Environmental
Radiation
Data
REPORT 158
April-June 2014
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
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11
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Contents
Page
List of Tables v
Preface vii
Acknowledgments ix
Data Reporting Conventions xi
1. Air Program 1
Airborne Particulates and Precipitation 1
Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates 17
2. Water Program 19
3. Milk Program 23
Pasteurized Milk 23
in
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iv
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List of Tables
Table Page
1 Reporting Units and Minimum Detectable Concentrations xiii
2 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: April 2014 2
3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: May 2014 6
4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: June 2014 10
5 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: April 2014 14
6 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: May 2014 15
7 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: June 2014 16
8 Tritium in Drinking Water: April-June 2014 20
9 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: April-June 2014 24
v
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vi
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Preface
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) contains data from the RadNet monitoring system
(formerly ERAMS), which is operated by the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air's National
Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama. ERD is
published in both hard-copy and electronic formats. Electronic reports are available online at
http://www.epa.gov/narel. RadNet data are also available online in a searchable database at:
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/radnet
The United States Environmental Protection Agency established RadNet in 1973 with an
emphasis on identifying trends in the accumulation of long-lived radionuclides in the environ-
ment. RadNet is comprised of a nationwide network of sampling stations that provide air
particulate, precipitation, drinking water, and milk samples.
Sampling locations are selected to provide population and geographic coverage for the United
States. The radiation analyses performed on RadNet samples may include gross alpha and gross
beta analysis, gamma analyses, and radionuclide-specific analyses for isotopes of uranium,
plutonium, strontium, iodine, radium, and tritium. This monitoring effort also provides informa-
tion on natural background levels and possible accidental releases into the environment.
vii
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viii
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Acknowledgments
All sampling for the RadNet monitoring system (formerly ERAMS) is performed by volunteer
collectors who are frequently members of health departments or related environmental agencies
of their respective states. The National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory
(NAREL), on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, would like to acknowledge
the time and effort of these volunteer collectors, who are so essential to the successful operation
of RadNet. The efforts of the sample collectors are especially appreciated during times of
emergency operation when sampling frequencies are increased and schedules are sometimes
demanding.
IX
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x
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Data Reporting Conventions
Every laboratory measurement involves uncertainty. When there is little or no radioactivity in a
sample, one consequence of measurement uncertainty is the possibility of obtaining a measured
value that is less than zero. Such a negative result occurs when random effects in the measure-
ment process cause the measured value for the sample to be less than that of the blank or back-
ground, which is subtracted from it. From April 1991 to December 1995, negative results were
reported as "not detected" or "ND," and gamma analysis results that were less than their
estimated measurement uncertainties were also reported as "ND." In January 1996, both of these
practices were discontinued. Although negative activities are physically impossible, the inclusion
of negative results in the report allows better statistical analysis of the data.
Results of gamma analyses are still reported as "ND" when gamma-emitting radionuclides are
not detected.
Measurement Uncertainty
Each measured valuey is reported with an expanded uncertainty U=k uc(y), which is determined
from the combined standard uncertainty uc(y) and the coverage factor k = 2. The interval from
y- Utoy+ Uis estimated to have a level of confidence of approximately 95 %.
Significant Figures
Expanded uncertainties are reported to two significant figures. Measurement results are rounded
to the corresponding number of decimal places.
Detection Capability
The minimum detectable concentrations (MDCs) for each radionuclide are shown in Table 1.
The MDC is defined as the minimum concentration that gives a 95 % probability of detection
when the detection criteria are chosen to give only a 5 % probability of false detection in a
sample that is analyte-free.
XI
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Xll
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Table 1
Reporting Units and Minimum Detectable Concentrations
for Radionuclide Analyses
Radionuclide
Media
Reporting Unit
IMinimum
Detectable
Concentration
Gross Alpha
Water
pCi/L
2
Gross Beta
Air
pCi/m3
0.0006
Water
pCi/L
2
Precipitation
pCi/L
2
Tritium
Water
pCi/L
150
* Plutonium-23 8,23 9/240
Air
aCi/m3
6
Water
pCi/L
0.3
f Uranium-234,238
Air
aCi/m3
7.5
Water
pCi/L
0.35
f Uranium-235
Air
aCi/m3
9
Water
pCi/L
0.4
Radium-226
Water
pCi/L
0.02
Strontium-90
Milk
pCi/L
2
Water
pCi/L
1
t Iodine-131
Milk (gamma)
pCi/L
4
Water (gamma)
pCi/L
4
Water
pCi/L
0.3
Cesium-137
Milk
pCi/L
5
Water
pCi/L
5
{ Barium-140
Milk
pCi/L
15
Water
pCi/L
15
Potassium
Milk
g/L
0.06
Water
g/L
0.06
Potassium-40
Water
pCi/L
50
* The MDC for air is based on an assumed total sample volume of 10,000 m3. Measurement by alpha
spectrometry includes combined activities of 239Pu and 240Pu, since the relative contributions of these two
isotopes cannot be determined.
