vvEPA
United States National Air and
Environmental Protection Radiation Environmental Laboratory
Agency 540 South Morris Avenue
Otfice of Radiation and Indoor Air Montgomery, AL 36115-2601
EPA402-H-93-Q87
October 1993
Radiation
Environmental
Radiation Data
Report 68
October-December 1991
EPA
402
R
93
087
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ENVIRONMENTAL
RADIATION
DATA
REPORT 68
October-December 1991
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
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Preface
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is compiled and distributed quarterly by the Of-
fice of Radiation and Indoor Air's National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory
(NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama, and contains data from the Environmental Radiation
Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS). Data from similar networks operated by contribut-
ing States, Canada, Mexico, and the Pan American Health Organization are reported in the
ERD when available.
ERAMS was established in 1973 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
It is comprised of a nationwide network of sampling stations that provide air, surface and
drinking water, and milk samples from which environmental radiation levels are derived.
The major emphasis for ERAMS is upon identifying trends in the accumulation of long-
lived radionuclides in the environment.
Sampling locations are selected to provide optimal population coverage while functioning
to monitor fallout from nuclear devices and other forms of radioactive contamination of the
environment. The radiation analyses performed on these samples include gross alpha and
gross beta levels, gamma analyses for fission products, and specific analyses for uranium,
plutonium, strontium, iodine, radium, krypton, and tritium. This monitoring effort also
provides ancillary information on natural background levels and on routine and accidental
releases into the environment from stationary sources.
The radiochemical procedures used by NAREL to analyze the ERAMS samples are con-
tained in the Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility Radiochemistry Procedures Manual
(EPA 520/5-84-006). Station operation and sample collection are in accordance with pro-
cedures contained in the ERAMS Manual (EPA 520/5-84-007, 008, 009).
111
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Contents
Data Reporting Rationale
ERAMS Data
1. Aii Program
• Airborne Particulates and Precipitation
• Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates and Precipitation
• Krypton-85
2. Water Program
• Surface Water
• Drinking Water
3. External Gamma Ambient Monitoring Program
4. Milk Program
• Pasteurized Milk
• Strontium-90
• Carbon-14 in Milk
Page
ix
1
1
1
15
22
23
23
29
38
39
39
46
47
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Tables
Table Page
I ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels xi
for Radionuclide Analyses
2 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: October 1991 2
3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: November 1991 4
4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: December 1991 6
5 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: Octobei 1991 8
6 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: November 1991 10
7 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: December 1991 12
8 Tritium in Precipitation: October-December 1991 13
9 Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates: January-June 1991 Composites 16
10 Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates: July-December 1991 Composites 18
11 Plutonium and Uranium Analyses In Precipitation: January-June 1991 Composites 20
12 Tritium in Surface Water: October-December 1991 24
13 Surface Water Annual Gamma Analysis: January-December 1991 26
14 Tritium in Drinking Water: October-December 1991 30
15 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations in Drinking Water: 32
January-December 1991 Composites
16 Plutonium and Uranium Analyses In Drinking Water: January-December 1989 35
17 Plutonium and Uranium Analyses In Drinking Water: January-December 1990 36
18 Plutonium and Uranium Analyses In Drinking Water: January-December 1991 37
19 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: October 1991 40
20 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: November 1991 42
21 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: December 1991 44
22 Strontium-90 in Pasteurized Milk: October 1991 46
VII
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Data Reporting Rationale
Frequently, there is little or no radioactivity in environmental media. Thus, the results
of laboratory analyses should show a distribution of negative and positive numbers about
zero. A negative value occurs when a previously determined background value is subtracted
from a sample value that is less than that of the background. From July 1975 to March
1991, ERAMS data were reported as calculated, whether the results were negative, zero, or
positive. Since April 1991, negative results have been denoted as "not detectable," or "ND."
For gamma analyses only, results less than the 2
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Table 1
ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radionuclide Analyses
Radionuclide
Gioss Alpha
f Gross Beta
Tritium
Carbon-14
Krypton-85
ff Plutoniura-238,239,240
{ Uranium-234,235,238
Radium-226
Strontium-90
Jt Strontium-89
tt Iodine- 131
Iodine- 129
Cesium-137
U Barium- 140
Potassium
Potassium- 40
Media
Water
Air
Water
Precipitation
Reporting
Units
PCi/L
pCi/m3
pCi/L
nCi/m2
Reporting
Increments
1 pCi/L
0.01 pCi/m3
1 pCi/L
0.01 nCi/mz
Minimum
Detectable
Levels
2 pCi/L
0.01 pCi/m3
1 pCi/L
0.01 nCi/m2
(specific radiochemical analyses)
Water
Milk
Milk
Ambient Air
Air
Milk
Water
Air
Milk
Water
Water
Milk
Water
Milk
Milk
Water
Water
Milk
Milk
Water
Milk
Water
Milk
Water
Water
nCi/L
nCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/m3
aCi/m3
pCi/L
pCi/L
aCi/m3
pCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/L
PCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/L
fCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/L
pCi/L
PCi/L
8/L
g/L
pCi/L
0.1 nCi/L
0.1 nCi/L
1 pCi/L
0.1 pCi/m3
0.1 aCi/m3
0.001 pCi/L
0.001 pCi/L
0.1 aCi/m3
0.001 pCi/L
0.001 pCi/L
0.1 pCi/L
0.1 pCi/L
0.1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
0.1 pCi/L
0.1 fCi/L
1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
0.1 g/L
0.1 g/L
1 pCi/L
0.2 nCi/L
0.2 nCi/L
15 pCi/L
2 pCi/m3
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
1 pCi/L
5 pC5/L
10 pCi/L
10 pCi/L
0.4 pCi/L
0.4 fCi/L
10 pCi/L
10 pCi/L
10 pCi/L
10 pCi/L
0.12 g/L
0.12 g/L
100 pCi/L
f The value of MDL for precipitation in terms of nCi/m would be dependent on precipitation (mm).
tf This value of MDL for air in terms of pCi/m would be dependent on the air volume. Measurement by alpha spectroscopy
that includes contributions of plutonium-239 and plutonium-240. MDL for all media given per sample.
| This value of MDL for air in terms of pCi/m would be dependent on the air volume. MDL for all media given per sample.
t| Activity as of the day of counting.
