Characterization Surveys
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) performs characterization surveys to define the extent of radiological contamination at a designated site. A fundamental aspect of all decontamination and decommissioning projects, characterization surveys provide guidance to determine the best remediation procedures and are a cost-effective method
of ensuring your site meets preliminary regulatory standards.
ORAU designs characterization surveys using the data quality objectives process. This approach focuses on the particular objective of characterization, and ensures that only the data needed to address the characterization decisions are collected. Data collection efforts are streamlined, allowing more resources to be spent on actual cleanup and risk reduction efforts.
The characterization survey includes thorough surface scans for gamma radiation, as well as soil sampling and analyses. Our staff uses sophisticated Global Positioning Systems to ensure measurements are accurately documented.
Benefits of ORAU Characterization:
- Reduces uncertainty in the estimates of contaminated land and facilities
- Allows evaluation of various cleanup alternatives (unrestricted vs. restricted release)
- Ensures minimal safety and health impact to cleanup workers and the environment
- Produces reliable estimates of radioactive waste volumes generated during decontamination and decommissioning activities
- Greatly enhances public credibility and builds stakeholder trust in environmental cleanup activities
