Environmental
Radiation
Data
REPORT 153
January-March 2013
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: January 2013 2
3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: February 2013 6
4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: March 2013 10
5 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: January 2013 14
6 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: February 2013 15
7 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: March 2013 16
8 Tritium in Drinking Water: January-March 2013 20
9 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: January-March 2013 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 value y is reported with an expanded uncertainty U=k uc(y), which is determined
from the combined standard uncertainty uc(y) and the coverage factor k = 2. The interval from
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
0.0015
Water
pCi/L
2
Precipitation
pCi/L
2
Tritium
Water
pCi/L
150
* Plutonium-23 8,23 9/240
Air
aCi/m3
0.75
Water
pCi/L
0.1
f Uranium-234,235,238
Air
aCi/m3
0.75
Water
pCi/L
0.1
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 120,000 m3. Measurement by alpha
spectrometry includes combined activities of 239Pu and 240Pu, since the relative contributions of these two
isotopes cannot be determined.
¦f The MDC for air is based on an assumed total sample volume of 120,000 m3.
} Activity as of the day of counting.
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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
222
collection to allow Rn 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
January 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
8
0.007
0.001
0.004
AK: Fairbanks
9
0.024
0.002
0.009
AK: Juneau
3
0.001
0.001
0.001
AL: Birmingham
9
0.022
0.002
0.013
AL: Montgomery/408
9
0.023
0.005
0.015
AR: Little Rock
6
0.018
0.006
0.013
AZ: Phoenix
8
0.036
0.005
0.022
AZ: Phoenix/956
8
0.029
0.008
0.017
AZ: Tucson
7
0.020
0.005
0.013
AZ: Yuma
1
0.012
0.012
0.012
CA: Anaheim
5
0.008
0.003
0.006
CA: Bakersfield
6
0.047
0.010
0.027
CA: Eureka
4
0.006
0.003
0.004
CA: Fresno
3
0.036
0.014
0.023
CA: Richmond
5
0.019
0.004
0.013
CA: Riverside
5
0.012
0.005
0.008
CA: Sacramento
9
0.029
0.004
0.014
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
6
0.010
0.006
0.007
CA: San Francisco
8
0.007
0.002
0.005
CA: San Jose
8
0.025
0.003
0.011
CO: Colorado Springs
3
0.016
0.007
0.011
CO: Denver
9
0.015
0.005
0.009
CO: Grand Junction
3
0.062
0.041
0.054
CT: Hartford
7
0.011
0.003
0.006
DC: Washington
7
0.018
0.007
0.013
DE: Dover
3
0.014
0.009
0.011
FL: Jacksonville
9
0.010
0.003
0.007
FL: Miami
1
0.003
0.003
0.003
FL: Orlando
8
0.015
0.003
0.008
FL: Tallahassee
5
0.018
0.006
0.012
FL: Tampa
9
0.018
0.004
0.009
GA: Atlanta
3
0.011
0.004
0.008
GA: Augusta
8
0.016
0.006
0.011
HI: Hilo
9
0.005
0.001
0.003
HI: Honolulu
8
0.004
0.001
0.002
IA: Des Moines
7
0.023
0.011
0.016
IA: Mason City
7
0.025
0.009
0.014
ID: Boise
4
0.105
0.015
0.059
2
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
January 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
ID: Idaho Falls
9
0.055
0.004
0.030
IL: Aurora
7
0.028
0.011
0.019
IL: Champaign
4
0.030
0.011
0.019
IL: Chicago
9
0.030
0.010
0.016
IN: Fort Wayne
2
0.019
0.009
0.014
IN: Indianapolis
9
0.030
0.008
0.018
KS: Kansas City
7
0.023
0.011
0.017
KS: Topeka
9
0.031
0.011
0.018
KY: Lexington
7
0.033
0.005
0.017
KY: Louisville
6
0.034
0.010
0.019
LA: Baton Rouge
9
0.015
0.004
0.010
LA: Shreveport
8
0.019
0.007
0.012
MA: Boston
8
0.029
0.007
0.015
MA: Worcester
5
0.017
0.007
0.011
MD: Baltimore
7
0.027
0.011
0.015
ME: Portland
8
0.020
0.008
0.013
MI: Bay City 48708
7
0.025
0.009
0.017
MI: Detroit
9
0.023
0.008
0.013
MI: Grand Rapids
4
0.017
0.010
0.012
MI: Lansing
10
0.078
0.017
0.040
MN: Duluth
5
0.025
0.009
0.014
MN: St. Paul
5
0.023
0.008
0.014
MO: Jefferson City
8
0.036
0.010
0.019
MO: Springfield
8
0.021
0.010
0.015
MO: St. Louis
3
0.015
0.009
0.011
MT: Billings
4
0.017
0.010
0.012
NC: Charlotte
8
0.018
0.003
0.011
NC: Wilmington
5
0.019
0.005
0.011
ND: Bismarck
6
0.025
0.010
0.015
NE: Kearney
3
0.021
0.011
0.017
NE: Lincoln
7
0.015
0.010
0.012
NE: Omaha
4
0.015
0.009
0.012
NH: Concord
4
0.032
0.009
0.022
NJ: Edison
4
0.016
0.007
0.009
NM: Albuquerque
4
0.036
0.011
0.022
NM: Carlsbad
5
0.023
0.008
0.015
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
5
0.029
0.012
0.022
NV: Las Vegas/913
9
0.026
0.003
0.011
3
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
January 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NV: Reno
8
0.096
0.009
0.045
NY: Albany
8
0.031
0.006
0.012
NY: Lockport
8
0.021
0.005
0.011
NY: New York City
4
0.016
0.007
0.010
NY: Rochester
5
0.016
0.005
0.011
NY: Syracuse
2
0.021
0.009
0.015
NY: Yaphank
7
0.014
0.003
0.008
OH: Cincinnati
8
0.025
0.008
0.014
OH: Cleveland
8
0.031
0.010
0.017
OH: Painesville
6
0.026
0.010
0.015
OH: Toledo
9
0.020
0.006
0.012
OK: Oklahoma City
8
0.030
0.013
0.020
OK: Tulsa
7
0.025
0.012
0.018
OR: Corvallis
9
0.014
0.001
0.007
OR: Portland
9
0.022
0.001
0.009
PA: Bloomsburg
5
0.039
0.007
0.017
PA: Philadelphia
5
0.021
0.009
0.014
PA: Pittsburgh
3
0.012
0.010
0.011
PR: San Juan
9
0.005
0.001
0.002
RI: Providence
3
0.010
0.004
0.007
SC: Columbia
5
0.020
0.008
0.013
SD: Pierre
8
0.028
0.010
0.016
SD: Rapid City
4
0.017
0.011
0.013
TN: Knoxville
2
0.022
0.021
0.022
TN: Memphis
5
0.021
0.006
0.014
TN: Nashville
6
0.032
0.009
0.016
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
8
0.035
0.004
0.017
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
8
0.027
0.004
0.016
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
8
0.040
0.005
0.021
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
8
0.031
0.004
0.017
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 W
8
0.030
0.004
0.017
TX: Austin
4
0.027
0.013
0.017
TX: Dallas
7
0.029
0.013
0.018
TX: El Paso
2
0.023
0.010
0.016
TX: Ft. Worth
5
0.022
0.007
0.015
TX: Harlingen
4
0.029
0.008
0.014
TX: Houston
7
0.027
0.006
0.015
TX: Laredo
4
0.013
0.005
