United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Radiation Programs
Eastern Environmental
Radiation Facility
P O Box 3009
Montgomery AL 36109
EPA-520/5-79-003
July 1979
Radian
Radiological Survey of
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard,
Kittery, Maine, and Environs
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EPA-520/5-79-003
RADIOLOGICAL SURVEY
OF
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD, KITTERY, MAINE,
AND ENVIRONS
R. S. Califs
S. T. Windham
C. R. Phillips
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
P. O. Box 3009
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
July 1979
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Radiation Programs
Waterside Mall East
401 M Street, S. W.
Washington, DC 20460
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EPA Review Notice
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and approved
for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and
policies of the EPA, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use.
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FOREWORD
The Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF) provides environmental surveil-
lance and analytical capability in support of the Office of Radiation Programs (ORP)
activities.
This report presents results of a harbor survey conducted by EERF personnel which was
designed to assess environmental radioactivity resulting from normal operations of nuclear-
powered vessels.
Readers of our reports are encouraged to bring comments, omissions or errors to our
attention.
Charles R. Porter
Director
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
at
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CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD jjj
List of Tables v
List of Figures v
I. Introduction 1
11. Characteristics of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard 1
III. Survey and Analytical Methods 1
IV. Results and Discussion 6
V. Conclusions 16
REFERENCES 19
TABLES
Page
1. Results of Aquatic Life Sample Gamma Analysis 7
2. Results of Air Sample Analysis 8
3. Results of Tritium Analysis 9
4. Results of Vegetation Sample Analysis 10
5. Results of Silt Sample Analysis 12
6. Results of Core Sample Analysis 14
7. Exposure Measurements at Sampling Sites 17
8. Exposure Measurements at Locations Other than Sampling Sites 18
FIGURES
Page
1. Sampling locations in the general survey area 2
2. Sampling locations in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) area 3
3. Gamma probe measurement locations 5
4. Silt sampling locations 11
5. Core sampling locations 13
6. Locations of external gamma radiation measurements 15
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I. Introduction
The Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA), in cooperation with the U.S. Naval Sea System Command
(NAVSEA) has conducted several radiological surveys of ports which serve nuclear
powered vessels. The first of these surveys was completed in 1963. Subsequently, surveys
have been conducted at ports on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts including Pearl
Harbor. The following references are examples of two surveys conducted at ports which
serve nuclear powered vessels (1,2).
These studies were undertaken to determine if nuclear powered vessel operations,
including berthing, repair, and servicing have created environmental radioactivity levels
which could result in significant radiation exposure to the public. These surveys are
conducted with emphasis on sampling those areas and pathways which would indicate
exposure to the public. This survey of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) was conducted
July 1977. Representatives from the States of Maine and New Hampshire participated in
the survey.
II. Characteristics of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
The facility is located in Portsmouth Harbor on Seavey Island. The shipyard is
accessible via bridge from Kittery, Maine, and occupies all of the island (figure 1). The
facility is approximately 1981 meters (east-west) by 1158 meters (north-south), an area of
277.8 acres. The Piscataqua River empties into the harbor on the west-northwest side.
The deepest part of the harbor is approximately 23 meters in the channel at low tide. The
shipyard is a major repair facility for the Navy's nuclear submarine fleet.
Observations made during the survey indicated that the harbor bottom surface is
rock at several locations. The bottom at other areas is mud. Tidal action supplemented by
the river flow results in a swift current around the shipyard. This current results in the lack
of sediment on the bottom surface at several locations.
Discussions with shipyard personnel indicated that most of the water is accessible to
the public by boat with the exception of certain areas which are restricted for security
reasons. There are extensive commercial fishing and recreational activities in the area,
the most significant being lobster fishing. There are many lobster traps (commercial and
private) in the immediate vicinity of the shipyard.
The shoreline of the harbor is utilized primarily for residential, recreational, and some
commercial activity.
III. Survey and Analytical Methods
The sampling locations covered a large area extending from Great Bay to Wallis
Sands Beach off Rye, New Hampshire, (figure 1). Concentrated sampling was performed
in close proximity of the PNS and primarily in locations where, based on shipyard
operations, radioactivity most likely could be found (figure 2). Discussions were held at
the shipyard with representatives of NAVSEA and local shipyard personnel to assist in
determining the sampling locations.
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•.:
KITTERY
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Figure 1. Sampling locations in the general survey area.
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SCALE
I I I I 1 I I I I I I |
.04
• Kilometer
Figure 2. Sampling locations in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) area.
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An underwater scintillation probe utilizing a 10-centimeter by 10-centimeter sodium
iodide detector was used with a 1024 channel pulse height analyzer to assist in locating
and delineating areas of radioactivity. Some problems were encountered in being able to
position the probe on the harbor bottom due to the swift current. However, readings were
taken at most desired locations. A 15-minute background spectrum was taken in Great
Bay for subtracting from counts taken at other sampling locations. All probe counts were
made for 15 minutes. Locations of probe measurements are shown in figure 3.
The underwater scintillation probe has been useful in past surveys to delineate areas
for dredge sampling of bottom sediment. No radioactivity above background could be
found by the underwater probe. Dredge samples were taken at locations where
radioactivity seemed most probable, based on shipyard operations both current and past.
Extensive sampling was performed at all dry docks, berthing areas, and repair
facilities.
A Peterson dredge was used to sample approximately the top 10 centimeters of
sediment. The samples were dried at 110° C, ground to a fine powder, placed in a400-cm3
container and counted on a 10-centimeter by 10-centimeter Nal (Tl) detector or a 40-cm3
Ge(Li) detector.
Core samples in past surveys have been useful in defining the vertical distribution of
radioactivity. Also, radioactive materials from past operations which were subsequently
covered with silt might be observed in the deep core samples. These samples were taken
by divers at several locations. A 2.4-centimeter diameter by 61-centimeter tube is used for
sample collection. The tube is pushed into the bottom as far as possible and then the ends
are capped. When the core samples arrive at the laboratory they are frozen, cut into 2.5-
centimeter sections and counted in the wet state.
Vegetation samples were collected where available in the vicinity of the PNS.
Vegetation was the most abundant on pier pilings and on rock near the shoreline. These
samples were dried at 110° C, ground to a fine powder, and analyzed for gamma emitting
radionuclides. Several water samples were also collected and analyzed for gamma
emitting nuclides and tritium.
Divers were used for collection of most of the aquatic life samples consisting of
lobster, crab, flounder, mussel, and starfish. These samples were analyzed for gamma
emitting radionuclides. Sample preparation for counting consisted of cutting and
packing the material in a 400-cm3 container.
Air samples were collected specifically for determining the presence of airborne
gamma emitters. Also, a moisture sample was collected to determine if tritium was
present. A high volume air sampler with an MSA Dust Filter was used for collecting
particulate gamma emitters, and a low volume air pump was used with a Drierite column
for the collection of moisture in the air to be analyzed for tritium.
Direct radiation exposure measurements were made using a pressurized ionization
chamber (PIC) (3). Those areas accessible to the public were of particular interest.
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SCALE
I I I i ii i i i r r
.04 .4
Kilometer
Figure 3. Gamma probe measurement locations.
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IV. Results and Discussion
Cobalt-60 is the only isotope that could be attributed to nuclear ship operation that
has been found during the survey conducted several years ago (4). All samples during this
survey were analyzed for gamma emitting radionuclides with particular emphasis on
cobalt-60. In addition to the gamma analysis, air and water samples were analyzed for
tritium.
There is considerable fishing in the area, both commercial and sport, with some in
very close proximity to the shipyard. Aquatic life samples were collected in the waters of
the shipyard which are most accessible to the public. No radioactivity (other than natural
<°K) above minimum detectable levels was found in any of the aquatic life samples other
than a trace amount of 95Zr-95Nb which is attributable to fallout. This was verified by the
presence of larger amounts of 9sZr-95Nb detected in the silt background sample (0.11
± 70% pCi/g) as shown in table 5. Results of these analyses are shown in table 1.
