Fourth Quarter - October,
Environmental
Monitoring and
Support
Laboratory
Las Vegas
November,
December
1975
t f y /Y/i'

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FOURTH QUARTER REPORT
of the
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SUPPORT LABORATORY
LAS VEGAS
October through December 1975
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SUPPORT LABORATORY
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
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CONTENTS
Page
EVENTS OF GENERAL INTEREST	1
PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS	2
OTHER MEETINGS	3
TRAINING COURSES PRESENTED	4
PUBLIC AFFAIRS	5
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT	6
POLLUTANT-ORIENTED RESEARCH	6
Curium	6
Plutonium	7
Lead	g
Mercury	9
METHODS AND EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT	10
Air pollution model validation	10
Two-frequency LIDAR system	12
Airborne remote ozone monitor	12
Infrared scanner techniques	13
Aerial multispectral techniques	14
Light aircraft sensor pods	14
Film process control	14
Mercury instrumentation	15
MONITORING	16
AIR	16
LAND USE	18
RADIATION	18
WATER	19
QUALITY ASSURANCE	24
STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS	24
INTERCOMPARISON STUDIES	25
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Pase
TRACEABILITY STUDIES	26
CALIBRATION	26
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS	28
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL REPORTS PUBLISHED	28
EPA Reports	28
Reports of ERDA Reimbursable Work	28
PAPERS PRESENTED OR PUBLISHED	28
OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRAMS-LAS VEGAS FACILITY	30
ACTIVE URANIUM MINES AND MILLS	30
INACTIVE URANIUM MILL SITES	30
RADON AND RADON PROGENY SAMPLING	31
PLUTONIUM	31
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT	32
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS (EIS)	32
THORIUM FUEL CYCLE STUDY	32
GEOTHERMAL	32
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION SURVEY	33
FUSION	33
DOSE PROJECTIONS	33
MEETINGS	33
VISITORS	34
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EVENTS OF GENERAL INTEREST
Dr. Delbert S. Barth, Director of the Environmental Monitoring and Support
Laboratory-Las Vegas (EMSL-LV), and Mr. George B. Morgan, Director of the Moni-
toring Systems Research and Development Division (MSD), were in Tijuana, Mexico,
during December 10 through 13 as part of a United States EPA team which dis-
cussed environmental matters relating to the United States-Mexico border.
These matters were discussed with a Mexican environmental team headed by
Dr. Eduardo Echeverria Alvarez, Subsecretaria de Mejoramiento del Ambiente.
Dr. Barth discussed the health aspects of lead contamination, especially in
regards to the studies being carried out 1n El Paso and Juarez. Mr. Morgan
discussed the requirements for establishing a uniform air monitoring system for
Juarez, Tijuana, and Mexlcali.
Mr. Morgan had been in Mexico 1n November as part of a joint United
Nations Development Program (UNDP)/World Health Organization evaluation mission
on Project Mexico, Improvement of the Environment In Mexico. Mr. Morgan and
Dr. A. Rossano, along with their Mexican counterpart, Dr. E. Marquez Mayaudon,
and UNDP counterparts Ing. D. Mathews, F. Lopez de Alba, and R. Hatchard,
reviewed the purposes and objectives of the UNDP Project as related to the
development of an Air Resources Management Program. A specific target of this
Program is to establish air quality monitoring networks 1n Mexico City, Mon-
terrey, and Guadalajara. This Program is aimed at evaluating ambient air
quality, the bases for air pollution control, and resolving air pollution
problems. EMSL-LV has been assisting Mexico 1n this Program since 1974.
On December 2, Dr. Barth attended and testified at hearings before the
Congressional Subcommittee on Environment and the Atmosphere held in Washington,
D.C. His testimony dealt primarily with the recent reorganization of the EPA
Office of Research and Development and its impact on EMSL-LV programs and
policies.
On the occasion of the EPA's Fifth Anniversary, EMSL-LV Deputy Director
John R. McBride outlined the history and mission of the EMSL-LV and the EPA by
way of an interview broadcast over local radio 1n December. Specific subjects
covered by the Interviewer's questions included the EMSL-LV budget and staff
and its programs in air and water monitoring, monitoring systems development,
remote sensing and radiological safety.
Mr. McBride also presided over an awards ceremony and employees' Bake
Contest which were held in observance of the EPA anniversary. Quality increase
awards were presented to Mrs. Marcheta Flanagan and Mr. Donald Gilmore of the
MSD; Mr. Jimmie Hampton of the Remote Sensing Division; Mrs. Martha Hatch, Mr.
William Hinkle, Mr. Wesley Kinney, and Mr. Herbert Maunu of the Monitoring
Operations Division (MOD); Mrs. Patricia McGill of the MSD; and Dr. Llewellyn
Williams of the MOD. Mr. McBride presented Length of Service Certificates to
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22 EMSL-LV employees. The Bake Contest was sponsored by the Information
Services Staff. Prizes were awarded for the best baked entry in five different
categories, including a Grand Prize for the best EPA theme which was won by
Mrs. Tani Trujillo of the MOD.
PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS
Nearly 100 people attended the first in a series of workshops which have
the ultimate goal of developing standard methods for sampling geothermal
effluents. The workshop was conducted by the Monitoring Systems Design and
Analysis Staff of the MSD.
Mr. Albert C. Trakowski, Jr., Deputy Assistant Administrator for Moni-
toring and Technical Support in the Office of Research and Development, de-
livered the keynote address. Representatives of government agencies, univer-
sities, and industrial firms presented 18 technical papers that outlined the
problems in geothermal sampling, the need for standardization, and the methods
now used by organizations exploring or developing the use of geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy 1s heat from molten matter deep in the Earth and one of
the potential new sources of energy for use by man. Geothermal heat is brought
to the Earth's surface by water and steam heated by molten matter. The water
and steam carry with them solid, liquid, and gaseous pollutants. Many of these
pollutants could adversely affect man and the environment 1f they are not
adequately controlled.
Sampling of the liquid or gaseous effluents is the best means of finding
out the hazards involved, but sampling must be done 1n a way that will assure
that the samples are truly representative of the effluents. Standard sampling
methods will provide this assurance.
The information presented at this workshop is being used to develop refer-
ence methods for sampling. After a period of testing these methods, expected
to last for a year to 18 months, the test experience and results will be pre-
sented and discussed at a second workshop. Depending on the outcome of this
second workshop, the reference methods will be further refined and tested or
formalized as proposed standard methods for sampling geothermal effluents. The
methods development project is sponsored by EPA's Office of Monitoring and
Technical Support and the Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry.
Dr. Donald D. Smith, Dr. Werner F. Beckert, and Mrs. Anita A. Mullen of
the MSD presented papers at the International Symposium on Transuranium
Nuclides in the Environment held in San Francisco, California, and sponsored
by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Energy Research and Develop-
ment Administration.
Dr. Smith presented a paper about the grazing studies being conducted on a
contaminated range at the Nevada Test Site. It received much interest because
the data it reported came from a real-life situation in which the grazing area
had higher levels of contamination than those found in places exposed only to
worldwide fallout.
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Dr. Beckert presented a paper authored with Dr. Frederick H. F. Au re-
porting their work with a common soil fungus. This fungus was found to absorb
plutonium from soil and transport it to its spores. Their conclusion was that
soil fungi are capable of making the usually insoluble transuranics more bio-
logically available to plants and animals. Their findings also Indicate that
soil microbial activities may have far-reaching consequences for radionuclide
transport in soils.
Mrs. Mullen presented the results of a study involving a flock of White
Leghorn laying hens exposed to plutonium and americium. Mrs. Mullen reported
that both elements were incorporated into egg yolks. These findings were of
considerable interest since they demonstrated a way by which transuranic ele-
ments could enter the diet of people.
Dr. John Guagliardo, a research chemist with the Remote Monitoring Methods
Branch of the Remote Sensing Division presented a paper at the 7th International
Laser Radar Conference held at Stanford University. This paper presented the
first data obtained using a non-cooperative topographic target as a reflecting
surface for a differential absorption measurement. Dr. Guagliardo also met with
groups at Stanford University and Stanford Research Institute doing work on
laser-based remote sensing devices.
Dr. Barth briefed the Society of Research Administrators on EMSL-LV pro-
grams at their annual convention in October. Other Laboratory speakers were
Messrs. John Eckert on remote sensing; Roy B. Evans on the Los Angeles Reactive
Pollutant Program and the Regional Air Pollution Study which is being conducted
by the EPA in St. Louis, Missouri; and Robert Thomas on the National Eutrophi-
cation Survey.
Mr. Robert Oser, environmental engineer, attended the Ocean Dumping Sym-
posium at the American Museum of Natural History, New York, N.Y., November 2
through 5.
Dr. Maxwell E. Kaye, EMSL-LV medical officer and Director of the Health and
Safety Staff, attended the 27th Annual Scientific Assembly of the American
Academy of Family Physicians in Chicago, Illinois, October 6 through 10.
OTHER MEETINGS
Dr. Frederick H. F. Au of the Pollutant Pathways Branch and Dr. Gilbert D.
Potter of the Exposure/Dose Assessment Branch of the MSD were invited panelists
at the Workshop on Environmental Research for the Transuranium Elements held in
November at the Battelle Seattle Research Center. This workshop was sponsored
by the Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research of the Energy Research
and Development Administration. Discussions concerned research related to plant
uptake, transport and diffusion in aquatic systems, soils and sediments, and
ecosystems and food chains. As a member of the plant uptake panel, Dr. Au
presented information garnered from his research work on the involvement of
microorganisms in the bioavailability of transuranics in the environment. In
addition to presenting his research findings, Dr. Au mentioned that it is known
that microorganisms produce complexing agents such as citric and other organic
acids, which can increase the biological availability of transuranics to plants.
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Dr. Potter served as a member of the ecosystems and food chain panel. He
reported on experiments being conducted by the MSD and participated in discus-
sions aimed at organizing the large amount of decentralized research data in an
expeditious manner and determining future research needs and directions. The
publication of a single volume with contributions from all concerned organiza-
tions was agreed upon at the workshop.
Dr. Barth and Mr. Morgan attended a meeting with Drs. David Shearer and
Thomas Hauser at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, on November 21. They
discussed plans for a workshop on air monitoring station site selection which
will be held in June or July 1976. Dr. Barth also attended the EPA Administra-
tor's Senior Staff meeting, the program review meeting of the Office of Moni-
toring and Technical Support, and the program review meeting of the Office of
Research and Development, during this reporting period.
Mr. Vernon Andrews, Environmental Radiation Branch of the Monitoring
Operations Division, represented the EPA and the Energy Research and Develop-
ment Administration (ERDA) in Denver, November 10 and 11, at a workshop dis-
cussing the Data Analysis and Reporting Recomnendations sections of the draft
"Guide for Environmental Surveillance at ERDA Installations."
In December Mr. Erich Bretthauer, Chief of the Methods Development and
Analytical Support Branch of MSD, participated 1n a meeting at the Rocky Flats
Plant in Jefferson County, Colorado, with representatives of ERDA, the EPA
Office of Radiation Programs, and the Colorado State and Jefferson County
Health Departments. The meeting was convened for the purpose of discussing the
sampling and analytical procedures used to assess the hazard to health from
plutonium-contaminated soil.
Mr. Robert Landers of the Remote Sensing Operations Branch, RSD, spoke at
the November 1975 National Oil and Hazardous Substances Multi-Regional Meeting
in Atlanta. His 1-hour presentation covered remote sensing techniques for oil
spill assessment and applications for supporting Regional spill prevention and
compliance monitoring operations.
Mr. McBride met with Dr. Tom Hauser, Research Triangle Park, North Caro-
lina, and Mr. Robert Booth, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory-
Cincinnati, on October 22 to discuss interlaboratory relations. In December he
also met with Chancellor Neil Humphrey, University of Nevada System, in Reno, to
discuss new building plans for EMSL-LV.
Mr. Walter E. Petrie attended the Planning and Management Conference held
November 16 through 18 in Cincinnati.
Mrs. Pat McKenzie, Acting EEO Officer, and Mrs. Nelda Kaufman, representing
the EMSL-LV Federal Women's Program Committee, attended the EPA Conference on
International Women's Year 1975 in Seattle, Washington, in November. At this
Conference, Mrs. Violet Masco of the MSD received an award for outstanding
community service. Hers was one of six awards honoring EPA women for service
to the community or the Agency.
TRAINING COURSES PRESENTED
Personnel of the Remote Sensing Division (RSD) Vint Hill Field Station and
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the Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROS) Application Assistance Facility
presented a remote sensing management training course for personnel of the EPA
and the Naval Oceanographic Office at the National Space Technology Laboratory,
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The 4-day course presented basic information on
the capability of remote sensing systems to monitor the environment.
RSD personnel also participated in a series of courses on environmental
development being conducted by Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo-
rado, for the Soil Conservation Service. A 2-hour presentation by the RSD,
given to the 35 Soil Conservation Service attendees, covered remote sensing for
environmental assessment with particular emphasis on the energy-related pro-
grams in progress in the RSD.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
MSD Director Morgan was interviewed by a local radio station in response
to inquiries concerning EPA Administrator Russell Train's December 3 remarks on
chemical pollution. Messrs. Leslie Dunn and Joseph Behar of the MSD Monitoring
Systems Design and Analysis Staff were also interviewed for radio broadcast.
They discussed air pollution measurements being taken by the EMSL-LV over the
Las Vegas Valley (See Methods and Equipment Development).
On December 29, Dr. Barth appeared on a local television evening news
program to discuss EPA's position regarding the use of fluorocarbons as aerosol
propellants. Public interest in the subject was prompted by a national news
release. The EPA is currently conducting a 2-year research program on the
environmental impact of fluorocarbons.
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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division (MSD) is assisting
the University of Nevada, Reno, in studies to determine whether an extract from
the creosote bush has anti-carcinogenic effects. At the experimental farm the
EMSL-LV manages on the Nevada Test Site, examinations have been made of clin-
ically diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma lesions in the eyes of two Hereford
cattle previously treated with an extract from the creosote bush. The extract
was developed by researchers at UNR. The carcinoma in one of the animals had
advanced to such a degree that the cow had to be destroyed. The eye of the
other cow showed no clinical evidence of squamous cell carcinoma. Apparently
the original lesions had completely regressed. Ocular carcinoma is one of the
most common neoplasms of cattle. Its cause is attributed largely to high
levels of exposure to sunlight.
The Pollutant Pathways Branch of the MSD has been authorized and funded to
begin a technical support project in cooperation with Region IV and with the
Air Monitoring Branch of the Monitoring Operations Division of EMSL-LV. Region
IV contacted the MSD concerning an environmental impact problem in the vicinity
of the Atlanta International Airport. The problem appeared to involve a pos-
sible soil sterility condition resulting in widespread damage to vegetation.
The Pollutant Pathways Branch was requested to determine the cause of the soil
sterility and the cause of the phytotoxicity that has been observed in the
area. The problem arose after the Atlanta International Airport extended a
runway to within approximately 2,000 feet of a residential area and constructed
a navigational aid system which extends into the residential area. An environ-
mental impact statement was reportedly not prepared at the time the construction
was undertaken. Low flying aircraft, approximately one every 30 seconds, have
created noise, health, and air pollution problems. Loss or discharge of fuel
is reportedly polluting the air and soil, thus adversely affecting the vegeta-
tion and the health of local residents.
A preliminary investigation by the Pollutant Pathways Branch	revealed
widespread vegetation damage particularly underneath flight paths	on both the
east and west approaches to both major east/west runways. A more	extensive
soil and vegetation study is expected to begin next quarter.
POLLUTANT-ORIENTED RESEARCH
Curium
The distribution and excretion patterns of curium in dairy goats were
studied recently by the MSD. The experimental design, outlined in an earlier
quarterly report, included two groups of lactating goats. Group I goats re-
ceived single intravenous doses of curium-243 and Group II animals received
acute oral doses of this nuclide. Milk, urine, blood, and feces were collected
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and assayed for curium content. All animals were sacrificed 8 days after
dosing and tissue samples were collected. Curium-243 was selected because it
has readily detectable gamma-rays and therefore largely eliminated the neces-
sity for involved, costly radiochemical analyses. The specific curium dose
used, for both oral and intravenous exposures, also contained curium-244 as a
major impurity. For analytical purposes this did not cause problems because
the gamma rays of the curium-243 were used for analysis. However, radiochemical
analyses are planned for selected metabolic and tissue samples to examine the
ratio of curium-243 to curium-244 for comparisons with the isotopic ratio in
the original dosing solution.
Relatively high curium concentrations were noted in fecal collections from
the intravenously dosed animals. Average total percentages of the administered
dose recovered in the feces, urine, and milk (for the 6-day collection period)
were 5, 3, and 2 percent, respectively. Transport of orally administered
curium to feces, urine, and milk was not as clear since approximately 99 per-
cent of the original dose was apparently unabsorbed and excreted in the feces.
In both groups of goats, liver contained the highest curium concentrations in
picocuries per gram followed by kidney and bone.
In investigating the biological transport of transuranic radionuclides,
studies on the physiological behavior of curium are currently quite important.
The increase in curium availability and the potential applicability of curium
in power production will ultimately lead to an increase in the potential for
human exposure.
A curium metabolism study by the MSD using dairy cows is scheduled to
begin in February 1976, at the experimental farm. Four lactating cows will be
maintained in metabolism stalls. Two of these animals will receive acute oral
doses of curium-243 and the remaining two cows will be given single intravenous
curium-243 doses. Milk, urine, blood, and feces will be collected and assayed
for curium content by gamma-ray counting using the Nal detector and pulse
height analyzer. Plasma-to-mi1k and plasma-to-urine ratios will be examined
for both treatment groups. An approximate percentage of total gastrointestinal
transport for the orally dosed animals will also be determined after comparisons
are made with the fecal curium output from the intravenously dosed cows.
The animals will be sacrificed 7 days after dosing, at which time tissue
samples will be taken to determine curium deposition and retention patterns in
the dairy cow.
Plutonium
In the continuing study of the uptake and tissue distribution of plutonium
by ruminants, which was begun in May 1973, cattle are confined to an area of
known plutonium contamination on the Nevada Test Site. Their diet consists of
native plants growing in the contaminated soil. This study will also evaluate
maternal-fetal transfer, determine uptake and distribution differences in young
vs. mature animals, and compare these data with those collected from other
contaminated areas. Steers with surgically prepared rumen fistulas served as
biological samplers to determine grazing habits (quantity and type of forage
ingested) as a function of seasonal plant availability and preference, to
estimate intake of actinides over specified periods of time, and to determine
the actinide ratios within the ingesta.
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Since the study began, tissue samples have been collected from three cows,
two calves, and one fetus in October 1973; three cows and two fetuses in July
1974; and one cow and two yearling calves in June 1975. Other animals sampled
from the study area included three goats, three foxes, one jackrabbit, and one
coyote.
All animals sacrificed were necropsied, and selected tissue and organ
samples were collected for histopathological examination and actinide analyses.
No significant lesions have been found and actinide accumulations in the tis-
sues have been relatively minimal. Using activity levels found in the rumen
contents of fistulated steers, it was estimated that a study cow ingested 100
microcuries prior to sacrifice. Of this, 16.4 microcuries was in fluids from
which a combined retention factor of 0.0034 percent was calculated for the
bone, muscle, and liver. Comparisons of 239/238-plutonium ratios in ingesta
and tissues indicate that the plutonium-238 may be more readily absorbed and
retained.
Analysis of ingesta from the fistulated steers indicates that the favored
plant species were two grasses, Hilaria Jamesii and Oryzopsis hymenoides; two
shrubs, Eurotia lanata and Atriplex aanesoens', and one forb, Salsola paulsenii.
Grasses are preferred in the late spring and early summer months, with shrubs
making up the bulk of the diet the rest of the year. Plutonium activity in
rumen contents was higher when Eurotia lanata was the preferred forage.
Studies of labeled particles indicate that ingested particles from 75 to
500 micrometers in size have a half-time of 3.5 to 5 days in the intestinal
tract, while particles of 15 to 25 micrometers in size have a half-time of
about 1.4 days.
The Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division is investigating
the relative biological availability of in vivio and in vitro piutonium-labeled
bovine milk. The long physical and biological half-life and high relative
toxicity have dictated that considerable effort be devoted to quantifying
Plutonium transport through the various trophic levels. A preliminary study
had confirmed that approximately 1 percent of an intravenous plutonium citrate
dose was transferred to bovine milk and that this milk, when fed to calves,
resulted in detectable plutonium concentrations in the calf tissues. Other
previous experiments examined plutonium tissue concentrations in adult cows 1
to 3 months after the administration of oral plutonium doses. Since the dosing
was oral, conclusions on the bovine tissue retention characteristics of pluto-
nium were based on a relatively low systemic accumulation.
A definitive study using four adult cows and two groups of calves was
conducted at the experimental farm in November and December 1975. The four
adult animals were each intravenously dosed with approximately 17 millicuries
of plutonium-238 citrate. Milk, urine, feces, and blood samples were subse-
quently collected for plutonium analysis. Two of these adult animals were
sacrificed 6 days after the plutonium injection, and the remaining two cows
were sacrificed 13 days post-treatment. Tissue samples were collected from all
four animals.
Portions of the in vivo piutonium-labeled milk were fed to one group of
calves. This milk, collected from the above mentioned adult cows, contained
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approximately 4.5 nanocuries of plutonium per gram of milk. A second group of
calves was fed in vitro plutonlum-labeled milk at essentially the same concen-
tration (5.0 nanocuries per gram). In vitro labeled milk was prepared through
the addition of plutonium-238 citrate to milk collected from the farm herd.
In both calf groups, individual animals were given plutonium-contaminated
milk twice a day for 7 consecutive days. Calf sacrifice occurred on the 9th
day after the initial treatment feeding. Tissue analyses are currently in
progress from Group I and Group II calves and data from them will allow compari-
sons of plutonium uptake and retention between the in vivo and in vitro expo-
sure groups.
EMSL-LV Medical Officer, Dr. Maxwell E. Kaye, and Mr. John S. Coogan,
Radiation Safety Officer, provided safety studies for the Four Cow Definitive
Study. Approximately 25 employees working on this project were monitored
before and after the study to determine individual plutonium levels, using the
Phoswich Detector as a background check. Blood samples and urine specimens
were also taken for analysis prior to the study.
The sample collection phase of a study designed to characterize the phys-
ical and chemical properties and radiation levels of plutonium and other acti-
nide discharges from a uranium-plutonium fuel fabrication facility was com-
pleted. Samples were taken of emissions from the stack and of local air, soil,
and vegetation. The massive volume air sampler acquired last quarter was used
to collect particulates from the ambient air and fractionate these particles
into respirable and nonrespirable sizes. Chemical and physical analyses of the
samples collected have begun and are expected to be completed in FY-76. This
study will provide information on the nature and extent of actinide emissions
from this type of nuclear fuel fabrication facility, which 1n turn will be of
value in assessing environmental transport phenomena and the potential hazard
of these particles to humans.
Lead
Resources have been assigned for the design of a pollutant-oriented inte-
grated monitoring system using lead as a test case. In support of Phase I of
this program, laboratory and domestic animal studies are being initiated by the
MSD to (1) determine the time-course and efficiency of transfer of lead between
body compartments, e.g., GI tract, blood, urine, hair, etc.; (2) to identify
interactions which significantly Influence exposure/dose relationships; (3) to
identify and, if necessary, develop indicators of biological reactivity to the
pollutant; (4) to identify potential indicator species which may serve as
sentinels for human exposure; and (5) to evaluate the resulting data for pur-
poses of developing cost-effective monitoring of human populations in Phase II.
It is anticipated that this test case will generate the blueprint of an
integrated monitoring system which will minimize or eliminate the lag between
recognition of a potential pollutant problem and implementation of preventive
measures. For lead, this lag-time 1s now nearly 200 years.
Mercury
Coal and some other fossil fuels contain trace amounts of the element
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mercury. Consequently, concern has been expressed over the lack of understand-
ing of mercury cycling in terrestrial environments, but it should also be noted
that there are many additional natural and man-made terrestrial mercury exposure
pathways which are not fully understood. The MSD has begun a study to confirm
the findings of the occurrence of methylmercury in terrestrial soil systems.
Three different soils were used in the study. All three were calcareous
and representative of a loamy sand, fine sandy loam, and silty clay loam. The
soils were amended with 2 milliliters of a solution containing 12,500 parts per
million (ppm) of mercury as mercuric nitrate for a total addition of 25,000
micrograms of mercury per 50 grams of soil.
The amendment and incubation processes were carried out in the following
manner: 50 grams of soil was spread thinly on a sheet of acetate and then
sprayed with 2 milliliters of the mercury solution using an atomizer. The
amended soil was mixed with a spatula and poured into a 250-mil1iliter flask.
The soils were incubated in the dark at 24° C. Extraction for methylmercury
was based on a modified Westoo technique. Methylmercury analysis was via a gas
chromatograph equipped with a nickel-63 linear electron-capture detector.
After incubation with mercuric nitrate, all three soil types contained ppm
quantities of methylmercury. The content of methylmercury increased with
increasing clay content; however, the amount in all the soil types decreased
between the first (1 week) and the last sampling periods (3 weeks). The
salient finding from this study is the confirmation of methylmercury synthesis
from applied ionic mercury in terrestrial systems. However, there is a strong
indication that a mechanism exists which prevents the accumulation of quanti-
ties of methylmercury.
The air sampling techniques devised by Johnson and Branman were used to
monitor the loss of mercury from amended soils. Using this method of sampling,
mercury in air may be separated into mercuric chloride type compounds, methyl-
mercury (II) type compounds, elemental mercury and dimethylmercury by means of
a selective, absorption-tube sampling system. Quantities of all four mercury
species were detected in the atmosphere above the fine sandy loam soil immedi-
ately after the application of mercuric nitrate. The concentration of all
species in the atmosphere above soil adjusted to the concentration of 500 ppm
of mercury was beyond the analytical detection limits (200 nanograms of mercury
for the equipment used). This high concentration was prevalent for several
days after the mercury amendment. Levels of mercury above the fine sandy loam
soil adjusted to the concentration of 10 ppm of mercury produced levels which
were within the detection limits of the equipment. Over a 2-day sampling
period elemental mercury was found to be the predominant species followed by
ionic, methyl-, and dimethylmercury. Studies involving the other soil types
and increased incubation periods are now being undertaken.
METHODS AND EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Air pollution model validation
High carbon monoxide concentrations developed as a result of stagnant wind
conditions in the Las Vegas Valley December 3 through 5, 1975. The Clark
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County {Nevada) District Health Department's Air Pollution Control Division
warned of the high carbon monoxide levels and urged people to curtail use of
their automobiles until weather conditions changed.
The high levels of air pollution provided the Monitoring Systems Research
and Development Division (MSD) the right conditions for an intensive field
study.
Dr. James L. McElroy, senior meteorologist, predicted episodic weather
conditions and initiated the intensive field study which was conducted with the
support of other groups at the Laboratory. The purpose of this study was to
col 1ect research data needed to validate an air pollution model for the Las
Vegas Valley to be used in the design of air monitoring networks. It was part
of a broader field study of the Las Vegas Valley under various weather con-
ditions.
This field study is being conducted at nine stationary sites where con-
tinuous readings of wind speed and direction are taken, four carbon monoxide
sampling stations, and two stations where pilot balloons (pibals) are released
to measure winds aloft. These are supplemented by three stations with carbon
monoxide monitors operated by the District Health Department and eight carbon
monoxide stations run by the Nevada State Highway Department*, two of these have
carbon monoxide monitors and the other six collect bag samples of air.
During December 3 through 6, the ground sampling measurements were su-
plemented with aerial measurements. The Laboratory's Monitoring Operations
Division (MOD) used an EPA helicopter to make spiral descents at 11 sites
throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Instruments in the helicopter measured carbon
monoxide, temperature, and dew point. The series of 11 spiral descents was
made in the early morning and late afternoon during the intensive study. The
MOD also fielded a mobile air quality monitoring trailer in support of this
effort.
