An aerial radiological survey of the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Station and surrounding area, Decatur, Alabama

Technical Report · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:6993786

Berry, H A

An aerial radiological survey was conducted during the period 12 July to 17 July 1985 over a 97-square-kilometer (37-square-mile) area centered on the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Station located near Decatur, Alabama. The survey was conducted at a nominal altitude of 46 meters (150 feet) with line spacings of 76 meters (250 feet). A contour map of the terrestrial gamma exposure rate plus the cosmic exposure rate extrapolated to 1 meter above ground level was prepared and overlaid on an aerial photograph and a USGS topographic map of the area. The terrestrial exposure rates north and east of Wheeler Lake ranged from approximately 11 to 18 microroentgens per hour (..mu..R/h), while the area south and west of the lake ranged from approximately 9 to 11 ..mu..R/h. Two areas of increased exposure rate were evident. One of these areas was associated with the main units of the reactor facility, while the other was associated with a temporary radiological waste holding area inside the plant's protected area. A machine-aided search of the data for man-made sources of radiation indicated the presence of a third area within the plant facility. This area is utilized as a temporary low-level radioactive waste storage site. All three areas indicated the presence of Co-60. Soil samples and ion chamber measurements were obtained at four locations to support the aerial data. In addition, soil samples were also taken at six locations along the shore of Wheeler Lake. 8 refs., 13 figs., 4 tabs.

• Research Organization: EG and G Energy Measurements, Inc., Las Vegas, NV (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC08-83NV10282
• OSTI ID: 6993786
• Report Number(s): EGG-10282-1110; ON: DE87003409
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
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500300* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AERIAL SURVEYING
ALABAMA
BROWNS FERRY-1 REACTOR
BWR TYPE REACTORS
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
ELEMENTS
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
FEDERAL REGION IV
FLUIDS
GASES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
ISOTOPES
MATERIALS
MIXED SPECTRUM REACTORS
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER REACTORS
RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENTS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RADIOMETRIC SURVEYS
RADON
RARE GASES
REACTORS
SURVEYS
USA
WASTES
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS