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Title: Risk assessment of radionuclide discharges to sanitary sewers

Conference ·
OSTI ID:539261

This presentation describes the basic approach and conduct of a study of the possible risks and consequences of radionuclide discharges into a sewage treatment system. The study`s objective was to determine if there were any possible significant exposures to either WSSC workers or the public form the discharge of radioactive material into the sewer system. The conduct of this study included a review of applicable regulations, and a case study of some past contamination events. The evaluation of potential occupational exposures involved measurements in the collection system were selected based on their location relative to potential dischargers. Measurement points at the treatment works were selected at points where biosolids might accumulate. Both passive, (TLD) and active, (scintillation detector) measurements were made. A limited number of samples were taken and analyzed. Potential doses to the public were estimated based on the possible pathways to man. Due both to limited resources and other project constraints several assumptions and bounding calculations were necessary to meet the objective. Although the study concluded that there were no present significant health concerns, followup evaluations were recommended. 7 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.

OSTI ID:
539261
Report Number(s):
CONF-9605260-; TRN: 97:019030
Resource Relation:
Conference: 28. annual national conference on radiation control, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 5-8 May 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of 28th Annual national conference on radiation control; PB: 376 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English