Survey of radon and radon daughter concentrations in selected Rainier Mesa tunnels
A survey of radon and radon daughter concentrations (RDCs) in selected tunnels on Rainier Mesa at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) was conducted as a part of the underground testing program at NTS. Measurements were taken in three tunnels, N, T, and G. Results of preliminary measurements indicate that N and T Tunnels have low RDCs, i.e., 0.01 WL (working level) (3% of the EPA standard), with normal ventilation conditions. However, it was demonstrated that RDCs can rise to relatively high levels, i.e., 0.24 WL when ventilation rates are significantly lowered. The radon daughter concentrations measured in G Tunnel were an order of magnitude higher than those in N and T Tunnels. The average RDC in the rock mechanics drift (the ''worst-case'' location in G Tunnel) was 0.13 WL with a range from 0.07 WL to 0.23 WL. Elevated RDCs found in the rock mechanics drift of G Tunnel seemed to be attributable to a lower ventilation rate in conjunction with the more highly fractured nature of the ''welded tuff'' rock formation in which the incline drift was mined. By increasing the ventilation rate, a 60% reduction in RDCs from an average of 0.13 Wl to an average of 0.05 WL was achieved.
- Research Organization:
- Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Co., Inc., Las Vegas, NV (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-84NV10327
- OSTI ID:
- 6939919
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NV/10327-31; ON: DE87005571
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit 99: Rainier Mesa/Shoshone Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nevada with Errata and ROTC 1, Rev. No. 0
Validation of the abbreviated Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit (RPISU) method for Mesa County, Colorado
Related Subjects
NEVADA TEST SITE
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
RADON
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
ISOTOPES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NONMETALS
RADIOACTIVITY
RARE GASES
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
500300* - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
500500 - Environment
Atmospheric- Site Resource & Use Studies- (-1989)