Columbia River survey, 1954--1955
The radioactivity levels and temperature patterns resulting from the discharge of reactor effluents to the Columbia River are summarized for 1954 and 1955. Two new reactors were placed in operation early in 1955 and the summary period begins soon after the establishment of McNary Reservoir. McNary Dam and Reservoir is very effective in reducing the velocity of the Columbia River during low flow periods. This effect causes a longer transit time and hence allows for more decay of radioisotopes. In general, the greater velocities of the river above McNary Reservoir are associated with the deeper portions which usually constitute the main river channel. Also, the velocity is dependent upon the volume of flow, depth and contour of the river, and natural obstructions such as rapids, islands, and peninsula. Between the 300 Area and Richland the backwater of McNary Dam becomes effective in reducing the velocity on the river. Channeling conditions prevail in the river downstream from the discharge of reactor effluents. The river currents tend to maintain a higher radioactivity near the plant shore for a considerable distance downstream. Below the 300 Area the radioactivity is generally uniformly distributed across the reservoir. At greater river flows the resulting radioactivity at the downstream location is less than that during lower flow periods. Dilution, transit time and radioactive decay are factors which influence this change in radioactivity of the river. 21 refs., 60 figs., 16 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Richland, WA (USA). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6606516
- Report Number(s):
- HW-43529; ON: DE89003685
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Radioactivity levels of the Columbia River below Richland, Washington, April-June 1956
Radioactivity levels of the Columbia River below Richland, Washington, January-March 1956
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COLUMBIA RIVER
COMPILED DATA
DATA
DOCUMENT TYPES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EVALUATION
FEDERAL REGION X
FLOW RATE
HANFORD RESERVATION
INFORMATION
MATERIALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL DATA
PROGRESS REPORT
RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENTS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RIVERS
SAMPLING
SITE SURVEYS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
WASHINGTON
WASTES