0.008
4
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
January 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
TX: Lubbock
7
0.003
0.001
0.002
TX: San Antonio
7
0.025
0.007
0.013
UT: Salt Lake City
8
0.052
0.003
0.023
VA: Harrisonburg
9
0.016
0.006
0.011
VA: Lynchburg
8
0.023
0.004
0.013
VA: Richmond
8
0.025
0.003
0.012
VA: Virginia Beach
7
0.012
0.004
0.008
VT: Burlington
8
0.030
0.005
0.013
WA: Olympia
9
0.017
0.000
0.006
WA: Richland
9
0.036
0.001
0.020
WA: Seattle
4
0.006
0.003
0.004
WA: Spokane
8
0.037
0.002
0.016
WI: Madison
9
0.041
0.008
0.017
WI: Milwaukee
8
0.020
0.006
0.012
WI: Shawano
9
0.022
0.007
0.013
WV: Charleston
6
0.029
0.009
0.015
5
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Table 3
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
February 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
7
0.006
0.001
0.003
AK: Fairbanks
8
0.027
0.003
0.012
AK: Juneau
6
0.001
0.000
0.001
AL: Birmingham
8
0.010
0.005
0.007
AL: Montgomery/408
7
0.011
0.004
0.007
AR: Little Rock
5
0.012
0.007
0.008
AZ: Phoenix/956
7
0.013
0.004
0.008
AZ: Tucson
8
0.013
0.004
0.008
AZ: Yuma
2
0.006
0.005
0.006
CA: Anaheim
6
0.010
0.002
0.006
CA: Bakersfield
3
0.031
0.009
0.017
CA: Eureka
4
0.004
0.002
0.002
CA: Fresno
4
0.020
0.008
0.012
CA: Richmond
4
0.010
0.003
0.006
CA: Riverside
7
0.024
0.004
0.009
CA: Sacramento
8
0.015
0.002
0.008
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
7
0.027
0.004
0.009
CA: San Diego
2
0.012
0.004
0.008
CA: San Francisco
8
0.006
0.001
0.003
CA: San Jose
6
0.012
0.003
0.005
CO: Colorado Springs
4
0.011
0.008
0.010
CO: Denver
7
0.011
0.004
0.007
CO: Grand Junction
1
0.020
0.020
0.020
CT: Hartford
2
0.008
0.007
0.008
DC: Washington
8
0.014
0.004
0.009
DE: Dover
3
0.010
0.004
0.008
FL: Jacksonville
8
0.006
0.004
0.004
FL: Orlando
7
0.006
0.004
0.005
FL: Tallahassee
2
0.007
0.006
0.006
FL: Tampa
8
0.011
0.005
0.007
GA: Atlanta
3
0.007
0.006
0.006
GA: Augusta
6
0.009
0.005
0.007
HI: Hilo
8
0.003
0.001
0.002
HI: Honolulu
8
0.003
0.001
0.002
IA: Des Moines
7
0.020
0.010
0.015
IA: Mason City
6
0.019
0.008
0.013
ID: Idaho Falls
8
0.024
0.004
0.010
IL: Aurora
8
0.025
0.008
0.015
6
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
February 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
IL: Champaign
1
0.019
0.019
0.019
IL: Chicago
8
0.020
0.003
0.011
IN: Fort Wayne
3
0.025
0.010
0.016
IN: Indianapolis
8
0.018
0.005
0.012
KS: Kansas City
7
0.029
0.010
0.016
KS: Topeka
6
0.024
0.008
0.014
KS: Wichita
2
0.014
0.008
0.011
KY: Lexington
6
0.017
0.008
0.012
KY: Louisville
5
0.015
0.006
0.010
LA: Baton Rouge
8
0.008
0.004
0.006
LA: Shreveport
6
0.009
0.004
0.006
MA: Boston
3
0.020
0.011
0.015
MA: Worcester
9
0.018
0.004
0.010
MD: Baltimore
8
0.020
0.005
0.012
ME: Portland
6
0.015
0.005
0.010
MI: Bay City 48708
8
0.015
0.004
0.010
MI: Detroit
8
0.015
0.003
0.009
MI: Grand Rapids
4
0.020
0.004
0.011
MI: Lansing
8
0.044
0.008
0.026
MN: Duluth
3
0.015
0.010
0.012
MN: St. Paul
4
0.016
0.006
0.011
