520/5-89-034
PB90-182197
Environmental Radiation Data: Report 58, April-June 1989
(U.S.) Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility, Montgomery, AL
Dec 89
Ted** bfcrnatwi Service
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please, read instructions on the reverse before completing}
1. REPORT NO. 2.
EPA 520/5-89-034
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Environmental Radiation Data Report 58
7. AUTHOR(S)
U.S. EPA; Office of Radiation Programs
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, AL 36109
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. EPA
Office of Radiation Programs
401 M Street , SW
Washington, DC 20460
3. RECIP>ENT'S ACCESSION NO
PB9U 18 219.7 /AS ,
5. REPORT DATE - - -
December 1989
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
73. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
April-June 1989
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) contains data from the Environmental Radiation
Ambient s Monitoring System (ERAMS) . Data from similar networks operated by •• •
contributing States, Canada, Mexico, and the Pan American Health Organization are
reported in the ERD when available. I
The ERAMS is comprised of nationwide sampling stations that provide air/ surface , and
drinking water and milk samples from which environmental radiation levels are derived.
Sampling locations are selected to provideoptimal population coverage while functionir
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 levels, gamma analyses for fission products, and specific
analyses for uranium, plutonium, stroniutn, iodine, radium krypton, and tritium.
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
a. - DESCRIPTORS
Radiation
Radionuclides
Monitoring
Data
Sampling
Contamination
Analysis
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release Unlimited
b. IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
Unclassified
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
c. COSATI Field/Group
'
21. NO. OF PAGES
22. PRICE
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Radiation Programs
Eastern Environmental
Radiation Facility
1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, AL 36109
PB90-182197
EPA 520/5-89-034
December 1989
Radiation
S-EPA
Environmenta! Radiation
Data
Report 58
April -June 1989
REPRODUCED BY
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE
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ENVIRONMENTAL
RADIATION
DATA
REPORT 58
April - June 1989
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation Programs
-------
Preface
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is compiled and distributed quarterly by the Office of Radiation
Programs' Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF) in Montgomery, Alabama, and contains data
from the Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS). Data from similar networks
operated by contributing States, Canada, Mexico, and the Pan American Health Organization are reported
in the ERD when available.
ERAMS was established in 1973 by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation
Programs (ORP). The ERAMS is comprised of nationwide sampling stations that provide air, surface and
drinking water, and milk samples from which environmental radiation levels are derived. The major emphasis
for ERAMS is upon identifying trends in the accumulation of long-lived radionuclides in the environment.
Sampling locations are selected to provide optimal population coveiage 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 levels, gamma analyses for fission
products, and specific analyses for uranium, plutonium, strontium, iodine, radium, krypton, 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 the EERF to analyze the ERAMS samples are contained in
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).
iii
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Environmental Radiation Data
Contents
Page
Data - Repotting Rationale and Procedures ix
Daia - ERAMS 1
Section I. Air Program 1
1. Airborne Particulates and Precipitation 1
2. Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates 16
3. Krypton-85 17
Section II. Water Program 18
1. Surface Water 18
2. Drinking Water 21
Section III. External Gamma Ambient Monitoring Program 25
Section IV. Milk Program 27
1. Pasteurized Milk 27
2. Strontium-90 and Strontium-89 in Milk 34
3. Carbon-14 in Milk 35
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Environmental Radiation Data
List of Tables
Table Page
1 ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels xi
2 Gross Beta Concentrations in Airborne Particulates: April 1989 2
3 Gross Beta Concentrations in Airborne Particulates: May 1989 4
4 Gross Beta Concentrations in Airborne Particulates: June 1989 6
5 Gross Beta Concentrations in Precipitation: April 1989 8
6 Gross Beta Concentrations in Precipitation: May 1989 10
7 Gross Beta Concentrations in Precipitation: June 1989 12
8 Tritium Concentrations in Precipitation: April - June 1989 14
9 Surface Water Tritium Concentrations: April - June 1989 19
10 Drinking Water Tritium Concentrations: April - June 1989 22
11 Environmental Gamma Ambient Monitoring Program: April - June 1989 26
12 Concentrations of Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: April 1989 28
13 Concentrations of Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: May 1989 30
14 Concentrations of Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: June 1989 32
15 Strontium-90 and Strontium-89 in Pasteurized Milk: EPA Regional Composites 34
vn
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DATA - Reporting Rationale and Procedures
In 1973, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation Programs established the
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System (ERAMS) to provide continuous, accurate, and usable
environmental radiation data to the public. For completeness, ERAMS data for all specific radionuclide
analyses are reported as the calculated results indicate, whether the numbers are negative, zero, or positive.
Reporting Rationale
Frequently, there is little or no radioactivity in environmental media. Thus, the results of laboratory
analyses should statistically show a distribution of negative and positive numbers about zero. A negative
value occurs when a previously determined background value is subtracted from a sample value that is
less than that of the background. Prior to July 1975, ERAMS data were not reported numerically when
the results were less than a specified reporting level or minimum detectable level. The present reporting
procedure allows all the data to be reported and evaluated statistically without an arbitrary cutoff of small
or negative numbers. This approach will facilitate estimates of bias in the nuclide analyses and will allow
better evaluation of distributions and trends in environmental data.
When reviewing the data in this report, caution should be exercised in the interpretation of individual
negative values. Obviously, a negative activity value has no physical significance. Such numbers, however,
are significant when taken together with other observations that indicate that the true value of a distribution
is near zero. When an average of many measurements produces a result significantly less than zero, this
indicates a bias in the measurement procedure.
(1) Reported Values
Specific Analyses. All specific radionuclide analyses will be reported as the counting results indicate,
whether the value is negative, zero, or positive. All reported values are corrected for radioactive decay
to the collection date.
