United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
National Air and
Radiation Environmental Laboratory
540 South Morris Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36115-2601
EPA402-R-93-088
October 1993
Radiation
Environmental
Radiation Data
Report 69
January-March 1992
EPA
402
R
93
088
Recycled Recyclable
Printed on paper that contains
at least 50% recycled fiber
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ENVIRONMENTAL
RADIATION
DATA
REPORT 69
January-March 1992
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).
in
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Contents
Data Reporting Rationale
ERAMS Data
1. Air Program
Airborne Participates 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
x
1
1
1
12
13
14
14
17
20
21
21
28
29
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Tables
Table
1 ERAMS Repotting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radionuclide Analyses
2 Gioss Beta in Airborne Paiticulates: January 1992
3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particutates: February 1992
4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: March 1992
5 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: January 1992
6 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: February 1992
7 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: March 1992
8 Tritium in Precipitation: January-March 1992
9 Tritium in Surface Water: January-March 1992
10 Tritium in Drinking Water: January-March 1992
11 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: January 1992
12 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: February 1992
13 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: March 1992
14 Strontium-90 in Pasteurized Milk: January 1992
Page
xi
2
4
6
8
9
10
11
15
18
22
24
26
28
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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 2a counting error are also denoted as "not
detectable."
All data are stored in the NAREL sample database as generated, and these values are
available for statistical evaluation. However, caution should be exercised in the use of the
data in this report for statistical analysis, since the removal of negative numbers produces a
positive bias in the distribution of results.
Reported Error Terms
Each reported value for specific analyses will be accompanied by a counting error term
at the 2
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Table 1
ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radionuclide Analyses
Radionuclide
Gross Alpha
t Gross Beta
Tritium
Carbon- 14
Krypton-85
ft PIutonium-238,239,240
{ Uranium-234, 235,238
Radium-226
Strontium-90
it Strontium-89
it Iodine-131
Iodine- 129
Cesium- 137
tt 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/m2
Minimum
Detectable
Levels
2 pCi/L
0.01 pCi/m3
1 pCi/L
0.01 nCl/ni2
(specific radiochemical analyses)
Watei
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
g/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
O.lpCi/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 pCi/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 (nun).
ft This value of MDL for air in terms of pCi/m would be dependent on the air volume. Measurement by alpha ipectroscopy
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.
JJ Activity as of the day of counting.
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1. Air Program
Airborne Particulates 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 participates 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
L pCi/m . 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 January-March 1992.
Tables 5-7 contain the data from precipitation samples for January-March 1992. Table 8
contains the data from tritium in precipitation samples for January-March 1992 at the
selected sites.
J The counts at five hours for the Montgomery, Alabama, station are performed on a low background beta counter.
1
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Table 2
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
January 1992
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Loa Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hart ford
DE: Wilmington
FL: Jacksonville
PL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
IA:Iowa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
IH : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KT: Frankfort
LA: Hen Orleans
HA : Lawrence
ME: August a
MI: Lansing
MN: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NC: Charlotte
MC: Wilmington
HD: Bismarck
NE: Lincoln
NH : Concord
NJ;Trenton
NM: Santa Fe
NV:Laa Vegas
NT: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
NY:Taphank
OH : Columbus
lumber
of
Samples
8
8
E
10
1
8
7
10
7
9
8
8
7
10
9
5
9
3
8
9
8
9
9
9
9
9
6
6
S
9
9
6
8
6
8
7
7
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
1.1 0.0 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.9 0.1 0.4
1.0 0.1 0.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
1.7 0.3 0.8
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.7 0.2 0.4
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
HAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.02 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 0.00 0.01
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.09 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
January 1992
Location
OH: Gainesville
OH: Ross
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
RI: Providence
SC : Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SD: Pierre
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:£1 Paso
UTrSalt Lake City
VA:Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA:Qlympia
WA : Spokane
HI:Hadison
Number
of
Samples
9
9
9
6
9
9
8
2
9
6
8
9
9
10
9
9
2
9
9
9
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Hin Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.1
0.5 0.1 0.3
1.0 0.2 0.4
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
1.5 0.2 0.7
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.9 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
H4REL Lab
Measurement
Max Nin Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
O.OB 0.00 0.02
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.00 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/m .
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Table 3
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
February 1992
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:Iowa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KY: Frankfort
LA: New Orleans
HA : Lawrence
HE: August a
HI: Lansing
HN : Minneapolis
HO: Jefferson City
HS: Jackson
MC: Charlotte
HC: Wilmington
ND:Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
NH : Concord
NJ:Trenton
NH: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NT: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
NYrSyracuse
NY:Yaphank
Number
of
Samples
6
7
&
8
8
8
8
9
6
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
4
6
5
8
8
7
8
8
8
5
7
6
8
8
8
7
4
7
2
6
E-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Kin Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.5 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.7 0.1 0.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.3
0.4 0.1 0.2
2.3 0.3 1.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.8 0.0 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
1.2 0.1 0.4
1.4 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.0 0.2
3.9 0.1 1.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Hax Hin Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.22 0.00 0.04
0.04 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
February 1992
Location
OH : Columbus
OH:Painesville
OH: Ross
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA : Harrisburg
RI: Providence
SC : Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SO: Pierre
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
UA:01ympia
WA : Spokane
VI: Madison
Number
of
Samples
&
8
8
7
8
10
8
8
2
8
7
4
9
8
8
8
8
4
8
8
8
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/mJ)
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.2
1.4 0.1 0.5
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.8 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.9 0.3 0.6
0.7 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.0 0.0
2.3 0.3 1.0
1.4 0.0 0.3
0.4 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
Minimum Detectable Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m3
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Table 4
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
March 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AR: Phoenix
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
HA : Lawrence
HE : Augusta
HI: Lansing
HN : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
NE: Lincoln
NH : Concord
NJ:Trenton
NH: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: Niagara
NY: Niagara Falls
Number
of
Samples
6
7
1
4
8
9
10
9
9
6
9
8
9
8
9
9
9
8
4
7
8
9
9
8
10
10
9
5
8
&
9
9
9
9
4
1
8
6-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.4 0.4
1.0 0.1 0.&
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.0 0.2
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.2
1.1 0.6 0.9
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.7 0.1 0.3
0.7 0.2 0.5
0.2 0.1 0.1
1.0 0.0 0.2
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.S 0.2 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.2 0.4
1.3 0.2 0.6
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.9 0.1 0.3
0.4 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Hin Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 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 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 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
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
March 1992
Location
KY: Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH : Columbus
OH:Painesville
OHiRoss
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Port land
PA:Harrisburg
RI: Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SD: Pierre
TH:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TI:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA:Dlympia
WA : Spokane
WI: Madison
Number
of
Samples
3
8
4
9
8
9
8
9
9
9
1
9
8
7
9
8
9
9
9
3
9
10
9
6-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.7 0.1 0.3
0.5 0.1 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.9 0.1 0.3
0.6 0.2 0.4
1.2 0.2 0.6
0.9 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.1
1.1 0.3 0.7
O.S 0.0 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.6 0.2 0.3
0.3 0.0 0.1
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 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 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.09 0.00 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
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
Minimum Detectable
Minimum Detectable
Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m .
Limit foe laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m
-------
Table 5
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
January 1992
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA : Berkeley
CO: Denver
CT: Hart ford
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
LA: New Orleans
HN: Minneapolis
MS: Jackson
HC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
NJ: Trent on
NV:Laa Vegas
NY: Albany
NT: Niagara Falls
NT:Yaphank
OH :Paines villa
OH: Toledo
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
SC : Barnwell
SC : Columbia
TN:Knoxville
TX: Austin
TI:E1 Paso
VA:Lynchburg
UA:01ympia
VI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
114.6
42.0
46.0
3.6
6.4
8.0
120.6
54.4
4.0
13.0
1.2
25. 4
175.0
14.0
42.0
87.0
98.0
8.0
2.0
13.6
46.0
88.0
23.8
20.0
128.2
48.2
63.0
87.4
129.8
110.0
40.0
15.0
314.6
22.0
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2
-------
Table 6
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
February 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA:Berkeley
CT: Hartford
FL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
LA: New Orleans
UN : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
NJtTrenton
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NT: Niagara Falls
NYrYaphank
OH:Painesville
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA : Harrisburg
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
TH:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
UT:Salt Lake City
VA:Lynchbuzg
WAiOlympia
WI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
55.6
52.0
25.4
111.2
27.0
39.0
40.4
40.0
27.0
8.0
36.4
143.0
7.0
28.4
42.0
124.0
78.0
8.2
30.2
30.0
10.0
30.0
35.0
31.4
58.0
4.0
65.4
47.2
33.4
95.0
88.8
65.4
100.0
30.4
38.8
160.0
41.0
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±20-
0.06 0.02
0.14 0.02
0.02 0.01
0.01 0.03
0.04 0.01
0.02 0.01
0.04 0.01
0.04 0.01
0.08 0.01
0.03 0.00
0.02 0.01
0.10 O.OB
0.05 0.00
0.02 0.01
0.01 0.01
0.06 0.04
0.07 0.03
0.06 0.00
0.08 0.01
0.05 0.01
0.03 0.00
0.07 0.01
0.06 0.01
0.13 0.02
0.08 0.02
0.01 0.00
0.06 0.02
0.19 0.02
0.08 0.01
0.10 0.03
0.03 0.03
0.04 0.02
0.06 0.03
0.09 0.01
0.07 0.01
0.09 0.06
0.07 0 . 02
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2
-------
T^ble 7
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
March 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
FL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI : Honolulu
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
LA: New Orleans
MN: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
NC: Charlotte
HC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
NJ: Trent on
NM: Santa Fe
HV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: New York City
NY: Niagara Falls
NY : Yaphank
OH:Painesville
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
SdBarnwell
SC: Columbia
TH:Knox villa
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
WA:Qlympia
VI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
65.0
60.0
57.0
76.8
88.6
66.0
118.2
37.6
9.0
17.8
78.8
123.8
23.0
24.0
118.0
100.0
19.4
64.6
30.0
47.0
30.6
8.0
71.0
77.0
80.2
108.0
46.0
31.4
160.8
26.0
85.6
49.6
94.8
60.0
11.8
38.2
34.6
67.4
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2tr
0.04 0.02
0.06 0.02
0.06 0.02
0.03 0.02
0.09 0.03
0.06 0.02
0.06 0.03
0.03 0.01
0.01 0.00
0.01 0.01
0.11 0.03
0.15 O.OS
0.04 0.01
0.03 0.01
0.14 0.04
0.12 0.03
0.01 0.01
0.07 0.02
0.08 0.01
0.06 0.02
O.OS 0.01
0.01 0.00
0.06 0.02
0.09 0.03
0.17 0.04
0.10 0.04
0.10 0.02
0.04 0.01
0.21 O.OS
0.02 0.01
0.07 0.03
0.06 0.02
0.06 0.03
0.04 0.02
0.12 0.01
0.04 0.01
0.09 0.01
0.06 0.02
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 8
Tritium in Precipitation
January-March 1992
Location
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CO : Denver
CT: Hartford
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI: Honolulu
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
LA: New Orleans
MN: Minneapolis
MOtJefferaon City
MS: Jackson
HC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
KJ:Trenton
NH: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: Mew York City
NY: Niagara Falls
NY : Yaphank
OH :Paines villa
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
SC:Barnwell
SC: Columbia
TN:Knoxville
TH: Nashville
TX: Austin
TI:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
WA:01ympia
WI: Madia on
January 1992
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.
12
-------
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.
13
-------
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 9 contains the tritium concentration data for January-March 1992.
