Environmental surveillance data report for the second quarter of 1989

Abstract

During the second quarter of 1989, over 3000 samples, which represent more than 6600 analyses and measurements, were collected by the Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Section. A network of real-time monitoring stations that telemeter 10-min averaged readings of radiation levels, total precipitation flows, water quality parameters, and air quality parameters around Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) also reported data. In addition, three meteorological towers sent weather data at various heights to a host computer every 15 min. The environmental monitoring program at ORNL was reviewed during the previous quarter and revisions are currently being implemented to reflect changing requirements and historical results. Five isotopes, {sup 3}H, {sup 131}I, {sup 133}I, {sup 135}I, and {sup 212}Pb were the primary isotopes emitted from ORNL stacks during this quarter. Approximately 54{percent} of the {sup 3}H released came from the Tritium Target Facility and 43{percent} came from the Isotope Solid State Ventilation System. The Melton Valley Complex emitted virtually all of the radioactive iodines at levels that were about the same as that for the previous quarter. A spike of {sup 131}I was detected at the Isotope Solid State Ventilation System in April. This is probably associated with the preparation of {sup 131} for charcoal filter testing at the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The {sup 212}Pb source term for ORNL increased by 25 {percent} over the last quarter, mostly because of increased emissions from the Isotope Solid State Ventilation System. Osmium-191 emissions (1.3E6 Bq) were reduced during this quarter to 0.4{percent} of the previous quarter's emissions. Data are not reported for noble gas or {sup 125}I and {sup 129}I emissions because of problems in data validation and analytical interferences. 25 refs.