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Environmental
Monitoring and
Support
Laboratory
Las Vegas
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SECOND QUARTER REPORT
of the
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SUPPORT LABORATORY
LAS VEGAS
April through June 1976
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
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING 5
MONITORING SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT 9
EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES DEVELOPMENT 11
MONITORING 15
QUALITY ASSURANCE 17
TECHNICAL SUPPORT 20
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL REPORTS 25
OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRAMS-LAS VEGAS FACILITY 27
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EVENTS OF GENERAL INTEREST
On June 15, Dr. Gunter Hartkopf, State Secretary of the Interior, Federal
Republic of Germany, met with Or, Barth at the Laboratory. Mr. John McBride
Deputy Director, and the Directors of the Laboratory Divisions, briefed
Dr. Hartkopf on Laboratory operations and activities. Accompanied by Mr. Don
Wruble, Director of the Monitoring Operations Division, and representatives of
the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of
the Interior, Dr. Hartkopf toured the Lake Mead area in a Laboratory aircraft.
The National Research Council Study Group on Environmental Monitoring met
at the Laboratory May 3 and 4. Mr. McBride welcomed the group and presented an
overview of Laboratory activities. Members of the group also met with Mr. Morgan
and other Laboratory staff for an in-depth briefing on Division activities.
The group members were especially interested in environmental monitoring and
its potential application in the decision-making process for environmental
management.
On June 10, Mr. George B. Morgan, Director, Monitoring Systems Research
and Development Division, departed for Moscow, Kiev, Norosibirsc, Academgorodok,
Obninsk, and Leningrad, USSR, to attend meetings with American and Soviet
experts involved in the US/USSR Bilateral Environmental Agreement, Working
Group One. This Group is concerned with air pollution modeling, methodology,
and instrumentation.
The American delegation visited a number of the Soviet scientific insti-
tutes where they exchanged information on atmospheric diffusion modeling,
aerosol measurement and characterization, the development of automated air
pollution measurement systems, laboratory analytical methodology, and atmos-
pheric optics.
There was an open exchange of information between the U.S. and Soviet
delegations and preliminary agreements were reached to carry out joint projects
in the area of atmospheric optics, including the development and utilization of
L1DAR systems, and in the area of the measurement and characterization of
naturally-formed aerosols.
Mr. Morgan returned to the United States on June 26.
From May 3 through 18, Dr. Richard E. Stanley, Deputy Director of the
Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division, visited Egypt to provide
technical guidance for the U.S. EPA Special Foreign Currency Program Project 3-
546-1. This project, entitled "Biological Effects of the Inspiration of High
Concentrations of Airborne Particles," was initiated in January 1974 and is
conducted jointly by the EPA and the Al-Azhar University, Col lege of Agricul-
ture, Nasr City, Cairo. It is expected to continue until 1979.
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As a sidelight, Dr. Stanley lectured before a group of scientists who were
attending a meeting at Al-Azhar University to discuss a project on Intensive
Sheep Production which is being conducted under the auspices of the Egyptian
Academy of Sciences. In his lecture, Dr. Stanley stressed the importance of
keeping good records on energy conversion, nutritional considerations, meta-
bolic disturbances associated with lambing, the diagnosis and treatment of
common diseases, and the importance of skilled attendants during lambing. This
lecture was well received by the attending scientists.
PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS
Dr. Barth presented the keynote address on the biochemical effects of en-
vironmental pollutants at an EPA Symposium in Cincinnati May 31, The Symposium
was designed as an interchange of current information on the biochemical changes
caused in humans and animals by exposure to heavy metals and gaseous environ-
mental pollutants. From this information, researchers may be able to find ways
to arrest or reverse the adverse health effects of pollution.
Mr. Erich W. Bretthauer of the Monitoring Systems Research and Development
Division represented the Laboratory at the Third Coordination Meeting on Radio-
nuclides in the Environment held in Finland June 13 through 18. The meeting
was sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through its 5-
year program on cycling of tritium and other radionuclides of global character
in different ecosystems. At the annual meeting, grantees presented progress
reports on their research and a panel of program members, on which Mr. Bret-
thauer represented the Las Vegas Laboratory, reviewed the reports and made
suggestions for future work. Mr. Bretthauer presented a summary of the tritium
research carried out at the Laboratory in recent years.
During the meeting, program members inspected an experimental station
where the behavior of radionuclides in a frozen environment is being studied.
This station is near Muotkan Ruoktu in Lapland, about 100 kilometers from
Ivalo, Lapland. Research at this experimental station is partially supported
by an IAEA grant.
Plans were completed to conduct a Monitoring Siting Workshop at the Labo-
ratory July 12 through 16. The Workshop is sponsored by the Office of Research
and Development and the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. Its ob-
jectives are to review present and future criteria for the siting of monitoring
stations to meet specific objectives of the Clean Air Act, and to prepare a
written report setting forth the general consensus of the participating group.
Siting criteria for all the criteria pollutants will be discussed.
The EPA's philosophy and policy with respect to the requirements for air
monitoring will be presented and will serve as an introduction and basis for
discussing the following areas:
1. Current siting methodology for urban and non-urban
monitoring stations.
2. A review of current modeling capabilities and practices.
3. The utility of state-of-the-art monitoring techniques,
including overhead monitoring and remote monitoring, as
an adjunct to the siting of air monitoring stations.
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4. Quality assurance as related to current and future siting
methodology.
5. Air pollution siting requirements for exposure monitoring.
6. Ongoing research as related to future options available for
monitoring siting criteria.
Participants for the Monitoring Siting Workshop have been carefully se-
lected to represent EPA's operational, regulatory, research, and regional
monitoring programs, State and local monitoring agencies, universities and
industry.
OTHER MEETINGS
A Workshop on cooperation between France and the United States in moni-
toring marine pollution was held at the Laboratory May 13 and 14. Mr. A!
Pressman, Deputy Director of the Remote Sensing Division, was co-chairman of
the group which included representatives of France, the U.S. Coast Guard and
the EPA. Discussions concerned remote sensing programs used by both nations to
detect oil and hazardous substances in the Atlantic Ocean.
Mr, Arthur Jarvis, Chief of the Laboratory's Quality Assurance Program,
spoke at the 30th Annual Technical Conference of the American Society for
Quality Control in Toronto, Canada, June 7 through 9. He described the Labo-
ratory's Quality Assurance Program and discussed the use of intercomparison
studies in assessing the quality of environmental radiation measurements and
the results and implications of performance studies on milk, water, and food
analyses.
Mr. Kenneth Brown of the Monitoring Systems Research and Development
Division reported on the food habits of desert bighorn sheep lambs at the
annual meeting of the Desert Bighorn Council April 8 at Kino Bay, Mexico. His
study, conducted last year in cooperation with the Nevada Fish and Game De-
partment, is believed to be the first involving young sheep.
YOUTH FAIR
Several Laboratory employees conducted a Career Guidance and Counseling
Workshop as part of the 8th Annual Southern Nevada Youth Fair held April 8
through 11. Dr. Robert Kinnison and Mr. Frank Grossman, both members of the
American Nuclear Society whose Nevada Section inspired the Workshop, were
members of the coordinating committee for the Workshop. The aim was to assist
students in planning a career in science by providing person-to-person dis-
cussions with experts in a variety of science professions. Other Laboratory
participants included Dr. Joseph Behar, environmentalist, Dr. Michael Bristow,
environmental engineer, Mr. Robert Landers, environmental protection technolo-
gist, Dr. David McNelis, Deputy Director of the Monitoring Operations Division,
Mr. James Bliss, environmentalist, and Mr. Vernon Andrews, Chief of the Tech-
nical Evaluation Office in the Monitoring Operations Division's Environmental
Radiation Branch.
