Monitors check for leakage atop a vault containing the plutonium before a special team attempts to remove the radioactive chemical element. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Handling the plutonium is a delicate operation. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The plutonium was not being used and presented no dangers. The team hoisted the material out of a deep hole in the ground with a string, inspected it for leaks, then packaged it for safe shipment. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
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The vial of plutonium is placed in a plastic device called a bird feeder for safety. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The container holding the encased vial of plutonium is prepared for removal. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Two people are needed to carefully lower the plastic tube holding the vial of plutonium into a shipping container. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Two sets of hands tighten the bolts on the drum containing the encased vial of plutonium. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
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Warning labels are placed on the shipping drum containing the recovered plutonium. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Safely ensconced inside its shipping drum, the recovered plutonium is ready to go. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
