520B88001
United States Eastern Environmental
Environmental Protection Radiation Facility May 1988
Agency 1890 Federal Drive
Office of Radiation Programs Montgomery, AL 36109
Radiation
Environmental Radiation
Ambient Monitoring System
(ERAMS) Manual
VOLUME I
Program Overview
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I
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EPA 520/5-84-007
Environmental
Radiation
Ambient
Monitoring
System
E R A M S MANUAL
VOLUME I
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
May 1988
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation Programs
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF)
1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
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CONTENTS
Page
List of Figures iv
List of Tables iv
Foreword v
1 The Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS). 1-1- 1
1.1 Objectives 1-1- 1
1.2 Historical Background 1-1- 2
1.3 Routine Operations 1-1- 3
1.4 Alert (Nonroutine Operations) 1-1- 3
2 Organizational Relationships 1-2- 1
2.1 Administrative Organization 1-2- 1
2.2 Component Organization 1-2- 1
2.3 Requests to Establish ERAMS Stations 1-2- 2
2.4 Requests to Terminate ERAMS Stations 1-2- 3
2.5 Requests to Relocate ERAMS Stations 1-2- 3
2.6 Change of ERAMS Operator 1-2- 4
3 Administration 1-3- 1
3.1 General Policy 1-3- 1
3.2 Equipment and Supplies 1-3- 1
3.3 Reimbursement for Installation, Local Maintenance, and
Repairs 1-3- 1
3.4 Other Uses of ERAMS Equipment 1-3- 2
3.5 Communications 1-3- 2
4 ERAMS Sampling Station Locations 1-4- 1
4.1 Air Particulates 1-4- 1
4.2 Krypton-85 1-4- 2
4.3 Precipitation 1-4- 5
4.4 Drinking Water 1-4- 5
ii
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CONTENTS-Continued
Page
4.5 Surface Water 1-4- 6
4.6 Pasteurized Milk 1-4-10
5 Sampling and Reporting 1-5- 1
5.1 Sample Type and Frequency 1-5- 1
5.2 Radiochemical Analyses and Frequency 1-5- 1
5.3 Data Handling 1-5- 4
6 Publications 1-6- 1
7 ERAMS Alert Status 1-7- 1
7.1 Introduction 1-7- 1
7.2 Protocol 1-7- 1
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LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure Page
4.1 Air Participate and Precipitation Sampling Stations 1-4- 3
4.2 Krypton-85 Sampling Stations 1-4- 4
4.3 Drinking Water Sampling Stations 1-4- 7
4.4 Surface Water Sampling Stations 1-4-11
4.5 Pasteurized Milk Sampling Stations 1-4-13
Table Page
4.1 Air Particulate and Precipitation Sampling Stations 1-4- 1
4.2 Krypton-85 Sampling Stations 1-4- 2
4.3 Drinking Water Sampling Stations 1-4- 5
4.4 Surface Water Sampling Stations 1-4- 8
4.5 Pasteurized Milk Sampling Stations 1-4-12
5.1 Sample Type and Frequency 1-5- 2
5.2 Sample Analyses and Frequency 1-5- 3
5.3 ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radionuclide Analyses 1-5- 5
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FOREWORD
This overview explains the operation of the Environmental Radiation
Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS). It is bound in loose-leaf format so
that it may be updated as necessary.
Readers are encouraged to review the information and advise ERAMS
headquarters of inaccuracies and suggested changes. Please send your
comments or suggestions to the following address:
Chief, Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
Charles R. Porter, Director
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
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1 THE ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION AMBIENT MONITORING SYSTEM (ERAMS)
1.1 Objectives
The general objectives of the Environmental Radiation Ambient
Monitoring System (ERAMS) are to provide a means of estimating ambient
levels of radioactive pollutants in our environment, to follow trends in
environmental radioactivity levels, and to assess the impact of fallout
and other intrusions of radioactive materials. The ERAMS helps the Office
of Radiation Programs assess and control the radiation dose to man, and,
therefore, contributes to the wider mission of the EPA of ensuring the
public health and environmental quality. This program also helps to
fulfill a Presidential directive that, through Reorganizational Plan No.
3, gave EPA the primary responsibility within the Executive Branch for
collating, analyzing, and interpreting data on environmental radiation
levels.
Specifically, the ERAMS was designed to
1. provide a direct assessment of the population's intake of
radioactive pollutants due to fallout;
2. provide data for developing a set of dose computational models
for specific sources and a national dose computational model to
aggregate all sources and determine total population dose;
3. monitor pathways for significant population exposure from
routine and accidental releases of radioactivity from major
sources;
1-1-1
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4. provide data for indicating additional sampling needs or other
actions required to ensure public health and environmental
quality in the event of a major release of radioactivity to the
environment; and,
5. serve as a reference for data comparison with other localized
and limited monitoring programs, e.g., state and utility.
1.2 Historical Background
On July 1, 1973, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through
its Office of Radiation Programs (ORP), combined several separate, but
related radiation monitoring networks (some of which had been in existence
since 1956) and implemented a new monitoring system known as the
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS).
The previously operated networks had largely been fallout oriented.
The moratorium on aboveground nuclear testing by the United States and
Russia and an increase in the number of nuclear facilities made it obvious
that a major realignment of these networks was necessary. Various
components of previous monitoring networks, which included the Radiation
Alert Network (RAN), Tritium Surveillance System (TSS), Interstate Carrier
Drinking Water (ICDW), and the Pasteurized Milk Network (PMN) were
restructured into the single, cohesive ERAMS.
Basically, ERAMS focuses upon nuclear iources and population centers,
in contrast to the strict concern with population fallout detection of its
predecessor networks. Such a focus enables EPA to assess more effectively
the environmental impact of the nuclear fuel cycle and to provide
radiation accident assessment capability, while still monitoring fallout
and providing necessary data for population dose modeling.
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The responsibility for operating ERAMS was assigned to the Director,
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF), Montgomery, Alabama.
However, the Chief of the Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch at
EERF has operational responsibility for ERAMS.
1.3 Routine Operations
The ERAMS routinely monitors environmental levels of radioactivity in
air by sampling and analyzing air participates on a twice weekly schedule,
in precipitation as measurable amounts occur, in drinking water and
surface water grab samples on a quarterly basis, and in pasteurized milk
samples on a monthly basis. The collection and analysis of these
environmental samples constitutes the nation's single, major continuous
source of environmental radiation data acquisition and analysis. It is a
cooperative program between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which
coordinates sample collection by state and local governments, and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which performs the analyses using
verified analytical and quality assurance procedures.
1.4 ALERT (Nonroutine) Operations
When elevated levels of radioactivity are anticipated or known to
exist, ERAMS station operators may be requested to increase their
collection frequencies. Such requests are made by appropriate EERF
personnel or the EPA Regional Radiation Representative. The duration and
frequency of sample collections are specified at the time of the request.
1-1-3
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2 ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
2t1 Admin1strative Organ i zat1on
The administrative organization of the Environmental Radiation
Ambient Monitoring System components and specific responsibilities of the
various offices and individuals concerned are set forth in the following
sections of this manual. Operations of the ERAMS components will be as
stated in this manual unless specifically modified by the Chief,
Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch (MASB), EERF. Any major
operational changes will be documented and new sections to this manual
will be supplied to reflect the changes.
2.2 Component Organization
EPA's Office of Radiation Programs made an extensive evaluation of
existing radiation monitoring programs and structured the ERAMS so that it
would provide a continuous environmental radiation 'picture' of the United
States. The ERAMS1 component stations are distributed throughout the
United States and cover each geographical region, most individual states,
and all major population centers. The geographical distribution addresses
population and source distribution as well as the necessity of
coordinating sample collections with state agencies. Some sampling
stations located near major potential release points have been effective
in measuring both the wide-scale impact from global events and the
potential health risk from accidental releases.
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The ERAMS is a dynamically functioning system that can easily be
improved and expanded to meet changing requirements. For example, sample
acquisition and validity can be improved by replacing grab sampling with
sequential or composite sampling; the number of sampling stations can be
increased to cover possible new sources; and the scope of the ERAMS can be
expanded by analyzing samples for other pollutants.
2.3 Requests to Establish ERAMS Stations
If a state identifies a need for an additional station, the request
should be made by the State official principally concerned with radiation
safety or environmental surveillance. The request should be addressed to
the Director, Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility, Office of
Radiation Programs, through the EPA Regional Radiation Representative.
Each request received at the EERF is considered by the ERAMS steering
committee, and a decision is made based on the justification of need and
availability of equipment. The request should be made at least 90 days
prior to the planned date for start of operation and should include the
following information:
proposed station location
-- sample media to be collected
-- other types of monitoring to be conducted concurrently with
ERAMS operations
reason for establishing the station (scientific justification
if similar stations exist in the state)
name, title, address, and telephone number of the responsible
official
name, address, and telephone number of the station operator
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2-4 Requests to Terminate ERAMS Stations
Requests by a state to terminate operation of a station should be
directed as above in Section 2.3. Requests should include the following
information:
station number and location
-- full inventory of all ERAMS equipment and materials on hand,
indicating whether or not each item is operable
-- name and address of person to contact regarding equipment and
supplies on hand
-- reason for termination of the station
2.5 Requests to Relocate ERAMS Stations
Stations may be relocated within a state by agreement of the
Director, EERF, and the responsible State official. Requests to relocate
should be directed to the EERF through the EPA Regional Radiation
Representative and should include the following information:
-- station number
-- present location (address)
-- present operator
-- present responsible State official
-- proposed location (address)
-- proposed operator
-- proposed responsible State official
-- reason for relocation
-- expenses involved in relocation and portion thereof that the
EPA will be expected to assume
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2.6 Change of ERAMS Operator
Both station operators and alternate operators may change due to
modifications in state and local organizational structure and personnel.
Notification of changes in personnel should be directed to the Chief,
Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch (MASB), Eastern Environmental
Radiation Facility (EERF), with an information copy to the EPA Regional
Representative. The notification should include the following information:
-- station number
-- location
-- former operator
new operator
-- new business address
-- new business phone
-- new home phone
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3 ADMINISTRATION
3.1 General Policy
It is the policy of the Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
(EERF) to either supply or reimburse station operators for equipment and
supplies necessary to install and operate field stations.
3.2 Equipment and Supplies
Station operators may request equipment and supplies by mailing a
completed request form to the EERF or by telephoning the EERF if supplies
or equipment are urgently needed to continue operating a station.
Appropriate equipment and supply request forms are illustrated in Sections
1, 5, and 7 of Volume 2 of this manual.
3.3 Reimbursement for Installation, Local Maintenance, and Repairs
The cost to establish a new ERAMS station will be reimbursed to the
State or paid for by government purchase order only after receipt of a
request at the EERF. Expenditures for maintaining or acquiring designated
equipment or for modifying a station, e.g., modifying or improving on
electrical installation, must be approved in advance by the Chief,
Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch, and the State will be
reimbursed after documentation of expenditure is received and approved at
the EERF.
3.4 Other Uses of ERAMS Equipment
Health agencies may use ERAMS equipment to obtain special samples or
perform special monitoring services. The Chief, MASB, should be informed
of the alternate use to assure such use will not interfere with ERAMS
objectives.
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3.5 Communicat ions
All communications and requests for reimbursement for authorized
services and expenditures should be directed to--
Chief, Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, AL 36109
Telephone Numbers:
Commercial (205) 272-3402
Federal Telephone System 534-7615
1-3-2
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4 ERAMS SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS
4.1 Air Particulates
Air particulate samples are collected at 69 field sampling stations.
These locations were selected for wide population coverage and proximity
to possible sources of environmental radioactivity. Table 4.1 and Figure
4.1 show the locations of the air particulate sampling stations, and the
types of analyses are given in Table 5.1. Many of these stations were
chosen to monitor the environs of potential airborne release sources.
TABLE 4.1
ERAMS Air Particulates and Precipitation Sampling Stations
AK: Anchorage
AK: Juneau
AL: Ashford
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA: Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
FL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA: Iowa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
IN: Indianapolis
KS: Topeka
KY: Frankfort
LA: New Orleans
MA: Lawrence
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MM: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
MT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
NE: Lincoln
NH: Concord
NJ: Trenton
NM: Santa Fe
NV: Las Vegas
NY: Albany
1-4-1
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TABLE 4.1 - Continued
ERAMS Air Participates and Precipitation Sampling Stations
NY: New York
NY: Niagara Falls
NY: Syracuse
NY: Yaphank
OH: Columbus
OH: Painesville
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA: Goldsboro
PA: Harrisburg
PA: Three Mile Island
PA: Pittsburgh
RI: Providence
SC: Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SD: Pierre
TN: Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX: El Paso
UT: Salt Lake City
VA: Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
VT: Montpelier
WA: Olympia
WA: Spokane
WV: Charleston
WI: Madison
WY: Cheyenne
4.2 Krypton-85
Dry compressed air samples are purchased from commercial air suppliers
located in 12 cities across the United States. Table 4.2 and Figure 4.2
show the locations of the Krypton-85 sampling stations.
TABLE 4.2
Krypton-85 Sampling Stations
AL:
CA:
FL:
IL:
Montgomery
Oakland
Tampa
Chicago
MA:
MI:
NC:
NO:
Boston
Detroit
Greensboro
Camden
NY:
NY:
OK:
OR:
Buffalo
Utica
Oklahoma
Portland
City
1-4-2
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I
CO
Figure 4.1 Air Paniculate and Precipitation Sampling Stations
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I
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Figure 4.2 Krypton-85 Sampling Stations
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4.3 Precipitation
Precipitation samples are collected at 69 stations. These locations
are the same as those selected for air participate sampling. Table 4.1
and Figure 4.1 show the locations of the precipitation sampling stations.
4.4 Drinking Water
There are 77 sampling stations that collect drinking water samples.
These locations are either in major population centers or near selected
nuclear installations. Table 4.3 and Figure 4.3 show the locations of the
drinking water sampling stations.
TABLE 4.3
Drinking Water Sampling Stations
AK: Fairbanks
AL: Dothan
AL: Montgomery
AL: Muscle Shoals
AL: Scottsboro
AR: Little Rock
CA: Berkeley
CA: Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CO: Platteville
CT: Hartford
DC: Washington
DE: Dover
FL: Miami
FL: Tampa
GA: Savannah
HI: Honolulu
IA: Cedar Rapids
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: West Chicago
IL: Morris
KS: Topeka
LA: New Orleans
MA: Lawrence
MA: Rowe
MD: Baltimore
MD: Conowingo
ME: Augusta
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MN: Minneapolis
MN: Red Wing
MS: Jackson
MS: Port Gibson
MT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
1-4-5
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TABLE 4.3 - Continued
Drinking Water Sampling Stations
NE: Lincoln
NH: Concord
NJ: Trenton
NJ: Waretown
NM: Santa Fe
NV: Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: New York City
NY: Niagara Falls
NY: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH: Columbus
OH: East Liverpool
OH: Painesville
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA: Columbia
PA: Harrisburg
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Ancon
RI: Providence
SC: Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SC: Hartsville
SC: Jenkinsville
SC: Seneca
TN: Chattanooga
TN: Knoxville
TX: Austin
VA: Doswell
VA: Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
VI: St. Thomas
WA: Rich land
WA: Seattle
WI: Genoa
WI: Madison
4.5 Surface Water
Surface water samples are collected at 58 sampling locations. These
grab samples are collected from surface water sources, most of which are
downstream from nuclear facilities or from background locations. Table
4.4 and Figure 4.4 show the locations of the surface water sampling
locations.