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OPEN HOUSE
The Third Annual Open House was held at the Laboratory April 23 in com-
memoration of Earth Week 1976. Beginning with a public information meeting the
evening before at which briefings were presented on Laboratory capabilities and
activities, the Open House hosted more than 700 persons, mostly students.
Guided tours visited five points of interest within the Laboratory facilities,
including remote sensing operations, the whole-body counting chambers, green-
house projects and quality assurance demonstrations. Additional exhibits were
set up in the employees' parking lot and included a display of monitoring and
sampling equipment, a helicopter used in the National Eutrophication Survey,
and live animals used in biological research.
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BIOLOGICAL MONITORING
CARCINOGEN STUDY
The Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory-Las Vegas has been
assigned the major responsibility for coordinating a new long-term EPA study of
cancer-causing environmental pollutants. The objective of the project will be
to assess the contribution of environmental carcinogens to the incidence of
cancer in the general population. The study will be conducted by EPA researchers
in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, and by outside contractors.
The first phase of the study is a contractual effort which will collect
and correlate existing data and identify current research projects that can
provide information relevant to the EPA project. From this information, EPA
scientists will design and implement exposure monitoring strategies and initi-
ate epidemiological and toxicological studies.
The project is expected to result in a system to provide an early warning
mechanism for hazardous materials. Ultimately, the data produced will be available
to develop effluent standards for carcinogenic materials.
CURIUM
An increased research and development effort is currently being directed
toward the use of radioisotopic fuels as power sources. Current projections of
future energy requirements suggest that isotopes of uranium and plutonium will
need to be recovered from spent reactor fuels and refabricated into new fuel
elements. As a by-product of fuel reprocessing, substantial amounts of curium
will most probably be produced. This likelihood of increased curium production
has elevated concern for data about its potential environmental transport
following accidental contamination incidents. It is particularly important to
establish the metabolic retention and excretion rates of curium in those do-
mestic animals maintained as a source of food for the human population. Conse-
quently, the Laboratory is conducting a metabolism study at the Nevada Test
Site Experimental Farm to determine the transport of curium in lactating dairy
cows. In this study, the transport of curium administered to dairy cows by
both oral and intravenous routes to milk, urine, feces, blood, and tissues will
be determined. These data will provide the basis for a hazard evaluation.
The Laboratory Health and Safety Staff performed whole-body counts of
personnel who are participating in this study. The monitoring, which was for
the purpose of determining individual plutonium levels, was done before and
after the study, using the Phoswich Detector as a background check. Blood
samples and urine specimens are also being collected for analysis. The results
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of the whole-body counting Indicated there was no detectable plutonium contami-
nation in any of these individuals.
PLUTONIUM
Accidents at nuclear power plants pose a threat of introducing plutonium
into aquatic environments. Some radionuclides appear to be concentrated by
fish and plants. Dr. J. Craig Mcfarlane investigated the potential for plant
contamination by growing alfalfa, duckweed, and cattail in hydroponic solutions
containing plutonium-238. More than 95 percent of the administered plutonium
was rapidly adsorbed onto the surface of the plant roots. The roots were
washed with several solutions to examine how strongly plutonium was bound.
First, the roots were washed with a weak detergent solution-, this removed dead
cells containing high levels of plutonium. Subsequent washings with detergent,
diluted acid, and calcium chloride solutions did not remove additional plutonium.
However, further washings with the chelating agent, DPTA, and the complexing
agent, citric acid, did remove significant amounts of plutonium from the root
surfaces. The strong affinity of plutonium to plant tissues grown in an aquatic
environment suggests the possibility of using aquatic plants as scavengers for
plutonium accidently released into aquatic ecosystems.
In vitro studies on the solubility of plutonium and americium from rumen
contents of cattle grazing on contaminated vegetation showed that the solubility
of americium-241 was similar to that of plutonium-239. In most cases, plutonium-
238 was more soluble than plutonium-239. The solubi1ities of plutonium-238,
plutonium-239, and americium-241 were markedly greater in the rumen contents
collected from cows feeding in a more intensively grazed area, but the reason
for this has not been established.
Results to date on another study indicate that the highest concentration
of plutonium in the rumen contents of cattle grazing in Area 13 of the Nevada
Test Site occurs during late summer or fall. This has been observed to be
coincident with the reproductive phase of Eurotia Lanata (winterfat) which is
characterized by the presence of long-haired fruiting involucres. This suggests
that the presence of involucres greatly increases the entrapment of resuspended
particles which results in higher concentrations of plutonium and americium-241
in the rumen contents.
Mr. Verr D. Leavitt conducted a soil classification survey at the Nevada
Test Site to aid in determining the uptake and distribution of plutonium in
vegetation associated with soil mounds in the desert. Personnel from Reynolds
Electrical and Engineering Company, the prime contractor at the Nevada Test
Site, collected the soil and vegetation samples while Mr. Leavitt classified
the soil, describing 88 soil profiles.
LEAD AND CADMIUM
Laboratory animal studies will be initiated in July to test and evaluate
analytical techniques for metals in various sample matrices and for biological
measures of lead damage. A series of short experiments will be conducted for
these purposes and to fill gaps in knowledge on lead and cadmium metabolism in
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experimental animals. Radioisotope tracers will be used in evaluating standard
techniques for stable metal analysis.
The overall objective of the project is to develop cost-effective means to
monitor human exposures to lead and cadmium in the environment. Later phases
will involve animal sampling in the field, pilot studies with humans, and field
studies with humans.
Two measures of the biological impact of lead will be correlated with lead
exposures. The erythrocyte zinc-protoporphyrin (ZPP) content is a measure of
lead biological damage in the bone marrow about 30 to 40 days after exposure.
The delta amino levulinic acid dehydrase (aALAD) activity in blood is a measure
of lead biological activity when the sample is taken.
This effort is part of two projects at the Laboratory: Design of Inte-
grated Monitoring Systems that are Pollutant-Oriented, and Baseline Distribu-
tion and Pathways of Heavy Metals in the Vicinity of Geothermal Developments.
MERCURY
The toxicity and hazards of mercury are well established, but not all im-
portant pathways and transformations have been identified. As reported earlier,
Dr. Robert D. Rogers determined that the methylation of mercury occurs when
soils are amended with a mercuric ion. This was a significant discovery because
it showed that a relatively low toxicity form of mercury could be converted by
the soil into a much more toxic form of mercury. Further research on the
mechanism of methylation by Dr. Rogers has shown that the process is abio-
logical and that the methylating factor can be extracted from the soil with
sodium hydroxide. The rate of methylation by the soil extract is a function of
pH, temperature, and mercuric ion concentration. The ability of the soil to
methyl ate mercury was lost after it was exposed to ultraviolet light, but was
not affected by a high temperature treatment.
Recent research by Dr. Rogers has shown that the methylating factor is not
associated with the precipitate obtained from a sodium hydroxide extraction.
The substance regulating methylation was found to be capable of passing through
a dialysis membrane into distilled water. Dr. Rogers will continue his attempt
to identify the substance causing the methylation.