MO: Jefferson City
8
0.016
0.010
0.013
MO: Springfield
7
0.012
0.006
0.010
MO: St. Louis
3
0.011
0.008
0.009
MT: Billings
3
0.013
0.007
0.010
NC: Charlotte
8
0.010
0.006
0.008
NC: Greensboro
1
0.029
0.029
0.029
NC: Wilmington
4
0.009
0.006
0.007
ND: Bismarck
6
0.023
0.008
0.014
NE: Kearney
4
0.014
0.007
0.010
NE: Lincoln
8
0.019
0.006
0.011
NE: Omaha
3
0.018
0.014
0.016
NJ: Edison
6
0.013
0.003
0.007
NM: Albuquerque
4
0.015
0.005
0.010
NM: Carlsbad
4
0.010
0.005
0.007
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
4
0.015
0.010
0.012
NV: Las Vegas/913
9
0.009
0.002
0.006
NV: Reno
8
0.018
0.005
0.009
7
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
February 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NY: Albany
8
0.014
0.003
0.008
NY: Lockport
8
0.013
0.005
0.008
NY: New York City
2
0.012
0.007
0.009
NY: Rochester
8
0.009
0.004
0.007
NY: Syracuse
2
0.038
0.012
0.025
NY: Yaphank
4
0.009
0.003
0.006
OH: Cincinnati
8
0.021
0.007
0.012
OH: Painesville
7
0.020
0.007
0.012
OH: Toledo
8
0.015
0.004
0.008
OK: Oklahoma City
8
0.017
0.007
0.012
OK: Tulsa
8
0.019
0.008
0.013
OR: Corvallis
8
0.004
0.001
0.002
OR: Portland
7
0.005
0.002
0.003
PA: Bloomsburg
8
0.015
0.004
0.009
PA: Philadelphia
3
0.016
0.008
0.011
PA: Pittsburgh
4
0.017
0.007
0.011
PR: San Juan
7
0.004
0.002
0.003
RI: Providence
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
SC: Barnwell
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
SC: Columbia
6
0.014
0.007
0.010
SD: Pierre
9
0.026
0.009
0.014
SD: Rapid City
5
0.010
0.005
0.008
TN: Knoxville
3
0.015
0.009
0.013
TN: Memphis
3
0.009
0.008
0.008
TN: Nashville
7
0.011
0.007
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
7
0.015
0.008
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
4
0.015
0.009
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
7
0.017
0.010
0.011
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
7
0.016
0.008
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 W
7
0.019
0.008
0.011
TX: Austin
4
0.025
0.009
0.014
TX: Dallas
7
0.014
0.007
0.009
TX: El Paso
4
0.025
0.012
0.017
TX: Ft. Worth
5
0.010
0.007
0.008
TX: Harlingen
5
0.010
0.006
0.008
TX: Houston
5
0.010
0.006
0.008
TX: Laredo
2
0.007
0.005
0.006
TX: Lubbock
6
0.002
0.001
0.002
8
-------
Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
February 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
TX: San Angelo
1
0.006
0.006
0.006
TX: San Antonio
7
0.010
0.006
0.008
UT: Salt Lake City
8
0.023
0.005
0.011
VA: Harrisonburg
8
0.011
0.003
0.008
VA: Lynchburg
8
0.012
0.006
0.009
VA: Richmond
9
0.011
0.004
0.007
VA: Virginia Beach
8
0.013
0.003
0.007
VT: Burlington
7
0.016
0.006
0.010
WA: Olympia
8
0.004
0.001
0.002
WA: Richland
7
0.008
0.002
0.005
WA: Seattle
4
0.003
0.001
0.002
WA: Spokane
6
0.006
0.002
0.004
WI: Madison
8
0.018
0.008
0.012
WI: Milwaukee
6
0.014
0.008
0.011
WI: Shawano
8
0.016
0.005
0.010
WV: Charleston
6
0.015
0.006
0.010
9
-------
Table 4
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
