United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
National Air and Radiation
Environmental Laboratory
540 South Morris Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36115-2601
EPA402-R-93-091
October 1993
Radiation
&EPA
Environmental
Radiation Data
Report 72
October-December 1992
I
EPA
402
R
93
091
Recycle d/Recyclabl»
Printed with Soy/Canda Ink on papor that
contain* it tout 50% rocycted fibar
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ENVIRONMENTAL
RADIATION
DATA
REPORT 72
October-December 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).
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Contents
Data Repoiting Rationale
ERAMS Data
1. Air 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
• Carbon-14 in Milk
Page
ix
1
1
1
13
16
17
17
22
31
32
32
40
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Tables
Table Page
I EEAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels xi
for Radionuclide Analyses
2 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: October 1992 2
3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: November 1992 4
4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: December 1992 6
5 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: October 1992 8
6 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: November 1992 9
7 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: December 1992 10
8 Tritium in Precipitation: October-December 1992 11
9 Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates: July-December 1992 Composites 14
10 Tritium in Surface Water: October-December 1992 18
11 Surface Water Annual Gamma Analysis: January-December 1992 20
12 Tritium in Drinking Water: October-December 1992 23
13 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations in Drinking Water: 25
January-December 1992 Composites
14 Plutonium and Uranium Analyses In Drinking Water: January-December 1992 28
15 Iodine-131 in Drinking Water: January-December 1992 29
16 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: October 1992 33
17 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: November 1992 35
18 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: December 1992 37
19 Strontium-90 in Pasteurized Milk: October 1992 39
Vll
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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 la 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(7 (95%) confidence level. Error terms are therefore reported as counting errors.
At the very low levels characteristic of most ERAMS measurements, counting error is
the greatest contributor to overall error.
Significant Figures
No more than three significant figures will be reported. A datum that contains more
than three figures will be rounded off to three figures.
Reporting Levels
The reporting units, smallest increments for reporting, and typical minimum detectable
levels (MDL's) for each isotope are shown in Table 1. MDL is defined as the 3cr error of
the background. Reporting increments are sometimes considerably smaller than MDL's
to avoid truncation errors in averaging.
Averages
Averages will be calculated along with appropriate error terms in an annual summary
and analysis of ERAMS data. In calculating these averages, all values of individual
data, including negative numbers, will be utilized. Averages will not be included in
ERD quarterly reports.
IX
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Table 1
ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radionuclide Analyses
Radionuclide
Gross Alpha
f Gross Beta
Tritium
*-*__!_ 14
Media
Water
Air
Water
Precipitation
Reporting
Units
PCi/L
pCi/m3
pCl/L
nCi/nr
Reporting
Increments
I pCi/L
0.0 1 pCi/m3
IpCi/L
0.0 1 nCi/mz
Minimum
Detectable
Levels
2 pCi/L
0.01 pCi/m3
IpCi/L
0.01 nCi/m*
(specific ladiochemical analyses)
Water
Milk
n»:iv
nCi/L
nCi/L
„<-•: /T
O.I nCi/L
O.I nCi/L
i «rs /T.
0.2 nCi/L
0.2 nCi/L
IS r,rS/T,
Table 2
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
October 1992
Location
AK : Anchorage
iL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ: Phoenix
CA:Berkeley
CA:Loa Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
FL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
IA:Ioaa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
II : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KT: Frankfort
LA: lev Orleans
MA:Lavrence
MS: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MM: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
NT: Helena
HC: Charlotte
VT\ .D^ -_~_«U
lumber
of
Samples
9
7
10
4
8
10
9
9
6
7
8
8
9
9
9
7
4
9
7
7
9
5
8
9
1
9
a
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.9 0.0 0.4
0.9 0.3 O.S
1.2 0.4 0.9
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.3
1.3 0.0 0.9
2.0 0.0 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.3
0.3 0.1 0.1
2.1 0.3 1.0
0.7 0.2 0.3
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.1 C.O 0.0
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.2
1.4 0.3 0.9
0.9 0.2 0.5
0.2 0.2 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.2
t it n i 11
IAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.11 0.01 0.03
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.02
O.OB 0.00 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 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
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.02 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
n «•» ft fii n ni
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
October 1992
Location
QHrPainesville
OH: ROBS
OH: Toledo
OR: Port land
PA:Harrisburg
RI : Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
SD: Pierre
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VAiLynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA:01ympia
HA: Spokane
HI: Madison
lumber
of
Samples
9
9
9
9
9
9
2
8
4
9
9
9
8
9
9
2
9
9
9
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(PCi/m3)
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.7 0.0 0.3
0.7 0.4 0.5
1.9 0.2 0.9
0.9 0.1 0.3
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.9 0.3 0.8
0.8 0.0 0.3
1.1 0.0 0.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.8 0.2 0.5
0.3 0.1 0.3
HAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01 *
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.02 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 0.01
0.06 0.01 0.02
Minimum Detectable
Minimum Detectable
Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m .
Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m .
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Table 3
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
November 1992
Location
AK: Anchorage
AK : Juneau
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little RocX
AZ: Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
FL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
IA:Iowa City
IDiBoise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL:Chicago
II : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KT: Frankfort
LA: Hew Orleans
MA : Lawrence
ME : Augusta
MI: Lansing
MI : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
1C: Charlotte
BD: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
IB: Concord
•J:Trenton
MM: Santa Fe
MY: Las Vegas
IT: Albany
IT:Iiagara Falls
MY : Syracuse
MT:Taphank
OH: Columbus
Number
of
Samples
7
8
S
8
4
8
7
7
9
6
9
8
8
9
9
5
8
3
7
8
5
9
3
5
7
6
7
5
8
8
6
9
3
7
1
8
4
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.7 0.0 0.4
0.9 0.0 0.3
0.3 0.1 0.2
2.0 0.2 0.8
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.9 0.0 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.5 0.0 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.8 0.0 0.2
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.5 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.7 0.2 0.4
2.7 0.3 0.9
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.4 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
MAEEL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
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 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0,01
o.oi o.oi o.oi
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 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 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
November 1992
Location
OH:Painesville
OH: ROBS
OH: Toledo
OR: Port land
PA:Harriaburg
RI: Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC: Columbia
SD: Pierre
TN:Xnoxville
TB: Nashville
TZ: Austin
IX: El Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA:Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
HA:01ympia
UA : Spokane
WI: Madison
Number
of
Samples
8
8
9
8
9
8
2
7
6
8
7
7
7
7
7
2
8
9
9
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.5 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.6 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2 0.3
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.4 0.1 0.1
2.2 0.0 0.4
1.1 0.6 0.8
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.1
BAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.18 0.01 0.03
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.04 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m .
Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m3
Minimum Detectable
Minimum Detectable
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Table 4
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
December 1992
Location
AK: Anchorage
AK : Juneau
AL : Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
PL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
IA:Iova City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
IR : Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KT: Frankfort
LA: Hew Orleans
MA : Lawrence
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MN : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
HC: Charlotte
ND: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
HH : Concord
NJ: Trent on
HM: Santa Fe
NY: Las Vegas
HT: Albany
•Y:Hiagara Falls
MY : Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH: Columbus
lumber
of
Samples
8
8
6
7
8
10
8
9
9
6
8
8
10
9
9
8
6
3
6
8
9
7
S
9
8
4
S
3
9
7
7
9
S
8
4
6
3
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.1 0.2
1.4 0.2 0.6
0.4 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.5 0.0 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
O.S 0.1 0.2
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
1.4 0.2 O.S
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.02
0.01 0.00 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 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.04 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.02 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.02 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Participates
December 1992
Location
OH:Painesville
OH: ROBS
OH: Toledo
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
RI : Providence
SC:Barn«ell
SC: Columbia
SD : Pierre
TH:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UTiSalt Lake City
VA:Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA:Qlympia
VA : Spokane
WZ: Madison
VV: Charleston
lumber
of
Samples
7
10
9
9
9
7
1
9
9
8
9
8
6
5
4
4
9
9
9
1
6-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
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.5 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.7 0.1 0.3
0.4 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.2
1.0 0.2 0.6
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
NAREL Lab
Measurement
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.06 0.00 0.02
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.03 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.00 0.00 0.00
Minimum Detectable
Minimum Detectable
Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m .
Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m3.
-------
Table 5
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
October 1992
Loc at ion
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA:Berkeley
CT: Hartford
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
LA: New Orleans
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MH: Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
HC: Charlotte
MC: Wilmington
•H: Concord
I J : Trenton
NV:Laa Vegas
NT: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
NY: Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OHrPainesville
OH: Toledo
OR: Portland
PA:Harrisburg
SC:Barnvell
SC: Columbia
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
WArOlympia
UI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
95.0
10.0
4.0
44.2
40.0
16.6
63.4
11.2
19.2
18.6
0.0
91.0
70.0
43.0
17.0
20.4
80.0
110.0
51.2
18.0
19.0
63.6
42.0
8.0
16.0
99.8
47.0
49.8
48.6
158.0
103.6
50.0
20.4
40.0
4.0
71.6
44.0
38.6
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/n2 ±2er
0.08 0.03
0.06 0.01
0.01 0.00
0.03 0.01
0.05 0.01
0.01 0.00
0.08 0.02
0.02 0.00
0.08 0.01
0.04 0.01
0.00 0.00
0.18 0.03
0.16 0.03
0.12 0.02
0.04 0.01
0.03 0.01
0.04 0.02
0.04 0.03
0.19 0.02
0.08 0.01
0.31 0.02
0.3S 0.03
0.06 0.01
0.01 0.00
0.14 0.01
0.09 0.03
0.13 0.02
0.06 0.01
0.09 0.02
0.09 0.04
0.07 0.03
0.02 0.01
0.03 0.01
0.02 0.01
0.04 0.00
0.24 0.03
0.05 0.01
0.04 0.01
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±1
-------
Table 6
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
November 1992
Location
AK : Junaau
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
CA: Berkeley
CT: Hartford
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
LA:Nev Orleans
ME: Augusta
MI : Lansing
MI : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MC: Charlotte
1C: Wilmington
ID: Bismarck
HH : Concord
HJ: Trent on
MM: Santa Fe
IT: Albany
HT:Miagara Falls
HT : Syracuse
HY:Taphank
OH:Painesville
OR: Toledo
OR: Port land
PA:Harrisburg
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
TN:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
WA:01ympia
WI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
32.0
154.0
112.0
3.6
107.0
60.8
111.8
36.6
13.4
93.4
167.0
66.0
109.0
60.0
163.0
134.0
93.2
26.6
32.8
101.4
2.0
90.4
81.0
16.0
32.0
117.2
130.0
58.8
67.8
81.4
93.8
131.0
98.6
70.0
71.6
81.0
21S.O
104.6
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2
-------
Table 7
Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation
December 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
1R: Little Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CO : Denver
CT: Hart ford
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL : Chicago
LA: Hen Orleans
MM Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
1C : Charlotte
1C: Wilmington
ID: Bismarck
IJ: Trent on
•M: Santa Fe
IV: Las Vegas
NT: Albany
IT: Niagara Falls
•Y: Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH:Painesville
OH : Toledo
OR -.Port land
PA:Harriaburg
SC : Bamvell
SC : Columbia
TK:Knoxville
TH: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA : Lynchburg
WA:01ympia
VI: Madison
Depth
(mm)
84.0
78.0
84.0
149.6
25.8
104.0
41.8
17.2
15.0
44.6
32.2
124.0
17.0
61.0
84.0
126.0
47.0
S.O
111.8
20.0
12.0
47.6
49.0
8.0
47.0
22.6
56.0
176.4
76.4
48.2
134.6
135.0
104.8
60.0
43.0
13.4
43.0
117.0
54.6
Gross Beta
Activity
nCi/m2 ±2
-------
T^bleS
Tritium in Precipitation
October-December 1992
Location
AK:Juneau
AL: Montgomery
AR: Lit tie Rock
iZ : Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CO: Denver
CT: Hart ford
FL : Jacksonville
FL: Miami
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
LA: Hew Orleans
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MM : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
NC : Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
RD: Bismarck
BH: Concord
HJ: Trent on
MM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
Ml: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
NT : Syracuse
NY:Yaphank
OH:Painesville
OH: Toledo
OR: Port land
PA:Harrisburg
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
TH:Knoxville
TN: Nashville
TX: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
October 1992
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 8 (continued)
Tritium in Precipitation
October-December 1992
Location
VA:Lynchburg
Hl:01ympia
UI:MadiBon
October 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 particulate 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.
Table 9 contains the plutonium and uranium results for the period July-December 1992.
13
-------
Table 9
Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates
July-December 1992 Composites
Location
iK: Anchor age
AK : Juneau
AL: Montgomery
AR: Lit tie Rock
iZ : Phoenix
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO: Denver
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
FL: Jacksonville
FL: Miami
HI : Honolulu
IA:Ioaa City
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Chicago
11: Indianapolis
KS:Topeka
KT: Frankfort
Li: lea Orleans
KA:La«rence
ME: Augusta
MI: Lansing
MI : Minneapolis
MO: Jefferson City
MS : Jackson
HC: Charlotte
1C: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
1H: Concord
IJ:Trenton
IN: Santa Fe
IT: Las Vegas
It: Albany
NY: Niagara Falls
238 Pu
aCi/m3 ±2
-------
Table 9 (continued)
Plutonium and Uranium In Airborne Particulates
July-December 1992 Composites
Location
NY : Syracuse
MY : YaphanX
OH : Columbus
OH:Painesville
OH: Rosa
OH: Toledo
OR : Portland
PA:Harriaburg
RI : Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
SD: Pierre
TN:Knox villa
TH: Nashville
TI: Austin
TX:E1 Paso
UT:Salt Lake City
VA:Lynchburg
VI: Virginia Beach
WA:01ympia
WA: Spokane
VI: Madison
238pu
aCi/m3 ±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
arid 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.
16
-------
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 radionuelides.
Table 10 contains the tritium concentration data for October-December 1992. Table 11
contains the surface water annual gamma results for January-December 1992.