Air samples were collected and analyzed for tritium and gamma emitters (table 2). No
gamma emitters other than background and those which are attributed to fallout were
detected. Results of the tritium analyses were within the range detected routinely in the
northeast part of the United States by the Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring
System (ERAMS). Results from the (ERAMS) station in Buffalo, New York, for the same
date is included in the table for reference purposes.
Water samples were collected and analyzed for gamma emitters and tritium. No
gamma emitting radionuclides above our detection limit were found. The trace quantity of
tritium detected is very close to the limit of detectability (0.2 nCi/l) and is within the range
of tritium activity commonly found in water. Data from the background surface water
stations collected during the same time period are included in the results for reference
purposes. Results of the water analysis are shown in table 3.
Aquatic vegetation was collected in several harbor areas and analyzed for gamma
emitting radionuclides. No activity found in the vegetation could be attributed to shipyard
operation. Radionuclides detected were either naturally occurring or a result of fallout.
Data from the vegetation analysis are shown in table 4.
The silt sampling was the most extensive o,f all the sampling activities. Any recent
releases of radioactivity will usually be detectable in the silt. Silt samples were collected at
47 locations and no cobalt-60 was detected in any of the samples (figure 4). The only
radionuclides detected were those attributed to fallout and those which are naturally
occurring as shown by the analyses of the background sample (table 5).
Core samples were collected at eleven locations (see figure 5) to determine the
vertical distribution of radioactivity in the sediment. The only detectable radionuclides
were naturally occurring and those which are attributed to fallout. Results of the core
sample analyses indicated no significant difference in any of the samples. Results for the
core sample taken at Dry Dock #1 are shown in table 6.
The external gamma exposure rate was measured at several locations using a PIC
The areas of interest were those which are readily accessible to the public A series of
measurements was made over water at the site boundary. These measurements were
made approximately every 500 feet around the perimeter of the shipyard for a total of 104
measurements (figure 6). All readings were considered to be within the range of natural
background except those which were adjacent to the radiological repair barge Readings
at W20, W21, and W22 were slightly above background presumably due to material in the
barge. These readings would result in a small annual exposure above the natural
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Table 1
Results of Aquatfc Life Sample Gamma Analysis
Sample Type
Collection
Location
Specific Gamma Activity
(pCi/g wet weight)
Lobster (composite)
Flounder (composite)
Muscle
Crab
End of Dry Dock 3 (Site 7)
Berth 12 (Site 10)
Sound Pier (Site 20)
Discharge at Dry Dock 1 (Site 15)
End of Dry Dock 3 (Site 7)
Berth 1 (Site 58)
Berth 11-Bad Barge (Site 56)
Berth 12 (Site 10)
95Zr-95Nb 0.02 ± 60%
*°K 1.70 ±12%
0.02 ±66%
2.48+ 8%
0.05 ±73%
1.30 ±37%
0.10 ±77%
1.87 ±54%
«oK
40K
Site locations are approximate since these are aquatic life samples collected underwater.
