A measuring tool with a radioactive component used to test density in soil compaction during construction was recovered Friday morning after the report it went missing Thursday night launched a recovery effort by the N.C. Radiation Protection Section.
Officials gave the all clear shortly after 7 a.m. Friday when a construction worker returning to the work site off Ten-Ten Road reported that he discovered the gauge had been left at the site and he put it into his car trunk for safe keeping.
Radiation officials with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services checked the worker’s car trunk and took radiation readings of the gauge and found them to be normal and that radioactive sources remained shielded. The gauge appeared to have no damage and was returned to the licensee to be sent to the manufacturer for testing.
An initial investigation indicates no member of the public was endangered while the device was missing.
Radiation officials shifted from a recovery operation to a compliance investigation once the device was found. The device was used by a private contractor at the McCuller’s Walk Apartments jobsite at 500 Shady Summit Way in Garner.