In a concerning turn of events, Auburn Steel, a prominent steel manufacturing company celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has temporarily halted operations following a "radioactive incident." Approximately 11 days and 250 tons of contaminated ash later, the furnaces at Auburn Steel are being shut down as state officials launch an investigation into the matter.Both company and state officials assure the public that no injuries have occurred, and there is no imminent danger to public safety. Martin Fanning, speaking on behalf of Austeel, the company owned by Sumitomo Corp. of Japan, emphasized that containment measures were successfully implemented to prevent any exposure to the radioactive material.To address the issue, a South Carolina firm has been enlisted to assist in the cleanup of the low-level radioactive element, cesium-137. However, the ultimate destination for the contaminated ash has yet to be determined. A meeting between agency representatives and company officials has been scheduled, followed by a press conference at 1:30 p.m.The incident occurred on May 17 when a piece of radioactive waste inadvertently became mixed with tons of scrap metal during the steel manufacturing process. The origin and pathway of the cesium-137 remain unknown, and investigations are underway to ascertain how it bypassed the radioactive sensors.Despite the occurrence, state officials have affirmed that there is no immediate threat to public health. Auburn Steel continued its operations until all ash receptacles were securely packed, ensuring that none of the finished steel being shipped out is tainted.
In a concerning turn of events, Auburn Steel, a prominent steel manufacturing company celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has temporarily halted operations following a "radioactive incident." Approximately 11 days and 250 tons of contaminated ash later, the furnaces at Auburn Steel are being shut down as state officials launch an investigation into the matter.Both company and state officials assure the public that no injuries have occurred, and there is no imminent danger to public safety. Martin Fanning, speaking on behalf of Austeel, the company owned by Sumitomo Corp. of Japan, emphasized that containment measures were successfully implemented to prevent any exposure to the radioactive material.To address the issue, a South Carolina firm has been enlisted to assist in the cleanup of the low-level radioactive element, cesium-137. However, the ultimate destination for the contaminated ash has yet to be determined. A meeting between agency representatives and company officials has been scheduled, followed by a press conference at 1:30 p.m.The incident occurred on May 17 when a piece of radioactive waste inadvertently became mixed with tons of scrap metal during the steel manufacturing process. The origin and pathway of the cesium-137 remain unknown, and investigations are underway to ascertain how it bypassed the radioactive sensors.Despite the occurrence, state officials have affirmed that there is no immediate threat to public health. Auburn Steel continued its operations until all ash receptacles were securely packed, ensuring that none of the finished steel being shipped out is tainted.
