Radioactivity found in City of Ottawa biosolids material

Radioactivity found in City of Ottawa biosolids material

February 23, 2009: No risk to workers, public or environment

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has completed its analysis of biosolids samples taken on February 5, 2009, from the City of Ottawa’s R.O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC).

The CNSC’s analysis indicates trace amounts of radionuclides generally used in medicine such as Iodine-131 (I-131) and Molybdenum-99/Technecium-99m (Mo-99/Tc-99m). Analysis also shows the presence of radionuclides normally found in nature such as Radium, Actinium and Thorium. In all cases, the levels found were very low. Low levels of I-131, in combination with naturally occurring radioactive material, may trigger radiation detection portal monitors, if the trigger level is set close to background levels.

The biosolids containing trace amounts of the I-131 radionuclide did not pose any risk to the health and safety of workers, the public, or the environment.

The CNSC considered it prudent to remind all licensees in Ottawa of their regulatory obligations in respect of the disposal of any nuclear substance. However, the CNSC is not expressing any concerns regarding the operations of any licensee.

The CNSC is confident that the licensed activities at Ottawa area hospitals are being carried out within the regulatory requirements and that any disposal or abandonment of nuclear substances is being carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The CNSC has been working in cooperation with the City of Ottawa and will undertaken further discussions with the City to share knowledge of best practices undertaken in other Ontario municipalities that experience similar situations.

February 4, 2009: Notice

On February 3, 2009, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) was informed by the City of Ottawa that two trucks, transporting biosolids material from the City’s sewage treatment plant were turned around at the US border on January 29, 2009 because low-level radioactivity was detected. Two more truck loads with biosolids similarly tested positive for low-level radioactivity on February 3. The material has been placed in a secure location.

The City of Ottawa, whose sewage treatment plant is not licensed by the CNSC, appropriately notified the CNSC of the situation. To assist the City of Ottawa, the CNSC dispatched an inspector to the sewage treatment plant to help identify the type and source of radioactive material.

Early indications are that the detected radioactivity is iodine-131, a commonly used medical isotope. This is normally associated with waste from hospitals or persons who have undergone medical treatment.

The CNSC assures the public that this material poses no risk to the health, safety and security of Canadians as well as the environment.

The CNSC will be in contact with Ottawa hospitals to remind them of their responsibilities regarding waste disposal and licensing requirements. The CNSC will be assisting the City of Ottawa in reviewing best practices undertaken in other Ontario municipalities.

As well, the CNSC assures the public that low-level radioactivity in Ottawa’s sewage is not related to recent events at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd’s nuclear facility in Chalk River, Ontario.

The CNSC will continue to assist and monitor this situation.