United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Radiation and
Indoor Air
Washington, DC 20460
EPA
June 1999
EPA-402-R-99-005
>EPA Noble Gas and Tritium-In-Air
Offsite Environmental Monitoring
Program Summary from
1970 -1995
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Noble Gas and Tritium-In-Air
Offsite Environmental Monitoring
Program Summary from
1970 -1995
by
Anita A. Mullen
Julius Barth
Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy
under Interagency Agreement
DE-AI08-96NV11969
RADIATION AND INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS NATIONAL LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RADIATION AND INDOOR AIR
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
P.O. BOX 98517
LAS VEGAS, NV 89193-3478
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NOTICE
The information in this document has been funded wholly or in part by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through Interagency Agreement DE-AI08-96NV11969
from the United States Department of Energy (DOE). It has been subject to the Agency's peer
and administrative review, and it has been approved for publication as an EPA document.
Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
11
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Abstract
This report describes the Noble Gas and Tritium-In-Air Offsite Environmental
Monitoring Program conducted from 1970 -1995 by the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA's), Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory. This laboratory operates an
environmental radiation monitoring program in the region surrounding the Nevada Test Site.
The surveillance program was designed to measure levels and trends of noble gas and tritium-in-
air surrounding the Nevada Test Site and other areas of concern to ascertain whether current
radiation levels and associated doses to the general public are in compliance with existing
radiation protection standards. The surveillance program additionally has the responsibility to
take action to protect the health and well-being of the public in the event of any accidental
release of radioactive contaminants. Offsite levels of radiation and radioactivity were assessed in
part by this program.
Comparison of the measurements and sample analysis results indicated that no significant
amounts of biological radionuclides have been detected in the near offsite areas or on the NTS.
111
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This page is left blank intentionally
IV
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Contents
Notice ii
Abstract iii
Figures vi
Tables vii
Abbreviations, Acronyms, Units of Measure, and Conversions viii
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
1970 2
1971 6
1972 ; 6
1973 13
1974 14
1975 17
1976 20
1977 23
1978 i 27
1979 33
1980 36
1981 40
1982 46
1983 51
1984 55
1985 56
1986 58
1987 64
1988 67
1989 74
1990 f 75
1991 77
1992 80
1993 82
1994 83
1995 84
References 87
Appendix A (Tables) 90
Appendix B (Replicate Sampling Program) 145
Appendix C (Summary of Analytical Procedures) 147
Appendix D (Announced United States Nuclear Tests) 148
Appendix E (NGSS Theory of Operation) .158
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Figures
Figure 1 Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network - 1972 8
Figure 2 Schematic of Noble Gas Sampler 9
Figure 3 Typical Noble Gas Sampling Station 10
Figure 4 Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network - 1974 16
Figure 5 Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network -1978 30
Figure 6 Trend in Annual Network Concentrations of Krypton-85 1972-1978 31
Figure 7 Distribution of Network Concentrations of Krypton-85 31
Figure 8 Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network - 1979 35
Figure 9 Distribution of Network Concentrations of Krypton-85 39
Figure 10 Trend in Annual Network Concentrations of Krypton-85 39
Figure 11 Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network Sampling Locations - 1981 .. .. 42
Figure 12 Frequency Distribution of Krypton-85 Concentration in Air - 1981 43
Figure 13 Trend in Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration 44
Figure 14 Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network Sampling Locations - 1982... 48
Figure 15 Frequency Distribution of Krypton-85 Concentration in Air- 1982 . 49
Figure 16 Trend in Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration 51
Figure 17 Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network Sampling Locations - 1983 . ... 53
Figure 18 Weekly Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air - 1985 57
Figure 19 Weekly Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air - 1986 60
Figure 20 Trend in Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration 62
Figure 21 Weekly Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air by Station, 1988 68
Figure 22 Offsite Noble Gas sampling and Tritium-in-Air Network Stations -1992 79
Figure 23 Community Monitoring Program Station 80
VI
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Tables
1. Summary of Project Rulison Flaring Operations 3
2. Project Rulison Offsite Environmental Sampling 4
3. Five Highest 3H Concentrations in Atmospheric Moisture Samples; Rulison 5
4. Five Highest 85Kr Results for Compressed Air Samples; Rulison. 5
5. Maximum Concentrations of 83Kr for all Stations 19
6. Radiochemical Detection Limits 20
7. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the NTS 21
8. Annual Average Concentrations of 85Kr 1972 - 1976, On and Off the NTS 22
9. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the NTS 24
10. Concentrations of Airborne 133Xe Detected On and Off the NTS 25
11. Estimated Dose Commitment from J33Xe Concentrations 26
12. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the NTS 27
13. Average Krypton-85 Concentrations in Air On and Off the NTS ... 29
14. Concentrations of airborne Xenon-133 Detected On and Off the NTS 32
15. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentrations in Air, 1972 - 1980 36
16. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the NTS -1980 37
17. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1981 41
18. BJY Compressed Air Samples Containing High Concentrations 43
19. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air 1972-1981 45
20. Radiochemical Detection Limits 46
21. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS -1982. 47
22. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air 1973 -1982 50
23. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1983 52
24. Samples and Analyses for Duplicate Sampling Program 1983 53
25. Sampling and Analytical Precision - 1983 54
26. DOE Concentration Guides 54
27. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1984 55
28. Samples and Analytical Precision - 1984 56
29. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1985 56
30. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS-1986 59
31. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air 1976 -1986 61
32. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS-1987 64
33. Samples and Analyses for Duplicate Sampling - 1987 67
34. Samples and Analytical Precision 1987 67
35. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1988 68
36. Samples and Analyses for Duplicate Sampling Program - 1988 73
37. Samples and Analytical Precision - 1988 i 73
38. Projected Atmospheric Concentrations and Doses Krypton-85 74
39. Radionuclide Emissions on the NTS - 1989 75
40. Radionuclide Emissions on the NTS - 1990 76
41. Radionuclide Emissions on the NTS -1991 78
42. Offsite Noble Gas Results for Routine Samplers -1994 85
43. Monitoring Networks Data used in Dose Calculations ; 86
Vll
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Abbreviations, Acronyms, Units of Measure, and
Conversions
ABBREVIATIONS and ACRONYMS
ALT Annual Limit on Intake MDC
CEDE ~ Committed Effective Dose
Equivalent NCRP
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations
CG - Concentration Guide NIST
CP-1 -- Control Point One
CRMP - Community Radiation NGSS
Monitoring Program NGTSN
DCG ~ Derived Concentration Guide
DOE -- U.S. Department of Energy NTS
EDE - Effective Dose Equivalent NRD
EML Environmental Monitoring
Laboratory PHS
EMSL- - Environmental Monitoring LV PIC
Systems QA
Laboratory-Las Vegas QC
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection S.D.
Agency SGZ
GZ - Ground Zero TLD
HTO -- tritiated water USGS
HpGe ~ High purity germanium
lAGs ~ Interagency Agreements
ICRP International Commission on
Radiological Protection
minimum detectable
concentration
National Council on Radiation
Protection and Measurements
National Institute of Standards
and Technology
Noble Gas Sampling System
Noble Gas and Tritium
Surveillance Network
Nevada Test Site
Nuclear Radiation Assessment
Division
U.S. Public Health Service
pressurized ion chamber
quality assurance
quality control
standard deviation
Surface Ground Zero
thermoluminescent dosimetry
U.S. Geological Survey
vin
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Acknowledgments
The external peer review was provided by Victoria E. Niemann, Emergency Management
Division, U.S. Department of Energy. The contribution of this reviewer in production of this
final report is gratefully acknowledged.
The authors would like to extend their appreciation to Christopher A. Fontana for his assistance
and to Angela B. Haag for research help. The authors would also like to extend their thanks to
Terry L. Mouck whose skill and dedication in word processing, graphics and desktop publishing
support which was crucial to the production of this report and to Omer W. Mullen for technical
editing. Also, the authors would like to acknowledge Flo DeLuna for his many years of service
in maintaining the Noble Gas equipment.
IX
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Noble Gas and Tritium In Air Offsite Environmental
Monitoring Program Summary
Introduction
The noble gas and tritium offsite environmental monitoring program, was designed to
detect noble gas and tritium emissions from the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The history of the
program; topography of the NTS; population overview; predominant meteorological patterns;
and program description follows.
The Nevada Test Site NTS was the primary location for nuclear explosive testing in the
continental U.S.-from 1951 until the present moratorium began. The U.S. Atomic Energy
Commission (AEC) used the NTS from January 1951 through January 19,1976, for conducting
nuclear weapons tests, nuclear rocket-engine development, nuclear medicine studies, and other
nuclear and non-nuclear experiments. Beginning January 19,1976, these activities became the
responsibility of the newly formed U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration
(ERDA). On October 1, 1977 the ERDA was merged with other energy related agencies to
form the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted
periodically from January 27,1951, through October 30,1958, after which a testing moratorium
was in effect until September 1,1961. Since September 1,1961, all nuclear detonations were
conducted underground with the expectation of containment, except for four shallow
underground tests of Operation Dominic JJ in 1962 and five nuclear earth-cratering experiments
conducted under the Plowshare program between 1962 and 1968.
Prior to 1954, an offsite surveillance program was performed by the J^os Alamos
Scientific Laboratory and the U.S. Army. From 1954 through 1970 the U.S. Public Health
Service (PHS), and from 1970 to the present the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
have provided an Offsite Radiological Safety Program under an Interagency Agreement.
The topography of the NTS is typical of much of the Basin and Range physiographic
province of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Elevations range from about 910 m (3000 ft) above
mean sea level (MSL) in the south and east, rising to 2230 m (7300 ft) in the areas toward the
. northern and western boundaries. The slopes on the upland surfaces are steep and dissected,
whereas the slopes on the lower surfaces are gentle and alluvia with rock debris from adjacent
highlands.
Excluding Clark County, the major population center (approximately 741,000 in 1990),
the population density within a 150-km (90 mi) radius of the NTS was about 0.5 persons per
square kilometer. In comparison, the 48 contiguous states (1990 census) had a population
density of approximately 29 persons per square kilometer.
Precipitation levels on the NTS are low, runoff is intermittent, and the former testing
areas on the NTS drain into closed basins. Annual precipitation in southern Nevada is very light
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and depends largely upon elevation. A characteristic of desert climates is the temporal and
spatial variability of precipitation.
Wind direction and speed are important aspects of the environment at the NTS. These
were major factors in planning and conducting nuclear tests, where atmospheric transport was the
primary potential route of contamination to onsite workers and offsite populations.
i
The movements of large-scale pressure systems control the seasonal changes in the wind
direction frequencies. The prevailing wind direction during the winter months is north-northeast
and during the summer months is south-southeast.
As part of the program, an air surveillance monitoring program was set up. Air samples
were collected and the data were analyzed to quantify the amounts, diffusion, and transport of the
radionuclides released. Noble gases and tritium were of particular interest due to their ubiquitous
nature and continuance in the environment. Uptakes of tritium into the body through inhalation
of tritiated water in the air and through food pathways require dose assessment to establish
potential internal exposure. Although noble gases and tritium were emitted from nuclear power
plants, propulsion reactors, reprocessing facilities and nuclear explosions tritium is also
produced naturally. In order to establish which proportion was NTS related and which portion
originated from elsewhere, some sampling sites were chosen in close proximity to the NTS,
particularly in drainage-wind channels leading from the test areas.
The xenons (124, 125,126,129,130,131m, 132,133m, 135m) henceforth referred to as
simple xenon, because of their short half-lives, decay before dispersing widely and so environ-
mental levels were normally below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC). Krypton-85
is dispersed more or less uniformly over the entire globe because of its long half-life, 10.7 years
and the lack of significant sinks. Considering the amount released, 85Kr results were expected to
be detectable.
1970
Beginning in 1970, EPA personnel collected one 20-minute compressed air grab sample
weekly at each of the two locations on the NTS and one in Las Vegas, NV. These samples were
analyzed for 85Kr and the radio-xenons. During 1970,39 announced underground nuclear tests
were conducted at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) by the Atomic Energy Commission. During this
same period, four production test experimental flarings of natural gas were conducted at the
Rulison experimental gas well in western Colorado. One test at the NTS, Baneberry, conducted
on December 18, released radioactivity into the offsite environment. At the Rulison site, 3H and
85Kr above background levels were detected offsite. From the results of environmental
monitoring and sampling conducted by the National Environmental Research Center, Las Vegas
(NERC-LV) for these nuclear events, the calculated radiation exposures to offsite populations did
not exceed the Radiation Protection Standards of the AEC Manual, Chapter 0524.
The maximum level of 3H in air samples collected offsite by a ground level air sampling
station for Project Rulison was 290 pCi/m3 air, which was less than 0.5% of the Concentration
Guide in the AEC Manual 0524 for a suitable population sample in an uncontrolled area. No 3H.
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levels above background were found offsite in milk, water, food crop, cow feed, human urine,
and animal tissue samples collected following the flarings (EPA, Offsite Surveillance Activities of
the National Environmental Research Center, 1970) NERC-LV-539-17.
PROJECT RULISON
The Project Rulison flaring operations during this six-month period were conducted on the dates
summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Summary of Project Rulison Flaring Operations.
Flaring Period
Preliminary Flow Tests*
Calibrated Tests**
High-Rate
Intermediate Rate
Start
Date
8-01-70
10-04-70
10-27-70
12-01-70
End
Date
8-22-70
10-07-70
11-03-70
12-20-70
Volume Gas Flared
MSCFt
1
12
109
100
* Nine short runs up to 8 hours duration.
** Three short runs up to 14 hours duration.
t MSCF = million standard cubic feet.
Table 2 shows the total number of samples collected during this report period. Tritium and 85Kr
were the primary radionuclides released by the flaring operations. All environmental samples,
except for the particulate air filters and charcoal cartridges, were analyzed for 3H. The natural
gas samples, cryogenic samples, and compressed air samples were also analyzed for 85Kr.
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Table 2. Project Rulison Offsite Environmental Sampling
Sample Type Totals
Air (particulate filters) 1059
Air (charcoal cartridges) 360
Atmospheric Moisture (molecular sieve) 212
Natural Gas 14
Cryogenic (ground) 2
Compressed Air (ground) 8
Compressed Air (aerial) 21
Atmospheric Moisture (freeze-out) 30
Water 251
Precipitation 119
Milk 62
Natural Vegetation 95
Soil 102
Food Crops 95
Cow Feed 55
Urine (residents) 113
Urine (EPA monitors) 94
Animal Tissue and Blood 17
Tritium levels above normal background related to Project Rulison were detected in all
types of offsite samples except water, milk, urine, animal tissue, food crops and cow feed.
Particulate filters and charcoal cartridges were not analyzed for 3H. The highest concentrations
of tritium in offsite atmospheric moisture samples are shown in Table 3.
Krypton-85 was detected in natural gas samples and in compressed air samples. The five
highest concentrations of 85Kr detected offsite in compressed air samples on the ground are listed
in Table 4. Background levels of 85Kr in the Rulison area ranged from less than 5 pCi/m3 to 14
pCi/m3 of air with an average of 12 pCi/m3.
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Table 3. Five Highest 3H Concentrations in Atmospheric Moisture Samples; Rulison
(Molecular Sieve Collectors)*
Location - Azimuth and Distance
from the Test Well
Spec. Sta. A-IX
(52°, 0.8 mi)
Spec. Sta. A-X
(65°, 0.6 mi)
Spec. Sta. A-VH
(15°, 0.8 mi)
Spec. Sta. A-X
(65°, 0.6 mi)
Spec. Sta. A-IX
52°, 0.8 mi)
Date
10/5/70
10/5/70
10/5/70
10/5/70
10/5/70
Time
0840-1040 ,
0835-1035
1452-1553
1450-1550
1455-1555
pCi/L H20
3H
59,000
51,000
43,000
34,000
27,000
pCi/m3
3H
290
240
220
180
150
* Tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the Rulison area had a
background range from 500 pCi/L H20 to 2,600 pCi/L H20. The average was 1000 pCi/L
H20. The Concentration Guides (AEC Manual, Chapter 0524) for continuous exposure of
the general population to 3H is 67,000 pCi/m3 air.
Table 4. Five Highest 85Kr Results for Compressed Air Samples.*
Location
Azimuth and Distance
from the Test Well
Sampling Period
Date-Time Date-Time
On Off
Concentration
pCi/m3 air
Old Control Point Pad
(325°, 2.4 mi)
Special Station D-l
(286°, 4.6 mi)
Special Station D- 11
(328°, 4.2 mi)
Special Station D-29
(76°, 16.5 mi)
3 mi S of Rifle Airport
(65°,13.0mi)
10/28/70-0645
12/06/70-0851
12/03/70-1955
10/27/70-1720
12/07/70-1535
10/28/70-0710
12/06/70-0916
12/03/70-2025
10/27/70-1750
12/07/70-1600
47
27
20
14
12
* The Concentration Guide (AEC Manual, Chapter 0524) for the continuous exposure of the
general population to ^Kr was 1 x 105 pCi/m3 air.
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1971
In 1971 NERC-LV was requested by the Radiation Effluent Subcommittee to the NTS
Planning Board, AEC-Nevada Operations Office, to establish a network to continuously monitor
radioactive noble gases and atmospheric 3H at ten locations on and off the NTS. The weekly
grab sample collection was continued until the ten-station continuous sampling network was put
into operation in April 1972.
Results of the weekly grab samples collected at the NTS demonstrated that any exposures
off-site would be very low. In order to adequately monitor the impact of the small releases of
noble gases on the offsite populated areas, a monitoring system capable of detecting any change
in ambient levels was desired. The Technical Services Division at NERC-LV had recently
completed development of a new gas analysis system capable of detecting 2 pCi/m3 of xenon or
radiokrypton in a 1-m3 sample of air. Atmospheric krypton samples analyzed at NERC-LV and
at the Eastern Environmental Research Laboratory, Montgomery, Alabama (3,4) showed that
current ambient levels of 85Kr were approximately 16 ą 2 pCi/m3. Theoretically, the normal
background for 133Xe and 135Xe should be zero because of infrequent releases and short half-life.
The design concept, then, was to provide a sampler capable of taking advantage of the
high sensitivity capability of the laboratory for xenon and to be able to detect changes in the 8SKr
concentration. Since the samples would be compressed air it would be necessary to have them
collected at regular intervals by NERC-LV personnel to eliminate shipping problems. Logistics
of sample collection from the 10,000 square mile area, plus analytical time required in the
laboratory dictated a weekly collection schedule. Final design considerations were that the
sample should be unfractioned air, it should be collected at a constant rate over the 1-week
period, the system should be as reliable as possible, and the entire operation must be
economically feasible.
1972
In 1972, under a Memorandum of Understanding No. AT(26-l)-539 with the U.S.
Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National
Environmental Research Center-Las Vegas (NERC-LV), continued a program of routine and
special radiological surveillance of various media in the environment surrounding the Nevada
Test Site (NTS) and other sites designated by the AEC during 1972.
Nevada Test Site
The major programs conducted at the NTS were nuclear weapons development, proof-
testing and weapons safety, testing for peaceful uses of nuclear explosives (Project Plowshare),
nuclear rocket development (Project Rover), basic high-energy nuclear physics research, and
seismic studies (Vela-Uniform).
At the Nuclear Rocket Development Station (NRDS), located in the southwest comer of
the NTS, a program of testing reactors of various designs and purposes was conducted over a 13
year period. The major programs were oriented toward design feasibility and subsequent
development of a nuclear rocket engine. The last tests of these engines were conducted in 1969.
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No reactors were tested in 1970 and 1971. During 1972, a small reactor called the Nuclear
Furnace-1 was tested seven times during May, June, and July.
In addition, underground nuclear testing was conducted at the NTS during 1972. No
radioactivity was detected at ground level beyond the boundaries of the NTS following any of
these nuclear events or the Nuclear Fumace-1 test series.
For each of the underground nuclear detonations and the seven experimental tests of the
Nuclear Fumace-1, mobile radiation monitoring personnel equipped with radiation monitoring
equipment and supplies were on standby in offsite locations to respond to any inadvertent release
of radioactivity which might result in a radiological hazard to offsite populations and property.
The only radioactivity produced by nuclear tests at NTS and detected offsite was 133Xe,
which was observed in samples collected at stations of the Noble Gas and Tritium Sampling
Network at Beatty, Diablo, and Hiko, Nevada. The levels of 133Xe, which were attributed to
gaseous seepage from underground tests, occurred only in a few samples. These levels, averaged
over the total period sampled during the year, were less than 0.04% of the Concentration Guide
of the AEC Manual, Chapter 0524, for a population sample. All other increases in radioactivity
concentrations observed in media collected around the NTS were attributed to seasonal variations
in old atmospheric fallout and fallout from nuclear detonations by the People's Republic of China
on January 7, 1972, and March 18,1972. Radioactive noble gases were released during the
Nuclear Furnace-1 test series and detected by aircraft sampling; however, no radioactivity was
detected on the ground beyond the combined areas of the Nellis Air Force Range and the NTS.
Based upon the aircraft results, an estimate of the potential radiation exposure to offsite
populations was determined to be less than 1% of the Radiation Protection Standards of the AEC
Manual, Chapter 0524.
During the months of March and April 1972, a routine air sampling network for
monitoring levels of radiokrypton, xenon, and 3H in the form of HT, HTO, and CH^ was
established for the NTS. Due to infrequent releases of radioactive gas during drill-back into the
shot zone and occasional gaseous seepage from underground shot locations, the AEC Nevada
Operations Office requested the NERC-LV to design, field, and operate this network at four on-
NTS and six offsite locations. The locations of the offsite sampling stations were Las Vegas,
Beatty, Tonopah, Diablo, and Hikp, Nevada, and Death Valley Junction, California. The offsite
stations may be located by referring to Figure 1.
The equipment used in this Network was designed as two separate systems: one was a
compressed air sampler, and the other was a molecular sieve sampler. The basic design of the
compressed air sampler was similar to a sampler in use by Isotopes, Inc. (now Teledyne
Isotopes). A schematic of the sampler is shown in Figure 2 and a photograph of a typical station
is shown in Figure 3. An aquarium aerator pump draws air at 3 cmVsec through a glass fiber
filter and pumps it into a 38-1 low pressure tank. A pressure-actuated switch activates a
solenoid, starting a high-pressure compressor. The compressor pumps air from the low pressure
tank and through a manifold to two 38-1 high pressure tanks, when the pressure drops to 1.5 mm
Hg a second pressure-actuated switch de-activates the solenoid, stopping the compressor.
Sample pressure in the high-pressure tank is about 2.8 MPA (400 psi).
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. OUCKWATER
CURRANT MAINT. STA:
CURRANT
ROUND MTN.
GEYSER
MAINT. STA.
BLUE JAY
MAINT. SfA.
SUNNYSIDE
(
CLARK'S STA.
WARM
SPGS.
DIABLO
MAINT.
STA.
TEMPIUTE/
HIKO
COYOTE SMT.
HANCOCK SMT.}I<
I
GATE TOO
NELLIS
AIR FORCE
RANGE
SPRINGDALE
DESERT
ROCK
LATHROP WELLS
INDIAN SPRINGS
CACTUS SPRINGS
FURNACE
CREEK
DEATH
VALLEY JCT.
PAHRUMP
LAS VEGA
SHOSHONE
/
SAMPLING STATIONS
SCALE IN KILOMETRES
20 30-40 50
SCALE IN MILES
10 20 30 40
Figure 1. Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network - 1972
8
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High-Pressure \
Tank J
High-Pressure
Tank
Air Line
Control Line
Figure 2. Schematic of Noble Gas Sampler
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Figure 3. Typical Noble Gas Sampling Station
10
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The high pressure tanks were collected weekly and replaced with evacuated tanks
containing one ml of carrier xenon. One tank was analyzed in the laboratory, while the second
served as a backup for analysis in case the sample in the first tank was destroyed, lost during
analysis, or exhibited unusually high concentrations. The actual standard sample volume in a
pressure tank was determined by weighing the full tank as it entered the laboratory and
subtracting the tank tare weight. A normal volume was approximately one cubic meter. A
separate sampler was designed for collection of atmospheric moisture and H2 for 3H analysis to
satisfy the requirements of the Effluent Subcommittee. Methane gas collected by the compressed
air sampler was also analyzed for 3H as CH3T.
After one year of operation the noble gas surveillance network was termed successful. It
demonstrated the ability to satisfactorily meet most design requirements, although design
changes were being studied to improve sampler operational reliability. The network produced
successful sample results 85 percent of the time. Although most of the lost samples were due to
sampler failure, some resulted from loss of sample during laboratory analysis. Because of the
sample load in the laboratory, duplicate analysis was not performed on the few samples lost in
analysis unless results of other stations indicated the possible presence of elevated levels over the
network. The improved performance during the final 5 months of the period was due, primarily,
to replacement of sub-standard components which were responsible for the high failure rate
experienced during the first few months. Based on 85Kr results, the total collection and analytical
process was shown to be as accurate as any technique currently available. The network has been
shown to be capable of documenting small changes in 85Rr concentrations. As expected, most
xenon concentrations were below the 2 pCi/m3 detectable level; however, several samples have
contained measurable 133Xe.
The bottles were replaced weekly and returned to NERC-LV where the samples were
analyzed for radioisotopes of Kr and total Xe and for CH3T by gas chromatography and liquid
scintillation techniques summarized in Appendix B and described by Stevenson and Johns.
The molecular sieve type equipment samples air through a filter to remove particulate
matter and then through a 600-gram column of 13X molecular sieve to remove atmospheric
water. Tritium-free hydrogen carrier was added to the air stream by electrolysis of fossil water
from deep wells. The air was then passed through another molecular sieve column to remove
any water from the electrolysis cell. The dry air with added hydrogen was passed through a
palladium catalyst supported on 13X molecular sieve. The hydrogen was converted to water,
which was immediately adsorbed on the molecular sieve. The volume of air passed through the
sampler was measured by a dry gas meter. Approximately five cubic meters of air are passed
through each sampler over a seven-day sampling period. After each sampler was returned to the
laboratory, the first molecular sieve column and the catalytic column were degassed; the water
was distilled and analyzed for tritium by liquid scintillation techniques. As part of the design of
the tritium sampler, a study was done to evaluate the relative accuracy of absolute humidities as
determined from various psychrometer measurements and from the molecular sieve sampler
consuming 100% removal of moisture from the known volume of air sampled. The findings
showed that at the 99% significance levels no differences existed between freeze-out and
absorption methods for determining atmosphere concentrations of tritium in the form of water
vapor, nor between the technique used to determine absolute humidity.
11
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Appendix A summarizes the results of this Network by listing the maximum, minimum,
and average concentrations for 85Kr, total Xe or 133Xe, CH3T, HTO, and HT. The annual average
concentrations for each station were calculated over the time period sampled assuming that all
values less than the Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC) were equal to the MDC. In the
table, all concentrations of 85Kr, Xe or 133Xe, CH3T, HTO and HT were expressed in the same
unit, pCi per m3 of air.
The maximum and average 85Kr levels at all stations were essentially the same, indicating
no contribution from NTS operations. The concentrations of 3H, HTO and HT were generally the
same at all locations through the year except for the onsite stations at BJY and Area 12, where
concentrations of 3H, HTO and HT reached a maximum of 130 pCi/m3,910 pCi/m3, and 23
pCi/m3, respectively.
All average concentrations for the year were less than 0.01% of the Concentration Guides
for 3H in air, which was 6.7 x 10'2 jiGi/m3 for exposure to an offsite population sample and
5.0 x 10"6 for exposure to a radiation worker. No tritium in the form of CH3T was detected above
its MDC of 5 x 10'12 nCi/mL at any of the stations.
The concentrations of 133Xe were below the MDC of 2 pCi/m3 at all stations throughout
the year except for Beatty, Diablo, and Hiko, Nevada, and the onsite locations Desert Rock, BJY,
and Area 12. At these stations 133Xe was detected on a few occasions with concentrations as high
as 570 pCi/m3 at Hiko. The average concentrations at all locations was below 0.04% of the
Concentration Guide for this nuclide, which was 1 x 10"7 //Ci/mL for an offsite population
sample and 1 x 10"5 ^Ci/mL for onsite radiation workers.
Other Test Sites
The purpose of one of the programs in 1972 was to provide additional data on long-term
surveillance at all continental test sites, past and present. This was accomplished by sampling for
3H in natural gas wells adjacent to the Gasbuggy Test Well near Farmington, New Mexico.
Natural Gas Burner Sampling. Gasbuggy Site and Other Test Sites
During 1972, integrated monthly samples of the water condensate from the combustion of
natural gas were collected from a trunk line servicing 28 natural gas wells adjacent to the
Gasbuggy Test Well near Farmington, New. Mexico. This study, which became routine by
November 1971 following the development of a gas burner system, was initiated to determine if
natural gas from the nuclear-stimulated Gasbuggy Test Well would introduce radioactive
contaminants into the surrounding producing wells. Tritium was chosen as a suitable indicator of
radioactive contamination.
With the use of the gas burner system described by Connolly, an air/gas mixture
flowed through a combustion chamber where it was continuously burned. The resultant water
vapor was condensed out of the exhaust gases and collected. Each month the condensate was
sent to the NERC-LV for liquid scintillation counting for 3H.
All concentrations of 3H in the twelve monthly condensate samples collected in CY 1972
were below the minimum detectable concentration of about 220 pCi/L of condensate water.
12
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1973
During 1973, a total of 322 Ci of gaseous radioactivity, primarily xenon, was released
into the atmosphere at the NTS. Due-to the relatively low quantity, the varying location of
release and the discontinuous release rate of the radioactivity, an estimate of the radiation dose to
off-NTS populations in accordance with the AEC Manual, Chapter 0513, was not made.
. However, the concentration of each specific radionuclide detected and attributable to test
operations was compared to the appropriate Concentration Guide of the AEC Manual, Chapter
0524.
The only off-NTS indication of radioactivity that was attributable to test operations was
found in the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network (NGTSN).
Results-
The results from the samples collected by the NGTSN are shown in Appendix A. The
krypton-85 concentration ranged from 19 to 34.2 pCi/m3. A paper presented by Bernhardt et al,
(BE73) in a 1973 symposium contained a curve that predicted krypton-85 concentration for the
future. This information was used as the basis for an ongoing study of krypton-85 concentration
in air. This actual measurement system began in 1972, so the Bernhardt values for the years
1960,1965, and 1970 were used to provide a historical reference for the time period preceding
the actual measurement of krypton-85 concentrations in air.
Because actual data for the period 1972 - 1987 were collected, it was no longer necessary
to include the Bernhardt values. These actual data were used to generate a least squares linear
regression line. Comparing this equation to the same equation in prior annual reports showed a
difference. This was due to the fact that the new equation was based on sixteen consecutive
years of actual data (1972 - 1987) and does not include values given by Bernhardt for 1960,
1965, and 1970.
The concentration over the whole network appeared to have a normal distribution with a
mean of 25.5 pCi/m3 (0.94 Bq/m3) and a standard deviation of 0.4. This network average -
concentration, as shown in Appendix A gradually increased since sampling began in 1972. This
increase, observed at all stations, reflected the worldwide increase in ambient concentrations
resulting from the accelerated use of nuclear technology. The increase in ambient krypton-85
concentration was projected by Bernhardt et al., (Be 73). However, the measured network
averages in 1985 was only about 13 percent of the 250 pCi/m3 (9Bq/m) predicted by Bernhardt.
Since nuclear fuel reprocessing is the primary source of krypton-85, the decision of the United
States to defer fuel reprocessing may be one reason why krypton-85 levels did not increase as fast
as predicted.
13
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As in the past, tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the off-NTS
stations were generally below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of about 400 pCi/L
water (see Appendix A). Negative numbers were statistically derived and were only
representative of values which was less than the minimum detectable concentration (MDC). The
tritium concentrations observed at off-NTS stations were considered to be representative of
'environmental background. The mean of the tritium concentrations for all off-site stations was
0.62 pCi/m3 (23 mBq/m3) of air. Only six of the 815 collected samples were above the MDC.
DOSE ASSESSMENT
Estimated Dose from NTS Activities
The estimate of dose equivalent due to NTS activities was based on the total release of
radioactivity from the site. Since no significant radioactivity of recent NTS origin was detectable
offsite by the various monitoring networks, no significant exposure to the population living
around the NTS was expected. To confirm this expectation, a calculation of estimated dose was
performed using EPA's ADRDOS/RADRISK program. The individuals exposed were considered
to be all of those living within a radius of 80 km of CP-1 on the NTS, a total of 7710 individuals.
The individual with the maximum exposure from airborne NTS radioactivity would have been
living at Medlin's Ranch which is NNE from the NTS. That maximum exposure was 0.2 //rem
(2 x 10"37/Sv). The population exposure within 80 km would have been 5.9 x 10"4 person-rem
(5.9 x 10'6 person-Sv).
Concentrations of xenon greater than the MDC of 2 pCi/m3 were detected during the year
at all sampling locations except Beatty, and Tonopah, NV. The xenon, identified as l33Xe, was
detected on a few occasions with concentrations as high as 240 pCi/m3 at the on-NTS station at
BJY, and 30 pCi/m3 at Diablo, NV in the off-NTS area. The highest 133Xe concentrations,
detected in October, were considered to be anomalies, since there was no known release of
radioactivity in the quantity that would have been required to cause the magnitude of 133Xe
concentrations which were detected in the off-NTS area.
During 1974 only underground nuclear detonations were conducted. All detonations
were contained. However, during re-entry drilling operations, occasional inadvertent releases of
airborne radioactivity, primarily xenon, did occur. According to information provided by
14
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the Nevada Operations Office, ERDA, the following quantities of radionuclides were released
into the atmosphere during CY 1974:
Quantity Released
Radionuclide (Ci)
133Xe 663
133mXe 11
I35Xe 31
3H <2
238U < 0.0001
131.133,135 j < 0.00001
The Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network, was operated to monitor the airborne
levels of radiokrypton, xenon, and 3H in the forms HT, HTO, and CH3T. The Network consisted
of four on-NTS and six off-NTS stations (Figure 4).
As shown in the Appendix A, the maximum and average 85Kr levels at all stations were
essentially the same. The concentrations of 3H as HTO and as HT for the year were generally the
same at all locations except for the on-NTS stations at BJY and Area 12, where the averages and
ranges in concentrations were significantly higher than those for all other stations. The higher
concentrations were generally associated with seepage from earlier NTS operations, such as the
Sedan cratering test and Area 12 tunnel tests. The total of the average tritium concentrations
(HTO+HT+CH3T) for either of these on-NTS stations was less than 0.004% of the Concentration
Guide for 3H in air, which was 5 pCi/m3 for an exposure to a radiation worker. Small quantities
of 3H in the form CH3T were occasionally detected off-NTS. However, the concentration
averages and ranges for samples collected at all off-NTS locations were generally the same. No
definite correlation between CH3T concentrations and NTS testing could be made.
Concentrations of xenon greater than the MDC were detected during the year at all on-
NTS sampling locations and at two off-NTS locations. The xenon, identified as 133Xe, was
measured with a maximum concentration of 1100 pCi/m3 at the on-NTS station at Area 12. The
applicable Concentration Guide (CG) for radiation workers was 10 pCi/m3. In the off-NTS area,
the highest concentration was at Beatty with 140 pCi/m3, and the next highest concentration was
at Diablo with 17 pCi/m3. At either off-NTS location the 133Xe concentrations, when averaged
over the total sampling times for the year, were less than 0.008% of the CG for this nuclide
which was 1 xlO"7 //Ci/mL for a suitable sample of a population in an uncontrolled area.
15
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CURRANT MAINT. STA.'fc
CURRANT
ROUND MTN.
MAINT. STA.
BLUE JAY
MAINT. STA.
SUNNYSIDE
I
CLARK'S STA.
WARM
SPGS.
DIABLO
MAINT.
STA.
GOLDFIELD
TEMPIUTE
HIKO
COTTY'S JCT.
NELLIS
AIR FORCE
RANGE
SPRINGDALE
LATHROP WELLS
INDIAN SPRINGS
CACTUS SPRINGS
FURNACE
CREEK
DEATH
VALLEY JCT.
PAHRUMP
LAS VEGAS
NOBLE GAS & TRfTIUM
SAMPUNG LOCATIONS
0 10 50 30 40 50 6.0 70 80
SHOSHONE
SCALE IN KILOMETRES
0 10 20 30 40 50
SCALE IN MILES
Figure 4. Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network -1974
16
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1975
During 1975, a total of about 22 curies (Ci) of radioactivity, primarily xenon, was
reported by ERDA/NV as being released intermittently throughout the year. The only off-NTS
indications of this radioactivity from test operations were low concentrations of xenon-133,
krypton-85, and tritium (hydrogen-3) in various combinations, measured in air samples collected
at Beatty, Diablo, Hiko, Indian Springs, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The concentrations at these
locations when averaged over the year were less than 0.01 percent of the Concentration Guide of
10 yuCi/m3 as listed in the ERDA Manual, Chapter 0524, for exposure to a suitable sample of the
population. Based upon time-integrated concentrations of the nuclides at these locations, dose
calculations, and population information, the whole-body gamma dose commitment to persons
within 80 km of the NTS Control Point for test operations during the year was estimated to be
0.00065 person-rem. The highest dose commitment, 10.062 person-rem, occurred beyond 80 km
of NTS at Las Vegas, Nevada, a location with a much higher population density than any within
80 km of NTS.
During this report period, only underground nuclear detonations were conducted. All
detonations were contained. However, during re-entry drilling operations, occasional low level
releases of airborne radioactivity, primarily xenon, did occur. According to information provided
by the Nevada Operations Office, ERDA, the following quantities of radionuclides were released
into the atmosphere during CY 1975:
Quantity Released
Radionuclide (Ci)
133Xe 19.6
I33mXe 0.3
3H 2.2
Total 22.1
Continuous low-level releases of 3H and 85Kr occurred on the NTS. Tritium was released
primarily from the Sedan crater and by evaporation from ponds formed by drainage of water from
tunnel test areas in the Rainier Mesa. Krypton-85 slowly seeped to the surface from underground
test areas. The quantities of radioactivity from seepage were not quantitated, but were detected at
onsite sampling locations.
For "grab" type samples, radionuclide concentrations were extrapolated to the appropriate
collection date. Concentrations determined over a period of time were extrapolated to the
midpoint of the collection period. Concentration averages were calculated assuming that each
concentration less than the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) was equal to the MDC.
1 The dose commitment (product of estimated average dose and population) at Las Vegas
from 1 year's exposure to natural background radiation was about 9700 person-rem.
17
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For the purpose of routinely assessing the total error (sampling replication error plus
analytical/counting errors) associated with the collection and analysis of the different types of
network samples, plans were made during this report period to initiate a duplicate sampling
program for all sample types. Information on the total error associated with the different sample
types would allow more complete analysis of variance in sample results and development or
greater confidence in identifying results which were higher than normal.
The Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network, consisted of four cin-NTS and six off-
NTS stations. For the purpose of ensuring that the sampling locations on or near the NTS were
situated at population centers, a station was added at Indian Springs, Nevada, on April 1,1975,
and starting at the beginning of the year, the stations at Desert Rock and Gate 700 were moved to
Mercury and Area 51, respectively (Figure 4, page 16).
As shown in Appendix A, the average 85Kr concentrations for the year were nearly the
same for all stations, ranging from 17 pCi/m3 to 20 pCi/m3, with an overall average of 18 pCi/m3.
This compares with overall averages of 16 pCi/m3 in 1972, the first year of network operation,
and 17 pCi/m3 in 1974. The ambient concentration was increasing world-wide, primarily as a
result of nuclear reactor operations. The maximum concentrations for all stations ranged from 23
pCi/m3 to 38 pCi/m3. Based upon a review of all past 85Kr data, those concentrations equal to or
greater than 25 pCi/m3 were considered to be above ambient background concentrations and
attributable to some outside source or to anomalous variations. The sampling locations and dates
for all concentrations above this level during CY 1975 are shown in Table 5, page 19.
As shown by these data, higher than normal 85Kr concentrations for the sampling stations
at Beatty, Diablo, Indian Springs, Las Vegas, Mercury, BJY, and Area 12 occurred during the
period December 8-24. The highest of the concentrations, occurring at the NTS, were at BJY (38
pCi/m3) and Mercury (34 pCi/m3). These concentrations, and the 34 pCi/m3 sample from March
10-17 at BJY, were attributed to current testing operations or seepage from the ground around the
sites of past underground nuclear detonations. The highest concentration averages, either on-
NTS or off-NTS, were less than 0.01 percent of the Concentration Guides for on-and off site
exposures (see Appendix A). Since all the other higher than normal 85Kr concentrations in the
above table occurred at different times during the year, they do not appear to be associated with
NTS operations.
The concentrations of 3H as HTO were at background levels at all locations except for the
off-NTS stations at Beatty and Diablo and at the on-NTS stations at Area 51, BJY, and Area 12.
Concentrations of 3H as HT were above normal background levels only occasionally at the on-
NTS station at Area 12. The concentrations of 3H as CH3T at all locations were less than the
MDC. The higher than normal concentrations of 3H as HT and HTO were probably the result of
seepage from the ground near the sites of past tests, such as the Sedan cratering test and the Area
12 tunnel tests. The total of the average 3H concentrations (HTO+HT+CH3T) for either of the
off-NTS locations identified with above background concentrations was less than 0.01 percent of
the Concentration Guide for 3H in air.
18
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Table 5. Maximum Concentrations of 85Kr for all Stations
Collection Period
Location , Start Stop pCi/m3
Death Valley Jet., California
Beatty, Nevada
Diablo, Nevada
Indian Springs, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
NTS, Nevada (Mercury)
NTS, Nevada (Area 51)
NTS, Nevada (BJY)
NTS, Nevada (Area 12)
07/17
12/09
12/10
06/02
12/08
12/15
04/02
12/10
12/17
05/19
12/08
05/05
06/02
03/03
03/10
12/08
12/15
12/08
06/24
12/16
12/17
06/09
12/15
12/22
04/09
12/17
12/24
05/27
12/15
05/12
06/09
03/10
03/17
12/15
12/22
12/15
27
25
25
27
28
30
26
29
30
26
34"
25
25
25
34
38
26
27
Concentrations of xenon greater than the MDC were detected at all Network locations
during the year except for Death Valley Junction, Beatty, and Tonopah. Since all off-NTS
concentrations occurred in November at the same time that on-NTS concentrations were
measured, they were attributable to NTS operations. The maximum concentration of xenon,
identified as 133Xe, was 31 pCi/m3 at the on-NTS stations at BJY. In the off-NTS area, the
highest concentration was 25 pCi/m3 at Diablo. At any of the off-NTS locations, the 133Xe
concentrations, when averaged over the total sampling times for the year, were less than 0.01
percent of the Concentration Guide for this nuclide.
19
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Table 6. Radiochemical Detection Limits"
Type of
Analysis
Analytical
Equipment
Counting
Period
(Min)
Analytical
Procedures
Sample
Size
(mL)
Detection
Limitb
85Kr
Xe
Automatic 200 50
liquid scintil- 50
lation counter 50
With output
printer
Physical 400- 85Kr = 2pCi/m3
separation 1000
by gas chro-
matography; Xe = 2 pCi/m3
dissolved in
toluene
"cocktail" CH3T = 2 pCi/m3
for counting
a Lem, P.N. and Snelling, R.N. "Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory Data Analysis
and Procedures Manual," SWRHL-21. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, NV. March 1971
b The detection limit for all samples is defined as that radioactivity which equals the 2-sigma
counting error.
c Johns, F.B. "Handbook of Radiochemical Analytical Methods," EPA 680/4-75-001. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, NERC-LV, Las Vegas NV. February 1975.
1976
During 1976, all radioactivity from the underground nuclear tests was contained except
for a total of about 91 curies (Ci) of radioactivity which was reported by ERDA/NV as being
released intermittently throughout the year from drillback operations and small undetermined
amounts of tritium and 85Kr which slowly seeped to the surface from the underground test areas.
The only off-NTS indication of this radioactivity was determined from an air sample of the
Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network collected at Death Valley Junction during the
period August 24-31. This sample had a 3H in air concentration of 2 pCi/m3 above background.
The estimated whole-body dose resulting from this concentration to a hypothetical receptor at
this location was calculated as 1.3 urem. Based upon this dose and the population of residents
between the Nevada Test Site and Death Valley Junction, the estimated dose commitment2
within a 80-km radius of the NTS Control Point was estimated to be 0.00078 person-rem.
2 The dose commitment (product of estimated average dose and population) at Las Vegas
from 1 year's exposure to natural background radiation is about 10,000 person-rem.
20
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According to information provided by the Nevada Operations Office, ERDA, the
following quantities of radionuclides were released into the atmosphere during CY 1976,
Table 7:
Table 7. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the Nevada Test Site
Quantity Released
Radionuclide (Ci)
3H 3.11
133Xe 87.7
133mXe 0.23
135Xe 0.01
Total 91.05
Continuous low-level releases of 3H and 85Kr occurred on the NTS. Tritium was released
primarily from the Sedan crater and by test areas in the Rainier Mesa. Krypton-85 slowly seeped
to the surface from underground test areas. The quantities of radioactivity from seepage were not
quantitated, but were detected at onsite sampling locations.
For the purpose of routinely assessing the sampling replication error plus analytical/
counting errors associated with the collection and analysis of the different types of network
samples, a replicate sampling program for all sample types was initiated at the end of CY 1975.
A description of the procedures and results is presented in Appendix C. From the results of the
program, the variances that have been observed in all surveillance data were found to be greater
than the sampling and analytical/counting errors except for the 85Kr sampling. Apparently the
majority of the variation in 85Kr concentrations observed in the past was primarily due to the
sampling and analytical/counting errors.
Table 8 summarizes the results of this Network by listing the maximum, minimum, and
average concentrations for 85Kr, total Xe or 133Xe, 3H as CH3T, 3H as HTO, and 3H as HT. The
annual average concentrations for each station were calculated over the time period sampled
assuming that all values less than MDC were equal to the MDC. All concentrations of 85Kr, total
Xe or 133Xe, 3H as CH3T, 3H as HTO and 3H as HT expressed in the same unit, pCi/m3 of air.
As shown by Table 8, the average 85Kr concentrations for the year were nearly the same
for all stations, ranging from 17 pCi/m3 to 20 pCi/m3, with an overall average of 19 pCi/m3. As
shown by the following table, the 85Kr levels for all stations were gradually increasing. Since this
happened for all locations, the increase was probably a result of an increase in the ambient
concentration of 85Kr world-wide, primarily as a result of nuclear reactor operations. Based upon
the Network average concentrations over a 5-year period, this increase amounted to 5xlO"2to
1.2xlO-3pCi/m3/y.
21
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Table 8. Annual Average Concentrations of 85Kr 1972-1976
Location
Death Valley Jet., Calif
Beatty, NV
Diablo, NV
Hiko, NV
Indian Springs, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Mercury, NTS
Area 51, NTS
BJY, NTS
Area 12, NTS
Tonopah, NV
Total Network
Concentrations, pCi/m3
1972 1973 1974 1975
16
16
16
16
-
16
16
16
17
16
16
16.2
15
16
16
16
-
16
16
16
18
16
16
16.1
18
17
17
17
-
17
18-
17
19
18
18
17.6
17
19
18
17
20
18
18
18
19
18
17
18.1
1976
20
20
19
17
20
18
19
20
20
20
19
19.3
The maximum concentrations for all stations ranged from 24 pCi/m3 to 29 pCi/m3.
Previously, those concentrations equal to or greater than 25 pCi/m3 were attributed to some
outside source or anomalous variations. However, from the expected geometric standard
deviation resulting from the sampling and analytical/counting errors, as determined from the
Replicate Sampling Program (Appendix C), the 99% upper confidence limits (UCL's) on the
geometric mean concentrations of 85Kr were determined as 3.0 pCi/m3 or 3.6 pCi/m3 depending
upon whether one was considering the location having the lowest geometric mean concentration
(17 pCi/m3 at Hiko) for the year or the location with the highest geometric mean concentration
(20 pCi/m3 at BJY). Based upon the UCL's, all the Network stations had variations in 85Kr
concentrations which were consistent with variations one would expect from the total errors of
sample collection and analysis determined from the Replicate Sampling Program.
As in the past, concentrations of 3H as HTO in atmospheric moisture were generally at
background levels at all off-NTS stations and at the on-NTS stations Mercury and Area 51 except
for occasional increases in individual samples. The on-NTS stations of BJY and Area 12
continued to have concentrations consistently above background; the concentration averages for
these stations for this year were about a factor of 5 greater than the average concentrations for all
off-NTS stations.
All of the off-NTS stations had concentrations of 3H as HTO in atmospheric moisture
which were above the expected upper limit of background (approximately l.OxlO"6 |iCi/mL H2O)
used in the past. From the estimate of sampling and analytical counting errors for this type of
sample (Appendix C), this upper limit appeared to be reasonable; however, an evaluation of the
22
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cumulative frequency distributions of the annual data for each station indicated that occasional
concentrations above this limit were all within the cumulative frequency distribution of
environmental background except for Death Valley Junction, which had a 3H concentration of
4.2xlO"6 |iCi/mL of atmospheric moisture during the period of August 24-3 1 . This indicated that
the variances in concentration for the other off-NTS stations were normal variations in
environmental background. The total of the average 3H concentrations (HTO+HT+CH3T) at this
location was 70 pCi/m3, or ,<0.01 percent of the Concentration Guide (CG) for continuous
exposure to a suitable sample of the exposed population.
The average concentrations of 3H as HT at all off-NTS stations and at the on-NTS
stations Mercury and Area 51 were generally less than the averages for these locations in 1975,
whereas the average concentrations for Area 12 and BJY were slightly higher than the last 1975
averages. From a review of the cumulative frequency distributions of the data for each station,
all concentrations seemed to be part of the environmental background.
Concentrations of 3H as CH3T were below the MDC at all locations as normally observed
except for a few detectable concentrations at all locations except Diablo during the months of
September through November. The maximum concentrations for all locations ranged between
4.0 pCi/m3 to 18 pCi/m3. The total of the average 3H concentrations (HTO+HT+CH3T) for the
location having the highest CH3T concentration (18 pCi/m3 at Indian Springs) was <0.03 percent
of the CG for exposure to a suitable sample of the exposed population. Since the detectable
concentration occurred generally throughout the Network during the same period, the
concentrations were not attributed to NTS operations.
DOSE ASSESSMENT
The only radionuclide ascribed to NTS operations detected off-NTS was 3H at Death
Valley Junction. The above background concentration of 3H concentration in this sample was
4.2X10"6 jaCi/mL H2O or 29 pCi/m3 air. Based upon an ambient 3H concentration of 2 pCi/m3 air,
the net 3H concentration at Death Valley Junction was 27 pCi/m3. The whole-body dose from
this concentration was estimated as
(2.7x10'" ^iCi/m3") (7 dacvs) (500 mrem/veart = 1.3 urem.
(2.0xlO'7 nCi/m3) (365 days/year)
The 80-km dose commitment for the area between the NTS and Death Valley Junction
(population of 600) was estimated to be 0.00078 person-rem.
In 1977 all radioactivity from the underground nuclear tests was contained except for a
total of about 36 curies (Ci) of radioactivity which was reported by DOE/NV as having been
released intermittently throughout the year during drillback operations and small undetermined
amounts of xenon, tritium, and 85Kr which slowly seeped to the surface from the
23
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underground test areas. The only off-NTS indication of this radioactivity was 133Xe in several
air samples of the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network collected at Beatty, Diablo,
Hiko, Las Vegas, and Tonopah during the period August 2 to September 28. The highest
concentration of 133Xe detected (14 pCi/m3) was in a sample collected at Beatty. The estimated
whole-body dose to a hypothetical receptor at this location was calculated as 2.5 microrem
(Hrem), which is 0.001 percent of the Radiation Protection Standard of 170 millirem (mrem) to a
suitable sample of the exposed population. Based upon this dose and the population of Beatty,
the estimated dose commitment3 within a 80-km radius of the NTS Control Point was estimated
to be 0.0013 person-rem. Due to the greater population density within the Las Vegas area, the
highest dose commitment, 0.36 person-rem, was for this area, which was small compared to the
26,000 person-rem which residents of Las Vegas and nearby communities received from natural
background radiation.
During this report period, only underground nuclear detonations were conducted. All
detonations were contained. However, during re-entry drilling operations, occasional low level
releases of airborne radioactivity, primarily xenon, did occur. According to information provided
by the Nevada Operations Office, DOE, the following quantities of radionuclides were released
into the atmosphere during CY 1977 (Table 9):
Table 9. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the Nevada Test Site
Quantity Released
Radionuclide (Ci)
133Xe 28.286
133mXe 0.621
135Xe 0.849
131I 2.6 (pCi)
Total 36.636
The average 85Kr concentrations for the year were nearly the same for all stations, ranging
from 19 pCi/m3 to 21 pCi/m3, with an overall average of 20 pCi/m3. The 85Kr levels for all
stations had been gradually increasing. Since this happened for all locations, the increase was
probably a result of an increase in the ambient concentration worldwide, primarily as a result of
nuclear reactor operations. Based upon the Network average concentrations over a 5-year period,
this increase amounted to between 3.0 to 1.5 pCi/m3/y.
The maximum concentration of 85Kr for all stations ranged from 23 pCi/m3 to 35 pCi/m3
(Appendix A). From the expected geometric standard deviation resulting from the sampling and
analytical/counting errors, as determined from the Replicate Sampling Program (EMSL-LV,
1977), the 99 percent upper confidence limits (UCL's) on the geometric mean concentrations of
85Kr would have been 34 pCi/m3 to 38 pCi/m3 depending upon whether one was considering the
3 Product of estimated average dose equivalent and population.
24
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location having the lowest geometric mean concentration (19 pCi/m3 at Diablo and Hiko) for the
year or the location with the highest geometric mean concentration (21 pCi/m3 at BJY). Based
upon the UCL's, all the Network stations had variations one would expect from the total errors of
sample collection and analysis determined from the Replicate Sampling Program.
Xenon-133 was detected above its MDC of about 2 pCi/m3 at the locations, periods, and
concentrations shown in the following Table 10.'
As shown by the table, detectable concentrations occurred only in one or two samples at
each location. The highest of these concentrations at an off-NTS location was 15 pCi/m3 at
Tonopah, NV. If this level had persisted throughout the year, the result would have been 0.02
percent of the Concentration Guide.
Table 10. Concentrations of Airborne I33Xe Detected On and Off the NTS
133Xe Concentration
Location
Beatty, NV
Diablo, NV
Hiko, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Mercury, NTS, NV
BJY, NTS, NV
Area 12, NTS, NV
Tonopah, NV
Sampling
Period
08/02-09
09/20-27
09/21-28
09/21-28
09/21-28
08/08-15
10/25-31
11/14-21
08/22-29
09/20-27
+2-Sigma Counting Error
pCi/m3
12
14
12
11
10
7.1
100
30
18
15
+ 4.0
+ 5.2
+ 4.3
ą 4.6
+ 8.2
+ 4.0
+ 4.0
+ 4.0
+ 7.5
ą 7.8
As in the past, concentrations of 3H as HTO in atmospheric moisture were generally at
background levels at all off-NTS stations and at the on-NTS stations Mercury and Area 51 except
for occasional increases in individual samples. The on-NTS stations of BJY and Area 12
continued to have concentrations consistently above background; the concentration averages for
these stations for 1977 were greater than the average concentrations for all off-NTS stations. All
of the off-NTS stations had concentrations of 3H as HTO in atmospheric moisture which were
below the expected upper limit of background (approximately l.OxlO"6 jiCi/mL H2O) used in the
past.
The average concentrations of 3H as HT at off-NTS Network stations were comparable to
the averages for these locations in 1976. This year the averages ranged from <6 pCi/m3 to <2
pCi/m3 whereas last year the averages ranged from <0.6 pCi/m3 to <3 pCi/m3. From a review of
the cumulative frequency distributions of the data for each station and for the whole Network, all
concentrations appeared to be part of the environmental background.
