Certain shippers of radioactive materials must register with the Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). These are typically route controlled shipments. Contact information: VDEM Technical Hazards Branch- Brian Iverson (804) 897-6500 ext 6577
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has statutory authority for the transportation regulations for hazardous materials including radioactive materials; however VDEM has statutory authority to implement these regulations. DEQ contact: Robert Wickline (804) 698-4213
Landfill Operators and Scrap Metal Dealers
Shipments of municipal waste, or scrap metal may trigger a radiation monitor upon arrival at the landfill or scrap yard/foundry. Oftentimes the facility will reject the shipment and the shipment will be returned the the point of origin. However, the shipment is now considered a hazardous materials-radioactive shipment and carrier is supposed to have shipping papers describing the hazardous contents and the the vehicle have appropriate placards.
The US DOT has authorized the States to issue to the carrier an exemption from the full characterization of the material on the shipping papers, and exemption from the placard requirements.
These are exemptions DOT SP-11406 (Municipal Waste) and 10656 (Scrap Metal). The carrier or the facility must contact the Radiological Health Program for an exemption and provide the information regarding the radiation levels and shipping data. Once the information is collected the our staff may issue by fax an exemption form that shall be provided to the driver of the vehicle for the return trip.
Information regarding these exemptions are available at: http://hazmat.dot.gov/sp_app/approvals/exsys.htm
The US Department of Transportation regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, including radioactive materials in inter-state commerce. Information is available at: http://hazmat.dot.gov/
They also have training materials on their transportation regulations of radioactive materials: http://hazmat.dot.gov/training/training.htm
Radiological Health Program | James Madison Building, 7th Floor | 109 Governor Street, Room 730 | Richmond, VA 23219 | Telephone (804) 864-8150 | Fax: (804) 864-8155