March 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
4
0.005
0.002
0.003
AK: Fairbanks
8
0.010
0.005
0.007
AK: Juneau
6
0.007
0.002
0.004
AL: Birmingham
8
0.011
0.006
0.008
AL: Montgomery/408
6
0.028
0.008
0.014
AR: Little Rock
8
0.012
0.005
0.008
AZ: Phoenix/956
9
0.012
0.005
0.009
AZ: Tucson
9
0.015
0.005
0.011
AZ: Yuma
1
0.009
0.009
0.009
CA: Anaheim
9
0.017
0.003
0.008
CA: Bakersfield
4
0.015
0.009
0.013
CA: Eureka
3
0.003
0.002
0.002
CA: Fresno
4
0.010
0.008
0.009
CA: Richmond
4
0.007
0.003
0.005
CA: Riverside
9
0.021
0.006
0.012
CA: Sacramento
8
0.009
0.003
0.005
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
8
0.022
0.005
0.012
CA: San Diego
4
0.013
0.005
0.009
CA: San Francisco
8
0.004
0.001
0.003
CA: San Jose
7
0.006
0.003
0.005
CO: Colorado Springs
3
0.012
0.010
0.011
CO: Denver
8
0.014
0.005
0.009
CO: Grand Junction
3
0.011
0.008
0.010
CT: Hartford
6
0.007
0.002
0.005
DC: Washington
9
0.009
0.002
0.006
DE: Dover
4
0.005
0.003
0.004
FL: Jacksonville
8
0.007
0.004
0.005
FL: Miami
3
0.007
0.005
0.006
FL: Orlando
2
0.007
0.005
0.006
FL: Tallahassee
3
0.009
0.006
0.008
FL: Tampa
7
0.012
0.007
0.008
GA: Atlanta
4
0.009
0.007
0.007
GA: Augusta
6
0.010
0.006
0.009
HI: Hilo
8
0.006
0.004
0.005
HI: Honolulu
9
0.006
0.004
0.005
IA: Des Moines
8
0.024
0.006
0.014
IA: Mason City
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
ID: Boise
3
0.008
0.004
0.006
10
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
March 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
ID: Idaho Falls
8
0.014
0.006
0.008
IL: Aurora
9
0.016
0.004
0.009
IL: Champaign
7
0.012
0.005
0.008
IL: Chicago
7
0.013
0.003
0.009
IN: Fort Wayne
3
0.011
0.007
0.009
IN: Indianapolis
8
0.013
0.003
0.009
KS: Kansas City
8
0.016
0.009
0.013
KS: Topeka
8
0.018
0.008
0.013
KS: Wichita
8
0.022
0.010
0.013
KY: Lexington
7
0.010
0.007
0.008
LA: Baton Rouge
8
0.012
0.007
0.010
LA: Shreveport
7
0.008
0.005
0.006
MA: Boston
3
0.007
0.002
0.005
MA: Worcester
6
0.014
0.004
0.008
MD: Baltimore
6
0.012
0.004
0.007
ME: Portland
9
0.012
0.004
0.007
MI: Bay City 48708
8
0.013
0.003
0.008
MI: Detroit
8
0.011
0.003
0.007
MI: Grand Rapids
4
0.012
0.004
0.007
MI: Lansing
6
0.032
0.020
0.025
MN: Duluth
5
0.010
0.003
0.008
MN: St. Paul
4
0.010
0.005
0.008
MO: Jefferson City
9
0.014
0.006
0.011
MO: Springfield
6
0.012
0.009
0.010
MO: St. Louis
3
0.011
0.008
0.009
MT: Billings
3
0.013
0.006
0.010
NC: Charlotte
8
0.009
0.004
0.006
NC: Greensboro
2
0.006
0.006
0.006
NC: Wilmington
4
0.006
0.004
0.005
ND: Bismarck
5
0.019
0.009
0.014
NE: Lincoln
9
0.016
0.007
0.010
NE: Omaha
4
0.021
0.012
0.015
NJ: Edison
8
0.006
0.002
0.004
NM: Albuquerque
3
0.009
0.006
0.007
NM: Carlsbad
9
0.015
0.006
0.010
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
4
0.010
0.004
0.008
NV: Las Vegas/913
8
0.011
0.005
0.007
NV: Reno
9
0.014
0.004
0.008
11
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
March 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NY: Albany
6
0.006
0.004
0.006
NY: Lockport
9
0.008
0.002
0.005
NY: New York City
4
0.008
0.002
0.004
NY: Rochester
7
0.007
0.002
0.004
NY: Syracuse
4
0.010
0.003
0.006
NY: Yaphank
8
0.007
0.002
0.004
OH: Cincinnati
9
0.011
0.003
0.008
OH: Cleveland
6
0.017
0.004
0.009
OH: Painesville
7
0.013
0.004
0.008
OH: Toledo
8
0.009
0.002
0.006
OK: Oklahoma City
8
0.018
0.010
0.014
OK: Tulsa
8
0.022
0.009
0.013
OR: Corvallis
7
0.007
0.002
0.004
OR: Portland
8
0.008
0.002
0.004
PA: Bloomsburg
8
0.008
0.002
0.005
PA: Philadelphia
5
0.010
0.004
0.005
PA: Pittsburgh
4
0.010
0.005
0.007
PR: San Juan
7
0.006
0.002
0.004
RI: Providence
1
0.002
0.002
0.002
SC: Columbia
6
0.012
0.006
0.009
SD: Pierre
8
0.021
0.011
0.015
SD: Rapid City
6
0.013
0.005
0.010
TN: Knoxville
7
0.013
0.007
0.011
TN: Memphis
3
0.010
0.010
0.010
TN: Nashville
4
0.011
0.007
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
7
0.015
0.008
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
7
0.014
0.008
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
7
0.014
0.008
0.011
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
7
0.015
0.007
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 W
7
0.015
0.008
0.011
TX: Austin
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
TX: Dallas
8
0.013
0.007
0.010
TX: El Paso
1
0.018
0.018
0.018
TX: Ft. Worth
4
0.014
0.009
0.011
TX: Harlingen
5
0.012
0.009
0.010
TX: Houston
8
0.013
0.008
0.010
TX: Lubbock
9
0.004
0.001
0.002
TX: San Angelo
5
0.014
0.006
0.010
12
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
March 2013
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
TX: San Antonio
9
0.013
0.007
0.010
UT: Salt Lake City
7
0.009
0.006
0.007
UT: St. George
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
VA: Harrisonburg
8
0.008
0.002
0.006
VA: Lynchburg
7
0.010
0.004
0.006
VA: Richmond
8
0.006
0.002
0.004
VA: Virginia Beach
8
0.008
0.001
0.005
VT: Burlington
8
0.012
0.003
0.008
WA: Olympia
8
0.006
0.002
0.004
WA: Richland
7
0.009
0.002
0.004
WA: Seattle
5
0.006
0.002
0.003
WA: Spokane
9
0.007
0.003
0.004
WI: Madison
8
0.014
0.004
0.008
WI: Shawano
8
0.011
0.002
0.007
WV: Charleston
5
0.012
0.006
0.009
13
-------
Table 5
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
January 2013
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ±
2 M
AL: Montgomery/408
Be-7
39
15
AR: Little Rock
Ra-228
5.3
4.4
AZ: Phoenix
ND
CA: Richmond
Be-7
33.3
9.9
CO: Denver
Be-7
77
39
CT: Hartford
Be-7
31
14
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
27
14
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
20
15
ID: Idaho Falls
ND
KS: Kansas City
ND
MA: Boston
Be-7
121
24
MN: Welch/510
ND
NC: Charlotte
ND
NC: Wilmington
Be-7
19
14
NY: Albany
ND
NY: Yap hank
ND
OH: Painesville
Be-7
46
18
OR: Portland
Be-7
29.5
9.6
PA: Harrisburg
ND
TN: Nashville
Be-7
39
16
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
74
21
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
68
11
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
54
15
TX: Austin
ND
UT: Salt Lake City
ND