¦f The MDCs for air are based on an assumed total sample volume of 10,000 m3.
} Activity as of the day of counting.
Xlll
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xiv
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1. Air Program
Airborne Particulates and Precipitation
Gross beta radioactivity measurements and certain specific analyses are performed on air partic-
ulates and precipitation samples as indicator measurements in assessing the general (national)
impact of all contributing sources on environmental levels of radiation. Continuous air samplers
collect airborne particulates at field stations representing wide geographic coverage throughout
the United States.
Filters (10 cm diameter synthetic fiber) from air samplers are changed routinely, and generally
field measurements are made with a dual-phosphor scintillation counter at least 5 hours after
collection to allow 222Rn progeny to decay. Field estimates are reported to appropriate EPA
officials by telephone or mail depending on the activity levels found; however, as of the first
quarter of 2012, NAREL no longer reports field estimates in Environmental Radiation Data.
The filters are sent to NAREL for more sensitive analysis in a gas proportional counter. Gamma
scans are performed on all filters showing gross beta activity greater than 1 pCi/m3.
All stations routinely submit precipitation samples as rainfall, snow, or sleet occurs. The precip-
itation samples are composited at NAREL into single monthly samples for each station. Each
month that precipitation occurs, an aliquant of the composited sample is analyzed for gamma-
emitting radionuclides. NAREL discontinued gross beta analysis of precipitation in January 2010
and discontinued tritium analysis of precipitation in January 2012.
1
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Table 2
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
5
0.009
0.003
0.006
AK: Fairbanks
9
0.014
0.005
0.009
AK: Juneau
7
0.007
0.001
0.004
AL: Birmingham
8
0.012
0.005
0.008
AL: Montgomery/408
6
0.009
0.005
0.007
AR: Fort Smith
3
0.013
0.008
0.010
AR: Little Rock
2
0.008
0.007
0.008
AZ: Phoenix/956
7
0.013
0.006
0.009
AZ: Tucson
8
0.012
0.006
0.009
CA: Anaheim
9
0.007
0.001
0.005
CA: Eureka
4
0.005
0.001
0.003
CA: Los Angeles
5
0.013
0.003
0.006
CA: Richmond
4
0.006
0.003
0.004
CA: Riverside
8
0.016
0.003
0.010
CA: Sacramento
9
0.009
0.003
0.006
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
7
0.019
0.004
0.010
CA: San Francisco
8
0.006
0.002
0.004
CA: San Jose
7
0.009
0.003
0.006
CO: Colorado Springs
2
0.012
0.008
0.010
CO: Denver
5
0.014
0.009
0.011
CO: Grand Junction
2
0.010
0.009
0.009
CT: Hartford
9
0.007
0.004
0.006
DC: Washington
9
0.009
0.005
0.008
DE: Dover
5
0.005
0.005
0.005
FL: Jacksonville
7
0.013
0.004
0.008
FL: Miami
1
0.006
0.006
0.006
FL: Orlando
8
0.009
0.002
0.006
FL: Tallahassee
3
0.007
0.003
0.005
FL: Tampa
7
0.013
0.002
0.007
GA: Atlanta
3
0.009
0.006
0.008
GA: Augusta
6
0.007
0.004
0.006
HI: Honolulu
7
0.004
0.002
0.003
IA: Des Moines
8
0.011
0.005
0.008
IA: Mason City
6
0.014
0.006
0.009
ID: Boise
6
0.006
0.003
0.004
ID: Idaho Falls
5
0.010
0.005
0.008
IL: Champaign
8
0.012
0.005
0.007
IL: Chicago
8
0.013
0.004
0.009
2
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
IN: Fort Wayne
3
0.012
0.007
0.009
IN: Indianapolis
8
0.014
0.006
0.009
KS: Kansas City
7
0.016
0.007
0.010
KS: Wichita
2
0.012
0.010
0.011
KY: Lexington
8
0.016
0.006
0.010
KY: Louisville
5
0.010
0.005
0.007
LA: Baton Rouge
7
0.011
0.005
0.008
LA: Shreveport
4
0.008
0.003
0.006
MA: Boston
8
0.008
0.004
0.006
MA: Worcester
7
0.009
0.005
0.007
MD: Baltimore
7
0.010
0.006
0.007
ME: Portland
9
0.008
0.005
0.007
MI: Bay City 48708
7
0.009
0.006
0.008
MI: Detroit
9
0.014
0.008
0.011
MI: Grand Rapids
4
0.012
0.011
0.011
MN: Duluth
8
0.009
0.005
0.007
MN: St. Paul
3
0.014
0.010
0.011
MO: Jefferson City
8
0.014
0.006
0.009