25
-------
Concentrations of 3H as CH3T were generally below the MDC at all locations as normally
observed. Detectable concentrations did occur at Diablo, Hiko, Las Vegas, and Tonopah during
the months of January, March, August, and December. The maximum concentrations for all
locations ranged between 5.0 pCi/m3 to 14 pCi/m3. The total of the average 3H concentrations
(HTO+HT+CH3T) for the locations having the highest CH3T concentration (14 pCi/m3 at Indian
Springs) was <0.009 percent of the CG for exposure to a suitable sample of the exposed
population. Since the detectable concentrations occurred generally throughout the Network both
on NTS and off NTS at the same level, the concentrations were not attributed to NTS operations.
DOSE ASSESSMENT
The only radionuclide ascribed to NTS operations detected off-NTS was 133Xe at Beatty,
Diablo, Hiko, Las Vegas, and Tonopah, Nevada, 133Xe concentrations in air occurred during the
months of August and September. The highest whole-body dose calculated for these locations
was at Beatty, Nevada, where the dose equivalent was estimated to be
(7 days) (1.2X10'11 uCi/mL ą 1.4 x IP'11 uCi/mL) (500 mrem/year) = 2.5 urem
(ID'7 uCi/mL) (365 days/year)
which was 0.001 percent of the Radiation Protection Standard of 170 mrem (Appendix B). The
estimated doses for all locations are shown in Table 11 with the estimated dose commitment
(product of estimated average dose equivalent and population).
Table 11. Estimated Dose Commitment from 133Xe Concentrations
Location
Estimated
Dose
Equivalent
Population (urem)
Dose
Commitment
(pers-rem)
Dose
Commitment
Within 80 km
(pers-rem)
Beatty, NV 500 2.5 0.0013 0.0013
Diablo, NV 6 1.2 0.0000072 0.0
Hiko.NV 60 1.1 0.000066 0.0
Las Vegas, NV 370,500* 0.96 0.36 0.0
Tonopah, NV 2,000 1.4 0.0028 0.0
Total 0.36 0.0013
*Population was for Las Vegas and nearby communities within Clark County.
Due to the greater population density within the Las Vegas area, the highest dose
commitment (0.36 person-rem) was for this area, which is approximately 100 km from the NTS.
This dose commitment was small compared to the 26,000 person-rem, which residents of Las
Vegas and nearby communities received from natural background radiation during this reporting
period.
26
-------
. During this report period, only underground nuclear detonations were conducted. All
detonations were contained. However, during re-entry drilling operations, occasional low level
releases of airborne radioactivity, primarily xenon, did occur. According to information provided
by the Nevada Operations Office, DOE, the following quantities of radionuclides were released
into the atmosphere during CY 1978 (see Table 12):
Table 12. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the Nevada Test Site
Quantity Released
Radionuclide (Ci)
3H
85Kr
13.J
133Xe
133mXe
I35Xe
90.470
15.000
0.0001
8.213
1.44
0.369
Total 115.4921
There was a continuous low-level release of tritium and krypton-85 on the NTS. Tritium
was released primarily from the Sedan crater and by evaporation from ponds formed by drainage
of water from tunnel test areas in the Rainier Mesa. Krypton-85 slowly seeps to the surface from
underground test areas. The quantity of radioactive seepage was not quantified, but had been
detected at onsite sampling locations and occasionally at off-NTS locations.
All radioactivity from the underground nuclear tests was contained except for a total of
about 115 curies (Ci) of radioactivity which was reported by DOE/NV as being released
intermittently throughout the year by post-shot drilling operations, and small undetermined
amounts of xenon, tritium, and krypton-85 which slowly seeped to the surface from the
underground test areas.
The only off-NTS indication of this radioactivity was xenon-133 (concentration, 65
pCi/m3 in an air sample collected at Diablo, Nevada, during the period April 19 to 26 and
tritiated hydrogen (HT) in two air samples collected at Indian Springs, Nevada, during the
periods November 13 to December 4 (18 pCi/m3). The estimated whole-body dose equivalents
estimated to a hypothetical receptor at these locations were estimated to be 6.2 microrem (jirem)
at Diablo and 5.8 microrem (urem) at Indian Springs. Based upon the respective populations at
these locations, six persons and 1500 persons, the dose commitment was estimated to be
0.000037 person-rem at Diablo and 0.0087 person-rem at Indian Springs. As Diablo is beyond
the 80 km-radius of the NTS Control Point, the 80-km dose commitment was estimated to be
0.0087 person-rem.
27
-------
Beginning in 1978, the definition of the minimum detectable concentration for all
analyses was redefined as the total counting error resulting from the sum of a 5 percent Type H
error (failure to recognize the presence of radioactivity when it is present). This essentially
increased the MDC's about a factor of two compared with the MDC values used in prior years,
defined as the two-sigma counting error for determinations that were equal to or less than the
two-sigma error.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
The quality assurance program for laboratory analyses consisted of a combination of
instrumental quality control procedures, the analysis of replicate samples to measure precision,
and the analysis of cross-check samples from an independent laboratory to measure the accuracy
of analyses.
The instrumental quality control procedures consisted of calibration, background quality
control, and reference standard quality control.
Background quality control for all laboratory systems was maintained by the periodic
background measurements for each system. The backgrounds were plotted on control charts to
check trends and to determine whether individual measurements were within required limits.
Background quality control was especially important on instruments such as alpha spectrometers
and germanium diodes where the backgrounds were extremely low.
Quality control for reference standards was basically the same for all laboratory
instruments although the details of application were different. A reference standard was one
which produced a consistent response for the instrument with which it was used. The
reproducibility (within limits) of instrument response versus time was plotted on a quality control
chart.
The precision of the laboratory analyses as influenced by sampling, analytical errors, and
counting errors, was estimated through a program of replicate analysis and sampling. About 10
percent of the routine samples were split, and the pairs were both analyzed individually to obtain
an estimate of the analytical and counting errors combined. The total error, the above errors plus
any sampling error, was estimated from replicate sampling. About 10 percent of the sampling
workload was collected in duplicate. The results of the replicate sampling program were then
used to identify those results that were significantly different than those obtained in the past.
Accuracy checks were made by the analyzing laboratory intercomparison samples
provided by the Quality Assurance Branch, EMSL-LV (EPA 1979). These intercomparison
samples were simulated environmental samples containing known amounts of one or more
radionuclides. The intercomparison samples were analyzed by the laboratory and the results
were sent to the Quality Assurance Branch for statistical analysis and comparison with the known
value and analytical values obtained by other participating laboratories. The intercomparisons
were performed bimonthly, quarterly, and semianriually, depending upon the type of sample. A
report and a control chart for each type of analysis were returned to each participant. The
identities of the participants were coded with each participant knowing his/her own code, but not
those of the other participants. The report sent to each participant listed the individual results
(analyses were done in triplicate), the mean and the experimental standard deviation of the three
28
-------
results, the mean range plus the standard deviation of the range, the known value, and the number
of standard deviations of each participant's mean value from the grand average of all results and
from the known value.
In general, the 1978 analyses were within acceptable limits. In 1978 the Noble Gas and
Tritium Surveillance Network, monitored the airborne levels of radiokrypton, xenon, and three
forms of tritium (3H)-tritiated hydrogen (HT), tritiated water (HTO), and tritiated methane
(CH3T). The network consisted of four stations on and seven off-NTS shown in Figure 5. Area
51, which appears to be off NTS, was considered to be on NTS as it was an access-controlled
area with radiological safety support provided by NTS personnel.
As shown in Table 13, the average concentration of krypton-85 for the year at all stations
was the same (20 pCi/m3), except for BJY (22 pCi/m3), which was significantly different than the
Network average at the 95% and 99% confidence levels. The average concentration at this
station had been the highest in the Network more often than at any other station. The results
from its central location on the NTS where seepage of the noble gases from past underground
nuclear detonation had occurred. The average concentration of krypton-85 for the whole
Network gradually increased since sampling was initiated in 1972. This increase observed at all
stations probably reflected the worldwide increase in ambient concentrations resulting from the
proliferation of nuclear technology. (See Figure 7)
The maximum concentration of krypton-85 for all stations ranged from 24 pCi/m3 to 29 pCi/m3
(Appendix A). As shown by Figure 7, these higher concentrations and all the other
concentrations for the Network stations combined followed a log-normal distribution with a
geometric mean of 20.1 pCi/m3 and a geometric standard deviation of 1.1. As the expected
geometric standard deviation of the krypton-85 measurements attributed to sampling/analytical/
counting errors was determined to be 1.2 from the duplicate sampling program (Appendix'C), the
variation in the krypton-85 concentrations throughout the Network appears to be caused
primarily by the errors in its measurement.
Table 13. Average Krypton-85 Concentrations in Air -1978, On and Off the NTS
Concentration. pCi/m3
Locations 1978
Death Valley Jet., Calif. 20
Beatty, NV 20
Diablo, NV 20
Hiko, NV 20
Indian Springs, NV 20
Las Vegas, NV 20
Mercury, NTS, NV 20
Area 51, NTS, NV 20
BJY, NTS, NV 22
Area 12, NTS, NV 20
Tonopah, NV 20
Network Average 20
29
-------
CURRANT HAINT STA
CURRANT
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SAMPLING LOCATIONS
Figure 5. Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network - 1978
30
-------
E 3.0
O
70
t"~
*
c
O
1
+*
I"
O
O
0)
cn
S
I
1
1.0
1970
1980
1990
Year
Figure 6. Trend in Annual Network Concentrations of Krypton-85 1972 - 1978.
n~ 10.0
E
\ 8.0
0
,.=*- 6.0
TO 5.0
Ł 4.0
O
'15 3.0
Ł
8 2.0
. c
(5
If 1.0
0.
-9.0
I7'0 Geometric Mean = 2.01 * 10-11 uci/ml
- Geometric Standard Deviation = 1.1
-
__ *
^ "r~*~"~^^
- _^ -*^^ "*" "**'
^^^**
,_
i I ? i I 1 1 ! i 1 1 1 1 1 t '-'
01 0.1 0.5 2 10 30 50 70 90 | 98 I 99.81 9999
0.05I02 |l|5 20 40 60 80 9.5 99 9S.9
I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I 1 1
Cumulative Frequency, %
Figure 7. Distribution of Network Concentrations of Krypton-85.
31
-------
Xenon-133 was detected above its MDC of about 4 pCi/m3 at the locations, during the
periods, and at the concentrations shown in Table 14.
Table 14. Concentrations of Airborne Xenon-133 Detected On and Off the NTS - 1978
Xenon-133 Concentration
Location
Diablo, NV
Mercury, NTS, NV
Area 51, NTS, NV
BJY,NTS,NV 2/21-27
Sampling
Period
4/19-26
2/27-3/6
5/8-15
2/21-27
2/27-3/6
2/27-3/6
4/3-10
5/1-8
ą 2 Sigma Counting Error
(pCi/m3)
65 ą
29 ą
170 ą
45 ą
16 ą
14,000 ą
100 ą
26 ą
10 ą
4.0
5.4
3.0
5.2
4.4
30*
5.2
4.2
3.8
* This high value resulted from post-shot drilling operations.
As shown in Table 14, xenon-133 was detected on the NTS and at only one location off
the NTS, namely Diablo, NV. This concentration measured at Diablo, if it had persisted
throughout the year, would have been only 0.065 percent of the Concentration Guide.
As in the past, tritium as HTO in atmospheric moisture samples was generally at
background concentrations, below the MDC of 3 to 4 X 10"6 jiCi/mL at all off-NTS stations and
at the on-NTS stations at Mercury and Area 51. Occasional increases in concentrations appeared
to be a part of the normal fluctuations in background. The on-NTS stations were comparable to
those observed in 1977. During 1978 the averages ranged from <0.6 pCi/m3 to 1.8 pCi/m3, .
whereas in 1977 the averages ranged from <60 pCi/m3 to <2 pCi/m3. From a review of the
cumulative frequency distributions of the data for each station, two samples collected at Indian
Springs had concentrations of 24 pCi/m3 and 18 pCi/m3 during the respective periods November
13 to 20 November 27 to December 4, which did not appear to be a part of the background. If
the highest of these concentrations had persisted for the year, the exposure of off-NTS residents
would have been 0.036 percent of the Concentration Guide.
32
-------
The concentrations of tritium as tritiated methane were generally below the MDC of 4
pCi/m3 at all locations as normally observed. Detectable concentrations were observed in two
samples collected at Beatty, Nevada; however, based upon the cumulative frequency distribution
for the tritiated methane concentrations for the total Network, the concentrations appeared to be
part of the background.
RADIATION PROTECTION STANDARDS
FOR EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL EXPOSURE
DOE ANNUAL DOSE COMMITMENT
Type of Exposure
Dose Limit to Critical
Individual in Uncontrolled
Area at Points of Maximum
Probable Exposure (rem)
Dose Limit to Suitable
Sample of the Exposed
Population in an
Uncontrolled Area (rem)
Whole Body, gonads
or bone marrow
Other organs
0.5
1.5
0.17
0.5
"Radiation Protection Standards," DOE Manual, Chapter 0524.
DOE CONCENTRATION GUIDES (CG'S)
Network or Program
Noble Gas and Tritium
Surveillance Network
On-NTS
Noble Gas and Tritium
Surveillance Network
Off-NTS
Sampling
Medium
air
air
Radio-
nuclide
85Kr
3H
133Xe
85Kr
3H
133Xe
CG
(uCi/mL)
l.OxlO'5
5.0 x lO'6
LOxlO'5
LOxlO'7
6.7 x lO'8
l.OxlO'7
Basis of Exposure
Individual in
controlled area.
Suitable sample
of the exposed
population in
uncontrolled area.
1979
In May 1979, the sampling stations in Death Valley Junction and Las Vegas were
removed from the Network, and new stations were added at Area 15 and Area 400 on the NTS
and at Lathrop Wells in the offsite area to enhance the monitoring for effluents from
experimental high-level waste study areas. This network consisted of six stations on and six
stations off the NTS as shown in Figure 8 (the Area 51 station is considered an NTS station).
33
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Two sampling systems were used in this Network: a compressor-type air sampler and a
molecular sieve sampler. The compressor-type equipment continuously sampled air over a 7-day
period and stored it in two pressure tanks, which together held approximately 1 cubic meter of air
at about 220 psi (1.6 Mpa). The tanks were exchanged weekly and returned to the laboratory
where their contents were analyzed for krypton-85 and .
A molecular sieve column was used to collect tritiated water from air. A prefilter was
used to remove particles before air passed through the molecular sieve column. Approximately 5
cubic meters of air were passed through each sampler over a 7-day sampling period. Tritiated
water (HTO) absorbed on the molecular sieve column was recovered, and the concentration of
tritium in water, expressed in uCi/mL of sampled air, was determined by liquid scintillation
counting techniques. Analyses for tritium hydride and tritiated methane were discontinued in
1979.
Maximum concentrations of krypton-85 for the stations in the Noble Gas and Tritium
Surveillance Network ranged from 11 pCi/m3 to 33 pCi/m3 (Appendix A). The maximum
concentrations for the Network stations combined followed a log normal distribution with a
geometric mean of 18.8 pCi/m3 and a geometric deviation of 1.16. As the expected geometric
standard deviation of krypton-85 measurements attributed to sampling, analytical, and counting
errors was determined to be 1.1 from the duplicate sampling program (Appendix A), the
variation in the krypton-85 concentrations throughout the Network appeared to be caused
primarily by the measurement errors. The annual average concentrations at each station were
calculated over the time period sampled using all values, including those less than the MDC.
The average concentration of krypton-85 for the year at all stations was the same (19
pCi/m3), except for the concentration at BJY (22 pCi/m3), which was significantly different from
the Network average at the 95 percent confidence level.
Xenon-133 was detected only on the NTS. If the highest concentration measured had
persisted throughout the year, the occupational exposure would have been less than 0.01 percent
of the CG (Appendix A).
As in the past, tritium as HTO in atmospheric moisture samples was generally at
background concentrations; i.e., below the MDC of approximately 3 x 10"7 uCi/mL at all off-
NTS stations and at the on-NTS stations at Mercury, Area 400, and Area 51. Occasional
increased concentrations were observed at Area 400 and Area 51. The on-NTS stations at Area
34
-------
vff
0 5 10 20 30 40 SO
^i ^^
Statute Miles
Figure 8. Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network - 1979
35
-------
15, BJY, and Area 12 had concentrations consistently above background; the concentration
averages for these stations were factors of 5 to 65 times the average for all off-NTS stations.
Table 15. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentrations in Air, 1972-1980
85Kr Concentrations (x 10'11 uCi/mL)
Sampling
Locations
Beatty, Nev
Diablo & Rachel, NVJ
Hiko, NV
Indian Springs, NV
NTS, Mercury, NV
NTS.Area51.NV
NTS, BJY, NV
NTS, Area 12, NV
Tonopah, NV
Las Vegas, NV*
Death Valley Jet.,
Calif.*
NTS,Areal5,NVt
NTS, Area 400, NVf
Lathrop Wells, NVf
Network Average
1972
16
16
16
16
16
17
16
16
16
16
-
-
-
16
1973
16
16
16
16
16
18
16
16
16
15
-
16
1974
17
17
17
18
17
19
18
17
17
18
-
-
18
1975
19
18
17
20
18
18
19
18
18
18
17
-
18
1976
20
19
17
20
19
20
20
20
18
18
20
-
-
-
19
1977
20
19.
19
20
20
19
21
19
20
20
20
-
-
-
20
1978
20
20
20
20
20
20
22
20
20
20
20
-
-
-
20
1979
19
19
19
19
19
19
21
19
18
-
19
19
18
19
19
1980
21
21
21
21
21
21
23
21
21
21
21
22
21
* Removed 1979
|New stations 1979
^Station at Diablo was moved to Rachel in March 1979.
1980
In 1980, test-related radioactivity from the NTS was detected offsite following the Riola Test
conducted on September 25, 1980. This consisted of xenon-133 (34 pCi/m3) and xenon-135 (360
pCi/m3) in a compressed air sample collected at Lathrop Wells, Nevada. The estimated dose
equivalent to the whole body of a hypothetical receptor at Lathrop Wells from exposure to the
was 0.011 mrem, which was 0.006 percent of the radiation protection guide for a suitable sample
of the general population.
AIRBORNE RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVITY AT THE NTS DURING 1980
All nuclear detonations during 1980 were conducted underground. Occasional releases of
low-level radioactivity occurred during reentry drilling and radioactive noble gases leaked to the
atmosphere during the evening hours after the Riola test was conducted on September 25.
36
-------
Table 16 shows the total quantities of radionuclides released to the atmosphere, as reported by
the DOE Nevada Operations Office.
Table 16. Total Airborne Radionuclide Releases at the NTS -1980
Half-Life Quantity Released
Radionuclide (Days) (Ci)
Tritium 4,500 450
Krypton-85 3,916 87
Iodine-131 8.04 1.0
Xenon-133 5.29 1,262
Xenon-133m 2.33 1.69
Xenon-135 0.38 2,228.46
Xenon-135m 0.01 476
Total 4,506.15
There was also a continuous low-level release of tritium and krypton-85 on the NTS.
Tritium was released primarily from the Sedan Crater and by the evaporation of water from
ponds formed by drainage of water from, or ventilation of, the tunnel test areas in the Rainier
Mesa. The seepage of krypton-85 and tritium to the surface from underground tests areas was
suspected. The short-lived iodines and xenons were released only during a venting or during a
drillback operation.
RIOLATEST
Immediately following this event, no radioactivity was detected onsite or offsite by
ground and aerial monitoring teams; therefore, the teams were released two hours after the test.
During the evening, airborne radioactivity began seeping from the test and continued into the
next day. EPA personnel were notified about the release by the Department of Energy at about
7:30 a.m. the following day (September 26, 1980),and an estimate of where the effluent traveled
was obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Las Vegas. Radiation
monitors were then deployed to monitor the highways surrounding the NTS and to activate
standby air samplers at Tempiute north of NTS, at Dansby's store southwest of NTS, and at the
Fleur de Lis Ranch west of NTS. Gamma-rate recorders were also placed at Lathrop Wells, Area
51, and Dansby's store. No radiation was detected by survey instruments used by the monitors or
by the gamma-rate recorders.
One of two aircraft used for aerial monitoring left Las Vegas at 9:45 a.m. on September
26 and flew 500 feet over the terrain at the NTS and along Highway 16 leading to Pahrump,
Nevada. The aircraft detected no radiation above background levels, and returned to Las Vegas
37
-------
at 12:15 a.m. the same date. The second aircraft departed Las Vegas at 10:15 a.m. for the NTS,
where a survey was made for airborne radioactivity at an elevation of 500 feet over the terrain.
No radioactivity was detected with sensitive gamma-radiation instrumentation except directly
over the shot area. A compressed air sample, a sample of particulates collected by electrostatic
precipitation, a sample of airborne particulates collected by filtration, and a sample of gases
absorbed on activated charcoal were collected between 11:23 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. directly over
the Riola test location. This aircraft returned to Las Vegas to be refitted with clean sampling
media and then traveled over Highway 95 between the Mercury turn-off and eight miles east of
the turn-off to the Nuclear Engineering Company where a second set of samples was collected
between 2:21 p.m. and 2:50 p.m.
Only gaseous radioactivity, krypton-85, xenon-133, and xenon-135 was measured in the
compressed air sample collected over the Riola test area; no particulate radioactivity or any other
radioactivity was detected in the aerial samples collected offsite.
The concentrations of krypton-85 for the stations in the Network ranged from 14 pCi/m3
to 33 pCi/m3 (Appendix A). As shown in Figure 9, a plot of the logarithm of the concentrations
for the Network stations against probits (the number of standard deviations from the mean) was a
straight line suggesting that the data was lognormally distributed. To aid the reader, the
geometric mean of 21 pCi/m3 and the geometric standard deviation of 1.15 was evaluated and
shown on the figure. As the expected geometric standard deviation of the krypton-85
measurements attributed to sampling, analytical, and counting errors was determined to be 1.08
from the duplicate sampling program (Appendix A), the variation in the krypton-85
concentrations throughout the Network appeared to be caused primarily by the errors in its
measurement and collection.
The average concentrations of krypton-85 for the year at all stations was the same (21
pCi/m3), except for the concentrations at BJY (23 pCi/m3) and Lathrop Wells (22 pCi/m3).
However, only the concentration average at BJY was significantly greater than the Network
average at the 95 percent significance level.
As shown in Table 15 (see page 36) and Figure 10, the average concentrations of krypton-
85 for the Network had gradually increased since sampling began in 1972. This increase,
observed at all stations, probably reflected the worldwide increase in ambient concentrations
resulting from the proliferation of nuclear technology.
As in the past, tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples collected at all off-
NTS stations and at the NTS stations at Mercury and Area 51 were generally below the minimum
detectable concentration (MDC) of about 4 x 10"7 uCi/mL water, except for occasional detectable
concentrations. All detectable concentrations observed at off-NTS stations were considered to be
representative of the environmental background. A few of the values above the MDC at Area 51
38
-------
3.5-
3.0-
o
3 2.5-
o
x
Ł 2.0-
c
0>
o
8
1.5
1980
Geometric Mean = 2.10 x 10-"
Geometric Standard Deviation = 1.15
-3.20 -2.40 -1.60 -0.80 O.OO O.8O 1.60 2.4O 3.20
Probit
Figure 9. Distribution of Network Concentration of Krypton-85.
I 4°-
\
o
a.
o
0)
o>
3.0-J
2.0-
1.0-
1970
72 73 74 75 76 77 787980
Year
90 2000
Figure 10. Trend in Annual Network Concentrations of Krypton-85.
39
-------
and Mercury appeared to be slightly above the environmental background which fluctuated up to
3 x 1CT6 uCi/mL. The NTS stations at Area 51, BJY, and Area 12 had tritium concentrations
consistently above background; the concentration average for these stations were factors of 1.7 to
17 times the average for all off-NTS stations.
DOSE ASSESSMENT
The only radioactivity detected in an offsite populated area was xenon-133 (1.7 x 10~9
(iCi-h/mL) and xenon -135 (1.8 x 10'8 uCi-h/mL) in a compressed air sample collected at Lathrop
Wells, Nevada, during the period September 24 to 26 following the Riola test.
The estimated dose equivalent to the whole body of a hypothetical receptor at Lathrop
Wells from the exposure to the would have been
1.97 x IP'8 uCih/mD (500 mrem/veaf) _ = 1 1 urem
10"7 |aCi/mL) (8,760 hours/year) (1 mrem/1,000
This dose equivalent was 0.006 percent of the radiation protection standard (170 mrem
per year) for a suitable sample of the general population.
Based upon a population of 65 at Lathrop Wells, the estimated population dose for the
area was 0.00072 person-rem. As this area was within 80 km of the center of the NTS, the 80
km population dose would be the same. This dose was small compared to the 6.2 person-rem
that residents of Lathrop Wells received from natural background radiation during this report
period.
1981
AIRBORNE RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVITY AT THE NTS DURING 1981
All nuclear detonations during 1981 were conducted underground and were contained,
although occasional releases of low-level radioactivity occurred during re-entry drilling. Table
16 shows the total quantities of radionuclides released to the atmosphere, as reported by the DOE
Nevada Operations Office (1982).
40
-------
Table 17. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS -1981
Half-Life Quantity Released
Radionuclide
Tritium
Iodine
Xenon- 133
Xenon- 133m
Xenon- 135
(days)
4,500
8.04
5.29
2.33
0.38
(Ci)
534
0,05
2,700
29
142
Total 3,405.05
Network Design--
There were several sources of the radionuclides monitored by this network. Noble gases
were emitted from nuclear power plants, propulsion reactors, reprocessing facilities and nuclear
explosions. Tritium was emitted from the same sources and is also produced naturally. The
monitoring network was affected by all these sources, but had to be able to detect NTS
emissions. For this purpose the samplers were located close to the NTS and particularly in
drainage-wind channels leading from the test areas. In 1981 this network included ten stations
around the NTS as well as six stations onsite as shown in Figure 11.
Results--
All results are shown in Appendix A as the maximum, minimum, and average concentration
for each station. These data indicate that no radioactivity from NTS tests was detected offsite by
the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network during 1981. However, radioactive xenon-133
was detected four times onsite at the BJY station. Those samples containing xenon-133 are
listed in Table 17 with their associated krypton-85 results. All of these concentrations were less
than 0.02 percent of the concentration guide for occupational exposures from xenon-133.
As shown in Figure 12, the concentrations of krypton-85 within the whole network appeared
to have a bimodal distribution with three values not fitting the distribution. The samples from
which these three values were measured were the first three samples listed in Table 18.
As these three values did not fit the distribution for the whole network and two of them also
contained xenon-133, they were attributed to nuclear testing operations at the NTS. The bimodal
distribution suggested that two sources of krypton-85 with different averages were sampled. The
distribution with the lower modal concentration near 22 pCi/m3 was possibly from worldwide
ambient concentrations resulting from nuclear power generation and nuclear fuel processing.
The source of the other distribution was not known, but was not attributed to nuclear testing at
NTS due to the fact that the same bimodal distribution was observed at all network stations both
onsite and offsite. The weighted average concentration of krypton-85 at all offsite stations that
41
-------
Nellis
Air Force
Range
(Tonopah
Rachel Hiko
Alamo
Lathrop Wells
N
Indian Springs
Overton I
ILas Vegas
r
I
Scale m Miles
0 10 20 30 40 5.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
3/82 Scale in Kilometers
Nevada
jNoble Gas & Tritium Sampling Locations
\
Nevada Test Site
Nellis Air Force
Location
Map
Figure 11. Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network Sampling Locations -1981
42
-------
o
Z
70
60
50
40-
o
§ 30
o> __
Ł 20'
10-
10
15
20 25 30
85KR - pCi/m3
35
40
Figure 12. Frequency Distribution of Krypton-85 Concentration in Air -1981
Table 18. BJY Compressed Air Samples Containing High Concentrations
Collection Period
Concentration - pCi/m3
Date and Time ON
Date and Time OFF
Xe-133
Kr-85
02/18
03/241
09/08
09/12
11/17
1200
1500
1342
0815
1335
02/24
08/31
09/12
09/14
11/23
1025
1500
0815
1500
1505
1,500
26
310
340
<20
ą22
ą9
ą25
ą10
37 ą3
35 + 3
39 + 6
(Lost)
25 ą4
operated throughout the year was 24 pCi/m3. During 1980 the concentrations of krypton-85 were
lognormally distributed with an average concentration of 21 pCi/m3.