17
-------
Table 10
Tritium in Surface Water
October-December 1992
Location
ALrDecatur
AL: Gordon
AL: Scott sboro
AR: Little Rock
CA:Clay Station
CA: Eureka
CA:San Onofre
CQ:Platteville
CT:Eaat Baddam
CT:Waterford
FL: Crystal River
FL:Ft. Pierce
FL: Homestead
IA: Cedar Rapids
ID: Buhl
IL:E. Molina
IL: Morris
IL:Zion
KS:L«roy
LA:Hea Orleans
MA: Plymouth
HD:Conovingo
MD:Lusby
ME:Viscasset
KI:Bridgman
MItCharlevoix
MI: Monroe
MI: South Haven
MB: Red Wing
MS: Port Gibson
KC: Charlotte
DC : Southport
HErRulo
HJ: Bay side
HJ: Oyster Creek
NV: Boulder City
HI: Chelsea
Source
Tennessee River
Chattahoochee River
Tennessee River
Arkansas River
Folson S. Canal
Humboldt Bay
Pacific Ocean
South Platte River
Connecticut River
Long Island Sound
Gulf Of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Biacayne Bay
Cedar River
Snake River
Mississippi River
Illinois River
Lake Michigan
Veosho River
Mississippi River
Cape Cod Bay
Susquehanna River
Chesapeake Bay
Montseway Bay
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan
Lake Erie
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Mississippi River
Catawba River
Atlantic Ocean
Missouri River
Delaware River
Oyster Creek
Colorado River
Hudson River
Date
Collected
10/08/92
10/13/92
10/08/92
10/21/92
10/27/92
10/22/92
12/04/92
10/21/92
10/26/92
10/26/92
11/09/92
10/21/92
10/27/92
10/28/92
12/01/92
10/19/92
11/03/92
11/15/92
12/29/92
10/26/92
10/21/92
11/03/92
11/02/92
10/20/92
10/27/92
10/22/92
10/26/92
10/27/92
11/03/92
10/20/92
10/21/92
10/22/92
10/19/92
10/20/92
10/22/92
11/04/92
10/26/92
3H
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 10 (continued)
Tritium in Surface Water
October-December 1992
Location
HY:Osaining
HY:OsH«go
OH: Toledo
OR:BradHood
PA: Danville
PA Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
PA Philadelphia
SC:Allendale
SC: Broad River
SC:Hartsville
TN: Kingston
TX:E1 Paso
TX:Matagorda
VA:Doswell
VA: Newport News
VT:Vernon
WA:Richland
WI:Two Creeks
WI: Victory
WV: Wheeling
Source
Hudson River
Lake Ontario
Lake Erie
Columbia River
Susquehanna River
Schuylkill R.-Belmont
Delaware River
Schuylkill R. -Queen
Savannah River
Broad River
Lake Robinson
Clinch River
Rio Grande
Colorado River
North Anna River
Janes River
Connecticut River
Columbia River
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Date
Collected
12/04/92
12/22/92
10/23/92
11/10/92
10/21/92
10/29/92
10/29/92
10/29/92
10/30/92
11/06/92
11/16/92
11/06/92
11/17/92
10/13/92
10/01/92
10/13/92
11/13/92
10/20/92
10/26/92
10/12/92
10/20/92
3H
nCi/L ±2o-
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
0.2 0.2
1.3 0.2
0.4 0.2
2.6 0.2
0.4 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
4.0 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
Note:
-------
Table 11
Surface Water
Annual Gamma Analysis
January-December 1992
Location
AL:Decatur
AL : Gordon
AL: Scott aboro
AR: Little Rock
CA:Clay Station
CA: Diablo Canyon
CA: Eureka
CA:San Onofre
CO:Platteville
CT:East Haddam
CT:Waterford
FL: Crystal River
FL:Ft. Fierce
FL: Homestead
GA:Baxley
IA: Cedar Rapids
IL:E. Noline
IL: Morris
IL:Zion
KS:Leroy
LA: Rev Orleans
MA: Plymouth
MD:Conowingo
MD:Lusby
N£:Wiscasset
MI:Bridgman
Ml : Charlevoix
HI: Monroe
MI: South Haven
MItMonticello
MN:Red Wing
MS: Port Gibson
HC: Charlotte
HC:Southport
HE:Rulo
IJ:Bayside
HJ: Oyster Creek
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
Heosho 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
Catavba River
Atlantic Ocean
Missouri River
Delaware River
Oyster Creek
Date
Collected
04/14/92
04/16/92
04/15/92
06/10/92
04/14/92
04/08/92
04/09/92
06/10/92
04/15/92
04/08/92
04/08/92
04/04/92
04/07/92
04/20/92
04/07/92
04/08/92
04/10/92
04/03/92
05/15/92
07/01/92
04/01/92
04/03/92
04/06/92
04/13/92
04/07/92
