title: Implementation of the MARSSIM philosophy to evaluate the remedial status of a radioactive waste disposal site at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual.
abstract: Implementation of the MARSSIM remedial-verification protocol at a radioactive waste disposal site is described in some detail to provide a record of the utility of this process. The selected site was the Stationary Low-Power Reactor No. 1 burial ground at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. Evaluation was restricted to 137Cs in the uppermost 10 cm of potentially contaminated soils. According to the MARSSIM, this site warranted a "Class 1" designation based on previous remedial activities within the burial ground, its status as a radioactive disposal facility, and the anticipated presence of discrete radioactive particles. Nine survey units within the confines of the burial ground were selected, based primarily on the presence of physical boundaries and disparate histories. Surface scans with 100% coverage were performed using a hand-held plastic scintillator and rate meter with audible output. In situ gamma-ray spectrometry was not used for the individual stationary measurements due to the limited area and proximity of engineered barriers. Instead, individual soil samples were obtained using a standard hand-held coring device. The number of soil samples taken from the background reference area and each survey unit were determined with the MARSSIM protocol, which resulted in a total of 160 (including quality-control samples). Two of the nine regions exhibited elevated radiation levels and the null hypothesis could not be rejected in one survey unit, thereby indicating the need for additional remediation. The MARSSIM process proved to be flexible, scientifically rigorous, and cost effective in this field application. Several modifications to the procedure are discussed and offered as recommendations for enhancement of the MARSSIM.
authors.affiliation: Idaho State University, Physics/Health Physics Department, Pocatello 83209, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schilk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirkpatrick
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dunker
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gesell
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016730:Program Development; D011850:Radioactive Waste; D014481:United States; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D011850:Radioactive Waste