Results of a field study—Sampling with ISOCS and SAM 935 at the Savannah River Site

Abstract

This article focuses on the results of a delineation of radioactive contaminants using expedited field characterization equipment at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina. The objective of the study was to delineate a potential contamination area in the TNX Inner Swamp using cost-effective field sampling equipment that would give results in a timely manner. The expedited field characterization equipment used was the In Situ Object Counting System (ISOCS) and the Model 935 Surveillance and Measurement System (SAM 935). The study involved an area of approximately 200 acres with 89 surveyed locations. Originally, the contaminant of concern was thorium-232 because of the health risk to future on-site workers. As the fieldwork progressed, there were no exceedances in thorium-232 activities; however, there was one slight exceedance of uranium-238. The delineation was established from using the ISOCS and SAM 935 sampling equipment in addition to soil sampling from the 0- to 1-foot interval. There was a strong correlation in the analytical data from both the ISOCS and SAM 935 measurements. Thus, this type of sampling characterization is beneficial for determining the extent of contamination at hazardous waste sites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.