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Title: Environmental radionuclide concentrations in the vicinity of the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station: 1979-1980

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6048566

The Power Plant Siting Program conducts radiological analyses of environmental samples collected from the Susquehanna River and Upper Chesapeake Bay. These studies were initiated in 1979 to determine the radioecological impact of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Station and the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station on the Maryland environment. Collections of sediments, finfish, shellfish, aquatic mammals, aquatic vegetation and waterfowl were analyzed by high-resolution gamma spectroscopy to determine gamma-emitting radionuclide concentrations. Analytical results and interpretation of studies conducted during 1979-1980 are presented herein. In addition to naturally occurring radionuclides (Potassium-40, thorium and uranium decay products) and weapons-test fallout radionuclides (principally Cs-137 and Ce-144), low levels of Cobalt-60, Zinc-65, Cesium-134 and Cesium-137 attributed to the Peach Bottom facility were detected in biota and sediments of the Conowingo Pond, Susquehanna River and Susquehanna Flats.

Research Organization:
Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, Annapolis (USA). Power Plant Siting Program
OSTI ID:
6048566
Report Number(s):
PB-84-240175
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English