The University of Sydney (the University), pleaded guilty and was convicted in NSW by the Land and Environment Court for offences under section 6, 6 and 7. Radiation Control Act 1990(RC Act and clause 34(1) of The Radiation Control Regulation 2013..
The University hired a contractor to dispose of a positron emission scanner that contained a sealed radioactive caesium137 source (the Source) in January 2019. The University was required by the EPAs Chairperson, to consent to dispose off the Source and to ensure that no one else had it. It didn’t do so.
The Source was transported from Camperdown NSW University to a scrap metal yard at Chipping Norton NSW by a company not licensed under RC Act.
The Source was then sent from Chipping Norton, NSW to another scrap yard in Hexham NSW. It was detected by a radiation alarm and reported back to the EPA. The offences did not cause any harm to the environment or anyone. The Source was kept in its protective case at all times. There is no evidence that the offences were intentionally committed or were caused by negligence or recklessness.
The EPA brought the University to trial and the University pleaded guilty. The Court ordered that the University:
- Pay a fine not exceeding [insert amount]50% of the fine must be paid to EPA as a moiety.
- As agreed or assessed, pay the EPAs legal fees.
- This notice will be published in Sydney Morning Herald, ARPS Quarterly Newsletter and posted on Facebook
You can find the Courts judgment here. [insert link to judgment on Caselaw].