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1. Air Program
Airborne Participates and Precipitation
Gross beta radioactivity measurements and certain specific analyses are performed on
air participates and precipitation samples as indicator measurements in assessing the general
(national) impact of all contributing sources on environmental levels of radiation.
Airborne particulates are collected continuously at field stations representing wide ge-
ographic coverage, including present and potential sources of environmental radioactivity.
Sampling sites are located throughout the United States.
Filters (10-cm diameter synthetic fiber) from air samplers are changed twice weekly
and field measurements are made with a G-M survey meterf at 5 hours and 29 hours after
collection to allow for radon and thoron daughter product decay. Field estimates are reported
to appropriate EPA officials by telephone or mail depending on the activity levels found.
The filters are sent to NAREL for more sensitive analyses in a low background beta
counter. Gamma scans are performed on all filters showing gross beta counts greater than
IpCi/m3. The laboratory obtained values are usually lower than the field estimates due to
the decay of naturally occurring radionuclides between the times of the two measurements.
Precipitation samples are collected at those field stations collecting air filters. These
samples are also sent to NAREL where they are composited monthly for gamma scans,
tritium, and gross beta activity measurements. A composite of the March, April, and May
precipitation samples is analyzed for plutonium-238, -239, -240, and uranium-234, -235, and
-238.
A compilation of individual measurements is available from the National Air and Radi-
ation Environmental Laboratory, 540 South Morris Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36115-2601.
Tables 2-4 contain the data from airborne particulate samples for October-December
1991. Tables 5-7 contain the data from precipitation samples for October-December 1991.
Table 8 contains the data from tritium in precipitation samples for October-December 1991
at the selected sites.
f The counts at five hours for the Montgomery, Alabama, atation ar« performed on a low background beta counter.
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Table 2
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
October 1991
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO : Denver
CT: Hart ford
DE: Wilmington
FL : Jacksonville
FL i Miami
HI: Bono lulu
IA:Iowa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chic ago
IN : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KY: Frankfort
LA: Hew Orleans
MA : Lawrence
ME : Augusta
MI : Lana ing
MM: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
HC: Charlotte
RC : Wilmington
ID: Bismarck
ME: Lincoln
HH: Concord
HJ:Trenton
NM: Santa Fe
NT: Las Vegas
NY: Albany^
NY: Niagara Falls
NY : Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
Number
of
Samples
3
8
8
9
9
9
9
8
9
3
10
9
8
8
10
9
8
3
9
9
8
8
8
9
9
9
10
7
9
9
9
8
9
5
9
1
10
5 -Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(PCi/m3)
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.2 0.5
4.0 0.3 1.4
0.3 0.0 0.1
1.0 0.3 0.6
1.8 0.4 0.9
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.5 0.0 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.2
1.1 0.3 0.7
0.0 0.0 0.0
1.1 0.2 0.5
0.8 0.0 0.4
2.3 0.6 1.4
0.6 0.5 0.6
0.4 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 O.i
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.6 0.1 0.3
1.1 0.2 0.5
1.0 0.1 0.5
0.2 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
2.8 0.3 1.1
2.4 0.1 1.0
0.2 0.1 0.1
1.3 0.1 0.6
1.1 0.2 0.6
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.2
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.05 0.02 0.03
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
October 1991
Location
OH : Columbus
OH: Paine Bville
OH: Ross
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
PA: Pittsburgh
RI: Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
SD : Pierre
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA : Olympia
HA : Spokane
WI: Madison
WV: Charleston
Number
of
Samples
6
9
9
8
9
9
8
9
2
10
5
7
9
9
9
9
9
3
8
9
8
3
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.5 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
1.1 0.0 0.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.9 0.2 0.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1 0.1
1.0 0.2 0.4
0.4 0.3 0.4
2.2 0.6 1.1
2.0 0.1 0.7
0.3 0.1 0.2
1.4 0.3 0.8
0.5 0.0 0.3
1.3 0.2 0.9
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.7 0.2 0.4
1.3 0.2 0.4
0.3 0.2 0.3
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Kin Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0,00
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0,02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0,01 0,02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m3.
Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m .
Minimum Detectable
Minimum Detectable
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Table 3
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
November 1991
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT:Hartford
DE: Wilmington
PL : Jacksonville
HI: Honolulu
IA:Iova City
ID:Boiae
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KY: Frankfort
LA: Hen Orleans
MA : Lawrence
HE: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MH : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
HC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
NH: Concord
NJ:Trenton
MM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
NY : Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH: Columbus
Number
of
Samples
1
8
6
8
8
7
8
9
1
6
8
8
9
8
8
2
2
7
8
8
8
8
7
8
9
6
1
6
8
8
9
8
4
8
1
6
6
6-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
2.8 0.4 1.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
1.3 0.4 0.8
2.1 0.1 0.5
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
O.S 0.1 0.2
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
1.1 0.1 0.3
0.6 0.0 0.3
0.3 0.3 0.3
0.5 0.1 0.3
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
O.S 0.0 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.2 0.3
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
2.2 0.1 0.6
0.5 0.1 0.4
0.8 0.1 0.4
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(PCi/m3)
0.02 0.02 0.02
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.03
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0,01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.02
O.OS 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.02 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.02 0.02
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.05 0.01 0.02
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
November 1991
Location
OH :Paines villa
OH: Ross
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Port land
PA:Harrisburg
PA Pittsburgh
HI : Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
SD: Pierre
TM:Knoxville
TN : Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WArOlympia
WA : Spokane
WI: Madison
WV: Charleston
Number
of
Samples
7
9
7
9
7
9
7
2
7
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
2
7
8
9
2
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.0 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.8 0.1 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.8 0.0 0.4
0.3 0.1 0.2
2.0 0.3 0.7
1.3 0.1 0.4
0.3 0.1 0.2
1.3 0.6 0.9
0.2 0.1 0.1
1.3 0.1 0.6
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.5 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.05 0.01 0.03
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
Minimum Detectable Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m3.
Minimum Detectable Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m3.
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Table 4
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
December 1991
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Hock
AZ : Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
lAiIosa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KY: Frankfort
LA: New Orleans
MA : Lawrence
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MN: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
NC : Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ME: Lincoln
NH : Concord
HJ:Trenton
NM: Santa Fe
NV:Laa Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
NY : Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH: Columbus
Number
of
Samples
8
8
7
9
5
9
9
9
9
3
8
8
8
9
9
8
7
2
8
8
8
9
7
9
8
8
9
4
9
9
7
7
4
8
3
6
4
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
3.3 0.0 1.0
0.3 0.0 0.2
2.1 0.1 0.6
0.8 0.1 0.3
1.5 0.1 0.7
0.9 0.2 0.4
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.3 0,0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.4 0.0 0.2
1.2 0.3 0.6
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
O.B 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
O.B 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
I
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Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
December 1991
Location
OH:Painesville
OH:Ros8
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
PA Pittsburgh
RI : Providence
SC : Barnwell
SC : Columbia
SD : Pierre
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
OT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA:01ympia
WA : Spokane
WI: Madison
Number
of
Samples
9
9
5
5
9
10
5
9
2
9
5
2
8
8
8
9
6
3
9
9
9
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.5 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.5 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.5 0.0 0.3
0.2 0.1 0.2
0.5 0.5 0.5
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
2.0 0.1 0.7
0.4 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
KAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Kin Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.00
0.04 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
Minimum Detectable
Minimum Detectable
Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m .
Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m
-------
Table 5
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
October 1991
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA : Berkeley
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
FL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI : Honolulu
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
LA: New Orleans
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MK : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
HD: Bismarck
NH : Concord
NJ:Trenton
MY: Albany
MY: Niagara Falls
MY : Syracuse
NYiYaphank
OH:Painesville
OH: Toledo
OR: Portland
PA :Harrisburg
SC : Bamwell
SC : Columbia
TN:Knoxville
TN:Hashville
Depth
(mm)
6.0
28.0
30.0
2.2
8.6
52.0
25.0
132.6
192.0
13.0
8.0
8.0
166.0
27.0
88.0
113.6
44.0
40.0
42.0
10.0
85.0
12.0
85. 4
34.4
60.4
12.0
8.0
63.0
99.4
107.0
50.0
9S.2
39.6
135.8
17.6
65.0
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2
-------
Table 5 (continued)
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
October 1991
Location
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
WA:01ympia
VI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
22.0
7.0
35.4
49.0
85.6
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2
-------
Table 6
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
November 1991
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CO: Denver
CT: Hart ford
DE: Wilmington
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
Rl : Honolulu
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
1L : Chicago
LA: Hew Orleans
ME: August a
MI: Lansing
MN : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
NH : Concord
MJ: Trent on
NV:Las Vegas
KY: Albany
NT: Niagara Falls
NT: Syracuse
NT:Taphank
OH :Paines villa
OH: Toledo
OR: Port land
PA:Harrisburg
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
Depth
(mm)
73.0
116.0
18.4
69.4
80.0
13.0
8.8
48.6
9.0
33.0
195.6
64.8
143.0
10.0
34.2
19.0
66.0
8.0
40.0
50.0
22.0
114.4
46.4
8.0
84.0
40.0
14.0
12.0
96.0
42.0
142.0
75.2
39.6
30.8
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2
-------
Table 6 (continued)
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
November 1991
Location
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
WA:01ympia
WI: Madison
Depth
(nun)
58.0
29.0
48.0
34.6
6.0
28.4
111.0
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2(7
0.09 0.02
0.04 0.01
0.06 0.02
0.02 0.01
0.15 0.01
0.03 0.01
0.22 O.OS
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 7
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
December 1991
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Lit tie Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CT: Hartford
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
LA: Hen Orleans
MN: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
NJ:Trenton
KM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NT: Niagara Falls
NY: Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH:Painesville
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
SC : Columbia
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
DT:Salt Lake City
VA:Lynchburg
UA:01ympia
WI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
59.6
120.0
31.6
68.0
8.6
15.4
40.0
5.0
4.6
59.0
93.2
19.0
32.0
42.0
230.0
45.0
76.0
288.0
4.0
4S.2
46.0
8.0
109.0
62.0
90.6
74.8
74.2
109.0
64.0
90.0
53.0
34.8
104.0
157.4
53.2
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2er
0.01 0.02
0.09 0 . 04
0.01 0.01
0.19 0.03
0.01 0.00
0.03 0.01
0.04 0.02
0.01 0.00
0.03 0.00
0.09 0.02
0.09 0.03
0.02 0.01
0.02 0.01
0.02 0.01
0.29 0.08
0.07 0.02
0.12 0.03
0.11 0.09
0.08 0.01
0.06 0.02
0.06 0.02
0.00 0.00
0.16 0.04
0.17 0.03
0.17 0.04
0.11 0.03
0.13 0.03
0.07 0.04
0.03 0.02
0.03 0.03
0.06 0.02
0.03 0.01
0.42 0.06
0.03 0.06
0.03 0.02
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2<7
ND
ND
ND
7Be:71.5±34.9
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
212Pb: 7.7±6.6
ND
ND
ND
ND
7Be:56.8±25.5
7Be: 64.8±29.2
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
7Be:60.9±29.5
ND
7Be: 48.0±42.5
7Be: 34.0±23.2
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
7Be: 31.4±24.8
Note: <7- = Counting Error. ND = Not Detectable.
12
-------
Table 8
Tritium in Precipitation
October-December 1991
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
LA: New Orleans
HE: Augusta
HI: Lansing
MN: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
MH : Concord
NJ: Trenton
NM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
NY : Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH:Painesville
OH: Toledo
OR: Port land
PA:Harrisburg
SC:Barnwell
SC: Columbia
TN:Knox villa
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
October 1991
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 8 (continued)
Tritium in Precipitation
October-December 1991
Location
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
Wi:01ynpia
WI: Madison
October 1991
nCi/L ±2
-------
Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates and Precipitation
Environmental radiation levels of plutonium and uranium are determined by the analysis
of semiannually composited samples (air filters) collected from the continuously operating
airborne participate samplers.
Concentrations of the specific isotopes of plutonium-238, -239, and -240 and uranium-
234, -235, and -238 are determined by alpha spectroscopy following chemical separation. The
volume of air represented by the semiannual composite ranges from 60,000 to 250,000 cubic
meters.
Plutonium and uranium results are published when they become available.
Tables 9-10 contain the plutonium and uranium results for air samples for the period
January-December 1991. Table 11 contains the plutonium and uranium in precipitation
data for January-June 1991. Values are based upon composites of the March, April, and
May samples. Samples from these three months only are analyzed annually because, due
to the spring rains, they usually contain the year's highest concentrations of plutonium and
uranium.
15
-------
Table 9
Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates
January-June 1991 Composites
Location
AL: Montgomery
AH: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
IA:Iowa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KY:Frankfort
LA: New Orleans
MA: Laurence
ME: August a
MI: Lansing
MH : Minneapolis
MO:Je«erson City
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
HE : Lincoln
NH : Concord
NJ:Trenton
MM: Santa Fe
NY: Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: New York City
HY: Niagara Falls
NY: Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
238pu
aCi/m3 ±2
-------
Table 9 (continued)
Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates
January-June 1991 Composites
Location
OH : Columbus
OH:Painesville
OH: ROBS
OH : Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA : Harrisburg
PA: Pittsburgh
RI : Providence
SC:Barnvell
SC: Columbia
SD: Pierre
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
OT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA : Olympia
WA : Spokane
WI: Madison
WV: Charleston
238pll
aCi/m3 ±2
-------
Table 10
Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates
July-December 1991 Composites
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA : Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
IA:Io«a City
ID:Boiae
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KT: Frankfort
LA: New Orleans
MA: Lawrence
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MN : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
NC: Charlotte
1C: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
HH : Concord
NJ: Trent on
KM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NT: Niagara Falls
NT: Syracuse
NTiYaphank
2MPu
aCi/m3 ±2
-------
Table 10 (continued)
Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates
July-December 1991 Composites
Location
OH: Columbus
OH:Painesville
OH: Ross
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
PA Pittsburgh
RI : Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
SD: Pierre
TH:Knoxville
TH: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WArOlympia
WA : Spokane
WI: Madison
WV: Charleston
238pu
aCi/m3 ±2
-------
Table 11
Plutonium and Uranium Analyses
Selected Precipitation Composite Samples
January-June 1991
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CO : Denver
CT: Hartford.
DE: Wilmington
FL : Jacksonville
PL : Miami
HI: Honolulu
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
LA: New Orleans
ME: August a
MI: Lane ing
MH : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
NC : Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
KB : Concord
NJ: Trent on
MM: Santa Fe
KV:Las Vegas
NT: Albany
NY: New York City
NY: Niagara Falls
NY: Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH : Fainesville
OB: Toledo
OR: Port land
PA : Harrisburg
RI: Providence
SCrBarnwell
238pu
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 11 (continued)
Plutonium and Uranium Analyses
Selected Precipitation Composite Samples
January-June 1991
Location
SC : Columbia
TK:Knoxville
TK: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
UA : Olympia
WI: Madison
WV : Charleston
238pu
pCi/L ±2(7
ND
0.001 0.007
0.002 0.003
0.001 0.002
ND
0.001 0.002
0.001 0.004
ND
0.002 0.003
ND
239-240 pu
pCi/L ±1a
0.001 0.003
ND
0.001 0.002
ND
ND
0.003 0.004
ND
0.003 0.004
ND
ND
2340
pCi/L ±2ff
0.065 0.021
0.068 0.026
0.074 0.021
0.083 0.027
0.183 0.053
0.048 0.022
0.095 0.025
0.099 0.030
0.069 0.024
0.053 0.019
235,;
pCi/L ±2
-------
Krypton-85
Krypton-85 is a long-lived noble gas with a half-life of 10.8 years. It is released into
the atmosphere by nuclear reactor operations, fuel reprocessing, weapons tests, and research
and defense related activities. Krypton-85 also occurs naturally in minor quantities primarily
from the neutron capture of stable krypton-84 as well as spontaneous fission and neutron-
induced fission of uranium. Krypton-85 in the atmosphere has been monitored to identify
and establish baseline levels and long-term trends.
Krypton-85 analysis began in January 1973 with sample collections and analyses being
performed for 12 sampling locations. These locations were selected to provide atmospheric
coverage of the United States with considerations being given to the proximity to fuel repro-
cessing plants, nuclear reactors, and wide geographic coverage.
Dry compressed air samples, collected at each location, are purchased from commercial
air suppliers and shipped to the NAREL, where the krypton-85 is cryogenically separated
and counted in a liquid scintillation system.
The last Kr-85 results were for 1976, 1977, and 1979. They were published in Environ-
mental Radiation Data: Report 30.
22
-------
2. Water Program
The ERAMS water program provides data on ambient radiation levels in the nation's
rivers, streams, and drinking water supplies.
Surface Water
Quarterly grab samples are taken downstream from operating or future nuclear facilities
at 58 stations. Surface water samples are analyzed for tritium quarterly and specific gamma
activity annually. Tritium is a primary radioactive pollutant from nuclear power plants and
weapons production activities. Tritium concentrations are determined by liquid scintillation
counting of distilled samples. Gamma scans are performed annually to determine levels of
gamma emitting radionuclides.
Table 12 contains the tritium concentration data for October-December 1991. Table 13
contains the surface water annual gamma results for January-December 1991.
23
-------
Table 12
Tritium in Surface Water
October-December 1991
Location
AL : Decatur
AL : Gordon
AL:Scottsboro
AR: Little Rock
CA:Clay Station
CA: Diablo Canyon
CA : Eureka
CA:San Onofre
CO :Platte villa
CT:Eaat Haddam
CT: Hater ford
FL: Crystal River
FL:Ft. Pierce
FL : Homestead
GA:Baxley
IA: Cedar Rapida
IL:E. Moline
1L: Morris
IL:Zion
KS : Leroy
LA: New Orleans
HA: Plymouth
MD : Conowingo
HD:Lusby
MEiViscasset
MI:Bridgman
HI: Monroe
Ml: South Haven
MN:Monticello
Mi: Red Wing
MS: Port Gibson
NC: Charlotte
NC : Southport
NE:Rulo
IP: Bay side
NJ: Oyster Creek
NV: Boulder City
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
Altamaha River
Cedar River
Mississippi River
Illinois River
Lake Michigan
Neosho River
Mississippi River
Cape Cod Bay
Susquehanna River
Chesapeake Bay
Montseway Bay
Lake Michigan
Lake Erie
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Mississippi River
Mississippi River
Catawba River
Atlantic Ocean
Missouri River
Delaware River
Oyster Creek
Colorado River
Date
Collected
10/08/91
10/16/91
10/08/91
10/07/91
10/18/91
12/31/91
10/10/91
12/06/91
10/09/91
10/10/91
10/10/91
10/09/91
10/08/91
10/14/91
10/09/91
10/15/91
10/08/91
10/23/91
12/31/91
10/07/91
10/22/91
10/09/91
10/08/91
10/15/91
10/29/91
10/15/91
10/19/91
10/20/91
10/08/91
11/13/91
10/08/91
10/08/91
10/10/91
10/02/91
10/15/91
10/23/91
10/09/91
3H
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 12 (continued)
Tritium in Surface Water
October-December 1991
Location
NY: Chelsea
NY:Ossining
NY : Osvego
NY:Oswego
OH: Toledo
OR:Bradwood
PA: Danville
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
SC:Allendale
SC: Broad River
SC:HartBville
TN: Kingston
TX:E1 Paso
TX:Hatagorda
VA:Doswell
VA: Newport News
VT : Vernon
WA:Korthport
WA:Richland
WI:Two Creeks
WI: Victory
WV: Wheeling
Source
Hudson River
Hudson River
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Erie
Columbia River
Susquehanna River
Schuylkill River
Delaware River
Schuylkill River
Savannah River
Broad River
Lake Robinson
Clinch River
Rio Grande
Colorado River
North Anna River
Janes River
Connecticut River
Columbia River
Columbia River
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Date
Collected
10/21/91
10/11/91
12/13/91
10/23/91
10/07/91
10/28/91
10/09/91
10/30/91
10/30/91
10/30/91
10/29/91
10/22/91
10/14/91
10/01/91
10/11/91
10/16/91
10/10/91
10/23/91
10/23/91
11/13/91
11/19/91
10/07/91
10/07/91
10/15/91
3H
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 13
Surface Water
Annual Gamma Analysis
January-December 1991
Location
AL:Decatur
AL : Gordon
AL: Scott sboro
AR: Little Rock
CA:Clay Station
CA: Diablo Canyon
CA : Eureka
CO:Platteville
CT:East Haddara
CTrWaterford
FL: Crystal River
FL:Ft. Pierce
FL: Homestead
IA: Cedar Rapids
IL:E. Holine
IL: Morris
KS : Leroy
LA: New Orleans
MA: Plymouth
MD : Conowingo
HD:Lusby
H£:Wiscasset
MI:Bridgman
MI : Charlevoix
MI: Monroe
Source
Tennessee River
Chattahoochee River
Tennessee River
Arkansas River
Folsom S. Canal
Pacific Ocean
Humboldt Bay
South Platte River
Connecticut River
Long Island Sound
Gulf Of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Biscayne Bay
Cedar River
Mississippi River
Illinois River
Neosho River
Mississippi River
Cape Cod Bay
Susquehanna River
Chesapeake Bay
Montseway Bay
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan
Lake Erie
Date
Collected
04/04/91
04/11/91
04/OS/91
04/18/91
04/18/91
05/15/91
04/11/91
04/05/91
04/08/91
04/08/91
04/15/91
04/09/91
04/04/91
04/18/91
04/23/91
04/02/91
04/03/91
04/04/91
04/17/91
04/16/91
04/08/91
04/09/91
04/05/91
04/08/91
04/08/91
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 13 (continued)
Surface Water
Annual Gamma Analysis
January-December 1991
Location
HI: South Haven
MN:Monticello
MN:Red Ming
MS: Port Gibson
NC: Charlotte
NC : Southport
NE:Rulo
NJiBayside
NJ: Oyster Creek
NV: Boulder City
NY: Chelsea
NY: Os sining
NY:Osvego
OH: Toledo
ORrBradwood
PA: Danville
PA : Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
SC:Allendale
SC: Broad River
SC: Harts ville
TN: Daisy
TN: Kingston
Source
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Mississippi River
Mississippi River
Catawba River
Atlantic Ocean
Missouri River
Delaware River
Oyster Creek
Colorado River
Hudson River
Hudson River
Lake Ontario
Lake Erie
Columbia River
Susquehanna River
Delaware River
Schuylkill R. -Queen
Schuylkill R.-Belmont
Savannah River
Broad River
Lake Robinson
Tennessee River
Clinch River
Date
Collected
04/07/91
04/23/91
05/13/91
04/09/91
07/02/91
04/10/91
04/02/91
04/16/91
04/17/91
05/03/91
04/08/91
04/29/91
06/19/91
04/04/91
05/30/91
04/17/91
04/23/91
04/23/91
04/23/91
04/30/91
04/25/91
04/15/91
04/16/91
04/08/91
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 13 (continued)
Surface Water
Annual Gamma Analysis
January-December 1991
Location
TX:E1 Paso
TX:Matagorda
VArDoswell
VA: Newport News
VTiVernon
WA:Northport
WA:Richland
VI: Two Creeks
VI: Victory
WV: Wheeling
Source
Rio Grande
Colorado River
North Anna River
Janes River
Connecticut River
Columbia River
Columbia River
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Date
Collected
06/04/91
04/16/91
04/04/91
04/18/91
04/17/91
OS/22/91
04/23/91
04/16/91
04/05/91
04/03/91
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2
-------
Drinking Water
This program monitors ambient radiation levels in drinking water at 78 sites. These data
serve to assess trends and anomalies in concentrations, and to compare with standards set
forth in the EPA "National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations." These regulations
provide for approval of supplies when the combined radium-226 and radium-228 levels do not
exceed 5 pCi/L, when the gross alpha (excluding radon and uranium) levels do not exceed
15 pCi/L, when tritium levels do not exceed 20,000 pCi/L, when the strontium-90 levels do
not exceed 8 pCi/L, and when the gross beta levels do not exceed 50 pCi/L.
Grab samples are taken at the 78 sites which are either major population centers or
selected nuclear facility environs.
The analyses include (a) tritium on a quarterly basis; (b) gross alpha, gross beta,
strontium-90, and gamma on annual composites; (c) radium-226 if the gross alpha exceeds
2 pCi/L and radium-228 if the radium-226 falls between 3 and 5 pCi/L; (d) specific iodine-
131 on one quarterly sample per year for each station; and (e) an annual composite for
plutonium-238, -239, and -240 and uranium-234, -235, and -238 for stations that demon-
strate gross alpha levels greater than 2 pCi/L.
Tritium analyses are performed by scintillation counting of the distilled samples. Gross
beta and alpha are determined by evaporating an aliquot on a stainless steel planchet for
counting. Radium-226 is determined by the standard emanation technique. Strontium-90 is
determined by beta counting a strontium carbonate precipitate isolated by ion exchange.
Table 14 contains the data from drinking water samples for October-December 1991.
Table 15 contains the data on gross alpha, gross beta, strontium-90, and radium-226 in
drinking water for January-December 1991. Tables 16-18 contain the plutonium and ura-
nium in drinking water data for 1989-1991.
29
-------
Table 14
Tritium in Drinking Water
October-December 1991
Location
AK: Fairbanks
AL: Do than
AL : Montgomery
AL: Muscle Shoals
AR: Little Rock
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CO:Platteville
CT: Hartford
CZ : Ancon
DE: Dover
FL: Miami
FL: Tampa
GA:Baxley
GA : Savannah
HI : Honolulu
IA: Cedar Rapids
IDzBoise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Morris
IL:W. Chicago
KStTopeka
LA: New Orleans
MA : Lawrence
MD: Baltimore
MD : Conowingo
ME: Augusta
MI: Detroit
MN : Minneapolis
MH:Red Wing
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
MS: Port Gibson
MT: Helena
HC: Charlotte
HC: Wilmington
MD: Bismarck
NE: Lincoln
HH: Concord
NJ:Trenton
Date
Collected
11/12/91
10/15/91
10/06/91
10/08/91
10/09/91
10/08/91
10/08/91
10/07/91
10/09/91
10/07/91
10/16/91
10/04/91
10/07/91
10/15/91
10/11/91
10/25/91
10/29/91
10/15/91
10/15/91
10/15/91
11/25/91
10/03/91
10/03/91
10/09/91
10/07/91
10/03/91
10/08/91
10/10/91
10/10/91
10/08/91
10/19/91
10/07/91
10/08/91
10/08/91
10/08/91
10/08/91
10/10/91
10/09/91
10/04/91
10/07/91
10/18/91
3H
nCi/L ±2ff
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.4 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
30
-------
Table 14 (continued)
Tritium in Drinking Water
October-December 1991
Location
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
PArHarrisburg
PA : Phila . -Baxter
PA :Phila. -Queen
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
RI: Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SC:Hartsville
SC: Jenkins ville
SC: Seneca
TN: Chattanooga
TN:Knox ville
TX: Austin
VA:Doswell
VA:Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WArRichland
WA: Seattle
WI: Genoa City
WI: Madison
Date
Collected
10/23/91
10/21/91
10/08/91
10/23/91
10/07/91
10/09/91
12/10/91
10/28/91
10/16/91
10/11/91
10/10/91
10/10/91
12/18/91
10/09/91
10/10/91
10/07/91
10/30/91
10/30/91
10/30/91
10/10/91
10/22/91
10/09/91
10/03/91
10/15/91
10/11/91
10/22/91
11/06/91
10/02/91
10/04/91
11/01/91
10/03/91
10/10/91
11/19/91
10/08/91
10/08/91
10/04/91
3H
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 15
Drinking Water
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations
January-December 1991 Composites
Location
AK: Fairbanks
AL:Dothan
AL: Montgomery
AL: Muscle Shoals
AL: Scott sboro
AR: Little Rock
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CO:Platteville
CT: Hartford
DC: Washington
DE: Dover
FL: Miami
FL: Tampa
GA:Baxley
6A : Savannah
HI: Honolulu
IA: Cedar Rapids
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
I IL: Morris
JIL:W. Chicago
KSrTopeka
LA: Hew Orleans
MA : Lawrence
ND: Baltimore
MD:Conowingo
HI: August a
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MN: Minneapolis
§MH:Red Wing
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
Total
Solids
(mg/L)
100.0
200.0
60.0
80.0
80.0
200.0
30.0
400.0
100.0
800.0
30.0
100.0
300.0
200.0
300.0
100.0
100.0
200.0
100.0
100.0
200.0
400.0
200.0
400.0
100.0
80.0
80.0
200.0
30.0
80.0
100.0
100.0
300.0
300.0
60.0
Gross
Beta
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 15 (continued)
Drinking Water
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations
January-December 1991 Composites
Location
MS: Port Gibson
MT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
NC : Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
KH : Concord
NJ:Trenton
NJ:Waretown
MM: 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: Port land
PA: Columbia
PA:Harrisburg
PA Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
RI : Providence
SC:Barn«ell
SC : Columbia
SC:Hartaville
SC : Jenkins ville
Total
Solids
(mg/L)
300.0
100. 0
50.0
100.0
300.0
200.0
70.0
100.0
50.0
400.0
600.0
60.0
40.0
100.0
90.0
200.0
200.0
200.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
20.0
200.0
40.0
200.0
200.0
200.0
200.0
70.0
50.0
30.0
70.0
30.0
200.0
Gross
Beta
pCi/L ±2<7
5.6 1.6
2.6 1.1
2.0 0.8
3.0 0.9
3.4 1.3
9.0 1.7
1.7 0.8
2.6 0.9
1.4 0.8
8.0 1.8
4.3 2.4
1.3 0.8
0.3 0.8
2.0 1.0
1.8 0.8
3.1 1.0
3.4 1.2
3.2 1.2
1.9 0.9
2.1 0.7
2.3 0.7
0.5 0.6
2.3 0.8
0.6 0.8
1.9 0.9
4.1 1.0
4.5 1.1
2.4 0.7
0.9 0.7
0.5 0.6
0.6 0.8
1.9 0.8
1.0 0.7
3.2 1.0
Gross
Alpha
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 15 (continued)
Drinking Water
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations
January-December 1991 Composites
Location
SC : Seneca
TH : Chattanooga
TN:Knoxville
IX : Austin
7A:Doswell
VA:Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA:Richland
WA: Seattle
WI: Genoa City
UI:Hadison
Total
Solids
(mg/L)
30.0
80.0
90.0
300.0
200.0
70.0
100.0
60.0
20.0
100.0
200.0
Gross
Beta
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 16
Plutonium and Uranium Analyses
Selected Drinking Water Composite Samples
January-December 1989
Location
CO : Denver
CO:Platteville
GA:Baxley
IL: Chicago
IL: Morris
MNrRed Wing
MT: Helena
HE: Lincoln
NM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: New Tort City
OH: East Liverpool
SC : Jenkinsville
WI: Madison
Z38pu
pCi/1 ±2
-------
Ikble 17
Plutonium and Uranium Analyses
Selected Drinking Water Composite Samples
January-December 1990
Location
FL: Miami
GA:Baxley
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Morris
IL:W. Chicago
UN: Red Wing
HE: Lincoln
NM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
SC: Jenkins ville
238 pu
pCi/1 ±2
-------
Ikble 18
Plutonium and Uranium Analyses
Selected Drinking Water Composite Samples
January-December 1991
Location
CO:Platteville
6A : Baxley
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Morris
IL:W. Chicago
MN:Red Wing
HE: Lincoln
NM: Santa Fe
238 pu
pCi/1 ±2(7
ND
0.007 0.004
0.004 0.004
ND
0.007 0.009
ND
0 . 006 0 . 004
0.003 0.002
239-240pu
pCi/1 ±2(7-
0.003 0.004
ND
ND
0.001 0.004
0.002 0.004
ND
0.004 0.004
0.013 0.007
2340
pCi/1 ±2ff
7.630 0.590
0.172 0.045
0.827 0.106
O.S13 0.081
1.670 0.162
0.538 0.090
3.920 0.266
11.700 0.779
Z3S0
pCi/1 ±2
-------
3. External Gamma Ambient Monitoring Program
The External Gamma Monitoring Program (EGAMP), which began in October 1978,
provides a continuous measurement of ambient gamma exposure rates, including cosmic, at
selected sites throughout the continental United States. Data from this program are used
to evaluate fluctuations in natural background due to variations in environmental condi-
tions and to provide a means of monitoring any significant increases in ambient gamma
levels. The program consists of approximately 22 sites representing wide geographic cover-
age throughout the country, f Although exposure measurements at these few sites are not
totally representative of nationwide exposures, they do indicate national trends.
The EGAMP program utilizes CaF2:Mn thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's). These
dosimeters are commercially available glass-bulb type dosimeters with energy compensating
shields. A group of three TLD's is located at each station or site. Dosimeters are annealed
by the station operator prior to positioning in the field. The dosimeters are returned to
NAREL for readout approximately every three months. Several dosimeters are annealed by
the station operator as controls and returned with the exposed field dosimeters to correct
for any exposures accumulated during shipment.
Publication of EGAMP data has been suspended until problems with the data are re-
solved.
J Since some of theie rite* may not return dosimeters each period, the number of cites listed may vary slightly.
38
-------
4. Milk Program
Pasteurized Milk
This is a cooperative program with the Dairy and Lipid Products Branch, Milk Sani-
tation Section, Food and Drug Administration. Milk is a reliable indicator of the general
population's intake of radionuclides since it is consumed fresh by a large segment of the pop-
ulation and can contain several of the biologically important radionuclides that result from
environmental releases from nuclear activities. A primary function of this program is to ob-
tain reliable monitoring data relative to current radionuclide concentrations and determine
any long-term trends.
Monthly samples are collected at 65 sampling sites with at least one located in each
state, Puerto Rico, and the Panama Canal Zone. The samples are composited, according
to production, from the major milk suppliers representing more than 80 percent of the milk
consumed in a given population center.
The samples are analyzed for gamma emitting nuclides, including iodine-131, barium-
140, cesium-137, and potassium. All samples collected in July are analyzed for strontium-90.
Also, for the first month of the three quarters beginning January, April, and October, 10
regional composite samples of milk made up from the states within each of EPA's 10 regions
are analyzed for strontium-90.
Iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-137, and potassium are determined by gamma spectral
analysis. Strontium-90 is determined by beta counting a total strontium precipitate that has
been chemically separated by ion exchange.
Tables 19-21 contain the concentrations of radionuclides in pasteurized milk for October-
December 1991. Table 22 contains the concentrations of strontium-90 in pasteurized milk
EPA Regional Composites for October 1991.
39
-------
Table 19
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
October 1991
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA:Los Angeles
CA : Sacramento
CA:San Francisco
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Dover
FL: Tampa
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA:Des Koines
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS: Wichita
KY: Louisville
LA: Mew Orleans
MA: Boston
MD: Baltimore
HE: Portland
HI:Detroit
HI: Grand Rapids
MI: St. Louis
MN:St. Paul
HO: Kansas City
MS: Jackson
HI: Helena
NC: Charlotte
ND:Minot
HE: Omaha
NJ:Trenton
NK : Albuquerque
NY: Buffalo
NY: New York City
NY: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
Date
Collected
10/10/91
10/18/91
10/10/91
10/07/91
10/01/91
10/01/91
10/18/91
10/07/91
10/16/91
10/08/91
10/02/91
10/29/91
10/02/91
10/03/91
10/08/91
10/12/91
10/02/91
10/29/91
10/08/91
10/10/91
10/02/91
10/09/91
10/07/91
10/02/91
10/03/91
10/21/91
10/02/91
10/18/91
10/24/91
10/30/91
10/28/91
10/08/91
10/10/91
10/07/91
10/09/91
10/08/91
10/29/91
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 19 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
October 1991
Location
OH: Cleveland
OR: Port land
PA Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
SD: Rapid City
TN : Chattanooga
TN: Memphis
TX: Austin
TX: Dallas
VA: Norfolk
VT:Montpelier
UA: Seattle
VA: Spokane
VV: Charles ton
Date
Collected
10/29/91
10/07/91
10/29/91
10/07/91
10/16/91
10/11/91
10/07/91
10/07/91
10/18/91
10/08/91
10/09/91
10/28/91
10/10/91
10/01/91
10/07/91
10/09/91
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 20
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
November 1991
Location.