14
-------
Table 9
Tritium in Surface Water
January-March 1992
Location
AL:Decatur
AL: Gordon
AL: Scott sboro
AR: Little Rock
CA:Clay Station
CA : Eureka
CA:San Onofre
CO:Platteville
CT:East Haddam
CTtWaterford
FL: Crystal River
FL:Ft. Pierce
FL: Home stead
GA:Baxley
IA: Cedar Rapids
IL:E. Holine
IL: Morris
ILtZion
KS:Leroy
LA: New Orleans
HA: Plymouth
MD; Conowingo
HD:Lusby
MEiWiecasset
HI:Bridgman
MI:Charlevoix
MI: Monroe
MI: So. Haven
MN:Monticello
MM: Red Wing
MS: Port Gibson
BC: Charlotte
NC:Southport
NE:Rulo
NJ: Bay side
NJ:Oyster Creek
NV: Boulder City
Source
Tennessee River
Chattahoochee River
Tennessee River
Arkansas River
Folsom S. Canal
Humboldt Bay
Pacific Ocean
South Platte River
Connecticut River
Long Island Sound
Gulf Of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Biscayne Bay
A It amah a River
Cedar River
Mississippi River
Illinois River
Lake Michigan
Neoaho River
Mississippi River
Cape Cod Bay
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
Date
Collected
01/06/92
01/07/92
01/07/92
01/23/92
01/22/92
01/06/92
03/13/92
01/16/92
01/07/92
01/07/92
01/07/92
01/07/92
01/03/92
01/15/92
01/03/92
01/09/92
02/15/92
02/16/92
01/09/92
01/31/92
01/10/92
01/14/92
01/21/92
01/10/92
01/09/92
01/01/92
01/13/92
01/09/92
01/14/92
01/06/92
12/31/91
01/06/92
01/15/92
01/10/92
01/14/92
01/16/92
02/06/92
3H
nCi/L ±1a
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.6 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
15
-------
Table 9 (continued)
Tritium in Surface Water
January-March 1992
Location
NY: Chelsea
NY:Ousining
RY:Oswego
OH: Toledo
OR : Bradsood
PA: Danville
PA Philadelphia
PA Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
SC:Allendale
SC:Broad River
SC: Harts ville
TK:Daiay
TN: Kingston
TX:Natagorda
VA:Ooswell
VA: Newport News
VT:Vernon
WA:Northport
WA:Richland
HI: Two Creeks
WI: Victory
HV: Wheeling
Source
Hudson River
Hudson River
Lake Ontario
Lake Erie
Columbia River
Susquehanna River
Delaware River
Schuylkill River-Queen
Schuylkill River-Belmont
Savannah River
Broad River
Lake Robinson
Tennessee River
Clinch River
Colorado River
North Anna River
James River
Connecticut River
Columbia River
Columbia River
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Date
Collected
01/06/92
01/09/92
01/31/92
01/07/92
02/06/92
01/22/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
01/31/92
01/31/92
01/13/92
02/01/92
02/05/92
01/07/92
01/13/92
01/22/92
02/12/92
01/16/92
03/17/92
01/06/92
01/13/92
01/08/92
3H
nCi/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 10 contains the data from drinking water samples for January-March 1992.
17
-------
Table 10
Tritium in Drinking Water
January-March 1992
Location
AK: Fairbanks
AL: Do than
AL : Montgomery
AL: Muscle Shoals
AL:Scottsboro
AR: Little Rock
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CO:Platteville
CT: Hartford
DE: Dover
FL: Miami
GA:Baxley
HI: Honolulu
ZA: Cedar Rapids
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL:Morris
IL:W. Chicago
KS:Topeka
LA: Hew Orleans
MA: Laurence
KD: Baltimore
MD : ConoHingo
ME: Augusta
MI '.Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MN: Minneapolis
MX: Red Wing
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
MS: Port Gibson
MT: Helena
HC: Charlotte
HC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
NH: Concord
NJ: Trenton
NJ:Waretown
Date
Collected
01/17/92
01/07/92
01/17/92
01/06/92
01/07/92
01/23/92
01/07/92
01/07/92
01/07/92
01/16/92
01/10/92
01/03/92
01/03/92
01/16/92
01/16/92
01/03/92
01/10/92
01/08/92
03/11/92
01/10/92
01/02/92
01/02/92
03/12/92
01/02/92
01/14/92
01/07/92
01/07/92
01/13/92
01/1B/92
01/15/92
12/31/91
01/06/92
01/06/92
01/07/92
01/06/92
01/16/92
01/02/92
02/10/92
