IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Two government lab researchers are in the process of licensing technology that could improve disposing of and tracking radioactive waste.

The Post Register reports (http://bit.ly/1Uf1Feg) Idaho National Laboratory physicist Doug Akers and software engineer Lyle Roybal started developing the Integrated Waste Screening System last year when they realized similar INL-produced technology that tracks nuclear waste could be tailored to apply to the oil and gas drilling industry.

A truck equipped with a screener will take oil field waste readings to determine radiation levels. Akers said the device is intended to reduce waste that disappears or is taken to the wrong site.

He said it will also improve worker safety.

The project is focused on North Dakota and is funded by $550,000 in North Dakota Oil and Gas Research Council grants.

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