ALGAE
A study is being conducted to determine the types of algae which inhabit
the natural springs at the Nevada Test Site. The objective of this study is to
develop a taxonomic classification of organisms present in the springs with
correlation to the nutrient and chemical content of the water. Radionuclide
levels in the water and in the algae will be determined to develop concentration
factors. During this quarter, water samples were collected from the springs.
Preliminary findings indicate the presence of several unusual species of algae.
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GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT
The immediate environmental consequences of geothermal power production
are considered minimal, but some postulated adverse effects have been noted.
One of the areas with the greatest potential for geothermal development is the
Imperial Valley of California. This area has been selected as a location to
develop a biological monitoring network for the detection of geothermal pollu-
tants (primarily trace elements). Specifically, this project is associated
with the Geothermal Test Plant near the Sal ton Sea. The preliminary hypothesis
is that no significant pollutant transport results from this geothermal op-
eration. This hypothesis will be tested by evaluation of field-collected data.
The Imperial Valley is a major beef cattle feeding area and these animals
are being utilized as a sentinel species for the biological monitoring program.
The large feedlots maintain 35,000 to 40,000 animals at a given time. Approxi-
mately 100,000 are sold per year to packing plants. These feedlot animals also
periodically graze in several places over the Valley, some occasionally located
adjacent to the Geothermal Test Plant. Samples of water, feed, cattle blood,
and cattle hair have been collected at a large feedlot. In addition, samples
of water and feed supplements were collected from an area directly adjacent to
the geothermal facility where cattle were temporarily located. As a preliminary
effort, analyses for arsenic, boron, cadmium, copper, fluorine, lead, mercury,
and zinc are being made on these samples.
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MONITORING SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
Mr. Donald B. Gilmore represented the Laboratory on ad hoc advisory panels
concerned with the environmental assessment of energy combustion systems and
groundwater monitoring in the Powder River Basin. Region VIII sponsored the
panel discussions at which the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau of
Mines, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management, the Old West Regional Commission, and the Argonne
National Laboratory were also represented. The Powder River Basin contains
extensive coal deposits which are being strip-mined. Coal gasification and
liquefaction plants as well as a coal slurry pipeline have been proposed. A
coal-fired power plant is also operating in the area. The Las Vegas Laboratory
is involved in the development of an optimal groundwater monitoring strategy
for the Basin.
A study is being conducted to determine the impact of geothermal energy
development on ambient air quality. During this quarter, an instrumented
trailer was prepared for monitoring ambient air quality at four sites in the
Imperial Valley of California. Two population areas and two active geothermal
sites will be monitored during the next quarter. Specific measurements will be
made for sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and particulates. Monitoring will
be conducted for a 2-week period at each site.
AIR
Thirty air samples were recently collected at selected locations in the
Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, metropolitan area. These samples will be ana-
lyzed for hydrocarbons using gas chromatographic techniques. The individual
hydrocarbons present in the samples will be characterized and classified ac-
cording to their photochemical reactivity and relative contribution to the
photochemical oxidant problem in this area. The primary purpose of this effort
is to validate the source-grid air pollution model for photochemical oxidants.
The validated model will be used for predicting optimal monitoring site loca-
tions for the design and improvement of air monitoring networks. The samples
collected recently will also provide data on the relative contribution of the
naturally produced hydrocarbons emitted into the atmosphere by plants compared
to those produced by man's activities in this metropolitan area.
WATER
A grant has been approved for the first year of funding for the Illinois
State Water Survey's 2%-year study to investigate the relationship between
ambient stream quality and water sampling frequency data. The climatological
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arid physiographic features of the watershed area will be taken into account in
developing a statistical data base which can be used in designing surface water
monitoring systems at a predicted level of confidence. Both single and com-
posite samples will be taken on a daily basis at preselected locations and
analyzed for various constituents. A statistical analysis of all the param-
eters involved will be made to determine the relative accuracy of sampling
strategies less frequent than daily.
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EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES DEVELOPMENT
NONPOINT SOURCE MONITORING
The Laboratory is participating in the development of an Office of Research
and Development (0R0) comprehensive multi-year plan addressing nonpoint source
pollution problems. ORD's input identifying nonpoint source problems and
research needs will be incorporated in the development of an agency nonpoint
source strategy.
Mr. Victor Lambou, Chief of the Water and Land Quality Branch, Monitoring
Operations Division, participated in an ORD planning and review session at EPA
Headquarters to provide input on technological needs and deficiencies with
respect to monitoring and measurement methods and application procedures.
The nonpoint source water quality monitoring techniques development and
verification field project on the White River in Utah will be temporarily
suspended during the last 2 weeks in June. Mr. Scarburgh, the field scientist,
is returning to Las Vegas during this period to assist in the preparation of an
intensive progress report on activities and results obtained to date. It is
anticipated a draft of the report will be completed by June 30.
IMAGERY ANALYSIS
Plans are underway to develop a capability to increase the productivity of
the aerial photographic imagery interpreter/analyst by providing him with a
means of rapid transfer of information from non-uniform scale imagery to a
constant scale reference base.
This integrated system must provide for (1) acceptance of all types of
overhead photographic imagery, (2) computer rectification of the imagery, {3)
transferring spatial information from imagery to standard controlled data
bases, (4) a means of interaction with the Interpreter/analyst, (5) compat-
ibility with a collateral data base, and (6) output for graphic presentation of
interpreted data.
Initial efforts will be directed toward a review of hardware currently in
production.
FLUOROMETRIC METHOD
A study is underway to determine the relative merits of a fluorometric
technique for screening water and soil samples collected near nuclear facilities
for the presence of uranium and thorium. Fluorometry is generally faster and
easier than isotopic analysis by alpha spectrometry which is presently used.
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FUSION METHOD
The interlaboratory collaborative test of a fusion method for measuring
plutonium in soil was completed. The final report was drafted and is presently
undergoing review. The collaborative test of an acid dissolution method for
the measurement of plutonium in soil is currently in progress. Data from the
17 participating laboratories are presently being received.
LIQUID SCINTILLATION
Work is continuing on the development of a procedure to determine low
levels of iron-55 in environmental samples. A comparison was made between
liquid scintillation counting versus counting with small germanium lithium-
drifted and sodium iodide detectors. Liquid scintillation was shown to be the
method of choice.
SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
A new Perkin-Elmer Model 603 atomic absorption spectrophotometer which
performs trace element analyses in a cost-effective and accurate manner was
recently acquired. This instrument is equipped with a 200-place sample changer
for flame analysis which can perform high precision analyses at the rate of one
per 10 seconds. It also has a 30-place automatic sample changer for the furnace,
a feature not available with any other atomic absorption equipment. The auto-
matic pipetting feature of this sample changer reduces the need for repeat
analyses, although manual pipetting may be performed if desired. As a result,
the precision of furnace analyses approaches that found for flame work. Detec-
tion limits are 100 to 1,000 times lower than those found with flame analysis,
and sample volumes as small as 5 microliters may be used. In the furnace mode,
the new spectrophotometer is capable of performing analyses at the rate of one
per minute.
This instrument system is equipped with a microprocessor with teletype and
digital display output which can be used in both the flame and flameless modes.
The microprocessor performs integration of signals which greatly enhances the
utility of the instrument for furnace or other flameless analyses. The micro-
processor allows direct readout of sample concentrations even with very non-
linear calibration curves. It allows calibration curves to be established with
only one to three standards and indicates calibration errors, over^-range con-
centrations, and other operator errors.