Ground stations ran continuously during December and will run into Febru-
ary. The helicopter spirals will be repeated on several days through February
when conditions are right.
The data collected are being used in an urban airshed model now being
validated. The model is being used to generate sets of pollution concentration
patterns under specified meteorological regimes. These patterns are then
superimposed on each other. The places where maximum pollution concentrations
overlap in the superimposed patterns are selected as optimum sites for sampling
stations.
The field study is part of a research project to develop methods for
optimizing the number and locations of sampling stations in an ambient air
quality monitoring network. However, the overall program is concerned with
monitoring systems for both air and surface-water quality.
The initial phase for ambient air monitoring networks design deals with
devising a design method for a carbon monoxide monitoring network using data
from the Las Vegas Valley. The design method will then be tested in the
greater Phoenix area as technical assistance to Maricopa County, Arizona,
through the EPA Region IX office.
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The second phase focuses on the reactive pollutants. These are oxides of
nitrogen, ozone, and hydrocarbons. A network design method for these pol-
lutants will be developed using data collected in the Las Vegas Valley. The
design procedure will be tested in the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area
of Florida as a cooperative technical assistance project with EPA's Region IV
office.
As part of a project to develop detailed analytical capabilities for the
determination of specific hydrocarbons in ambient air samples in the parts-per-
billion range, an analytical capability was developed for the measurement of
aliphatic hydrocarbons. The primary purpose of this project is to provide
support for the air monitoring network optimization study outlined above.
Precise measurements of the specific hydrocarbons present in air are necessary
both to provide routine air monitoring and to validate the air pollution models
being designed. The need for precise measurements is clear because the many
different hydrocarbons found in urban air vary considerably in their ability to
participate in photochemical reactions. There is also an immediate need for
this capability to validate the Systems Applications, Inc. (SAI), photochemical
diffusion model which has been proposed to predict pollutant maxima for the Las
Vegas Valley. Efforts are currently underway to develop a similar methodology
for the aromatic hydrocarbons.
Two-frequency LIPAR system
The two-frequency LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system is an exten-
sion of the airborne LIDAR system work being done at the EMSL-LV by the Remote
Sensing Division (RSD) and will be of great utility in characterizing effluent
plumes as well as in detailed mapping of urban piumes. The complexity of the
system requires a system controller capable not only of turning on and off the
various components to ensure proper functioning, but also of maintaining the
proper data flow from the device. This includes the merger of the system
output, system operating parameters, and supplementary data such as navigation
and time signals. The final system will be automated, even to the point of
giving maintenance warnings, and will not require a highly skilled operator.
The RSD has assembled a microprocessor development system for constructing
the controller and data-handling system. The microprocessor is essentially a
digital computer on a chip. The two-frequency LIDAR system will contain at
least two microprocessor systems, one serving as a controller and systems moni-
tor, one manipulating the input data, and a possible third system control 1ing a
real-time display of the information. By far, most of the design effort will
be in software development with hard wiring limited to interfacing components
with the microprocessor system. The need for changes in the overall system
revealed during construction or testing of the system will be mostly software
changes which are generally easy to implement and test. Software will be
tested against simulated input signals before incorporation in the actual
system, thus reducing time and expenses incurred with the environmental testing
of systems.
Airborne remote ozone monitor
The RSD is currently preparing an earth reflected differential absorption
system for flight testing. The system uses two carbon dioxide Transverse
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Excitation Atmospheric (pressure)(TEA) lasers, each operating at a different
wavelength, and an infrared telescope which receives the pulses reflected from
the earth. One wavelength is absorbed by ozone; the other is not. Thus, the
ozone concentration between the aircraft and the earth can be measured.
The apparatus has been tested on a ground range which uses mirrors to
direct the laser beam to a building about 1,600 feet away. This horizontal
distance simulates the altitude of the aircraft which will carry the apparatus.
The return signals received from the side of the building (no mirrors were
used on the building) agreed well with theoretical calculations made before
construction of the apparatus was begun. This 1s believed to be the first time
infrared differential absorption signals have been received using a non-cooper-
ative topographic target.
Theoretical calculations made prior to the ground test of the system
yielded values similar to those obtained from the test results. The theoret-
ical calculations considered many systems parameters and the good correlation
between experiment and theory points out that the operational parameters
chosen were correct.
Because of the ground-testing program, modifications have been made to the
apparatus which will eliminate potential problems in flight. The main problem
was the electrical interference produced when the laser fired. This was over-
come by carefully shielding the lasers and detector package.
Some additional ground testing will be done to check the sensitivity of
the apparatus to the presence of other gaseous pollutants which have absorption
bands near the ozone bands. Then the apparatus will be carefully shock-mounted
in a helicopter and flight-tested with support from another helicopter instru-
mented with ozone point monitors.
Infrared scanner techniques
Laboratory testing completed this quarter indicates that sulfur dioxide
gas can be detected using the RS-310 infrared scanner. The AAS-14 infrared
scanner is being modified and improved and when it is available for field
testing a threshold of about 50 parts per million is expected. The program is
being led by Lockheed Electronics Company, on-site technical support contractor
to the RSD. The outline for field testing and ground-truth coordination is
being prepared. The work performed to date, though minimal, is encouraging and
warrants further laboratory and field testing. Primary gases to be considered
under this program are sulfur dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, nitrogen
dioxide, ozone and methane.
Aerial infrared scanner survey techniques are under study in an effort to
analyze and improve data collection and reduction systems for generating the
isothermal contour maps. The major problem area is in a portion of the software
called "Surface Approximation Contour Mapping" which is currently being improved
by its developer, Applications Consultants, Inc. The atmospheric correction
portion of the program has been implemented and has worked well for the limited
number of sites needing this correction. The program for ground-truth temperature
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correlation is being implemented and, with the improved black-body reference
temperatures, an absolute accuracy analysis will be determined. Design goal for
remote surface temperatures measurements is ± 1° C.
This effort is being conducted to improve both accuracy and speed in
preparation of isothermal contour maps of major thermal discharges from power
plants and other industries.
Aerial multispectral techniques
The data collection portion of the Remote Sensing Division's Multispectral
Turbidity Techniques project is over 90 percent completed with 185 or 200 data
samples collected to date. EMSL-LV chemists have been doing the water sample
analysis and Lockheed Electronics Company has been developing and coordinating
the plan for data collection with the EPA spectrometer. The software required
for display and analysis of the data is being developed.
Preliminary evaluation of the EPA developmental spectrometer indicates that
there will be no problem obtaining the desired sensitivity of 20 parts per
million for minimum detectable sediment concentration. Performance of the
spectrometer and the apparent quality of the data obtained have been encouraging
and will be suitable for the feasibility studies in the remote measurement of
water turbidity.
Light aircraft sensor pods
Before granting airworthy certification of the photographic pod developed
by the Air Force for the EMSL-LV, the Federal Aviation Administration requested
that the drawings be updated and that stress analysis and gust load data be
provided. The updated drawings have been completed and are awaiting engineering
approval. The stress analysis data are available and gust load data have been
requested from the manufacturer of the plane. It is anticipated that the
flight demonstrations phase will begin by March 15, 1976.
Plans have been initiated by the Vint Hill Field Station to bench test
mini-pan cameras and prepare them for a full-scale operational suitability
testing program in the pod. For this project, 37 mini-pan cameras have been
requested from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The tests will be conducted on
actual monitoring problems, where practicable, and will be in coordination with
Regional and/or program office personnel.
Film process control
The Remote Sensing Division has developed an automated program to maintain
high quality process control of photographic chemicals. Mr. Clive Dixon of
Eastman Kodak has been working with EPA personnel to ensure that output specifi-
cations meet Kodak standards.
At present, four processes, included below, are automatically monitored by
the system. This saves approximately three quarters of a man-year of labor and
enables a student trainee to maintain the quality control, thereby relieving the
senior personnel for more demanding duties.
A mini Nova computer, currently being used, standardizes operations and
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helps avoid simple mistakes. Processes covered by the program include (1)
plotting and recording film characteristic curves, (2) plotting and recording
chemical history for preceding 4 days, (3) plotting and readout of chemical
controls with recommended procedures for correction of chemicals, (4) identi-
fication of problems with processors, such as speed and temperature, {5)
readout of densitometer calibration for "go" or "no go," and (6) plotting and
readout of color filter pack correction for color printing.
Mercury instrumentation
A study is being conducted by the Monitoring Systems Research and Develop-
ment Division (MSD) to determine the species of mercury present in emissions
from coal-fired power plants. An instrument was developed using mercury
species traps that have been mounted in series. This instrument was installed
on board an EPA helicopter that is monitoring the Mohave Power Plant plume to
determine the amount and type of mercury present in the plume.
The MSD also has completed assembly and is currently testing a new gas
chromatograph microwave emission spectrophotometer. This instrument, used for
detecting organic forms of mercury and arsenic at low environmental levels, is
one of only two known to exist and the only one available within the Environ-
mental Protection Agency. It was designed by Dr. Talmi, formerly of the Oak
Ridge National Laboratory and now with Princeton University. The use of this
instrument in research projects wil1 materially enhance MSD's capability to
study and understand mercury movement in the environment.
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MONITORING
In June 1974, the Remote Sensing Division (RSD) was requested by the EPA
Enforcement Office to conduct a pilot project to demonstrate the utility of
employing remote sensing techniques to support priority enforcement needs of
the EPA. Region III was selected to be the project study area. To date,
approximately 140 sites have been covered with aerial photography and infrared
imagery utilizing both existing and developmental remote sensing techniques.
