Subsurface Investigation of the Energy Systems Research Laboratory Site at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

摘要

Subsurface soil from the site of the proposed Energy Systems Research Laboratory was examined to determine radioactive concentration levels. This study was undertaken because the proposed site is in close proximity to the former Solid Waste Storage Area-2. A total of 25 cores were taken, ranging in depth from 4 to 9 feet, and the soil samples were analyzed for gamma-, beta-, and alpha-emitting isotopes. Water taken from 13 of the core holes was analyzed to determine tritium, gross beta, and gross alpha levels. None of the samples analyzed were found to be significantly higher than background samples collected throughout eastern and central Tennessee. No special health physics precautions are expected to be needed for the excavation at the site, other than using the excavated soil as backfill at burial sites on the reservation. (ERA citation 02:060878)