Radioactive gauge missing for 2 weeks
: "Radioactive gauge missing for 2 weeks
By Ann Schrader
Denver Post Staff Writer
DenverPost.com
Article Last Updated:
A common engineering gauge containing a small amount of radiation remains missing despite authorities recovering the stolen pickup truck it was in Tuesday.
The gauge, which measures soil densities, was in a bright-yellow, cooler-sized storage box that was chained into the back of a 1995 Ford Ranger pickup that was stolen from a Lakewood garage on Oct. 22.
The truck was found Tuesday a few blocks from where it was stolen in the Belmar Park area.
Steve Davis, a Lakewood police spokesman, said a resident reported the truck after seeing it parked on the street for some time.
The stolen gauge was reported Oct. 23 to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Radioactive materials in the gauge do not pose a significant health risk as long as the gauge remains intact and is not handled for long periods, said Jeannine Natterman, a state health spokeswoman.
Higher radiation exposures may occur if the radioactive materials are tampered with or the source rod is moved out of its shielded position, Natterman said.
Acura Engineering of Centennial, which owns the gauge, has offered a $1,000 reward for its return. The company can be reached at 303-799-8378.
"The gauge has a very-low level of radiation, although it is a radiation source and is controlled by the state health department and the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)," said Rick Fulton of Acura.
"Since 9/11, the rules have gotten strict about radioactive materials, and they take it very, very seriously."
Fulton said the gauge, a Troxler 3430 Surface Moisture Density Gauge, costs about $5,500 new.
Police said nothing else appeared to have been taken from the truck, which was found with the keys on the front seat.
Anyone finding the gauge or its case should call state health at 877-518-5608.
Lakewood police said the gauge also can be dropped off at the department, 445 S. Allison Parkway.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com."
By Ann Schrader
Denver Post Staff Writer
DenverPost.com
Article Last Updated:
A common engineering gauge containing a small amount of radiation remains missing despite authorities recovering the stolen pickup truck it was in Tuesday.
The gauge, which measures soil densities, was in a bright-yellow, cooler-sized storage box that was chained into the back of a 1995 Ford Ranger pickup that was stolen from a Lakewood garage on Oct. 22.
The truck was found Tuesday a few blocks from where it was stolen in the Belmar Park area.
Steve Davis, a Lakewood police spokesman, said a resident reported the truck after seeing it parked on the street for some time.
The stolen gauge was reported Oct. 23 to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Radioactive materials in the gauge do not pose a significant health risk as long as the gauge remains intact and is not handled for long periods, said Jeannine Natterman, a state health spokeswoman.
Higher radiation exposures may occur if the radioactive materials are tampered with or the source rod is moved out of its shielded position, Natterman said.
Acura Engineering of Centennial, which owns the gauge, has offered a $1,000 reward for its return. The company can be reached at 303-799-8378.
"The gauge has a very-low level of radiation, although it is a radiation source and is controlled by the state health department and the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)," said Rick Fulton of Acura.
"Since 9/11, the rules have gotten strict about radioactive materials, and they take it very, very seriously."
Fulton said the gauge, a Troxler 3430 Surface Moisture Density Gauge, costs about $5,500 new.
Police said nothing else appeared to have been taken from the truck, which was found with the keys on the front seat.
Anyone finding the gauge or its case should call state health at 877-518-5608.
Lakewood police said the gauge also can be dropped off at the department, 445 S. Allison Parkway.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com."
posted by Greta Jane at Wednesday, November 08, 2006
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