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA:Los Angeles
CA: Sacramento
CA:San Francisco
CO : Denver
CT: Hart ford
DE : Wilmington
PL: Tampa
GA: Atlanta
IA:Des Koines
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KY: Louisville
LA: New Orleans
HA: Boston
MD: Baltimore
HI: Detroit
MN: Minneapolis
KO: Kansas City
HO: St. Louis
MS : Jackson
HT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
ND:Minot
HE : Omaha
NJ: Trenton
NM : Albuquerque
KY: Buffalo
NY: lew York City
NY: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OR: Port land
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
Date
Collected
11/08/91
11/04/91
11/06/91
11/08/91
11/12/91
11/07/91
11/27/91
11/18/91
11/20/91
11/13/91
11/11/91
11/12/91
11/11/91
11/07/91
11/04/91
11/05/91
11/26/91
11/11/91
11/08/91
11/07/91
11/06/91
11/21/91
11/06/91
11/07/91
11/14/91
11/27/91
11/26/91
11/25/91
11/08/91
11/27/91
11/04/91
11/04/91
11/07/91
11/25/91
11/04/91
11/04/91
11/04/91
K
g/L ±1
-------
Table 20 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
November 1991
Location
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
SC: Charleston
SD: Rapid City
TN:Knoxville
TX: Austin
TX: Dallas
VT: Burlington
WA: Seattle
WA : Spokane
HV: Charles ton
Date
Collected
11/19/91
11/08/91
11/20/91
11/04/91
11/06/91
11/05/91
11/12/91
11/04/91
11/07/91
11/05/91
11/12/91
K
g/L ±2(7
1.56 0.08
1.55 0.08
1.58 0.08
1.69 0.14
1.62 0.08
1.47 0.11
1.47 0.12
1.49 0.10
1.55 0.12
1.61 0.08
1.59 0.06
137Cs
pCi/L ±2o-
11 2
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
14°Ba
pCi/L ±2
-------
Tkble 21
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
December 1991
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA:Los Angeles
CA : Sacramento
CA:San Francisco
CO: Denver
FL : Tampa
6A : Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA:Des Koines
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS: Wichita
KT: Louisville
MA: Boston
MD: Baltimore
ME: Portland
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MH:St. Paul
MO: Kansas City
MO: St. Louis
MS: Jackson
NT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
ND:Minot
NE : Omaha
NJ:Trenton
NH : Albuquerque
NY: Las Vegas
NT: Buffalo
NY: New York City
NY : Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Port land
Date
Collected
12/05/91
12/02/91
12/05/91
12/OB/91
12/02/91
12/03/91
12/17/91
12/09/91
12/02/91
12/09/91
12/02/91
12/05/91
12/04/91
12/05/91
12/03/91
12/09/91
12/06/91
12/02/91
12/04/91
12/02/91
12/04/91
12/18/91
12/03/91
12/02/91
12/05/91
12/27/91
12/30/91
12/23/91
12/04/91
12/16/91
12/03/91
12/20/91
12/02/91
12/03/91
12/31/91
12/30/91
12/04/91
K
8/L ±2
-------
Table 21 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
December 1991
Location
PA Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
SC : Charleston
SO: Rapid City
TN:Knoxville
TN: Memphis
TI: Austin
TX:Ft. Worth
VA: Norfolk
VTrMontpelier
WA: Seattle
HA : Spokane
WV: Charleston
Date
Collected
12/02/91
12/02/91
12/19/91
12/19/91
12/04/91
12/10/91
12/16/91
12/09/91
12/05/91
12/27/91
12/11/91
12/05/91
12/02/91
12/10/91
K
g/L ±2ff
1.58 0,06
1.58 0.08
2.12 0.10
1.48 0.08
1.75 0.08
1.51 0.08
1.51 0.14
1.57 0.08
2.12 0.10
1.80 0.06
1.50 0.08
1.73 0.08
1.49 0.12
1.69 0.07
137Cs
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 22
Strontium-90 in Pasteurized Milk
EPA Regional Composites
October 1991
EPA
Region
I
II
III
IV
IX
V
VI
VII
VIII
X
Collection
Date
10/07/91
10/08/91
10/18/91
10/04/91
10/15/91
10/15/91
10/15/91
10/18/91
10/20/91
10/07/91
90Sr
pCi/L ±2
-------
Carbon-14 in Milk
Nine stations, chosen for wide geographical distribution, contribute milk samples for
annual analysis of carbon-14. These samples are monitored for carbon-14 levels in the food
chain resulting from nuclear testing. The pasteurized milk is freeze-dried and the resulting
powder is pelletized for ease of combustion. Analysis consists of combusting the samples and
converting the released carbon dioxide through a series of chemical conversions to benzene,
which is then assayed for carbon-14 by liquid scintillation.
The samples undergo three main steps in the chemical conversions to benzene prior to
liquid scintillation counting. They include (1) combustion of the sample to carbon dioxide,
(2) conversion of the carbon dioxide to acetylene, and (3) trimerizations of the acetylene
to benzene. The last carbon-14 results were for samples collected during April-May 1982,
1983-1986, and March-May 1987. They were published in Environmental Radiation Data:
Report 54 and Environmental Radiation Data: Report 59.
47
-------
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is published quarterly (January, April, July, October) by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation and Indooi Air.
Requests for information concerning publication and distribution of ERD should be directed to:
Charles M. Petko
Office of the Director
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory
540 South Morris Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601
Requests for information concerning the operation of ERAMS should be directed to:
John G. Griggs, Chief
Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory
540 South Morris Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601
or to:
William C. Conklin
Policy and Emergency Response Branch
Criteria and Standards Division (6602J)
USEPA Waterside Mall
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
+**
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