Other Field Investigations
| Survey Projects |
|---|
| Independent Verification |
| Characterization Surveys |
| Other Field Investigations |
| Guidance Documents |
| Radiochemistry Laboratory |
Before the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education’s (ORISE) team of qualified radiological experts can verify a site, field investigations are often required to pinpoint areas of contamination. Radiological surveys may be conducted for a variety of reasons. The purpose of the survey dictates the approach or strategy to be followed in developing the survey plan and, subsequently, the number, location, and type of measurements and samples to be collected.
ORISE personnel use the following types of surveys in deciding the appropriate course of action necessary to ensure a site is ready for release.
Scoping surveys
A preliminary or scoping survey is performed to obtain information sufficient to prepare a plan for a more in-depth assessment. This type of survey usually includes only cursory scanning and measurements and limited judgmental sampling to determine the presence of radioactive contamination, identify potential contaminants, evaluate the levels and general areas of contamination, and identify possible paths of migration.
Designation or inclusion surveys
To determine whether a site is contaminated to the extent that guideline levels are exceeded, a designation or inclusion survey is performed. For this type of survey, measurement and sampling locations are identified in detail, relative to property lines, local coordinate systems, buildings, or other fixed site structures. Survey procedures include a complete surface scan followed by direct measurements and sampling.
Independent verification surveys
The purpose of the confirmatory or verification survey is to provide independent evidence that final radiological and hazardous chemical data developed by another organization is accurate and adequately represents the condition of the property. Options available for performing these surveys include:
- Standard confirmatory/verification survey - this type of survey is typically performed at the end of the decommissioning project once the cleanup contractor has completed its final status survey. The approach for this type of survey is to randomly select portions (usually 1-10%) of the property and conduct thorough independent surveys.
- Streamlined or in-process surveys - typically conducted at larger sites, these survey types rely on extensive up-front review of procedures and comparative measurements while the site’s final status survey is in progress.
Though the survey guidelines above represent the minimum requirements, each survey approach also includes examinations of the documents associated with the decontamination and decommissioning activities, replication of measurements, and an additional review of analyses performed by other organizations that are involved with data development.
