402-R-99-014 ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION DATA REPORT 97 January - March 1999 United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Radiation and Indoor Air ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- Preface Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is compiled and published quarterly by the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air's National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama, and contains data from the Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS). ERD is published in both hard-copy and electronic formats. Electronic reports are available online atwww.epa.gov/narel. The United States Environmental Protection Agency established ERAMS in 1973 with an emphasis on identifying trends in the accumulation of long-lived radionuclides in the environment. ERAMS is comprised of a nationwide network of sampling stations that provide air, precipitation, surface water, drinking water, and milk samples. Sampling locations are selected to provide optimal population coverage while functioning to monitor fallout from nuclear devices and other forms of radioactive contamination of the environment. The radiation analyses performed on these samples include gross alpha and gross beta analyses, gamma analyses, and radionuclide-specific analyses for uranium, plutonium, strontium, iodine, radium, and tritium. This monitoring effort also provides ancillary information on natural background levels and on routine and accidental releases into the environment from stationary sources. The radiochemical procedures used by NAREL to analyze the ERAMS samples are contained in the Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility Radiochemistry Procedures Manual (EPA 520/5-84-006). Station operation and sample collection are in accordance with procedures contained in the ERAMS Manual (EPA 520/5-84-007, 008, 009). vn ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- Acknowledgments All sampling for the Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS) is performed by volunteer collectors who are frequently members of the health departments or related environmental agencies of their respective states. The National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would like to acknowledge the time and effort of these volunteer collectors, who are so essential to the successful operation of ERAMS. The efforts of the sample collectors are especially appreciated during times of emergency operation when sampling frequencies are increased and schedules are sometimes demanding. IX ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- Data Reporting Conventions Every laboratory measurement involves uncertainty. When there is little or no radioactivity in a sample, one consequence of measurement uncertainty is the possibility of obtaining a measured value that is less than zero. Such a negative result occurs when random effects in the measurement process cause the measured value for the sample to be less than that of the blank or background, which is subtracted from it. From April 1991 to December 1995, negative results were reported as "not detected" or "ND," and gamma analysis results that were less than their estimated measurement uncertainties were also reported as "ND." In January 1996 both of these practices were discontinued. Although negative activities are physically impossible, the inclusion of negative results in the report allows better statistical analysis of the data. Results of gamma analyses are still reported as "ND" when gamma-emitting radionuclides are not detected. Measurement Uncertainty Each measured value y is reported with an expanded uncertainty U=k uc(y), which is determined from the combined standard uncertainty uc(y) and the coverage factor k = 2. The interval from^ - U toy+Uis estimated to have a level of confidence of approximately 95%. Significant Figures Expanded uncertainties are reported to two significant figures. Measurement results are rounded to the corresponding number of decimal places. Detection Capability The minimum detectable concentrations (MDCs) for each radionuclide are shown in Table 1. The MDC is defined as the minimum concentration that gives a 95% probability of detection when the detection criteria are chosen to give only a 5% probability of false detection in a blank sample. XI ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- Table 1 Reporting Units and Minimum Detectable Concentrations for Radionuclide Analyses Radionuclide Gross Alpha Gross Beta Tritium * Plutonium-23 8,23 9/240 f Uranium-234,235,238 Radium-226 Strontium-90 {Iodine-131 Cesium- 137 { Barium-140 Potassium Potassium-40 Media Water Air Water Precipitation Water Milk Air Water Air Water Water Milk Water Milk (gamma) Water (gamma) Water Milk Water Milk Water Milk Water Water Reporting Unit pCi/L pCi/m3 pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L aCi/m3 pCi/L aCi/m3 pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L pCi/L g/L g/L pCi/L Minimum Detectable Concentration 2 0.0015 2 2 150 150 0.75 0.1 0.75 0.1 0.02 2 1 4 4 0.3 5 5 15 15 0.06 0.06 50 * The MDC for air is based on an assumed total sample volume of 120,000 m3. Measurement by alpha spectrometry includes combined activities of 239Pu and 240Pu, since the relative contributions of these two isotopes cannot be determined. f The MDC for air is based on an assumed total sample volume of 120,000 m3. J Activity as of the day of counting. Xlll ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- 1. Air Program Airborne Participates and Precipitation Gross beta radioactivity measurements and certain specific analyses are performed on air particulates and precipitation samples as indicator measurements in assessing the general (national) impact of all contributing sources on environmental levels of radiation. Airborne particulates are collected continuously at field stations representing wide geographic coverage, including present and potential sources of environmental radioactivity. Sampling sites are located throughout the United States. Filters (10-cm diameter synthetic fiber) from air samplers are changed twice weekly and field measurements are made with a G-M survey meter at 5 hours after collection to allow for decay of natural radon isotopes and their progeny. Field estimates are reported to appropriate EPA officials by telephone or mail depending on the activity levels found. The filters are sent to NAREL for more sensitive analyses in a low background beta counter. Gamma scans are performed on all filters showing gross beta counts greater than 1 pCi/m3. The laboratory obtained values are usually lower than the field estimates due to the decay of naturally occurring radionuclides between the times of the two measurements. Precipitation samples are collected at most field stations collecting air filters. These samples are also sent to NAREL where they are composited monthly for gamma scans, tritium, and gross beta activity measurements. A compilation of individual measurements is available from the National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory, 540 South Morris Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36115-2601. ------- Table 2 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates January 1999 Location AK: Fairbanks AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock AZ: Phoenix CA: Los Angeles CO: Denver CT: Hartford DE: Wilmington FL: Jacksonville HI: Honolulu IA: Iowa City ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls IN: Indianapolis KS: Topeka ME: Augusta MI: Lansing MN: Welch MS: Jackson NC: Wilmington ND: Bismarck NH: Concord NJ: Trenton NV: Las Vegas NY: Albany NY: New York City NY: Yaphank OH: Paine sville OH: Ross OR: Portland PA: Harrisburg PA: Pittsburgh SC: Barnwell SC: Columbia SD: Pierre TN: Knoxville TN: Nashville TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel Number of Samples 2 8 7 4 8 6 8 8 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 8 14 8 3 1 2 2 8 3 8 7 8 6 6 8 8 1 8 5 8 8 8 5 -hour Field Estimate Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.2 1.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1 1.2 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.1 1.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.3 NAREL Lab Measurement Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.026 0.018 0.022 0.023 0.011 0.018 0.025 0.013 0.019 0.027 0.013 0.021 0.025 0.005 0.015 0.012 0.006 0.009 0.014 0.005 0.009 0.016 0.008 0.011 0.016 0.008 0.012 0.009 0.002 0.005 0.026 0.010 0.018 0.025 0.002 0.009 0.046 0.003 0.014 0.017 0.009 0.013 0.032 0.009 0.020 0.021 0.008 0.012 0.021 0.008 0.013 0.028 0.012 0.018 0.021 0.012 0.015 0.016 0.011 0.013 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.010 0.009 0.009 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.020 0.007 0.014 0.029 0.011 0.019 0.017 0.008 0.012 0.013 0.007 0.010 0.019 0.007 0.013 0.019 0.011 0.015 0.018 0.002 0.007 0.017 0.006 0.012 0.016 0.008 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.017 0.007 0.012 0.028 0.009 0.023 0.022 0.011 0.018 0.019 0.011 0.015 0.020 0.009 0.014 ------- Table 2 (continued) Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates January 1999 Location TN: Oak Ridge/K25 TN: Oak Ridge/Melton TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E TN:OakRidge/Y12W TX: Austin TX: El Paso UT: Salt Lake City VA: Lynchburg WA: Olympia WA: Spokane WI: Madison Number of Samples 8 8 8 7 7 5 5 8 1 8 4 5 -hour Field Estimate Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 1.9 0.3 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 NAREL Lab Measurement Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.019 0.009 0.013 0.018 0.009 0.013 0.016 0.009 0.013 0.015 0.009 0.013 0.023 0.008 0.016 0.026 0.009 0.016 0.016 0.006 0.011 0.013 0.007 0.010 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.024 0.002 0.011 0.021 0.008 0.013 ------- Table 3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates February 1999 Location AK: Fairbanks AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock AZ: Phoenix CA: Los Angeles CO: Denver CT: Hartford DE: Wilmington FL: Jacksonville HI: Honolulu IA: Iowa City ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls IN: Indianapolis KS: Topeka ME: Augusta MI: Lansing MN: Welch MS: Jackson NC: Wilmington ND: Bismarck NV: Las Vegas NY: Albany NY: New York City NY: Yaphank OH: Paine sville OH: Ross OR: Portland PA: Harrisburg PA: Pittsburgh SC: Barnwell SC: Columbia SD: Pierre TN: Knoxville TN: Nashville TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel TN: Oak Ridge/K25 TN: Oak Ridge/Melton Number of Samples 1 8 8 4 8 8 8 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 10 8 4 3 8 3 8 8 8 8 7 8 8 1 6 7 8 8 8 3 8 5 -hour Field Estimate Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.1 0.2 1.0 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.7 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.2 NAREL Lab Measurement Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.017 0.017 0.017 0.038 0.010 0.018 0.018 0.008 0.013 0.028 0.012 0.019 0.011 0.005 0.008 0.019 0.005 0.009 0.012 0.006 0.010 0.015 0.008 0.012 0.012 0.008 0.010 0.007 0.002 0.004 0.019 0.009 0.013 0.013 0.003 0.006 0.018 0.004 0.008 0.013 0.007 0.010 0.018 0.008 0.012 0.018 0.009 0.013 0.016 0.006 0.011 0.022 0.008 0.014 0.016 0.006 0.011 0.013 0.009 0.011 0.020 0.012 0.016 0.016 0.006 0.013 0.018 0.016 0.017 0.016 0.007 0.012 0.014 0.008 0.011 0.014 0.006 0.011 0.016 0.008 0.013 0.005 0.002 0.003 0.016 0.007 0.013 0.014 0.009 0.012 0.009 0.009 0.009 0.014 0.008 0.011 0.023 0.005 0.014 0.023 0.012 0.017 0.016 0.008 0.012 0.021 0.006 0.012 0.015 0.007 0.010 0.018 0.007 0.011 ------- Table 3 (continued) Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates February 1999 Location TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E TN:OakRidge/Y12W TX: Austin TX: El Paso UT: Salt Lake City VA: Lynchburg WA: Olympia WA: Spokane WI: Madison Number of Samples 8 8 7 8 5 8 4 8 8 5 -hour Field Estimate Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.2 2.1 0.6 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.2 NAREL Lab Measurement Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.019 0.007 0.012 0.017 0.007 0.012 0.012 0.006 0.009 0.020 0.013 0.017 0.015 0.006 0.009 0.014 0.005 0.009 0.004 0.002 0.002 0.012 0.002 0.005 0.017 0.009 0.013 ------- Table 4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates March 1999 Location AK: Fairbanks AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock AZ: Phoenix CA: Berkeley CA: Los Angeles CO: Denver CT: Hartford DE: Wilmington FL: Jacksonville HI: Honolulu IA: Iowa City ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls IN: Indianapolis KS: Topeka ME: Augusta MI: Lansing MN: Welch MS: Jackson NC: Charlotte NC: Wilmington ND: Bismarck NH: Concord NV: Las Vegas NY: Albany NY: New York City NY: Yaphank OH: Paine sville OH: Ross OR: Portland PA: Harrisburg PA: Pittsburgh SC: Barnwell SC: Columbia SD: Pierre TN: Knoxville TN: Nashville Number of Samples 1 9 9 5 2 9 9 9 4 9 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 9 8 2 7 2 9 5 9 8 7 8 9 9 9 1 9 7 9 8 5 -hour Field Estimate Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.3 0.3 0.8 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.1 3.2 0.2 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.1 NAREL Lab Measurement Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.019 0.019 0.019 0.026 0.010 0.017 0.017 0.009 0.012 0.019 0.014 0.017 0.006 0.004 0.005 0.012 0.004 0.008 0.014 0.007 0.011 0.013 0.005 0.008 0.013 0.007 0.011 0.014 0.006 0.011 0.007 0.001 0.004 0.021 0.011 0.014 0.014 0.004 0.008 0.012 0.006 0.008 0.011 0.008 0.009 0.015 0.008 0.012 0.012 0.004 0.008 0.013 0.007 0.011 0.018 0.007 0.011 0.019 0.008 0.013 0.017 0.008 0.012 0.011 0.009 0.010 0.018 0.010 0.013 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.014 0.009 0.012 0.013 0.007 0.011 0.015 0.005 0.010 0.012 0.007 0.009 0.011 0.009 0.010 0.013 0.009 0.011 0.007 0.002 0.005 0.014 0.006 0.011 