Our Portfolio: Characterization Projects

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Implementation of the MARSSIM Process at the BGRR, NTS, and Elsewhere

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Fact Sheets:
AR #2439
AR #2448

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TTP#: CH3-9-DD63; Tech ID: 2374
Project Overview
Baseline facility characterization is costly and time-consuming. This project will address these issues by deploying innovative characterization technologies in tandem with the survey process outlined in the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM). The MARSSIM approach optimizes the sampling process to provide cost-effective information for planning, conducting, evaluating and documenting radiological surveys. This optimal survey design approach reduces or eliminates unnecessary samples, saving both time and money.

Technology Description
 Characterization of the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor (BGRR), using Canberra´s In-Situ Object Counting System (ISOCS) (TMS #2098), coupled with a characterization plan developed in accordance with the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) has substantial advantage over conventional approaches for radiological characterization of contaminated facilities that requires collecting and analyzing a large number of physical samples; for example, concrete borings and paint chips, and swipe samples from surfaces. ISOCS can non-intrusively analyze materials for radiological contamination, and implementation of MARSSIM yields a statistically-defensible characterization plan that has fewer sampling locations. This approach saves time and money and reduces exposure of workers to radiation. Deployment of ISOCS and MARSSIM at the BGRR is projected to save almost $1.1 million over the estimated cost for BGRR characterization using the baseline approach of $4.8 million. Principal participants include BNL, Canberra, the U.S. Department of Energy´s Environmental Measurements Laboratory, Dames and Moore Group, and Bechtel Hanford. In FY2001 DDFA funded a second ASTD to apply MARSSIM for non-standard applications at NTS including development and implementation of a 3-D statistical approach for characterizing subsurface soil. The results of this effort will be to reduce the number of sampling locations and/or an increase in the confidence of the subsurface characterization data. The MARSSIM will also be deployed for rooftop and building exterior release surveys at the Reactor Maintenance, Assembly and Disassembly (R-MAD) Building D&D site, to reduce the necessity of using the baseline instrument surveys that are now required for the site release of each individual waste load.

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