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I
4k
vj
Figure 4.3 Drinking Water Sampling Stations
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TABLE 4.4
Surface Water Sampling Locations
Location
AL: Decatur
AL: Gordon
AL: Scottsboro
AR: Little Rock
CA: Clay Station
CA: Diablo Canyon
CA: Eureka
CA: San Onofre
CO: Platteville
CT: East Haddam
CT: Waterford
FL: Crystal River
FL: Ft. Pierce
FL: Homestead
IA: Cedar Rapids
ID: Buhl
IL: E. Moline
IL: Morris
IL: Zion
KS: Le Roy
LA: New Orleans
Source
Tennessee River
Chattahoochee River
Tennessee River
Arkansas River
Folsom S. Canal
Pacific Ocean
Humboldt Bay
Pacific Ocean
South Platte River
Connecticut River
Long Island Sound
Gulf of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Biscayne Bay
Cedar River
Snake River
Mississippi River
Illinois River
Lake Michigan
Neosho River
Mississippi River
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TABLE 4.4 - Continued
Surface Water Sampling Locations
Location
MA: Plymouth
MA: Rowe
MD: Conowingo
MD: Lusby
ME: Wiscasset
MI: Bridgman
MI: Charlevoix
MI: Monroe
MI: South Haven
MN: Monticello
MN: Red Wing
MS: Port Gibson
NC: Charlotte
NC: Southport
NE: Rulo
NJ: Bayside
NJ: Toms River
NV: Boulder City
NY: Chelsea
NY: Ossining
NY: Oswego
OH: Toledo
Source
Cape Cod Bay
Deerfield River
Susquehanna River
Chesapeake Bay
Montseway Bay
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan
Lake Erie
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Mississippi River
Mississippi River
Catawba River
Atlantic Ocean
Missouri River
Delaware River
Oyster Creek
Colorado River
Hudson River
Lake Ontario
Hudson River
Lake Erie
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TABLE 4.4 - Continued
Surface Water Sampling Locations
Location
PA: Danville
SC: Allendale
SC: Columbia
SC: Hartsville
TN: Daisy
TN: Kingston
TX: El Paso
TX: Matagorda
VA: Doswell
VA: Newport News
WA: Northport
WA: Rich land
WI: Victory
WI: Two Creeks
WV: Wheeling
Source
Susquehanna River
Savannah River
Broad River
Lake Robinson
Tennessee River
Clinch River
Rio Grande
Colorado River
North Anna River
James River
Columbia River
Columbia River
Mississippi River
Lake Michigan
Ohio River
4.6 Pasteurized Milk
Pasteurized milk samples are collected and composited at 66 sampling
sites. These locations were selected to cover each state and represent
more than 80% of the milk consumed in major U.S. population centers.
Table 4.5 and Figure 4.5 show the locations of the principal pasteurized
milk sampling stations.
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Figure 4.4 Surface Water Sampling Stations
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TABLE 4.5
Pasteurized Milk Sampling Stations
AK: Anchorage
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Los Angeles
CA: Sacramento
CA: San Francisco
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DC: Washington
DE: Wilmington
FL: Tampa
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA: Des Moines
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
IN: Indianapolis
KS: Wichita
KY: Louisville
LA: New Orleans
MA: Boston
MD: Baltimore
ME: Portland
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MN: Minneapolis
MN: St. Paul
MO: Kansas City
MO: St. Louis
MS: Jackson
MT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
ND: Minot
NE: Omaha
NH: Manchester
NJ: Trenton
NM: Albuquerque
NV: Las Vegas
NY: Buffalo
NY: New York
NY: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH: Cleveland
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
RI: Providence
SC: Charleston
SD: Rapid City
TN: Chattanooga
TN: Knoxville
TN: Memphis
TX: Austin
TX: Fort Worth
UT: Salt Lake City
VA: Norfolk
VT: Burlington
WA: Seattle
WA: Spokane
WI: Milwaukee
WV: Charleston
WY: Laramie
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I
co
Figure 4.5 Pasteurized Milk Sampling Stations
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5 SAMPLING AND REPORTING
5.1 Sample Type and Frequency
The types of samples collected and sampling frequencies are
summarized in Table 5.1 for each ERAMS component.
5.2 Radiochemical Analyses and Frequency
The radiochemical analyses performed and the analysis frequency are
summarized in Table 5.2 for each ERAMS component.
5.3 Data Handling
ERAMS data are computed and compiled by the Monitoring and Analytical
Services Branch of the EERF. Raw data are then entered into computer
storage and verified. The Computer Services Section of the Technical
Support Branch (TSB) is responsible for subsequent formatting for
publication. The primary consideration is to present the data so that
they give as complete a picture as possible while allowing the greatest
freedom to analyze the data without introducing bias. We consider data
values to represent samples from an unknown population distribution that
we are seeking to characterize. In this perspective, each data file is a
time series involving the random variable of nuclide concentration.
Standard statistical tools, therefore, may be readily applied.