04/13/92
04/06/92
04/06/92
04/13/92
04/08/92
05/14/92
04/07/92
04/02/92
OS/ 11/92
05/02/92
04/14/92
04/16/92
Specific Gamma
Activity
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 11 (continued)
Surface Water
Annual Gamma Analysis
January-December 1992
Location
NV: Boulder City
NY: Chelsea
NY:Ossining
NY : Osvego
OH: Toledo
OR:Bradwood
PA: Danville
PA: Philadelphia
PA : Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
SC:Allendale
SC: Broad River
SC:Hartaville
TN: Daisy
TH: Kingston
TX:E1 Paso
TX:Matagorda
VAiDoswell
VT:Vernon
WA : Northport
WA:Richland
VI: Two Creeks
HI: Victory
WV: Wheeling
Source
Colorado River
Hudson River
Hudson River
Lake Ontario
Lake Erie
Columbia River
Susquehanna River
Schuylkill R. -Queen
Delaware River
Schuylkill R.-Belmont
Savannah River
Broad River
Lake Robinson
Tennessee River
Clinch River
Rio Grande
Colorado River
North Anna River
Connecticut River
Columbia River
Columbia River
Lake Michigan
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Date
Collected
04/02/92
04/06/92
04/15/92
06/24/92
04/03/92
05/11/92
04/15/92
04/21/92
04/21/92
04/23/92
04/30/92
04/15/92
04/06/92
04/22/92
04/07/92
04/09/92
04/07/92
04/09/92
05/02/92
OS/26/92
06/11/92
04/13/92
04/14/92
04/03/92
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 12 contains the data from drinking water samples for October-December 1992.
Table 13 contains the data on gross alpha, gross beta, strontium-90, and radium-226 in
drinking water for January-December 1992. Table 14 contains the plutonium and uranium
in drinking water data for January-December 1992. Table 15 contains the 1-131 in drinking
water results for January-December 1992.
22
-------
Table 12
Tritium in Drinking Water
October-December 1992
Location
AK: Fairbanks
AL:Decatur
AL: Do than
AL: Montgomery
AL:Mu8cle Shoals
AL: Scott sboro
AR:Little Rock
CA:Berkerley
CA:Los Angeles
CO : Denver
COiPlatteville
CTiHartford
DE:Dover
FL: Miami
FL: Tampa
GA: Savannah
HI: Bono lulu
IA: Cedar Rapids
ID:Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Morris
IL:W. Chicago
KS:Topeka
LA: New Orleans
MA: Laurence
MD: Baltimore
MD:Cono«ingo
ME: Augusta
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MN : Minneapolis
UN: Red Wing
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Jackson
MS: Port Gibson
MT: Helena
NC: Charlotte
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
NE: Lincoln
NH: Concord
Date
Collected
10/30/92
10/08/92
10/13/92
10/14/92
10/08/92
10/08/92
10/20/92
10/19/92
10/20/92
10/20/92
10/21/92
10/19/92
10/19/92
10/21/92
11/03/92
10/27/92
10/20/92
10/28/92
10/19/92
10/30/92
10/23/92
10/26/92
10/19/92
10/23/92
10/26/92
10/19/92
11/03/92
11/02/92
11/06/92
10/27/92
11/10/92
11/03/92
10/20/92
10/20/92
10/20/92
10/20/92
10/21/92
10/22/92
10/20/92
10/19/92
10/19/92
3H
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 12 (continued)
Tritium in Drinking Water
October-December 1992
Location
•J: Trenton
IJ:Waretovn
IT: Las Vegas
IT: Albany
IT: lew TorX City
IT:Iiagara Falls
IT: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH: Columbus
OH: East Liverpool
OH: Paine* villft
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Port land
PI: Columbia
Pi:Harrisburg
Pi : Philadelphia-Baxter
Pi : Philadelphia-Queen
Pi: Philadelphia
Pi: Pittsburgh
PC : Corozal
RI: Providence
SC:Barn«ell
SC:Haztsville
SC : Jenkins villa
SC: Seneca
TI : Chattanooga
TI:Xnoxville
TX:iuatin
Vi: Dos veil
Ti:Lynchburg
Vi: Virginia Beach
Wi:Richland
Vi: Seattle
HI: Genoa City
HI: Madison
Date
Collected
10/19/92
10/22/92
10/19/92
10/19/92
10/21/92
10/19/92
12/14/92
11/24/92
11/04/92
11/26/92
10/20/92
10/23/92
10/27/92
10/23/92
10/20/92
10/27/92
10/29/92
10/29/92
10/29/92
11/25/92
10/21/92
10/23/92
10/22/92
11/09/92
11/06/92
11/10/92
11/16/92
