Ionizing Radiation Source Detected in Texas

On July 24, 2026, a vehicle-mounted radiation detection system triggered an alarm during a patrol near South County Road 1210 in Midland County (Texas, USA). A corporal from the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Radiological and Nuclear Detection Unit received the alarm. Using a detector, the corporal determined that the radiation source was located underground.

The very next day, specialists conducted a radiological assessment and developed an excavation plan for a specialized operation to recover the ionizing radiation source (IRS). The radioactive object containing Cesium-137 was quickly located at a depth of approximately 15–20 cm below the ground surface.

The discovered object was identified as a sealed radioactive source with an activity of 100 millicuries, manufactured back in April 1967. After documenting the source and verifying radiation readings, the object was safely recovered.

The IRS recovery operation also involved the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Radiological and Nuclear Detection Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team, the Midland Health Department, the Midland Office of Emergency Management, and security representatives from Chevron.

The operation was completed without any incidents, radioactive contamination of personnel, or threat to local residents. Continuous radiation monitoring was conducted on-site throughout the event, and “hot” and “cold” zones were established to ensure the safety of all personnel. Radiation exposure levels were strictly monitored, and personnel rotation was carried out in accordance with approved safety protocols.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety