ML19242B834
| ML19242B834 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/12/1979 |
| From: | Kottan J, Roth J, Stohr J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19242B825 | List: |
| References | |
| 078-154, 78-154, NUDOCS 7908090449 | |
| Download: ML19242B834 (30) | |
Text
._
_ -._ _ _ __ _. p g ; i.
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY C0f4!ISSION OFFICE OF INSPECTION Atl0 ENFORCEMENT Regien I j
Report No.
078-154 1
Subject:
Norton and Attleboro Surveys Radioactive Material in Uncontrolled Locations Investigation at:
Norton and Attlebcro, 'tassachusetts Investigation conducted:
October 24, Oc:ober 31 to November 2, November 14, November 28 to December 1, and December 21, 1978 b-2_!/f Investigators: T. D k(NIh 2.
J. J Kottan,' Radiation Specialist
'datg/ signed 2 f94 2
s i
,. P th,' Fuel Facility Inspector date'sidned
&h.S$$d 5 -Iv79 R. E.
heo erd, Physical Security Inspector date signed Approved by:
2_// M-)Q J. P. Stohr, Chief, Environmental date~sigrfed Protection and Special Projects Section FF&MS Branch
'OO SS9 08000 L;,/ o ie
(
-...----.--..x-.
Summary of Findinas Evaluation Summary Special investigative efforts conducted October 24, October 31 thru November 2, November 14, November 28 thru December 1, and December 21, 1978 by members of the Nuclear Regulatory Cannission, Region I (NRC:1):
completed nunerous radiolcgical surveys of selected locations in Norton and Attleboro, Massachusetts on the basis of an allegation and requests from local municipal officials; identified the location and extent of areas surveyed in which radiation levels above the background radiation i
level were observed; performed initial analyses and arranged for other j
detailed analyses of environmental samples; provided continuing consulta-tive services, in conjunction with officials of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, to officials of the City of Attleboro and the Town of Norton.
~
Sianificant Findinas I
A.
Radiological Surveys l
l During surveys conducted on October 24, October 31 thru Novenber 2 and November 28 thru December 1,1978, two areas were identified in which radiation levels exceeded background, indicating the presence of radioactive material.
One area was at a privately owned landfill 4
on Union Read in the Town of Norton, Massachusetts.
The second area was at Finberg Field in the City of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Radiation levels at the identified areas ranged from less than 1 mR/hr to approximately 20 mR/hr at contact with the ground.
j B.
Anaiysis of Environmental Samoles Analyses of all samples have been completed and indicated the 1
following:
1.
The material found at Finberg Field, Attleboro is radium.
t l
2.
The material found at the privately owned landfill in Norton is primarily uranium of varying forms and enrichments.
There is also some radium.
1 3.
The material found at the two locations, therefore, do not appear to be of common origin.
L C)k)
"'.***6 6 em*
h my
+e-
2 f
C.
Protective and Remedial Actions The privately owned landfill area in Norton (Shpack property) is in a remote area. However, subsequent to a meeting with Town of Norton officials, as a precautionary measure, it was decided to post this area with official "No Trespassing" and " Caution - Radio-active Material" signs to inhibit access. This was done on the northern perimeter along Union Road.
Because of the very low level radiation at the Finberg Field,
, Attleboro site, during the meeting on November 30 and December 1, 1978 with City of Attleboro and Coninonwealth of Massachusetts officials, it was decided that no precautionary posting was necessary at that time. The lov levels of radioactivity found were located in areas not expected to be used, especially during the winter months.
D.
Attachments 1.
Attachment A - List of Meeting Attendees 2.
Figure 1 - Privately Owned Norton, Massachusetts Landfill (diagram with sampling locations) 3.
Figure 2 - Norton-Attleboro Area Map (map indicating locations surveyed) 4.
Figure 3 - Finberg Field Area (diagram with sampling locations) l 5.
Table 1 - Norton, Massachusetts Landfill Sample Analysis Results 6.
Table 2 - Areas Surveyed in Attleboro and Norton 7.
Table 3 - Finberg Field Sample Analysis Results 4
i g
v>
- jo9 o
~-
i j
Report Details 1.
Backaround - Receiot of Allecation On September 22, 1978, Mr. H. W. Crocker, Chief, Fuel Facility Projects Section of the NRC Region I Office (NRC:I) received a telephone call from Mr. John Sullivan, of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Mr. Sullivan reported that he had visited a private landfill area on Union Road near the border of Norton and Attleboro, Massachusetts which contained discarded industrial equipment. Mr. Sullivan stated that he has observed several items at the site that indicated they had been discarded by Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Mr. Sullivan further stated that no materials had been disposed of at this location within the last several years.
However, since TI coes have an NRC license to use radioactive materials, Mr. Sullivan believed it was possible that the discarded TI items might be radioactive. Mr. Crocker informed Mr. Sullivan that:
the TI plant is involved in large metallurgical operations; only a small part of TI's work involves radioactive materials; NRC:I was not aware of any radioactive material being discarded at this site. Mr. Crocker told Mr. Sullivan that NRC:I would look at this landfill area in conjunction with the next inspection at TI.
Mr. Sullivan was satisfied with this course of action, and indicated he was returning to college in Florida the next week, but that NRC:I could contact him through his Massachusetts address.
On October 16, 1978, Mr. Sullivan called Mr. Crocker from Florida l
and reported that he had gone to the aforementioned landfill area on October 6,1978, and using a Civil Defense, beta-gamma, survey meter found the following:
i 1.
A black bowl with yellow residue which read 3 mR/hr.
2.
A tube attached to a brick-lined oven which read 2 mR/hr.
i 3.
Several other items were 2-3 times the background radiation level.
i 4.
A soldering hood which, although suspect, read at the back-ground radiation level, v\\
99
'i I
l 1
4 t
Mr. Sullivan then said another problem has arisen regarding this area, in that, the Massachusetts Division of Water Pollution Control intended to cover over the area with dirt.
He gave the name of a member of that organization, for information.
On October 17, 1978, NRC:I personnel contacted Mr. Gerald S. Parker, Director of Radiation Control Programs of the Massachusetts Depart-ment of Public Health, to initiate discussion of this issue with Cormionwealth of Massachusetts personnel and to discuss the possibility of a joint survey of the landfill area with Commonwealth of Massachu-setts personnel. NRC:I was informed that Mr. Parker's personnel were to make a preliminary survey at the site on October 19 and that depending on the results, would perform a survey with NRC:I on October 24 or 25. Subsequently, Massachusett's preliminary survey was cancelled, and the joint survey was set to be made on October 24 in the company of local town officials.
On October 18, 1978, NRC:I received a letter from Mr. Sullivan.
This letter requested an NRC investigation of the landfill site.
Included was a sketch of the site and the route Mr. Sullivan used in his survey of October 7 and 8 during which he observed radiation readings on equipment items of up to 3 mR/hr.
On November 14, 1978, during an interview with Mr. Sullivan, at his school address in Florida, NRC:I inspectors were informed by Mr.
Sullivan that there were about a dozen other places within an area approximately one square mile, some located in Norton and some in Attleboro, which he suspected of having radioactive material. The reasons given were their remoteness and evidence of industrial waste which Mr. Sullivan had seen at those locations.
Mr. Sullivan described these locations as being " older" than the Norton site and j
he said that the industrial waste consisted of solid, liquid and i
metal material. Mr. Sullivan stated that he had written a letter j
to Mr. Crocker of NRC:I and had included maps of these additional j
locations. Mr. Sullivan had not yet mailed the letter. At the i
conclusion of the interivew, Mr. Sullivan furnished the hand-drawn 8
maps of the additioral locations to the NRC inspectors but retained the letter, which he stated he would mail to Mr. Crocker. The
)
final number of sites indicated as " suspect" at this time by Mr.
Sullivan was fifteen (15).
c~?
cjf
l i
5 l
2.
Inspection Efforts - In Response to Allegation On October 24, 1978, as a result of the allegation received by NRC:I that radioactive material had been disposed of in a private landfill area located in Norton, Massachusetts, a preliminary radiation survey of the area was conducted, which indicated the presence of radioactive material.
(See paragraph 3.b(1) for details.)
On October 27, 1978, NRC:I, based on the results of the preliminary j
radiation survey, decided to perform a comprehensive radiation l
survey of the surface of the landfill area.
1 On October 31 thru November 2,1978, the comprehensive radiation survey of the arca was conducted.
(See paragraph 3.b(2) for details.)
At the conclusion of the survey on November 2,1978, a meeting was
_..._ q held with Mr. D. Opatka, Director of Conservation, Town of Norton.
(See Attachment A for list of attendees.)
Mr. Opatka was informed I
of the preliminary results of the radiation survey and that a j
meeting would be held with the Norton Soard of Selectmen in the near future to present the findings of the survey and possible I
future courses of action. This meeting was subsequently scheduled for November 9,1978.
On November 9,1978, results of the radiation surveys were communi-
{
cated to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Town of Norton officials and landowners during meetings.
A NRC press release j
describing the allegation and the preliminary results of surveys was also issued on November 9, 1978.
(See Attachment A for list c' principal attendees).
On November 12, 1978, as a result of the November 9,1978 meeting, the Norton landfill area was posted with official "No Trespassing" and " Caution - Radioactive Materihl" signs.
(Unofficial signs posted at the site on November 3,1978 were removed by persons unknown.)
On November 14, 1978, an investigation into the source of the radioactive material found at the landfill dump site was initiated.
(The results of this investigation is the subject of a separate i
report. )
On November 16, 1978, NRC:I established a plan of action to survey the additional sites identified as suspect for radioactive material during the week starting November 27, 1978.
This was to be accom-plished concurrently with an investigation aimed at identifying the source of radioactive material found at the privately owned landfill in Norton.
1 L
C)i>
"he
=w
--e m
e-e e
t
}
6 On November 28, 1978, prior to the start of the surveys for radio-active materials, meetings were held sequentially in Attleboro and in Norton. The Attleboro meeting was held at 9:00 a.m., at the Attleboro City Hall in the Office of the Mayor.
(See Attachment A for list of attendees.) The purpose of the meeting was to establish contact and coordination between the NRC, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Attleboro officials. The Norton meeting was held at 10:30 a.m., at the Norton Town Hall in the Office of the Director of Conservation.
(See Attachment A for list of attendees.)
The purpose of this meeting was to establish contact and coordination between the NRC, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Norton officials.
On November 28 through December 1,1978, radiation surveys of 17 additional landfill sites (two sites were added at the request of
~~~~j local officials) were performed by teams comprised of NRC:I and Commonwealth of Massachusetts personnel accompanied by appropriate i
j town officials.
(See paragraph 3.c for details.)
{
Local media interest was high during the conduct of the surveys of I
the 17 sites and press personnel were with the survey team at a
I Finberg Field, Attleboro when radioactivity was discovered there on November 29, 1978. TV coverage of the survey activities was carried j
on 3 local TV stations on November 30, 1978.
l On November 30, 1978, a meeting was held at the Attleboro City Hall I
in the Office of the Mayor.
(See Attachment A for attendees.) The purpose of this meeting was to present a progress report on the survey results which were available at that time. The Mayor was informed by NRC:I and Commonwealth of Massachusetts personnel that low level radioactive material had been found at Finberg Field, but that there was no public health and safety hazards associated with i
the levels of radioactivity found.
On December 1,1978, at the conclusion of the surveys, meetings were held with appropriate officials from each municipality. The purpose of these meetings was to present the final results of the surveys, discuss the findings, and to present possible future courses of action. The Attleboro meeting was held at 9:30 a.m., at the Attleboro City Hall in the Office of the Mayor.
(See Attachment A for list of attendees.) The findings of the Attleboro survey a' h c,9l']
~ ~ ~ ~ - *
---m--.
e.mm--
1 l
l 7
team were sunrnarized, as follows:
radioactivity had been found at one site - Finberg Field; soil samples had been taken for analysis; the preliminary analysis would be performed with NRC:I equipment on December 4, 1978; and the samples would then be sent to the NRC reference laboratory, the Department of Energy, Idaho Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory for more detailed analysis.
The Norton meeting was held at 11:00 a.m., at the Norton Town Hall in the office of Mr. G. Glaiel, the Executive Secretary of the Norton Board of Selectmen.
(See Attachment A for list of attendees.)
Mr. Glaf el was infomed that the survey results indicated that none of the additional five sites surveyed in Norton were found to contain radioactive material and that efforts were still underway to determine the sources of the radioactive material found at the original Norton privately owned landfill site.
On December 12, 1978, a meeting was held at NRC Office of Inspection and Enforcement.ieadquarters (IE:HQ), Bethesda, Maryland, to discuss I
the results of the radiation surveys performed in Norton and Attleboro, l
(See Attachment A for list of attendees.)
A discussion followed in which possible future courses of action were examined.
This discussion centered on involving other Federal Agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in this matter and the relative jurisdiction and responsibilities of these Federal agencies and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The necessity for additional sampling was discussed, including core sampling and/or aerial radiation surveys l
of the area.
On December 18, 1978, the results of the December 12, 1978 meeting and the analytical results on soil and water samples taken were transmitted to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Town of Norton, Massachusetts officials for their information.
(At this point it had been mutually agreed that, since the material found at Finberg Field, Attleboro was subject to State rather than Federal control, the Conronwealth of Massachusetts was the " lead" agency with regard to subsequent actions in Attleboro.)
i On December 19, 1978, NRC:I received a phone call frcm Mr. D.
Opatka, Director of Conservation, Town of Norton, Massachusetts.
Mr. Opatka stated that scme infomation had been received by him indicating a possible additional site located in Norton, Massachusetts.
\\b -
s*
Ju
8 On December 21, 1978, a meeting was held in Norton, Massachusetts with'Mr. Opatka.
During this meeting, Mr. Opatka stated that an unnamed source had informed him that an extensive gravel pit area in Norton had been previously used as a disposal site for hazardous material wastes, possibly including radioactive material. According to Mr. Opatka, this disposal allegedly took place 10 to 15 years ago.
On December 21, 1978, the inspectors in the accompaniment of Mr.
Opatka visually examined this last area and conducted a preliminary radiation survey of about 50% of the area.
No radioactively contam-ination areas were identified.
Because of the size of the area involved, and the lack of positive results on the preliminary
~
radiation survey, it was decided that any additional surveys of this site would be postponed.until additional specific information was obtained from the original source of the allegation or until any other surveys were performed of the general area. Mr. Opatka concurred in this approach. Mr. Opatka was contacted on January 31, 1979, and he stated that no additional information with regard to the allegation was forthcoming as of this time.
3.
Details of Radiation Surveys a.
Instruments Used Instruments used during the radiation surveys were Geiger-Muller (G-M) and scintillation counters as shown below:
Eberline Ratemeter (G-M) SN-5515 Model E-120 Probe:
End-window G-M tube Background level - 0 to 0.03 mR/hr Eberline Pulse Ratemeter SN-2562 Model PRM-5-3 Probe:
2" X 2" Sodium Iodide Detector Background level - 450 cpm Ludlum Scintillation Analyzer SN-4440 Model 16 Probe:
1" X 1" Sodium Iodide Detector Background level - 2000 cpm q\\0 b
C o C) 3 0
-ee
i l
9 1
j b.
Norton, Massachusetts Private Landfill Site This area is located at 68 Union Road, Norton, Massachusetts.
The owners are Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Shpack.
(1) On October 24, 1978, a joint survey of this privately owned landfill at Norton, Massachusetts was performed by NRC:I and Commonwealth of Massachusetts personnel in the accompaniment of the Norton Director of Conservation.
The persons participating were:
I j
George Swibble, Bureau of Radiation Control Programs, Department of Public Health, Commonwealth of i
Massachusetts David Opatka, Director of Conservation, Town of
--4 Norton, Massachusetts Jerome Roth, Region I, USNRC Hilbert Crocker, Region I, USNRC I
Results of the survey indicated three areas of radio-
. active contamination in the soil.
Samples of each area were taken, as shown in Figure 1 which is a hand-drawn diagram of this landfill area.
The samples read 4 to 5 mR/hr, and the soil contamination extended to at least four inches in depth. The survey team did not find any radioactivity on the pieces of equipment that had been i
identified by Mr. Sullivan as radioactive. The survey l
covered the areas that Mr. Sulliv6n has surveyed.
The survey included measurements on numerous other equipment items and was of a somewhat expanded ground area.
The three samples were analyzed at NRC:I on October 27 and were found to contain uranium 235 and 238.
Relative amounts were not defined.
The three samples were sent to the Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory, Idaho Operations Office, for further analysis.
(See paragraph 4 and Table 1 for details of sampTe analyses.)
(2) On October 31 through November 2, 1978, a more comprehensive radiation survey of the privately owned landfill site was performed by NRC:I and Cormonwealth of Massachusetts personnel in tne accomcaniment of the Norton Director of Conservation.
Persons participating in this survey included:
,,- 'l
,crQ
{'
g L. I
~
i l
10 George Swibble, Bureau of Radiation Control Programs, Department of Public Health, Commonwealth of Massachusetts David Opatka, Director of Conservation, Town of Norton, Massachusetts Jerome Roth, Region I, USNRC Todd Jackson, Region I, USNRC David Gloski, Region I, USNRC Results of the surveys indicated that extensive areas, of up to a tural of 50,000 square feet, contained radioactive contamination in the soil.
Radiation readings of between 0.5 and 1 mR/hr at 3 feet and isolated small areas of up to 20 mR/hr at contact were detected.
Soil samples were
~
obtained to a depth of about 24 inches below the surface; ground water and mud samples were also obtained for analysis. The samples were first analyzed using the NRC:I Ge(Li) system and were then sent to the Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory, Idaho Operations Office, Department of Energy, for more detailed analysis.
j (See paragraph 4 and Table 1 for details of sample analyses.)
l Figure I shows sampling locations which are designated as i
Hole A thru D.
Observations made at each hole dug on the site on November 2,1978, included the following:
Hole A - The hole was dug to a depth of 24 inches.
j At this depth, the radiation level was 1 mR/hr. The hole could not be dug deeper since a container l
(possibly a drum) was located at this level. A hole was punched through the container and the Ratemeter I
probe was inserted. The radiation level was determined to be about I mR/hr, however, this may have been due to the surrounding dirt.
It was noted that the radiation level decreased from 10 to 15 mR/hr at the j
surface to about I mR/hr at a 24 inch depth.
Hole B - This hole was located about 30 feet north-east of hole A.
Because of obstructions, only the top 3 inches of soil could be removed. The radiation level at tne surface was 12 mR/hr, and no change was detected to the hole depth of 3 inches.
o i 'b c
L' cy )
l I
11 Hole C - The surface at this location was covered with an undisturbed layer of tar-like substance.
The general radiation level in this area was about 1 mR/hr. The radiation level at toe surface of this hole was 4 mR/hr. The hole was dug to a depth of 10 inches, and the radiation level at the bottom of the hole was 2 to 3 mR/hr. The hole could not be dug deeper because of obstructions encountered.
Hole 0 - This hole was located about 15 feet in front of a tall juniper tree situated on the east
~
edge of the front half of the landfill site. The surface radiation level was 0.3 mR/hr. The radiation level at this location decreased from 0.3 mR/hr at
~~~
the surface to the off-site background radiation levels of 0.02 mR/hr at a 15 inch depth.
Hole D This hole was located at 15 inches behind Hole D.
Samples were taken at this location. The surface radiation level indicated 0.3 mR/hr (80,000 cpm Ludlum). The radiation level decreased to 0.08 to 0.1 mR/hr (14,000 cpm Ludlum) at a depth of 16 inches. The general radiation levels in this area at 1 meter above the surface were 0.08 to 0.1 mR/hr (8,000 to 9,000 cpm Ludlum).
(3) On November 9,1978, additional water samples were taken j
from the Shpack residence well and from a small pond at l
the edge of the Attleboro Landfill Corporation Dump.
(Samples of the pond water had also been previously obtained on November 2,1978.) These water samples were i
j first analyzed using the NRC:I Ge(Li) system and then were sent to the Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory, Idaho Operations Office, Department of Energy, i
for more detailed analysis.
(See paragraph 4 and Table 1 for details of sample analyses.)
l c.
Additional Landfill Sites in Norton and Attleboro 1
On November 28 through December 1,1978, radiation surveys of 17 sites (at the request of local officials, two sites were added to the original 15 identified by Mr. Sullivan) were
'J
%9
i I
12 l
l performed by teams of NRC:I and Commonwealth of Massachusetts personnel in accompaniment of appropricte town and city officials.
Persons participating in the surveys included:
Team A J. J. Kottan, Region I, USNRC, Team Captain D. Gloski, Region I, USNRC L. F. Friedman, Region I, USNRC W. Rollinson, Civil Defense Director, Attleboro, Massachusetts i
Team N J. Roth, Region I, USNRC, Team Captain T. Jackson, Region I, USNRC P. Clemons, Region I, USNRC D. Opatka, Director of Conservation, Norton, Massachusetts G. Swibble, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Radiation Control Programs, and J. P. Stohr, Region I, USNRC Project Coordinator, alternated between the two teams during the conduct of the surveys.
A map of the Norton-Attleboro, Massachusetts area depicting the locations of the landfill areas surveyed is shown as I
Figure 2.
The locations are further described in Table 2.
1 The results of the surveys indicated that of the 17 additional sites surveyed in Attleboro and Norton, one site, Finberg Field, located in Attleboro, was found to contain radioactive material. The radioactive material was found at five separate locations in wooded and brushy areas adjacent to Finberg Field as shown in Figure 3.
Soil samples were taken at four locations to be analyzed at NRC:I on the Ge(Li) system and then sent to l
the Department of Energy's Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory for analysis.
(A sample was not taken I
from a fifth very small area near the left field fence.)
The total area containing radioactive material was approximately 50 square feet. The radiation levels at these areas ranged from 0.08 to 0.32 mR/hr on. contact and 0.032 to 0.08 mR/hr at three feet from the surface.
(See paragraph 4 and Table 3 for details of sample analyses.)
4
.o
+ - - - - -
-wm_
s 13 4
i d.
Norten, Massachusetts - Gravel Pit j
'On December 21, 1978, NRC:I inspectors, J. Roth and R. E.
Shepherd, accompanied by Mr. D. Opatka, Norton Director of
~,
Conservation, conducted a visual examination of approximately 70% of an extensive gravel pit area.
The site was bounded on the north by Harvey Street, on the south by West Hodges Street j
and Goose Branch, on the west by a dirt road and the electric company high tension wires, and on the east by Goose Branch.
The entire site consisted of an estimated 225 acres.
Using a PRM 5-3 scintillation counter equipped with an 2" X 2" sodium iodide crystal, the inspectors conducted a radiation survey of about 50% of the area for evidence of radioactive material.
The visual examination indicated that up to 90% of the surface had been disturbed and/or used as a source of gravel and/or sand. Evidence of dumping (mostly construction debris including black top from parking areas) was sporadically observed throughout the area examined. Radiation surveys of the construction debris and intermediate areas indicated no radioactively
{
contaminated areas.
]
4.
Details of Samole Analyses i
4 NRC:I representatives collected a total of 19 soil and/or solids l
samples, four mud samples and 6 water samples during the course of this survey effort, as described in Tables 1 and 3.
NRC:I personnel performed screening radiological analysis on each sample. The samples were analyzed in detail by the DOE-Idaho Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory and selected samples were reanalyzed by the DOE-New Brunswick Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois. The screening analysis conducted at NRC:I was accomplished using Ge(Li) gamma ray spectroscopy.
DOE-Idaho analyses were accomplished using Ge(L1) gaana ray spectroscopy, radiochemical methods employing alpha spectroscopy, and the chemical form of selected samples was determined using emission spectroscopic and x-ray diffraction techniques..Two metallic samples were destructively analyzed by wet chemical techniques by the DOE-New Brunswick Laboratory.
i a.
Norton, Massachusetts Private Landfill (Shoack Procerty)
Taole 1 presents the results of the analysis of soil / solid, mud and water samples taken frca the Shpack Property and analyzed by DOE-Idaho and DOE-New Brunswick Laboratories. Also I
C)b
- e 4
i 14 i
l I
present0 tre the radiation survey results as taken on contact with the areas sampled.
As shown, all of the water samples with the exception of Sample W-A, indicated background levels
.of alpha activity. Sample W-A was obtained from the center of the landfill area and was surrounded on three sides by large areas of soil which were shown to be contaminated.
The mud samples showed the presence of radium with the exception of the Mud A sample which was taken from the same location as the W-A water sample. The soil samples were shown to contain natural uranium, proceesed natural uranium, depleted uranium, enriched uranium, and radium.
The natural uranium samples contained uranium and all of the uranium daughter isotopes.
The processed natural uranium samples contained uranium and the thorium and protactinum daughter products only.
The depleted uranium samples contained only U-238 while the enriched uranium samples contained U-235 in quantities greater than the 0.71% found in natural uranium up to about 93%.
Radium was found in several samples; either mixed with uranium (as a uranium daughter or natural uranium enriched in radium) or as radium alone with no uranium present.
The Ra-226/U-235 ratio in natural uranium would be expected to be 23.
This would indicate that samples 1-7 and 1-8 are natural uranium, sample 1-13 is processed natural uranium, and samples 1-9 and 1-11 are enriched in radium.
The presence of radium only in several soil samples appears to suggest that sane of radium located in i
this landfill may have been deposited from a different source I
from that of the uranium. As shown in Table I, the solid metal samples shown for Samples 1-1 and 1-12 have been analyzed j
by both DOE-Idaho and DOE-New Brunswick.
Analysis results from the two laboratories on Sample 1-12 indicated that the metal casting Sample 1-12 was an uranium-aluminum alloy and that Sample 1-1 was uranium-zirconium containing uranium enriched to 93% U-235.
b.
Attleboro, Massachusetts - Finbera Field l
Table 3 presents the results of the analysis of soil samples taken from Finberg Field and analyzed by the DOE-Idaho Labora-tory. Also presented are the radiation survey results as measured on contact with, and at 3 feet from, the surface of the areas sampled.
Each of these samoles were found to centain only radium.
m
~ **
w*
w o
a y
w m_,_
w+
mm
-m.g.-,,4
i 15 i
5.
Protective Measures The privately owned landfill area in Norton (Shpack property) is in a remute area.
However, subsequent to a meeting with Town of Norton officials, as a precautionary measure, it was decided to
.j post this area with official "No Trespassing" and " Caution - Radio-active Material" signs to inhibit access.
This was done on the northern perimeter along Union Road.
j Because of the very low level of radiation at the Finberg Field, Attleboro site, during the meetings on November 30 and December 1, 1978 with the City of Attleboro and Commonwealth of Massachusetts officials, it was decided that no precautionary posting was necessary at that time. The low levels of radioactivity found were located in areas not expected to be used, especially during the winter months.
6.
Pending Subsequent Actions 1
Subsequent actions are largely related to the matter of ultimate j
jurisdiction and responsibility, 1
a.
Finberg Field, Attleboro The radioactive material found at this site was radium, which l
is a material whose use is regulated by the Ccmonwealth of Massachusetts.
Therefore, responsibility for formulating further actions here has been assumed by the Bureau of Radiation Control Programs, Department of Public Health, Cocconwealth of Massachusetts. This Bureau is communicating directly with City of Attleboro officials on this matter.
b.
Privately Owned Landfill, Norton Except for some radium, the radioactive material found at this site would have been used pursuant to a license issued by the former Atomic Energy Comission (AEC) whose functions in this area have been assumed by the NRC or pursuant to an AEC contract i
which activities are now under the jurisdiction of the 00E.
There is presently an ongoing investigation being conducted by NRC to detennine the source of the uranium and the associated responsibilities.
This investigation will be the subject of a separate report.
{'3+
.s-
)U*
i
~
~
l 16 i
I Decisions on possible additional surveys needed to furth:r
}
define the extent of the material are pending the outcome of the investigation as to the source of the material.
NRC and DOE are in comunication on this matter.
1
\\
. \\
9 +6 a.4 1
t l
i t
9 i
G;Ul.
u e me-=
p.
i 4
ATTACHMENT A i
LIST OF MEETING ATTENCEES Meeting of November 2, 1978 - Norton, Massachusetts I
George Swibble, Radiation Control, Department of Health, Commonwealth of Massachusetts David Opatka, Director of Conservation, Town of Norton, Massachusetts Jerome Roth, Re ion I, USNRC Team Leader Todd Jackson, Region I, USNRC David Gloski, Region I, USNRC Meetings of November 9,1978 - Norton, Massachusetts with Landowner Mrs. Isadore Shpack, Landowner, Private Landfill J. M. Allar, Deputy Director, NRC:I j
H. W. Crocker, Section Chief, Fuel Facility Projects Section, NRC:I With Commonwealth of Massachusetts Officials
}
E. Comproni, Radiation Control, Department of Health, Commonwealth of i
Massachusetts G. Swibble, Radiation Control, Department of Health, Commonwealth of l
Massachusetts J. M. Allan, Deputy Director, NRC:I l
G. H. Smith. Branch Chief, Fuel Facility and Materials Safety Branch, NRC:I K. Abraham, Public Affairs Officer, NRC:I T. C. Elsasser, State Liaison Officer, NRC:I H. W. Crocker, Section Chief, Fuel Facility Projects Section, NRC:I With Town of Norton Officials Norton, Massachusetts Selectmen E. Comproni, Radiation Control, Department of Health, Comonwealth of Massachusetts J. M. Allan, Deputy Director, NRC:I i
G. H. Smith, Branch Chief, Fuel Facility and Materials Safety Branch, NRC:I T. C. Elsasser, State Liaison Officer, NRC:I H. W. Crocker, Section Chief, Fuel Facility Projects Secticn (News reporters and concerned citizens also attended).
/
g09
~
ju
I i
2 i
Meeting of November 28, 1978 - Attleboro, Massachusetts G. Keane, Mayor of Attleboro W. Rollinson, Director of Attlebcru Office of Civil Defense G. Swibble, Massachusetts Department. of Public Health, Bureau of Radiation Control Programs J. Stohr, NRC:I Project Cooi.ihator K. Abraham, NRC:I Public Affairs Officer i
J. Roth, NRC:I Team N Captain i
T. Jackson, NRC:I Team N Member
.i P. Clemons, NRC:I Team N Member 1
J. Kottan, NRC:I Team A Captain Meetino of November ?.8, 1978 - Norton, Massachusetts I
D. Opatka, Director of Conservation, Town of Norton i
G. Swibble, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Radiation Control Programs J. P. Stohr, NRC:I Project Coordinator K. Abraham, NRC:I Public Affairs Officer I
J. Roth, NRC:I Team N Captain T. Jackson, NRC:I Team N Member P. Clemons, NRC:I Team N Member j
Meeting of November 30, 1978 - Attleboro, Massachusetts l
G. Keane, Mayor of Attleboro W. Rollinson, Director of Attleboro Office of Civil Defense R. Linsey, Fire Chief of Attleboro H. Cruft, Police Chief of Attleboro G. Swibble, Massachusetts Department of Hea".th, Bureau of Radiation Control Programs J. Stohr, NRC:I Project Coordinator K. Abraham, NRC:I Public Affairs Officer J. Kottan, NRC:I Team A Captain Meeting of December 1, 1978 - Attleboro, Massachusetts G. Keane, Mayor of Attleboro W. Rollinson, Director of Attleboro Office of Civil Defense G. Swibble, Massachusetts Department of Health, Sureau of Radiation Control Programs J. Stohr, NRC:I f roject Coordinator K. Abraham, NRC:I Public Affairs Officer J. Kottan, NRC:I Team A Captain B. Landis, Staff Writer, Providence Journal
-h
'l
(,D
+. _
.F I
i 3
_ Meeting of December 1, 1978 - Norton, Massachusetts G. Glaiel, Executive Secretary, Norton Board of Selectman G. Swibble, Massachusetts Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control Programs J. Stohr, NRC:I Project Coordinator J. Roth, NRC:I Team N Captain Meeting of December 12,1978 - IE:HQ G. Smith, Chief, FF&MS Branch, NRC:I J. Stohr, Chief. E&SP Section, FF&MS Branch, NRC:I J. Roth, NRC:I, Fuel Facilities Inspector R. Shepherd, Physical Security Inspector, NRC:I J. Kottan, Radiation Specialist, NRC:I L. Battest, Radiological Engineer, NRC-0SD D. Sly, FFMSI, IE:HQ l
N. Ketzlach, Senior Scientist, NRC:NMSS E. Howard, Director, Division of Safeguards Inspections, IE:HQ
]j C. Bauer, Project Specialist, Office of Congresswoman Margaret H. Heckler, Tenth District of Massachusetts 1
l t
i 5
i 1
0
~
~ --
-m
?vWAkly D mul Nevk mu.
wgfyf
~
I fan 4 e.lubh l** ft d fco-% yms&sa%,g
.w af
- l-t. m y/4y l
X 'l~5* my/I,e hla.-w mv/h y
(
m d dendes sai,,pl;,9 6le f
G-m &cy,,4,,) g g w e,i.st,,./a,.
j um6c s m e 3
yesampenos.
,-s jl l
-- m.1 qyt 3 p,> 1w i-c
,9 A
j
'f 5' $$)
f
<b
.a, 24
.--s e
,s
/
Y'-a
\\
I Q
a q
r
- c ~ ~~~ ',3 yy 4
~s i
e I
i
\\
g
- a 4
,f 4 s \\ tl-00 s a:-r)
~
t, g
N.% Jk
.)
\\
w l'
G-
.j x,/
s k,,S'~..-....]
i gdd
'r
/ '3 0 0 R B R E l) y i
l I ' Scad ao8 e
5 l'*1
/
cog u
c w a p u A M A.
,,,,,s X,' *e,
./<
.h e e s
s.
s ime
~
v4
- 3 R
3
~
T 1
1
/ SfW.o g
s2.. w.-
s-f~
=~ m.,
4%.
g
%, vgr 3 s o..<m'A fg 4 p$
e h
0 5l S
,'i S
~~
/ n 3
s' CM(- ['t 4' 0 '
,4
',1 M
['
['
j
- [k V
, s,/
O p
\\
~
/-
u Q/,,[4 ~
/
~ (
[.
y.
/
I
- 4....,
V5 y
6=
J, C ( g i.
)
5 g
r~
n[
% J' z
~
+
s,hh
~5
_a u,,g ;) /-:
~
., 4W M,-
- m..
~' '
n-m s.
,/
ie
'y~ 4 7. k%-dl, w -
9 q h%. ? 9
~
/'
+b
%[
f
.'?-; ' /
1
'" N" <-(LA ~%
x*
5
. ~
/
7)*Wab(L(fTls,%
s
'r W
k-
~ \\\\
k
,3 Q3 s**
t s
)
s i
i,.,._/
\\. %,f~C h I k
'4.p'5
. \\ " y,
.j i
p 1,s
\\
+
l.
s i
j fN
+
\\
l(%.
ri 3
N
=
t r{m
{
' 1 d~iw..
,,t c
d.
3
>e
- m.,3 au f
+
/,\\"N g f y a.5*3 ["f~~'M JN.
O
.x g.$.
f i
\\
1 M
i x
Ad y
- C. v
.s@, (j v.
f,y/.
4 e-
\\
%s
%,vc,n,, '.s,s.~.~}_. yse 6,
~ ' " ~
r.
M -
.: a M
y,, jf __,,,
A w. :,
~
., '..::. =.,:+l
, +-
'),
8
,u N$.,m*d D M-(.:+y m-.a,
,r d
n i
ED8
",M
~
..>, h~ u- -11 a n pw.i
_y
,d.
s], \\ g /
~,r~.>
3. ~'~~~
\\
~~t-t 5 ~> M g%r*4: m...~ ;
w i
- n..- M,:?- W M: x-f..m %~ w?. %'%=?.~
L W
4 L y f;
= - ' ', ~
u, er c.
's \\m~.:
' + < * -
(~; f
",3 L
,hh,W(A h
..i.N.as,9.x. -(ts.)'}' [jf f,' ff($;.JMC
-)L,
. Y ~~~
+
-D,)./
,s, w.a.1 o.
a
. Ne
[4_.
k g 1,,
~ A
. h:
.,,.y..,,
. p
..,,,a,,
/',e x,ib.'\\-d'w?,Nb i
..n--
se - -.
p.,[ [o V
'fs
, d,: / e; m.
v.
. ' - - rJsl*
.,Q. V".
<tp. _~( ( [e?
d b
. f l
..,y..
s
/' C'.g.[Nd o
}
p#
_p... +
r QM. > f,% ~_s
'. 'rs r/
p/
s u
, A 'S
.. w
.}
s
' =;%
.\\
s 4,,, ).>$, ",,'
c.i b..
r p* \\F*f w'g, -2
$ nj.
y); p ;I L. *~
..,\\..~:
w%- %
Q'
\\
e n
~
T f
=-
+
g t4.iw W"*'
g
/v.q,. ;.,,
3s,
{
\\ v.
g,
.f
~
~,.
,f -?.
~L 3
7, 2
u.
\\
.,[3 h,,
- P '
N l'
O q..
=
.v,g, 3.. p'-_.
i<'
s.
h
%.f.
s-1. - -
.y' x s_ ' K,,,,,
m s
- =i
~~
FIGURE 3 BISHO P ST R E GT Wooded
\\
mm M
N i
\\
\\
7....
Certs N
X B4ll
\\'\\
couri N
t 7
k x
x;\\l 3
Arm g
\\s
. K-4 s,
8$
W NC446ES
- Y'\\
\\
$b X AQ A-i-D X
Y MA
=
'w g
A F
l lD B Y'c lC 4
o EfR
~
c hbbff bPib S?;9 w: x n,,w, a-ca...a,,,n -,1_,. n.u,..,,,,,p,
l
}
l TABLE I Norton, Me Landfill Sample Analysis Results ru>i '
Sample No.
Location Date Sampled Laboratory Sample Analysis Results Radiation Surve_y Results contact (G-M) 0-1 See Map 10/24/78 Idaho Depleted Uranium.
U-238 in 2-6 mR/hr j
-35 mesh soil fraction =
2.25 1 0.9 E-1 uCi/gm.
X-ray diffraction and emission i
spectrographic analyses indi-cated Uranium and Silica the major components with Uranium as U 03 8 and UO.
