Southbury Adds Radiation Screening At Transfer Station After Detection

SOUTHBURY, CT — Southbury officials are implementing a new screening system at the town's transfer station after radioactive materials were detected in two loads of municipal waste last week.

First Selectman Tim O'Neil said in an update Monday that the transfer station remains safe for residents and employees and poses no hazard to the public.

"People are understandably concerned about the report of radiation detected at our transfer station," O'Neil said. "I would like everyone to know that the transfer station is safe, as are the people who use it and work there, and there is no hazard to the public."

The town announced Nov. 3 that two loads of municipal solid waste had tested positive for radioactive materials following the improper disposal of medical waste.

O'Neil said the town has been communicating with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection about the issue.

Under the town's disposal procedures, waste trailers are set aside when radioactive material is detected, preventing the final disposal facility from accepting the loads.

The radioactive material must then be located and removed before the remaining waste can be handled normally, O'Neil said.

"Unfortunately, this process takes several days, which means we lose the use of the trailer during this time," he said.

To prevent further disruptions, Southbury is implementing a screening system at the transfer station.

"We are balancing respect for the time of residents using the transfer station while helping reduce the risk of further problems at the disposal facility," O'Neil said.

Town officials plan to evaluate the new process next week.

Southbury prohibits radioactive materials at its transfer station, including small quantities. The town has not publicly identified the radioactive material involved or disclosed radiation levels.