0.015 0.008 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.017 0.007 0.013 0.015 0.008 0.011 0.025 0.011 0.017 0.016 0.007 0.012 ------- Table 4 (continued) Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates March 1999 Location TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel TN: Oak Ridge/K25 TN: Oak Ridge/Melton TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E TN:OakRidge/Y12W TX: Austin TX: El Paso UT: Salt Lake City VA: Lynchburg WA: Olympia WA: Spokane WI: Madison Number of Samples 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 9 7 9 8 5 -hour Field Estimate Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.0 0.3 0.7 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.1 NAREL Lab Measurement Max Min Avg (pCi/m3) 0.014 0.008 0.010 0.013 0.007 0.010 0.012 0.008 0.009 0.014 0.007 0.010 0.015 0.007 0.011 0.016 0.007 0.011 0.019 0.012 0.015 0.021 0.011 0.014 0.011 0.004 0.008 0.005 0.002 0.003 0.012 0.003 0.006 0.015 0.010 0.012 ------- Table 5 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation January 1999 Location AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock CT: Hartford FL: Jacksonville FL: Miami HI: Honolulu IA: Iowa City ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls MN: Minneapolis MN: Welch NC: Wilmington ND: Bismarck NY: Albany NY: Yaphank OH: Paine sville OR: Portland PA: Harrisburg SC: Barnwell SC: Columbia TN: Knoxville TN: Nashville UT: Salt Lake City VA: Lynchburg WA: Olympia WI: Madison Gross Beta Activity pCi/L ±2u 2.69 0.91 3.48 0.77 0.84 1.36 2.09 0.39 5.97 4.41 5.23 0.92 1.56 2.39 3.19 6.85 0.67 2.24 1.40 1.46 1.29 3.70 3.04 3.15 0.47 1.77 0.39 0.27 0.47 0.26 0.27 0.31 0.36 0.24 0.53 0.49 0.51 0.31 0.33 0.40 0.42 0.56 0.25 0.41 0.30 0.32 0.30 0.44 0.43 0.44 0.23 0.33 Specific Gamma Activity Nuclide pCi/L ± 2u Be7 Be7 Be7 K40 Be7 Be7 Be7 Be7 T1208 Be7 61 38 ND 40 29 ND ND ND ND ND ND 50 40 ND ND 25 38 68 33 ND 95 27 44 29 32 27 ND 3.0 2.4 ND 63 29 ND ND ND ND Note: ND = Not Detected ------- Table 6 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation February 1999 Location AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock AZ: Phoenix CT: Hartford FL: Jacksonville FL: Miami HI: Honolulu IA: Iowa City ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls MN: Minneapolis MN: Welch NC: Wilmington ND: Bismarck NY: Albany NY: Yaphank OH: Paine sville OR: Portland PA: Harrisburg SC: Barnwell SC: Columbia TN: Knoxville TN: Nashville UT: Salt Lake City VA: Lynchburg WA: Olympia WI: Madison Gross Beta Activity pCi/L ±2u 2.90 1.37 1.98 2.40 1.17 1.60 1.43 0.67 0.49 0.56 0.67 3.70 4.79 1.27 1.46 1.66 1.72 3.24 0.51 2.70 0.66 0.96 0.87 1.58 1.03 1.37 0.40 1.01 0.40 0.31 0.35 0.38 0.28 0.40 0.32 0.26 0.29 0.23 0.25 0.50 0.54 0.30 0.54 0.33 0.32 0.46 0.23 0.39 0.32 0.25 0.32 0.31 0.29 0.30 0.23 0.32 Specific Gamma Activity Nuclide pCi/L ± 2u Be7 Be7 Be7 Pb212 T1208 Pb212 T1208 Be7 Be7 Be7 Bi212 Pb212 Be7 T1208 Be7 Be7 Be7 62 38 72 31 ND 32 32 6.6 6.7 3.1 3.6 ND 4.8 6.8 3.3 3.6 ND ND ND ND ND 86 31 ND 38 30 ND 68 32 30 43 5.4 6.8 ND 60 36 2.0 3.6 50 33 ND ND ND 31 34 ND ND 30 31 ND Note: ND = Not Detected ------- Table 7 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation March 1999 Location AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock CT: Hartford FL: Jacksonville FL: Miami HI: Honolulu IA: Iowa City ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls MN: Minneapolis NC: Charlotte NC: Wilmington NY: Albany NY: Yaphank OH: Paine sville OR: Portland PA: Harrisburg SC: Columbia TN: Knoxville TN: Nashville TX: Austin UT: Salt Lake City VA: Lynchburg WA: Olympia WI: Madison Gross Beta Activity pCi/L ±2u 0.263 2.00 2.24 0.82 4.7 2.04 1.13 1.48 5.51 2.13 4.16 1.11 0.90 3.01 5.36 0.76 0.60 1.75 0.98 1.12 1.88 5.52 1.84 0.73 0.91 0.039 0.37 0.37 0.27 1.3 0.38 0.31 0.33 0.54 0.38 0.44 0.29 0.27 0.40 0.53 0.28 0.25 0.35 0.28 0.30 0.35 0.56 0.34 0.27 0.30 Specific Gamma Activity Nuclide pCi/L ± 2u Be7 Pb212 Be7 Be7 T1208 Pb212 K40 Pb212 Be7 K40 Be7 Pb212 T1208 Be7 Be7 Be7 Be7 Be7 K40 Be7 K40 Pb212 T1208 49 37 16.1 5.7 52 32 48 35 2.5 4.2 16.4 6.0 ND 27 22 4.6 6.5 ND ND ND 127 37 67 27 43 27 9.3 4.6 3.7 2.7 ND 67 31 63 33 35 27 34 30 36 41 56 61 ND 84 36 35 58 ND ND ND 20.9 5.6 2.7 4.3 Note: ND = Not Detected 10 ------- Table 8 Tritium in Precipitation January - March 1999 Location AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock AZ: Phoenix CT: Hartford FL: Jacksonville FL: Miami HI: Honolulu IA: Iowa City ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls MN: Minneapolis MN: Welch NC: Charlotte NC: Wilmington ND: Bismarck NY: Albany NY: Yaphank OH: Painesville OR: Portland PA: Harrisburg SC: Barnwell SC: Columbia TN: Knoxville TN: Nashville TX: Austin UT: Salt Lake City VA: Lynchburg WA: Olympia WI: Madison January 1999 pCi/L ±2u 3 74 -19 78 NS 38 76 3 74 0 74 -6 78 3 73 -53 77 6 79 119 79 21 75 NS 47 76 0 73 36 75 12 75 84 77 46 80 66 76 175 81 10 74 9 73 48 76 NS 21 79 28 75 51 73 5 74 February 1999 pCi/L ±2u 38 71 -47 80 -71 78 19 70 78 73 103 74 10 81 0 81 -6 81 -22 80 31 82 -26 80 NS 66 73 18 82 78 73 41 71 -8 81 -40 80 31 71 307 83 90 74 5 70 98 74 NS 14 81 45 71 -16 80 -24 80 March 1999 pCi/L ±2u 19 76 40 77 NS 25 80 -21 75 0 76 11 76 46 78 71 78 5 76 56 78 NS 94 80 -19 80 NS -3 80 -17 79 22 77 16 76 -24 80 NS 265 86 -33 74 27 77 91 79 61 78 40 78 2 75 73 78 Note: NS = No Sample 11 ------- Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates and Precipitation Environmental radiation levels of plutonium and uranium are determined by the analysis of annually composited samples (air filters) collected from the continuously operating airborne paniculate samplers. Concentrations of plutonium-23 8, combined plutonium-239 and 240, anduranium-234,235, and 23 8 are determined by alpha spectrometry following chemical separation. The volume of air represented by the annual composite ranges from 120,000 to 500,000 cubic meters. Plutonium and uranium results are published when they become available. 12 ------- 2. Water Program The ERAMS water program provides data on radionuclide concentrations in the nation's rivers, streams, and drinking water supplies. Surface Water Quarterly grab samples are taken downstream from nuclear facilities in as many as 58 stations. Surface water samples are analyzed for tritium quarterly and gamma-emitting radionuclides annually. Tritium is a primary potential radioactive pollutant from nuclear power plants and weapons production activities. 13 ------- Table 9 Tritium in Surface Water January - March 1999 Location AL: Decatur AL: Gordon AL: Scottsboro AR: Little Rock CA: Clay Station CA: Eureka CO: Platteville CT: E. Haddam CT: Waterford FL: Crystal River FL: Ft. Pierce FL: Homestead GA: Baxley IA: Cedar Rapids ID: Buhl IL: Moline IL: Morris IL: Zion KS: Le Roy LA: New Orleans MA: Plymouth MD: Conowingo MD: Lusby ME: Wiscasset MI: Bridgman MI: Charlevoix MI: Monroe MI: S. Haven MN: Monticello MN: Red Wing MS: Port Gibson NC: Charlotte NC: Southport NV: Boulder City NY: Chelsea NY: Croton-On-Hudson NY: Oswego OR: Bradwood PA: Danville PA: Philadelphia Source Tennessee River Chattahoochee River Tennessee River Arkansas River Folsom S. Canal Humboldt Bay South Platte River Connecticut River Long Island Sound Gulf Of Mexico Atlantic Ocean Biscayne Bay Altamaha River Cedar River Snake River Mississippi River Illinois River Lake Michigan Neosho River Mississippi River Cape Cod Bay Susquehanna River Chesapeake Bay Montseway Bay Lake Michigan Lake Michigan Lake Erie Lake Michigan Mississippi River Mississippi River Mississippi River Catawba River Atlantic Ocean Colorado River Hudson River Hudson River Lake Ontario Columbia River Susquehanna River Delaware River - Baxter Date Collected 01/20/99 01/11/99 01/19/99 01/11/99 01/26/99 01/13/99 01/12/99 02/02/99 02/02/99 01/19/99 01/20/99 01/20/99 01/19/99 01/12/99 01/20/99 02/23/99 01/06/99 02/01/99 03/25/99 02/01/99 03/12/99 01/19/99 01/12/99 01/11/99 01/19/99 01/09/99 01/29/99 01/19/99 01/19/99 01/25/99 01/05/99 01/20/99 01/12/99 02/23/99 01/07/99 02/19/99 03/25/99 01/07/99 01/20/99 01/28/99 3H pCi/L ±2u 93 83 64 80 47 81 51 79 15 77 -14 79 5 79 0 77 -50 74 16 80 157 81 103 83 47 77 -26 79 27 80 10 77 249 87 43 83 136 80 23 78 49 76 -13 83 -11 79 -16 79 640 100 94 80 75 77 74 82 16 80 35 77 97 81 426 92 -44 78 34 78 3 79 46 79 221 83 29 79 92 78 85 78 14 ------- Table 9 (continued) Tritium in Surface Water January - March 1999 Location PA: Philadelphia SC: Allendale SC: Broad River SC: Hartsville TN: Daisy TN: Kingston TN: Oak Ridge TX: Matagorda VA: Doswell VA: Newport News VT: Vernon WA: Northport WA: Richland WI: Two Creeks WI: Victory WV: Wheeling Source Schuylkill River - Queen Savannah River Broad River Lake Robinson Tennessee River Clinch River Clinch River Colorado River North Anna River James River Connecticut River Columbia River Columbia River Lake Michigan Mississippi River Ohio River Date Collected 01/28/99 01/05/99 01/06/99 01/29/99 01/13/99 01/29/99 02/23/99 01/12/99 01/05/99 01/20/99 02/24/99 01/05/99 01/25/99 01/19/99 01/11/99 01/04/99 3H pCi/L ±2u 86 78 1000 110 304 89 3020 160 63 82 128 83 527 95 5 80 2960 160 5 77 40 76 11 77 99 82 21 78 42 81 42 79 15 ------- Drinking Water This program monitors ambient radiation levels in drinking water in as many as 78 sites. These data serve to assess trends and anomalies in concentrations, and to compare with standards set