Port sets up new security precaution

WILMINGTON -- The port has instituted yet another security precaution. Beginning Wednesday each container truck that leaves the Port of Wilmington will pass through a special device to detect nuclear and radiological materials.

The radiation detectors are also used at border crossings, airports and international mail facilities. Port Director Paul Eney explains what happens if the device detects radiation.

"We will go out and identify the source of the radioactivity, most of which is what we call NORM -- naturally-occurring radioactive material," Eney said. "We just identify what it is. Most of our alarms will be very benign; however, that one-tenth of one percent is what we're looking for, and that's why we have these set up here."

Eney explained that certain items like porcelain or ceramic tile and other objects give off some radiation that don't create any problem, but say the precaution is worth the extra few minutes just to verify that there are no nuclear devices, dirty bombs or any other dangerous material entering through the port.