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Location
Table 2
Results of Air Sample Analysis
Radionuclide
Activity
(pCi/l)
Building H.2 (Site 63)
Niagara Falls (ERAMS station)
(for reference purpose)
3H
i«Ce
7Be
95Zr-95Nb
214Bj
<"Ce
7Be
95Zr-95Nb
214Bi
0.02 ± 8.7%
6.85 x 10-5 ±11%
Trace
8.17 x 10-5 ± 2%
1.58x 10-5 ±56%
7.05 x 10-5 ±10%
Trace
7.86 x 10-5 ± 2%
7.85 x 10-6 ±97%
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Table 3
Results of Tritium Analysis
Location
Little Bay (Site 1)
Berth 13 (Site 9)
Berth 11 (Site 12)
Berth 5 (Site 25)
Poughkeepsie, NY
Radionuclide
3H
3H
3H
3H
3H
Activity
nCi/l
0.2 ±.2
0.2 ± .2
0.2 ± .2
0.3 ± .2
0.4 ± .2
(Background station for
ERAMS surface water
network)
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Table 4
Results of Vegetation Sample Analysis
Location
Specific Gamma Activity
Radionuclide (pCi/g)
Pier by bridge to Spruce Creek (Site 4)
End of Dry Dock 3 (Site 8)
Southeast of yard in Piscataqua River (Site 11)
Outboard of Rad. Barge (Site 13)
Discharge of Dry Dock 2 (Site 26)
Berth 6 (Site 27)
Southwest of Building 233 (Site 34)
South of Building 233 (Site 35)
Pier on Gerrish Island (Site 49)
9SZr.95Nb
232Tn
40K
95Zr.95Nb
95Zr-95Nb
232Tn
40K
214Bi
95Zr-MNb
232Th
40K
9SZr_95Nb
232Th
40K
95Zr-«*Nb
232-m
232-Th
40K
0.76 ± 6%
0.22 ±48%
13.73 ± 5%
1.29 ± 5%
18.21 ± 5%
1.09± 6%
0.20 ± 74%
18.40 ± 5%
0.53 ± 95%
1.59± 5%
0.26 ± 68%
53.30 ± 2%
2.23 ± 4%
0.27 ± 60%
29.29 ± 4%
0.65 ± 9%
0.17 ±82%
21.29± 4%
0.98 ± 7%
ND
21.46+ 4%
0.91 ± 7%
ND
19.17 ± 5%
1.95 ± 6%
ND
24.09 + 6%
10
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SEAVEY ISLAND
SCALE
I i f I I I I
.04
Kilometer
Figure 4. Silt sampling locations.
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Location
Table 5
Results of Silt Sample Analysis
(Partial Listing - These results are typical of all samples analyzed)
Activity pCi/g Dry Weight
Site 09 (Berth 13)
Site 13 (Berth 1)
Site 15 (Dry Dock 1)
Site 17* (Berth 1}
Site 25 (Berth 5)
Site 26 (Discharge Point of Dry Dock 2}
Site 38 (Back channel by Public Works Pier)
Site 45 (Entrance to Little Harbor)
Site 1 (Background)
137Cs
40K
214Bj
137
Cs
21 4Bj
137Cs
40K
214Bj
137Cs
40K
214Bi
137Cs
40K
214Bi
137
Cs
214Bj
137Cs
40K
214Bi
137Cs
40K
214Bi
137Cs
40K
214Bi
9SZr-95Nb
232Th
0.29 + 21%
19.99± 9%
0.75 ±18%
0.21 ± 22%
17.06± 10%
0.82 ± 15%
0.14 ±25%
12.43+ 9%
1.01 + 12%
0.25 + 30%
17.60 ± 5%
1.98 ±26%
0.47 + 17%
23.99 ± 9%
0.85 ±17%
0.29 ±21%
20.43 + 10%
0.83+ 19%
0.20 + 33%
16.33± 5%
1.45 ±32%
0.08 ± 33%
14.88± 9%
0.37 ±21%
0.08 ± 30%
14.79± 9%
0.57 ± 16%
0.11 ±70%
0.68 ± 8%
All samples counted by a GeLi except those with an * which were counted by a Nal (Tl)
detector. Locations are all shown in figure 4 except for site 1 which is shown in figure 1.
12
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SEAVEY ISLAND
SCALE
.04
I I I I I T
Kilometer
Figure 5. Core sampling locations.
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Table 6
Results of Core Sample Analysis
(All samples counted by an Nal (Tl)
Depth Below Sediment Activity (pCi/g)
Location Water Interface (cm) Dry Weight
Dry Dock #1 3 95Zr-95Nb 1.34 ±29%
Site 15 232Th 1.90 ±53%
<°K 25.50 ±21%
5 «7Cs o.71 ± 63%
95Zr-95Nb 1.20 ±29%
232Jh 1.50 ±60%
«K 20.77 ± 23%
8 95Zr-95Nb 0.90 ±37%
»'Th 1.77 ±50%
«°K 18.98 ±25%
10 95Zr-95Nb 0.33 ±90%
«2Th 1.50 ±54%
^K 21.37 ±20%
13 232Th 1.75 ±51%
<°K 18.82+25%
15 232Th 1.14 ±70%
"°K 18.30+23%
18 144Ce 1.51 ±83%
137Cs 0.44 + 90%
95Zr-9sNb 0.34 ±88%
232jh 0.98 ± 82%
«K 20.96 ± 20%
20 , 232Th 1.40 ±57%
«K 18.40 ±23%
23 ^Zr-^Nb 0.33 ±91%
1.50+54%
20.0 ± 21%
14
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SEAVEY ISLAND
Kilometer
Figure 6. Locations of external gamma radiation measurements.
