Radiation detection technology installed in VA ports to help expedite shipping

| 01.02.2008 | 08:22:526829 |

January 2 '08 The Daily Press in Norfolk, Virginia reported that Hampton Roads port officials are finishing new installations of radiation detectors for outgoing trucking shipments in order to increase safety measures and expedite the security processes. The $2.5 million upgrade was a partnership between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Virginia Port Authority.

"The detectors, positioned near exit lanes at each terminal, scan all imported cargo containers shipped out of the ports for radiation," the Daily Press reported. "Elevated levels of radiation could indicate the presence of a nuclear bomb or other explosive device."

The upgrades were mandated by Congress with the busiest ports in the country required to "scan all incoming cargo for radiation by the end of the year. Scanning containers greatly reduces the chance a terrorist could hide dangerous materials inside a normal-looking container," the Daily Press reported according to port officials.

Trucks leaving the terminal loaded with cargo must drive through rectangular panels mounted on either side of the lane which monitor the radiation levels of the out-going cargo. Since the first installation of the equipment in 2002, there have been no major incidents. The Virginia ports were the first in the country to install the monitors. Workers at the ports will be required to pass a credential system later this year, the paper reported.

safeport.pdf