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Annual Site Environmental Report for 1999
Rad·iolo.gical Effluent
Monito:rin!g
Abstract
Radiological liquid effluent monitoring was performed at the four outfalls under the jurisdiction of DOE at th.e
Paducah Site during 1999. Three of the four outfalls retained by DOE contain only rainfs,1I runoff. A fourth
outfall isa continuous floW outfall. The outfalls were monitored for radionuclides historically present at the.
site. Concentrations of the radionuclides measured (uranium and 99 Tc) forDOE outfallswere within acceptable
limits set by DOE and by state and federal standards. The only DOE-operated point source for radionuclides
in airborne effluents during 1999 was the Northwest Plume Groundwater System where contaminated
groundwater was pumped from the ground and treated to remove TCE and 99Tc.
I ntrod uction
Effluents are monitored for radionuclides
known to be emitted or to have been present at
the site. Dose calculations are provided in
Section 6. In 1999, sampling and analytical
activities were the' responsibility of Bechtel
Jacobs Company LLC.· Monitoring. of
radioactivity in liquid and airborne effluents is
described fully in the Paducah Site
Environmental Monitoring Plan (BJC 1998).
Air:borne ,Effluents
In 1993, DOE leased the enrichment
operations facilities at the PGDP to USEe. At
this time, USEC assumed responsibility for all
existing radioIiuclide point-source discharges.
A small number of fugitive radionuclide
emission soUrces, such as roads and scrap metal
piles, were retained by DOE. A potential fugitive
or diffuse source of radionuclides also results
from. the decontamination of machinery . and
equipment used in remediation activities such as
well drilling. The equipment is washed with
high-powered sprayers to remove any
contaminants picked up· from contaminated soil
and groundwater. The concentrations of
radionuclides on the equipment are. so small that
under most circumstances contamination cannot
be . distinguish~ from background.
On August 28, 1995, DOE began operation
of its only current radionuclide point source, the
Northwest Plume Groundwater System. . The
facility is located just outside of the northwest
corner of the PGDP security area. The facility
consists, of an· air stripper .to remove volatile
organics from water and an ion exchange unit for
the removal of 99'fc. The air stripper is located
upstream of the ion exchange unit. The 99'fc
concentration in the influent and effluent of the
Radiological Effluent Monitoring
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