Monitoring for Potential Environmental Problems at a Nuclear Research Facility at Hanford, Washington, USA.

摘要

Objectives are to detect and assess potential impacts of site operations on air, surface and ground water, foodstuffs, fish, wildlife, soil and vegetation. Data from monitoring efforts are used to calculate the overall radiological dose to humans working onsite or residing in nearby communities. In 1987, measured Hanford Site perimeter concentrations of airborne radionuclides were below applicable DOE and Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Tritium and nitrate continued to be the most widespread constituents in onsite ground water. Chromium, cyanide, fluoride, and carbon tetrachloride were found in ground-water wells near operating areas. Concentrations of radionuclide and nonradiological water quality in the Columbia River were in compliance with applicable standards. Foodstuffs irrigated with river water taken downstream of the Site showed low levels of radionuclides that were similar to concentrations found in foodstuffs from control areas not irrigated with Columbia River water. Low levels of sup 90 Sr and sup 137 Cs in some onsite wildlife samples were typical of those attributable to worldwide fallout as were concentrations of radionuclides found in soils and vegetation from onsite and offsite locations. The calculated dose potentially received by a maximally exposed individual (i.e., based on hypothetical assumptions for all routes of exposure) in 1987 (0.05 mrem/yr) was similar to that calculated for 1985 and 1986. 29 refs., 5 figs. (ERA citation 14:023177)