Development of DCGLs by using both probabilistic and deterministic analyses in RESRAD (onsite) and RESRAD-OFFSITE...

Area of Science:

• Radiological environmental science
• Environmental remediation
• Nuclear site decommissioning

Background:

• Two building areas at Argonne National Laboratory historically used for waste processing and storage require radiological assessment.
• Understanding residual radioactivity is crucial for future land use decisions and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop Derived Concentration Guideline Levels (DCGLs) for two building areas at Argonne National Laboratory.
• To evaluate different current and future land use scenarios for radiological risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized probabilistic and deterministic radiological environmental pathway analysis.
• Employed RESRAD and RESRAD-OFFSITE computer codes for scenario modeling.
• Considered four scenarios: on-site industrial, off-site residential/farming (current), on-site recreational, and on-site residential/farming (future).
• Included "peak-of-the-means" and "mean-of-the-peaks" analyses for DCGL development.

Main Results:

• DCGLs were derived for all four considered scenarios.
• The future on-site residential/farming scenario produced the most restrictive DCGLs for the majority of identified radionuclides.
• Contaminants of concern were identified based on historical operations and site characterization.

Conclusions:

• The study provides crucial DCGLs for the safe management and potential reuse of the Argonne National Laboratory building areas.
• Future land use scenarios significantly influence the stringency of radiological guidelines.
• A comprehensive approach combining deterministic and probabilistic methods ensures robust risk assessment.