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background if one was in this area continuously. In actuality, because of the location of
the barge, it is highly unlikely that a member of the general population would spend any
significant time adjacent to this radiological repair barge. Thus, no significant exposure
to the general public should result. These readings are shown in tables 7 and 8. Since
some of the sampling points were of very close proximity to each other, some of the PIC
readings would include more than one sampling location.
V. Conclusions
The radiological survey of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard provided the basis for the
following conclusions.
1. The survey demonstrated that the procedures which are being utilized by the
Navy to control the releases of radioactive materials into the harbor are effective. Also,
controls of direct gamma radiation around the shipyard are effective.
2. Levels of activity measured are close to the minimum detection limit for most
equipment. Radionuclides detected were either naturally occurring or attributed to
fallout. Survey results indicate that nuclear operations at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
are not contributing a significant radiation exposure to the public.
3. External gamma measurements indicate that shipyard operations do not
significantly raise radiation exposure to the public above natural background levels.
4. The continuation of the various controls by the Navy should be adequate to
insure continued absence of significant public exposure resulting from shipyard
operations.
16
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Table 7
Exposure Measurements at Sampling Sites
PIC Data (n R/hr)
Location Exposure Rate
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
17
18
19
20
21
24
25
26
4.9
4.9
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.5
4.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.9
5.5
6.5
5.0
4.5
4.5
4.5
6.2
6.9
27
28
29
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
47
48
49
50
51
6.9
4.2
4.5
4.5
4.5
6.2
6.2
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
5.0
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.7
17
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Table 8
Exposure Measurements at Locations
Other than Sampling Sites
PIC Data ( v R/hr)
.ocation Exposure Rate Location Exposure Rate
W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
W6
W7
W8
W9
W10
W11
W12
W13
W14
W15
W16
W17
W18
W19
W20
W21
W22
W23
W24
W25
W26
W27
W28
W29
W30
W31
W32
— •
4.5
4.5
5.0
5.0
4.9
5.0
5.0
4.9
4.9
4.9
5.0
4.9
4.9
4.5
4.5
5.0
4.9
4.5
6.0
8.5
6.0
7.5
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.5
4.3
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
W33
W34
W35
W36
W37
W38
W39
W40
W41
W42
W43
W44
W45
W46
W47
W48
W49
W50
W51
W52
W53
W54
W55
W56
W57
W58
W59
W60
W61
W62
W63
4.0
4.5
5.2
4.9
4.5
4.9
5.0
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.0
4.5
4.9
5.0
4.5
4.5
4.9
4.0
4.5
5.0
4.5
4.9
4.5
4.5
4.0
4.2
4.0
4.5
4.0
18
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REFERENCES
1. WINDHAM, SAM T. and CHARLES R. PHILLIPS. "Radiological Survey of New London
Harbor, Thames River, Connecticut, and Environs." Radiation Data and Reports, Vol. 14,
No. 11, November 1973.
2. CALLIS, R. S., S. T. WINDHAM, and C. R. PHILLIPS. "Radiological Survey of Puget
Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, and Environs." U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Report, EPA-520/5-77-001 (1977).
3. DECAMPO, J. A., H. L BECK, and P. D. RAFT. "High Pressure Argon lonization
Chambers for Measurement of Environmental Radiation Exposure Rates." HASL-260
(1972).
4. CAHILL, DANIEL F., et al. "Radiological Surveys of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Environs,
1966 - 1968." Radiation Data and Reports, Vol. 13, No. 6, June 1972.
19
All GAPS, »L. (793520)600
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