Special External Radiation Field Study at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Thermoluminescent dosimeters, a pressurized ionization chamber and protable survey instruments were used to measure external .gamma.-radiation on which to base population exposure estimates in the vicinity of a boiling water reactor [BWR] nuclear power station. There were pressurized ionization chamber measurements at locations of critical population exposure to detect small increments of radiation exposure (0.08 mR in 18 days) due to the plume of radioactive gases. Measurements of direct radiation from the station at levels of 0.4-1 .mu.R/h using portable instruments were made. Thermoluminescent dosimeter measurements for periods of 2-3 wk detected environmental radiation exposures due to station operations. Identification of long-term variations in background due to snow and/or location for evaluating environmental surveillance data at or near background levels were made. Techniques for measuring radiation exposures of several mR/yr in the vinicity of a boiling water reactor were demonstrated. A program at these low levels requires careful selection of monitoring locations, detailed examination of the natural radiation background and thorough quality assurance for the measurements.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: