Other Field Investigations
Having performed more than 500 surveys since 1980, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is no stranger to field investigations. Before ORAU’s team of qualified radiological experts can verify a site, preliminary surveys are often required to pinpoint areas of contamination. In addition to characterization, ORAU personnel use the following types of surveys in determining the appropriate course of action necessary to ensure a site is ready for release.
Scoping surveys. We provide preliminary or scoping surveys to obtain sufficient information to prepare a plan for a more in-depth assessment. Scoping surveys typically include 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, our experts conduct a designation or inclusion survey. We obtain detailed measurements to identify sampling locations, 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.