Gross Analysts. The actual value of gross radioactivity measurements will be reported, unless
the value is below the minimum detectable level (MDL) at the 2
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Table 1
ERAMS Reporting Increments and Minimum Detectable Levels
for Radiomiclide Analyses
Radionuclide
Gross Alpha
f Gross Beta
Tritium
Carbon-14
Krypton-85
ft Plutonium-238,239,240
J Uranium-234,235,238
Radium-226
Strontium-90
it Strontium-89
tt Iodine-131
Iodine-129
Cesium-137
tt Barium-140
Potassium
Potassium-40
Media
Water
Air
Water
Precipitation
Reporting
Units
pCi/1
pCi/m3
pCi/1
nCi/m2
Reporting
Increments
1 pCi/1
0.01 pCi/m3
1 pCi/1
0.01 nCi/m2
Minimum
Detectable
Levels
2 pCi/1
0.01 pCi/m3
1 pCi/1
0.01 nCi/m2
(specific radiochemical analyses)
Water
Milk
Milk
Ambient Air
Air
Milk
Water
Air
Milk
Water
Water
Milk
Water
Milk
Milk
Water
Water
Milk
Milk
Water
Milk
Water
Milk
Water
Water
nCi/1
nCi/1
pCi/1
pCi/m3
aCi/m3
pCi/1
pCi/1
aCi/m3
pCi/1
pCi/1
PCi/l
pCi/1
pCi/1
PCi/l
pCi/1
PCi/l
pCi/l
fCi/1
pCi/1
PCi/l
pCi/1
PCi/l
g/1
g/1
pCi/1
0.1 nCi/1
0.1 nCi/1
1 pCi/1
0.1 pCi/m3
0.1 aCi/m3
0.001 pCi/1
0.001 pCi/1
0.1 aCi/m3
0.001 pCi/1
0.001 pCi/1
0.1 pCi/1
O.lpCi/1
0.1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
0.1 pCi/1
0.1 fCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/l
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
0.1 g/1
0.1 g/1
1 pCi/1
0.2 nCi/1
0.2 nCi/1
15 pCi/1
2 pCi/m3
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.015 pCi
0.1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
1 pCi/1
5 pC'i/1
10 pCi/1
10 pCi/1
0.4 pCi/1
0.4 fCi/1
10 pCi/1
10 pCi/1
10 pCi/1
10 pCi/1
0.12 g/1
0.12 g/1
100 pCi/1
f The value of MOL for precipitation in terms of nCi/m would be dependent on precipitiition (nun).
ft This value of MDL for air in terms of pCi/m3 would be dependent on the air volume. Measurement by alpha spectroscopy
that includes contributions of plutonium-239 and plutonium-240. MDL for all media given per sample.
J This value of MDL for ai? in terms of pCi/m3 would be dependent on the air volume. MDL for all media given per sample.
|| Activity as of the day o'.' counting.
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DATA - EPA
ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION
AMBIENT MONITORING SYSTEM (ERAMS)
Section I. Air Program
Airborne Pariiculates and Precipitation
Gloss beta radioactivity measurements and certain specific analyses ate performed on air participates
and precipitation samples as indicator measurements in assessing the general (national) impact of all con-
tributing 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 measure-
ments ate made with a G-M survey meter ' at 5 hours and 29 hours after collection to allow for radon and
thoron daughter product decay. Field estimates are reported to appropriate EPA officials by telephone or
mail depending on the activity levels found.
The filters are sent to EERF 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/in3. 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 those field stations collecting air filters. These samples are also
sent to EERF where they are composited monthly for gamma scans, tritium, and gross beta activity mea-
surements. A composite of the March, April, and May precipitation samples is analyzed for plutonium-238,
-239, -240, and uranium-234, -235, and -238.
A compilation of individual measurements is available from the Eastern Environmental Radiation Fa-
cility, 1890 Congressman W.L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109.
Tables 2-4 contain the data in airborne particulate samples for April - June 1989. Tables 5—7 contain
the data in precipitation sample for April - June 1989. Table 8 contains the data for tritium in precipitation
samples for April - June 1989 at the selected sites.
' The counts ot five hours for the Montgomery, Alabama, station are performed on a low background beta counter.
1
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Table 2
Airborne Participates
Gross Beta Concentrations
April 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
AZ: PHOENIX
CA: BERKELEY
CA:LOS ANGELES
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DE: WILMINGTON
FL : JACKSONVILLE
FLrMIAMI
HI : HONOLULU
IA:IOWA CITY
ID -.BOISE
ID '.IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHIC AGO
IN: INDIANAPOLIS
KS:TOPEKA
KY: FRANKFORT
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: LAWRENCE
ME : AUGUSTA
MI: LANSING
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MO: JEFFERSON CITY
MS: JACKSON
NC: CHARLOTTE
NC: WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
HE -.LINCOLN
NH: CONCORD
BJ: TRENTON
NM: SANTA FE
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
Number
of
Samples
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
8
7
8
8
8
8
3
6
4
8
8
8
8
3
8
7
8
7
8
8
6
7
4
8
8
3
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.5 0.1 0.2
0.4 0.1 0.3
2.7 0.5 1.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
1.2 0.3 0.7
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.1
1.0 0.1 0.3
0.7 0.2 0.4
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.5 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
2.4 0.5 1.5
0.5 0.1 0.3
O.i 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.7 0.2 0.5
1.4 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
1.3 0.4 0.7
2.3 0.0 1.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
1.0 0.1 0.4
0.6 0.2 0.3
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.1 0.1
EERF Lab
Measurment
Max Min Avg
CpCi/m8)
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.05 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.01 0.01
0,01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
O.OS 0.01 0.02
0.05 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 O.Oi
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
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Table 2 (continued)
Airborne Participates
Cross Beta Concentrations
April 1989
Location
NYrYAPHANK
OH: COLUMBUS
OH:PAINESVILLE
OH: TOLEDO
OR: PORTLAND
PA:GOLDSBORO
PA:HARRISBURG
PA: PITTSBURGH
PA: THREE NILE ISLAND
RI : PROVIDENCE
SC: BARN WELL
SC : COLUMBIA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TN: NASHVILLE
TX: AUSTIN
TX:EL PASO
UT:SALT LAKE CITY
VA:LYNCHBURG
WA:OLYMPIA
WA: SPOKANE
WI: MADISON
WV : CHARLESTON
WY: CHEYENNE
Number
of
Samples
7
6
8
8
8
8
5
8
8
8
1
8
7
8
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
7
4
6-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.0 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
O.S 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
1.1 0.1 0.4
O.S 0.0 0.2
O.S 0.1 O.'A
0.6 0.3 0.4
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.4 0.2 0.3
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.9 0.0 0.4
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.7 0.1 0.3
EERF Lab
Measurment
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
Minimum Detectable Limit
Minimum Detectable Limit
for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m3.
for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m3.
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Table 3
Airborne Particulates
Gross Beta Concentrations
May 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
AZ: PHOENIX
CA: BERKELEY
CA:LOS ANGELES
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DE: WILMINGTON
FL: JACKSONVILLE
FL:MIAMI
HI: HONOLULU
IA:IOWA CITY
ID:BOISE
ID: IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHIC AGO
IN: INDIANAPOLIS
KS:TOPEKA
KY: FRANKFORT
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: LAWRENCE
ME: AUGUSTA
MI:LANSING
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MO: JEFFERSON CITY
MS: JACKSON
NC : CHARLOTTE
NC: WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
NE:LINCOLN
NH : CONCORD
NJ:TRENTON
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
NY:YAPHANK
Number
of
Samples
9
9
5
»
9
9
9
9
8
9
8
9
9
9
9
8
9
5.
7
5
8
9
8
9
9
8
9
9
9
9
10
8
5
9
9
4
9
6-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.7 0.2 0.4
0.4 0.1 0.2
2.4 0.3 1.4
0.0 0,0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.1
1.0 0.2 0.5
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.5 0.2 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
2.1 0.4 1.2
0.4 0.1 0.3
0.6 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.7 0.1 0.2
1.3 0.2 0.7
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
2.0 0.2 1.0
3.1 0.2 1.5
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
1.0 0.1 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.2
EERF Lab
Measurment
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.04 0.01 0.02
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
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Table 3 (continued)
Airborne Particulates
Gross Beta Concentrations
May 1989
Location
OH: COLUMBUS
OHtPAIKESVILLE
OH: TOLEDO
OR: PORTLAND
PAtGOLDSBORO
PA:HARRISBURG
PA PITTSBURGH
PA:THREE HILE ISLAND
RI: PROVIDENCE
SC:BARNWELL
SC: COLUMBIA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TN: NASHVILLE
TX: AUSTIN
TX-.EL PASO
UT-.SALT LAKE CITY
VA-.LYNCHBURG
WA-.OLYMPIA
W A -.SPOKANE
WI:MADISON
WV: CHARLESTON
WY '.CHEYENNE
Number
of
Samples
8
9
9
8
9
8
9
9
8
1
9
8
7
7
9
9
7
9
9
9
9
2
6-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.3 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.5 0.0 0.3
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.5 0.3 0.4
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.4 0.2 0.3
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.1 0.2
1.2 0.2 0.5
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.3 0.0 0.2
EERF Lab
Measurment
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
Minimum Detectable Limit for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/md.
Minimum Delectable Limit for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m3.
-------
Table 4
Airborne Particulates
Gross Beta Concentrations
June 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
AZ: PHOENIX
CA: BERKELEY
CA:LOS ANGELES
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DE: WILMINGTON
FL: JACKSONVILLE
FL: MIAMI
HI: HONOLULU
IA:IOWA CITY
ID: BOISE
ID: IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHICAGO
IN: INDIANAPOLIS
KS:TOPEKA
KY: FRANKFORT
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: LAWRENCE
ME: AUGUSTA
MI: LANSING
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MO: JEFFERSON CITY
MS: JACKSON
NC: CHARLOTTE
NC: WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
NE: LINCOLN
NH: CONCORD
NJ:TRENTON
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
NY:YAPHANK
Number
of
Samples
9
9
9
9
9
8
9
9
9
9
8
9
9
9
8
9
9
4
6
8
8
9
9
8
9
9
8
9
9
9
9
9
4
9
9
4
8
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.5 0.0 0.2
0.4 0.1 0.2
1.8 0.2 1.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.3 0.0 0.1
1.0 0.3 0.5
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.0 0.2
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.2
0.6 0.0 0.2
0.5 0.0 0.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.7 0.1 0.3
0.3 0.0 0.1
3.5 0.8 1.9
0.5 0.1 0.3
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.9 0.1 0.6
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.5 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
1.3 0.2 0.8
2.1 0.0 0.9
0.3 0.0 0.1
0.6 0.1 0.3
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.3 0.1 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.1
0.2 0.1 0.1
EERF Lab
Measurment
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.03 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.00
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Airborne Participates
Gross Beta Concentrations
June 1989
Location
OH : COLUMBUS
OH:PAINESVILLE
OH: TOLEDO
OK: OKLAHOMA CITY
OR: PORTLAND
PArGOLDSBORO
PA:HARRISBURG
PA PITTSBURGH
PA: THREE MILE ISLAND
RI: PROVIDENCE
SC : BARNUELL
SC: COLUMBIA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TN: NASHVILLE
TX: AUSTIN
TX:EL PASO
UT:SALT LAKE CITY
VA:LYNCHBURG
WA:OLYMPIA
WA: SPOKANE
WI: MADISON
WV: CHARLESTON
WY : CHEYENNE
Number
of
Samples
6
9
9
7
9
9
9
9
9
8
2
9
8
9
8
9
8
9
9
9
9
8
3
5-Hour Field
Estimate
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.2 0.0 0.2
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.4 0.0 0.2
0.5 0.0 0.2
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.8 0.0 0.3
0.6 0.1 0.2
0.1 0.1 0.1
1.0 0.2 C.4
0.4 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.5 0.1 0.3
0.4 0.1 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
0.6 0.2 0.4
0.3 0.0 0.2
1.5 0.1 0.5
0.2 0.0 0.1
0.5 0.1 0.3
0.8 0.3 0.5
0.6 0.0 0.2
0.2 0.1 0.1
EERF Lab
Measurment
Max Min Avg
(pCi/m3)
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.02 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.02 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.00
0.01 0.00 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.01 0.01
0.01 0.00 0.01
Minimum Detectable Limit
Minimum Detectable Limit
for field estimates - 0.1 pCi/m .
for laboratory measurement - 0.01 pCi/m3.
-------
Table 5
Gross Beta Concentrations
in Precipitation
April 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
CA: BERKELEY
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
FL: JACKSONVILLE
FL:MIAMI
HI: HONOLULU
IDrBOISE
ID: IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHICAGO
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: LAWRENCE
ME: AUGUSTA
MI:LANSING
MN:MINNEAPOLIS
MO: JEFFERSON CITY
MS: JACKSON
NC: CHARLOTTE
NC:WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
NH: CONCORD
NJ:TRENTON
NY: ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
NY:YAPHANK
OH: COLUMBUS
OH:PAINESVILLE
Depth
(mm)
99.8
10.0
12.2
3.6
111.0
84.2
93.1
55.0
20.2
10.8
1.7
50.0
42.0
92.0
41.1
57.0
75.0
37.0
79.2
76.0
49.0
95.6
73.8
79,0
35.8
^59.0
20.0
128.0
41.0
57.0
Act . ±2
-------
Table 5 (continued)
Gross Beta Concentrations
in Precipitation
April 1989
Location
OH: TOLEDO
OR: PORTLAND
PA:HARRISBURG
PA:MIDDLETOWN
SC:BARNWELL
SC: COLOMBIA
TN:KKOXVILLE
TN: NASHVILLE
UT:SALT LAKE CITY
VA:LYHCHBURG
WA:OLYMPIA
WI:MADISON
VV: CHARLESTON
Depth
(nun)
48.0
37.4
25.8
22.0
187.6
90.2
70.0
63.0
18.2
87.6
46.6
11.6
67.4
Act. ±2
-------
Table 6
Gross Beta Concentrations
in Precipitation
May 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
CA: BERKELEY
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DE: WILMINGTON
FL: JACKSONVILLE
FL-.MIAMI
HI: HONOLULU
ID '.IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHICAGO
LA -.NEW ORLEANS
HA: LAWRENCE
ME '.AUGUSTA
MI -.LANSING
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MO -.JEFFERSON CITY
HS: JACKSON
NC : CHARLOTTE
NC: WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
NH: CONCORD
NJ:TRENTON
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
NY.-YAPHANK
OH: COLUMBUS
Depth
(mm)
59.6
152.0
3.2
63.6
180.2
167.0
100.0
100.8
s:>.o
23.8
7.1
81.0
42.0
259.2
63.8
137.0
48.0
38.0
116.0
76.0
45.6
140.2
93.2
7.0
115.0
56.3
122.0
32.0
230.0
64.6
Act. ±21D
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
2HBi: 110 ±88%
ND
ND
2HBi:245 ±42%
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
10
-------
Table 6 (continued)
Gross Beta Concentrations
in Precipitation
May 1989
Location
OH:PAINESVILLE
OH: TOLEDO
OR: PORTLAND
PA:HARRISBURG
PA:MIDDLETOWN
PA: PITTSBURGH
HI: PROVIDENCE
SC:BARNWELL
SC: COLUMBIA
TNrKNOXVILLE
TN: NASHVILLE
TX: AUSTIN
TX:EL PASO
UT:SALT LAKE CITY
VA:LYNCHBURG
WA:OLYHPIA
WI: MADISON
WV : CHARLESTON
Depth
(nun)
137.0
20.0
46.0
215.6
99.0
41.0
8.0
93.8
30.2
131.0
56.4
32.0
32.6
26.7
154.4
46.7
34.4
168.9
Act. ±1ff
(nCi/m2)
0.29 0.07
0.02 0.01
0.00 0.02
0.21 0.09
0.07 0.06
0.08 0.03
0.01 0.00
1.32 0.12
0.03 0.01
0.06 0.07
0.03 0.02
0.02 0.01
0.13 0.02
0.06 0.02
0.32 0.10
0.02 0.02
0.06 0.02
0.51 0.10
Specific
Gamma
Activity
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
214Bi:50 ±84%
ND
= Sigma Counting Error.
NA = Not Analyzed.
ND = No Gamma Activity Detectable.
11
-------
Table 7
Gross Beta Concentrations
in Precipitation
June 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DE: WILMINGTON
FL: JACKSONVILLE
FL: MIAMI
HI: HONOLULU
ID: IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHICAGO
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA -.LAWRENCE
HE: AUGUSTA
MI -.LANSING
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MO: JEFFERSON CITY
MS: JACKSON
NC: CHARLOTTE
NC: WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
NH: CONCORD
NJ:TRENTON
NY : ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
NY:YAPHANK
OH: COLUMBUS
QH-.PAIHESVILLE
Depth
(mm)
208.0
182.0
42.0
143.0
127.0
99.0
133.8
11.0
26.8
59.0
69.0
42.0
126.0
142.9
70.0
24.0
107.8
102.4
113.0
18.0
116.1
164.2
123.0
56.6
137.0
32.0
25.0
37.0
166.0
Act. ±2
-------
Table 7 (continued)
Gross Beta Concentrations
in Precipitation
June 1989
Location
OH: TOLEDO
OK: OKLAHOMA CITY
OR '.PORTLAND
PA:HARRISBURG
PA:M1DDLETOWN
PA: PITTSBURGH
RI: PROVIDENCE
SC-.BARNWELL
SC: COLUMBIA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TN: NASHVILLE
UT:SALT LAKE CITY
VA:LYNCHBURG
WA'.OLYMPIA
WI: MADISON
MV: CHARLESTON
Depth
(nun)
134.0
110.0
21.6
134.6
107.0
99.4
8.0
179.4
142.6
203.0
146.0
22.8
134.0
32.0
41.4
180.0
Act. ±2
-------
Table 8
Precipitation
Tritium Concentrations
April - June 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
CA: BERKELEY
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DE: WILMINGTON
FL: JACKSONVILLE
FL: MIAMI
HI: HONOLULU
ID: BOISE
ID: IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHICAGO
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: LAURENCE
ME: AUGUSTA
MI: LANSING
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MO: JEFFERSON CITY
MS: JACKSON
NC : CHARLOTTE
NC: WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
NH: CONCORD
N3: TRENTON
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
NY:YAPHANK
OH: COLUMBUS
OH:PAINESVILLE
OH:TOLEDO
OK: OKLAHOMA CITY
OR: PORTLAND
PA:HARRISBURG
PA:MIDDLETOWN
April 1989
nCi/1 ±1ff
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
NS
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
NS
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.4 0.2
0.5 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
NS
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
May 1989
nCi/1 ±1ff
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
NS
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
1.0 0.2
0.4 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.4 0.2
0.2 0.2
NS
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
June 1989
nCi/1 ±2(7
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
NS
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
NS
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
NS
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
14
-------
Table 8 (continued)
Precipitation
Tritium Concentrations
April - June 1989
Location
PA: PITTSBURGH
RI: PROVIDENCE
SC:BARNWELL
SC: COLUMBIA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TN: NASHVILLE
TX: AUSTIN
TX:EL PASO
UT:SALT LAKE CITY
VA : LYNCHBURG
WArOLYMPIA
WI: MADISON
WV : CHARLESTON
April 1989
nCi/1 ±2
-------
Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Pariiculates and Precipitation
Environmental radiation levels of plntonium and uranium are determined by the analysis of semi-
annually composited samples (air filters) collected from the continuously operating airborne particulate
samplers.
