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)

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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.

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