A routine patrol by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper led to the discovery and safe recovery of a decades-old radioactive source buried underground in Midland County, Texas. Radioactive Source Buried Since the 1960sThe source was eventually found about six to eight inches below the surface. It was identified as a sealed Cesium-137 radioactive source containing 100 millicuries of material that was manufactured in April 1967. READ MORE: This Video Finally Helped Me Understand Texas ScrewwormsAuthorities said the radioactive source was safely recovered without incident. Specialized DPS Unit With Advanced Detection TechnologyThe incident also brought to light the unique capabilities of DPS' Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit.