An application of the Ultrasonic Ranging and Data System (USRADS) as a verification tool

Conference · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993

OSTI ID:10166243

Smith, S M ^[1]; Wilson, M J; Espegren, M L ^[2]

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1. Oak Ridge Inst. for Science and Education, Grand Junction, CO (United States)
2. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

The Ultrasonic Ranging and Data System (USRADS) is a computerized data collection system that enables the correlation between geographic location and data gathered at that location. The USRADS employs ultrasonics, radio frequency transmission, and microcomputers to gather data for site characterization. In the case of a radiological survey, radiation measurements are gathered to confirm that remedial action has successfully removed contamination to levels below applicable guidelines or standards. The Pollutant Assessments Group of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Grand Junction, Colorado, was directed by the Department of Energy (DOE) to verify the adequacy of remedial action taken at various sites throughout the western United States. The USRADS was utilized at the Monticello Remedial Action Program, a National Priorities List site in Monticello, Utah, following remedial action of approximately 15 cm of soil contaminated by wind-dispersed uranium mill tailings. The verification was conducted in a 15,300 square meter property that resides on the periphery of the mill site and was vacant land. Remedial action at this location was conducted to bring the site`s radiation levels below those specified in 40 CFR 192. The radiological verification survey was conducted following excavation of the contaminated material. The USRADS was configured with a Victoreen gamma scintillometer and was operated by a two-man survey team. There are several advantages to verifying with the USRADS over conventional gamma radiation survey methods. First, survey coverage can be instantly verified, allowing the survey team to confirm complete survey coverage. Second, the data may be analyzed on site, enabling the team to identify areas of elevated gamma radiation exposure rates and to select biased sample locations. Finally, the USRADS provides both high quality graphical illustrations for permanent documentation and data storage that can be easily retrieved for site certification.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 10166243
• Report Number(s): CONF-930205--75; ON: DE93015206
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

054000
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540230
CONTAMINATION
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
GAMMA DETECTION
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
MILL TAILINGS
RADAR
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REMEDIAL ACTION
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
SOILS
ULTRASONIC WAVES
URANIUM
USA
VERIFICATION