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Radiological and RCRA Hazardous Waste Scoping Survey of the East End Basement of Building 9204-1

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1598299· OSTI ID:1598299
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
An indoor radiological and hazardous waste scoping survey of the east end of the basement of Building 9204-1 (referred to in this report as the east end basement) was conducted in February 1987. The building is an Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) facility located in the south central portion of Y-12 in Bear Creek Valley. The purposes of the scoping survey were: (1) to identify levels of radioactive contamination and levels of hazardous waste [as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)] and (2) to determine if the concentrations of these contaminants dictate corrective actions for personnel exposure and/ or surface contamination control. The results show elevated gamma exposure rates ranging from 37 to 1300 μR/ h in seven areas totaling ~33 m2. Furthermore, significantly elevated alpha and beta-gamma activity levels on soil and structural surfaces were measured. The results of radionuclide analysis of soil samples from the areas demonstrated 228Ra and 232Th as equally dominant contaminants. The maximum concentration of each radionuclide was 1200 pCi/ g, averaging 220 pCi/ g in surface soil and 140 pCi/g in subsurface soil. The RCRA Extraction Procedure Toxicity Characteristic test for eight metals, four insecticides, and two herbicides was negative. Four RCRA hazardous waste characteristics (extraction procedure toxicity, ignitability, corrosivity, and reactivity) were not exhibited by soil samples taken at the survey site. Measurements of airborne radon decay products demonstrated the absence of an inhalation hazard from radon and its progeny. Recommendations, including suggested corrective actions, are given.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
1598299
Report Number(s):
ORNL/RAP--20
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English