Analysis of these data is a major effort for the RSD. During this reporting
period, the following reports were forwarded to the Region:
1)	"Mine Drainage Study Area, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
July 27, 1975"
2)	"Clairton Coke and Coal Chemical Works - Inventory of Selected
Air Emissions from Coke Processing Operations, September 5 -
October 4, 1974"
3)	"Extent of Dredge and Fill at St. Martin's Neck, Worcester
County, Maryland, August 8, 1975"
4)	"Vegetation Damage in the Vicinity of New Jersey Zinc Co.,
Palmerton, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1975"
5)	"Aerial Photographic Survey of Selected Industrial Facilities,
July 22 - August 27, 1975"
A remote sensing project to determine potential or existing deleterious
impact from energy-related industries on vegetation and visibility was under-
taken by the RSD at the request of Region VIII and the Office of Energy,
Minerals and Industry, Office of Research and Development. Remote sensor data
were gathered during November 1975 that will allow the visual evaluation of 12
large point sources of pollution during conditions of limited atmospheric
dispersion of pollutants. The information will be used to investigate the
behavior of stack plumes under various meteorological conditions, and the
interaction between the plume and elevated terrain. Also, imagery of an 80
square-mile area of active and abandoned coal mining sites (underground and
surface) and another area including a coal gasification plant was obtained for
inclusion in an atlas of coal mines in the Northern Great Plains.
AIR
At the request of the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS),
the Air Quality Branch of the Monitoring Operations Division (MOD) used the
Long Range Air Monitoring Aircraft (LORAMA), an instrumented Douglas B-26
Monarch, in the Gulf States in October. Based at Lake Charles, Louisiana, the
LORAMA was used in a survey of ozone, nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons over
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee, in cooperation
with the Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina. The study was aimed at
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the investigation of the long-distance transport of oxidants and precursors.
OAQPS called for the study to investigate possible causes of high ozone concen-
trations which have been observed in rural areas in the Gulf States.
During late November, an Instrumented Sikorsky H-34 helicopter was used to
collect particulate samples over Phoenix, Arizona, at the request of OAQPS and
the Aerosol Research Branch of the Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory
at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The study was designed to investi-
gate possible causes of reported high concentrations of suspended particulates
In Phoenix and other southwestern desert cities and to develop a mathematical
model of particulate air pollutants. Although the study is being conducted in
Phoenix, the model will be useful in similar regions where fugitive dust is a
problem. The model will help the EPA develop controls for fugitive dust made
airborne by man's activities or the wind. The MOD helicopter data will be
complemented with air quality and meteorological data from ground-based stations
and weather balloons.
Air pollution monitoring instrumentation 1s being installed in four air
quality monitoring vans to be used in the Williams Air Force Base Aircraft
Emissions Impact Study to be performed by the MOD under an interagency agree-
ment with the U.S. Air Force. The vans will be used at Williams AFB to monitor
environmental levels of airport-related emissions by continuously monitoring
and evaluating the frequency distribution of pollutant concentrations at each
location. The data compiled in the study will be used to calculate air quality
frequency distributions and to validate existing airport models.
At the request of Region IX and the National Environmental Investigation
Center in Denver, an instrumented Sikorsky H-34 helicopter was used in early
December to investigate the dispersion of the effluent plume from the Mohave
Generating Station, located on Lake Mohave, approximately 80 miles south of Las
Vegas, Nevada. One of the goals of the study was to determine points of prob-
able maximum ground-level sulfur dioxide concentrations in the plume trajectory
to permit optimum ground monitoring stations siting. Project objectives also
included the determination of other plume characteristics, including height-of-
rise, horizontal and vertical plume width at various points in the plume
trajectory, and plume centerline sulfur dioxide concentrations. The Mohave
Generating Station is the subject of a current controversy concerning sulfur
dioxide emissions regulations.
At the request of Region II, the MOD conducted a survey over New York City
in December using the airborne LIDAR system 1n the EMSL-LV C-45 Twin Beech.
The object of the study was to relate plumes from point sources and areas of
intense industrial activity and auto traffic to high observed levels of sus-
pended particulates in several areas of New York City. Although three surveys
of the urban area were performed, weather hampered the mission, and another
survey has been tentatively scheduled for early April 1976, to obtain more
data.
The Remote Sensing Division (RSD) was requested by the Enforcement Division
of Region IV to provide analysis of existing color infrared photography acquired
from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Tennessee Valley
Authority of an area near the TVA Shawnee Power Plant and the Soppa, Illinois,
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Power Plant. The objective Is to delineate any areas of vegetation damage and
to determine possible relationships with flue gases from the power plants.
Over 100 complaints from surrounding farmers had been filed claiming crop
damage due to the emissions.
LAND USE
The EPA Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) is presently con-
ducting environmental noise effects studies at several major metropolitan
airports. In support of this effort the RSD is providing land use analysis
based on aerial photographic interpretations. Four airport areas, Oakland and
Los Angeles, California*, Huntsville, Alabama; and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minne-
sota, were selected for this pilot project. Black and white aerial photography
has been acquired to cover each airport and its environs.
During this reporting period, studies of Los Angeles and Huntsvil le were
completed including graphic delineation of specific land use categories and
housing/population density measurements.
At the request of Dr. A1 LeFohn, Environmental Research Laboratory, Cor-
valUs, imagery from a NASA overflight of the Colstrip Mine, Colstrip, Montana,
is being analyzed by the Vint Hill Field Station. Initial review of these data
(three Montana State University low-level color infrared flights and Bureau of
Land Management Photography) indicates that significant information on vegeta-
tion stress and the effect of topography and distance on the movement of
sulfur-dioxide gas can be determined through detailed, comparative photo-
analysis.
Because of the success of the first phase of the photo-analysis, the
overflight program will be continued in the spring of 1976. At that time, new
test sites will be prepared and extensive experiments with film/filter combi-
nations, time of day, and seasonal coverage will be carried out.
At the request of Region V, the Vint Hill Field Station completed a pilot
project on the development and expansion of the strip mines in southern Illi-
nois. The project includes a complete analysis of the present status of strip
mines, areas of reclamation and a study of archival imagery. The pilot study
will be reviewed by the Region and the State of Illinois. Upon their approval
a three-county area will be analyzed.
RADIATION
In the continuing Off-site Human Surveillance Program, 46 residents (12
families) were examined for body burden of gamma-emitting radionuclides by the
Health and Safety Staff using the Laboratory's whole-body counting facility.
As in the past, medical examinations of these persons, all residents of the
areas surrounding the Nevada Test Site, have revealed a generally healthy
population.
The Environmental Radiation Branch of the Monitoring Operations Division
(MOD) provided radiological monitoring services for several nuclear tests
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conducted by the Energy Research and Development Administration at the Nevada
Test Site. Three of these tests were in the high yield range, requiring
establishment of a community information center in four towns for each test.
As many as 40 personnel from throughout the Laboratory were in the field for
the tests.
MOD personnel drove the specially equipped water sampling truck to Hatties-
burg, Mississippi, in October to collect the quarterly samples for the Long-
Term Hydrological Monitoring Program from the vicinity of the Tatum Dome test
area. Forty-two 1-gallon samples were collected from 20 locations representing
both surface and underground water supplies. The sampling is conducted to
monitor the possible movement of radionuclides from the Tatum Dome test area
into surrounding ground water.
At the request of the Environmental Radiation Branch, MOD, the Remote
Sensing Division provided aerial photographic mapping coverage of the Amargosa
Valley--Beatty, Nevada, area. The data will be used to update maps of popula-
tion in this area adjacent to the Nevada Test Site. During December the black
and white photography was completed and mosaics of prints covering the 1,300
square-mile area will be prepared into photo maps at appropriate scales.
A protocol was drafted and approved to establish a quality assurance
program for all radiation sampling networks operated by the MOD. Sufficient
duplicate samples will be collected to allow determination of sampling variance
and reporting of the total error term associated with sample results. At
present the only error term reported is the probable error based on sample-
counting statistics. The results will also be used to identify major sources
of error and to keep errors within acceptable limits.
A survey of the electrical supplies at all operating Air Surveillance
Network stations was made to check for deficiencies and to determine the
ability to handle the additional samplers to be operated as part of the new
quality assurance program. The Air Surveillance Network is operated for the
Energy Research and Development Administration to monitor radioactive material
in the area surrounding the Nevada Test Site.
WATER
During the final quarter of 1975 the National Eutrophication Survey (NES)
helicopter field teams concluded the lake sampling portion of the Survey. The
group was able to complete a very rigorous program of sampling from the Rockies
to the Pacific Ocean on schedule. Several additional days of sampling were
performed on Lake Mead to obtain special study data for quality control, to
evaluate specific aspects of the sampling regimen, and to provide more in-depth
information on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of that
lake.
The NES is an EPA project to develop knowledge of nutrient sources,
concentration and threat to selected freshwater lakes and impoundments. Its
aim is to develop sufficient and necessary knowledge of nutrient sources and
concentrations, and the extent of nutrient threats in selected water bodies
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which act as receiving waters for wastewater treatment plant effluent. This
information is to be converted into reconmendations leading to comprehensive
and coordinated national, regional and State management practices concerning
effluent of sewage plants, industrial discharges, and land use controls in
tributary drainage areas.
In the 4-year study, over 800 such water bodies were sampled in the 48
contiguous States. Over 3,000 helicopter water landings were made and nearly
2 million samples collected. In addition to the analyses made on site, nutri-
ent analyses and algae identifications were made at the EMSL-LV and algal
assays and heavy metal determinations were performed at the Environmental
Research Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon. Mr. William Fort of the MOD received
the Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Public Health Service for his
efforts as Team Leader in the NES sampling program.
Individual reports for each lake are being published. Many reports for
lakes sampled during 1973 have been completed.
The Water and Land Quality Branch of the MOD is conducting a water quality
study in a proposed oil shale development area south of Vernal in northeastern
Utah. The Oil Shale Non-point Source Monitoring Study is designed to test and
assess segments of water quality monitoring systems appropriate for quantifying
the contribution of non-point source pollutants to surface waters. The pol-
lutants come from runoff from mining areas and seepage from waste disposal
areas. The MOD aims to design and test a cost-effective monitoring procedure
to assess or measure the impact that oil shale development may have on the
aquatic environment. The study is being conducted adjacent to two large
tracts which industry has leased from the United States for development of
prototype oil shale extraction facilities.
Working out of a mobile laboratory based at Vernal, Utah, MOD personnel
are making intensive studies utilizing automated sampling, detection and
recording apparatus, as well as conventional sampling techniques. EPA's
Region VIII has provided additional funds to the program to expand evaluation
of biota indicative of community stability. Several potential indicator or-
ganisms have thus far been identified.
Winter activities for the non-point source program will be greatly reduced
in scope. A low-level sampling program is underway and data are being reviewed
and prepared for computer processing.
Region X has requested technical support from the RSD in documenting the
effectiveness of the recently enacted Forest Practices Act in preventing water
pollution and in defining the nature and extent of Yakima River pollution due
to irrigation return water. Non-point source pollution is a significant water
quality problem in the Region.
The first flight in a series of remote sensing flights to be made during
three seasons over selected forest plots and representative sub-basins of the
Yakima River was completed in November. Interpreters at the Vint Hill Field
Station will be preparing land use maps amenable to water quality study on
color photography covering agriculture areas along the Yakima River. The
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Operations Branch will be performing analysis of silviculture practices for
water quality effects. Overflights are planned to coincide with various cli-
matic and hydrologic phenomena and irrigation schedules late in 1975 and the
spring and summer of 1976.
At the request of Region IV, the RSD collected remote sensor data at four
power plants located in Georgia and Florida. These data will be used to
delineate the thermal discharge plumes from each of the four sites and to
determine the effect on the vegetation of the thermal discharge at an adjacent
deadend canal system at one of the sites. Overflights were performed during
each of four tidal cycles to observe major variables. Part of the data showing
the characteristics of the Bartow Power Plant at St. Petersburg, Florida, was
delivered to the Region. This included an isothermal contour map, a black and
white thermal infrared imagery print, and a color aerial photograph mosaic.
At the request of Region VII, the RSD gathered remote sensor data at two
nuclear and one fossil fuel power plants to determine whether the thermal
discharges from the plants were exceeding the mixing zone limitations specified
in their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits. Overflights
were performed in May and November 1975 and another flight is scheduled for
January 1976. Aerial thermal infrared data and color photography along with
ground-truth data were acquired to produce isothermal contour maps showing the
character of the plumes.
On October 31, Region VI notified the RSD of a gas well blowout in Vermil-
lion Bay, Louisiana. Parafin, water and natural gas were observed spewing from
the well as high as 100 feet with the yellowish orange parafin settling on
surrounding marshes and waterways. Color aerial photography was acquired by a
local contractor on November 11 and 12 and selected color enlargements and
index maps were delivered to the Region.
As part of an effort to determine techniques to assess the impact of toxic
materials spills, the Pollutant Pathways Branch of the Monitoring Systems
Research and Development Division is conducting a field project in the vicinity
of the blowout. The project is being conducted cooperatively with the U.S.
Geological Survey. The USGS has a remote sensing instrument called a Fraun-
haffer Line Discriminator which is capable of detecting changes in fluores-
cence. The instrument will be used in the development of a technique to rapidly
determine the extent and impact of large-scale oil spills such as the blowout
studied in southern Louisiana. A flyover of the oil spill area has been made
with the Fraunhaffer Line Discriminator on board an aircraft and the data
obtained are being evaluated.
The EPA Office of Water and Hazardous Materials has begun a 1-year study,
the Rural Water Survey. The Survey is being conducted as a requirement of the
Safe Drinking Water Act under Public Law 93-523. The EMSL-LV has been desig-
nated one of two EPA Laboratories to perform the stable chemical and radiolog-
ical analyses. The prime objective of this study is to determine the quality
of rural drinking water supplies in terms of those parameters pertinent to
human health.
The Rural Water Survey has been designed to collect representative samples
of rural drinking water supplies from every State. To accomplish this,
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104 counties, comprised of at least one county in each of the 50 States, will
be sampled over a period of 52 weeks. A total of 5,320 households will be
selected at random from the designated counties so that the number of house-
holds selected in each county is proportional to the corresponding rural popula-
tion density according to the Bureau of Census data for 1972. State and county
agencies are scheduled to perform the field work under the direction of the EPA
Regional Offices, while the bacteriological examinations will be performed by
certified State or county laboratories, and the stable chemical and radiolog-
ical analyses will be completed by the EPA Laboratories at Las Vegas and
Cincinnati.
The Survey will generate approximately 5,320 water samples for analysis.
This sample load has been split. The EMSL-LV will be responsible for all of
the radiological determinations and about one-third of the stable chemical
analyses. The Water Supply Research Laboratory in Cincinnati will be respon-
sible for the remaining stable chemical analyses. Sample analyses are tenta-
tively scheduled to begin April 1.
In addition to responding to the gas well blowout in Region VII, the
Remote Sensing Division responded to major oil spill incidents in Regions II
and III. The RSD provides quick response aerial photo surveillance and inter-
pretation services to locate and classify concentrations of the pollutant in
support of damage assessment and clean-up operations. Annotated photographs,
analysis maps, and other useful information are delivered to on-scene coordina-
tors (OSC) on an emergency turn-around (round-the-clock) basis. When required,
an RSD Operations Branch project manager responds personally to the spill scene
to coordinate aerial operations for the OSC.
A barge containing approximately 80,000 gallons of crude oil grounded on
a reef near San Juan, Puerto Rico. Several compartments had ruptured and oil
was reported leaking. On December 12, the RSD was placed on standby as stormy
weather threatened to break apart the barge and cause a possible major oil
spill. A San Juan based contractor photographed the scene on December 19, and
selected black and white prints will be delivered to document the spillage onto
nearby beaches.
On December 6, a major spill into the Ohio River of diesel fuel from a
ruptured pipeline near Conway, Pennsylvania, was reported along with a request
for reconnaisance along approximately 50 miles of the river. The RSD arranged
for contractor services, and color photography coverage was obtained on Decem-
ber 7. The RSD processed and analyzed the photography and produced strip
mosaics of the Ohio River and classification maps showing spilled fuel along
the 50-mile stretch. This information was delivered to the Region III spill
command post in Conway, Pennsylvania, for use in directing control and clean-
up.
At the request of the Regional Administrator of EPA, Region V, the RSD
gathered remote sensor data for several disposal sites in Illinois. These data
are being analyzed to detect surface manifestations of subsurface migration of
hazardous pollutants in seepage and ground water flows. The RSD forwarded
several requested aerial color infrared paper prints to the Illinois State
Water Survey in November for use by the State as a planning and base map for
its drilling program.
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At the request of Region VIII, the Vint Hill Field Station conducted an
extensive inventory of pollution sources in southeast Iowa. The project, which
covered 11 counties, presented data on water resources and actual and potential
pollution sources. Vint Hill analyzed high resolution imagery and prepared an
atlas of uncontrolled mosaics. The interpreted data were overprinted and
photographically reproduced. The Region 1s now incorporating the information
into its coal research program.
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QUALITY ASSURANCE
STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS
An increasing number of elements being discharged into the environment is
being scrutinized for possible environmental effects. These include heavy
elements as well as certain radionuclides. As a consequence, adequate quality
assurance procedures are needed. Since a large number of the samples to be
analyzed consists of plant or animal tissue, an effort is underway by the
Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division's Quality Assurance Branch
to prepare standard reference materials which contain in vivo incorporated
pollutants. This material resembles the samples to be analyzed more closely
than does material to which the pollutants are physically added. Therefore,
more reliable quality assurance programs can be designed.
Mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium have been chosen as candidates for in
vivo incorporation into plant materials. From a literature search, which is in
its final stage, it became apparent that little systematic research directly
applicable to the problem has been conducted in this area. However, some
promising plants and methods of incorporation which will emerge from the litera-
ture search will be evaluated in more detail. In the meantime, the literature
search will be continued and expanded to include a number of other metabolic
pollutants as well as radionuclides.
Other new reference materials are being made available by the Branch. In
final preparation are the uranium-235/-238 series, thorium ore, uranium mill
tailings, and radium-bearing soil. These are needed since accurate and reliable
reference materials are vital for calibration, standardization, yield determi-
nation, and quality control activities in radiation monitoring laboratories.
These reference materials will aid in the EPA's operational monitoring programs
in acquiring accurate and legally defensible ambient and source environmental
quality data. The reference materials are presently undergoing final checks for
homogeneity and accuracy of analyses and will be available in early 1976 upon
request to all Federal, State, Regional, and private laboratories engaged in
monitoring and enforcement activities.
Mancos shale obtained from Grand Junction, Colorado, has been processed and
blended to ensure homogeneity. This soil is presently being characterized for
radium and other probable radionuclides by the National Bureau of Standards and
should also be available in early 1976.
The methodology required for preparing representative samples containing
known amounts of plutonium and americium has been developed. Samples will be
prepared according to this methodology and distributed to other laboratories
for use as a yardstick by which the accuracy of their radiochemical analyses
can be evaluated. During this quarter, alfalfa, soil, and ashed bovine tissue
samples were prepared at sub-picocurie to microcurie levels. These samples
have been submitted to several laboratories for analysis. Split raw bovine
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liver samples containing unknown but homogeneously distributed environmental
concentrations of plutonium are also being prepared and will be distributed to
the appropriate laboratories to evaluate the accuracy of their radiochemical
analyses.
INTERCOMPARISON STUDIES
The major objective of the Laboratory Intercomparison Studies Program is
to assist laboratories involved in environmental radiation measurements to
develop and maintain both an intralaboratory and an inter!aboratory quality
control program. This is accomplished through extensive laboratory Intercom-
parison studies (cross-checks) involving environmental media (milk, water, air,
food, soil, and gases) and a variety of radionuclides with activities at or
near environmental levels.
Reports were Issued to participants in the Environmental Radioactivity
Laboratory Intercomparison Studies Program by the MSQ for seven different
cross-check analyses: July - milk, radium-226 in water, and gross alpha and
beta in water; August - tritium in water and gamma in water; September -
tritium in urine; October - tritium in water. The types of cross-check anal-
yses and the number of participating laboratories are shown in the following
table.
Type of Cross-check	October November December
Gamma in water	65	--	67
Tritium in water	67	--	72
Milk	—	61
Gross alpha and gross beta in water	—	58
Radium-226 in water	—	27
Air Filter	—	--	52
Diet	-	«	23
Tritium in urine	—	—	14
The laboratories participating in the above cross-check programs include
2 international, 13 Federal, 43 State, 13 university, and 46 nuclear facilities
and contractor laboratories.
To meet the needs of environmental monitoring laboratories, new studies
are periodically introduced into the program. Currently, in response to
requests from participants, an air sample containing krypton-85 1s being pre-
pared for use both as a reference sample, and for use in the cross-check program.
Although krypton-85, a noble gas, has a much lower radiotoxlcity than many
other radioisotopes, the multi-curie amounts being released to the environment
make it a pollutant of concern to the EPA.
Preparation of the krypton-85 samples, which will be available for distri-
bution early in 1976, required the design, construction, and testing of a
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complex gas system. This system is utilized in the mixing of known amounts of
krypton-85 and air and for the transferal of accurately measured aliquots of
the gas mixture into small refill able metal cylinders. The system also pro-
vides for the separation of krypton from air for analysis by either liquid
scintillation counting of krypton-85, or for the measurement of stable krypton
and krypton-85 by a gas chromatograph-radiation detection system.
TRACEABILITY STUDIES
The Quality Assurance Branch prepares and distributes calibrated low-level
radioactive solutions to Federal, State, and private laboratories involved in
environmental radiation monitoring and surveillance. These solutions are
utilized for both the calibration of counting instruments and chemical yield
determinations. Since the laboratories using these samples must have confi-
dence in their accuracy, the Branch has instituted intercomparison studies with
the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and with the Energy Research and Develop-
ment Administration's Health Services Laboratory.
The results of the studies conducted with the NBS during 1974 and 1975 are
described in detail in the Environmental Monitoring Series publication entitled,
"Radiation Quality Assurance Intercomparison Studies" (EPA-600/4-75-014,
October 1975).
The 4-pi beta-gamma coincidence counting system, designed and built at the
EMSL-LV, is currently being used in many of the activity measurements of
radionuclides, and in the round robin studies of the NBS. Measurements of
activity using the 4-pi beta-gamma system are absolute, allowing the Quality
Assurance Branch to measure activities of many radionuclides without having to
rely on standards of those radionuclides. Measurements made with the 4-pi
beta-gamma coincidence counters are used in the traceability studies with the
NBS.
CALIBRATION
Environmental measurements are made daily by many different Federal,
State, local, and private agencies. The data from these measurements are used
for a wide variety of purposes including assessment of health effects, the
establishment of standards and guides, and for enforcement activities. It is
therefore imperative that the precision and accuracy of the data be assured in
order that policy decisions concerning environmental quality be based on valid
and comparable data.
As an integral part of its overall quality assurance effort, the Quality
Assurance Branch prepares and distributes a variety of calibrated low-level
radioactive samples for use in the laboratories of Federal, State, local and
private agencies. The major objective of this program is to encourage the
development of intralaboratory and interlaboratory quality control procedures
and thus ensure that environmental radiation data are valid. Providing accu-
rately calibrated samples assists laboratories in calibrating new instruments,
implementing and maintaining routine instrument calibration programs, evaluating
analytical procedures, and developing and revising data processing programs.
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During the second quarter of FY-76, 258 calibrated radionuclide solutions,
comprised of 23 different radionuclides, were distributed to Federal, State,
local and private laboratories engaged 1n environmental monitoring.
The Quality Assurance Branch is presently conducting a calibration study
of polonium-210 measurements. The National Bureau of Standards, as part of Its
work under the energy program, prepared 40 aqueous solution standards of
polonium-210 for the MSQ. These standards are being distributed as unknowns to
laboratories interested in measuring alpha emissions of polonium-210, and
require a standard reference material. When the laboratories complete their
measurements of these standards and return a report form to the EMSL-LV, a
certificate of calibration will be issued.
In October, the Branch participated in an intercalibration study of various
radon counting systems at the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Denver, Colorado. (See
ORP-LVF, Radon and Radon Progeny Sampling.)
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PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL REPORTS PUBLISHED
EPA Reports
"Methylation of Mercury in a Terrestrial Environments" R. D. Rogers,
EPA-600/3-75-014.
"Radiation Quality Assurance Interoomparieon Studies-1974/197Si " Quality
Assurance Branch, EPA-600/4-75-014.
"National Eutrophiaation Survey: Data Acquisition and Laboratory Anal-
ysisJ. W. Mull Ins, R. N. Snelling, R. 6. Seals, and D. D. Moden, EPA-
600/4-75-015.
"Radon Exhalation from Uranium Mine Tailings Piles,," D. E. Bernhardt, F.
B. Johns and R. F. Kaufmann, ORP/LV-75-7 (A).
Reports of ERDA Reimbursable Work
"Report of the Animal Investigation Program Activities for the Baneberry
Event/' D. D. Smith, S. C. Black, K. R. Giles, and A. A. Moghissi, NERC-
LV-539-10.
As part of the radiological safety program the EMSL-LV provides for the
Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), the Monitoring
Operations Division Environmental Radiation Branch prepared and submitted
the following reports to the Nevada Operations Office:
(a)	The Interim Environmental Monitoring Report for the Nevada
Test Site, Third Quarter 1975. (This report included
station dosimetry data from thermoluminescent dosimeters.)
(b)	The Milk Directory-1975 for California, Nevada and Utah.
(This lists all dairy and family milk cows in Nevada and
adjacent portions of California and Utah, along with
information on location, feeding practices by month, and
census of children and adults using milk from family cows.)
PAPERS PRESENTED OR PUBLISHED
The following papers authored or coauthored by EMSL-LV staff were pre-
sented at the International Symposium on Transuranium Nuclides in the Environ-
ment, held in San Francisco, California, and sponsored by the International
Atomic Energy Agency and the ERDA;
"Grazing Studies on a Plutonium-Contaminated Range of the Nevada Test
Site," by D. D. Smith, J. Barth and R. G. Patzer, presented by Dr. Smith.
"Versatile Microbiological Technique for the Monitoring of Biological
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Availability of Transuranics," by W. F. Beckert and F. H. F. Au, presented
by Dr. Beckert.
"Distribution of Ingested Transuranium Nuclides in Chickens and Subsequent
Transport to Eggs," by A. A. Mullen, S. R. Lloyd and R. E. Mosley,
presented by Mrs. Mullen.
The paper, "Biotransformation and Chemical Form of Mercury in Plants," by
D. D. Gay, was presented by Dr. Gay at the International Conference on Heavy
Metals in the Environment, held in Toronto, Canada, October 27 through 31,
1975.
The paper, "Earth Reflected Differential Absorption Using TEA Lasers:
A Remote Method for Ozone," by J. L. Guagliardo, was presented by Dr. Guagliardo
at the Seventh International Laser Radar Conference, held at Stanford University.
The paper, "Remote Sensing Study of the Bioenvirormental Effects of Stack
Emission from Colstrip, Montana, Powerplantt" by T. R. Osberg, Remote Sensing
Division, Vint Hill Field Station; J. E. Taylor, Montana State University; R.
A. Lewis and A. S. LeFohn, Environmental Research Laboratory, Corvallis,
Oregon, was accepted for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American
Society of Photogrammetry, Washington. D.C., February 22 through 28.
The paper, "The Use of a Source-Grid Airshed Simulation Model as a Tool in
the Design of an Optimum Air Quality Monitoring network," by J. V. Behar, L. M.
Dunn, J. L. McElroy, R. R. Kinnison and Pong N. Lem, was accepted for presen-
tation at the Ninth Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences to be
held January 6 through 8.
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OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRAMS-LAS VEGAS FACILITY
ACTIVE URANIUM MINES AND MILLS
The Governor of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico requested, through Region
VI, assistance in evaluating the radiological impact of uranium mining on the
Laguna Reservation. The Anaconda Company operates a large open-pit mine on the
Laguna Reservation about 35 miles east of Grants. ORP-LVF personnel attended
meetings in late November with representatives of the Pueblo, Region VI, the
Indian Health Service (IHS), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
and the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Agency to plan a response to this
request. In early December, ORP-LVF, with assistance from IHS and Pueblo
staff, set up five air sampling stations in and around the mining area. Track-
etch badges and radon progeny integrated sampling units were also provided to
the IHS. The badges and sampling units were placed in structures on the res-
ervation to screen for the possible use of tailings or ore material in the
buildings.
A study was conducted in the vicinity of Grants to evaluate the radiolog-
ical impact of uranium mining and milling operations on air quality. Samples
were collected to measure airborne particulates, radon, and indoor working
levels at nine locations during the period November 3 through December 4. The
radon samples were analyzed at a temporary laboratory facility in Grants. The
data available to date indicate that radon-222 levels in the mining and milling
areas are above the expected background levels.
ORP-LVF reviewed and prepared comments on a Region VI report concerning
uranium mining and milling in south Texas.
INACTIVE URANIUM MILL SITES
Phase II of the joint Environmental Protection Agency-Environmental
Research and Development Administration study to evaluate inactive uranium mill
sites continued. ORP-LVF staff attended several meetings to discuss the cur-
rent work at the Salt Lake City site and future plans for work at the Navajo
sites. The Phase II contractor finished a draft report on the Salt Lake City
site. This draft is now being reviewed by ORP-LVF.
Mr. Donald Hendricks, Director of ORP-LVF, attended a meeting convened by
the Western Interstate Nuclear Board on November 20 through 21 to discuss
recoimendations for bonding and control of uranium mill tailings piles.
Messrs. Richard Douglas, William Moore, and Michael O'Connell conducted a
gamma survey at the Riverton, Wyoming, uranium mill tailings site in late
September. Other participants were present from the Nuclear Regulatory Com-
mission, State of Wyoming, and Indian Health Service.
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Mr. Joseph M. Hans, Jr., attended an interagency meeting held December 16-
17, 1975, in Weidon Springs, Missouri. The meeting concerned disposition of
radioactive wastes generated during the operations of the uranium feed mate-
rials plant located there. The wastes under discussion were a 52-acre raf-
finate pond, contaminated process buildings, and materials deposited in a local
quarry.
RADON AND RADON PROGENY SAMPLING
Messrs. George Boysen, Greg Eadie, and Roosevelt Williams traveled to Fort
Collins, Colorado, for the semi-annual calibration of thermoluminescent dosim-
eter radon progeny sampling heads.
Messrs. David Bernhardt, ORP-LVF, and Fred Johns of the EMSL-LV Monitoring
Systems Research and Development Division, participated in a radon-222 sampling
and analysis calibration program at the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Denver, Colo-
rado. The intent of the program was to assess the reproducibility of direct
sampling and analysis of radon-222 in alpha scintillation cells. The program
was organized by the ERDA Health and Safety Laboratory (HASL). Participants
included the Denver Bureau of Mines office, HASL, Colorado Department of
Health, Colorado State University, Nelson, Haley, Patterson and Quirk, Inc., in
Grand Junction, Colorado, and the EPA/ORP-LVF.
ORP-LVF staff reviewed the draft report "Grand Junction Track-Etch Demon-
stration Program--1973-1974," on a contract performed by General Electric.
Comments were forwarded to ORP-Headquarters.
PLUTONIUM
Mr. David Bernhardt attended a meeting at the Rocky Flats Plant near
Denver, Colorado, on December 5, Participants at the meeting included repre-
sentatives of the ERDA, Rockwell (the Rocky Flats contractor), Las Vegas and
Headquarters Office of Radiation Programs, U.S. Geological Survey-Denver, and
Colorado and Jefferson County Health Departments representatives. The meeting
was focused on a sampling technique proposed by Dr. Carl Johnson, Director of
Health, Jefferson County. The technique is oriented towards determining the
amount of plutonium associated with "respirable size" soil particles. The
participants agreed to assist in the development of a protocol for a program to
evaluate soil sampling techniques and the relationship between plutonium con-
centrations in soil and air.
Air sampling in the vicinity of the Trinity site, New Mexico, was termi-
nated in December. Samples have been collected at two stations, one in the
contaminated area and one in a background area, for about a year. The sample
analyses obtained to date show no significant difference in airborne plutonium
levels between the two sampling locations.
A draft of the report, "Parameters for Estimating the Uptake of Transu-
ranic Elements by Terrestrial Plants," was forwarded to the Criteria and
Standards Division.
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Mr. David Bernhardt attended the International Atomic Energy Agency sym-
posium on Transuranium Nuclides in the Environment in San Francisco, November
17 to 21. While there, he discussed techniques for sampling the resuspendible
fraction of soil with Mr. Fowler of Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and Dr.
Tamura of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
Mr. Bruce Mann presented the paper, "Low-Level Solid Radioactive Waste in
the Nuclear Fuel Cycle," coauthored by Stephen Goldberg and William D. Hendricks,
at the American Nuclear Society Winter Meeting in San Francisco, California,
November 16 through 21, 1975.
Dr. Robert Kaufmann attended a meeting in Headquarters of the working
group (convened by the Office of Solid Waste Management and Water Programs
Office) to assist in the preparation of a report to Congress on waste disposal
impacts on ground water.
Dr. Robert Kaufmann was the EPA representative at a seminar on the Dispos-
al of Radioactive Wastes into Geologic Formations, sponsored by the European
Nuclear Energy Agency, December 1 through 3, 1975, at Clausthal-Zellerfeld,
Germany.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS (EIS)
Comments on the draft EIS for the ERDA Light Water Breeder Reactor Program
were forwarded to the Technology Assessment Divison, ORP/Headquarters.
ORP-LVF provided detailed dose estimates to ORP/Headquarters to be used in
the review of the McGuire Draft Environmental Statement. The dose projections
along with atmospheric dispersion factors for several release heights were
calculated by utilizing AIREM, a computer code developed by the Environmental
Analysis Division of the Office of Radiation Programs.
Final Environmental Statements for Palo Verde and Davis-Reese, Units 2 and
3, were reviewed and comments were submitted to ORP/Headquarters.
THORIUM FUEL CYCLE STUDY
The initial review of 10 contractor proposals was completed. Questions
were raised concerning several of the proposals, and queries were made to these
contractors by the Contracts Management Division. Responses were received from
all five of those contractors queried. The final technical evaluations on the
proposals were forwarded to the Contracts Management Divison.
GEOTHERMAL
Mr. Michael O'Connel1 met with U.S. Geological Survey staff on November 10
to inform them of ORP-LVF studies in geothermal energy and to align the ORP-LVF
program with their research efforts.
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Messrs. William Moore and Michael O'Connell were in Yellowstone National
Park October 4 and 5 working with a group of scientists from USGS, Menlo Park,
California. Dr. A1 Truesdell and Messrs. Robert Fournier and Don White were
among those participating. An ORP-LVF prime objective was to observe the
sampling methods that USGS has developed for non-condensable gas sampling for
hot springs and geysers and to familiarize Dr. Truesdell and Messrs. White and
Fournier with ORP-LVF geothermal studies.
Mr. O'Connell reviewed and is preparing written comments on the three
reports submitted by Pacific Gas and Electric to the California Public Utili-
ties Commission. These reports concern radon and radon daughters in the
environs at the Geysers area.
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION SURVEY
Mr. Donald Lambdin participated in the first electromagnetic radiation
survey of a major United States city (exclusive of Washington, D.C.). Nine
sites in and around Boston were surveyed for electromagnetic radiation in the
following broadcast bands: AM, FM, low VHF, high VHF, UHF, low Land Mobile,
and high Land Mobile.
FUSION
The preliminary draft report, "Environmental and Safety Aspects of Alter-
native Nuclear Power Reactor Technologies - Fusion Power Systems," has been
forwarded to the Technology Assessment Division, ORP/Headquarters.
DOSE PROJECTIONS
The paper, "Dose Projections from Light Water Reactor Accidents," to be
published as an ORP-LVF Technical Note, was completed and submitted to re-
viewers for comment.
MEETINGS
Mr. Richard Douglas attended the Twenty-first Annual Conference on Bio-
assay, Environmental, and Analytical Chemistry in San Francisco on October 8
and 9.
Dr. Robert Kaufmann and Mr. Charles Russell attended the 1975 Annual
Meeting of the Geological Society of America on October 20 through 22. Ses-
sions included nuclear power plant siting, legal aspects of ground water de-
velopment, environmental geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, the location and
retrieval of energy resource information, geomorphology, and geophysics.
Mr. Donald Hendricks attended the Environmental Radiation Exposure Ad-
visory Committee meeting and participated in a review of the ORP radiation
strategy at ORP/Headquarters.
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VISITORS
Dr. Zbigniew Jaworowski, Head, Department of Radiation Hygiene, Central
Laboratory for Radiological Protection, Warsaw, Poland, visited ORP-LVF on
October 6. Dr. Jaworowski also gave a presentation describing some of his
research work.
Mr. Hugh R. Atkinson, Assistant Director, National Radiation Laboratory,
Department of Health, New Zealand, visited ORP-LVF on December 4 to discuss ORP
programs and studies.
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