01/03/92
01/07/92
01/16/92
3H
nCi/L ±1
-------
Table 10 (continued)
Tritium in Drinking Water
January-March 1992
Location
NM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NT: Albany
NY: Hew York City
NY: Niagara Falls
OH: Cincinnati
OH: Columbus
OH: East Liverpool
OH:Paineaville
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
PA: Columbia
PA:Harrisburg
PA : Philadelphia-Baxter
PA :Philadelphia-Belmont
PA : Philadelphia-Queen
PA Pittsburgh
PC:Corozal
RI: Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SC:Hartsville
SC: Jenkins ville
SC: Seneca
TN: Chattanooga
TN:Knoxville
TX: Austin
VA:Doswell
VA:Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
UA:Richland
WA: Seattle
WI: Genoa City
WI: Madison
Date
Collected
01/06/92
01/06/92
01/27/92
01/06/92
01/07/92
03/11/92
01/31/92
02/06/92
01/02/92
01/07/92
01/16/92
01/02/92
01/23/92
01/13/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
02/06/92
01/07/92
01/22/92
01/16/92
01/02/92
01/13/92
01/06/92
01/07/92
01/09/92
01/02/92
01/02/92
01/07/92
01/02/92
01/17/92
03/17/92
01/03/92
01/13/92
01/02/92
3H
nCi/L ±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.} 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.
I Since some of these sites may not return dosimeters each period, the number of sites listed may vary slightly.
20
-------
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 11-13 contain the concentrations of radionuclides in pasteurized milk for January-
March 1992. Table 14 contains the concentrations of strontium-90 in pasteurized milk EPA
Regional Composites for January 1992.
21
-------
Table 11
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
January 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA:Los Angeles
CA; Sacramento
CA:San Francisco
CO: Denver
DE: Dover
FL: Tampa
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA:Des Koines
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
KS: Wichita
KY: Louisville
LA: New Orleans
HA: Boston
MD: Baltimore
HE: Port land
HI: Detroit
HI: Grand Rapids
MM: St. Paul
MO: Jefferson City
MO: Kansas City
MS: Jacks on
NT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
ND:Hinot
ME: Omaha
NJ:Trenton
MM : Albuquerque
NV:Las Vegaa
NY: Buffalo
NY:New York City
NY: Syracuse
Date
Collected
01/10/92
01/19/92
01/09/92
01/06/92
01/07/92
01/02/92
01/23/92
01/16/92
01/07/92
01/06/92
01/23/92
01/06/92
01/17/92
01/07/92
01/12/92
01/29/92
01/06/92
01/23/92
01/07/92
01/03/92
01/02/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
01/07/92
01/21/92
01/07/92
01/21/92
01/27/92
01/27/92
01/31/92
01/08/92
01/07/92
01/27/92
01/06/92
01/06/92
01/06/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 11 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
January 1992
Location
OH: Cincinnati
OR: Portland
PA : Philadelphia
PA Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
SC: Charles ton
SD: Rapid City
TH: Chattanooga
TH:Knoxville
TN: Memphis
TX: Austin
TX: Dallas
VA: Norfolk
VT:Montpelier
WA: Seattle
UA : Spokane
WV: Charles ton
Date
Collected
01/21/92
01/07/92
01/06/92
01/06/92
01/21/92
01/10/92
01/10/92
01/03/92
01/21/92
01/13/92
01/15/92
01/30/92
01/11/92
01/30/92
01/15/92
01/02/92
01/13/92
01/22/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 12
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
February 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA:Los Angeles
CA: Sacramento
CA:San Francisco
CO: Denver
DE: Dover
FL: Tampa
HI: Honolulu
IA:Des Koines
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
IK: Indianapolis
KY: Louisville
LA: Hen Orleans
MA: Boston
MD: Baltimore
ME: Port land
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
UN: St. Paul
MO: Kansas City
MS: Jackson