The new instrument will be used to support a variety of Laboratory and
other EPA programs. These include the Rural Water Survey, a long-term moni-
toring study of trace elements in groundwater samples collected near nuclear
test sites, the monitoring of heavy and other trace elements in geothermal
samples, and the tracing of various metallic pollutants through the food chain.
The isotope Zeeman atomic absorption (IZAA) spectrophotometer developed by
the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory for the Laboratory has been modified to allow
lead and cadmium analyses. Using the Zeeman effect, this spectrophotometer
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splits energy levels in a magnetic field in such a manner that interferences
which may occur in the analysis of environmental samples by conventional atomic
absorption techniques are eliminated. Both solid and liquid samples may be
analyzed without tedious and time-consuming sample preparation procedures.
Levels as low as 0.1 nanogram of mercury, 2 picograms of cadmium, and
0.5 nanogram of lead can be measured in small 10-milligram samples. The IZAA
spectrophotometer has already been extensively used for analyzing for mercury
in soil samples collected near geothermal energy sources in California and the
Four Corners power plant. In addition to mercury, the modifications to the
instrument will allow the analysis of a variety of environmental samples rang-
ing from soil to animal tissue for the toxic pollutants cadmium and lead.
DYE LIDAR SYSTEM
A downlooking airborne LIDAR using a flash!amp-pumped dye laser is now
being test-flown and will be used in support of the EPA's Regional Air Pol-
lution Studies (RAPS) in St Louis, Missouri, this summer. The device will be
used principally to determine the dimensions and location of power plant plumes
in real time.
The system is the second downlooking LIDAR device designed and constructed
at the Laboratory and takes advantage of the considerable amount of experience
gained by using the first system. Initially it was felt that the principal use
for such devices would be the determination of mixing layer height over urban
areas in relatively short time periods. The instrument is uniquely able to
perform these measurements. Although this remains an important activity for
such devices other applications are emerging. Data taken with the first system
during two of the 1974 RAPS intensive study periods demonstrated the capability
to measure point source plume dimensions. In addition flight traverses taken
downwind of the urban area showed increased backscattering from aerosols within
the urban plume.
The second system had as a basic design objective the reduction of system
size, weight and power demands. This was accomplished through the use of a
flashlamp-pumped dye laser. This differs from the more common pulsed Ruby
lasers in that a dye solution is pumped through a small cylindrical cell in
place of the Ruby rod. Although overall system complexity is increased due to
the necessity of maintaining dye in the cell, the flashlamp-pumped dye laser is
more efficient thus a smaller power supply can be utilized. In addition to
reduction in system demands to the aircraft both in terms of weight and power,
the dye system can be fired at a rate of 10 times that of the Ruby system
yielding increased horizontal resolution. This latter feature makes the second
LIDAR much more suitable for determining plume dimensions.
The dye LIDAR system has much more sophisticated data handling capabilities
than the initial system to accommodate the increased firing rate of the laser.
Also, the designers felt that real time display capability would be of great
benefit in plume monitoring exercises. Data output from the device consists of
two permanent records and a live video display showing aerosol distribution
beneath the plane. Primary data output is a digital tape of the basic infor-
mation received by the receiver part of the system. This record serves as
input to a large ground-based digital computer and ultimately can end up in a
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variety of formats including iso-scattering cross sections. A video tape
recording is also made by multiplexing the video display of scattered returns
and a downward-pointed vidicon for navigational purposes. This latter record
can be used for mission review immediately upon landing and in a data selection
process to decide which of the digital records should be processed.
Immediate plans for the device include plume tracing missions in connec-
tion with the summer RAPS intensive study period in St. Louis. The system will
be used to position other aircraft containing in-situ devices measuring various
constituents of the subject plume. Following the St. Louis studies the device
will be placed on an operational status with the Air Quality Branch of the
Monitoring Operations Division.
INVENTION BEING PATENTED
An invention by two scientists of the Environmental Monitoring and Support
Laboratory-Las Vegas is in the process of being patented. A combination device
and method for sampling and monitoring minute organisms and substances, the
invention is the outgrowth of work being done at the Laboratory under a Memo-
randum of Understanding with the U.S. Energy Research and Development Adminis-
tration (ERDA). The two scientists, Dr. Frederick H. F. Au, microbiologist,
and Dr. Werner F. Beckert, research chemist, invented the system as part of
their research on the uptake and transport of plutonium.
Dr. Delbert S. Barth, Director of the Las Vegas Laboratory, disclosed in-
vention of the system in a letter to the ERDA dated January 27, 1975. On
September 23 in the same year, the ERDA applied for a patent of the system.
The first public mention of the invention was made by Dr. Beckert as part of a
paper he presented at an International Atomic Energy Agency symposium in San
Francisco in November 1975.
The significance of the novel system is that it solves a crucial problem
in tracing certain highly toxic pollutants through the soil and plant pathways
to man. The system is also suitable for collecting pollen, small insects,
dust, and other tiny particles as small as 0.1 micrometer.
The combination device and technique is being used to collect the aerial
spores of a common mold species grown on various culture media contaminated
with actinides, jet fuels, and elements such as the heavy metals, mercury,
lead, arsenic, and cadmium. It has already provided valuable information on
Plutonium transport from contaminated soil. It has also provided data on the
transport of a spectrum of radionuclides from uranium mill tailings to micro-
organisms. The transfer of many other kinds of pollutants to microorganisms
can be studied by using this method. These include pesticides and their deg-
radation products as well as nutrients.
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MONITORING
AIR
A five-station air quality network at Williams Air Force Base near Phoenix
was brought into full operational status in April and continues to collect data
regarding concentrations of methane, total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and
active oxide/total oxides of nitrogen, and the light-scattering coefficient,
wind direction, and wind speed. Daily operational schedules and procedures
have been instituted. In June a pyranometer for sky radiation measurements and
an acoustic sounder for continuous mixing depth measurements were added to the
network. The addition of an HP 9825A calculator and peripheral equipment to
complete processing of data into 1-hour averages will be completed in July.
This 2-year study is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force
Civil Engineering Center and the Argonne National Laboratory to test the
ability of existing air quality simulation models to estimate the air quality
impact of airport emissions.
RADIATION
An updated map of the Amargosa Valley and Beatty, Nevada, areas was pro-
duced using large-scale aerial photographs obtained by the Remote Sensing
Division. The map, which shows residences, industries, and public facilities,
will be used by the Monitoring Operations Division in conducting the off-site
radiological safety program in those areas.
Annual water samples for the Long-Term Hydrological Monitoring Program
were collected during April and May. To determine the movement, if any, of
radionuclides into the groundwater surrounding the sites of nuclear tests, 56
samples were collected at locations where underground nuclear detonations have
been conducted. The samples were collected from Projects Dribble in Mississippi,
Gnome and Gasbuggy in New Mexico, Rulison in Colorado, and Shoal and Faultless
in Nevada. Monthly samples for this Program were collected in April, May and
June on the Nevada Test Site.
The annual milk cow survey was begun in April. This survey, to update the
data on milk cow locations, feeding practices, and milk use in Nevada and
portions of Utah, Arizona, and California, was about half complete by the end
of June.
WATER
Approximately 250 existing water monitoring stations operated by federal
and state agencies have been identified for use in the Western Energy Resources
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Monitoring Project. These stations are located primarily in the Colorado and
upper Missouri River Basin with other stations in the Rio Grande Basin. Secondly,
a preliminary parameter list has been compiled based on the assessment of the
kinds of potential pollutants which energy development in the West will most
likely generate. Currently underway is an assessment of coverage for each
station.
In the continuing study in the Atchafalaya River Basin in Louisiana, a
helicopter sampling team collected water samples from 120 stations located
throughout the Basin. The small boat sampling team, in conjunction with the
Laboratory houseboat, has collected water samples from five key areas of the
Basin on a monthly basis. The Baton Rouge field staff is currently occupying
permanent housing facilities for office, laboratory and storage space. This
study is a long-term interagency land and water management study coordinated by
the Council of Environmental Quality and involving the EPA, the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers and the Department of the Interior.
In the data analysis and interpretation of the large data base generated
in the 4-year National Eutrophication Survey (NES) field sampling activities
completed in December 1975, a chapter for the Annual Report to Congress is
being prepared. This report, issued by the Office of Water Planning and Stand-
ards, summarizes findings of import to the setting of water quality guidelines
and watershed management.
A paper, "Prediction of Phytoplankton Productivity in,Lakes," was pre-
sented at the EPA's Conference on Environmental Modeling and Simulation held in
Cincinnati, Ohio. The paper reported findings based on analysis of data col-
lected from lakes in northeastern and north-central states as part of the
National Eutrophication Survey. Relationships were given between phytoplankton
productivity as measured by yearly mean chlorophyl1 a^ levels, and ambient water
quality and hydrologic measurements.
Two papers, "Distribution of Phytoplankton in 17 Southeastern States" and
"Relationships of Phytoplankton Abundance to Chemical and Physical Conditions,"
were presented at the American Institute of Biological Sciences meetings in New
Orleans. The first paper summarizes algal species lists and abundance by lake
for each of the 17 States. Also, the Nygaard's Trophic State, Palmer's Organic
Pollution, and the Shannon-Wiener Diversity indices are included.
The latter paper relates the occurrence of 130 phytoplankton genera to
total phosphate, orthophosphate, nitrite-nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen,
Kjeldahl nitrogen, inorganic nitrogen/total phosphorus (N/P), Secchi disc,
temperature, pH, alkalinity, and turbidity values during spring, summer and
fall. Also, the effect of physical and chemical conditions on the occurrence
of dominant genera are summarized. The abstracts are published in the March
Supplement of the Journal of Phyaologyt Volume 12(1).
Individual lake reports for NES lakes sampled in New Jersey and Alabama
have been finalized and draft reports for Tennessee and Kentucky NES lakes are
being reviewed by the respective states prior to final release. Also, approxi-
mately one half of the Louisiana NES lake reports have been prepared and are
undergoing review prior to release to the state.
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QUALITY ASSURANCE
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 interlaboratory 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 for seven different cross-check
analyses: February - gamma in water and air filter; March - milk, tritium in
urine, and gross alpha and gross beta in water; April - tritium in water and
gamma in water. The types of cross-check analyses and the number of partici-
pating laboratories during the fourth quarter of FY-76 are shown in the fol-
lowing table:
Type of Cross-Check April May June
Air filter — — 53
Gamma in water 68 -- 70
Gross alpha and gross beta in water -- 56
Milk — 56
Radium-226 in water — 31
Tritium in urine -- — 15
Tritium in water 77 -- 61
Food 26
Krypton-85 in air — -- 19
The laboratories participating in the above cross-check program include
international, Federal, State, university, county, nuclear facilities, and
contractor laboratories.
As a result of the growing interest in the measurement of krypton-85 in
air in the environs of nuclear facilities, a new laboratory intercomparison
study was initiated. Krypton-85 reference samples were distributed to a number
of laboratories for instrument calibration purposes during February 1976. The
first samples containing unknown concentrations of krypton-85 were sent to the
18 participating laboratories for their analysis during the first week of June
1976. This was the initial intercomparison sample; the krypton-85 in air will
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be offered hereafter on a quarterly basis. Included among the participants are
EPA laboratories, other Federal agencies, State health departments, nuclear
facility operators, and private laboratories.
REFERENCE METHODS
The collaborative study of the tentative reference method for measuring
radium-226 in water and one for measuring tritium in water were initiated this
quarter. The samples and standards required for the collaborative test of
radium-226 were sent to 20 participating laboratories, and those for tritium
in water were sent to 34 participating laboratories. Included among the par-
ticipants are EPA laboratories, other Federal agencies, State health depart-
ments, nuclear facility operators, and private laboratories.
The collaborative study of the tentative reference method for measuring
strontium-89 and strontium-90 in environmental water was also initiated. The
samples and standards required for the collaborative test were sent to par-
ticipating laboratories among those cited above.
INTERAGENCY ASSISTANCE
An interagency agreement was signed with the National Bureau of Standards
(NBS) during the fourth quarter of FY-76. This agreement contracts the NBS to
prepare 200 calibrated solutions of radium-228. These solutions will be dis-
tributed to laboratories engaged in performing the radioactivity analyses
required by the Safe Drinking Water Act for samples from public water systems.
As prescribed by the proposed interim primary drinking water regulations, these
samples must be analyzed for radium-228 along with other requirements. The
calibrated solutions distributed may be used as primary radium-228 standards.
A formal agreement to document traceability to the national measurement system
for the analysis of selected radionuclides is also included in the contract.
While the Laboratory's Quality Assurance Branch has participated extensively in
traceability studies with NBS in the past, this is the first formal agreement
signed to establish traceability to the national measurement system.
At the request of Region IV, Mr. David G. Easterly visited the State
radiological laboratories in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to
conduct onsite evaluations of their radiological laboratories. These State
laboratory evaluations Included discussions with the appropriate State person-
nel and an overview of existing operations. Activities examined included
staffing, facilities, equipment, quality assurance program responsibilities,
and general laboratory operations. Recommendations as to how each program
might be Improved were discussed during the visits. Formal written reports are
being prepared for submission to each State laboratory and to EPA Region IV.
On June 14, Mr. Easterly visited with Mr. George S. Uyesugi, Dr. B. R.
Tamplin, and Mr. Archie Greenberg of the California Health Department to discuss
the implementation section of the criteria and procedures for the laboratory
certification program. This program is concerned with assuring the quality of
drinking water sample analyses made by laboratories involved with carrying out
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the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Both Mr. Uyesugi and Mr. Easterly
are members of the Drinking Water Laboratories' Quality Assurance Work Group
(Radiation Subgroup). Mr. Arthur N. Jarvis, Chief of the Quality Assurance
Branch, is Chairman of the Radiation Subgroup.
Mr. Jarvis visited the Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory-
Cincinnati, May 20 and 21, to discuss the criteria and procedures for radio-
analytical laboratory certification. The implementation portion of the criteria
was discussed in detail. Mr. Jarvis also discussed FY-77 plans in areas of
common concern with Mr. Dwight G. Ballinger, Mr. Robert L. Booth, Mr. Herman L.
Krieger, and Dr. Daniel M. Montgomery.
Mr. Jarvis was in Chicago, 111inois, June 28 through 30 to participate in
a meeting of the Water Supply Quality Assurance Work Group. As Chairman of the
Radiation Subgroup, Mr. Jarvis took part in formulating a workable program for
quality assurance and laboratory certification to support the implementation
portion of the Safe Drinking Water Act. He also presented the proposed radio-
analysis portion of the criteria and procedures for the certification of water
supply analytical laboratories and answered questions from the group concerning
this section.