10/26/92
10/20/92
11/03/92
10/21/92
10/20/92
10/20/92
10/20/92
10/12/92
10/19/92
3H
nCi/L ±2
-------
Table 13
Drinking Water
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations
January-December 1992 Composites
Location
AK : Fairbanks
ALtDecatur
AL: Do than
AL : Montgomery
AL: Muscle Shoals
ALrScottsboro
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
ID: Boise
ID -.Idaho Falls
IL: Morris
|IL:W. Chicago
KS:Topeka
LA: New Orleans
MA: Lawrence
MD: Baltimore
MD : Conowingo
ME: Augusta
MI:Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MH : Minneapolis
jMN:Red Wing
MO: Jefferson City
Total
Solids
(mg/L)
140.0
86.8
164.0
55.2
81.6
87.8
27.6
31.6
319.0
137.4
433.2
33.6
70.0
230.0
160.0
497.6
170.0
120.0
160.0
120.0
110.0
218.8
528.0
288.8
277.6
150.0
98.2
90.0
160.0
36.0
81.7
130.0
94.0
236.3
280.0
Gross
Beta
pCi/L ±2ff
3.5 0.8
3.4 0.7
1.7 0.6
1.6 0.6
1.5 35. 9
2.3 0.6
0.8 0.5
0.8 0.5
5.7 1.6
2.6 0.7
6.9 1.5
1.0 0.6
1.1 0.6
2.9 1.0
2.6 0.8
3.6 0.9
3.6 0.8
1.7 0.6
0.7 0.6
2.7 0.7
0.9 0.6
3.3 1.2
6.3 1.5
18.8 2.2
6.6 1.5
3.5 0.9
2.0 0.6
2.0 0.7
2.6 0.8
1.2 0.6
1.6 0.7
2.0 0.8
2.8 0.8
7.2 1.4
5.1 1.1
Gross
Alpha
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 13 (continued)
Drinking Water
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations
January-December 1992 Composites
Location
MS : Jackson
MS: Port Gibson
NT: Helena
1C: Charlotte
1C: Wilmington
HD: Bismarck
IE: Lincoln
HH: Concord
IJ : Trent on
•J:Waretown
•M: Santa Fe
IT: Las Vegas
RY: Albany
RY:He« York City
HY:Riagara Falls
HY: Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH: Columbus
OH: East Liverpool
OH:Painesville
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Portland
Pi: Columbia
PA:Harrisburg
Pi Philadelphia
Pi: Philadelphia
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
RI: Providence
SC:Baravell
SC : Columbia
SCtHartsville
SC: Jenkins ville
SC : Seneca
Total
Solids
(ag/L)
71.0
403.2
69.0
45.0
98.0
300.0
262.0
79.0
86.0
S2.0
324.8
634.0
68.8
38. S
100.0
97.0
160.0
350.0
170.0
140.0
110.0
59.0
18.0
134.2
38.5
210.0
160.0
130.0
150.0
84.0
28.0
69.0
28.0
164.0
31.3
Gross
Beta
pCi/L ±2ff
2.0 0.7
7.6 1.5
3.6 1.0
1.0 0.7
1.4 0.7
4.2 1.1
9.8 1.6
1.7 0.7
1.4 0.7
2.2 0.7
8.1 1.7
8.4 2.3
0.6 0.6
1.2 0.6
1.7 0.7
2.3 0.8
2.9 1.2
4.5 1.2
3.3 1.0
2.2 0.7
2.1 0.6
2.4 0.6
0.8 0.5
2.2 0.6
1.1 0.6
4.5 0.9
3.1 0.8
2.3 0.8
2.0 0.7
1.4 0.6
1.0 0.6
2.1 0.7
1.2 0.6
4.7 1.0
1.1 0.6
Gross
Alpha
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 13 (continued)
Drinking Water
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Sr-90, and Ra-226 Concentrations
January-December 1992 Composites
Location
TN : Chattanooga
TN:Knoxville
TX: Austin
VA:Do8Hell
VA:Lynchburg
VA: Virginia Beach
WA:Richland
VA: Seattle
WI: Genoa City
WI: Madison
Total
Solids
(mg/L)
79.5
97.0
160.0
190.0
S2.4
140.0
100.0
28.8
56.0
231.0
Gross
Beta
pCi/L ±2
-------
Table 14
Plutonium and Uranium Analyses
Selected Drinking Water Composite Samples
January-December 1992
Location
iK: Fairbanks
AL:Decatur
CA:Lo8 Angeles
CO: Denver
CO:Platteville
FL: Miami
Gl:Baxley
ID: Idaho Falls
IL: Morris
IL:W. Chicago
Li: leer Orleans
MI: Red Wing
MO: Jefferson City
MS: Port Gibson
ID: Bismarck
IS: Lincoln
IN: Santa Fe
IT: Las Tegas
SC:Jenkinsville
Vi: Virginia Beach
HI: Madison
ZSBpu
pCi/1 ±2
-------
Table 15
Iodine-131 in Drinking Water
January-December 1992
Location
IK: Fairbanks
AL:Dothan
AL : Montgomery
AL: Muscle Shoals
AL:Scottsboro
AR: Little Rock
CA: Berkeley
CA:Los Angeles
CO : Denver
CO:Platteville
FL: Miami
FL: Tampa
GA:Baxley
GA : Savannah
IA: Cedar Rapids
ID: Boise
ID: Idaho Falls
IL:W. Chicago
KS : Topeka
LA: New Orleans
HD: Baltimore
MD:Conotringo
ME: August a
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MN : Minneapolis