Concentration of the specific isotopes of plutonium-238, -239, and -240 and uranium-234, -235, and
-238 are determined by alpha spectroscopy following chemical separation. The volume of air represented by
the semiannual composite ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 cubic meters.
Plutonium and uranium results are published when they become available.
16
-------
Krypton-85
Krypton-85 is a long-lived noble gas with a half-life of 10.8 years. It is released into the atmosphere
by nuclear reactor operations, fuel reprocessing, weapons tests, and research and defense related activities.
Krypton-85 also occurs naturally in minor quantities primarily from the neutron capture of stable krypton-
84 as well as spontaneous fission and neutron-induced fission of uranium. Krypton-85 in the atmosphere
has been monitored to identify and establish baseline levels and long-term trends.
Krypton-85 analysis began in January 1973 with sample collections and analyses being performed for 12
sampling locations. These locations were selected to provide atmospheric coverage of the United States with
considerations being given to the proximity to fuel reprocessing plants, nuclear reactors, and wide geographic
coverage.
Dry compressed air samples, collected at each location, are purchased from commercial air suppliers and
shipped to the EERF where the krypton-85 is cryogenically separated and counted in a liquid scintillation
system.
The last Ki-85 results were for 1976, 1977, and 1979. They were published in Environmental Radiation
Data: Report 30.
17
-------
DATA - EPA
ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION
AMBIENT MONITORING SYSTEM (ERAMS)
Section II. Water Program
The ERAMS water program provides data on ambient radiation levels in the nation's rivers, streams,
and drinking water supplies.
Surface Water
Quarterly grab samples are taken downstream from operating or future nuclear facilities at 58 stations.
Surface water samples are analyzed for tritium quarterly and specific gamma activity annually. Tritium
is a primary radioactive pollutant from nuclear power plants and weapons production activities.
Tritium concentrations are determined by liquid scintillation counting of distilled samples. Gamma
scans are performed annually to determine levels of gamma emitting radionuclides.
Table 9 contains the data for tritium concentrations for April - June 1989.
18
-------
Table 9
Surface Water
Tritium Concentrations
April - June 1989
Location
AL-.DECATUR
AL:DOTHAN
AL : SCOTTSBORO
AR: LITTLE ROCK
CA: DIABLO CANYON
CA : EUREKA
CA:SAN ONOFRE
CO-.PLATTEVILLE
CT:EAST HADDAM
CT:WATERFORD
FL: CRYSTAL RIVER
FL:FT. PIERCE
FL: HOMESTEAD
IA: CEDAR RAPIDS
ID: BUHL
IL:E. MOLINE
IL: MORRIS
ILrZION
KS : LEROY
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: PLYMOUTH
MD.-CONOWINGO
MD:LUSBY
ME:WISCASSET
MI:BRIDGMAN
MI-.CHARLEVOIX
MI: MONROE
MI: SOUTH HAVEN
MN:RED WING
MS: PORT GIBSON
NC: CHARLOTTE
NC-.SOUTHPORT
NE-.RULO
NJ:BAYSIDE
NJ: OYSTER CREEK
NV: BOULDER CITY
NY: CHELSEA
Source
TENNESSEE RIVER
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
TENNESSEE RIVER
ARKANSAS RIVER
PACIFIC OCEAN
HUMBOLDT BAY
PACIFIC OCEAN
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
CONNECTICUT RIVER
LONG ISLAND SOUND
GULF OF MEXICO
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BISCAYNE BAY
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
CATAWBA RIVER
ATLANTIC OCEAS
MISSOURI RIVER
DELAWARE RIVER
OYSTER CREEK
COLORADO RIVER
HUDSON RIVER
Date
Collected
04/06/89
04/13/89
04/07/89
04/04/89
04/22/89
04/10/89
06/22/89
04/05/89
05/26/89
05/26/89
04/03/89
04/11/89
04/18/89
05/08/89
04/12/89
04/11/89
04/16/89
06/30/89
05/15/89
04/13/89
04/05/89
04/17/89
04/11/89
04/04/89
04/11/89
04/07/89
04/10/89
04/11/89
04/18/89
04/04/89
04/06/89
04/29/89
05/03/89
04/11/89
04/13/89
04/05/89
04/03/89
nCi/1 ±2
-------
Table 9 (continued)
Surface Water
Tritium Concentrations
April - June 1989
Location
NY:OSSINING
NYtOSWEGO
OH: TOLEDO
OR:BRADUOOD
PA:DANVILLE
SC:ALLENDALE
SC: BROAD RIVER
SC:HARTSVILLE
TN: DAISY
TN: KINGSTON
TX:EL PASO
TX:MATAGORDA
VAsDOSWELL
VA: NEWPORT NEWS
VT:VERNON
WA:NORTHPORT
WA: HIGHLAND
WI:TWO CREEKS
WI: VICTORY
WV: WHEELING
Source
HUDSON RIVER
LAKE ONTARIO
LAKE ERIE
COLUMBIA RIVER
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER
SAVANNAH RIVER
BROAD RIVER
LAKE ROBINSON
TENNESSEE RIVER
CLINCH RIVER
RIO GRANDE
COLORADO RIVER
NORTH ANNA RIVER
JAMES RIVER
CONNECTICUT RIVER
COLUMBIA RIVER
COLUMBIA RIVER
LAKE MICHIGAN
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
OHIO RIVER
Date
Collected
04/14/89
04/28/89
04/03/89
04/06/89
04/12/89
04/27/89
04/12/89
04/03/89
04/01/89
04/10/89
06/13/89
04/12/89
04/13/89
04/12/89
04/05/89
05/05/89
04/20/89
04/03/89
04/10/89
04/04/89
nCi/1 ±2
-------
Drinking Water
This program monitors ambient radiation levels in drinking water at 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/1, when the gross alpha (excluding
radon and uranium) levels do not exceed 15 pCi/1, when tritium levels do not exceed 20,000 pCi/1, when the
strontium-90 levels do not exceed 8 pCi/1, and when the gross beta levels do not exceed 50 pCi/1.
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/1 and radium-228 if the
radium-226 falls between 3 and 5 pCi/lj (d) specific iodine-131 on one quarterly sample per year for each
station; and (e) an annual composite for plutonium-238, —239, and -240 and uranium-234, -235, and -238
for stations that demonstrate gross alpha levels greater than 2 pCi/1.
Tritium analyses are performed by scintillation counting of the distilled samples. Gross beta and al-
pha are determined by evaporating an aliquot on a stainless steel planchet for counting. Radium-226 is
determined by the standard emanation technique. Strontium—90 is determined by beta counting a strontium
carbonate precipitate isolated by ion exchange.
Table 10 contains the data in drinking water for April - June 1989.
21
-------
Table 10
Drinking Water
Tritium Concentrations
April - June 1989
Location
AK: FAIRBANKS
AL: DOTH AN
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:MIAHI
FL:TAMPA
GA .'SAVANNAH
HI: HONOLULU
IA: CEDAR RAPIDS
ID .-BOISE
ID: IDAHO FALLS
IL: MORRIS
IL:W. CHICAGO
KS:TOPEKA
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: LAWRENCE
MD: BALTIMORE
MD-.COHOWINGO
ME: AUGUSTA
MI: DETROIT
MI: GRAND RAPIDS
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MN:RED WING
MS : JACKSON
MS .-PORT GIBSON
MT: HELEN A
Date
Collected
04/07/89
04/14/89
04/03/89
04/06/89
04/07/89
04/04/89
04/05/89
04/10/89
04/03/89
04/05/89
04/04/89
04/03/89
04/10/89
04/06/89
04/03/89
05/22/89
05/04/89
05/08/89
04/04/89
04/10/89
04/04/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
03/31/89
04/10/89
06/02/89
04/17/89
04/24/89
04/10/89
04/07/89
04/17/89
04/18/89
04/04/89
04/04/89
04/04/89
nCi/1 ±20-
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.4 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.1 0.2
0.1 0.2
22
-------
Table 10 (continued)
Drinking Water
Tritium Concentrations
April - June 1989
Location
NC: CHARLOTTE
DC: WILMINGTON
ND: BISMARCK
NE: LINCOLN
NH: CONCORD
NJ: TRENTON
NJ:HARETOWN
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: ALBANY
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: NIAGARA FALLS
NY: SYRACUSE
OH:CINCINNATI
OH: COLUMBUS
OH '.EAST LIVERPOOL
OH:PAINESVILLE
OH: TOLEDO
OK -.OKLAHOMA CITY
OR: PORTLAND
PA: COLUMBIA
PA-.HARRISBURG
PA PITTSBURGH
PC:ANCON
RI -.PROVIDENCE
SC:BARNWELL
SC: COLUMBIA
SCtHARTSVILLE
SC:JENKINSVILLE
SC: SENECA
TN: CHATTANOOGA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TX: AUSTIN
VA-.DOSWELL
VA:LYNCHBURG
VA: VIRGINIA BEACH
Date
Collected
04/06/89
04/28/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
04/05/89
04/11/89
04/13/89
04/06/89
04/17/89
04/05/89
04/03/89
06/29/89
04/03/89
04/18/89
04/20/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
05/01/89
04/07/89
04/11/89
04/10/89
04/20/89
04/10/89
04/05/89
04/07/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
04/21/89
04/18/89
05/15/89
04/03/89
04/20/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
06/26/89
nCi/1 ±2
-------
Table 10 (continued)
Drinking Water
Tritium Concentrations
April - June 1989
Location
VI: ST. THOMAS
WA: HIGHLAND
WA : SEATTLE
WI: GENOA CITY
WI: MADISON
Date
Collected
04/14/89
04/20/09
04/04/89
04/10/89
04/04/89
nCi/1 ±2
-------
DATA - EPA
ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION
AMBIENT MONITORING SYSTEM (ERAMS)
Section III. External Gamma Ambient Monitoring Program
The external gamma monitoring program, which began in October 1978, provides a continuous measure-
ment of ambient gamma exposure rates, including cosmic, at selected sites throughout the continental United
States. Data from this program are used to evaluate fluctuations in natural background due to variations in
environmental conditions and to provide a means of monitoring any significant increases in ambient gamma
levels. The program consists of approximately 22 sites representing wide geographic coverage throughout the
country.' Although exposure measurements at these few sites are not totally representative of nationwide
exposures, they do indicate national trends.
The monitoring program utilizes CaF2:Mn thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's). These dosimeters
are commercially available glass-bulb type dosimeters with energy compensating shields. A group of three
TLD's is located at each station ot site. Dosimeters are annealed by the station operator prior to positioning
in the field. The dosimeters are returned to EERF for readout approximately every three months. Several
dosimeters are annealed by the station operator as controls and returned with the exposed field dosimeters
to correct for any exposures accumulated during shipment.
Table 11 contains the data for environmental gamma ambient monitoring program April - June 1989.
Some of these sites moy not return dosimeters each period and consequently the number of sites listed may vary slightly.
25
-------
Table 11
Environmental Gamma Ambient Monitoring Program
April - June 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
CA: BERKELEY
CO: DENVER
FL: ORLANDO
ID: BOISE
IL: CHICAGO
ND:BISMAR'JK
HJ:TREH:rOH
NM: SANTA FE
NV:LAS VEGAS
NYrNEWYORK
OH : COLUMBUS
*OK : OKLAHOMA
*OK: OKLAHOMA
OR: PORTLAND
PA : HARRISBURG
PA -.PITTSBURGH
RI : PROVIDENCE
SC:BARNWELL
SC: COLUMBIA
VA: RICHMOND
VT:MONTPELIER
Date Range
03/27/89-07/05/89
04/03/89-07/05/89
05/15/89-07/19/89
04/04/89-07/12/89
04/05/89-07/05/89
04/05/89-07/20/89
04/03/89-07/06/89
04/03/89-07/06/89
04/07/89-08/14/89
04/04/89-07/05/89
04/12/89-08/03/89
01/06/89-09/05/89
01/10/89-06/02/89
05/10/89-07/11/89
04/06/89-07/13/89
04/10/89-07/07/89
04/17/89-07/07/89
04/07/89-07/14/89
04/06/89-07/13/89
04/04/89-07/05/89
04/03/89-07/06/89
04/06/89-07/31/89
Integrated
Exposure
mR
17.8
14.8
23.9
16.9
26.8
22.6
23.6
28.6
44.6
16.7
27.3
52.2
25.2
16.2
22.1
14.0
28.2
27.7
22.0
26.9
18.9
24.5
Exposure
Rate
/tR/hr ±2cr
7.4 10.5
6.6 12.5
15.3 11.3
7.1 8.8
12.3 10.8
8.9 15.0
10.4 19.9
12.7 18.3
14.4 1
-------
DATA - EPA
ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION
AMBIENT MONITORING SYSTEM (ERAMS)
Section IV. Milk Program
Pasteurized Milk
This is a cooperative program with the Dairy and Lipid Products Branch, Milk Sanitation Section, Food
and Drug Administration. 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
important 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 65 sampling sites with one or more located in each state, Puerto Rico,
and the Panama Canal Zone. Th« 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, which include iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-
137, and potassium. All samples collected in July are analyzed for strontium-89 and strontium-90. Also,
for the first month of the three quarters beginning January, April and October, 10 regional composite
samples of milk made up from the states within each of EPA's 10 regions are analyzed for strontium-89 and
strontium-90.
Iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-137, and potassium are determined by gamma spectral analysis. Stron-
tium—89 and strontium-90 are determined by beta counting a total strontium precipitate that has been
chemically separated by ion exchange.
Tables 12-14 contain the concentrations of radionuclides in pasteurized milk for April - June 1989.
Table 15 contains the concentrations of strontium-90 and strontium-89 in pasteurized milk EPA Regional
Composites for April - June 1989.
27
-------
Table 12
Concentrations of Radionuclides
in Pasteurized Milk
April 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
AZ: PHOENIX
CA:LOS ANGELES
CA: SACRAMENTO
CA:SAN FRANCISCO
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DC: WASHINGTON
DE: WILMINGTON
GA: ATLANTA
HI: HONOLULU
IA:DES MOINES
IL: CHICAGO.
IN: INDIANAPOLIS
KS: WICHITA
KY: LOUISVILLE
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: BOSTON
MD: BALTIMORE
MI : DETROIT
MI: GRAND RAPIDS
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MN:ST. PAUL
MO: KANSAS CITY
MO: ST. LOUIS
MS: JACKSON
MT: HELENA
NC : CHARLOTTE
ND:MINOT
NE: OMAHA
NH: MANCHESTER
NJ:TRENTON
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: BUFFALO
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: SYRACUSE
Date
Collected
04/07/89
04/04/89
04/05/89
04/07/89
04/03/89
04/06/89
04/28/89
04/03/89
04/10/89
04/11/89
04/14/89
04/04/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
04/04/89
04/12/89
04/04/89
04/25/89
04/10/89
04/07/89
04/06/89
04/03/89
04/10/89
04/10/89
04/05/89
04/05/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
04/10/89
04/28/89
04/25/89
04/21/89
04/05/89
04/04/89
04/18/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
K
g/1 ±2<7
1.42 0.13
1.49 0.12
1.46 0.13
1.45 0.13
1.37 0.12
1.31 0.12
1.66 0.23
i.32 0.08
1.45 0.13
1.28 0.09
1.38 0.12
1.43 0.13
1.34 0.12
1.40 0.12
1.17 0.12
1.29 0.12
1.33 0.12
1.42 0.13
1.38 0.12
1.35 0.12
1.55 0.12
1.53 0.13
1.46 0.13
1.38 0.12
1.49 0.12
1.38 0.08
1.61 0.13
1.39 0.12
1.59 0.23
1.47 0.13
1.40 0.13
1.32 0.12
1.52 0.12
1.45 0.09
1.54 0.13
1.54 0.08
1.45 0.13
137Cs
pCi/1 ±2
-------
Table 12 (continued)
Concentrations of Radionuclides
in Pasteurized Milk
April 1989
Location
OH: CINCINNATI
OH: CLEVELAND
OK OKLAHOMA CITY
OR: PORTLAND
PA PHILADELPHIA
PA: PITTSBURGH
PC: CRISTOBAL
PR:SAN JUAN
SD: RAPID CITY
TN: CHATTANOOGA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TN: MEMPHIS
TX: AUSTIN
TX:FT. WORTH
VA: NORFOLK
VT: BURLINGTON
WA: SEATTLE
WAtSPOKANE
WI: MILWAUKEE
WV: CHARLESTON
WY:LARAHIE
Date
Collected
04/26/89
04/18/89
04/10/89
04/04/89
04/03/89
04/03/89
04/27/89
04/12/89
04/04/89
04/10/89
04/03/89
04/27/89
04/18/89
04/03/89
04/28/89
04/05/89
04/03/89
04/13/89
04/03/89
04/08/89
04/04/89
K
g/1 ±2ff
1.43 0.13
1.36 0.08
1.41 0.12
1.43 0.09
1.45 0.13
1.37 0.12
1.40 0.13
1.34 0.12
1.35 0.12
1.38 0.12
1.60 0.12
1.49 0.13
1.52 0.13
1.44 0.09
1.43 0.09
1.29 0.12
1.48 0.13
1.40 0.12
1.44 0.13
1.82 0.23
1.36 0.08
137C8
pCi/1 ±2
-------
Table 13
Concentrations of Radionuclides
in Pasteurized Milk
May 1989
Location
AL: MONTGOMERY
AR: LITTLE ROCK
AZ: PHOENIX
CA:LOS AHGELES
CA:SACRAHEKTO
CA:SAN FRANCISCO
CT: HARTFORD
DC: WASHINGTON
DE: WILMINGTON
FL: TAMPA
GA: ATLANTA
HI .-HONOLULU
IA:DES KOINES
ID: IDAHO FALLS
IL: CHIC AGO
IN: INDIANAPOLIS
KS: WICHITA
KY: LOUISVILLE
MA: BOSTON
MD: BALTIMORE
ME: PORTLAND
MI: DETROIT
MI .-GRAND RAPIDS
MN: MINNEAPOLIS
MO:KANSAS CITY
MO: ST. LOUIS
MS -.JACKSON
MT: HELENA
NC: CHARLOTTE
ND:MINOT
NE: OMAHA
NH: MANCHESTER
NJ: TRENTON
NV.-LAS VEGAS
NY: BUFFALO
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY : SYRACUSE
Date
Collected
05/04/89
05/16/89
05/10/89
05/12/89
05/02/89
05/04/89
05/01/89
05/11/89
05/10/89
05/04/89
05/08/89
05/01/89
05/02/89
05/04/89
05/01/89
05/08/89
05/23/89
05/02/89
05/08/89
05/05/89
05/08/89
05/04/89
05/08/89
05/01/89
05/11/89
05/03/89
05/01/89
05/08/89
05/09/89
05/24/89
05/08/89
05/08/89
05/03/89
05/09/89
05/08/89
05/01/89
05/02/89
K
g/1 ±2o-
1.45 0.09
1.41 0.13
1.41 0.13
1.50 0.09
1.55 0.12
1.59 0.13
1.47 0.13
1.61 0.12
1.51 0.13
1.59 0.12