MO: Springfield
2
0.007
0.006
0.006
MO: St. Louis
4
0.011
0.005
0.007
MS: Jackson/Deq
4
0.009
0.006
0.008
MT: Billings
2
0.011
0.009
0.010
NC: Charlotte
5
0.014
0.007
0.012
NC: Greensboro
1
0.007
0.007
0.007
NC: Raleigh
2
0.004
0.004
0.004
NC: Wilmington
5
0.005
0.004
0.004
ND: Bismarck
4
0.009
0.003
0.007
NE: Kearney
9
0.012
0.003
0.008
NE: Lincoln
8
0.010
0.006
0.008
NH: Concord
6
0.007
0.003
0.005
NJ: Edison
8
0.008
0.001
0.005
NM: Carlsbad
8
0.013
0.008
0.010
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
2
0.015
0.010
0.013
NV: Las Vegas/913
6
0.010
0.002
0.006
NV: Reno
8
0.020
0.005
0.012
NY: Albany
9
0.012
0.005
0.008
NY: Lockport
8
0.010
0.007
0.009
NY: New York City
4
0.007
0.005
0.006
3
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NY: Rochester
7
0.009
0.007
0.008
NY: Syracuse
2
0.008
0.006
0.007
NY: Yaphank
1
0.003
0.003
0.003
OH: Cincinnati
4
0.007
0.005
0.006
OH: Cleveland
7
0.013
0.008
0.011
OH: Columbus
2
0.012
0.010
0.011
OH: Toledo
9
0.010
0.004
0.007
OK: Oklahoma City
8
0.015
0.009
0.012
OK: Tulsa
8
0.013
0.007
0.009
OR: Corvallis
8
0.004
0.001
0.002
OR: Portland
7
0.005
0.001
0.002
PA: Bloomsburg
5
0.005
0.003
0.004
PA: Philadelphia
5
0.008
0.005
0.006
PA: Pittsburgh
4
0.011
0.006
0.008
PR: San Juan
7
0.007
0.002
0.004
RI: Providence
5
0.010
0.004
0.007
SC: Columbia
1
0.007
0.007
0.007
SD: Pierre
3
0.008
0.006
0.007
SD: Rapid City
5
0.011
0.007
0.009
TN: Knoxville
3
0.010
0.008
0.009
TN: Memphis
6
0.015
0.008
0.010
TN: Nashville
7
0.009
0.004
0.006
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
7
0.011
0.006
0.008
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
7
0.012
0.006
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
7
0.008
0.005
0.007
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
7
0.011
0.007
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 W
7
0.011
0.006
0.008
TX: Austin
4
0.011
0.008
0.009
TX: Dallas
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
TX: Ft. Worth
4
0.011
0.006
0.008
TX: Harlingen
4
0.009
0.006
0.008
TX: Houston
8
0.013
0.006
0.009
TX: Lubbock
8
0.003
0.001
0.002
TX: San Angelo
2
0.010
0.010
0.010
TX: San Antonio
7
0.011
0.005
0.009
UT: Salt Lake City
7
0.009
0.004
0.007
VA: Harrisonburg
7
0.012
0.005
0.009
VA: Lynchburg
2
0.005
0.005
0.005
4
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
VA: Richmond
8
0.009
0.005
0.007
VA: Virginia Beach
8
0.008
0.005
0.006
VT: Burlington
6
0.010
0.006
0.008
WA: Olympia
7
0.005
0.001
0.003
WA: Richland
5
0.006
0.002
0.003
WA: Seattle
1
0.002
0.002
0.002
WA: Spokane
8
0.006
0.003
0.005
WI: Lacrosse
3
0.010
0.006
0.007
WI: Madison
9
0.015
0.008
0.012
WI: Milwaukee
4
0.012
0.007
0.010
WI: Shawano
8
0.010
0.004
0.008
WV: Charleston
6
0.013
0.005
0.008
WY: Casper
4
0.010
0.008
0.009
5
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Table 3
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
4
0.010
0.005
0.007
AK: Fairbanks
4
0.006
0.003
0.005
AK: Juneau
8
0.007
0.002
0.004
AL: Birmingham
9
0.018
0.006
0.012
AL: Montgomery/408
7
0.018
0.004
0.010
AR: Fort Smith
1
0.011
0.011
0.011
AR: Little Rock
2
0.012
0.011
0.011
AZ: Phoenix/956
5
0.012
0.007
0.009
AZ: Tucson
6
0.014
0.009
0.011
CA: Anaheim
8
0.007
0.002
0.005
CA: Eureka
5
0.003
0.002
0.002
CA: Los Angeles
3
0.016
0.006
0.009
CA: Richmond
4
0.005
0.002
0.004
CA: Riverside
6
0.015
0.005
0.010
CA: Sacramento
5
0.011
0.003
0.006
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
4
0.013
0.006
0.010
CA: San Francisco
9
0.007
0.002
0.004
CA: San Jose
9
0.012
0.003
0.005
CO: Colorado Springs
2
0.011
0.006
0.008
CO: Denver
5
0.018
0.012
0.015
CO: Grand Junction
4
0.010
0.006
0.008
CT: Hartford
9
0.009
0.002
0.005
DC: Washington
7
0.011
0.006
0.008
DE: Dover
4
0.007
0.004
0.006
FL: Jacksonville
8
0.014
0.007
0.012
FL: Orlando
7
0.011
0.005
0.008
FL: Tallahassee
3
0.013
0.005
0.010
FL: Tampa
9
0.020
0.007
0.012
GA: Atlanta
4
0.014
0.010
0.012
GA: Augusta
4
0.011
0.005
0.008
HI: Honolulu
9
0.006
0.002
0.004
IA: Des Moines
7
0.009
0.003
0.006
IA: Mason City
4
0.009
0.003
0.006
ID: Idaho Falls
8
0.010
0.004
0.007
IL: Champaign
9
0.008
0.003
0.005
IL: Chicago
9
0.012
0.005
0.007
IN: Fort Wayne
3
0.010
0.005
0.008
IN: Indianapolis
5
0.012
0.004
0.008
6
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
KS: Kansas City
7
0.015
0.005
0.010
KS: Wichita
3
0.015
0.008
0.011
KY: Lexington
8
0.016
0.006
0.011
KY: Louisville
8
0.013
0.004
0.008
LA: Baton Rouge
8
0.014
0.008
0.010
LA: Shreveport
4
0.008
0.005
0.007
MA: Boston
9
0.009
0.002
0.004
MA: Worcester
9
0.008
0.002
0.005
MD: Baltimore
5
0.009
0.003
0.007
ME: Portland
8
0.006
0.002
0.004
MI: Bay City 48708
9
0.010
0.002
0.005
MI: Detroit
10
0.013
0.004
0.007
MI: Grand Rapids
5
0.009
0.006
0.007
MN: Duluth
7
0.010
0.001
0.004
MN: St. Paul
2
0.014
0.004
0.009
MO: Jefferson City
9
0.017
0.005
0.009
MO: Springfield
9
0.012
0.005
0.009
MO: St. Louis
4
0.010
0.006
0.007
MS: Jackson/Deq
5
0.017
0.008
0.011
MT: Billings
4
0.008
0.004
0.006
NC: Charlotte
7
0.023
0.010
0.016
NC: Greensboro
1
0.011
0.011
0.011
NC: Wilmington
4
0.008
0.005
0.006
ND: Bismarck
3
0.006
0.004
0.006
NE: Kearney
7
0.014
0.004
0.009
NE: Lincoln
9
0.010
0.004
0.007
NE: Omaha
2
0.014
0.007
0.011
NH: Concord
6
0.006
0.002
0.004
NJ: Edison
4
0.009
0.005
0.007
NM: Carlsbad
4
0.015
0.009
0.012
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
2
0.011
0.009
0.010
NV: Las Vegas/913
7
0.007
0.004
0.006
NV: Reno
7
0.014
0.006
0.010
NY: Albany
8
0.008
0.002
0.006
NY: Lockport
9
0.011
0.003
0.007
NY: New York City
3
0.010
0.007
0.008
NY: Rochester
8
0.012
0.005
0.009
NY: Syracuse
1
0.005
0.005
0.005
7
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NY: Yaphank
6
0.006
0.004
0.005
OH: Cincinnati
8
0.013
0.004
0.008
OH: Cleveland
9
0.013
0.003
0.007
OH: Columbus
2
0.010
0.006
0.008
OH: Toledo
7
0.008
0.003
0.005
OK: Oklahoma City
9
0.015
0.007
0.011
OK: Tulsa
8
0.015
0.004
0.009
OR: Corvallis
8
0.006
0.001
0.004
OR: Portland
7
0.005
0.001
0.003
PA: Bloomsburg
7
0.010
0.002
0.005
PA: Philadelphia
4
0.008
0.004
0.007
PA: Pittsburgh
5
0.010
0.004
0.008
PR: San Juan
6
0.008
0.003
0.005
RI: Providence
4
0.006
0.003
0.005
SD: Pierre
8
0.010
0.005
0.007
SD: Rapid City
4
0.011
0.006
0.009
TN: Knoxville
4
0.013
0.008
0.011
TN: Memphis
8
0.015
0.005
0.010
TN: Nashville
8
0.013
0.006
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
8
0.012
0.005
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
8
0.013
0.005
0.010
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
8
0.009
0.004
0.007
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
8
0.013
0.006
0.010
TN: Oak Ridge12 W
8
0.013
0.005
0.010
TX: Amarillo
2
0.010
0.010
0.010
TX: Austin
4
0.009
0.006
0.008
TX: Dallas
7
0.014
0.007
0.011
TX: Ft. Worth
4
0.009
0.006
0.008
TX: Harlingen
4
0.010
0.006
0.008
TX: Houston
9
0.012
0.005
0.009
TX: Lubbock
9
0.008
0.001
0.004
TX: San Angelo
1
0.009
0.009
0.009
TX: San Antonio
8
0.010
0.005
0.007
UT: Salt Lake City
9
0.011
0.004
0.008
UT: St. George
2
0.008
0.008
0.008
VA: Harrisonburg
9
0.013
0.003
0.008
VA: Lynchburg
8
0.009
0.002
0.005
VA: Richmond
9
0.016
0.005
0.009
8
-------
Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
VA: Virginia Beach
8
0.011
0.006
0.008
VT: Burlington
9
0.007
0.002
0.004
WA: Olympia
8
0.005
0.001
0.003
WA: Richland
8
0.007
0.003
0.005
WA: Seattle
1
0.002
0.002
0.002
WA: Spokane
9
0.008
0.003
0.006
WI: Lacrosse
2
0.004
0.003
0.003
WI: Madison
9
0.016
0.002
0.008
WI: Milwaukee
4
0.009
0.004
0.007
WI: Shawano
9
0.008
0.002
0.005
WV: Charleston
4
0.014
0.008
0.011
WY: Casper
4
0.009
0.004
0.007
9
-------
Table 4
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
4
0.002
0.001
0.001
AK: Fairbanks
7
0.004
0.001
0.003
AK: Juneau
5
0.002
0.001
0.001
AL: Birmingham
7
0.015
0.006
0.010
AL: Montgomery/408
9
0.017
0.004
0.008
AR: Little Rock
7
0.012