forth in the EPA "National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations." These regulations provide for approval of supplies when the combined radium-226 and radium-228 levels do not exceed 5 pCi/L, when the gross alpha (excluding radon and uranium) levels do not exceed 15 pCi/L, when tritium levels do not exceed 20,000 pCi/L, when the strontium-90 levels do not exceed 8 pCi/L, and when the gross beta levels do not exceed 50 pCi/L. Grab samples are taken at the 78 sites which are either major population centers or selected nuclear facility environs. The analyses include (a) tritium on a quarterly basis; (b) gross alpha, gross beta, strontium-90, and gamma on annual composites; (c) radium-226 if the gross alpha exceeds 2 pCi/L and radium-228 if the radium-226 falls between 3 and 5 pCi/L; (d) iodine-131 on one quarterly sample per year for each station; and (e) an annual composite for plutonium-238, combined plutonium-239 and 240, and uranium-234, 235, and 238 for stations that demonstrate gross alpha levels greater than 2 pCi/L. 16 ------- Table 10 Tritium in Drinking Water January - March 1999 Location AK: Fairbanks AL: Dothan AL: Montgomery AL: Muscle Shoals AL: Scottsboro AR: Little Rock CA: Berkeley CA: Los Angeles CO: Denver CO: Platteville CT: Hartford DC: Washington DE: Dover FL: Miami FL: Tampa GA: Baxley GA: Savannah HI: Honolulu IA: Cedar Rapids ID: Boise ID: Idaho Falls IL: Morris IL: W. Chicago KS: Topeka MA: Lawrence MA: Lawrence MD: Baltimore MD: Conowingo ME: Augusta MI: Detroit MI: Grand Rapids MN: Minneapolis MN: Red Wing MO: Jefferson City MS: Jackson MS: Port Gibson MT: Helena NC: Charlotte NC: Wilmington ND: Bismarck Date Collected 02/22/99 01/11/99 01/05/99 01/20/99 01/19/99 01/06/99 01/26/99 01/11/99 01/12/99 01/12/99 01/04/99 01/05/99 01/26/99 01/14/99 02/25/99 01/19/99 02/25/99 01/15/99 01/12/99 01/04/99 02/11/99 01/11/99 01/05/99 01/05/99 01/04/99 03/10/99 01/05/99 01/19/99 01/12/99 01/07/99 02/17/99 02/01/99 01/25/99 01/05/99 01/05/99 01/05/99 02/19/99 01/20/99 01/13/99 01/11/99 3H pCi/L ±2u 10 19 -36 125 60 -54 29 -13 53 63 -19 -28 64 -5 17 43 -5 -3 -3 18 59 -43 -14 42 -35 -25 44 43 -13 171 54 43 14 17 -16 -45 -13 304 3 89 79 80 77 81 81 77 77 78 81 81 78 78 78 78 79 77 78 79 79 80 81 77 78 81 77 77 81 77 78 86 81 81 76 80 78 77 78 88 79 82 17 ------- Table 10 (continued) Tritium in Drinking Water January - March 1999 Location NE: Lincoln NH: Concord NM: Santa Fe NV: Las Vegas NY: Albany NY: Niagara Falls NY: Syracuse OH: Cincinnati OH: Columbus OH: E. Liverpool OH: Painesville OH: Toledo OR: Portland PA: Columbia PA: Harrisburg PA: Philadelphia - Baxter PA: Philadelphia - Queen PA: Pittsburgh PC: Corozal RI: Providence SC: Barnwell SC: Columbia SC: Jenkinsville SC: Seneca TN: Chattanooga TN: Knoxville TN: Oak Ridge - Anderson Co #772 TN: Oak Ridge - Knox Co #371 TN: Oak Ridge - Roane Co #4442 TN: Oak Ridge - Anderson Co #768 TN: Oak Ridge - Roane Co #360 TX: Austin VA: Lynchburg WA: Richland WA: Seattle WI: Genoa WI: Madison Date Collected 01/06/99 02/17/99 01/12/99 01/08/99 01/04/99 02/03/99 02/09/99 01/28/99 02/09/99 03/12/99 01/04/99 03/24/99 01/05/99 01/21/99 01/21/99 01/28/99 01/28/99 03/12/99 01/12/99 01/04/99 01/11/99 01/06/99 01/07/99 01/20/99 01/08/99 01/05/99 03/26/99 03/26/99 03/26/99 03/26/99 03/26/99 01/08/99 03/02/99 01/25/99 01/04/99 01/11/99 01/15/99 3H pCi/L ±2u -19 49 12 39 23 62 82 -29 10 10 83 120 2 35 19 55 38 10 8 -7 31 207 31 94 -24 -5 -11 46 250 -16 87 -35 30 73 -68 31 38 78 80 76 81 80 81 81 78 79 79 82 84 79 77 76 78 77 80 79 79 81 88 80 79 78 79 79 81 88 77 82 77 79 79 76 80 77 18 ------- 3. Milk Program Pasteurized Milk Milk is a reliable indicator of the general population's intake of radionuclides since it is consumed fresh by a large segment of the population and can contain several of the biologically significant radionuclides that result from environmental releases from nuclear activities. A primary function of this program is to obtain reliable monitoring data relative to current radionuclide concentrations and determine any long-term trends. Monthly samples are collected at approximately 55 sampling sites. The samples are composited, according to production, from the major milk suppliers representing more than 80 percent of the milk consumed in a given population center. The samples are analyzed for gamma-emitting nuclides, including iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-137, and potassium-40. Total potassium concentrations in g/L are determined from potassium-40 activities assuming natural isotopic abundances. All samples collected in July are analyzed for strontium-90. Iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-137, and potassium-40 are determined by gamma spectral analysis. Strontium-90 is determined by beta counting a total strontium precipitate that has been chemically separated by ion exchange. 