DOE/ORO/2327 Oak Ridge Reservation Annual Site Environmental ...

Oak Ridge Reservation
• analysis of laboratory duplicates (one per 10 samples; any laboratory duplicates differing by more
than 10% at five or more times the detection limit are to be rerun [third duplicate] to resolve the
discrepancy), and
• archival of all primary laboratory records for at least 1 year.
4.4.2.3 Ambient Air Monitoring Complementary to the Y-12 Ambient Air
Monitoring
Ambient air monitoring is conducted at multiple locations near the ORR to measure radiological and
other selected parameters directly in the ambient air. These monitors are operated in accordance with
DOE orders. Their locations were selected so that areas of potentially high exposure to the public are
monitored continuously for parameters of concern. This monitoring provides direct measurement of
airborne concentrations of radionuclides and other hazardous air pollutants, allows facility personnel to
determine the relative level of contaminants at the monitoring locations during an emergency, verifies that
the contributions of fugitive and diffuse sources are insignificant, and serves as a check on dose-modeling
calculations. As part of the ORR network, an ambient air monitoring station located in the Scarboro
Community of Oak Ridge (Station 46) measures off-site impacts of the Y-12 operations. This station is
located near the theoretical area of maximum public pollutant concentrations as calculated by air-quality
modeling. ORR network stations are also located at the east end of the Y-12 Complex (Station 40) and
just south of the Country Club Estates neighborhood (Station 37).
The state of Tennessee is primarily responsible for ambient air monitoring to characterize the region
in general and to characterize and monitor DOE operations specifically. This is accomplished in
numerous ways. Specific to Y-12 operations, there are three uranium ambient air monitors within the
Y-12 Complex boundary that, since 1999, have been utilized by TDEC personnel in their environmental
monitoring program. Each of the monitors uses 47-mm borosilicate glass-fiber filters to collect
particulates as air is pulled through the units. The monitors control airflow with a pump and rotometer set
to average approximately 2 standard cubic feet per minute.
In addition, TDEC DOE Oversight Division air quality monitoring includes several other types of
monitoring on the ORR, for example,
• RADNet air monitoring,
• fugitive radioactive air emission monitoring,
• ambient VOC air monitoring,
• perimeter air monitoring,
• real-time monitoring of gamma radiation,
• ambient gamma radiation monitoring using external dosimetry, and
• program-specific monitoring associated with infrastructure-reduction activities.
Results of these activities are summarized in annual status reports, which are issued by the TDEC
DOE Oversight Division.
The state of Tennessee also operates a number of regional monitors to assess ambient concentrations
of criteria pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, particulate (various forms), and ozone, for comparison against
ambient standards. The results are summarized and available through EPA and state reporting
mechanisms.
4.5 Surface Water Program
4.5.1 NPDES Permit and Compliance Monitoring
The current Y-12 NPDES permit (TN0002968) requires sampling, analysis, and reporting for
approximately 65 outfalls. Major outfalls are noted in Fig. 4.23. The number is subject to change as
outfalls are eliminated or consolidated or if permitted discharges are added. Currently, the Y-12 Complex
has outfalls and monitoring points in the following water drainage areas: East Fork Poplar Creek, Bear
4-44 The Y-12 National Security Complex