0.004
0.008
AZ: Phoenix/956
1
0.015
0.015
0.015
AZ: Tucson
7
0.015
0.006
0.010
CA: Anaheim
8
0.007
0.004
0.005
CA: Eureka
4
0.002
0.001
0.001
CA: Fresno
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
CA: Los Angeles
5
0.010
0.007
0.008
CA: Richmond
4
0.003
0.003
0.003
CA: Riverside
8
0.015
0.006
0.012
CA: Sacramento
2
0.005
0.003
0.004
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
6
0.016
0.007
0.012
CA: San Francisco
7
0.004
0.002
0.003
CA: San Jose
7
0.006
0.002
0.005
CO: Colorado Springs
3
0.012
0.010
0.010
CO: Denver
1
0.015
0.015
0.015
CO: Grand Junction
1
0.011
0.011
0.011
CT: Hartford
8
0.007
0.003
0.005
DC: Washington
7
0.012
0.004
0.007
DE: Dover
3
0.004
0.004
0.004
FL: Jacksonville
8
0.011
0.005
0.008
FL: Orlando
8
0.008
0.004
0.006
FL: Tallahassee
4
0.008
0.005
0.007
FL: Tampa
7
0.019
0.004
0.010
GA: Atlanta
3
0.009
0.006
0.008
GA: Augusta
5
0.009
0.004
0.007
HI: Honolulu
9
0.004
0.001
0.002
IA: Des Moines
2
0.007
0.006
0.006
IA: Mason City
6
0.010
0.004
0.007
ID: Boise
5
0.006
0.002
0.004
ID: Idaho Falls
6
0.013
0.005
0.009
IL: Aurora
1
0.007
0.007
0.007
IL: Champaign
9
0.012
0.004
0.006
IL: Chicago
7
0.009
0.004
0.007
10
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
IN: Fort Wayne
5
0.012
0.009
0.009
IN: Indianapolis
3
0.011
0.008
0.010
KS: Kansas City
8
0.015
0.006
0.010
KS: Wichita
6
0.010
0.006
0.009
KY: Lexington
7
0.015
0.007
0.010
KY: Louisville
7
0.011
0.005
0.008
KY: Paducah
5
0.011
0.004
0.008
LA: Baton Rouge
10
0.012
0.003
0.007
LA: Shreveport
5
0.010
0.003
0.006
MA: Boston
9
0.005
0.002
0.004
MA: Worcester
9
0.009
0.003
0.006
ME: Portland
9
0.006
0.002
0.004
MI: Bay City 48708
8
0.006
0.003
0.005
MI: Detroit
9
0.011
0.006
0.009
MI: Grand Rapids
3
0.010
0.007
0.009
MN: Duluth
7
0.011
0.002
0.005
MN: St. Paul
1
0.009
0.009
0.009
MO: Jefferson City
7
0.011
0.005
0.007
MO: Springfield
1
0.008
0.008
0.008
MO: St. Louis
4
0.007
0.006
0.007
MS: Jackson/Deq
5
0.015
0.004
0.009
MT: Billings
3
0.005
0.004
0.005
NC: Charlotte
6
0.017
0.010
0.012
NC: Greensboro
1
0.011
0.011
0.011
NC: Raleigh
3
0.008
0.004
0.006
NC: Wilmington
4
0.006
0.004
0.005
ND: Bismarck
1
0.006
0.006
0.006
NE: Kearney
8
0.009
0.006
0.008
NE: Lincoln
9
0.011
0.005
0.008
NE: Omaha
5
0.007
0.006
0.007
NH: Concord
8
0.005
0.002
0.004
NJ: Edison
4
0.008
0.004
0.005
NM: Carlsbad
6
0.014
0.007
0.011
NV: Las Vegas/913
4
0.015
0.008
0.012
NV: Reno
6
0.014
0.006
0.009
NY: Albany
5
0.007
0.004
0.005
NY: Lockport
9
0.010
0.002
0.007
NY: New York City
4
0.007
0.005
0.006
11
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NY: Rochester
6
0.012
0.007
0.008
NY: Syracuse
1
0.011
0.011
0.011
NY: Yaphank
3
0.004
0.003
0.003
OH: Cincinnati
8
0.011
0.004
0.008
OH: Cleveland
9
0.010
0.005
0.007
OH: Columbus
1
0.008
0.008
0.008
OH: Toledo
9
0.009
0.004
0.006
OK: Oklahoma City
9
0.014
0.005
0.009
OK: Tulsa
9
0.012
0.005
0.008
OR: Corvallis
8
0.004
0.000
0.003
OR: Portland
9
0.004
0.000
0.002
PA: Bloomsburg
8
0.006
0.002
0.004
PA: Philadelphia
4
0.008
0.004
0.005
PA: Pittsburgh
4
0.011
0.007
0.009
PR: San Juan
9
0.014
0.004
0.008
RI: Providence
5
0.006
0.005
0.005
SD: Pierre
9
0.009
0.005
0.007
SD: Rapid City
5
0.009
0.005
0.007
TN: Knoxville
3
0.017
0.009
0.013
TN: Memphis
1
0.004
0.004
0.004
TN: Nashville
8
0.013
0.004
0.007
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
9
0.013
0.004
0.008
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
9
0.014
0.005
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
5
0.010
0.003
0.006
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
9
0.014
0.005
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge12 W
9
0.016
0.005
0.010
TX: Amarillo
4
0.012
0.007
0.010
TX: Austin
5
0.011
0.006
0.008
TX: Dallas
7
0.013
0.004
0.008
TX: Ft. Worth
3
0.009
0.005
0.006
TX: Harlingen
1
0.012
0.012
0.012
TX: Houston
9
0.014
0.003
0.009
TX: Lubbock
4
0.009
0.004
0.007
TX: San Angelo
2
0.008
0.008
0.008
TX: San Antonio
9
0.013
0.003
0.009
UT: Salt Lake City
8
0.011
0.005
0.008
UT: St. George
4
0.011
0.007
0.009
VA: Harrisonburg
8
0.018
0.006
0.009
12
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2014
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
Min
Avj?
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
VA: Lynchburg
8
0.008
0.003
0.005
VA: Richmond
8
0.014
0.005
0.008
VA: Virginia Beach
7
0.013
0.003
0.007
VT: Burlington
8
0.007
0.004
0.005
WA: Olympia
4
0.005
0.001
0.002
WA: Richland
7
0.006
0.002
0.004
WA: Seattle
2
0.001
0.001
0.001
WA: Spokane
9
0.009
0.002
0.005
WI: Lacrosse
3
0.005
0.005
0.005
WI: Madison
8
0.012
0.006
0.009
WI: Milwaukee
4
0.007
0.006
0.006
WI: Shawano
9
0.007
0.004
0.006
WV: Charleston
4
0.010
0.006
0.008
WY: Casper
5
0.013
0.007
0.009
13
-------
Table 5
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
April 2014
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ± 2m
AL: Montgomery/408
Be-7
8.9
7.9
AR: Little Rock
Be-7
28
16
CA: Richmond
Be-7
20
15
CT: Hartford
Be-7
53
20
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
36
15
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
30
12
HI: Honolulu
ND
ID: Idaho Falls
Be-7
15
10
KS: Kansas City
ND
MA: Boston
Be-7
68
18
MI: Lansing
Be-7
30
13
MN: St. Paul
Be-7
38
16
NC: Charlotte
Be-7
19
13
NC: Wilmington
ND
NH: Concord
ND
NY: Albany
Be-7
21
10
NY: Yaphank
ND
OR: Portland
Be-7
49
17
PA: Harrisburg
Be-7
16.9
9.2
TN: Knoxville
ND
TN: Nashville
Be-7
29
12
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
26
15
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
46
18
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
Be-7
25
14
TX: Austin
ND
UT: Salt Lake City
Be-7
29
12
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
Be-7
24
10
14
-------
Table 6
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
May 2014
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ±
2 M
AL: Montgomery/408
ND
AR: Little Rock
ND
CT: Hartford
Be-7
29
16
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
34
18
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
32
17
HI: Honolulu
Be-7
47
20
ID: Idaho Falls
ND
KS: Kansas City
Be-7
18
16
MA: Boston
Be-7
31
16
MI: Lansing
Be-7
24
17
MN: St. Paul
ND
MN: Welch/510
ND
NC: Charlotte
ND
NC: Wilmington
ND
NH: Concord
ND
NY: Albany
ND
NY: Yaphank
Be-7
29
16
OR: Portland
ND
PA: Harrisburg
ND
TN: Nashville
Be-7
28
16
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
20
17
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
32
14
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
31
16
TX: Austin
ND
UT: Salt Lake City
Be-7
44
16
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
ND
15
-------
Table 7
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
June 2014
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ± 2m
AL: Montgomery/408
Be-7
21
14
AR: Little Rock
ND
CT: Hartford
Be-7
65
18
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
23.8
8.9
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
52
18
HI: Honolulu
ND
ID: Idaho Falls
Be-7
95
26
KS: Kansas City
ND
MA: Boston
Be-7
53
19
MI: Lansing
Be-7
28
12
MN: St. Paul
ND
MN: Welch/510
ND
NC: Charlotte
Be-7
29
10
NC: Wilmington
ND
NY: Albany
ND
PA: Harrisburg
Be-7
27
15
TN: Nashville
Be-7
37
15
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
60
18
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
35
14
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
51
18
TX: Austin
ND
UT: Salt Lake City
Be-7
78
25
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
Be-7
25
14
16
-------
Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates
Environmental radiation levels of plutonium and uranium are determined by the analysis
of annually composited samples (air filters) collected from the airborne particulate
samplers. Plutonium and uranium results are published in the ERD for the third quarter of the
following year.