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
ND
14
-------
Table 6
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
February 2013
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ± 2m
AL: Montgomery/408
Be-7
30
18
AR: Little Rock
Be-7
49
20
K-40
14
10
AZ: Phoenix
Be-7
36
18
CA: Richmond
Be-7
51
20
CO: Denver
Be-7
41
18
CT: Hartford
ND
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
21.1
8.0
GA: Atlanta
ND
HI: Honolulu
K-40
18
13
ID: Idaho Falls
Be-7
19
16
K-40
12
11
KS: Kansas City
K-40
15
12
MA: Boston
Be-7
61
20
K-40
16
12
MN: St. Paul
ND
MN: Welch/510
ND
NC: Charlotte
Be-7
27
16
NC: Wilmington
Be-7
38
15
NH: Concord
ND
NY: Albany
K-40
14
10
NY: Yap hank
ND
OR: Portland
Be-7
19
17
PA: Harrisburg
ND
TN: Knoxville
ND
TN: Nashville
Be-7
39
17
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
53
18
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
60
14
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
71
20
UT: Salt Lake City
ND
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
ND
15
-------
Table 7
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
March 2013
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ± 2m
AL: Montgomery/408
Be-7
35
17
AR: Little Rock
ND
CA: Richmond
Be-7
25
11
CO: Denver
ND
CT: Hartford
Be-7
23
12
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
50
21
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
23
15
HI: Honolulu
Be-7
27
12
ID: Idaho Falls
ND
KS: Kansas City
ND
MA: Boston
Be-7
56
16
MN: St. Paul
ND
MN: Welch/510
Be-7
21
11
NC: Charlotte
Be-7
26
15
K-40
15
12
NC: Wilmington
Be-7
31
15
NY: Albany
Be-7
24
14
NY: Yap hank
ND
OR: Portland
ND
PA: Harrisburg
Be-7
22
14
K-40
16
13
TN: Knoxville
Be-7
14
14
TN: Nashville
Be-7
29
15
K-40
14
11
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
56
16
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
61
17
K-40
14
12
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
58
17
UT: Salt Lake City
ND
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
Be-7
46
20
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 volume of air represented by the annual composite typically ranges from
120,000 to 500,000 cubic meters.
17
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18
-------
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
January-March 2013
Date
3H
Location
Collected
pCi/L ± 2u
AK: Fairbanks
02/20/13
39 77
AL: Dothan
01/04/13
o
r-
1
AL: Muscle Shoals
01/09/13
-16 78
AL: Scottsboro
01/08/13
21 80
AR: Little Rock
01/09/13
129 88
CO: Denver
01/18/13
46 86
CT: Hartford
01/08/13
-36 79
DE: Dover
01/10/13
-8 82
GA: Baxley
01/29/13
17 84
GA: Savannah
03/29/13
93 90
HI: Honolulu
03/15/13
4 86
IA: Cedar Rapids
01/08/13
98 86
ID: Boise
01/09/13
84 86
ID: Idaho Falls
01/17/13
-15 82
IL: W. Chicago
02/11/13
62 81
KS: Topeka
01/23/13
-2 83
LA: New Orleans
01/11/13
25 84
MD: Baltimore
01/07/13
19 80
MD: Conowingo
01/02/13
19 79
MI: Detroit
01/14/13
65 86
MN: St. Paul
01/08/13
112 87
MN: Welch
01/08/13
46 84
MO: Jefferson City
01/07/13
