MARSSIM-based graded approach for posting and controlling areas containing matrixed contamination in soil.
Controlling outdoor areas with radioactive contamination matrixed into the soil presents unique challenges to effective radiological control and environmental restoration programs. These outdoor areas, classified as either soil contamination areas (SCAs) or underground radioactive material areas (URMAs) based on the depth distribution of the contamination, constitute a large portion of the 1,517 km2 (586 mi2) Hanford Site in south-central Washington state. One of the challenges in dealing with these areas is the paucity of regulatory and/or interpretive guidance, particularly with 10 CFR 835, "Occupational Radiation Protection," which does not address SCAs or URMAs. This leads to differing interpretations of applicable regulatory requirements and has caused inconsistency among the programs of various Hanford contractors. To overcome these shortfalls, the Hanford Site Environmental Restoration Contractor (ERC) developed a graded approach for posting and controlling SCAs and URMAs that is based on principles of the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual. This approach provides an additional degree of worker protection that exceeds the requirements of 10 CFR 835. Each step in this graded approach leads to effective environmental restoration of the Hanford Site.
Arana
Joel D
JD
Bechtel Hanford, Inc., 3350 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA. jdarana@bhi-erc.com
D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive