Reworld Radiation Violation Updates

Reworld Update from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)

Attachements: April 23, 2026 DEP Notice of Violation Letter & Reworld Response Letter

Details:

On March 24, 2026, an incoming waste truck triggered the radiation monitor at Reworld Delaware Valley, City of Chester, Delaware County.  The facility pulled it aside to the designated hold location and evaluated.  It was determined the radiation source might be significant and additional investigations and surveys were conducted. 

On April 6, 2026, DEP Radiation Protection approved returning the truck to the transfer station it came from for them to sort the waste to find the source.  On April 10, 2026, a driver from the trucking company arrived at Reworld Del Val and was supposed to drive the truck back to its source site.  Instead the truck was driven through the radiation detectors and onto the tipping floor and where it was dumped, mixed with other waste – unable to be separated.  The radiation detectors did not trigger this time and Reworld personnel did not stop them.  After this was discovered, Reworld personnel used handheld devices for radiation to survey the trash on the tipping floor and did not find any doses above background.  Reworld had a radiation professional review all the data and it was determined that the material that caused the original alarm was likely low energy and a short lived radioactive material that in effect, decayed away, resulting in no threat to either workers or the public from the material. 

This information was reviewed by DEP Radiation Protection program and they agreed with the conclusion that there was no risk of contamination.  While this event did not result in excess exposure, it was a violation of the radiation action plan procedures in the Waste permit.  A NOV was sent on 4/23/26 documenting this violation.  This violation does have the possibility of a penalty liability, which is being actively evaluated by the DEP Waste Program.