1.33 0.12
1.53 0.12
1.44 0.13
1.57 0.16
1.57 0.12
1.39 0.12
1.48 0.13
1.33 0.12
1.62 0.13
1.62 0.13
1.57 0.12
1.55 0.09
1.66 0.13
1.55 0.08
1.42 0.09
1.65 0.13
1.45 0.13
1.53 0.12
1.62 0.23
1.36 0.09
1.56 0.12
1.22 0.08
1.43 0.12
1.39 0.12
1.37 0.12
1.60 0.09
1.67 0.13
137C8
pCi/1 ±2
-------
Table 13 (continued)
Concentrations of Radionuclides
in Pasteurized Milk
May 1989
Location
OK: OKLAHOMA CITY
OR: PORTLAND
PA : PHILADELPHIA
PA PITTSBURGH
PC: CRISTOBAL
PR: SAN JUAN
SC : CHARLESTON
SD: RAPID CITY
TN: CHATTANOOGA
TN:KNOXVILLE
TN : MEMPHIS
TX: AUSTIN
TX:FT. WORTH
WA: SEATTLE
UI: MADISON
WV: CHARLESTON
WY:LARAMIE
Date
Collected
05/08/89
05/01/89
05/08/89
05/08/89
05/31/89
05/12/89
05/11/89
05/02/89
05/08/89
OE/08/89
05/08/89
05/17/89
05/12/89
05/08/89
05/01/89
05/23/89
05/04/89
K
g/1 ±2
-------
Table 14
Concentrations of Radionuclides
in Pasteurized Milk
June 1989
Location
AL:MGNTGOMERY
AR:LITTLE ROCK
AZ:PHOENIX
CA:LOS ANGELES
CA: SACRAMENTO
CA:SAN FRANCISCO
CO: DENVER
CT: HARTFORD
DE: WILMINGTON
FL: TAMPA
GA: ATLANTA
HI: HONOLULU
IA:DES MOINES
IL: CHICAGO
IN -.INDIANAPOLIS
KS:WICHITA
KY: LOUTS VILLE
LA: NEW ORLEANS
MA: BOSTON
MD: BALTIMORE
ME: PORTLAND
MI: DETROIT
MI: GRAND RAPIDS
MN:MINNEAPOLIS
MN:ST. PAUL
MO:KANSAS CITY
MO: ST. LOUIS
MS: JACKSON
MT: HELEN A
MC: CHARLOTTE
ND:MINOT
ME: OMAHA
NJ:TRENTON
NV:LAS VEGAS
NY: BUFFALO
NY: NEW YORK CITY
NY: SYRACUSE
Date
Collected
06/08/89
06/06/89
06/05/89
06/23/89
06/06/89
06/01/89
06/30/89
06/12/89
06/14/89
06/08/89
06/12/89
06/05/89
06/05/89
06/05/89
06/06/89
06/19/89
06/06/89
06/16/89
06/07/89
06/02/89
06/06/89
06/07/89
06/05/89
06/12/89
06/06/89
06/09/89
06/07/89
06/13/89
06/05/89
06/12/89
06/28/89
06/08/89
06/07/89
06/06/89
06/28/89
06/05/89
06/05/89
K
g/1 ±2
-------
Table 14 (continued)
Concentrations of Radionuclides
in Pasteurized Milk
June 1989
Location
OH:CINCINNATI
OH: CLEVELAND
OR -.PORTLAND
PA: PHILADELPHIA
PA: PITTSBURGH
PR: SAN JUAN
SD: RAPID CITY
TN-.KNOXVILLE
TN: MEMPHIS
TX:FT. WORTH
VA : NORFOLK
VT: BURLINGTON
WA : SEATTLE
UA: SPOKANE
WI MILWAUKEE
WV : CHARLESTON
WY-.LARAHIE
Date
Collected
06/29/89
06/13/89
06/07/89
06/05/89
06/05/89
06/09/89
06/06/89
06/05/89
06/27/89
06/09/89
06/02/89
06/19/89
06/06/89
06/13/89
06/05/89
06/27/89
06/08/89
K
g/1 ±2
-------
Table 15
Strontium-90 and Strontium-89 in Pasteurized Milk
EPA Regional Composites
April - June 1989
EPA
Region
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Vlt
VIII
IX
X
Date
04/10/89
04/08/89
04/06/89
04/09/89
04/09/89
04/12/89
04/10/89
04/08/89
04/05/89
04/07/89
e°Sr
pCi/1 ±2
-------
Car ban-14 in Milk
Nine stations, chosen for wide geographical distribution, contribute milk samples for annual analysis of
carbon-14. These samples are monitored for caibon-14 levels in the food chain resulting from nuclear testing.
The pasteurized milk is fieeze-dried and the resulting powder is palletized for ease of combustion. Analysis
consists of combusting the samples and measuring released carbon dioxide through liquid scintillation. The
last carbon-14 results were for samples collected during April-May 1982 and March-May 1987. They were
published in Environmental Radiation Data: Report 54.
35
-------
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is published quarterly (January, April, July, October) by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation Programs.
Requests for information concerning publication and distribution of ERD should be directed to:
Charles M. Petko
Technical Support Branch
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
Requests for information concerning the operation of ERAMS should be directed to:
Jon A. Broadway, Chief
Monitoring and Analytical Services Branch
Easterr Environmental Radiation Facility
1890 Federal Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
or to:
Robert S. Dyer, Chief
Environmental Studies and Statistics Branch
Analysis and Support Division (ANR-461)
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Waterside Mall East
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
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