Concentrations of plutonium-238, combined plutonium-239 and 240, and uranium-234,
235, and 238 are determined by alpha-particle spectrometry following chemical
separation. The total volume of air represented by all the samples received from one
sampling location during a year typically ranges from 120,000 m3 to 500,000 m3. The
aliquot analyzed is a fraction of the total volume and is typically between 5,000 m3 and
30,000 m3.
17
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18
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2. Drinking Water Program
The RadNet drinking water program provides data on radionuclide concentrations in the nation's
drinking water supplies. Sampling sites are either major population centers or selected nuclear
facility environs.
Drinking water data are used to assess trends and anomalies in concentrations. The analysis
scheme for RadNet samples is similar to that of EPA's "National Interim Primary Drinking
Water Regulations." The analyses include (a) tritium on a quarterly basis; (b) gross alpha, gross
beta, and gamma on annual composites; (c) radium-226 if the gross alpha exceeds 2 pCi/L and
radium-228 if the radium-226 falls between 3 and 5 pCi/L on annual composites; (d) iodine-131
on one quarterly sample per year for each station; (e) plutonium-238, combined plutonium-239
and 240, and uranium-234, 235, and 238 for stations that demonstrate gross alpha levels greater
than 2 pCi/L on annual composites; and (f) strontium-90 on one-fourth of the annual composites
on a four year rotating schedule. Composite results are published in the ERD for the third quarter of
the following year.
RadNet drinking water data should not be used to monitor compliance with drinking water regu-
lations or for comparisons to those data since different procedures for collection and analysis
may be used.
19
-------
Table 8
Tritium in Drinking Water
April-June 2014
Date
3H
Location
Collected
pCi/L ± 2u
AK: Fairbanks
05/09/14
47 80
AL: Dothan
04/01/14
-14 76
AL: Montgomery
04/04/14
9 78
AL: Muscle Shoals
04/03/14
242 88
AL: Scottsboro
04/02/14
457 98
AR: Little Rock
05/19/14
22 84
CT: Hartford
04/02/14
2 80
DE: Dover
04/29/14
-14 75
FL: Miami
06/30/14
-33 75
FL: Tampa
06/11/14
0 83
GA: Baxley
06/17/14
0 81
GA: Savannah
06/23/14
39 78
HI: Honolulu
05/15/14
49 84
IA: Cedar Rapids
04/01/14
44 80
ID: Boise
05/30/14
26 84
ID: Idaho Falls
04/22/14
13 77
KS: Topeka
05/19/14
-18 80
LA: New Orleans
05/30/14
24 83
MD: Baltimore
04/01/14
58 80
MD: Conowingo
04/01/14
59 81
MI: Detroit
05/08/14
93 80
MN: St. Paul
04/01/14
2 79
MN: Welch
04/01/14
62 82
MO: Jefferson City
06/11/14
52 79
MS: Jackson
05/21/14
4 81
MS: Port Gibson
05/20/14
16 83
MT: Helena
05/27/14
14 83
ND: Bismarck
05/22/14
-41 79
NE: Lincoln
04/04/14
-29 76
NJ: Trenton
04/22/14
18 77
NJ: Waretown
04/22/14
32 78
NY: Albany
06/27/14
-25 92
NY: New York City
06/24/14
30 77
NY: Niagara Falls
04/01/14
33 79
NY: Syracuse
06/05/14
14 82
OH: Cincinnati
05/20/14
-28 81
OH: Columbus
05/13/14
36 78
OH: E. Liverpool
05/28/14
0 83
OH: Painesville
05/22/14
86 87
OH: Toledo
04/02/14
83 82
20
-------
Table 8 (continued)
Tritium in Drinking Water
April-June 2014
Date
3H
Location
Collected
pCi/L ± 2u
OR: Portland
06/17/14
31 83
PA: Columbia
04/02/14
2 79
PA: Harrisburg
04/01/14
52 79
PA: Pittsburgh
05/27/14
20 84
RI: Providence
04/26/14
27 78
SC: Columbia
04/10/14
-7 77
SC: Jenkinsville
04/09/14
12 77
SC: Jenkinsville
06/25/14
2 85
SC: Seneca
04/21/14
4 76
SC: Seneca
06/30/14
-25 84
TN: Knoxville
04/30/14
30 78
TN: Oak Ridge/#360
04/01/14
65 82
TN: OakRidge/#371
04/01/14
9 78
TN: Oak Ridge/#4442
04/03/14
368 95
TN: Oak Ridge/#768
04/01/14
-7 79
TN: Oak Ridge/#772
04/03/14
49 80
TX: Austin
04/23/14
49 80
VA: Lynchburg
05/16/14
-55 79
WA: Richland
05/07/14
-58 80
WI: Madison
04/02/14
24 79
21
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22
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3. Milk Program
Pasteurized Milk
Milk is a reliable indicator of the general population's intake of certain radionuclides since it is
consumed fresh by a large segment of the population and can contain several of the biologically
significant radionuclides that result from environmental releases from nuclear activities. A
primary function of this program is to obtain reliable monitoring data relative to current radio-
nuclide concentrations and determine any long-term trends.
Milk samples are collected quarterly at each of the sampling sites. The samples are analyzed for
gamma-emitting nuclides, including iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-137, and potassium-40.
Total potassium concentrations in g/L are determined from potassium-40 activities assuming
natural isotopic abundances. During the third quarter collection, one-fourth of the samples are
also analyzed for strontium-90 on a four year rotating schedule.
23
-------
Table 9
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
April-June 2014
Date
K
137Cs
140Ba
131j
Location
Collected
g/L ± 2 u
pCi/L ± lu
pCi/L ± 2u
pCi/L ± 2m
AR: Little Rock
05/12/14
1.63 0.20
ND
ND
NR
AZ: Phoenix
05/19/14
1.69 0.20
ND
ND
ND
CA: Los Angeles
06/25/14
1.57 0.19
ND
ND
NR
CA: Oakland
04/15/14
1.70 0.21
ND
ND
ND
CT: Hartford
06/16/14
1.82 0.21
ND
ND
ND
FL: Plant City
04/22/14
1.75 0.20
ND
ND
ND
HI: Hilo
04/10/14
1.67 0.20
ND
NR
NR
IA: Des Moines
06/24/14
1.60 0.19
ND
ND
NR
KY: Louisville
04/15/14
1.65 0.20
ND
ND
ND
MA: Boston
06/25/14
1.61 0.19
ND
ND
NR
MD: Baltimore
04/04/14
1.63 0.19
ND
ND
ND
MO: Jefferson City
04/25/14
1.64 0.19
ND
ND
ND
NJ: Trenton
04/22/14
1.71 0.21
ND
ND
ND
NV: Las Vegas
05/12/14
1.67 0.20
ND
ND
NR
NY: Buffalo
06/04/14
1.65 0.19
ND
ND
ND
NY: Syracuse
04/07/14
1.67 0.19
ND
ND
ND
OH: Cincinnati
04/14/14
1.62 0.19
ND
ND
ND
OH: Cleveland
05/28/14
1.71 0.20
ND
ND
ND
OR: Portland
04/15/14
1.64 0.20
ND
ND
ND
PA: Pittsburgh
04/11/14
1.63 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TN: Chattanooga
05/28/14
1.66 0.20
ND
ND
ND
TN: Knoxville
04/08/14
1.75 0.21
ND
ND
ND
TN: Memphis
04/07/14
1.64 0.20
ND
ND
ND
TX: Dallas
04/22/14
1.65 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TX: San Antonio
05/05/14
1.55 0.19
ND
ND
NR
WA: Spokane
05/15/14
1.62 0.19
ND
ND
NR
WA: Tacoma
06/28/14
1.59 0.19
ND
ND
NR
WV: Charleston
04/08/14
1.67 0.19
ND
ND
ND
Note: ND = Not detected
NR = No result (not analyzed within 5 half-lives of collection)
24
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For More Information
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is published quarterly by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air.
Requests for information concerning the operation of RadNet and the data that are generated
should be directed as follows:
Requests for information concerning the operation of RadNet, the data that are generated, or
publication and distribution of ERD should be directed to:
Charles M. Petko
Office of the Director
National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory
540 South Morris Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601
email: petko.charles@epa.gov
Requests for information concerning policies of the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air should be
directed to:
Jonathan Edwards
USEPA - ORIA
Radiation Protection Division (MC6608J)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
email: edwards.jonathan@epa.gov
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