Source Collection and Threat Reduction
The Off-Site Source Recovery Program, or OSRP, recovers excess and unwanted radioactive sealed sources as part of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Global Material Security. OSRP recognized that the availability of disposal options for disposition of low-activity, non-transuranic radiation sources that could be misused are limited and expensive; and therefore helped establish the Source Collection & Threat Reduction (SCATR) program, through coordination with the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. (CRCPD).
SCATR Program
SCATR is generally limited to non-transuranic sources with commercial disposal access. This program is limited to discrete radioactive material (sealed sources or vials, but not scaled pipe or other diffuse material), whether naturally occurring, or accelerator or reactor produced; but does not include transuranic/actinide-series isotopes since these transuranic sealed sources are recovered directly by OSRP. Radium sources and license-exempt sources can be collected from all states. Other radioactive materials can be collected from states that have access to a commercial low-level waste disposal facility through the low-level waste compact system. Examples of items that would be eligible for SCATR, include:
- Cesium-137 Brachytherapy Sources
- Radium-226 Brachytherapy Sources
- Strontium Eye Applicators
- Long Half-Life Industrial Sources
- Small Calibration Sources
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SCATR Participation
Interested parties must register candidate sources for the SCATR program by visiting OSRP. Once the source data is registered, OSRP will forward the information to CRCPD for round-up consideration. State regulatory authorities or a consultant firm may assist with the registration if needed. SCATR source collection timeframes and costs depend on several factors such as the distances between participants in the round-up area. Licensees are encouraged to register all unwanted radioactive sealed sources with OSRP for recovery consideration. If neither the CRCPD or OSRP are able to recover the sources directly, staff can often identify other options that may be helpful. For example, brokers can easily assist with disposal of radioactive sources that are below license-exempt activity limits. Please note that registration does not imply nor guarantee that either CRCPD or OSRP can assist with removal/disposition of all radioactive material.