UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY APR 7 1986 REGION II DATE: SUBJECT: Survey Results o ~ GSA Raritan Depot Edison, New Jersey, FROM: Christopher J. Daggefe^^/ [/ Regional Administrator (2RA)\ T0" All Employees at EPA Edison Facility I am writing to update you on the results of the recent EPA radiation survey at the GSA Raritan Depot. As you know, EPA has been performing surveys of the GSA site since early summer, 1985. A report covering the chemical contamination at the site is already available in our Edison Library. The results of that study indicate that, under present use conditions, no hazard to health exists. In addition, we have just completed a radiation survey of buildings located on the GSA property. A report summarizing the results of radiological measurements of the buildings to determine the extent of any elevated radiation levels has been prepared. The report has been reviewed by Region II, EPA's Office of Radiation Programs, the NJDEP, GSA and the DS Army Corps of Engineers (COE). There were no elevated radiation readings in Buildings 10 or 209. In Buildings 205 and 214, elevated gamma radiation levels were found. As a result, the buildings were surveyed again in detail. Results of the surveys indicated that roofing tiles in some parts of the buildings may be causing elevated gamma radiation levels due to radium content. This type of material has been associated elsewhere with elevated gamma levels and indoor radon. Consequently, radon and radon progeny measurements were performed in buildings where above-background gamma radiation levels had been found. Subsequent measurements identified one elevated radon progeny level, in a warehouse area of Building 205. However, the present brief and intermittent use of this building by EPA and contract personnel will result in no significant exposure to radon or radon progeny. The COE is planning a complete assessment of the original property covered by the former Raritan Arsenal under its Defense Environmental Restoration Account program. Based on all of the information assembled by EPA, we have requested that the COE accelerate its radiological monitoring plans for potentially affected occupied buildings at the Raritan Arsenal. The COE has agreed. However, in order to expedite the studies and to assist the COE, arrange- ments have been made with EPA's Office of Radiation Programs to use staff from our Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility in Montgomery, Alabama to perform this survey. The survey has been scheduled for the week of April 28, 1986. REGION II FORM 1320-1 (9/85) ------- -2- If you wish to read the radiological or chemical report, both are available in the Edison Library. In addition, members of the Regional staff who have been involved in assembling this information will be available in the Edison Conference Room (Red Room) on April 21, 1986 from 9 to 12 am, to discuss any concerns you may have. ------- |