The rate of increase of ambient krypton-85 concentrations seemed to have accelerated in
1981. This was consistent with projections (Bernhardt, et al., 1973) of rapidly increasing
concentrations. However, the measured network average in 1981 was only about 25 percent of
the projected value of 99 pCi/m3. Since nuclear fuel reprocessing was the primary source of
43
-------
krypton-85, the decision of the United States to defer fuel reprocessing may be one reason why
krypton-85 levels have not increased as fast as predicted.
Using published data for krypton-85 concentration in air (NCRP 1975) and the data from
our network (Table 19), the change over time was plotted as shown in Figure 13. Linear
correlation analysis indicated that the krypton concentration/time relation was pCi/m3 =
5.8 + 0.8 t, where t was number of years after 1960.
As in the past, tritium concentration in atmospheric moisture samples from the off-NTS
stations were generally below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of about 400 pCi/L
water (Appendix A). The tritium concentrations observed at off-NTS stations were considered to
be representative of environmental background. Several stations on the test site had tritium
concentrations consistently above background; the concentration averages for Area 15, BJY, and
Area 12 were approximately 10 times the average for the offsite stations but were still less than
0.01 percent of the appropriate CG.
Least Squares Line: y = 5.8 + 0.8x
R = 0.98
25-
n 2
-------
The distribution of all the measurements of tritium in atmospheric moisture for the whole
network consisted of possibly two lognormal distributions with different means and standard
deviations. All the tritium concentrations above background were measured in samples collected
at the onsite stations. The geometric mean of the tritium concentration for all offsite stations was
evaluated as 170 pCi/L of moisture, which was below the minimum detectable concentration of
about 400 pCi/L. The geometric standard deviation for the mean was determined to be 1.72.
Table 19. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air 1972-1981
85Kr Concentrations CoCi/m3)
Sampling
Locations
Alamo, NVf
Beatty, NV
Diablo and
Rachel, NV*
Hiko, NV
Indian Springs,
NV
NTS, Mercury,
NV
NTS, Area 51,
NV
NTS, BJY, NV
NTS, Area 12,
NV
Tonopah, NV
Las Vegas NV
Death Valley Jet.,
Calif.*
NTS, Area 15,
NV
NTS, Area 400,
NV
Lathrop Wells,
NV
Pahrump, NVf
Overton, NVf
Network Average
1972
16
16
16
16
16
17
16
16
16
16
~
16
1973
16
16
26
16
16
18
16
16
16
15
~
16
1974
17
17
27
18
17
19
18
18
17
18
~
~
18
1975
19
18
27
20
18
18
19
18
17
18
17
--
18
1976
20
19
27
20
19
20
20
20
19
18
20
--
--
~
19
1977
20
19
29
20
20
19
21
19
19
20
20
~
20
1978
20
20
20
20
20
20
22
20
20
20
20
~
20
1979
19
19
19
19
19
19
21
19
18
19
19
18
19
19
1980
21
21
21
21
21
21
23
21
21
21
21
21
21
1981
27
24
24
24
24
23
24
26
24
25
24
25
23
24
23
26
24
*Removed 1979
fNew stations
^Station at Diablo was moved to Rachel in March 1979.
45
-------
Table 20. Radiochemical Detection Limits
Type of
Analysis
85Kr, 133Xe, 135Xe
Counting
Analytical Period
Equipment (min)
\
Automatic 200
liquid scintil-
lation counter
with output
printer
Analytical Sample
Procedures Size
Physical 0.4- 1.0m3
separation for air
by gas
chromato-
graphy; dis-
solved in
toluene
"cocktail"
for counting.
Approximate
Detection
Limit*
85Kr, 133Xe,
135Xe
= 4 pCi/m3
* The detection limit for all samples received after January 1, 1978 was defined as 3.29
sigma equals the counting error of the sample and Type I error - Type n error = 5
percent. (Corley, J. P., D. H. Denham, D. E. Micheles, A. R. Olsen and D. A. Waite, "A
Guide for Environmental Radiological Surveillance at ERDA Installations," ERD A
77024 pp. 3.19-3.22, March, 1977, Energy Research and Development Administration,
Division of Safety, Standards and Compliance, Washington, D. C.)
DOSE ASSESSMENT
Doses were calculated for an average adult living in Nevada based on the Kr-85, Sr-90,
Cs-137 and Pu-239 detected by the monitoring networks. Using conservative assumptions, the
estimated dose would have been less than 0.5 mrem per year, a small fraction of the variation of
10 mrem per year due to the natural radionuclide content of the body. Since no radioactivity
originating on the NTS was detectable offsite, no dose assessment related to NTS activities could
be made.
1982
All nuclear detonations during 1982 were conducted underground and were contained,
although occasional releases of low-level radioactivity occurred during re-entry drilling. Table
21 shows the total quantities of radionuclides released to the atmosphere, as reported by the DOE
Nevada Operations Office (1983). Because these releases occurred throughout the year, and
because of the distance from the points of releases to the nearest sampling station no tritium or
noble gases above background were detected offsite.
46
-------
Table 21. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1982
Half-Life Quantity Released
Radionuclide (days) (Ci)
Tritium 4,500 165
Iodine 8.04 0.0001
Xenon-133 5.29 74
Xenon-133m 2.33 25
Xenon-135 0.38 42
Total 306.0001
Network Design-
There were several sources of the radionuclides monitored by this network, Noble gases were
emitted from nuclear power plants, propulsion reactors, reprocessing facilities and nuclear
explosions. Tritium was emitted from the same sources and was also produced naturally. The
monitoring network was affected by all these sources, but was able to detect NTS emissions. In
1982 this network consisted of 16 stations as shown in Figure 14.
Results--
All results are shown in Appendix A as the maximum, minimum, and average concentration
for each station. These data indicate that no radioactivity from NTS tests was detected offsite by
the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network during 1982. The average concentrations at all
network stations ranged from 24 to 26 pCi/m3. Additional samples were collected at Canfield's
Ranch (Adaven), Reveille Project (near Warm Springs), Twin Springs Ranch, and Hiko to
monitor a deliberate release of gaseous radioactivity from a tunnel experiment on the NTS on
September 24, 1982. However, no radioactivity was detected.
As shown in Figure 15, the concentrations of krypton-85 within the whole network appeared
to have a skewed distribution. The lognormal distribution had a geometric mean of 24 pCi/m3
and a geometric standard deviation of 1.15.
47
-------
Ely
Rachel
Alamo
Beatty N.evada
y Test
\ Site
LathropWellsi1\J
Pahrump
Salt Lake City
(0
+->
D
i Cedar City
i St. George
Arizona
Shoshone
.Overton
Lake Mead
Figure 14. Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network Sampling Locations -1982
48
-------
0)
o
c
ffi
3
O
u
O
o
e
100
80-
60-
or
o
40-
20-
ad
15
20
25
85Kr -pCi/m3
30
35
Figure 15. Frequency Distribution of Krypton-85 Concentration in Air -1982
As shown in Table 22, and Figure 16, the average concentration of krypton-85 for the whole
network had gradually increased since sampling began in 1972. This increase, observed at all
stations, reflects the worldwide increase in ambient concentrations resulting from the increased
use of the nuclear technology. The increase in ambient krypton-85 concentration was projected
by Bernhardt, et al., (1973). However, the measured network average in 1982 was only about 25
percent of the 99 pCi/m3 predicted by Bernhardt.
49
-------
Table 22. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air 1973 -1982
85Kr Concentrations foCi/m3)
Sampling
Locations
Alamo, NV|
Austin, NVf
Beatty, NV
Diablo andf
Rachel, NV
Ely, NVf
Goldfield, NVf
Hiko, NV
Indian Springs,
NV
NTS, Mercury,
NV
NTS, Area 51,
NV
NTS, BJY, NV
NTS, Area 12,
NV
Tonopah, NV
Las Vegas NV
Death Valley Jet.,
Calif.*
NTS, Area 15,
NV
NTS, Area 400,
NV
Lathrop Wells,
NV
Pahrump, NVf
Overton, NVf
Cedar City, Ut.f
St. George, Ut.f
Salt Lake City, Ut.f
Network Average
1973
~
16
16
26
~
16
16
18
16
16
16
15
__
~
16
1974
17
17
27
18
17
19
18
18
17
18
--
--
--
18
1975
19
18
27
20
18
18
19
18
17
18
17
~
18
1976
20
19
~
27
20
19
20
20
20
19
18
20
--
__
19
1977
20
19
~
29
20
20
19
21
19
19
20
20
--
~
20
1978
~
20
20
20
20
20
20
22
20
20
20
20
_.
20
1979
~
19
19
19
19
19
19
21
19
18
19
19
18
19
--
19
1980
~
21
21
--
21
21
21
21
23
21
21
21
21
21
~
~
21
1981
27
24
24
24
24
23
24
26
24
25
24
25
23
24
23
26
__
__
24
1982
24
24
25
26
24
25
26
24
~
~
~
24
24
~
--
24
24
24
25
24
25
24
*Stations discontinued
fNew stations
:ŁStation at Diablo was moved to Rachel in March 1979.
50
-------
30-.
Least Squares Line: pCi/m3 = 5.7 + 0.82t
R = 0.98
1960
1965
1970 1975 1980
Time - Calendar Years
1985
Figure 16. Trend in annual average krypton-85 concentration.
1983
AIRBORNE RELEASES OF RADIOACTIVITY AT THE NTS DURING 1983
All nuclear detonations during 1983 were conducted underground and were contained,
although occasional releases of low-level radioactivity occurred during re-entry drilling. Table
23 shows the total quantities of radionuclides released to the atmosphere, as reported by the DOE
Nevada Operations Office (1984). Because these releases occurred throughout the year, and
because of the distance from the points of releases to the nearest sampling station, none of the
radioactive nuclides listed in this table were detected offsite.
51
-------
Table 23. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1983
Half-Life
Radionuclide
(days)
Quantity Released
(Ci)
Tritium
Iodine-131
Iodine- 135
Xenon- 133
Xenon- 133m
Xenon- 135
4,500
8.04
0.27
5.29
2.33
0.38
98.2
1 x 10'5
3 x ID'5
26.6
1.5
28.9
Total
155.20004
During 1983 the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network consisted of 16 stations as
shown in Figure 17.
Results --
All results are shown in Appendix A . These data indicate that no radioactivity from NTS
tests was detected off site by the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network during 1983. The
average concentrations of krypton-85 at all network stations ranged from 23 to 27 pCi/m3. The
lognormal distribution has a geometric mean of 24 pCi/m3 and a geometric standard deviation of
1.15.
As in the past, tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the off-NTS
stations were generally below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of about 400 pCi/L
water (Appendix A). The tritium concentrations observed at off-NTS stations were considered to
be representative of environmental background. The geometric mean of the tritium
concentrations for all offsite stations was evaluated as 0.08 pCi/mL of moisture, which was
below the minimum detectable concentration of about 0.4 pCi/mL. The geometric standard
deviation for the mean was determined to be 1.5.
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES
PRECISION OF ANALYSIS
The duplicate sampling program was initiated for the purpose of routinely assessing the
errors due to sampling, analysis, and counting of samples obtained from the surveillance
networks maintained by the EMSL-LV.
The program consisted of the analysis of duplicate or replicate samples from the NGTSN.
The NGTSN samples were generally split for analysis.
52
-------
Ely
I Alamo
Beatty.
X
Lathrop Wells
|ndian
Salt Lake City
(0
ť-<
D
Cedar City
St. George
Arizona
.Overton
Pahrump
3/84
Figure 17. Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network Sampling Locations -1983
Table 24. Samples and Analyses for Duplicate Sampling Program -1983
Surveillance
Network
NGTSN
Number of
Sampling
Locations
16
Sets of
Samples
Collected
Per Year
824 (NG)
829 (H3)
Duplicate
Samples
Collected
47
57
Number
Per Set
2
Sample
Analysis
Kr-85, H-3
H2O, HTO
53
-------
Table 25. Sampling and Analytical Precision -1983
Surveillance
Network
NGTSN
Analysis
Kr-85
HTO
H2O
Sets of
Replicate
Samples
Evaluated
18
*
48
Coefficient
of Variation
(%)
14
24
23
*Estimate of precision was calculated from the errors in the H-3 conventional analysis
and the measurement of atmospheric moisture (H2O).
ACCURACY OF ANALYSIS
Data from the analysis of intercomparison samples were statistically analyzed and
compared to known values and values obtained from other participating laboratories. A
summary of the statistical analysis is given in Table 25, which compares the mean of three
replicate analyses with the known value. The normalized deviation was a measure of the
accuracy of the analysis when compared to the known concentration. If the value of this
. parameter (in multiples of standard normal deviate, unitless) was between control limits of -3 and
+3, the precision or accuracy of the analysis was within normal statistical variation. However, if
the parameters exceed these limits, one must suspect that there was some cause other than normal
statistical variation that contributed to the difference between the measured values and the known
value. As shown by Table 26, all analyses were within the control limit.
Table 26. DOE Concentration Guides
Network or Program
Noble Gas and Tritium
Surveillance Network
Sampling Radio-
Medium nuclide
air Kr-85
H-3
Xe-133
Xe-135
CG
(rjCi/nf)
l.OxlO5
6.7 x 104
l.OxlO5
3.3 x 104
MDC as % of CG
4.0 x 10'3
6.0 x lO'1
4.0 x 10°
1.2xlO'2
54
-------
DOSE ASSESSMENT
Since no radioactivity originating on the NTS was detectable offsite, no dose assessment
related to NTS activities could be made. However, atmospheric dispersion calculations, based on
known emissions from the NTS, indicate that the population dose within 80 km of CP-1 was
about 5 x 10~5 person-rem for 1983.
1984
All nuclear detonations during 1984 were conducted underground and were contained,
although occasional releases of low-level radioactivity occurred during re-entry drilling or
seepage, through fissures in the soil. Table 27, shows the total quantities of radionuclides
released to the atmosphere, as reported by the DOE Nevada Operations Office (1985). Because
these releases occurred throughout the year, and because of the distance from the points of
releases to the nearest sampling station, none of the radioactive nuclides listed in this table were
detected offsite. In 1984 this network consisted of the same 16 stations as shown for 1983 in
Figure 17 (see page 53).
Table 27. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS 1984
Radionuclide
Tritium
Argon-37
Krypton-83m
Krypton-85m
Krypton-87
Xenon- 133
Xenon- 133m
Xenon- 135
Xenon- 135m
Half-Life
(days)
4,500
35.1
0.08
0.19
0.05
5.24
2.2
0.38
0.00018
Quantity Released
(Ci)
197
9.6
21.3
34
0.8
160
8.5
1297
156
Total 1884.2
Results-
All results are shown in Appendix A. These data indicate that no radioactivity from NTS
tests was detected offsite by the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network during 1984. The
average concentrations of krypton-85 at all network stations ranged from 25 to 29 pCi/m3.
As in the past, tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the off-NTS
stations were generally below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of about 400 pCi/L
water (Appendix A). The tritium concentrations observed at off-NTS stations were considered to
be representative of environmental background. The geometric mean of the tritium
55
-------
concentrations for all offsite stations was evaluated as 0.018 pCi/mL of moisture, which is below
the minimum detectable concentration of about 0.4 pCi/mL. The geometric standard deviation
for the mean was determined to be 1.5.
Table 28. Sampling and Analytical Precision - 1984
Surveillance
Network
NGTSN
Analysis
Kr-85
HTO
H70
Sets of
Replicate
Samples
Evaluated
26
*
29
Coefficient
of Variation
(%)
15
26
24
*Estimate of precision was calculated from the errors in the H-3 conventional analysis
and the measurement of atmospheric moisture (H2O).
DOSE ASSESSMENT
Doses were calculated for an average adult living in Nevada based on the Kr-85, Sr-90, Cs-
137, and Pu-239 detected by the monitoring networks. Using conservative assumptions, the
estimated dose would have been less than 0.6 mrem per year, a small fraction of the variation of
10 mrem per year due to the natural radionuclide content of the body. Since no radioactivity
originating on the NTS was detectable offsite, no dose assessment related to NTS activities could
be made. However, atmospheric dispersion calculations, based on known emissions from the
NTS, indicated that the population dose within 80 km of CP-1 was about 1 x 10"3 person-rem for
1984.
1985
Table 29. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS -1985
Radionuclide
Tritium
Argon-37
Krypton-85
Xenon- 133
Xenon- 133 m
Xenon- 135
Iodine-131
Iodine- 133
Iodine- 135
Half-Life
(days)
4500
35.1
3920
5.24
2.2
0.38
8.07
0.87
0.28
Quantity
Released
(Ci)
116
9.0
17
734.9
8.3
28.9
0.007
0.042
0.042
Total
914.191
56
-------
40-i
Ť 38-
| 36-
O 34-
*32-
.2 30-
1 28-
l 26-
g 24-
O ))
O ^-<
S 20-1
8 1Ť-
Jan Feb
S 1525*8 1626's VsVs'i 1B2S1 5'lisVs's 1525'5 1B2ST5 IS25*5
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov
1985
5 1525'
Dec
Figure 18. Weekly Average Krypton-85 Concentration in Air -1985
Results-
The results from the samples collected by the NGTSN are shown in Appendix A. The
average krypton-85 concentration per station ranged from 29 to 31 pCi/m3. The concentration
over the whole network appeared to have a normal distribution with a mean of 29.4 pCi/m3 (1.1
Bq/m3) and a standard deviation of 3.2. The weekly averages for the network are shown in
Figure 18.
As in the past, tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the off-NTS
stations were generally below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of about 400 pCi/L
water (Appendix A). The tritium concentrations observed at off-NTS stations were considered to
be representative of environmental background. The mean of the tritium concentrations for all
offsite stations was 0.43 pCi/m3 (16 mBq/m3) of air. Only six of the 857 collected samples were
above the MDC.
DOSE ASSESSMENT
Doses were calculated for an average adult living in Nevada based on the Kr-85, Sr-90,
HTO, and Pu-239 detected by the monitoring networks. Using conservative assumptions, the
estimated dose was about 0. 14 mrem/yr (1.4 /zSv/yr), a small fraction of the variation of 10
mrem/yr due to the natural radionuclide content of the body. The only NTS-related radioactivity
detected during 1985 was xenon-133 collected in a noble gas sampler placed at Rachel during the
tunnel ventilat-ion following the Misty Rain test. The concentration of 11 pCi/m3 for the 24-hour
sample was not detectable on the normal noble gas sampler. This concentration would have
caused a dose of 0.06 //rem to a person outdoors for the 24 hours. Otherwise, no radioactivity
57
-------
originating on the NTS was detectable by the monitoring networks so no dose assessment could
be made on the reported emissions. However, atmospheric dispersion calculations, based on
those emissions, indicated that the highest individual dose would have been 40 nanorem (4 x 10'7
mSv) and the dose to the population within 80 km of CP-1 would have been 2x10^ person-rem
(2 x 10'6 person-Sv).
Other than the Xe-133 detected during the planned ventilation of the tunnel following the
Misty Rain event, none of the radionuclides released at the NTS as listed in Table 29 were
detected offsite. The normal one week noble gas sample at Rachel had no detectable xenon so
that the 11 pCi/m3 detected on the one day sample at Rachel (as stated in the section on Special
Test Support) probably was valid only for that day. The skin dose from that concentration would
have been about 0.06 fj.rem or about 0.002% of the background exposure measured by the PIC at
Rachel.
Only tritium (116 Ci) and Xe-133 (735 Ci) were released in airborne emissions in significant
quantities. Since human exposure to these nuclides was straight-forward, a simple atmospheric
dispersion calculation sufficed. AIRDOSE-RADRISK, which calculates exposure resulting from
multiple transport pathways, was inappropriate for those cases, where a single pathway
predominated. The atmospheric dispersion calculation yielded a maximum individual dose of 4
x 10"5 mrem (4 X 10"7 mSv) and a population dose, to the 6500 people living within 80 km of CP-
1, of 2 X 10^ person-rem (2 x 10'6 person-Sv).
As confirmation of the above results, an AIRDOSE run using the effluents listed in Table 29
yielded a maximum individual dose of 4.2 x 10"5 mrem and a population dose of 1.3 x 10"4
person-rem, an insignificant difference from the atmospheric dispersion calculation.
1986
The noble gas and tritium sampling network (NGTSN) consisted of 17 stations offsite (off
the NTS and exclusion areas) in 1986. Krypton-85 concentrations in the Noble Gas and Tritium
Sampling Network, averaged 25 pCi/m3 (0.9 Bq/m3) consistent with the levels determined since
1981 (Table 29). Krypton-85 concentrations reported previously for 1984-86 were changed in
this report to correct an error in the calibration source. Xenon-133 was found in 45 samples with
a maximum of 730 pCi/m3 (26 Bq/m3) occurring at Groom Lake, Nevada, during the purging of
the tunnel in which the Mighty Oak test was conducted. In about 32 of these samples the xenon-
133 is attributed to the air emissions from the Chernobyl reactor.
All nuclear detonations during 1986 were conducted underground and were contained,
although occasional releases of low-level radioactivity occurred during re-entry drilling, seepage
through fissures in the soil or purging of tunnel areas. Table 30 shows the total quantities of
radionuclides released to the atmosphere, as reported by the DOE Nevada Operations Office
(DOE87). Because these releases occurred throughout the year and because of the distance from
the points of releases to the nearest sampling station, only three times any radioactive material
detected offsite. Twice when debris from the Chernobyl reactor accident arrived in the Western
U. S. and after the tunnel purging following the Mighty Oak test. The maximum activity
58
-------
detected in air offsite was 430 ą 15 picocuries of 133Xe per cubic meter of air at Medlins Ranch,
Nevada. The maximum iodine level detected offsite was 4.6 picocuries of 131I per cubic meter of
air at Twin Springs Ranch, Nevada. This was assumed to be attributable to the Chernobyl
nuclear accident in the Soviet Union.
Results-
The results from the samples collected by the NGTSN are shown in Appendix A as the
maximum, minimum, and average concentration for each station. The average krypton-85
concentration per station ranged from 24 to 26 pCi/m3. The concentration over the whole
network appeared to have a normal distribution with a mean of 25.0 pCi/m3 (0.92 Bq/m3) and a
standard deviation of 0.5. The weekly averages plus and minus one standard deviation for the
network are shown in Figure 19. During the second quarter of 1986 the krypton-85 calibration
source was found to be in error. Investigation showed this problem has affected results since
1984. The data in Table 31 has been corrected and replaces all published data for 1984 through
1986. The new values were one to three pCi/m3 lower than reported previously. The master
database has also been corrected. This network average concentration, as shown in Table 31,
gradually increased since sampling began in 1972 until 1981.
Table 30. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS - 1986
Quantity
Half-Life Released
Radionuclide (days) (Ci)
Tritium 4500 120.7
Krypton-85 3920 4.3
Xenon-133 5.24 36,000
Xenon-133m 2.2 0.058
Xenon-135 0.38 0.041
Iodine-131 8.07 2.4
Total 36,127.499
This increase, observed at all stations, reflected the worldwide increase in ambient
concentrations resulting from the increased use of nuclear technology. The increase in ambient
krypton-85 concentration was projected by Bemhardt, et al., (Be73). However, the measured
network average in 1986 was only about 10 percent of the 250 pCi/m3 (9 Bq/m3) predicted by
Bernhardt. The average concentrations had remained relatively constant since 1981.
Using published data for krypton-85 concentrations in air (NCRP75) and the data from our
network (Table 31), the change over time was plotted as shown in Figure 20. Linear correlation
analysis indicated that the krypton concentration/time relation was pCi/m3 = 6.4 + 0.761 where t
is number of years after 1960. The correlation coefficient, R, is 0.98.
59
-------
70-
65-
60-
55-
50-
45
40-
35-
30-
25-
20
15-
10-
S-
0
The measurement of precision expressed as the coefficient of variation for 1986 wťs ; 15%
S IB
JŤn
Ť|4 iVzsls'tVz'sli SWeli Vs'z'sli Vs'a'JI 'iVa'sli 'V.'ili 'iVa'sl 1'iVi'sli 'iVa'Ji ','s'
| F.b | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sapl | Ocl | Nov | O.c
1986
Figure 19. Weekly Average Krypfon-85 Concentration in Air -1986
Detectable levels of xenon-133 were found on three occasions: following a drillback in
March, following the Mighty Oak tunnel purging in late April, and following the April accident
at Chernobyl in the USSR. Appendix A, lists when and where each sample was collected, the
xenon-133 concentration for each sample, and the percent of the concentration guide.
As in the past, tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the off-NTS
stations were generally below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of about 400 pCi/L
water (Appendix A). The tritium concentrations observed at off-NTS stations were considered to
be representative of environmental background. The mean of the tritium concentration for all
offsite stations was 0.45 pCi/m3 (17 mBq/m3) of air. Only 11 of the 870 collected samples were
above the MDC.
DOSE ASSESSMENT
During calendar year 1986 there were five sources of possible radiation exposure to the
population of Nevada, all of which produced negligible exposure possibilities and one of which
was due to an accident in a foreign country. The five sources were:
0 Normal seepage of radioactivity from the NTS,
0 Purging of radioactivity from the tunnel in which the Might Oak test was conducted,
0 Radioactivity in migratory deer from drinking in contaminated ponds on the NTS,
60
-------
0 World-wide fallout of strontium in milk, of plutonium in cattle, and krypton-85 in air, and
0 Airborne radioactivity from the reactor accident at Chernobyl, USSR.
Table 31. Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentrations in Air, 1976-1986***
Sampling
Locations
Alamo, NV
Austin, NV
Beatty, NV
Diablo and
Rachel, NV**
Ely, NV
Goldfield, NV
Hiko, NV*
Indian Springs, NV
NTS, Mercury, NV*
NTS, Groom Lake, NV*
NTS, BJY, NV*
NTS, Area 12, NV*
Tonopah, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Death Valley Jet.,
CA*
NTS, Area 15, NV*
NTS, Area 400, NV*
Lathrop Wells, NV
Pahrump, NV
Overton, NV
Cedar City, UT
St. George, UT
Salt Lake City, UT*
Shoshone, CA
NETWORK AVERAGE
1976
20
19
17
20-
19
20
19
20
19
18
20
~
~
19
1977
20
19
19
20
20
19
20
19
19
20
20
--
~
20
1978
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
~
20
Kr-85
1979
19
19
~
19
19
19
19
19
19
18
19
19
18
19
19
Concentrations (pCi/m3)
1980
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
~
21
22
~
21
1981
27
24
24
24
24
23
24
23
24
25
24
25
24
23
26
~
24
1982
24
24
25
26
24
25
26
24
24
24
--
24
24
24
25
24
25
25
24
1983
25
25
24
24
25
24
25
25
24
26
24
25
24
25
25
25
25
1984
24
23
23
22
22
24
22
~
23
23
~
22
23
23
22
23
25
23
23
1985
24
25
25
24
24
24
24
25
25
24
25
24
24
24
25
24
24
1986
24
25
26
25
26
25
26
25
25
25
25
25
24
24
25
25
*Stations discontinued
** Station at Diablo was moved to Rachel in March 1979.
*** Note changes in 1984 and 1985 values due to new calibration, see text.
61
-------
30-i
Least Squares: pCi/m3 = 6.4 + 0.76t
. R = 0.98
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990
Time - Calendar Years
Figure 20. Trend in Annual Average Krypton-85 Concentration
The dose equivalent estimates from these sources for people living near the Nevada Test
Site were calculated separately in the following sections.
Estimated Dose from NTS Activities
The estimate of dose equivalent due to NTS activities was based on the total release of
radioactivity from the site as listed in Table 30. Since no significant activity of recent NTS
origin was detectable offsite by the air, water, milk, TLD or biological monitoring networks,
other than as described for Mighty Oak, no significant exposure to the population around the
NTS was expected. To confirm this, a simple atmospheric dispersion calculation, using a
gaussian plume model and cumulated meteorological data for the NTS, was performed. The
maximum individual dose equivalent was calculated to be 1.4 ^rem (0.014 uSv) for the year, and
the population dose equivalent to the 6360 people living within 80 km of CP-1 was calculated to
be 5.7 x 10"3 person-rem (5.7 x 10"5 person-Sv). When the Table 30 release quantities were tested
with the AIRDOS program, the maximum individual dose equivalent became 2.4 urem (0.024
fiSv) and for the population 7.2 x 10"3 person-rem (7.2 x 10"5 person-Sv).
62
-------
Estimated Dose from Tunnel Purging
The maximum integrated concentration of xenon-133 during the purging of the tunnel
following the Mighty Oak test was 11.5 nCi-hr/m3 at the Penoyer Farm near Rachel, Nevada. An
individual who remained outdoors during the 170 hours of the collection period for the xenon-
133 sample would have received an exposure of 0.27 jarem (2.7 x 10"3 uSv).
Estimated Dose from World-wide Fallout
From the monitoring networks, the following concentrations of radionuclides were found:
Pu-239 - <0.06 pCi/kg in beef liver
Sr-90 - 0.6 pCi/L (22 mBq/L) in milk
Kr-85 - 25 pCi/m3 (0.92 Bq/m3) in air
H-3 - 0.45 pCi/m3 (17 mBq/m3) in air
To estimate maximum individual dose equivalents from these findings, the following
assumptions (from ICRP-23) and dose conversion factors (from ICRP-30) are used.
0 Adult breathing rate = 8400 rnVyr
0 Milk intake (10-year old) = 160 L/yr
0 Liver consumption = 1 Ib/wk = 23.6 kg/yr
0 Meat consumption = 248 g/day = 90.5 kg/yr
subtract liver consumption, balance is 66.9 kg/yr
0 Pu-239 - 2.1 x 10-6 Sv/Bq = 7.8 x 10'3 mrem/pCi
0 Sr-90 -1.9 x 10'7 Sv/Bq = 7 x 10^ mrem/pCi
0 H-3 9.9 x 10'15 Sv/hr per Bq/m3 = 3.2 x 10'7 mrem/yr pCi/m3
Kr-85 - 4.7 x 10'11 Sv/hr per Bq/m3 = 3.2 x 10° mrem/yr per pCi/m3
The dose equivalents were estimated by the following calculations:
Pu-239: (Assume concentration = detection limit)
0.06 pCi/kg x 23.6 kg/yr x 7.8 x 10"3 mrem/pCi = 0.011 mrem/yr
Sr-90: 0.6 pCi/L x 160 L/yr x 7 x 10"* mrem/pCi - 0.067 mrem/yr
63
-------
Kr- 85: 25 pCi/m3 x 1.5 x 10'3 = 0.38 mrem/yr
H-3: 0.45 pCi/m3 x 3.2 x 10'7 = 1.4 x 10'7 mrem/yr
These sum to 0.12 mrem/yr (1.2 [iSv/yr) compared to the 0.0024 mrem (2.4 x 10'2 jaSv)
from NTS activities.
1987
All nuclear detonations during 1987 were conducted underground and were contained.
Although releases of low-level radioactivity occurred during re-entry drilling, seepage through
fissures in the soil, or purging of tunnel areas. Table 32 shows the total quantities of
radionuclides released to the atmosphere, as reported by the DOE-J^evada Operations Office
(DOE88). Because of the distance of these releases to the nearest sampling station, none of the
radioactive material listed in this table was detected offsite.
Table 32. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS 1987
Quantity
Half-Life Released
Radionuclide (days) (Ci)
Tritium 4500 126.4
Krypton-85 3990 5.042
Xenon-127 36.4 0.0003
Xenon-133 5.24 44.02
Xenon-133m 2.2 2.00
Xenon-135 0.38 0.005
Xenon-131m 11.92 1.0
Xenon (Isotopic mixture unknown) 29.0
Cesium-137 11,030.6 0.000017
Argon-37 34.8 1.0
Iodine (Isotopic mixture unknown) 0.101
Total 208.5683
During the calendar year 1987 there were four sources for possible radiation exposure to
the population of Nevada, all of which produced negligible exposures. The four sources were:
0 Normal releases of radioactivity from the NTS, including that from drillback and
purging activities;
0 Radioactivity in migratory animals that was accumulated during residence on the
NTS;
64
-------
0 World-wide distributions such as strontium-90 in milk, krypton-85 in air etc; and
0 Background radiation due to natural sources such as cosmic radiation, natural
radioactivity in soil, and berylium-7 in air.
The estimated dose equivalent exposures from these sources to people living near the
NTS were calculated separately in the following subsections.
Estimated Dose from Worldwide Fallout
From the monitoring networks described in previous sections of this report and the 1987
Offsite EPA report (EPA 600/4-88-021), the following concentrations of radioactivity were
found:
Tritium (0.62 pCi/m3 of air [23 mBq/m3])
Krypton-85 (25.5 pCi/m3 of air [0.9 Bq/m3])
Strontium-90 (1.8 pCi/L in milk [67 mBq/L])
Xenon-133 (1 pCi/m3 of air [37 mBq/m3])
Cesium-137 (30 pCi/kg beef muscle [1.1 Bq/kg])
Plutonium-239 (110 fCi/kg beef liver, [4.1 fBq/kg])
The dose was estimated from these findings by using the assumptions and dose
conversion factors as follows:
Adult breathing rate is 8400 m3/yr,
Milk intake (10-yr old) is 160 L/yr,
Liver consumption is 0.5 Ib/week = 11.8 kg/yr,
Meat consumption 248 g/day, when liver consumption is subtracted, this is
78.7 kg/yr.
The dose conversion factors were based on the ALI divided by 5000 to convert to
becquerels/mrem, then converted to mrem/pCi:
Hydrogen-3 (6.2 X 10'8 mrem/pCi)
Strontium-90 (1.8 x W4 mrerri/pCi)
Cesium-137 (4.5 x 10'5 mrem/pCi)
Plutonium-239 (9x10^ mrem/pCi)
Krypton-85 (1.5 x 10"3 mrem/yr per pCi/m3)
Xenon-133 (6.2 x 104 mrem/yr per pCi/m3)
As an example calculation, the following was the result for tritium:
0.62 pCi/m3 x 8400 m3/yr x 6.2 x
10"8 mrem/pCi x 103 urem/mrem = 0.32
65
-------
Also:
Strontium-90 (1.8 x 160 x 1.8 x 104 x 1(T3 = 52 urem)
Cesium-137 (30 x 78.7 x 4.5 x 10'5 x 10'3 = 106 urem)
Plutonium-239 (110 fCi/kg x 11.8 kg x 10'3 pCi/fCi x 9 x 10'3 = 1.2 urem)
These sum to an annual dose equivalent of 0.16 mrem.
Estimated Dose from Radioactivity in NTS Deer
The highest measured concentration of radionuclides in mule deer tissues occurred in
deer collected on the NTS. These were:
Tissue H-3 Cs-137
Liver
(pCi/kg) 1 x 107 90
Muscle
(pCi/kg) 1 x 107 90
Based on past data, in the unlikely event that one such deer was collected by a hunter in
offsite areas; with three pounds of liver and 100 pounds of meat and the radionuclide
concentrations listed above, the dose equivalents could have been:
Liver: (1.36 kg [1x10-7 x 6.2xlO'8]+[90 x 4.5xlO'5]+[0.5 x 9x10^]) = 0.85 mrem and for
muscle, a similar calculation yields 28.4 mrem. Thus, approximately 29 mrem would have been
delivered to one individual consuming the stated quantity of meat and assuming no radioactivity
was lost in food preparation.
Dose from Background Radiation
In addition to external radiation exposure due to cosmic rays and that due to the gamma
radiation from naturally occurring radionuclides in soil (potassium-40, uranium and thorium
daughters, etc.), there was a contribution from beryllium-7 that was formed in the atmosphere by
cosmic ray interactions with oxygen and nitrogen. The annual average Be-7 concentration
measured by our air surveillance network was 0.07 pCi/m3. With a dose conversion factor for
inhalation of 2.6 x 10"7 mrem/pCi, this equates to 0.15 urem, a negligible quantity when
compared with the PIC measurements that vary from 56 to 172 mrem, depending on location.
Summary
For an individual with the highest exposure to NTS effluent, that is someone living at the
Medlin's Ranch, the NTS exposure plus that due to world-wide fallout plus background would
add to: 2 x 10'3 mrem + 0.16 mrem + 140 mrem = 140.2 mrem (1.4 mSv). Both the NTS and
worldwide distributions contributed a negligible amount of exposure compared to background. If
that same individual used the NTS deer meat without sharing it with someone else, the exposure
would increase to 140 + 29 = 169 mrem (1.69 mSv).
66
-------
Table 33. Samples and Analyses for Duplicate Sampling - 1987
Surveillance
Network
NGTSN
Number of
Sampling
Locations
19
Samples
Collected
This Year
810(NG)
816(H-3)
Sets of
Duplicate
Samples
Collected
145
97
Number
Per Set
2
Sample
Analysis
Kr-85, H-3,
H?0, HTO
Table 34. Sampling and Analytical Precision - 1987
Surveillance
Network
NGTSN
Analysis
Kr-85
HTO
H20
Sets of
Replicate
Samples
Evaluated
46
*
97
Coefficient
of Variation
(%)
9.4
31
34
* Estimate of precision was calculated from the errors in the H-3 conventional analysis
and the measurement of atmospheric moisture (H2O).
To estimate the precision of counting, approximately 10 percent of all samples were
counted a second time. These were unknown to the analyst. Since all such replicate counting
gave results within the counting error, the precision data in Table 34 represented errors
principally in analysis.
1988
The Noble Gas and Tritium surveillance Network (NGTSN) consisted of 18 stations offsite
(off the NTS and exclusion area) in 1988 including temporary sampling locations at Mammoth
Lake, CA. No NTS-related radioactivity was detected at any offsite station by this network. As
in previous years, xenon and tritium levels in samples from the off-NTS stations were generally
below the minimum detectable concentration (MDC).
All nuclear detonations during 1988 were conducted underground and were contained.
Releases of low-level radioactivity occurred during re-entry drilling, seepage through fissures in
the soil, or purging of tunne} areas. Table 35 shows the total quantities of radionuclides released
to the atmosphere, as reported by the DOE Nevada Operations Office (DOE89). Because these
releases occurred throughout the year and because of the distance from the points of releases to
the nearest offsite sampling station, none of the radioactive material listed in this table was
detected offsite.
67
-------
Results--
Figure 21 contains plots showing the results for all the 85Kr analyses for each station, with
the error bars representing the two-sigma counting error. The results all fell within the limits
expected from statistical variation.
Table 35. Total Airborne Radionuclide Emissions at the NTS -1988
Radionuclide
Half-life (days) Quantity Releases (Ci)
3H
131j
133l
133Xe
133mXe
135Xe
4511
8.04
0.86
5.24
2.19
0.38
68.2
3.2xlO'5
l.lxlQ4
18.1
0.44
8.0
The results from the samples collected by the NGTSN are shown in Appendix A. This
summary consists of the maximum, minimum, and average concentration for each station. The
number of samples analyzed was typically less than the expected number (fifty-two) since
samples were occasionally lost in the analysis procedure, or insufficient volume was collected, or
no sample was collected due to equipment problems. Caliente, NV and Mammoth Lakes, CA
had particularly low counts for the number of samples analyzed because their noble gas systems
were not installed and operational for the entire year. At Caliente, the noble gas sampler was not
installed until late April, then it was not functional during the last two months of the year due to
equipment problems. The low number of samples analyzed for St. George was due to a
combination of two factors.
:§
u
8
i
m
DO
40--
35-j
30-$
25--
20--
15--
10--
5--
Mammoth Lakes. CA
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV. DEC
Figure 21. Weekly 85Kr Concentrations in Air by Station, 1988
68
-------
E
X. 40
Ł35
~ 30
I 25
I 20
8 15
J 10
L. 5
in^ D
ID
Shoahone. CA
4-
+
4-
4-
4-
4-
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
pCi
c
o m
U i w
c
o 10
*:
3
Austin. NV
4-
+
4-
+
+
4-
4-
4-
4-
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
tration
Ł
40--
35--
30
25
20--
15--
10--
5--
0
Beatty. NV
4-
4-
JAN
4-
4-
4-
4-
4-
4-
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Figure 21. Weekly Kr Concentrations in Air by Station, 1988 (continued).
69
-------
n
'
u
c
o
O
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
I 25--
-I 20--
JAN
KJ
40--
c 30--
| 25-
-fc 20-
S 15--
o 10--
? si
^
JAN
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
JAN
Ť 45
> *°
U ,_
O. JO
^ 30
a 25
| 20
8 15
C
o 10
S 5
to 0
CO
JAN
Callente. NV
+
4-
+
+
+
+
+
+
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Ely, NV
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Goldfleld, NV
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Indian Springs, NV
+
+
+
+
+
4-
+
+
+
+
+
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Figure 21. Weekly 85Kr Concentrations in Air by Station, 1988 (continued).
70
-------
< 40
'g 35
~ 30
3 25
Ł 20
8 15
3 10
5--
Loa Vegas,
+
+
+
+
JAN FEB UAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
45
40--
30
| 20--
8 15--
3
5--
Lathrop Wells. NV
fi
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUC SEP OCT NOV DEC
1
40--
35--
30
25
20--
15--
o 10 - -
5 +
0
Ovorton. NV
-+-
+
+
-4-
-+-
+
+
-+-
-+-
+
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
JAN FEB UAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Figure 21. Weekly 85Kr Concentrations in Air by Station, 1988 (continued).
71
-------
f
Concen
S3
pCI/m
ion
cen
B
Ci/m
tion
Concen
S
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
JAN
45
45-r
40--
30-5
25--
20--
15--
10--
5--
m3)
on
85Kr Conc
Rachel. NV
H
+
+
+
-\
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
+
+
+
Tonopan. NV
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL ALIC SEP OCT NOV DEC
Cedar City. UT
H
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
St. George, UT
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Figure 21. Weekly Kr Concentrations in Air by Station, 1988 (continued).
72
-------
The first of these was a series of samples with low volume, and the second was a problem with
the equipment which caused it to be out of operation for several weeks.
The analytical results for the 734 xenon samples counted were all below the MDC which
varied, but were generally around 10 pCi/m3.
As in the past, tritium concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the off-NTS
stations were generally below the MDC of about 400 pCi/L of water (Appendix B, Sample
Analysis Procedures). Due to the statistical nature of counting radioactive samples, some
samples yielded negative results or results below the MDC. Results below the MDC were not
necessarily real but were below the sensitivity of the method. The tritium concentrations
observed at off-NTS stations were considered to be representative of environmental background.
The mean of the tritium concentrations for all offsite stations was 0.25 pCi/m3 (9.3 mBq/m3) of
air. Only one of the 891 samples analyzed was above the MDC and the concentrations measured
for that sample was only slightly above the MDC. That sample was collected in Ely, and
although there was a detectable amount of 3H in the atmospheric moisture, the calculated
concentration of 3H in air was less than the calculated MDC for that sample.
In conclusion, no NTS releases were detected by this monitoring network during 1988.
Table 36. Samples and analyses for Duplicate Sampling Program -1988
Number of
Surveillance Sampling
Network Locations This Year
Samples
Collected
Collected
Sets of
Duplicate
Samples Number
Per Set Analysis
Sample
NGTSN
18
710 (85Kr)
734 (133Xe)
54
2
85Kr, 3H,
H20, HTO,
133Xe
Table 37. Sampling and Analytical Precision -1988
Surveillance
Network
NGTSN
Analysis
85Kr
H20*
Sets of
Replicate
Samples
Evaluated
53
90
Coefficient
of Variation
(%)
7.4
3.8
* Measurement of Atmospheric Moisture
73
-------
1989
In 1989 the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network (NGTSN) consisted of 20
offsite sampling stations (outside of the NTS and exclusion areas). In addition to 18 Community
Radiation Monitoring Program (CRMP) stations, there were stations at Lathrop Wells and
Pioche, Nevada. At Pioche and at Salt Lake City, Utah, samples were collected for tritium
analysis only. During 1989 no NTS-related radioactivity was detected at any network sampling
station. As in previous years, results for xenon and tritium were typically below the minimum
detectable concentration (MDC). The results for krypton, although exceeding the MDC, were
within the range of worldwide values expected from sampling background levels (see Table 38).
Table 38. Projected Atmospheric Concentrations and Doses Krypton - 85
Year
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
Atmospheric
Inventory
(Megacuries)
50
98
395
1034
2306
4395
7528
Dose microrem/year
Atmospheric
Concentration
pCi/m3 (STP) Whole Body
13
25
99
260
581
1110
1900
0.18
0.35
1.41
3.69
8.23
15.7
26.9
Surface
of Skin
26
51
207
541
1207
2300
3940
Basal Layer
of Skin
13
26
103
271
604
1150
1970
The sample results are listed in Appendix A. The number of samples analyzed was
typically less than the expected number (52) since samples were occasionally lost in the analysis
process, an insufficient sample volume was collected for analysis, or a sample was lost or not
collected due to equipment failure. Caliente, Nevada had a low count for the number of samples
processed because the noble gas sampler was not operational until mid-July. The measured 85Kr
concentrations ranged from 20 to 33 pCi/m3 (0.74 to 1.2 Bq/m3).
The 1989 average concentration for the network was 26.5 pCi/m3 (0.98 Bq/m3). The
analysis results for the 737 xenon samples counted were all below the Minimum Detectable
Concentration (MDC), which varied, but was generally about 40 pCi/m3 (1.48 Bq/m3).
As in the past, 3H concentrations in atmospheric moisture samples from the sampling
stations were generally below the MDC of about 7.0 x 10'7 uCi/mL (0.026 Bq/mL) in water. Of
the 924 network samples analyzed in 1989, only three slightly exceeded the MDC. Due to the
74
-------
Table 39. Radionuclide Emissions on the NTS 1989
Radionuclide
Airborne Releases
3H
37Ar
39Ar
85Kr
I27Xe
129mXe
131mXe
133Xe
133mXe
135Xe
137Cs
Half-life (years')
12.35
0.096
269
10.72
0.10
0.022
0.0326
0.0144
0.0071
0.001
30.17
Quantity Released (Ci)
73
15.1
0.0042
0.21
0.000038
0.0022
0.33
63
1.1
3.9
0.0000073
Tunnel and Radionuclide Migration Ponds
3H 12.35 2069
238Pu 87.743 0.000017
239+240Pu 24065 0.00034
Gross Beta 0.20
statistical variations associated with counting radioactive samples, some samples yielded
negative results, results between zero and the MDC, or some small percentage of the time even
exceeded the MDC, yielding a false positive indication. Results between zero and the MDC
were not necessarily real but were below the sensitivity of the method. Results that slightly
exceed the MDC may be true indicators of some slight elevation in activity levels or, as
previously indicated, could be a result of statistical counting variations only. The range of 3H
concentrations observed at sampling stations were considered to be representative of statistical
variations in counting background samples and not indicative of the presence of increased 3H
levels in the environment.
In conclusion, the sampling network found no detectable increase in noble gas or 3H
levels which could be attributed to activities at the NTS.
1990
In 1990 this network consisted of 16 noble gas samplers and 19 tritium-in-air samplers
located in the States of Nevada, Utah, and California. The monitoring network detected only
background radioactivity from these sampling locations.
75
-------
As in the past, noble gas samples were collected by compressing air into storage tanks.
The equipment continuously sampled air over a seven-day period and stored approximately 21 ft3
(0.6 m3) of air in the tanks. The tanks were exchanged weekly and returned to the laboratory for
analysis. Analysis started by condensing the samples at liquid nitrogen temperature followed by
gas chromatography to separate the gases. The separate fractions of xenon and krypton were
dissolved in scintillation cocktails and counted in a liquid scintillation counter.
For 3H sampling, a molecular sieve column was used to collect water from the air. Up to
350 ft3 (10 m3) of air were passed through the column over a seven-day sampling period. Water
adsorbed on the molecular sieve was recovered, and the concentration of 3H in the water was
determined by liquid scintillation counting.
As in previous years, results for xenon and tritium were typically below the minimum
detectable concentration (MDC). The results for krypton, although exceeding the MDC, were
within the range of worldwide values expected from sampling background levels. The measured
85Kr concentrations ranged from 20 to 33 pCi/m3 (0.74 to 1.2 Bq/m3). The annual arithmetic
average for 85Kr was 26.4 pCi/m3, similar to the 1989 level.
Table 40. Radionuclide Emissions on the NTS 1990
Radionuclide
Airborne Releases
3H
37Ar
39Ar
85Kr
131mXe
133Xe
135
Xe
Half-life (years)
12.35
0.096
269
10.72
0.0326
0.0144
.0071
0.001
0.022
0.0024
Tunnel and Radionuclide Migration Ponds
3H
238pu
239+240^
137Cs
Gross Beta
12.35
87.743
24065
29
0.022
30.17
Quantity Released (Ci)
28
2.4
0.0013
4.4
1.2
30
0.18
0.08
0.0013
0.0002
670
0.0000064
0.00026
0.08
0.00058
0.012
0.013
76
-------
The analytical results for the 841 xenon samples were all below the MDC, which varied,
but was generally about 14 pCi/m3 (0.52 Bq/m3).
As in the past, 3H concentrations in atmospheric moisture (HTO) samples collected at
network sampling stations were generally below the MDC of about 4.6 x 10~12 pCi/mL (0.17
Bq/m3). Of the 981 network samples analyzed in 1990, only six slightly exceeded the MDC.
The range of HTO concentrations observed at sampling stations was considered to be due
to statistical variations in counting background samples and not indicative of the presence of
actual levels in the environment. In conclusion, there was no evidence in the measured noble gas
or HTO levels of any contribution related to activities at the NTS.
1991
In 1991 the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network (NGTSN) consisted of 21
offsite noble gas-samplers and 22 tritium-in-air samplers, three on standby, located outside the
NTS and exclusion areas in the states of Nevada, California, and Utah. During 1991 no
radioactivity that could be related to NTS activities was detected at any sampling station.
As in previous years, results for xenon and tritium were typically below the minimum
detectable concentration (MDC). The results for krypton, although exceeding the MDC, were
within the range of worldwide values expected from sampling background levels and the range
was similar to that in 1990.
At the beginning of 1991, the tritium network consisted of 20 routinely operated and two
standby stations. Figure 22 depicts the locations of these stations in conjunction with the noble
gas sampling network. A number of changes were implemented during 1991, including
relocations of the St. George, Utah Community Radiation Monitoring Stations (CRMS) from the
high school to Dixie Junior College on September 4, 1991, discontinuation of the Pioche, Nevada
station in November, and installation of a station on Fallini's Ranch (Twin Springs, Nevada). In
November, the following six stations were converted from routine to standby status (date of last
sample collection shown in parentheses): Salt Lake City, Utah (Nov. 1), Shoshone, California
and Ely, Nevada (Nov. 12), Austin, Nevada and Cedar City, Utah (Nov. 13), and Caliente,
Nevada (Nov. 14). In addition, the two standby stations in Utah (Milford and Delta) were not
activated at any time during 1991.
Of the 957 samples collected in 1991, 23 were of insufficient volume to permit analysis
and six exceeded the MDC. Of these six samples, three were borderline. One of these was the
sample collected March 11 through 18,1991 at the Salt Lake City, Utah station. This station is
located adjacent to the engineering complex housing a nuclear reactor. Two samples from the
Las Vegas, Nevada station yielded results greater than the MDC; these two were collected June
24 through July 1,1991 and July 19 through 22,1991. This station was located near the EPA
Radioanalysis Laboratory. The average HTO concentration for the Las Vegas, Nevada station
was 1.7 x 10'6pCi/mL in 1991; the average for that location in 1990 was 4.2 x 10'7 pCi/mL. The
overall network HTO average for 1991 was 5.0 x 10'7 pCi/mL compared to a network average of
5.9 x 10"7 pCi/mL in 1990. Summary data results are given in Appendix A.
77
-------
Table 41. Radionuclide Emissions on the NTS -1991
Radionuclide Half-life (years') Quantity Released (Ci)
Airborne Releases
3H 12.35 (a)0.68
37 Ar 0.096 0.45
39 Ar 269 2.1 x 10"4
85Kr 10.72 0.0066
131mXe 0.0326 0.007
133Xe 0.0144 0.85
133mXe .0071 0.004
127Xe 0.10 6.6 xlO'6
129raXe 0.022 ' 5.2 xlO'5
131I 0.022 ^l.SxlO"4
241 Am 458. (a)8.3 x 10'6
239+240Pu 24065. (a)6.1 x 10^
238Pu 87.74 (a)2.5 x 10'7
137Cs 30.2 (a)2.6 x lO'7
Tunnel and Radionuclide Migration Ponds
3H 12.35 (b)1800
238Pu 87.743 2.7 x 10'5
239+240Pu 24065 2.7 x 10^
90Sr 29 5.6 x 10^
137Cs 30.17 1.3 clO'2
Gross Beta 4.1 x 10~2
(a) Includes calculated data from air sampling results and/or loss of laboratory standards.
(b) Assumes total evaporation of all tritiated water effluents.
Samples were analyzed for 85Kr and 133Xe. The locations of the sampling stations are
shown in Figure 22.
Noble gases may be released into the atmosphere from research, power reactor facilities,
fuel reprocessing facilities, and from nuclear testing. Environmental levels of the xenons, with
their very short half-lives, are normally below the MDC. Krypton-85 disperses more or less
uniformly over the entire globe because of its half-life, 10.7 years, and the lack of significant
sinks (NCRP44 1975). For these reasons, 85Kr results were expected to be above the MDC.
A number of changes were made to the network during 1991 in addition to installing
noble gas samplers at two stations. In November, the following five stations were converted
from routine to standby status: Austin, Caliente, and Ely, NV; Shoshone, CA; and Cedar City,
UT.
78
-------
Austin
NEVADA
I Ely
Twin Springs
Alamo
Amargosa Valley
Amargosa CenterNj
UTAH
Delta I
I Cali te
IMilford
I Cedar City
i St. George
ARIZONA
Overton <
Indian Springs
Pahrump % )f LAKE MEAD
"% Las
Shoshone V Vegas
^*
N
Both Noble Gas and Tritium (13)
Standby Noble Gas and Tritium (7)
A Tritium, Standby Noble Gas (1)
Scale in Miles
50
100
50 100 150
Scale in Kilometers
Figure 22. Offsite Noble Gas sampling and Tritium-in-Air Network Stations - 1992.
79
-------
All of the existing noble gas samplers, used since 1974, were replaced with newly designed
samplers in 1991. The first replacement was completed at the Las Vegas station in March. After
a successful evaluation period, replacement of the samplers at the remaining stations began in
May. An essential part of the development included comparison testing of the old and new
model systems to ensure comparability of the data obtained from the two systems. A description
of the new system is in Appendix E.
1992
At the beginning of 1992, the tritium network consisted of 14 continuously operated and
seven standby stations. The routine stations were adjacent to the NTS to detect atmospheric
tritium which could have reached populated centers in the immediate offsite area. In addition, a
tritium sampler is routinely operated near the nuclear research reactor in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The following five stations were converted from routine to standby status effective with their last
sampling collection periods in November 1991: Shoshone, California; Cedar City, Utah; and
Austin, Ely, and Caliente, Nevada. Samples were collected approximately once a week from the
routine stations and once a quarter from the standby stations. Figure 22 shows the locations of
the tritium network sampling stations in conjunction with the noble gas sampling network
stations.
Figure 23. Community Monitoring Program Station.
80
-------
Procedures
A column filled with molecular sieve pellets was used to collect moisture from the air.
Approximately 6 m3 (212 ft3) of air was drawn through the column during a typical 7-day
sampling period. The water adsorbed on the pellets was recovered and measured and the
concentration of 3H was determined by liquid scintillation counting. The volume of recovered
water and the 3H concentration was then used to calculate the concentration of HTO, the vapor
form of tritium. HTO was the most common form of tritium encountered in the environment.
Results-
Of the 716 routine and 15 standby samples collected in 1992, 15 samplers were not
analyzed: five because of broken sieves, three were lost, and seven contained insufficient sample
(moisture). An additional seven samples were excluded from data analysis because of
indications of operational malfunctions affecting data reliability. These included frozen lines,
lack of pump flow, indications of leaks, and overextended sampling interval. Two samples
exceeded the analysis MDC. Both samples were collected June 16-24; one from Las Vegas and
the other from Overton, Nevada. The average HTO concentration for the Las Vegas stations,
located near the EPA Radioanalysis Laboratory, was 1.5 x 10~6 pCi/mL. Summary data results
are given in Appendix A. The 1992 tritium data appear to be consistent with data from previous
years.
At the beginning of 1992, the Noble Gas Sampling Network consisted of 13 routine
(continuously operated) and 8 standby stations. In November 1991, the following 5 stations were
converted from routine to standby status: Austin, Caliente, and Ely, Nevada; Shoshone,
California; and Cedar City, Utah. Samples were collected approximately once a week from the
routine stations and quarterly from the standby stations. Samples collected were analyzed for
85Kr and 133Xe. The locations of the noble gas sampling stations are shown in Figure 22 in
conjunction with the tritium stations.
Noble gas samples were collected by compressing air into storage tanks (bottles). Air was
continuously sampled over a 7-day period, collecting approximately 0.6 m3 (21.2 ft3) of air into a
four-bottle system. One bottle was filled over the entire sampling period. The other three bottles
were filled consecutively over the same sampling period in 56-hour increments. The bottle
containing the sample from the entire sampling period was the only sample which was routinely
analyzed. If xenons or abnormally high levels of 85Kr were detected in this sample, then the other
three samples would be analyzed. For the analysis, samples were condensed at liquid nitrogen
temperature. Gas chromatography was then used to separate the gaseous radionuclide fractions.
The radioactive gases were dissolved in liquid scintillation "cocktails," then counted to
determine activity.
Results
Of the 699 samples collected in 1992, analyses were not performed on 74 samples (10.6
percent) due to insufficient volume collected or sampler malfunctions. Twelve quarterly samples
81
-------
were collected from standby samplers; none were collected from Milford and Salt Lake City,
Utah. As expected, all 85Kr results exceeded the MDC and all 133Xe results were below the
MDC. The annual averages for the continuously operated samplers were 26.2 pCi/m3 for 85Kr
and -17.7 pCi/m3 for 133Xe and for the standby samplers, 25.8 pCi/m3 for 83Kr and -27.4 pCi/m3
for 133Xe.
At the beginning of 1992, the tritium network consisted of 14 continuously operating and
two standby stations. Of the 716 routine and 15 standby samples collected in 1992, 15 samples
were not analyzed: five because of broken sieves. Three were lost, and seven contained
insufficient sample (moisture). Two samples exceeded the analysis MDC. Both samples were
collected June 16-24, one from Las Vegas and the other from Overton, Nevada.
At the beginning of 1992, the Noble Gas Sampling Network consisted of 13 routinely
operated and three standby stations. Of the 699 samples collected in 1992, analyses were not
performed on 74 samples (10.6 percent) due to insufficient volume collected or sampler
malfunctions. Twelve quarterly samples were collected from standby samplers; none were
collected from Milford and Salt Lake City, Utah. As expected, all 85Kr results were above the
MDC and were within the range anticipated from sampling background levels and all 133Xe
results were below the MDC.
1993
In 1993 the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network (NGTSN) consisted of 21 offsite
noble gas samplers (eight on standby) and 21 tritium-in-air samplers (seven on standby) located
outside the NTS and exclusion areas in the States of Nevada, California, and Utah. During 1993
no radioactivity that could be related to NTS activities was detected at any NGTSN sampling
station.
As in previous years, results for 133Xe and HTO were typically below the minimum
detectable concentration (MDC). The annual average results for 85Kr, 28 pCi/m3, although above
the MDC, were within the range of worldwide values expected from sampling background levels
and the range was similar to the 1992 levels.
About five percent of the total number of samples collected were invalid due to
malfunctioning equipment, power outages during collection, frozen lines, insufficient sample
volumes, etc. Results exceeded the analysis MDC in three instances, but this could be due to
simple counting statistics. The annual HTO network average was 3.0 x 10"7 pCi/mL (0.011
Bq/m3).
All samples were analyzed for 85Kr and 133Xe and the summary results are given in
Appendix A for the routine stations. Eight standby stations were operated quarterly to ascertain
operational status but the samples were not analyzed. Of the 676 samples collected in 1993,
analyses were not performed on 63 samples (9.3 percent) due to either insufficient volume
collected or sampler malfunction. As expected, all 85Kr results exceeded the MDC and all 133Xe
results were below the MDC. The annual averages for the continuously operated samplers were
28 pCi/m3 (1.0 Bq/m3) for 85Kr and -21 pCi/m3 (-0.8 Bq/m3) for 133Xe. On February 9, the station
82
-------
at Las Vegas was relocated to the front of the EPA Executive Center. An anomalously high 85Kr
result of 250 pCi/m3 (9.2 Bq/m3) occurred at this time.
1994
In 1994, this network consisted of 13 routine noble gas and tritium-in-air samplers, plus
seven on standby, located in the States of Nevada, Utah, and California. In addition, a tritium
sampler was routinely operated near a nuclear research reactor in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The HTO network average for the first nine months of 1994 was 2.9 x 10'7 pCi/mL (0.018
Bq/m3). Results are given in Appendix A. The mean MDC was 3.4 x 10"5 pCi/mL. No samples
from the Tritium Surveillance Network exceeded the MDC.
All samples were analyzed for85Kr and 133Xe and the summary results are given in Table
42. Eight standby stations were operated quarterly to ascertain operational status but the samples
were not analyzed. The annual averages for the continuously operated samplers were 2 pCi/m3
(1.0 Bq/m3) for 85Kr and -5 pCi/m3 (-2.0 Bq/m3) for 133Xe. As expected, all 133Xe results were
below the average MDC of 18 pCi/m3. The 85Kr results were all above the average MDC of 5
pCi/m3.
Data quality objectives for precision and accuracy are; by necessity, less stringent for values
near the MDC so confidence intervals around the input data are broad. The concentrations of
radioactivity detected by the monitoring networks and used in the calculation of potential CEDEs
are shown in Table 43.
The concentrations given in Table 43 are expressed in terms of activity per unit volume or
weight. These concentrations are converted to a dose by using the assumptions and dose
conversion factors described below. The dose conversion factors assume continuous presence at
a fixed location and no loss of radioactivity in meat and vegetables through storage and cooking.
DOSE ASSESSMENT
The Effective Dose Equivalent (EDE) conversion factors are derived from EPA-520/1-88-
020 (Federal Guidance Report No. 11). Those used are here:
0 3H: 6.4 x 10"8 mrem/pCi (ingestion or inhalation)
0 85Kr: 1.5 x 10"5 mrem/yr per pCi/m3 (submersion)
The algorithm for the internal dose calculation is:
0 (concentration) x (intake in volume(mass)/unit time) x (CEDE conversion factors) =
CEDE
83
-------
As an example calculation, the following is the result of breathing tritium in air:
0 (2 x 10'1 pCi/m3) x (8400 mVyr) x (6.4 x 10'8 mrem/pCi) = 1.1 x 10"4 mrem/yr
However, in calculating the inhalation CEDE from 3H, the value must be increased by 50
percent to account for skin absorption. The total dose in one year, therefore, is 1.1 x 10^
mrem/yr x 1.5 = 1.6 x 10"4 mrem/yr. Dose calculations from ORSP data are summarized in Table
43.
The extensive offsite environmental surveillance system operated around the NTS by
EPA's EMSL-LV detected no radiological exposures that could be attributed to recent NTS
operations, but a calculated EDE of 0.015 mrem can be obtained if certain assumptions were
made.
Calculation with the CAP88-PC model, using estimated or calculated effluents from the
NTS during 1994, resulted in a maximum dose of 0.15 mrem (1.5 x 10"3 mSv) to a hypothetical
resident of Amargosa Valley, NV, 3 km (1.9 mi) SE of the NTS boundary. Based on monitoring
network data, this dose was calculated to be 0.015 mrem. This latter EDE was about 10% of the
dose obtained from CAP88-PC calculation. This maximum dose estimate is less than 1 percent
of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendation that an
annual effective dose equivalent for the general public not exceed 100 mrem/yr (ICRP 1985).
The calculated population dose (collective effective dose equivalent) to the approximately 33,
740 residents living with 80 km (50 mi) of each of the NTS airborne emission sources was 0.52
person-rem (5.2 x 10"3 person-Sv). Background radiation would yield a CEDE of 3210 person-
rem (32.1 person-Sv).
Data from the PIC gamma monitoring indicated a 1994 dose of 124 mrem from background
gamma radiation measured in Amargosa Valley. The CEDE calculated from the monitoring
networks or the model as discussed above was a negligible amount by comparison. The
uncertainty (2a) for the PIC measurement at the 124 mrem exposure level was approximately 5
percent. Extrapolating to the calculated annual exposure at Amargosa Valley, Nevada, yielded a
total uncertainty of approximately 6 mrem which was greater than either of the calculated EDEs.
Because the estimated dose from NTS activities was less than 1 mrem no conclusions could be
made regarding the achieved data quality as compared to the DQOs for this insignificant dose.
1995
In FY 1995 the entire Noble Gas and Tritium Network was placed on standby. DOE felt
that there was no potential for release of these radionuclides into the offsite area and stopped
funding this program.
84
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Table 42. Offsite Noble Gas Results for Routine Samplers -1994
85Kr Concentration CIO'12 uCi/mD
Sampling Location
Alamo, NV
Amargosa Valley, NV
Amargosa Valley
Community Center, NV
Beatty, NV
Goldfield, NV
Indian Springs, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Overton, NV
Pahrump NV
Rachel, NV
Tonopah, NV
Twin Springs, NV
Fallini's Ranch
St. George, UT
Mean MDC: 5.9 pCi/m3
Sampling Location
Alamo, NV
Amargosa Valley, NV
Amargc -a Valley
Community Center, NV
Beatty, NV
Goldfield, NV
Indian Springs, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Overton, NV
Pahrump NV
Rachel, NV
Tonopah, NV
Twin Springs, NV
Fallini's Ranch
St. George, UT
Mean MDC: 18.0 pCi/m3
Number
30
34
25
30
32
34
37
35
33
34
34
37
34
133Xe
Number
29
34
25
30
33
34
37
36
33
34
35
37
35
Maximum
32
33
33
33
31
33
33
32
34
32
32
32
31
Standard
Concentration
Maximum
5.7
5.9
6.9
5.4
4.9
6.4
7.2
5.6
4.7
8.2
4.9
7.6
3.3
Minimum
24
22
26
25
23
25
22
23
25
21
24
23
23
Deviation
nO'12 uCi;
Minimum
-23.0
-17.0
-17.0
-22.0
-31.0
-16.0
-11.0
-21.0
-16.0
-37.0
-23.0
-21.0
-19.0
Arithmetic
Mean
29
29
30
28
28
30
28
29
29
28
28
29
28
of Mean MDC:
rmL)
Arithmetic
Mean
-6.8
-3.9
-6.0
-5.3
-7.4
-3.3
-3.4
-6.2
-3.3
-8.9
-6.9
-6.4
-5.7
Standard
Deviation
1.9
2.6
1.6
1.7
1.9
2.3
2.6
1.9
2.4
2.8
2.1
2
1.8
0.9 pCi/m3
Standard
Deviation
7.2
5.2
6.6
5.9
8.2
5.3
3.8
6.5
5.0
8.8
6.6
6.2
5.6
Mean as
%DCG
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005
Mean as
%DCG
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Standard Deviation of Mean MDC: 7.0 pCi/m3
DCG Derived Concentration Guide; Established by DOE Order as 3 X 10'7 for 85Kr, 5 x 10'8 for Xe.
Multiply table value by 0.037 to obtain Bq/m3, e.g., 32 x 0.037 = 1.2 Bq/m3.
NA Not applicable, result is MDC.
85
-------
Table 43. Monitoring Networks Data used in Dose Calculations
Medium
Animals
Beef Liver
Deer Muscle
Deer Liver
Milk
Drinking Water
Vegetables
Beets
Apples
Air
TOTAL (Air = 5.9
mrem/yr
Radionuclide
239+240p.,
-Ť*,
239+240^
90Sr
3H
3H
239+240^
239+240^
238Pu
3H
7Be
85Kr
239+240^
x 10-3, Liquids
Concentration
1.56x10-'
(5.8 x 10-3)(a)
2.8 x lO'2
(1.0xlO-3)(a)
4.3 x lO'2
(1.6xlO'3)(a)
0.44
(0.016)(b)
85
1.4
(0.05)(b)
3.5 x lO'2
(1.3xlO-3)(a)
3.3 x lO"2
(1.2 x 10'3)(a)
2.7 x 10-2
(1.0xlO-13)(a)
0.2
(0.007)(c)
0.29
29
1.8 x lO'6
(6.7 x 10-8)(c)
= 7.5 x 10-3, Veg. = 5.7
mremWear
6.6 x 10-4
4.7 x 10"4
4.4 x ID'6
6.8 x ID'3
6.0 x 10"4
6.5 x lO'5
2.1 x 10-4
2.0 x 10-4
1.6x10*
1.6X10-4
6.3 x ID"4
4.4 x 10-4
4.7 x 10-3
x 10-4, Meat
Comment
Concentrations are the
median for each tissue type
Concentration is the average
of all network results
Concentration is the average
of all network results
Concentration is the average
from Amargosa Valley Well
Observed concentrations
Concentrations are average
or median network results
= 1.1x10-3) = 1.5x10-2
(a) Units are pCi/kg and Bq/kg
(b) Units are pCi/L and Bq/L
(c) Units are pCi/m3 and Bq/m3
86
-------
References
Andrews, V.E. and Wruble, D.T.: Noble Gas Surveillance Network April 1972 through March
1973 (September 1973).
Black, S. C, Grossman, R. F., Mullen, A. A., Potter, G. D., Smith, D. D. And J. L. Hopper,
1982. Off site Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring around United States
Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar Year 1981. EPA-600/4-82-061, DOE/DP/00539-046.
Black, S. C., Glines, W. M, and Y. E. Townsend, 1995. U. S. Department of Energy Nevada
Operations Office Annual Site Environmental Report-1994. DOE/NV/11432-175, UC 600.
Black, S. C., Glines, W. M., and Y. E. Townsend, 1994. U. S. Department of Energy Nevada
Operations Office Annual Site Environmental Report -1993, Volumes I and II. DOE/NV/11432-
123,Vol.Iandn,UC-600.
Black, S. C., Grossman, R. F., Mullen, A. A., Potter, G. D., and D. D. Smith, 1983. Offsite
Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Tests
Areas, Calendar Year 1982. EPA-600/4-83-032, DOE/DP/00539-048.
C.A. Fontana, et. al., May, 1989, Offsite Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation
Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar Year 1988, EPA/600/4-89/019,
Chaloud, D. J., Mullen, A. A., Neale, A. C., Carroll, L. D., Thome, D. J., Daigler, D. M., Davis,
M. G., and C. A. Fontana, 1993. Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Report:
EPA 600-R-94-209. Radiation Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Tests Areas, Calendar
Year 1992.
Chaloud, D. J., Dicey, B. B., Mullen, A. A., Neale, A. C., Sparks, A. R., Fontana, C. A.,
Carroll, L. D., Phillips, W. G., Smith, D. D., and D.J. Thome, 1992. Off-Site Environmental
Monitoring Report: Radiation Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar
Year 1991. EPA600/R-93/141.
Chaloud, D. J., Dicey, B. B., Easterly, D. G., Fontana, C. A., Holloway, R. W.,
Mullen, A. A., Niemann, V. E., Phillips, W. G., Smith, D. D., Sunderland, N. R., and
D. J. Thome, (no date) Offsite Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring Around
United States Test Areas, Calendar Year 1990. EPA 600/4-91/030, DOE/DP/00539-063.
Costa, C. F., Sunderland, N. R., Black, S. C., Chilton, M. W., Dicey, B. B., Phillips, W. G.,
Fontana, C. A., Holloway, R. W., Liu, C. K., Mullen, A. A., Niemann, V. E., Rizzardi, C. J.,
Smith, D. D., Thome, D. J., and E. A. Thompson, 1990. Off-Site Environmental Monitoring
Report, Radiation Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar Year 1989.
EPA 600//4-90/016, DOE/DP/00539-062.
Fontana, C. A., Sunderland, N. R., Black, S. C., Dicey, B. B., Jarvis, A. N., Smith, D. D., Thome,
D. J. And A. A. Mullen, 1988. Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation
87
-------
Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar Year 1987. EPA 600/4-88-021,
DOE/DP/00539-060.
Fontana, C. A., Sunderland, N. R., Black, S. C., Dicey, B. B., Jarvis, A. N., Moroney, K. S.,
Mullen, A. A., Niemann, V. E., Smith, D. D., and E. A. Thompson, 1989. Off-Site
Environmental Monitoring Report, Nuclear Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Test
Areas, Calendar Year 1988. EPA-600/4-89/019, DOE/DP/00539-061.
Grossman, R. F., 1978, Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test Site and
other Test Areas used for Underground Nuclear Detonations, January through December 1977.
Monitoring Operations Divisions, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, EMSL-LV-0539-18.
Grossman, R. F., 1979, Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test Site and
other Test Areas used for Underground Nuclear Detonation, January through December 1978,
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EMS-
LV-0539-31.
Grossman, R. F., Black, S. C., Dye, R. E., Smith, D. D., Thome, D. J., and A. A. Mullen, 1986.
Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring Around United States Nuclear
Tests Areas, Calendar Year 1985. EPA 600/4-86-022, DOE/DP/00539-056.
Monitoring Operations Division, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory,
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976. Environmental Monitoring Report for the
Nevada Test Site and Other Test Areas used for Underground Nuclear Detonations, January
through December 1975. EMSL-LV-539-4.
Monitoring Operations Laboratory, National Environmental Research Center, U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1974. Environmental Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test
Site and other Test Areas used for Underground Nuclear Detonations,-January through
December 1973. NERC-LV-539-31.
Monitoring Operations Division, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory,
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1977. Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Report for
the Nevada Test Site and other Test Areas used for Underground Nuclear Detonations, January
through December 1976. EMSL-LV-0539-12.
Monitoring Applications Laboratory, National Environmental Research Center, U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1975. Environmental Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test
Site and Other Test Areas used for Underground Nuclear Detonations, January through
December 1974. NERC-LV-539-39.
National Environmental Research Center, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas,
Nevada, 1973. Environmental Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test Site and other Test Areas
used for Underground Nuclear Detonations, January-December 1972. NERC-LV-539-23.
88
-------
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement, 1975, Krypton-85 in the
Atmosphere, NCRP Report No. 44, Washington DC.
Monitoring Operations Laboratory, National Environmental Research Center,
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1974. Off-Site Surveillance Activities of the National
Environmental Research Center from July through December 1970. NERC-LV-539-17.
Patzer, R. G., Black, S. C., Grossman, R. F. And D. D. Smith, 1984. Qffsite Environmental
Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar
'Year 1983. EPA-600/4-84-040, DOE/DP/0539-051.
Patzer, R. G., Fontana, C. A., Grossman, R. F., Black, S. C., Dye, R. E., Smith, D. D., Thome, D.
J. and A. A. Mullen, 1987. Off-site Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring
Around United States Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar Year 1986. EPA 600/4-87-017,
DOE/DP/00539-058.
Potter, G. D., Black, S. C., Grossman, R. F., Patzer, R. D. And D. D. Smith, 1985. Off-site
Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring Around United States Nuclear Test
Areas, Calendar Year 1984. EPA-600/4-85-035, DOE/DP/0539-055.
Potter, G. D., Grossman, R. F., Bliss, W. A., Thome, D. J., and J. L. Hopper, 1980, Offsite
Environmental Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test Site and other Test Areas used for
Underground Nuclear Detonations, January through December 1979, Environmental
Monitoring Systems Laboratory, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, EMS-LV-0539-36.
S.C. Black, et.al.September, 1993. Annual Site Environmental Report -1993, Volume /,
DOE/NV/11432-123, UC-600.
Shearin, R.L., C.R. Porter, S.L. Cummings: Study of the feasibility of measuring 85Kr through a
national surveillance system: IAEA-sm-148/64. (1971)
Smith, D. D., Grossman, R. F., Corkern, W. D., Thome, D. J., Patzer, R. G., and J. L. Hopper,
1981, Offsite Environmental Monitoring Report, Radiation Monitoring Around United States
Nuclear Test Areas, Calendar year 1980, Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA-600/4-81-047, DOE/DP/00539-043.
U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office, Office of External Affairs, 1993.
Announced United States Nuclear Tests - July 1945 through December 1992. DOE/NV-209
(Rev.l3),UC-700.
89
-------
APPENDIX A.
California
CA-1. Death Valley Jet., California
Radioactivity Concentration (t>Ci/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
Days
Detected
208.7
236.6
238.7
221.6
316.3
342.3
342.6
328.3
328.0
335.0
344.0
344.0
352.0
340.2
340.2
318.9
340.2
326.0
357.5
357.5
321.7
357.5
328.6
325.7
349.6
315.5
342.7
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH,T
Maximum
25
<2
7.1
<5
19
12
3.7
<5.0
29
<5.4
6.2
9.4
12
27
<7
6.1
<3
9.4
25
<7
29
7.0
5.3
25
15
<5
10
Minimum
10
<2
1.0
<4
12
<2.0
<0.56
<5.0
13
<2.0
<0.23
<1.3
<0.14
11
<4
<0.4
<2
<0.4
12
<4
<0.2
<2
<0.4
14
<4
0.5
<2
Average
15.6
<2.0
<2.9
<4.9
15
<2.2
<1.4
<5.0
18
<3.3
<2.0
<3.1
<2,6
17
<5
<2
<2
<3
20
<5
<3
<3
<2
20
<6
<2
<3
90
-------
CA-1. Death Valley Jet., California (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1978
1979
CA-2.
Number Days
of Samples Detected
308.5
342.6
342.6
308.9
342.6
285.7
138.7
138.7
131.8
Mammoth Lakes, California
Radionuclide Maximum
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTOinAir
2.3
24
<20
4.9
<20
4.1
23
<6
<4
Minimum Average
<0.2
17
<3
<0.6
<2
<0.3
15
<3
<2
Radioactivity Concentration
Year
1987
1988
Number Days
of Samples Detected
22/2*
24/0*
26
27
Radionuclide Maximum
Kr-85
Xe-133
Kr-85
Xe-133
29
8.3
31
12
<0.7
20
<3
1.4
<2
0.77
19
<3
<2
(pCi/m3)
Minimum Average
22
-6.2
22
-8.2
26
1.5
25
2.1
*positive/negative
91
-------
CA-3. Shoshone, California
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Number Days
Year of Samples Detected
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
268.4
254.5
335.7
42/10*
41/11*
50/1*
47/6*
41/12*
52/0*
48/4*
46/6*
51/0*
43/9*
44/8*
51/0*
50/2*
50/2*
49/0*
43
46
49
48
48
52
49
49
53
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum Minimum
33
<30
<8
31
47
4.8
N/A
27
2.5
N/A
18
4.5
33
29
4.2
31
7.1
6.7
30
8.8
6.9
31
7.7
3.6
33
4.5
5.4
20
<6
<2
19
-6.9
. -2.5
N/A
-9.3
-1.4
N/A
-7.2
-1.3
17
-4.5
-4.1
19
-7.8
-5.3
21
-9.3
-8.4
21
-6.7
-2.1
20
-14
-4.6
Average
25
3.6
0.49
26
2.8
0.43
23
5.3
0.31
24
4.5
0.78
25
3.0
0.29
26
0.77
0.63
25
0.17
-0.17
27
1.1
0.44
26
-0.20
0.50
*positive/negative
92
-------
CA-3. Shoshone, California (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Year
1991
1992
1993
Number
of Samples
38
39
45
2
2
4
3
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
29
3.8
2.9
29
0.88
2.6
0.3
Minimum
20
-9.2
-4.6
26
0.29
0.45
-1.3
Average
26
-1.5
0.12
28
0.58
1.4
-0.7
Colorado
CO-1. Project Rulison Five Highest Atmospheric Moisture Samples
Station
A-IX
A-X
A-V11
A-X
A-IX
Location*
52°,0.8 mi
65°,0.6 mi
15°,0.8mi
65°,0.6 mi
52°,0.8 mi
Tritium
Date
10/05/70
10/05/70
10/05/70
10/05/70
10/05/70
Concentration (pCi/m3)
Time
0840-1040
0835-1035
1452-1553
1450-1550
1455-1555
Result
290
240
220
180
150
*Azimuth and distance from the test well.
93
-------
CO-2. Project Rulison Five Highest Compressed Air Samples
Kr-85 Concentration (pCi/m3)
Station
Old Control Point Pad*
D-l
D-ll
D-29
3 mile S of Rifle Airport
Location*
325°,2.4 mi
286°,4.6 mi
328°,4.2 mi
76°, 16.5 mi
65°, 13.0 mi
Date
10/28/70
12/06/70
12/03/70
10/27/70 "
12/07/70
Time
0645-0710
0851-0916
1955-2025
1720-1750
1535-1600
Result
47
27
20
14
12
*Azimuth and distance from the test well
Nevada
NV-1. Adaven (Canfield) Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Number Days
Year of Samples Detected Radionuclide Maximum Minimum Average
1982
2
2
Kr-85
Xe-133
23
<50
23
<50
23
20
94
-------
NV-2. Alamo, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
Number
of Samples
41/11*
39/13*
52/0*
44/7*
43/8*
52/0*
46/6*
44/8*
53/0*
49/2*
47/4*
52/0*
47/5*
46/6*
47/2*
49
52
50
45
47
51
Days
Detected Radionuclide
42.9 Kr-85
42.9 Xe-133
42.9 HTO in Air
344.8 Kr-85
317.8 Xe-133
349 HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
31
<19
<2.1
31
<30
<9
33
18
3.8
N/A
37
4.5
N/A
58
3.4
31
40
5.6
30
9.3
7.5
29
20
5.3
32
8.1
6.6
Minimum
22
<11
1.3
20
<7
<2
19
-9.1
-2.2
N/A
-6.6
-1.3
N/A
-2.1
-3.4
16
-8.7
-5.1
21
-13
6.6
20
-9.7
-6.8
22
-16
-24
Average
26
<11
<1.3
24
4.9
0.40
25
1.7
0.47
24
7.7
0.43
24
9.1
0.21
24
3.5
0.07
26
1.1
63
25
0.58
0.26
27
-0.02
-0.09
*positive/negative
95
-------
NV-2. Alamo, Nevada (continued)
Year
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
50
51
50
44
45
52
48
49
48
44
44
46
30
29
38
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Radioactivity
Maximum
31
8.3
6.6
31
13
7.2
30
4.2
4.3
32
8.6
5.2
32
5.7
2.4
Concentration foCi/m3)
Minimum
21
-16
-24
22
-12
-4.3
22
18
-3.5
21
-13
-2.3
24
-23
-3.7
Average
26
0.25
-0.09
26
1.1
0.79
26.2
-2.6
0.6
27
-1.6
0.6
27
-6.8
0.1
NV-3. Alamo (Sherri's), Nevada
Year
1984
Number
of Samples
1
1
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Days
Detected Radionuclide Maximum Minimum Average
Kr-85
Xe-133
33
6.8
33
6.8
33
6.8
96
-------
NV-4. Amargosa Center, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
8
24
26
51
35
36
51
41
41
49
25
25
36
Days
Detected Radionuclide
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
8.3
31
16
6.1
30
21.0
6.5
32
8.6
7.7
33
6.9
4.3
Minimum
-2.7
24
-13
-9.2
21
-17.3
-4.5
23
-16
-5.3
26
-17
-3.0
Average
0.8
27
-2.4
0.47
26
-2.10
0.55
27
-2.8
0.5
30
-6.0
0.4
97
-------
NV-5. Amargosa Valley, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (DCi/m3)
Year
1990
1991
1992
1993
\
1994
Number
of Samples
50
42
41
49
44
44
51
49
49
52
34
34
38
Days
Detected Radionuclide
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-135
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
5.3
30
4.1
2.7
30
7.2
5.0
31
4.7
23
33
5.9
2.4
Minimum
-3.1
24
-7.3
-3.0
22
-15
-2.0
24
-10
-3.4
22
-17
-1.9
Average
0.2
26.5
-1.4
0.27
26
-2.1
0.89
28
-1.9
0.7
29
-3.9
0.2
98
-------
NV-6. Austin, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (DCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
Number
of Samples
49/3*
45/7*
52/0*
50/2*
45/7*
52/0*
41/11*
40/12*
53/0*
51/1*
48/4*
52/0*
39/13*
39/13*
46/3*
42
43
51
45
' 45
52
49
49
52
Days
Detected Radionuclide
219.9 Kr-85
212.9 Xe-133
236.0 HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
<40
<6
30
24
2.9
N/A
32
2.5
N/A
19
2.6
30
54
4.1
31
15
3.2
30
11
3.0
31
11
3.2
31
11
4.6
Minimum
16
<7
<2
19
-12
-1.1
N/A
-14
-1.6
N/A
-31
-2.3
20
-5.8
-3.7
21
-10
3.1
21
-12
-5.9
21
-18
-9.3
21
-9.4
-2.3
Average
24
4.8
0.68
25
2.1
0.55
23
5.5
0.15
25
4.2
0.13
25
3.7
0.26
25
0.89
0.50
25
-0.95
-0.0061
27
-0.55
-0.16
27
0.21
0.5
*positive/negative
99
-------
NV-6. Austin, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration CcCi/m3!
Year
1991
1992
1993
Number
of Samples
32
32
46
2
2
2
3
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
31
9.5
4.0
26
0.000
0.49
1.1
Minimum
22
-19
-2.0
24
-12
-0.52
-1.7
Average
26
-2.1
0.50
25
-6.1
-0.02
-0.5
NV-7. Beatty, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (cCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
Days
Detected
190.7
210.5
225.7
182.5
342.0
356.0
327.5
349.0
356.0
363.0
363.0
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
22
17
9.4
<5
21
<2.0
5.2
16
27
140
6.1
Minimum
12
<2
0.86
<5
12
<2.0
<0.49
<5.0
12
<2.0
<0.56
Average
16
<2.6
<4.1
<5.0
16
<2.0
<2.0
<5.2
17
<7.4
<2.5
100
-------
NV-7. Beatty, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
Days
Detected
363.0
363.0
368.4
368.4
348.4
368.4
341.5
363.3
363.3
328.5
363.3
328.5
337.6
337.6
324.7
337.6
324.7
343.6
343.6
296.7
343.6
295.7
348.3
348.4
364.5
346.4
346.5
321.5
Radionuclide
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
<5.0
10
25
<7
8.4
<3
9.3
24
<7
21
11
5.0
26
14
<4
12
1.2
25
<30
13
<20
<3
24
<20
5.7
26
54
12
Minimum
<1.7
<0.42
11
<4
<0.5
<2
<0.4
15
<4
<0.2
<2
<0.2
15
<4
0.2
<2
<0.1
17
<3
<0.3
<2
<0.5
14
<3
<0.3
16
<3
<0.9
Average
<3.0
<2.3
19
<5
<3
<2
<3
20
<5
<2
<3
<3
20
<6
<2
<3
<0.6
20
<3
1.5
<2
<0.5
19
<3
<1
21
<3
1.6
1981
352.6
Kr-85
31
18
24
101
-------
NV-7. Beatty, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
Number
of Samples
46/6*
45/7*
52/0*
46/5*
39/12*
51/1*
38/15*
38/15*
53/0*
41/10*
37/14*
52/0*
39/13*
40/12*
48/0*
44
45
50
50
51
51
Days
Detected Radionuclide
337.2 Xe-133
363.8 HTO in Air
348.5 Kr-85
320.5 Xe-133
362.6 HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
<45
11
31
<100 -
<6
30
23
2.2
N/A
31
2.1
N/A
47
1.9
37
52
9.6
30
33
6.1
32
17
4.6
32
11
11
Minimum
<6.2
<0.78
17
<7
<1
20
-12
-1.3
N/A
-19
-1.7
N/A
-25
-1.5
19
-6.9
-4.7
21
-14
-2.6
20
-11
-7.5
20
-10
-11
Average
<6.2
1.8
25
8.0
0.63
24
2.9
0.48
23
6.0
0.34
25
6.6
0.27
26
6.4
0.51
26
1.1
0.64
26
1.4
0.27
27
1.8
0.52
*positive/negative
102
-------
NV-7. Beatty, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Year
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
52
52
51
52
52
51
50
51
51
48
49
44
30
30
37
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
9.0
3.3
31
7.1
3.8
31
6.0
1..9
33
6.8
3.2
33
5.4
4.2
Minimum
21
-9.2
-1.8
22
-14
-1.0
21
-15
-1.3
23
-14
-2.2
25
-22.0
-2.6
Average
26
-0.09
0.2
26
-0.88
0.60
26
-21
0.30
27
-2.3
0.2
28
-5.3
0.2
103
-------
NV-8. Caliente, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Year
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
Number
of Samples
17/0*
23
23
48
18
18
52
46
47
51
37
37
46
2
2
1
3
Days
Detected Radionuclide
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
7.0
28
14
6.5 .
29
5.7
4.1
32
11
8.3
30
13
9.7-10.2
28
0.33
-1.2
2.0
Minimum
-4.1
20
-20
-2.3
25
-17
-2.9
21
-12
-2.7
22
-21
0.42
23
-0.44
-1.2
-0.3
Average
-0.08
24
-3.8
0.42
27
-1.4
0.30
26
-0.23
1.3
26
-2.5
26
-0.06
-1.2
0.7
"positive/negative
104
-------
NV-9. Diablo (Reveille), Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
Days
Detected
210.3
210.3
220.6
204.6
343.2
357.1
356.5
350.2
356.0
356.0
357.0
349.0
357.0
346.2
346.3
347.4
346.2
347.4
341.4
341.4
320.6
335.4
320.6
350.4
350.4
325.4
343.4
325.4
344.7
336.7
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air .
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
22
33
13
<5
22
30
<6.6
5.1
29
17
7.2
5.6
5.7
29
25
22
<3
8.2
25
<8
5.8
<3
2.7
29
12
<5
5
1.9
26
65
Minimum
12
<2
<0.92
<5
12
<2.0
<0.69
<5.0
13
<2.0
<0.82
<1.4
0.25
11
<4
<0.2
<2
<0.4
12
<4
<0.4
<2
<0.3
12
<4
<0.5
<2
0.4
17
<2
Average
16
<2.9
<4.20
<5.00
'16
<3.1
<2.0
<5.0
17
<3.7
<2.3
<3.0
<1.5
18
<6
<3
<2
<2
19
<5
<2
<2
<0.8
19
<5
<2
<3
<0.7
20
3.1
105
-------
NV-9. Diablo (Reveille), Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration CDCi/m3)
Year
1979
1982
NV-10.
Number
of Samples
Ely, Nevada
Days
Detected
322.9
344.7
307.0
75.9
75.9
68.9
2.6
2.6
Radionuclide
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
8.6
<20
6.0
26
<3
6.1
22
<30
Minimum
<1
<2
<0.6
18
<2
<0.9
22
<30
Average
1.5
<2
0.97
21
<2
<2
22
16
Radioactivitv Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
Number
of Samples
48/4*
45/7*
52/0*
48/4*
42/10*
49/2*
47/6*
44/9*
53/0*
52/0*
Days
Detected
279.7
253.6
306.1
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Maximum
32
<30
6.2
31
24
3.1
N/A
23
2.3
N/A
48
3.8
31
Minimum
17
<5
<2
19
-2.9
-2.7
N/A
-13
-1.3
N/A
-14
-2.3
19
Average
24
3.5
0.74
25
3.8
0.46
-22
4.9
0.40
24
6.9
0.29
25
*positive/negative
106
-------
NV-10. Ely, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
Number
of Samples
52/0*
52/0*
48/4*
47/5*
47/2*
45
46
50
43
43
52
50
50
51
38
38
45
1
1
1
4
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
36
7.5
30
20
14
35
11
7.7
30
10
3.9
32
11
7.5
31
12
4.4
24
-3.2
-0.55
1.6
Minimum
-7.7
-3.7
20
-11
-6.6
20
-16
-4.8
22
-16
-11
20
-13
-1.5
21
-19
-4.3
24
-3.2
-0.55
-0.2
Average
3.2
0.11
25
1.9
0.97
26
0.51
0.36
26
0.42
0.045
27
0.34
0.7
26
-14
0.50
24
-3.2
0.55
0.5
*positive/negative
107
-------
NV-6. Austin, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
Number
of Samples
49/3*
45/7*
52/0*
50/2*
45/7*
52/0*
41/11*
40/12*
53/0*
51/1*
48/4*
52/0*
39/13*
39/13*
46/3*
42
43
51
45
45
52
49
49
52
Days
Detected Radionuclide
219.9 Kr-85
212.9 Xe-133
236.0 HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
<40
<6
30
24 '
2.9
N/A
32
2.5
N/A
19
2.6
30
54
4.1
31
15
3.2
30
11
3.0
31
11
3.2
31
11
4.6
Minimum
16
<7
<2
19
-12
-1.1
N/A
-14
-1.6
N/A
-31
-2.3
20
-5.8
-3.7
21
-10
3.1
21
-12
-5.9
21
-18
-9.3
21
-9.4
-2.3
Average
24
4.8
0.68
25
2.1
0.55
23
5.5
0.15
25
4.2
0.13
25
3.7
0.26
25
0.89
0.50
25
-0.95
-0.0061
27
-0.55
-0.16
27
0.21
0.5
*positive/negative
108
-------
NV-6. Austin, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Number Days
Year of Samples Detected Radionuclide Maximum Minimum Average
1991
1992
32
32
46
2
2
2
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
31
9.5
4.0
26
0.000
0.49
22
-19
-2.0
24
-12
-0.52
26
-2.1
0.50
25
-6.1
-0.02
1993
HTO in Air
1.1
-1.7
-0.5
109
-------
NV-10. Ely, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (cCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
Number
of Samples
48/4*
45/7*
52/0*
48/4*
42/10*
49/2*
47/6*
44/9*
53/0*
52/0*
52/0*
52/0*
48/4*
47/5*
47/2*
45
46
50
43
43
52
50
50
51
Days
Detected Radionuclide
279.7 Kr-85
253.6 Xe-133
306.1 HTOinAir
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
<30
6.2
31
24
3.1
N/A
23
2.3
N/A
48
3.8
31
36
7.5
30
20
14
35
11
7.7
30
10
3.9
32
11
7.5
Minimum
17
<5
<2
19
-2.9
-2.7
N/A
-13
-1.3
N/A
-14
-2.3
19
-7.7
-3.7
20
-11
-6.6
20
-16
-4.8
22
-16
-11
20
-13
-1.5
Average
24
3.5
0.74
25
3.8
0.46
-22
4.9
0.40
24
6.9
0.29
25
3.2
0.11
25
1.9
0.97
26
0.51
0.36
26
0.42
0.045
27
0.34
0.7
*positive/negative
110
-------
NV-10. Ely, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3')
Year
1991
1992
1993
NV-11.
Number Days
of Samples Detected
38
38
1
1
1
4
Goldfield, Nevada
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
31
12
4.4
24
-3.2
-0.55
1.6
Minimum
21
-19
-4.3
24
-3.2
-0.55
-0.2
Average
26
-1445
0.50
24
-3.2
0.55
0.5
Radioactivitv Concentration CcCi/m31)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
Number Days
of Samples Detected
333.3
319.3
293.8
50/2*
50/2*
52/0*
48/4*
43/9*
51/0*
46.6*
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Maximum
34
<30
<6
30
11
2.3
N/A
30
2.3
N/A
Minimum
17
<8
<2
20
-8.2
-1.1
N/A
-14
-2.3
N/A
Average
25
6.0
0.55
24
1.0
0.33
24
5.2
0.06
24
*positive/negative
111
-------
NV-11. Goldfield, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
42/10*
52/0*
49/2*
44/7*
51/1*
42/10*
47/5*
46/3*
46
46
50
51
51
52
50
52
50
51
51
53
49
48
52
47
47
48
32
33
37
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
KR-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
30
4.7
31
45
1.7
29
26
3.9
32
15
8.3
32
12
4.3
32
8.0
16
31
9.8
14
31
13
2.9
32
7.5
3.4
31
4.9
3.2
Minimum
-5.8
-3.4
17
-13
-1.4
21
-16
-3.4
20
-21
-6.2
21
-14
-11
20
-12
-9.1
23
-11
-7.0
-21
-16
-2.7
23
-11
-13
23
-31
-3.1
Average
6.6
0.26
25
3.4
0.11
25
1.8
0.23
25
0.32
-0.063
26
0.82
0.23
27
0.32
0.4
27
-0.86
0.42
-26
-1.4
0.49
27
-2.7
0.2
28
-7.4
-0.0
*positive/negative
112
-------
NV-11. Goldfield, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1994
Number
of Samples
33
37
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
4.9
3.2
Minimum
-31
-3.1
Average
-7.4
-0.0
*positive/negative
NV-12. Hiko, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
1975
Days
Detected
189.9
195.8
205.0
153
337.9
335.8
349.5
349.9
348.0
348.0
298.0
341.0
298.0
346.5
353.4
313.6
353.4
313.6
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Maximum
19
570
13
<5
19
9
6.3
7.5
22
<6.2
4.4
<5.0
2.7
23
20
11
<3
6.7
Minimum
12
<2
<1.0
<5
12
<2.0
<0.48
<5.0
12
<2.0
<0.48
<1.7
<0.37
10
<4
<0.4
<2
<0.3
Average
16
<33
<4.4
<5.0
16
<2.1
<1.7
<5.1
17
<3.2
<1.8
<3.0
<0.88
17
<5
<2
<2
<2
113
-------
NV-12. Hiko, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
Days
Detected
349.4
349.4
321.5
349.4
321.5
358.6
364.5
329.3
364.4
329.3
357.7
357.7
321.8
357.7
293.0
327.5
334.5
357.6
334.4
348.9
200.0
318.8
318.8
296.8
2.6
2.6
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
25
<8
3.4
6.1
1.3
23
11
<5
<2
26
26
<20
<5
<20
4.0
30
<7
12
27
<20
8.6
31
<37
6.6
26
<6
Minimum
11
<4
<0.3
<2
<0.2
13
<4
0.7
<2
<0.3
14
<3
<0.8
<2<2
<0.4
14
<3
<0.7
15
<3
<0.5
14
<7.0
0.64
26
<6
Average
17
<5
<2
<3
<0.6
19
<5
<2
<2
<2
20
<3
0.73
0.94
19
<3
<2
21
<3
0.53
24
<7.0
1.0
26
1.9
114
-------
NV-13. Indian Springs, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration (oCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1975
April-
December
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
Days
Detected
252.7
259.7
259.7
259.7
259.7
350.6
357.6
335.7
363.6
328.7
350.2
350.2
316.5
350.2
316.5
344.4
363.6
334.6
356.5
300.5
333.5
362.4
355.5
346.5
356.6
328.8
361.6
361.6
342.7
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
30
12
7.5
<3
6
26
<8
12
18
7.6
30
<6
3.6
14
3.2
25
<5
<4
20
24
23
<20
7.5
29
<30
20
31
<40
5.1
Minimum
9
<4
<0.2
<2
0.42
12
<4
<0.2
<2
<0.2
14
<4
<0.5
<2
<0.2
16
<3
<0.8
<2
<0.5
16
<3
<1
15
<3
<0.5
18
<7.6
0.56
Average
20
<5
<3
<2
2.5
20
<4
<2
<3
<2
20
<5
<2
<3
<0.9
20
<3
0.83
<2
1.8
19
<3
<1
21
<3
1.5
24
<7.6
0.80
115
-------
NV-13. Indian Springs, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (cCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
Number
of Samples
44/8*
44/8*
52/0*
46/6*
41/11*
53/0*
48/4*
47/5*
51/0*
44/7*
46/5*
50/2*
42/11*
44/9*
49/0*
41
41
48
49
49
50
52
52
48
Days
Detected Radionuclide
307.8 Kr-85
307.8 Xe-133
355.7 HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
<40
<6
31
8.8
3.7
N/A
33
4.1
N/A
41
3.1
30
43
2.9
34
27
8.4
30
7.1
3.5
32
13
4.9
30
8.4
2.8
Minimum
17
<5
<0.6
19
-25
-4.4
N/A
-19
-0.96
N/A
-8.5
-2.4
21
-14
-2.9
20
-7.0
-2.3
20
-7.9
-3.0
21
-5.5
-1.8
21
-8.1
-5.0
Average
24
3.9
0.31
25
1.2
0.34
22
5.3
0.30 -
24
5.0
0.21
26
3.3
0.37
26
0.98
0.88
25
-0.54
0.41
26
0.75
0.37
27
0.26
0.1
*positive/negative
116
-------
NV-13. Indian Springs, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m3)
Year
1991
1992
1993
1994
NV-14.
Number Days
of Samples Detected
48
49
48
50
50
49
49
50
50
34
34
38
Las Vegas, Nevada
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
31
5.3
9.2
30
6.0
4.8
32
11
2.9
33
6.4
2.7
Minimum
21
-6.9
-3.7
22
-12
-4.3
23
-10.0
-1.8
25
-16
-1.9
Average
27
-0.64
0.86
26
-1.8
0.74
28
1.5
0.3
30
-3.3
0.2
Radioactivitv Concentration foCi/m3')
Year
1981
1982
Number Days
of Samples Detected
77.8
84.6
90.9
317.5
310.5
357.8
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
30
<81
4.0
32
<20
<8
Minimum
16
<6.1
<1.3
18
<4
<0.8
Average
24
<8.0
<1.3
24
3.0
0.35
117
-------
NV-14. Las Vegas, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (vCi/m3)
Year
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
Number
of Samples
46/6*
44/8*
51/1*
47/6*
43/10*
50/3*
45/7*
43/9*
52/0*
46/5*
46/5*
50/1*
47/5*
48/4*
49/0*
49
50
51
49
49
52
47
47
53
45
47
53
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
31
30
5.0
N/A
35
3.3
N/A
66
15
33
67
21
30
7.3
4.2
31
8.8
5.2
31
12
2.6
33
4.5
2.8
31
14
15
Minimum
20
-28
-2.3
N/A
-7.96.5
-1.1
N/A
-12
-2.7
18
-15
-8.1
20
-6.9
-6.2
22
-11
-8.1
21
-12
-1.7
20
-5.6
-2.1
22
-7.6
-2.9
Average
24
1.3
0.58
23
0.45
25
7.1
2.1
25
3.3
2.3
26
1.1
0.50
26
0.93
0.39
26
1.1
0.40
26
-0.28
0.4
27
-0.84
1.7
*positive/negative
118
-------
NV-14. Las Vegas, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Year
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
51
51
52
51
51
51
37
37
33
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
31
4.6
9.5
32
5.9
3.2
33
7.2
4.0
Minimum
21
-18
-4.9
2327
-8.1
-2.1
22
-11
-4.0
Average
26
-1.5
1.5
-1.8
0.5
28
-3.4
0.2
NV-15. Las Vegas, NVOO, Nevada
Radioactivitv Concentration (pCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
Days
Detected
207.3
234.5
260.0
201.7
314.3
335.1
354.6
335.1
295.0
290.0
342.0
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
Maximum
18
<2
12
<5
20
15
6.8
7.0
21
<6.9
<5.9
Minimum
10
<2
<0.33
<5
12
<2.0
<0.31
<5.0
13
<2.0
<0.45
Average
16
<2.0
<4.7
<5.0
16
<2.5
<1.5
<5.0
17
<3.4
<2.0
119
-------
NV-15. Las Vegas, NVOO, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3")
Year
1974
1975
1976
1977
NV-15.
Number Days
of Samples Detected
297.0
342.0
361.4
361.5
354.6
361.4
354.6
340.5
340.5
342.4
340.5
342.4
345.2
352.2
303.1
352.2
303.1
Las Vegas, NVOO, Nevada
Radionuclide
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Maximum
<5.0
30
11 -
4.4
<3.0
4.7
29
<7
17
7.0
1.8
23
10
4.5
<6
2.2
Minimum
<0.28
9.6
<4
<0.4
<2.0
<0.3
12
<3
<0.4
<2
<0.2
15
<4
<0.3
<2
<0.3
Average
<2.8
18
<5
<2
<2.0
18
<5
<2
<3
<0.6
20
<5
<2
<3
<0.7
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m3")
Year
1978
1979
Number Days
of Samples Detected
329.7
336.6
321.6
336.7
285.7
NO DATA
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Maximum
24
<20
<7
<30
7.9
Minimum
16
<3
<0.7
<2
<0.6
Average
20
<3
<1.6
<2
0.89
120
-------
NV-16. Lathrop Wells, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m3)
Year
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
Number
of Samples
50/2*
49/3*
52/0*
49/3*
43/9*
50/2*
49/4*
47/6*
53/0*
51/1*
48/4*
51/0*
46/6*
44/8*
Days
Detected
217.6
225.8
203.6
342.4
342.5
2.1
318.6
368.8
360.7
327.7 '
361.5
340.6
338.5
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Xe-135
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
23
<20
4.4
27
34
360
17
31
<78
4.8
29
<200
<7
32
26
2.8
N/A
51
4.0
N/A
29
5.8
32
84
18
30
7.7
Minimum
13
<3
<2
15
<3
360
<2
16
<5.8
<1.3
19
<7
<0.9
19
-9.9
-2.1
N/A
-21
-1.1
N/A
-7.2
-2.0
19
-5.8
-4.3
20
-15
Average
19
<3
<2
22
<3
<2.5
23
<5.8
1.4
24
8.0
0.69
26
4.8
0.54
22
7.1
0.46
24
6.6
0.40
25
5.3
1.5
25
0.24
*positive/negative
121
-------
NV-16. Lathrop Wells, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m31)
Year
1987
1988
1989
1990
Number
of Samples
47/2*
47
47
48
43
44
50
50
50
Days
Detected
Radionuclide
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
16
30
8.6
6.3
30
9.4
4.7
33
12
Minimum
-4.4
18
-14
-12
21
-7.5
-2.4
22
-10
Average
1.3
26
-0.03
-0.53
26
0.16
28
26
0.17
*positive/negative
NV-18.
NTS, Area 15,
Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3")
Year
1979
1980
1981
Number
of Samples
Days
Detected
210.8
217.7
155.7
364.5
357.5
3.0
322.7
356.9
356.9
341.7
Radionuclide Maximum
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Xe-135
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
24
<40
62
29
<40
64
57
33
<130
90
Minimum
14
<3
<2
16
<4
64
6.9
18
<4.9
Average
19
<3
21
<4
26
25
<4.9
25
122
-------
NV-19. Area 51, (Groom Lake), Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1981
NV-20. NTS, Area 400,
Days
Detected
350.5
343.5
277
Nevada
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
<62
25
Minimum
18
<2.2
0.63
Average
24
4.2
2.5
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1979
1980
1981
Days
Detected
201.6
218.4
176.5
367.5
367.4
213.9
278.9
278.9
345.7
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
23
7.7
33
<50
7.3
33
<63
10
Minimum
11
<3
2.0
17
<3
<0.30
15
Average
18
<3
<3
21
<3
1.1
23
3.5
1.7
123
-------
NV-21. NTS, BJY, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration CuCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
Days
Detected
278.6
291.7
284.8
284.8
358.2
351.3
357.6
358.2
327.0
340.0
355.0
340.0
355.0
363.4
363.4
363.4
363.4
363.4
356.4
355.4
356.6
363.4
356.6
306.4
336.6
323.2
330.5
317.3
335.6
356.5
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
23
530
75
<5
27
240
120
17
32
1000
59
20
34
38
31
20
<3
9.2
27
<6
51
4.0
<8
35
100
35
6
7.7
29
14,000
Minimum
12
<2
<0.26
<5
13
<2.0
0.66
<5.0
13
<2.0
10
<1.7
<0.34
9.8
<4
<1
<2
<0.4
13
<4
<0.6
<2
<0.2
13
<2
<2
<2
<0.5
19
<2
Average
17
<36
<20
<5.0
18
<30
<25
<6.1
19
<44
13
<3.5
<4.1
19
<6
<7
<2
<1
20
<5
<7
<3
<2
21
<7
<11
<3
<2
22
240
124
-------
NV-21. NTS, BJY, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1978
1979
1980
1981
Days
Detected
329.6
356.5
322.6
336.8
337.8
307.5
363.6
348.6
3.0
361.7
311.6
320.9
340.7
Radionuclide
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Xe-135
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
110
<20
37
33
24
27
32
2,100
39,000
32
39
1,500
32
Minimum
1.2
<2
<0.2
15
<2
1.5
14
<3
39,000
0.68
18
<3.2
1.7
Average
13
<2
2.7
21
<2
<7
23
32
39,000
9.6
26
45
12
NV-22. NTS, Building 790, Nevada
Year
Number
of Samples
Days
Detected
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Radionuclide Maximum Minimum Average
1975
343.2
349.3
341.3
349.3
341.3
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
34
13
6.3
<3
5.4
8.2
<4
<0.4
<2
0.23
18
<5
<2
<3
<2
125
-------
NV-23. NTS, Desert Rock, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3")
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
Days
Detected
237.4
250.5
223.4
223.6
335.0
342.1
357.7
342.0
355.0
368.0
368.0
361.0
368.0
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Maximum
25
30
15
<5
21 -
13
5.0
13
31
53
15
<8.8
9.2
Minimum
12
<2
0.71
<5
13
<2.0
<0.50
<5.0
12
<2.0
<0.74
<1.5
<0.36
Average
16
<2.8
<3.8
<5.0
16
<2.5
<1.9
<5.3
18
<4.2
<2.6
<3.0
<1.4
NV-24. NTS, Gate 700, Nevada
Year
1972
Number
of Samples
1973
Days
Detected
252.4
246.4
201.7
217.7
323.1
344.2
327.6
337.2
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Radionuclide Maximum Minimum Average
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
23
<2
15
<5
20
16
7.9
8.3
13
<2
<0.83
<5
13
<2.0
<0.59
<5.0
16
<2.0
<5.2
<5.0
16
<3.3
<2.5
<5.2
1974
348.0
348.0
Kr-85
Total Xe
22
6.3
12
<2.0
17
<3.3
126
-------
NV-24. NTS, Gate 700, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
NV-25.
Number Days
of Samples Detected
356.0
342.0
356.0
NTS, Mercury, Nevada
Radionuclide
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Maximum
35
6.3
<14
Minimum
0.64
<1.7
0.58
Average
<3.6
<3.1
<3.7
Radioactivity Concentration (oCi/m3)
Year
1976
1977
1978
1979
Number Days
of Samples Detected
340.5
340.5
342.4
340.5
342.4
345.6
358.5
323.6
358.6
323.6
350.5
363.5
323.6
356.5
303.7
347.6
362.6
312.7
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
29
<7
17
7.0
1.8
24
7.1
7.6
9
4.5
28
170
32
<20
6.4
25
<9
6.5
Minimum
12
<3
<0.4
<2
<0.2
13
<2
<0.3
<2
<0.3
15
<3
<0.7
<2
<0.60.8
13
<0.4
0.77
Average
18
<5
<2
<3
<0.6
20
<5
<2
<3
<0.8
20
5.7
1.8
<2
19
<0.4
<2
1980
350.6
Kr-85
30
15
21
127
-------
NV-25. NTS, Mercury, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m3)
Year
1980
1981
NV-26.
