear gauge and complete decommissioning of its site within the required time period.
 
Almonte Geo Services Group, based in Toa Alta, was licensed by the NRC to own and possess portable gauges containing small amounts of radioactive material. The gauges are used for such purposes as measuring the density of soil at construction sites. The NRC determined that the company initiated decommissioning in December 2019, and, under agency requirements, should have completed the process within 24 months.
 
In an inspection report issued in June 2023, the NRC documented the apparent violation and proposed the fine in November 2023. The NRC is considering additional civil penalties since Almonte has not addressed the violation.
 
The NRC has verified that the gauge is being properly secured at Almonte’s facility to prevent unauthorized access or removal.