UN: Red Wing
MS : Jackson
MT: Helena
NC: Wilmington
ND: Bismarck
HE: Lincoln
NJ: Trent on
NJ: Ware town
KM: Santa Fe
NV:Las Vegas
NY: Albany
NY: Hew York City
NY: Niagara Falls
OR: Cincinnati
Date
Collected
07/09/92
01/07/92
01/17/92
01/06/92
07/07/92
01/23/92
07/15/92
01/07/92
10/20/92
01/15/92
01/03/92
11/03/92
01/15/92
10/27/92
01/03/92
01/10/92
01/08/92
01/10/92
01/02/92
01/02/92
01/02/92
07/06/92
01/07/92
07/07/92
10/27/92
01/15/92
01/15/92
01/06/92
07/02/92
10/22/92
01/02/92
07/07/92
07/06/92
07/16/92
01/06/92
01/06/92
07/07/92
01/06/92
10/19/92
11/24/92
pCi/L
ND
0.2
ND
0.1
0.1
ND
ND
0.2
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.1
ND
ND
0.1
ND
0.1
ND
ND
0.2
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
±2
-------
Table 15 (continued)
Iodine-131 in Drinking Water
January-December 1992
Location
OH: Bast Liverpool
OH:Painesville
OH: Toledo
OK: Oklahoma City
OR: Port land
Pi : Columbia
PA:Harrisburg
Pi : Philadelphia-Baxter
P A : Phi ladelphia-Queen
PA Philadelphia
PA:Pittsburgh
RI: Providence
SC:Barnwell
SC : Columbia
SC:Hartsville
SC:Jenkinsville
SC: Seneca
TI : Chattanooga
TI:Knoxville
TX: Austin
VAiDoBHell
VA : Lynchburg
7 A : Virginia Beach
WA:Richland
WA: Seattle
VI: Genoa City
WI: Madison
Date
Collected
11/26/92
01/02/92
01/07/92
01/15/92
01/02/92
01/23/92
01/13/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
01/08/92
11/25/92
01/22/92
01/16/92
01/02/92
01/13/92
07/24/92
11/10/92
01/09/92
01/02/92
01/02/92
11/03/92
01/02/92
01/17/92
10/20/92
01/03/92
01/13/92
01/02/92
pCi/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, 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.
Since some of these sites may not return dosimeters each period, the number of sites listed may vary slightly.
31
-------
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 nuelides, 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 16-18 contain the concentrations of radionuclides in pasteurized milk for October-
December 1992. Table 19 contains the concentrations of strontium-90 in pasteurized milk
EPA Regional Composites for October 1992.
32
-------
Table 16
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
October 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Lit tie Rock
AZ : Phoenix
CA:Loa Angeles
CA : Sacramento
CA:San Francisco
CT: Hartford
DE: Wilmington
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA:Des Koines
IL: Chicago
KS: Wit chit a
KT: Louisville
LA: New Orleans
NA:Boston
MO: Baltimore
ME: Port land
MI: Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
MO: Kansas City
MS: Jacks on
NT: Helena
NO:Minot
HE: Omaha
NJ : Trenton
If V: Las Vegas
NY: Buffalo
NY : Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH: Cleveland
OK: Oklahoma City
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
SC: Charleston
Date
Collected
10/09/92
10/06/92
10/08/92
10/02/92
10/02/92
10/02/92
10/05/92
10/07/92
10/09/92
10/01/92
10/05/92
10/08/92
10/26/92
10/06/92
10/27/92
10/07/92
10/01/92
10/07/92
10/08/92
10/05/92
10/21/92
10/12/92
10/27/92
10/29/92
10/28/92
10/07/92
10/20/92
10/07/92
10/05/92
10/30/92
10/20/92
10/06/92
10/05/92
10/05/92
10/02/92
10/09/92
10/09/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 16 (continued)
Radionuclid.es in Pasteurized Milk
October 1992
Location
SD: Rapid City
TN : Chattanooga
TN:Knoxville
TH : Memphis
TX: Austin
TX:Ft. Worth
Vi: Norfolk
VT:Montpelier
WA: Seattle
WA: Spokane
WV: Charleston
Date
Collected
10/01/92
10/13/92
10/07/92
10/01/92
10/13/92
10/22/92
10/02/92
10/28/92
10/01/92
10/05/92
10/14/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
T^ble 17
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
November 1992
Location
AL : Montgomery
AZ : Phoenix
CA:Los Angeles
CA : Sacramento
