Formerly utilized MED/AEC sites Remedial Action Program. Radiological survey of the Albany Metallurgical Research Center, United States Bureau of Mines, Albany, Oregon

Technical Report · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983

OSTI ID:5779304

Wynveen, R A; Smith, W H; Sholeen, C M; Justus, A L; Flynn, K F

During the periods 1954 to 1956 and 1960 to 1971, the Albany Metallurgical Research Center (AMRC) was engaged in metallurgical operations that included melting, machining, welding, and alloying of thorium. In addition, research on alloys of uranium and thorium started in 1955 and continued until suspended in 1978. Records indicated that at the time the original AEC contract was terminated, buildings and surrounding areas were decontaminated to the general guidelines provided by the AEC. Those guidelines were not as specific as current guidelines, and detailed records of the final decontamination were not documented. Because of that, radiological assessemnt of this site was initiated in June 1978. During June and July 1978, a radiological survey of the grounds and the buildings was completed. Certain buildings were designated as areas where no survey was necessary; however, it was decided by the ANL survey team to at least perform floor surveys in those buildings. Significant levels of contamination, both loose and fixed, were found in 10 of the 33 buildings surveyed. In addition, about 60 contaminated areas, including 17 with loose contamination, were found outside the buildings. Surveys of the sanitary sewers, the Albany sewage treatment plant and the Ohling Farm showed no significant contamination. Significant levels of contamination were found in the septic system behind Buildings 12 and 17. Air samples taken throughout the site revealed no radon concentrations in excess of the limits proposed by the US Surgeon General (10 CFR 712).

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5779304
• Report Number(s): DOE/EV-0005/40; ANL-OHS/HP-83-102; ON: DE83016728
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ABANDONED SITES
ACTINIDES
AIR
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
CLEANING
CONTAMINATION
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DOSES
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION X
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RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOACTIVITY
RADIUM
SLUDGES
SOILS
SURFACE CONTAMINATION
THORIUM
URANIUM
US BUREAU OF MINES
US DOI
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USA