A major program, "Biological Research and Exposure Monitoring Quality
Assurance Plan," was initiated this quarter. This program will evaluate the
current quality assurance procedures used in the Office of Research and Devel-
opment (ORD) in carrying out biological research. The program will also
recommend procedures for assuring the validity and integrity of the biologically
related data produced in the future for all in-house and contractual efforts
sponsored by ORD.
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
REGION I
Isothermal contour maps of about 40 power plant plumes and color photo-
graphy of selected oil storage facilities were furnished to Region I on request
for a demonstration of thermal imagery capabilities.
A project was begun to locate stack emission sources in the metropolitan
area of Worchester, Massachusetts.
REGION II
During April, the Laboratory used the airborne LIDAR system in the C-45
aircraft to conduct a 2-week study of particulate source and receptor areas
within New York City. The study, performed at the request of Region II, was
intended to collect additional data to relate plumes from point sources, indus-
trial areas, and automobile traffic to the high suspended particulate concen-
trations which have been observed at locations within New York City. This
information will be used to identify problem areas and to develop strategies
for future studies. During the 2-week study period, five flights were per-
formed at various times of the day, despite adverse weather conditions. A
draft report on the flights is in progress.
Also on request of Region II, aerial photographic imagery of a chemical
spill in the New York Bight was collected and projects were undertaken to
document two oil spills, one in New Jersey on the Hackensack River and one in
New York on the St. Lawrence River.
REGION III
Laboratory remote sensing capabilities were demonstrated for the Enforce-
ment Office of Region III. This project which has now run for a year has
directly involved the Laboratory in the enforcement activities of the Region.
Multiband photography has been used in all phases of the enforcement program.
A nonpoint source inventory of New Castle County, Delaware, is being pre-
pared in two volumes. Volume I deals with all nonpoint sources plus 26 specific
landfill sites. Volume II will contain an analysis of the 26 sites as developed
from historical and current imagery, including acquisitions from Federal, State
and contractor sources.
REGION IV
From April 21 to May 20, carbon monoxide measurements were made at temporary
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monitoring locations in Charlotte, North Carolina. The study was performed at
the request of Region IV to determine the spatial extent of high concentrations
of carbon monoxide previously observed at a single monitoring station operated
by the Mecklenburg County Health Department 1n downtown Charlotte. A review of
data taken from this station over the last 3 years suggested that violations of
the Federal Standards had occurred on several occasions, sometimes by more than
a factor of 2. A rough draft report has been prepared for the study, concluding
that the single monitoring station operated by the department is strongly
influenced by street-canyon effects and is therefore not representative of the
majority of urban Charlotte. No further field efforts are anticipated in
Charlotte.
Also in Region IV, a point-nonpoint source inventory of the Black Creek
and Evans City watersheds of Georgia was completed and a project was begun to
provide an analysis of land use and vegetation cover in Guilford County, North
Carolina.
From Hay 17 to June 18, Laboratory personnel performed measurements of
oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and wind speed and direction
at a location in Mountain View, Georgia, near the Hartsfield (Atlanta) Inter-
national Airport. The study was requested by Region IV in response to numerous
complaints by residents about the air quality impact of airport operations.
The air quality measurements were performed in conjunction with the cultivation
of a garden test plot to test soil sterility and plant damage in the area of
alleged impact. Data reduction, analysis, and reporting are in progress.
As part of the efforts to determine the cause(s) of vegetation damage in
the vicinity of the airport, vegetation experiments and air monitoring were
begun at selected sites near the airport. From May 17 through 21, 10 experi-
mental vegetation plots were established in Mountain View, Georgia. The sites
selected for these plots include six areas within aircraft approach and takeoff
patterns. The remaining four are located adjacent to the aircraft flight
patterns to further evaluate air quality in Mountain View. The species of
vegetation planted in these plots have been used in other studies as indicators
of various types of air pollutants. The plants selected for observation and
analysis include tobacco, bush bean, petunia, zinnia, lettuce, turnips, and
corn. Other species will be used if needed. In conjunction with the experi-
mental vegetation plots, high-volume air samplers using charcoal filters are
being operated at these sites. Two additional air samplers are also being
operated in the vicinity of other nearby pollutant sources. The data derived
from this phase of the study should be useful in identifying the cause(s) of
vegetation damage in this area. Vegetation and air monitoring will continue
through October 1976.
REGION V
On behalf of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), EPA
Region V Office in Chicago requested technical assistance in Illinois' efforts
to apply LANOSAT satellite data for classifying the trophic state of Illinois
lakes. The Laboratory provided information relating to the advantages and
disadvantages of using these data in lake classificatory work, assisted in the
definition of the project scope, and ascertained the availability of the
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necessary LANDSAT imagery and computer-compatible tapes. Laboratory personnel
are now analyzing water quality data collected from Illinois lakes by the
National Eutrophication Survey Helicopter-borne 1imnologists to develop a
trophic ranking. IEPA has contracted with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which
will process the computer-compatible satellite tapes provided by the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration. The project is initially focusing on
some 130 Illinois lakes having surface areas in excess of 40 hectares.
REGION VI
Mr. Victor Lambou of the Laboratory and Mr. Lee Tebo of EPA Region IV,
Atlanta, recently served as consultants to the Regional Administrator, Region
VI, in determining the impact of flood control measures in the Bayou Barataria
area of Louisiana.
In the Barataria area south of New Orleans, a Corps of Engineers flood
control project is expected to affect drainage in about 11,700 acres of wet-
lands which may result in adverse impact, on the natural biota. About 8,000
acres in the area has already been affected.
Messrs. Lambou and Tebo made onsite studies in the remaining 3,700 acres
to evaluate biological values. The investigators found that, although levees
have been built in the area, the drainage openings appear to maintain the prior
salinity cycle. Thus no significant adverse impact has been noted. However,
the next stage in the flood control project includes closing off the present
drainage and providing de-watering of the area by way of pumping. This would
most likely disrupt the natural vegetation and animal zones.
In conjunction with the onsite evaluation presented by Messrs. Lambou and
Tebo, other available data and supportive documentation were reviewed. Brief-
ings were presented by Mr. Peter Dunsavage of EPA's Region VI, and by Staff
members of the New Orleans District Corps of Engineers office.
The conclusion of this review panel is that floodgates, as opposed to a
pumping station, would allow for better protection of the existing ecosystem.
Use of floodgates would provide a reasonable and appropriate method of non-
destructive flood control.
Land use maps and photographs of El Dorado, Marysville and Magnolia, Ar-
kansas, were provided to Region VI from color infrared imagery acquired from a
contractor in March. A second acquisition of Imagery was analyzed for vege-
tation stress.
Brine seepage occurring in an area around Hamlin, Texas, was investigated.
Other federal libraries were used in locating imagery for the analysis, includ-
ing map sheet overlays for use in the Laboratory's final report.
Also on request of Region VI, a baseline study of a new petroleum refinery
in Louisiana was begun.
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REGION VII
On request of Region VII, a report was prepared on petroleum storage fa-
cilities in four counties in north-central Kansas as potential sources of
pollution. Within the four-county area, 2,075 features were identified.
Imagery used for analysis was from other federal libraries.
