The device that washed ashore in Mayaro over the weekend contains 16 kilogrammes of depleted uranium, and exposure to the radiation could be harmful to people and the environment, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) stated yesterday.
By Richard CharanAs a result, the EMA is warning the public not to tamper with the equipment but to instead contact the authorities.
The EMA released photographs of the device, stating that an investigation was underway to determine whether any offence was committed when it was discarded.
A $100,000 fine and two years in jail can be imposed on anyone who releases a pollutant or hazardous substance, and knowingly or recklessly endangers life or health, according to the Environmental Management Act.
The EMA said that the purchaser of the device in Trinidad has been identified.
The device was discovered last Friday night by a man on the shore near Haji Ralph Khan Avenue, Stone Bright Village, Mayaro, several miles from bpTT's Pt Galeota oil facility.
There are several offshore oil platforms off the coast of Mayaro, and the device is believed to have been dumped into the sea and washed ashore on the high tide.
The EMA stated that radiation level tests were conducted on the canister at the St James Police Barracks, and it was found that it contained "an iridium -192 source shielded with 16kg of depleted uranium. Exposure to radiation to these materials can be harmful to human health and the environment".
The equipment was not damaged and none of the material was exposed.
Iridium 192 is defined as a radioactive isotope of the element Iridium which has a half life of 75 days, and is used as a source of gamma radiation.
Gamma radiation is similar to X-rays.
Uranium is the fuel used in nuclear reactors.
The EMA found that the discarded equipment is used by the petroleum industry to establish the integrity of welded joints, and that it was "not to be opened or tampered with".
The EMA stated that contact had already been made with the US-based manufacturers who were making arrangements to dispose of the equipment.
Anyone finding a similar device is asked to telephone 628-8042-44 or 680-9588, the Fire Services, or nearest police station.