CA:San Francisco
DE: Dover
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA:Des Koines
IL : Chicago
IN : Indianapolis
XS: Wichita
KY: Louisville
LA: Hen Orleans
HA: Boston
HD: Baltimore
ME: Portland
MI:Detroit
MI: Grand Rapids
HN:St. Paul
MO: Kansas City
MS: Jacks on
MT: Helena
KG: Charlotte
ND:Kinot
NE : Omaha
NJ: Trent on
KM : Albuquerque
KV:Las Vegas
NY: Buffalo
NY : Syracuse
OH: Cincinnati
OH: Cleveland
OK: Oklahoma City
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
PC: Cristobal
Date
Collected
11/06/92
11/18/92
11/02/92
11/30/92
11/12/92
11/10/92
11/03/92
11/23/92
11/02/92
11/05/92
11/02/92
11/23/92
11/02/92
11/23/92
11/06/92
11/06/92
11/03/92
11/05/92
11/02/92
11/04/92
11/23/92
11/02/92
11/17/92
11/29/92
11/30/92
11/23/92
11/06/92
11/03/92
11/10/92
11/17/92
11/04/92
11/25/92
11/18/92
11/10/92
11/02/92
11/02/92
11/24/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 17 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
November 1992
Location
PR: San Juan
SC: Charleston
SD: Rapid City
TI : Chattanooga
TH:Knoxville
TI: Memphis
TX: Dallas
TA:Iorlolk
?T:Montpelier
VA: Seattle
Hi: Spokane
W7: Charleston
Date
Collected
11/12/92
11/17/92
11/01/92
11/17/92
11/11/92
11/10/92
11/05/92
11/26/92
11/30/92
11/06/92
11/02/92
11/10/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 18
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
December 1992
Location
AL: Montgomery
AR: Little Rock
A2 : Phoenix
CA:Loa Angeles
CA:San Francisco
CO: Denver
DE: Dover
GA: Atlanta
HI: Honolulu
IA:Dea Koines
IL: Chicago
II : Indianapolis
KS: Wichita
KY:Louisville
LA: lew Orleans
MA: Host on
NO: Baltimore
ME: Portland
HI: Detroit
HI: Grand Rapids
Ml: St. Paul
MO: Kansas City
MO: St. Louis
KS: Jackson
HT: Helena
KC: Charlotte
SD:Hinot
ME : Omaha
JJ J: Trenton
NM : Albuquerque
NV:Las Vegas
NT: Buffalo
OH:Cincinnati
OH: Cleveland
OR: Portland
PA: Philadelphia
PA: Pittsburgh
Date
Collected
12/10/92
12/02/92
12/08/92
12/08/92
12/03/92
12/31/92
12/09/92
12/03/92
12/28/92
12/08/92
12/03/92
12/07/92
12/21/92
12/08/92
12/21/92
12/07/92
12/04/92
12/09/92
12/03/92
12/07/92
12/09/92
12/10/92
12/02/92
12/08/92
12/14/92
12/31/92
12/28/92
12/17/92
12/08/92
12/23/92
12/01/92
12/07/92
12/31/92
12/16/92
12/03/92
12/07/92
12/07/92
K
g/L ±2
-------
Table 18 (continued)
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
December 1992
Location
PC: Cristobal
PR: San Juan
SC : Charleston
SD: Rapid City
TH : Chattanooga
TN: Memphis
TX: Austin
IX: Dallas
Vi: Norfolk
VT:Montpelier
WA: Seattle
Ui : Spokane
WV : Charleston
Date
Collected
12/23/92
12/15/92
12/09/92
12/09/92
12/15/92
12/02/92
12/07/92
12/29/92
12/28/92
12/21/92
12/03/92
12/07/92
12/08/92
K
g/L ±2(7
1.47 0.08
1.69 0.07
1.38 0.13
1.63 0.07
1.69 0.07
1.66 0.08
1.56 0.06
1.62 0.14
1.60 0.09
1.S1 0.12
1.67 0.07
1.54 0.14
1.62 0.06
1«C.
pCi/L ±2cr
6 2
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
140Ba
pCi/L ±1a
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND •
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
131 T
pCi/L i2a
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
KD
ND
Note: 17 = Counting Error. ND = Not Detectable.
-------
Table 19
Strontium-90 in Pasteurized Milk
EPA Regional Composites
October 1992
EPA
Region
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
Collection
Date
10/15/92
10/15/92
10/1S/92
10/15/92
10/15/92
10/15/92
10/15/92
10/15/92
10/16/92
10/15/92
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.
40
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Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) 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)
USE PA Waterside MaU
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
-------
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