A pollution source inventory of 32 counties of northeast Iowa was con-
ducted for the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality and the Iowa Geological
Survey Remote Sensing Laboratory at the request of Region VII. Inventory
sources inventoried to date in 23 of the 32 counties include feedlots, quarries,
water impoundments, landfills, junkyard, strip mines and waste treatment plants.
REGION VIII
Color enlargements of selected strip mines and color photography of poten-
tial strip mine sites in Region VIII were prepared on request. Color infrared
imagery of 32 strip mine sites was furnished the Region from the file library.
Water, sediment, and biological sampling of the San Juan River and the San
Juan Arm of Lake Powell was conducted in June 1976 at the request of Region
VIII. Nutrients, major ions, and elemental analyses of the samples will be
used to establish base levels and to assess continued energy resources devel-
opment in the area. An assessment of the role of the San Juan River and Arm
upon the ecology of Lake Powell will be attempted to the degree that available
data permit.
Sampling was conducted by use of a small boat in the San Juan Arm. Over
100 miles from the nearest facilities, the small boat operation was logisti
cally supported and augmented by helicopter operations. River sampling was
conducted on foot operating out of a car between Mexican Hat, Utah, and Navajo
Lake, New Mexico.
Approximately 75 stations have been occupied and over 30 different anal-
yses of water samples from each site are planned. Sediment samples will be
analyzed for over 15 elements as well as nutrient, biologic and mineralogic
content. Taxonomic identification and enumeration of biologic samples is
planned. This intense 2-week sampling effort should add substantially to the
water quality data in the area.
REGION IX
Region IX has requested the Laboratory's assistance in an ambient air
monitoring study for Hawaii. The project objectives are to document electric
power plant emissions and associated meteorological conditions and to exercise
airshed modeling for the development of a control strategy. The Monitoring
Systems Design and Analysis Staff of the Monitoring Systems Research and Devel-
opment Division, in collaboration with the Air Quality Branch of the Monitoring
Operations Division, has initiated procurement of ground-based mobile moni-
toring systems for the study. The Monitoring Systems Design and Analysis Staff
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will provide airshed modeling support and evaluate the air quality and meteor-
ological data required as input to modeling.
REGION X
On request of Region X, the Laboratory is providing aerial support in the
monitoring of certain water quality problems associated with silviculture and
agriculture in Washington State, in the Yakima River Basin. The objectives are
to determine harvest practices, establish a baseline land use, and determine
irrigation flow effects on water quality.
OFFICE OF NOISE ABATEMENT AND CONTROL
In a study of noise in the area, an updated housing count was made from an
isopleth of Dulles International Airport, Virginia, and vicinity. Analysis was
made from imagery obtained from other federal agencies.
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SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL REPORTS
EPA PUBLICATIONS
During this quarter, the following project reports were published:
Monitoring Groundwater Quality: Volume II - Methods and Costs, by L. G.
Everett, K. D. Schmidt, R. N. Tinlin, and D. K. Todd. Prepared by General
Electric-TEMPO, Center for Advanced Studies, G. B. Morgan, Project Officer.
EPA-600/4-76-023.
Methylmercury: Formation in Plant Tissues, by D. D. Gay. EPA-600/3-76-049.
Monitoring Groundwater Quality: Volume I - data Management, by N. F.
Hampton. Prepared by General Electric-TEMPO, Center for Advanced Studies.
G. B. Morgan, Project Officer. EFA-600/4-76-019.
The Status and Quality of Radiation Measurements of Water, by A. N. Jarvis,
R. F. Smiecinski, and D. 6. Easterly. EPA-600/4-76-017.
Design of Pollutant-Oriented Integrated Monitoring Systems: A Test
Case — Environmental Lead, by D. W. Jenkins, (Editor). E. A. Schuck, Project
Officer. EPA-600/4-76-018.
Tritium in Plants and Soil, by J. C. McFarlane, W. F, Beckert, and K. W.
Brown. EPA-600/3-76-052.
Distribution of Ingested Ameriaium in Chickens and Transport to Eggs, by
A. A. Mullen, S. R. Lloyd, and R. E. Mosley. EPA-600/3-76-058.
Availability, Uptake, and Translocation of Plutonium Within Biological
Systems: A Review of the Significant Literature, by A. A. Mullen and R, E.
Mosley. EPA-600/3-76-043.
Concentration Factors and Transport Models for Radionuclides in Aquatic
Environments: A Literature Report, by R. G. Patzer. EPA-600/3-76-054.
Biological Transfer of Plutonium Via In Vivo Labeled Goat's Milk, by W,
W, Sutton, A. A. Mullen, S. R. Lloyd, and R. E. Mosley. EPA-600/3-76-025.
Airborne LIDAR RAPS Studies, February 1974, by John A. Eckert, James L.
McElroy, Donald H. Bundy, John L. Guagliardo, and S. H. Melfi, June 1976.
EPA-600/4-76-028.
REPORTS OF ERDA-REIMBURSABLE WORK
Springs on the Nevada Test Site and Their Use by Wildlife, by K. R. Giles.
NERC-LV-539-26.
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Animal Investigation Program, 1972 Annual Report, by D. D. Smith, K. R.
Giles, and D. E. Bernhardt. NERC-LV-539-35.
The following papers were published in Transuranium Nuclides in the Envi-
ronment, Proceedings of a symposium jointly organized by the U.S. Energy
Research and Development Administration and the International Atomic Energy
Agency held in San Francisco, California, November 17 through 21, 1975. IAEA,
Vienna, 1976.
Plutonium Uptake by a Soil Fungus and Transport to Its Spores3 by W. F.
Beckert and F. H. F. Au. IAEA-SM-199/72.
Distribution of Ingested Transuranium Nuclides in Chickens and Subsequent
Transport to Egge} by A. A. Mullen, S. R. Lloyd, and R. E. Mosley. IAEA-SM-
199/68.
Grazing Studies on a Plutonium-Contaminated Range, by D. D. Smith, J.
Barth, and R. G. Patzer. IAEA-SM-199/73.
PAPERS PRESENTED OR PUBLISHED
Dr. Joseph V. Behar lectured at the University of Southern California's
Environmental Management Institute (which has an EPA grant) on air pollution
management on May 17, 1976.
Mr. Erich W. Bretthauer discussed the current needs and future plans of
the EMSL-LV program for assessing the impact of geothermal energy development
and the environment at a workshop held at Gaithersburg, Maryland, entitled
"SRM's for Geothermal Energy Utilization," on May 25. This meeting was co-
sponsored by the EPA and the National Bureau of Standards.
Mr. Leslie McMillion presented a discussion on Laboratory projects con-
cerning applications of modeling in surface water monitoring at a panel meeting
after the Conference on Environmental Modeling and Simulation at Cincinnati on
April 22, 1976.
Mr. John A. Eckert presented an invited paper authored by S. H. Melfi, J.
A. Eckert, and A. E. Pressman, entitled Engineering Advances in Environmental
Remote Sensing, at the Conference on Laser and Electro-Optical Systems, May 25
through 27, 1976, in San Diego, California.
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OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRAMS - LAS VEGAS FACILITY
(orp-lvf)
URANIUM FUEL CYCLE STANDARDS
Mr. David E. Bernhardt participated in meetings at the Eastern Environ-
mental Radiation Facility and at the Cincinnati Radiochemistry and Nuclear
Engineering Branch to work with the task force for the EPA Uranium Fuel Cycle
Standard.
