CBP Issues Letter and Fact Sheet on Radiation Portal Monitoring Program
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a letter to stakeholders and a fact sheet concerning its Radiation Monitoring Program under which radiation detection equipment will be purchased and installed at U.S. ports of entry.
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CBP explains that a Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) is a detection device that provides CBP with a passive, non-instrusive means to screen trucks and other conveyances for the presence of nuclear and radiological materials. CBP explains that these systems do not emit any radiation and are capable of detecting various types of radiation emanating from special nuclear materials, natural sources, and isotopes commonly used in medicine and industry.
CBP states that it will make every effort to minimize disruptions by coordinating closely with all stakeholders throughout the course of this program.
Operational Goal is to Screen 100% of Sea Containers, Air Cargo, Vehicles, Etc.
According to CBP's letter, CBP is now deploying hundreds of radiation portal monitors (RPMs) and other hand held detection devices along the northern and southern land borders and in international mail and express consignment facilities. In addition, CBP sources state that the deployment of RPMs to air and sea ports has already begun and is expected to be completed by 2005.
CBP states that its operational goal is to screen 100% of all individuals, vehicles, sea containers, air cargo, trains, and international mail and express consignment packages entering the U.S. with advanced radiation detection technology.
CBP is in the Process of Holding a Series of Stakeholder Meetings
CBP sources state that CBP is in the process of holding a series of stakeholder meetings at ports which are intended to serve as a forum to address detailed issues specific to individual ports.
CBP sources state that these stakeholder meetings are announced in the maritime newsletter of the ports in which they will be held.
The next stakeholder meeting will be held on February 9, 2004 in Houston, Texas; future meetings are also planned Boston, MA; Gulfport, MS; Savannah, GA; Baltimore, MD; and Honolulu, HI.
See CBP's letter and fact sheet for further details of this program, as well as information on bid packages, training, etc.
CBP Contact - Todd Hoffman (202) 927-1376
CBP letter and fact sheet (dated January 23, 2004) available via fax by emailing staff@brokerpower.com