BAYONNE – A radiation detection device carried routinely by a fire battalion chief on his way to work resulted in a scramble to close 27th Street between Avenue C and JFK Boulevard at around 7 20 a.m. on Oct. 21 and the deployment of the department’s hazardous material team.
Fire Chief Greg Rogers said the team discovered that a low level radiation was being emitted from a parked Nissan Ultima, and that further investigation discovered a radiological testing instrument in the trunk.
“The instrument, commonly used in construction projects to determine soil, concrete, and asphalt density, was found to be emitting radiation at a higher level than it reportedly normally does,” Rogers said. “With further research, the Hudson Regional Health Commission through the Department of Environmental Protection (Bureau of Radiation) reported that the level of emission was acceptable for transport, and the vehicle was released from the scene.”
Tectonic Engineering and Surveying Consultants from Long Island City, New York was handling the management and transport of the device. A representative from the company was called to the scene, and indicated that the instrument would be tested and repaired if necessary.