19 ------- Table 11 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk January 1999 Location AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock AZ: Phoenix CA: Los Angeles CA: Sacramento CA: San Francisco CT: Hartford DE: Wilmington FL: Tampa GA: Atlanta HI: Honolulu IA: Des Moines IN: Indianapolis KS: Wichita KY: Louisville MA: Boston MD: Baltimore ME: Portland MI: Detroit MI: Grand Rapids MO: Jefferson City MS: Jackson NC: Charlotte NM: Albuquerque NY: Buffalo NY: Syracuse OH: Cincinnati OH: Cleveland OR: Portland PA: Pittsburgh PC: Cristobal PR: San Juan SD: Rapid City TN: Knoxville TN: Memphis TX: Austin TX: Ft. Worth VA: Norfolk VT: Burlington Date Collected 01/13/99 01/27/99 01/20/99 01/05/99 01/19/99 01/06/99 01/04/99 01/11/99 01/12/99 01/25/99 01/08/99 01/11/99 01/20/99 01/12/99 01/07/99 01/04/99 01/08/99 01/06/99 01/12/99 01/07/99 01/06/99 01/05/99 01/22/99 01/06/99 01/08/99 01/06/99 01/25/99 01/19/99 01/05/99 01/06/99 01/07/99 01/27/99 01/12/99 01/04/99 01/05/99 01/20/99 01/12/99 01/05/99 01/12/99 K g/L ±2u 1.51 0.10 1.537 0.078 1.55 0.10 1.632 0.049 1.61 0.12 1.61 0.12 1.48 0.14 1.489 0.080 1.61 0.11 1.53 0.14 1.49 0.12 1.54 0.14 1.609 0.081 1.66 0.11 1.54 0.12 1.525 0.081 1.573 0.090 1.585 0.090 1.501 0.086 1.680 0.068 1.680 0.081 1.513 0.081 1.525 0.080 1.64 0.11 1.56 0.12 1.621 0.049 1.44 0.14 1.621 0.090 1.668 0.050 1.644 0.049 1.49 0.14 1.489 0.078 1.57 0.12 1.45 0.14 1.644 0.048 1.478 0.076 1.525 0.089 1.621 0.049 1.54 0.12 137Cs pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 140Ba pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Blj pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Note: ND = Not Detected 20 ------- Table 11 (continued) Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk January 1999 Location WA: Seattle WA: Spokane WV: Charleston Date Collected 01/06/99 01/05/99 01/04/99 K g/L ±2u 1.632 0.049 1.644 0.048 1.585 0.081 137Cs pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND 140Ba pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND Blj pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND Note: ND = Not Detected 21 ------- Table 12 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk February 1999 Location AL: Montgomery AR: Little Rock CA: Los Angeles CA: San Francisco CT: Hartford DE: Wilmington FL: Tampa GA: Atlanta HI: Honolulu IA: Des Moines IL: Chicago IN: Indianapolis KS: Wichita KY: Louisville MA: Boston MD: Baltimore ME: Portland ME: Portland MI: Detroit MI: Grand Rapids MO: Jefferson City MS: Jackson NC: Charlotte NJ: Trenton NM: Albuquerque NV: Las Vegas NY: Buffalo NY: Syracuse OH: Cincinnati OH: Cleveland OR: Portland PA: Philadelphia PA: Pittsburgh PR: San Juan SD: Rapid City TN: Chattanooga TN: Knoxville TN: Memphis TX: Austin Date Collected 02/03/99 02/25/99 02/08/99 02/05/99 02/04/99 02/08/99 02/04/99 02/22/99 02/09/99 02/01/99 02/11/99 02/09/99 02/09/99 02/03/99 02/08/99 02/04/99 02/02/99 02/08/99 02/09/99 02/08/99 02/03/99 02/01/99 02/18/99 02/22/99 02/15/99 02/02/99 02/05/99 02/08/99 02/09/99 02/22/99 02/02/99 02/08/99 02/10/99 02/04/99 02/05/99 02/02/99 02/12/99 02/05/99 02/16/99 K g/L ±2u 1.632 0.067 1.489 0.088 1.656 0.081 1.62 0.15 1.704 0.050 1.58 0.14 1.692 0.068 1.561 0.097 1.573 0.089 1.585 0.080 1.525 0.079 1.644 0.081 1.489 0.088 1.632 0.049 1.632 0.081 1.56 0.14 1.680 0.067 1.597 0.088 1.501 0.090 1.537 0.089 1.704 0.049 1.58 0.12 1.51 0.17 1.513 0.078 1.549 0.087 1.632 0.079 1.61 0.12 1.58 0.12 1.66 0.11 1.53 0.17 1.549 0.080 1.43 0.12 1.585 0.082 1.668 0.049 1.573 0.089 1.561 0.080 1.573 0.067 1.64 0.11 1.49 0.14 137Cs pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND 2.4 1.7 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 140Ba pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Blj pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Note: ND = Not Detected 22 ------- Table 12 (continued) Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk February 1999 Location TX: Ft. Worth VA: Norfolk VT: Burlington WA: Seattle WA: Spokane WV: Charleston Date Collected 02/08/99 02/01/99 02/23/99 02/02/99 02/17/99 02/02/99 K g/L ±2u 1.597 0.067 1.609 0.080 1.609 0.081 1.621 0.088 1.61 0.12 1.513 0.088 137Cs pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND 140Ba pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND Blj pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND Note: ND = Not Detected 23 ------- Table 13 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk March 1999 Location AL: Montgomery AZ: Phoenix CA: Los Angeles CA: Sacramento CA: Sacramento CA: San Francisco CT: Hartford DE: Wilmington FL: Tampa GA: Atlanta HI: Honolulu IA: Des Moines IL: Chicago IN: Indianapolis KS: Wichita KY: Louisville MA: Boston MD: Baltimore ME: Portland MI: Detroit MI: Grand Rapids MO: Jefferson City MS: Jackson NC: Charlotte NJ: Trenton NV: Las Vegas NV: Las Vegas NY: Buffalo NY: Syracuse OH: Cincinnati OH: Cleveland OR: Portland PA: Philadelphia PA: Pittsburgh PC: Cristobal PR: San Juan SD: Rapid City TN: Chattanooga TN: Knoxville Date Collected 03/03/99 03/17/99 03/11/99 03/08/99 03/08/99 03/04/99 03/04/99 03/23/99 03/09/99 03/29/99 03/04/99 03/08/99 03/18/99 03/08/99 03/16/99 03/13/99 03/09/99 03/05/99 03/02/99 03/09/99 03/05/99 03/16/99 03/03/99 03/18/99 03/26/99 03/02/99 03/26/99 03/08/99 03/08/99 03/08/99 03/02/99 03/03/99 03/08/99 03/08/99 03/02/99 03/17/99 03/18/99 03/08/99 03/11/99 K g/L ±2u 1.57 0.10 1.62 0.13 1.58 0.13 1.54 0.12 1.67 0.13 1.69 0.10 1.609 0.090 1.54 0.16 1.64 0.13 1.63 0.13 1.60 0.13 1.56 0.14 1.54 0.13 1.57 0.13 1.63 0.12 1.49 0.16 1.69 0.13 1.680 0.073 1.62 0.10 1.58 0.12 1.656 0.069 1.55 0.12 1.585 0.091 1.68 0.13 1.48 0.14 1.57 0.14 1.56 0.12 1.644 0.081 1.58 0.12 1.50 0.15 1.66 0.10 1.632 0.068 1.56 0.17 1.67 0.13 1.716 0.092 1.48 0.12 1.53 0.12 1.61 0.12 1.60 0.14 137Cs pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 3.2 3.1 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 4.7 2.9 ND ND ND ND 140Ba pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Blj pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Note: ND = Not Detected 24 ------- Table 13 (continued) Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk March 1999 Location TN: Memphis TX: Ft. Worth VA: Norfolk VT: Burlington WA: Seattle WA: Spokane WV: Charleston Date Collected 03/12/99 03/17/99 03/04/99 03/15/99 03/03/99 03/02/99 03/05/99 K g/L ±2u 1.53 0.15 1.62 0.12 1.573 0.081 1.60 0.13 1.64 0.12 1.597 0.091 1.561 0.079 137Cs pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 140Ba pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Blj pCi/L ±2u ND ND ND ND ND ND ND Note: ND = Not Detected 25 ------- (This page intentionally left blank) 26 ------- For More Information Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is published quarterly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. Requests for information concerning the operation of ERAMS and the data that are generated should be directed as follows: For System Operations For Analytical Information and Data- Rhonda Sears John Griggs National Air and Radiation Environmental National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory Laboratory 540 South Morris Avenue 540 South Morris Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601 Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601 e-mail: sears.rhonda@epa.gov e-mail: griggs.john@epa.gov Requests for information concerning publication and distribution of ERD should be directed to: Charles M. Petko Office of the Director National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory 540 South Morris Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601 e-mail: petko.charles@epa.gov Requests for information concerning policies of the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air should be directed to: William C. Conklin USEPA - ORIA Center for Emergency Preparedness and Clean Materials Radiation Protection Division (MC66085) 501 Third Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001 e-mail: conklin.craig@epa.gov *** ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- Contents Page Preface vii Data Reporting Conventions xi Airborne Particulates and Precipitation 1 2. Water Program 13 Drinking Water 16 Pasteurized Milk 19 in ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- List of Tables Table Page 1 Reporting Units and Minimum Detectable Concentrations xiii 2 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: January 1999 2 3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: February 1999 4 4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: March 1999 6 5 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: January 1999 8 6 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: February 1999 9 7 Gross Beta and Specific Gamma in Precipitation: March 1999 10 8 Tritium in Precipitation: January - March 1999 11 9 Tritium in Surface Water: January - March 1999 14 10 Tritium in Drinking Water: January - March 1999 17 11 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: January 1999 20 12 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: February 1999 22 13 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: March 1999 24 ------- (This page intentionally left blank) ------- |