Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in collaboration with several local, state and federal agency partners, successfully recovered a Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radioactive source in Midland County over the weekend.
DPS has a Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection (Rad/Nuc) Unit to detect and interdict radiological and nuclear material out of regulatory control to prevent dangerous attacks and mass casualty incidents. The unit is currently comprised of one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, and six Corporals stationed throughout the state. DPS is currently issuing a personal radiation detector (PRD) to every Trooper and training them to serve as primary radiological and nuclear threat screeners.
On Friday, July 24, 2026, a Corporal assigned to the Unit received an alarm from his vehicle-mounted radiation detection system near S. County Road 1210, which is within the city limits of Midland, but not in the heart of the city.
The Corporal determined the Cs-137 was emitting radiation from beneath the ground and was buried approximately 7-inches below the surface. It was identified as a 100-millicurie (100 mCi) sealed radioactive source manufactured in April 1967. According to Stanford University, 100 mCi is the jumping point between the moderate and high hazard categories.
On Saturday, the DPS Rad/Nuc Unit and other responding agencies – including the FBI, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, Midland Health Department, Midland Emergency Management and Chevron security representatives – were able to safely excavate the Cs-137. Radiation exposure levels were closely monitored, and personnel rotations were conducted in accordance with established safety protocols.
The operation concluded with no injuries, no personnel contamination, and no threat to the public.