MT: Helena
NC : Charlotte
ND:Minot
HE: Omaha
NJ: Trent on
MM: Albuquerque
NY: Las Vegas
MY: Buffalo
MY: New York City
HY: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH Cleveland
OK: Oklahoma City
Date
Collected
02/07/92
02/05/92
02/06/92
02/04/92
02/03/92
02/06/92
02/26/92
02/19/92
02/05/92
02/18/92
02/04/92
02/19/92
02/05/92
02/04/92
02/04/92
02/25/92
02/06/92
02/09/92
02/05/92
02/06/92
02/03/92
02/05/92
02/19/92
02/05/92
02/27/92
02/27/92
02/24/92
02/21/92
02/04/92
02/11/92
02/13/92
02/03/92
02/03/92
02/03/92
02/24/92
02/26/92
02/18/92
K
g/L ±20-
1.63 0.08
1.55 0.08
1.63 0.12
1.58 0.08
1.62 0.08
1.57 0.06
1.51 0.10
1.62 0.10
1.53 0.14
1.55 0.14
1.57 0.09
1.58 0.14
1.60 0.09
1.71 0.07
1.49 0.08
1.58 0.08
1.57 0.08
1.88 0.06
1.68 0.05
1.23 0.07
1.57 0.06
1.67 0.12
1.47 0.08
1.61 0.09
1.57 0.08
1.57 0.12
1.55 0.14
1.49 0.08
1.60 0.14
1.55 0.08
1.57 0.10
1.54 0.05
1.60 0.08
1.67 0.12
1.70 0.08
2.12 0.10
1.56 0.08
137Cs
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 12 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
February 1992
Location
OR: Portland
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
SC: Charleston
SD: Rapid City
TN: Chattanooga
TN:Knoxville
TN: Memphis
TX: Dallas
VA: Norfolk
VT:Montpelier
WA: Seattle
WA : Spokane
VY: Charleston
Date
Collected
02/03/92
02/03/92
02/03/92
02/21/92
02/06/92
02/13/92
02/03/92
02/10/92
02/10/92
02/12/92
02/10/92
02/27/92
02/11/92
02/04/92
02/10/92
02/11/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 13
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
March 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA:Loa Angeles
CA: Sacramento
CAtSan Francisco
DE: Dover
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA:Des Koines
IN : Indianapolis
KS: Wichita
KT: Louisville
LA: New Orleans
MA: Boston
MD: Baltimore
ME: Portland
MI:Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MM: St. Paul
MO: Kansas City
MO: St. Louis
MS: Jackson
NT: Helena
HC: Charlotte
ND:Minot
NE : Omaha
NJ: Trent on
NM : Albuquerque
NV:Las Vegas
HY: Buffalo
NY: Hew York City
NY: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH Cleveland
OR: Portland
PA Philadelphia
Date
Collected
03/06/92
03/02/92
03/04/92
03/05/92
03/02/92
03/03/92
03/12/92
03/02/92
03/16/92
03/09/92
03/03/92
03/31/92
03/03/92
03/25/92
03/16/92
03/06/92
03/02/92
03/05/92
03/13/92
03/03/92
03/20/92
03/04/92
03/04/92
03/19/92
03/26/92
03/27/92
03/30/92
03/04/92
03/17/92
03/16/92
03/09/92
03/02/92
03/02/92
03/13/92
03/16/92
03/02/92
03/02/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 13 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
March 1992
Location
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
SC: Charleston
3D: Rapid City
TN : Chattanooga
TN:Knoxville
TN: Memphis
TX: Austin
TX: Dallas
VA: Norfolk
VT:Montpelier
UA: Seattle
VA : Spokane
WV: Charleston
Date
Collected
03/02/92
03/19/92
03/06/92
03/23/92
03/04/92
03/02/92
03/02/92
03/16/92
03/18/92
03/17/92
03/31/92
03/19/92
03/02/92
03/02/92
03/23/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 14
Strontium-90 in Pasteurized Milk
EPA Regional Composites
January 1992
EPA
Region
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
Collection
Date
01/07/92
01/08/92
01/12/92
01/18/92
01/04/92
01/10/92
01/16/92
01/15/92
01/06/92
01/09/92
pCi/L
0.8
1.1
1.1
1.6
1.2
1.7
1.3
1.4
0.3
1.2
90Sr
±2
-------
r
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.
29
-------
-------
Environmental Radiation Data (BED) is published quarterly (January, April, July, October) by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation and Indoor 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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