5.3.1 Reported values. All specific and gross radionuclide analyses
are reported as the counting results indicate, whether the number is
negative, zero, or positive. "Minimum detectable level" (MDL) for a given
analysis is defined as that value which is equal to or greater than the
1-5-1
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TABLE 5.1
Sample Type and Frequency
ERAMS COMPONENT
TYPE OF SAMPLE
SAMPLING FREQUENCY
Airborne Participates
Filters-4 inch
(10 cm diameter) from
Centrifugal pump air
samplers
Filters are changed
twice weekly and
sent to the EERF
Krypton-85 in air
Dry compressed air samples
purchased from commercial
air suppliers
Every two years
Precipitation
Precipitation
Collected as
precipitation occurs
Composited at the
EERF into single
monthly samples
Drinking Water
Grab samples from major Quarterly
population centers
Surface Water
Grab samples downstream
from nuclear
facilities or from
background sites
Quarterly
Pasteurized Milk
Composite samples from Monthly
major population centers
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TABLE 5.2
Sample Analyses and Frequency
ERAMS COMPONENT
Airborne
Particulates
Krypton-85
Precipitation
Drinking
Water
Surface
Water
Pasteurized
Milk
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
ANALYSIS
G.M. Field Estimates
Gross Beta
Gamma Scans
238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu,
234U, 235U, 238U
85K
Tritium
Gross Beta
Gamma Scans
238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu,
234,, 235,, 238,,
U j U j U
Tritium
Gamma Scans
Gross Alpha
Gross Beta
226Ra
228Ra
90Sr
238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu,
234U, 235U, 238U
ISlj
Tritium
Gamma Scans
131i,140Ba,137Cs>40K
89Sr, 90Sr
89Sr, 90Sr
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
ANALYSIS FREQUENCY
Each of twice weekly samples
Each of twice weekly samples
All samples showing
1 pCi/nr* gross beta
Semiannual ly on composite
air particulate filters
Every two years
Monthly on composite samples
Monthly on composite samples
Monthly on composite samples
Annually on spring quarter
composites
Quarterly
Annually on composite samples
Annually on composite samples
Annually on composite samples
Annually on samples with
gross alpha >2 pCi/1
On samples with 226Ra
between 3-5 pCi/1
Annually on composite samples
Annually on samples with
gross alpha >2 pCi/1
Annually on one individual
sample per sampling site
Quarterly
Annually on April samples
Monthly
Annually on July samples
January, April & October
intraregional composites
from each of EPA's 10 regions
1-5-3
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best estimate of the two sigma total analytical error. MDL's are not reported
with specific analyses. A tabulation of MDL's for each specific radionuclide
in a particular media is given in Table 5.3.
5.3.2 Reporting error terms. Each reported value for a specific
analysis is accompanied by a counting error term at the two sigma (95%)
confidence interval.
5.3.3 Significant figures. All reported values are rounded to no more
than three significant figures. If the last figure to be rounded is five or
greater, the preceding digit is increased by one, otherwise the preceding
digit is not changed.
5.3.4 Reporting levels. The reporting units and the smallest increments
for reporting measurements of each isotope are shown in Table 5.3.
1-5-4
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TABLE 5.3
ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radionuclide Analyses
Radionuc Tides
Gross Alpha
Gross Beta
Tritium
85K
238-239-240pu
234-235-238u
Media
Water
Air
Water
Precipitation
Water
Ambient Air
Air
Water
Air
Water
Reporting
Units
pCi/1
pCi/m3
pCi/1
nCi/m
nCi/1
pCi/m3
aCi/m3
pCi/1
3
aCi/m
pCi/1
Reporting
Increments
1 pCi/1
0.01 pCi/m3
1 pCi/1
0.01 nCi/m2
0.1 nCi/1
0.1 pCi/m3
0.1 aCi/m3
0.001 pCi/1
3
0.1 aCi/m
0.001 pCi/1
Minimum
Detectable
Levels
2 pCi/1
0.01 pCi/m3
1 pCi/1
0.01 nCi/m2(*)
0.2 nCi/1
2 pCi/m3
0.015 pCi(**)
per sample
0.015 pCi
per sample
0.015 pCi(**)
per sample
0.015 pCi
per sample
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TABLE 5.3 - Continued
ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radionuclide Analyses
Radionuclides
226Ra
90Sr
89Sr
131,
137CS
'40Ba
Potassium
40K
Media
Water
Milk
Water
Milk
Milk
Water
Water (specific)
Milk
Water
Milk
Water
Milk
Water
Water
Reporting
Units
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/1
9/1
g/i
pCi/1
Reporting
Increments
0.1 pCi/1
0.1 pCi/1
0.1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
0.1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
0.01 g/1
0.01 g/1
1 pCi/1
Minimum
Detectable
Levels
0.1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
5 pCi/K***)
10 pCi/K***)
10 pCi/H***)
0.4 pCi/1
10 pCi/1
10 pCi/1
10 pCi/l(***)
10 pCi/l(***)
0.12 g/1
0.12 g/1
100 pCi/1
(*) The value in terms of nCi/m would be dependent on precipitation (mm).