URANIUM FUEL CYCLE
Mr. Donald W. Hendricks was in Grants, New Mexico, April 26 through 30 to
attend a meeting of the Argonne National Laboratory Interagency task force on
uranium milling. As part of the meeting, the task force members toured operat-
ing mills in the Ambrosia Lake area.
On April 28 and 29, Dr. Robert Kaufman and Mr. David E. Bernhardt traveled
to Salt Lake City to confer with Dr. Arnold Klute of the Agricultural Research
Service (ARS), Ft. Collins, Colorado. Dr. Klute will head up the ARS team
which will use column experiments and digital modeling techniques to study
moisture movement in the vitro tailings pile.
At the request of the Governor of the Laguna Pueblo, representatives of
EPA Region VI, ORP-LVF, Indian Health Service, and State of New Mexico Environ-
mental Improvement Agency met with the Laguna Pueblo Tribal Council at Laguna
Pueblo. Brief discussions were presented by Mr. Northington, Region VI, and
Mr. Hendricks of progress made to date by the various agencies in responding to
questions raised by the Pueblo concerning the impact of uranium mining on the
Reservation. The interest and concern of the Pueblo were evidenced by the
large number of questions posed by the Governor and Council during the 2%-hour
meeting.
Mr. Hendricks and representatives of EPA Region X and the State of Wash-
ington attended a meeting of the Spokane Indian Tribal Council at Wellpinit,
Washington, to discuss the proposed Sherwood Uranium Project on the Spokane
Indian Reservation. Other attendees included a representative from the Wash-
ington Governor's Office, and representatives of Western Nuclear, Inc., Dames
and Moore, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Mr. Hendricks attended the third meeting of the Argonne Uranium Mill
Tailings Task Force in Denver, Colorado. While in Denver, Mr. Hendricks met
with Mr. Paul Smith, Region VIII, and Mr. A1 Hazle, State of Colorado, to
discuss state assistance. Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Hazle visited the Schwartzwalder
Uranium Mine outside Denver. Mr. Hendricks also met in Denver with Mr. James
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Shaw, Rocky Mountain Energy Company (RMEC), to discuss a possible preopera-
tional uranium mining and milling study to be conducted at RMEC sites in either
Wyoming or California.
On June 22 through 24 Messrs, Joseph Hans and George Boysen traveled to
the Shiprock, New Mexico, uranium mill site to conduct radiation surveys, radon
sampling, working level measurements, and to discuss a work sub-plan for the
decontamination of the mill yard.
Radiation surveys were conducted in an area of the ore storage yard that
had been decontaminated and ready to receive clean fill. The results of the
survey indicated that the exposure rates were 1 to 2 microRoentgens per hour
(uR/hr) above background, and the area was released for fill addition and
leveling.
Radon sampling flasks were taken to the mill site to sample radon around
the tailings piles during stable atmospheric conditions. Inclement weather
forced postponement of plans to complement the radon measurements with working
level measurements made with the Argonne Instant Working Level Meter. Mr.
Benally, site technician, Navajo Environmental Protection Commission, was
trained in sampling with the radon flasks. He will collect samples at a later
date when stable conditions occur. The working level meter was used to collect
and analyze samples on and downwind of the tailings piles and in the Navajo
Environmental and Construction Authority (NECA) office and in the Navajo Home-
makers building.
Mr. Hans prepared a draft work sub-plan for the decontamination of the
mill yard and presented it to participating members of the Navajo Environmental
Protection Commission, NECA, and the U.S. Public Health Service (Indian Health
Service). Comments were incorporated into the plan, and the plan will be
finalized in the near future.
At the request of the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Agency and with
the endorsement of Region VI, Dr. Robert Kaufman presented testimony on June 14
at a meeting of the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission. The Commis-
sion has now adopted the Middle Rio Grande Basin Water Quality Management Plan
which includes the Ambrosia Lake, Bluewater, and Jackpile-Laguna-Paguate
uranium mining/milling areas. Key elements of the plan, as it concerns the
present and future uranium industry, are largely developed from the findings
and concerns raised in the Grants Mineral Belt Water Study prepared by the ORP
and the National Enforcement Investigation Center, Denver, Colorado, with the
Region and State.
ENVIRONMENTAL PLUTONIUM
On June 25, Messrs. Bruce Mann and George Oksza-Chocimowski met at Liver-
more with Dr. Lynn Anspaugh of the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory to discuss
aspects of the plutonium resuspension problem and various modeling approaches.
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY GUIDANCE
Messrs. Hendricks and William Fort met April 7 at the Valley Nitrogen
28
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phosphate fertilizer plant in Helm, California, with representatives of Valley
Nitrogen Producers, Inc. (VNP), the California Department of Health, the Cali-
fornia Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the University of California
(Davis). A second meeting was held at the Five Points Agricultural Research
Station. The purpose of the meetings was to discuss a possible field study at
the VNP facility.
Dr. Kaufman met with Mr. S. J. Green, California Regional Water Quality
Control Board, in Fresno on April 23 to review the radiochemical and other data
documenting groundwater radionuclide levels in the area of the Valley Nitrogen
Producers plants.
ORP-LVF geologists made substantial progress in reducing available geo-
logic and radiochemical data relevant to the groundwater phase of the Florida
phosphate study. Statistically significant contamination appears lacking.
During the week of May 24, re-calibration of the TLD radon progeny samplers
was conducted at the Colorado State University calibration facility at Ft.
Collins, Colorado.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
Qualification statements were reviewed from prospective contractors for
the contract on "Chemical and Physical Factors Affecting the Retention of
Radionuclides in Soil and Rock Materials—Critical Review."
THORIUM FUEL CYCLE
Mr. Mann accompanied Science Applications, Inc., staff members to Gulf
General Atomic Company in San Diego on April 8. Gulf General Atomic staff
provided a review of work being conducted under U.S. Energy Research and Devel-
opment Administration (ERDA) sponsorship on HTGR fuel reprocessing development.
On June 23 and 24, Messrs. Mann and Oksza-Chocimowski met at Berkeley with
Drs. L. Simmons, R. Ziskind, and Mr. R. Fuller of Science Applications, Inc.,
and with Dr. T. Pigford and Mr. S. Jung of the University of California at
Berkeley (UCB) to discuss and review the status of the contract for assessment
of the thorium fuel cycle. Items discussed included an overview of the con-
tract status, status of requested resources, a review of control technology, a
progress report by UCB, and procedures to be used for dose commitment analysis.
FUSION
Review comments on the ERDA Fusion Power Research and Development Program
Long-Range Planning Projections (second draft) were forwarded to ERDA. This
was in response to a request to Mr. Mann by Stephen Dean, Chairman of the ERDA
Fusion Power Planning and Priorities Committee.
29
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PUBLICATIONS
Three technical notes were published during this period:
Parameters for Estimating the Uptake of TrarwKranio Elements by Terrestrial
Plants3 ORP/LV-76-2.
Evaluation of Sample Collection and Analysis Techniques for Environmental
Plutonium, ORP/LV-76-5.
Radiation Survey in Beatty, Nevada} and Surrounding Area (March 1976)3
ORP/LV-76-1.
TRAINING
Mr. Thomas C. Sell participated, as an instructor, in three presentations
of the Federal Interagency Radiological Emergency Response Planning Course in
Support of Fixed Nuclear Facilities. The courses were held in Austin, Texas,
in April; Denver, Colorado, in May; and Battle Creek, Michigan, in June.
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