Aerial radiological survey of the Brookhaven National Laboratory and surrounding area, Upton, New York. Date of survey: June 1983

Technical Report · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5485570

Hobaugh, J L

An aerial radiological survey was performed from 11 to 13 June 1983, over approximately a 64-square-kilometer (25-square-mile) area surrounding the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). BNL is located in the center of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. All gamma radiation data were collected by flying east-west lines spaced 76 meters (250 feet) apart at an altitude of 46 meters (150 feet) above ground level. Count rates obtained from the aerial platform were converted to exposure rates at 1 meter above the ground. The average background exposure rate in the survey area ranged from 5 to 10 microroentgens per hour (..mu..R/h). The reported exposure rate values include an estimated cosmic ray contribution of 4.0 ..mu..R/h. Ground-based measurements made during the same time period were compared to the aerial survey results. Pressurized ion chamber readings and soil samples were taken from two locations within the aerial survey boundaries. Exposure rate values obtained from these measurement techniques were in agreement with those obtained from the aerial data. A total of 23 areas of man-made radioactivity were identified. The dominant isotopes found over these areas were cesium-137, sodium-22, manganese-54, and cobalt-60. A similar survey was conducted in May 1980. The 1983 survey results were similar to the 1980 results. Three areas of low level man-made activity were not reproduced by the 1983 data. Ten new areas were detected. The major difference occurred because of the increased sensitivity and spatial reduction brought on by lowering the altitude and decreasing the line spacing. 8 refs., 28 figs., 4 tabs.

• Research Organization: EG and G, Inc., Las Vegas, NV (USA). Remote Sensing Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: AC08-83NV10282
• OSTI ID: 5485570
• Report Number(s): EGG-10282-1050; ON: DE85013663
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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500300* -- Environment
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BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
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