Control technology for radioactive emissions to the atmosphere at US Department of Energy Facilities: the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility. Addendum 1

Abstract

The purpose of this addendum is to provide information to the US Environmental Protection Agency on existing technology at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) for the control of radionuclide emissions to the atmosphere and on possible additional control technology that could further reduce these emissions. Emission of short-lived air activation products from the LAMPF in 1983 increased substantially over 1981 and 1982 to a total of 464 thousand curies, resulting in a maximum site boundary dose calculated by the US Department of Energy to be 48.4 millirem per year. Existing control technology consists of an air collection system and a stack which provides for some holdup and decay of the short-lived isotopes produced at the beam stop and in target areas. Modifications are presently being installed at the beam stop to improve experimental conditions, which will also reduce the formation of air activation products at the beam stop and provide some additional holdup time. Also under consideration is the installation of a new air tunnel and stack, at a different location, to further increase holdup time of air activation products produced at the beam stop. Alternate control technology suggested by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory includes a holdup tank system to reduce LAMPF stack emissions. The estimated costs and efficiencies in reducing radionuclide emissions are discussed. 5 refs., 3 figs., 6 tabs.