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Challenges of Using Indistinguishable from Background as a Release Criterion at FUSRAP Projects - 18157

Conference ·
OSTI ID:22975342
 [1]
  1. United States Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District (United States)

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) utilizes the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) approach to site release on Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) projects. Use of Indistinguishable from Background (IFB) as a release criterion is discussed in MARSSIM as Scenario B; however, the discussion is arguably limited and refers the user to other documents. USACE has utilized the IFB approach at select FUSRAP projects. USACE experience is that use of IFB as a release criterion has been difficult to implement at best. There are many challenges in using the IFB approach. These include: release criterion is required per MARSSIM; multiple reference areas need to be established; and data presentation. Potential methods to overcome these challenges are discussed. USACE has utilized alternative statistical approaches as well as the IFB approach discussed in MARSSIM for specific purposes at FUSRAP sites. Alternatives to the IFB approach discussed in this paper include other statistical tests such as the Tukey Kramer test. These alternatives may be better suited to release an area of a property prior to the development of release criteria. USACE has found using the IFB criterion useful in certain specific circumstances. These include post MARSSIM Scenario A final status survey data evaluations and for review of historical data. The challenges, alternatives, and circumstances to use the IFB approach are discussed. Other environmental remediation projects attempting to utilize IFB as a criterion may benefit from the USACE experiences as discussed herein. (authors)

Research Organization:
WM Symposia, Inc., PO Box 27646, 85285-7646 Tempe, AZ (United States)
OSTI ID:
22975342
Report Number(s):
INIS-US--20-WM-18157
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English