-32 79
MS: Jackson
01/29/13
34 85
MS: Port Gibson
01/29/13
8 84
MT: Helena
01/27/13
59 86
ND: Bismarck
01/10/13
25 84
NE: Lincoln
01/09/13
-23 82
NH: Concord
03/12/13
2 75
NJ: Trenton
01/15/13
82 87
NJ: Waretown
01/15/13
-36 81
NM: Santa Fe
02/27/13
-14 75
NY: New York City
01/23/13
61 87
NY: Niagara Falls
01/08/13
76 86
NY: Syracuse
01/24/13
-2 84
OH: Cincinnati
01/18/13
74 87
OH: Columbus
01/22/13
40 85
OH: E. Liverpool
03/13/13
71 78
OH: Painesville
03/11/13
84 79
OH: Toledo
01/03/13
7 79
20
-------
Table 8 (continued)
Tritium in Drinking Water
January-March 2013
Date
3H
Location
Collected
pCi/L ± 2u
OK: Oklahoma City
01/10/13
40 84
PA: Columbia
01/11/13
-11 82
PA: Harrisburg
01/02/13
28 80
PA: Pittsburgh
03/13/13
21 76
RI: Providence
01/14/13
2 84
SC: Barnwell
01/30/13
48 86
SC: Columbia
01/24/13
42 85
SC: Jenkinsville
01/09/13
82 87
SC: Seneca
01/14/13
-21 83
TN: Knoxville
01/08/13
4 79
TN: Oak Ridge/#360
01/04/13
162 90
TN: OakRidge/#371
01/04/13
55 85
TN: Oak Ridge/#4442
01/04/13
157 90
TN: Oak Ridge/#768
01/04/13
103 88
TN: Oak Ridge/#772
01/04/13
137 89
TX: Austin
01/29/13
-23 82
VA: Lynchburg
03/21/13
25 76
WA: Richland
02/07/13
17 84
WI: Madison
01/15/13
57 86
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
January-March 2013
Date
K
137Cs
140Ba
131 j
Location
Collected
g/L ± 2 h
pCi/L ± 2m
pCi/L ± 2u
pCi/L ± 2u
AR: Fayetteville
01/08/13
1.54 0.19
ND
ND
ND
AZ: Phoenix
01/08/13
1.64 0.20
ND
ND
ND
CA: Los Angeles
03/19/13
1.65 0.20
ND
ND
ND
CA: Oakland
01/15/13
1.96 0.22
ND
ND
ND
CT: Hartford
03/06/13
1.71 0.20
ND
ND
ND
DE: Wilmington
01/15/13
1.64 0.19
ND
ND
ND
HI: Hilo
01/15/13
1.72 0.20
ND
ND
ND
IA: Des Moines
03/20/13
1.59 0.19
ND
ND
ND
KS: Wichita
01/31/13
1.66 0.19
ND
ND
ND
MA: Boston
03/14/13
1.62 0.19
ND
ND
ND
MD: Baltimore
01/08/13
1.62 0.19
ND
ND
ND
MO: Kansas City
01/10/13
1.65 0.19
ND
ND
ND
NJ: Trenton
01/09/13
1.61 0.19
ND
ND
ND
NM: Albuquerque
01/07/13
1.53 0.18
ND
ND
ND
NV: Las Vegas
02/25/13
1.59 0.19
ND
ND
ND
NV: Reno
03/28/13
1.66 0.19
ND
ND
ND
NY: Buffalo
02/27/13
1.69 0.21
ND
ND
ND
NY: Syracuse
01/14/13
1.68 0.20
ND
ND
ND
OH: Cincinnati
01/14/13
1.59 0.20
ND
ND
ND
OR: Portland
03/12/13
1.62 0.19
ND
ND
ND
PA: Pittsburgh
01/22/13
1.59 0.18
ND
ND
ND
TN: Chattanooga
03/06/13
1.57 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TN: Knoxville
01/16/13
1.65 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TN: Memphis
01/07/13
1.64 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TX: Dallas
02/11/13
1.50 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TX: San Antonio
01/14/13
1.54 0.18
ND
ND
ND
VT: Montpelier
01/23/13
1.60 0.19
ND
ND
ND
WA: Spokane
01/31/13
1.62 0.19
ND
ND
ND
WA: Tacoma
03/30/13
1.90 0.22
ND
ND
ND
WV: Charleston
01/09/13
1.66 0.20
ND
ND
ND
Note: ND = Not detected
NR = No result (not analyzed within 5 half-lives of collection)
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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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