Number
of Samples
Overton, Nevada
Days
Detected
335.6
313.6
302.3
316.3
355.7
Radionuclide
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
<40
22
30
<40
9.6 -
Minimum
<3
<0.5
16
<2.8
1.3
Average
<3
1.6
23
4.6
2.0
Radioactivitv Concentration foCi/m3")
Year
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
Number
of Samples
48/4*
47/5*
51/1*
42/12*
39/15*
48/4*
48/4*
47/5*
51/1*
49/3*
47/5*
Days
Detected
7.0
7.0
23.0
307.3
281.2
254.4
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
26
<13
<3.1
30
<60
<8
30
35
4.7
N/A
20
4.3
N/A
17
4.2
32
31
Minimum
26
<13
<1.5
18
<6
<2
19
-11
-1.7
N/A
-18
-1.6
N/A
-4.7
-3.3
17
-11
Average
26
<13
<1.5
24
5.5
0.15
25
5.3
0.44
23
5.8
0.13
24
4.4
0.13
25
2.4
*positive/negative
128
-------
NV-26. Overtoil, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (oCi/m3)
Year
1986
1987*
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
50/2*
47/5
48/4
47/2
48
51
50
49
49
52
50
51
52
53
53
53
52
52
51
50
50
52
35
36
38
Days
Detected Radionuclide
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
5.3
33
16
17
32
8.2
15
31
10
4.5
32
9.2
7.2
32
13
2.8
31
8.2
5.7
32
11
4.5
32
5.6
7.8
Minimum
-5.2
20
-12
-11
20
-10
-3.8
21
-13
-3.1
22
-12
-3.3
21
-9.7
-3.9
21
-22
-4
22
-20
-6.2
23
-21
-3.7
Average
0.17
25
0.49
0.92
26
1.1
0.68
26
0.41
0.17
26
0.15
0.9
26
-1.5
0.40
26
-2.6
0.85
27
-3.8
0.4
29
-6.2
0.2
*positive/negative
129
-------
NV-27. Pahrump, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration CoGi/m3}
Year
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
Number
of Samples
42/10*
39/13*
52/0*
45/8*
41/12*
52/1*
47/5*
46/6*
51/0*
48/4*
. 47/5*
51/0*
50/1*
49/2*
49/0*
44
44
50
47
48
Days
Detected Radionuclide
95.6 Kr-85
95.6 Xe-133
99.7 HTO in Air
337.5 Kr-85
344.7 Xe-133
363.7 HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
29
<43
5.3
30
<40 '
<8
30
7.6
3.5
N/A
29
2.4
N/A
24
11
30
24
5.9
30
18
3.3
30
10
6.7
31
4.5
Minimum
15
<6.4
<1.1
20
<6
<0.9
18
-9.2
-3.5
N/A
-16
-2.4
N/A
-8.3
-3.5
19
-9.2
-4.7
21
-7.4
-5.2
21
-11
-8.1
20
-8.0
Average
23
6.5
1.5
24
3.9
0.39
24
1.9
0.25
23
5.9
0.22
25
4.4
0.37
25
2.2
0.28
26
1.0
0.09
25
0.67
0.18
26
0.23
*positive/negative
130
-------
NV-27. Pahrump, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
51
49
50
52
46
47
52
47
47
51
48
48
49
33
33
36
Days
Detected Radionuclide
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
4.3
30
7.7
12
31
4
5.9
30
5.8
6.5
33
5.5
4.8
34
4.7
2.9
Minimum
-2.0
21
-9.4
-5.2
21
-7.9
-3.0
22
-15
-2.2
21
-13
-2.7
25
-16
-2.3
Average
0.29
26
0.06
0.5
26
-1.4
-0.26
27
-1.1
0.10
28
-2.1
0.1
29
-3.3
0.4
131
-------
NV-28. Pioche, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m3)
Year
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
Number
of Samples
10/0*
10/0*
32/0*
13/1*
12/2*
52/0*
9/0*
9/0*
48/1*
51
52
51
46
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
34
22
3.4
30 -
9.4
2.7
29
9.7
4.9
4.7
3.5
5.1
8.4
Minimum
29
-4.1
-1.9
21
-3.2
-6.4
25
-5.4
-4.7
-5.1
-2.6
-6.2
-3.1
Average
31
8.0
0.35
26
2.4
-0.57
26
-0.18
0.82
0.27
0.22
0.6
0.61
*positive/negative
132
-------
NV-30. Rachel, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
Number
of Samples
45/6*
44/7*
52/0*
48/4*
47/5*
50/2*
45/7*
45/7*
53/0*
50/2*
48/4*
52/0*
44/7*
47/4*
46/3*
Days
Detected
280.6
283.7
275.7
340.4
327.1
347.9
304.2
297.2
361.4
347.7
326.6
361.9
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
21
<7
<6
28
<50
11
33
<78
<5.0
31
<40
<7
31
16
4.4
N/A
38
3.0
N/A
24
5.1
31
45
14
29
9.2
5.6
Minimum
14
<3
<0.8
15
<3
<1
13
<4.5
<1.3
19
<5
<0.6
20
-56
-1.1
N/A
-16
-1.4
N/A
-10
-2.1
19
-7.6
-1.9
20
-13
-5.7
Average
18
<3
<0.8
21
<3
1.6
24
4.7
<1.3
26
4.2
0.48
24
0.74
0.71
22
6.2
0.33
22
4.3
0.33
25
3.5
1.3
25
0.35
0.29
*positive/negative
133
-------
NV-30. Rachel, Nevada (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration (oCi/m3)
Year
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
43
48
50
48
48
52
49
52
51
45
46
50
44
44
48
41
41
47
34
34
38
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
12
5.0
32 -
9.0
4.2
32
10
10
30
15
2.4
31
7.2
2.3
31
8.4
2.8
32
8.2
4.1
Minimum
21
-17
-5.0
21
-10
-15
21
-14
-4.0
22
-15
-4.6
20
-15
-2.3
20 '
-14
-2.6
21
-37.0
-2.1
Average
26
0.41
0.34
27
0.47
0.02
27
-0.46
0.5
27
-1.1
0.40
26
-2.6
0.38
27
-2.4
0.1
28
-8.9
0.6
134
-------
NV-31. Tonopah, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Number
Year of Samples
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
Days
Detected
234.9
259.4
252.6
251.4
350.8
356.9
357.4
349.9
344.0
356.0
357.0
350.0
364.0
355.4
361.3
368.3
361.3
368.3
363.3
363.3
363.5
363.3
357.5
357.8
364.5
336.7
356.6
329.7
336.6
349.6
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Total Xe
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
21
<2
7
<5
21
<2.0
4.7
18
25
<6.9
<5.2
<5.0
4.5
24
<9
5.6
<3
4.2
25
<7
13
4.0
4.3
23
15
<5
<7
1.8
27
<20
Minimum
12
<2
<0.64
<5
13
<2.0
<0.78
<5.0
11
<2.0
<0.59
<1.7
<0.41
10
<4
<0.4
<2
<0.2
13
<5
<0.3
<2
<0.2
14
<4
<0.7
<2
<0.4
15
<4
Average
16
2.0
<3.0
<5.0
16
<2.0
<1.6
<5.5
18
<3.7
<2.0
<2.8
<1.9
17
<5
<2
<2
<2
19
<5
<2
<2
<0.8
19
<5
<2
<3
<0.8
20
<3
135
-------
NV-31. Tonopah, Nevada(continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3}
Year
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
Number
of Samples
44/7*
42/9*
52/0*
48/4*
43/9*
52/0*
49/4*
48/5*
52/1*
48/4*
47/5*
52/0*
Days
Detected
329.7
349.6
315.5
359.4
364.5
335.7
355.5
348.5
329.0
339.1
338.0
350.0
355.3
348.3
355.6
Radionuclide
HTO in Air
CH3T
HT
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
4.2
<20
<20
23
<10 -
6.2
28
<40
16
31
<50
5.8
31
<60
<5
32
54
2.5
N/A
41
2.3
N/A
47
3.4
30
57
4.4
Minimum
<0.9
<2
<0.5
14
<3
<0.5
16
<3
<2
17
<6.4
<0.83
16
<7
<2
21
-13
-2.2
N/A
-11
-1.6
N/A
-16
-2.2
18
-5.6
-4.5
Average
1.1
<2
0.5
18
<3
<0.8
21
<3
<2
25
<6.4
1.1
24
6.0
0.45
25
3.4
0.47
23
6.5
0.14
25
4.8
0.20
25
4.4
0.03
*positive/negative
136
-------
NV-31. Tonopah, Nevada(continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
45/6*
43/8*
48/1*
43
43
51
49
51
48
49
51
52
46
46
52
45
46
51
48
49
52
34
35
52
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
30
9.3
5.0
30
16
8.5
33
11
3.9
31
16
10
31
7.2
12
31
8.8
4.9
31
12
2.5
32
4.9
2.4
Minimum
20
-9.5
-3.5
21
-12
-6.0
22
-13
-7.1
22
-11
-4.6
21
-14
-6.1
20
-16
-2.4
22
-19
-4.5
24
-23
-4.2
Average
26
1.8
0.77
25
1.0
-0.10
27
-0.15
-0.14
26
-0.66
0.9
26
-1.4
0.79
26
-1.2
0.55
27
-1.4
0.2
28
-6.9
0.1
*positive/negative
137
-------
NV-32. Twin Springs Ranch, Nevada
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1982
1988
1991
1992
1993
1994
Number
of Samples
1
1
28
27
6
43
43
50
47
47
52
37
37
37
Days
Detected Radionuclide
2.6 Kr-85
2.6 Xe-133
Kr-85
Xe-133
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
XE-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
27
<200
24
9.2
30
5.9
2.2
30
4
5.6
32
12
2.4
32
7.6
2.3
Minimum
27
<200
24
9.2
22
-15
-1.6
22
-13
-4.0
23
-15
-2.7
23
21
-2.1
Average
27
55
*
*
27
-2.6
0.14
26
-0.94
0.44
28
-2.7
0.3
29
-6.4
0.2
Insufficient data to calculate average.
138
-------
Utah
NV-1. Cedar City, Utah
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
Number
of Samples
46/6*
42/10*
52/0*
49/4*
46/7*
50/2*
47/5*
44/8*
52/0*
44/8*t
39/13*
52/0*
42/10*
44/8*
48/1*
39
42
49
48
48
52
49
Days
Detected Radionuclide
279.5 Kr-85
251.5 Xe-133
336.0 HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Maximum
32
<50
<7
28
16
2.8
N/A
33
1.9
N/A
27
3.0
30
33
5.9
31
15
5.6
31
13
3.8
30
11
4.9
32
Minimum
20
<5
<2
18
-6.7
-1.2
N/A
-58
-2.3
N/A
-12
-2.0
19
-4.9
-5.9
21
-7.2
-5.5
21
-9.0
-4.2
20
-8.8
-1.8
21
Average
25
6.8
0.35
24
2.3
0.46
22
5.7
0.06
24
4.6
0.31
24
3.9
0.16
26
1.5
0.30
25
2.5
0.22
26
0.52
-0.44
26
*positive/negative
139
-------
NV-1. Cedar City, Utah (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration CoCi/m3^
Year
1990
1991
1992
1993
Number
of Samples
49
52
33
33
45
4
4
3
35
Days
Detected Radionuclide
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
9.0
5.0
29
5.5
3.9-
28
1.7
0.88
2.1
Minimum
-11
-4.9
22
-14
-7.0
21
-17
-1.4
-1.3
Average
-0.13
0.4
26
-2.2
0.11
26
-4.6
-0.32
0.1
*positive/negative
UT-2. Delta, Utah
Year
1991
1992
1993
Number
of Samples
4
4
1
1
1
Radioactivity Concentration (pCi/m3)
Days
Detected Radionuclide Maximum Minimum Average
Kr-85
Xe-133
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
30
10
28
0.00
-0.40
0.8
25
6.2
28
0.00
-0.40
-0.2
27
8.5
28
0.00
-0.40
0.2
140
-------
UT-3. Milford, Utah
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1991
1992
1993
UT-4.
Number Days
of Samples Detected
3
3
1
4
Salt Lake City, Utah
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
28
8.9
1.6
1.3
Minimum
22
-6.7
1.6
-0.1
Average
26
-1.2
1.6
0.5
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
Number Days
of Samples Detected
224.1
208.1
224.1
31/15*
29/17*
47/4*
38/12*
32/18*
39/12*
9/15*
8/16*
44/7*
50/2*
43/9*
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
32
<40
<8
34
32
4.4
N/A
60
3.6
N/A
16
4.9
8.7
4.8
Minimum
19
<4
<3
18
-6.3
-1.8
N/A
-9.8
-2.0
N/A
-31
-2.0
-3.2
-8.9
Average
25
5.1
0.67
25
2.6
0.75
25
12
0.56
25
4.2
0.54
1.0
0.70
*positive/negative
141
-------
UT-4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3")
Year
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
UT-5.
Number Days
of Samples Detected
50
51
49
1
1
41
38
49
30
St. George, Utah
Radionuclide
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
HTO in Air
Maximum
4.9
4.2
6.4
24
-1.6
10
2.4
3.6
5.2
Minimum
-6.2
-3.5
-2.0
24
-1.6
03.3
-3.5
-2.9
-0.9
Average
0.33
0.40
0.6
24
-1.6
0.97
0.19
0.3
1.1
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1982
1983
1984
Number Days
of Samples Detected
294.6
287.7
336.6
47/5*
44/8*
49/2*
41/11*
39/3*
Radionuclide
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
Maximum
30
<30
<7
32
11
3.6
N/A
31
Minimum
19
<7
<0.9
19
-11
-2.5
N/A
-8.8
Average
24
4.6
0.33
25
0.61
0.62
23
5.7
*positive/negative
142
-------
UT-5. St. George, Utah (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration foCi/m3)
Year
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
Number
of Samples
52/1
49/3*
45/7*
50/1*
40/12*
41/11*
50/2*
41/10*
42/9*
41/8*
35
39
45
47
48
52
48
49
51
46
49
51
Days
Detected Radionuclide
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Kr-85
Xe-133
HTO in Air
Maximum
4.0
N/A
24
3.3
30
16
7.2
31
13
6.1
32
9.6
4.9
30
8.3
7.8
31
6.3
4.5
30
14
5.2
Minimum
-2.4
N/A
-3.2
-3.1
19
-16
-10
20
-11
-3.1
21
-13
-8.3
20
-14
-3.5
20
-7.8
-2.3
21
-12
-2.6
Average
0.29
24
5.5
0.39
24
2.9
-0.18
25
0.41
0.60
26
-0.05
0.01
26
0.08
0.51
27
-0.48
0.6
26
-2.2
0.36
* positive/negative
143
-------
UT-5. St. George, Utah (continued)
Radioactivity Concentration TpCi/m3)
Number Days
Year of Samples Detected Radionuclide Maximum Minimum Average
1992 49 Kr-85 31 20 26
49 Xe-133 7.7 -11 -1.0
51 HTOinAir 8.8 -7.9 0.69
1993 46 Kr-85 33 21 27
47 Xe-133 19 - -19.0 -0.9
45 HTOinAir 3.4 -5.1 0.3
1994 34 Kr-85 31 23 28
35 Xe-133 3.3 -19 -5.7
36 HTOinAir 2.8 -2.8 0.2
144
-------
APPENDIX B.
REPLICATE SAMPLING PROGRAM
Purpose
The program was initiated for the purpose of routinely assessing the errors due to sampling
replication error and analytical/counting errors associated with the collection and analysis of
samples obtained from the surveillance networks maintained around the Nevada Test Site and
other sites designated by the Nevada Operation Office, Energy Research and Development
Administration.
Procedure
The program involved the collection and analysis of replicate samples from the Noble Gas and
Tritium Surveillance Network (NG&TSN).
At least 40 duplicate samples from each network were collected and analyzed over the report
period.
The principle that the variances of random samples collected from a normal population follow a
chi-square distribution (x2) was then used to estimate the confidence interval of the expected
population geometric variance for each type of sample analysis. The expressions used are as
follows:
s =
2
The 99% upper confidence limit for the total error (sampling + analytical/counting errors) of the
geometric mean of any group of samples collected from a given network was then determined as
the geometric mean +2.57
The following table summarizes the antilogarithm of the results for the 99% confidence limits on
the expected geometric standard deviation of the total error, compares the confidence limits of
the total error with the ranges in geometric standard deviations observed from the data of each
network, and lists the 99% upper confidence limit (UCL) expected from the
sampling/analytical/counting errors for the geometric mean of any Network samples.
145
-------
UPPER CONFIDENCE LIMITS OF SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL/
COUNTING ERRORS
From Evaluation
of Replicate Samples
Surveil-
lance
Network
NG&TSN
Analysis
85Kr
3H
HTO
HT
No. of
Repli-
cate
Samples
40
12
12
8
99% Confidence Limits
For Expected Geometric
Standard Deviation
LCLo 995 UCL0 005
1.20 1.26 1.38
1.41 1.69 1.81
1.52 1.90 3.56
1.20 1.34 1.98
Observed
Geometric
Std Dev
From Net-
work Data
Min Max
1.2 1.2
1.4 5.1
1.8 5.2
1.7 2.6
99%UCL
of
Total
Error
1.8
3.8
5.2
2.2
From a comparison of the observed geometric standard deviation with the counting errors, one
can see that the surveillance data exceed the variance to the sampling for the 85Kr data and the
environmental radiation TLD. The majority of variations in 85Kr concentrations are as the result
of the sampling and analytical/counting errors.
146
-------
APPENDIX C
Summary of Analytical Procedures
Type of
Analysis
Analytical
Equipment
Counting
Period (min)
Analytical
Procedures
Sample
Size
Approximate
Detection Limit3
3H
Automatic
liquid
scintillation
counter
with output
printer.
300
Sample prepared by
distillation.
5 to 10 mL for
water.
300 to 700 x
10-9uCi/mL
(11-26Bq/L)c
"Kr, 133Xe
Automatic
liquid scin-
tillation counter
with output
printer.
200
Separation by gas
chromatography;
dissolved in
toluene "cocktail" for
counting.
0.4 to 1.0m3
for air.
85Kr, 133Xe = 4x
10-12uCi/mL(1.5x
10"' Bq/m3)
The detection limit is defined as the smallest amount of radioactivity that can be reliably detected, i.e., probability of Type I and
Type II error at 5 percent each (DOE81).
Gamma spectrometry using a high purity intrinsic germanium (HpGe) detector.
Depending on sample type.
147
-------
APPENDIX D
Announced United States Nuclear Tests
Yannigan-Red, -Blue, -White
Cyathus
Snubber
Hod-A (Green), -B (Red)
Mint Leaf
Diamond Dust
Manzanas
Hudson Moon
Flask-Green, -Yellow, -Red
Piton-C
Piton-A and Piton-B
Arnica- Violet
Scree-Acajou, -Alhambra
Truchas-Chamisal
Avens-Cream
Carpetbag
Baneberry
Harebell
Camphor
Miniata
Bracken
Diagonal Line
Dianthus
Sappho
Ť-s>4ji=ťwťť., ,.,-.,..., _..
;;^gDate.^->
02/26/70
03/06/70
04/21/70
05/01/70
05/05/70
05/12/70
05/21/70
05/26/70
05/26/70
05/28/70
05/28/70
06/26/70
10/31/70
10/28/70
12/16/70
12/17/70
12/18/70
06/24/71
06/29/71
07/08/71
07/09/71
11/24/71
02/17/72
03/23/72
IJ-^Edcati^d^^g
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Vela Uniform
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Plowshare
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Safety Experiment
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Plowshare
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
148
Continued
-------
Kara
Zinnia
Merida
Atarque
Cebolla
Arsenate
Solanum
Miera
Gazook
Angus
Velarde
Colmor
Starwort
Mesita
Kashan
Potrillo
Portulaca
Waller
Bernal
Pajara
Seaform
Elida
Pinedrops-B ayou
Hulsea
Grove
Fallen
Jara
Escabosa
05/11/72
05/17/72
06/07/72
07/25/72
08/09/72
11/09/72
12/14/72
03/08/73
03/23/73
04/25/73
04/25/73
04/26/73
04/26/73
05/09/73
05/24/73
06/21/73
06/28/73
10/02/73
11/28/73
12/12/73
12/13/73
12/19/73
01/10/74
03/14/74
05/22/74
05/23/74
06/06/74
07/10/74
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
149
Continued
-------
Crestlake-Tansan, -Briar
Puye
Hybla Fair
Temescal
Portola, Portola-Larkin
Bilge
Cabrillo
Kasseri
Esrom
Shallows
Colby
Rivoli
Billet
Banon
Dofino, Dofino-Lawton
Marsilly
Carnelian
Gruyere-Gradino
Flotost
Coulommiers
Bobstay
Hybla Gold
Farallones
Campos
Reblochon
Karab
Satz
Quargel
07/18/74
08/14/74
10/28/74
11/02/74
02/06/75
02/19/75
03/07/75
10/28/75
02/04/76
02/26/76
03/14/76
05/20/76
07/27/76
08/26/76
03/08/77
04/05/77
07/28/77
08/16/77
08/16/77
09/27/77
10/26/77
11/01/77
12/14/77
02/13/78
02/23/78
03/16/78
07/07/78
11/18/78
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
150
Continued
-------
Farm
Kloster
Pepato
Fajy
Burzet
Nessel
Tarko
Norbo
Liptauer
Pyramid
Colwick
Canfield
Flora
Kash
Huron King
Tafi
Verdello
Bonarda
Riola
Dutchess
Miners Iron
Dauphin
Serpa
Baseball
Clairette
Seco
Vide
Aligote
12/16/78
02/15/79
06/1 1/79
06/28/79
08/03/79
08/29/79
02/28/80
03/08/80
04/03/80
04/16/80
04/26/80
05/02/80
05/22/80
06/12/80
06/24/80
07/25/80
07/31/80
09/25/80
09/25/80
10/24/80
10/31/80
11/14/80
12/17/80
01/15/81
02/05/81
02/25/81
04/30/81
05/29/81
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
151
Continued
-------
Harzer
Niza
Pineau
Harvard
Islay
Trebbiano
Cernada
Paliza
Tilci
Rousanne
Akavi
Caboc
Jornada
Molbo
Hosta
Tenaja
Gibne
Kryddost
Bouschet
Kesti
Nebbiolo
Monterey
Atrisco
Queso
Cerro
Huron Landing
Diamond Ace
Frisco
06/06/81
07/10/81
07/16/81
08/05/81
08/27/81
09/04/81
09/24/81
10/01/81
11/11/81
11/12/81
12/03/81
12/16/81
01/28/82
02/12/82
02/12/82
04/17/82
04/25/82
05/06/82
05/07/82
06/16/82
06/24/82
07/29/82
08/05/82
08/11/82
09/02/82
09/23/82
09/23/82
09/23/82
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
152
Continued
-------
Borrego
Seyval
Manteca
Coalora
Cheedam
Cabra
Turquoise
Armada
Crowdie
Mini Jade
Fahada
Danablu
Laban
Sabado
Chancellor
Tomme/Midnight Zephyr
Techado
Romano
Gorbea
Midas Myth/Milagro
Tortugas
Agrini
Mundo
Caprock
Duoro
Kappeli
Correo
Dolcetto
09/29/82
1 1/12/82
12/10/82
02/11/83
02/17/83
03/26/83
04/14/83
04/22/83
05/05/83
05/26/83
05/26/83
06/09/83
08/03/83
08/11/83
09/01/83
09/21/83
09/22/83
12/16/83
01/31/84
02/15/84
03/01/84
03/31/84
05/01/84
05/31/84
06/20/84
07/25/84
08/02/84
08/30/84
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
153
Continued
-------
Breton
Villita
Egmont
Tierra
Vaughn
Cottage
Hermosa
Misty Rain
Towanda
Salut
Ville
Maribo
Serena
Chamita
Ponil
Mill Yard
Diamond Beech
Roquefort
Kinibito
Goldstone
Glencoe
Mighty Oak
Jefferson
Panamint
Tajo
Darwin
Cybar
Cornucopia
09/13/84
11/10/84
12/09/84
12/15/84
03/15/85
03/23/85
04/02/85
04/06/85
05/02/85
06/12/85
06/12/85
06/26/85
07/25/85
08/17/85
09/27/85
10/09/85
10/09/85
10/16/85
12/05/85
12/28/85
03/22/86
04/10/86
04/22/86
05/21/86
06/05/86
06/25/86
07/17/86
07/24/86
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
154
Continued
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Aleman
Labquark
Belmont
Gascon
Bodie
Hazebrook
Tornero
Middle Note
Delamar
Presidio
Hardin
Brie
Mission Ghost
Panchuela
Midland
Tahoka
Lockney
B or ate
Waco
Mission Cyber
Kernville
Abilene
Schellbourne
Laredo
Comstock
Rhyolite
Nightingale
Alamo
09/11/86
09/30/86
10/16/86
11/14/86
12/13/86
02/03/87
02/11/87
03/18/87
04/18/87
04/22/87
04/30/87
06/18/87
06/20/87
06/30/87
07/16/87
08/13/87
09/24/87
10/23/87
12/01/87
12/02/87
02/15/88
04/07/88
05/13/88
05/21/88
06/02/88
06/22/88
06/22/88
07/07/88
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Safety Experiment
Weapons Related
155
Continued
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Kearsarge
Bullfrog
Dahlhart
Misty Echo
Texarkana
Kawich
Ingot
Palisade
Tulia
Contact
Amarillo
Disko Elm
Homitos
Muleshoe
Barnwell
Whiteface
Metropolis
Bullion
Austin
Mineral Quarry
Sundown
Ledoux
Tenabo
Houston
Coso
Bexar
Montello
Floydada
08/17/88
08/30/88
10/13/88
12/10/88
02/10/89
02/24/89
03/09/89
05/15/89
05/26/89
06/22/89
06/27/89
09/14/89
10/31/89
11/15/89
12/08/89
12/20/89
03/10/90
06/13/90
06/21/90
07/25/90
09/20/90
09/27/90
10/12/90
11/14/90
03/08/91
04/04/91
04/16/91
08/15/91
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
156
Continued
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Hoya
Distant Zenith
Lubbock
Bristol
Junction
Diamond Fortune
Victoria
Galena
Hunters Trophy
Divider
09/14/91
09/19/91
10/18/91
11/26/91
03/26/92
04/30/92
06/19/92
06/23/92
09/18/92
09/23/92
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
NTS
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Joint US-UK
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
Weapons Related
Weapons Effects
Weapons Related
157
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APPENDIX E
NGSS Theory of Operation
The NGSS is a programmable controlled device that collects and stores air in sample tanks at a
constant volumetric flow rate over a preset time period.
Constant volumetric flow through an orifice or nozzle happens when the differential pressure
across the orifice is sufficient to create a critical flow condition.
This condition is when flow through the orifice does not increase with decrease in downstream
pressure, and upstream pressure remains constant. When air flows through an orifice, the critical
condition is obtained if the upstream pressure is approximately two times the downstream
pressure. The equation for critical flow through a nozzle or orifice is:
g = .53 CP AljT
g = mass rate of flow (Ib/sec)
C = discharge coefficient
P = upstream pressure (PSIA)
T = absolute temperature (degrees Rankine)
A = orifice area (sq. in.)
Therefore, viewing Figure 1, air flow through the orifice is started by turning on the power
switch and pressing the cycle button. This starts the vacuum-air compressor unit to evacuate the
air accumulator tank and transfer its volume of air through the air filter, manifold valve
assembly, and into one of the four sample tanks.
Pumping will continue until the vacuum in the accumulator tank reaches 22" of Mercury (Hg), at
which time the high vacuum switch activates, turning the pumping system off. The moment the
system was started, incoming air flowed through the 75 micron (.0029") filter, heater coil tube,
orifice and into the accumulator tank. The accumulator tank continues to receive air which
causes the vacuum pressure to decrease. When the vacuum reaches 15" of Hg, still maintaining
critical flow at the orifice, the low vacuum switch activates restarting the vacuum-compressor
unit.
Air accrued in the accumulator tank is again transferred to the sample tanks. This cyclic
operation continues until the preset run time has expired. The figure shows direction of air flow
through the NGSS.
158
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159
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