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Scan MDCs for multiple radionuclides in Class 1 areas
1Radiological Safety, Assessments and Training, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117, USA. abelquie@orau.gov
Health Physics
|June 7, 2003
Summary
The MultiAgency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) guides radioactive site cleanup. For complex sites with multiple radionuclides, MARSSIM survey designs may need extra soil samples to detect potential contamination hot spots.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Remediation and Radiological Surveys
- Nuclear Decommissioning and Site Investigation
Background:
- The MultiAgency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) is a key guideline for final status surveys at decommissioning (D&D) sites.
- Designing surveys for Class 1 units with multiple radionuclides presents significant challenges in ensuring adequate detection of contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the complexities of MARSSIM survey design when multiple radionuclides are present in Class 1 survey units.
- To ensure a high probability of detecting potential hot spots exceeding derived concentration guideline levels (DCGL(EMC)).
Main Methods:
- Utilizing soil sampling on a specified grid size.
- Employing gamma radiation surface scanning.
- Supplementing MARSSIM's statistically determined sample size when necessary to increase detection assurance.
Main Results:
- Standard MARSSIM survey designs may require adjustments in sample size for effective hot spot detection in multi-radionuclide environments.
- Combined soil sampling and surface scanning provide assurance for identifying elevated radioactivity areas.
Conclusions:
- Adjusting sample sizes beyond MARSSIM's statistical minimum is sometimes essential for robust final status surveys.
- Enhanced survey strategies are crucial for reliable detection of localized radioactive contamination at D&D sites.