A comprehensive analysis of contaminant transport in the vadose zone beneath tank SX-109

Technical Report · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/475663· OSTI ID:475663

Ward, A L; Gee, G W; White, M D

The Vadose Zone Characterization Project is currently investigating the subsurface distribution of gamma-emitting radionuclides in S and SX Waste Management Area (WMA-S-SX) located in the 200 West Area of the US Department of Energy`s Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State. Spectral-gamma logging of boreholes has detected elevated {sup 137}Cs concentrations as deep as 38 m, a depth considered excessive based on the assumed geochemistry of {sup 137}Cs in Hanford sediments. Routine groundwater sampling under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) have also detected elevated levels of site-specific contaminants downgradient of WMA-S-SX. The objective of this report is to explore the processes controlling the migration of {sup 137}Cs, {sup 99}Tc, and NO{sub 3} through the vadose zone of WMA-S-SX, particularly beneath tank SX-109.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 475663
• Report Number(s): PNNL--11463; ON: DE97052271
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CESIUM 137
CONTAMINATION
HANFORD RESERVATION
MONITORING
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
REMEDIAL ACTION
SOILS
TANKS
UNDERGROUND STORAGE