3
(**) This value in terms of pCi/m would be dependent on the air volume.
(***) Activity as of the day of counting.
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6 PUBLICATIONS
Data and findings from the ERAMS are routinely published in two
documents, Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) and Radiological Quality of
the Environment. These publications are available from either the Office
of Radiation Programs headquarters in Washington, D.C., or from the EERF
in Montgomery, Alabama. The ERD is published quarterly by the Eastern
Environmental Radiation Facility and contains results from the analyses of
ERAMS samples collected from the previous quarter. Radiological Qua!ity
of the Environment is published by the Office of Radiation Programs in an
effort to summarize the environmental consequences of all radiation
sources.
On a non-routine basis, the EERF will publish ERAMS results generated
from samples collected during a time period that represents a specific
event. For example, samples collected following an aboveground nuclear
test by the Chinese may be published in a special report to reflect the
findings related to that test.
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7 ERAMS ALERT STATUS
7.1 Introduction
In addition to providing data for long-term trends and ambient
concentrations, the ERAMS is designed to provide data for short-term
situations such as fallout or environmental releases from other nuclear
events. Two components of ERAMS are particularly useful when fallout
occurs from atmospheric testing. The air and precipitation component
provides almost immediate information on the geographic distribution and
concentrations of fallout in airborne particulates and precipitation,
while the pasteurized milk component provides information on the uptake
and transfer of fallout in milk.
7.2 Protocol
EPA's Office of Radiation Programs (ORP) is notified by the
Department of Energy whenever the possibility of fallout from nuclear
testing occurs. Information on the movement of atmospheric radioactive
debris is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. ORP-Washington notifies the EERF in Montgomery, Alabama,
of the situation.
The EERF then puts the ERAMS air and precipitation component on alert
status and contacts the EPA regional radiation representatives, who, in
turn, notify the station operators to begin daily collection of air and
precipitation samples. A follow-up contact is initiated by EERF personnel
to determine adequacy of sampling and mailing materials. Five-hour
estimates of gross beta radioactivity in the air particulate samples are
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made by the station operators before mailing the samples to the EERF. If
the five-hour estimate is twice the normal reading, the station operators
are instructed to notify the EERF by telephone immediately. Precipitation
samples are shipped directly to the EERF, where they are analyzed for
gamma activity.
In an alert situation, the EERF compiles the results and telephones
them daily to ORP-Washington where they are included in the ORP press
releases. The EERF also keeps the regional radiation representatives
apprised of the situation.
Following the initial projection of the movement of radioactive
debris, a decision is made as to when additional collections of
pasteurized milk will be made. The Office of Radiation Programs in
Washington notifies FDA of the decision to collect additional samples and
the dates by which they are desired. Since the Food and Drug
Administration provides the authority for collecting these samples, the
FDA then contacts its regional milk and food consultants, who, in turn,
contact the station operators. These samples are mailed to the EERF where
they are analyzed for gamma radioactivity. The results are then
telephoned to ORP-Washington where they are incorporated into press
releases and provided to FDA. The EERF also notifies the regional
representatives of any significant findings.
Raw data from these programs are included in the Environmental
Radiation Data report issued quarterly from the EERF. Comprehensive
reports may also be made to summarize results, estimate health effects,
and address overall consequences.
T9&S-S30-002/646BB AUGAFS,AL(««Z59J) 500
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