2 l
0-2 See Map 10/24/78 Idaho Natural Uranium. U-238 in 2-6 mR/hr
-35 mesh soil fraction =
1.35 1 0.45 E-6 uC1/gm.
i 0-3 See Map 10/24/78 Idaho Depleted Uranium. U-238 in 10-15 mR/hr
-35 mesh soil fraction =
9.01 1 0.32 E-2 uCi/gm.
1-1 Hole A 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho /New
-35 mesh soil fraction is 10-15 mR/hr top 6" Brunswick depleted Uranium. The soil is approximately 26% Uranium; the Uranium concentration in the i
soil = 8.6 E-2 uCi/gm. A metal i
i i
strip found in the soil contains i
approximately 8%
Uranium enriched i
to 93% U-235.
X-ray diffraction Cj and emission spectrographic analyses indicated the metal strip to be Uranium and Zirconium.
te i
t
fI
._.-.s...-....-_.1 I
l 2
I l
Sample No.
Location Date Sampled Laboratory Sample Analysis Results Radiation Survey Results contact (G-M)
I 1-2 llole A 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho
-35 mesh soil fraction is s 30 mR/hr (east side) depleted Uranium.
The soil 3" from top is approximately 36% Uranium.
X-ray diffraction and emission spectrographic analyses indi-i cated Uranium in the Forms U033 211 0 and MgU 06 2
2 1-3 llole A 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Depleted Uranium.
2 mR/hr 12" depth i
1-4 llole A 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Depleted Uranium and Radium.
I mR/hr 21-23" depth 1-5 llole B 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium and Uggp/U ium-235 2-3 mR/hr present.
Ra"o 235 = 36*.
top 3" 1-6 Ilole C 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho
-35 mesh soil sample contains 3 mR/hr i
9" depth Radium. The radium concentra-I tion in the soil = 1.4 + 0.3 E-2 uCi/gm.
1-7 llole C 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium and Uranium-235 present.
1 mR/hr i
surface Ra226/U235 = 20*.
l-8 Ilole D 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium and Uranium-235 present.
0.3 mR/hr C$
surface Ra226/U235 = 26*.
J c,
J.
f l
f' l
l l
3 l
t Sample fle.
Location Date Sampled Laboratory Sample Analysis Results Radiation Survey Results !
contact (G-M) i 1-9 Hole D-1 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium and Uranium-235 present.
0.3 mR/hr surface Ra226/U235 = 78*.
1-10 llole D 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium only.
0.2 mR/hr 6" depth 1-11 Hole D-1 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Ragt m g Uranium-235 present.
0.3 mR/hr g/U 3"-6" depth
= 45*.
Ra l
l metal casting 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho /New The casting contains about 40%
s 30 mR/hr Brunswick total uranium enriched to about 20 I
weiglit percent U-235.
X-ray diffraction and emission spectro-i graphic analyses indicated Uranium and Aluminum in the Form UA13-1-13 Mud A 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium and Uranium-235 and 0 mR/hr 23g/U235=1.
resent.
Ra 1-14 Mud B 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium only.
O mR/hr 1-15 Mud C 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium only.
O mR/hr
,Q 1-16 Mud D 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho Radium only.
O mR/hr c.t f
,r2 L4
i I T
4 Sample No.
Location Date Sampled Laboratory Sample Analysis Results Radiation Survey Results contact (G-M)
W-A Water 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho 1.4 + E-7 uC1/ml gross alpha 0 mR/hr I
W-B Water 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho 0 + 2 E-9 uC1/ml gross alpha O mR/hr W-C Water 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho 4 1 2 E-9 uC1/ml gross alpha O mR/hr W-D Water 10/31-11/2/78 Idaho 6 1 2 E-9 uC1/ml gross alpha 0 mR/hr W-E Wa ter 11/9/78 Idaho 8 1 4 E-10 uCi/ml gross alpha W-F Water 11/9/78 Idaho 812 E-10 uCi/ml gross alpha l
(Shpack well)
- Notes:
1.
Ra226/U235 = 23 for natural uranium.
This indicates samples 7 and 8 are natural uranium, sample 13 is processed natural uranium, and samples 9 and 11 are enriched in Radium.
I IscoO z~3 t;3 j
A7
I I
TABLE 2' Areas Surveyed in Attleboro Number Date Location Area Results A-1 11/28/78 Holden St. along approximately no radioactivity Bungay River 15 acres detected 1
A-2 11/28/78 Bank St. along approximately no radioactivity J
Bungay River 1-3 acres found A-3 11/28/78 area bounded by approximately no radioactivity O'Neil Blvd., East St.,
10 acres found d
Pearl St., and George St.
Contains a paved parking lot, bowling alley, and active land fill.
j A-4 11/28-30/78 Finberg Field approximately radioactivity 20 acres found i
A-5 11/30/78 Attleboro Landfill Corp. approximately no radioactivity Peckham Road at the 30 acres detected on slopes Norton-Attleboro town and back of active line-South Side of landfill not Peckham Rd.
surveyed A-6 11/30/78 Attleboro Landfill Corp. approximately no radioactivity Peckham Road at the 12 acres detected Norton-Attleboro town line-North Side of Peckham Rd.
A-7 11/29/78 Attleboro Landfill Corp. approximately no radioactivity Peckham Road at Norton-6 acres detected Attleboro town line-1000 feet south of active landfill A-8, 9, 11/29/78 Attleboro Landfill Corp. approximately no radioactivity 10, 11 Peckham Road at Norton-50 acres detecteo Attleboro town line-1000 feet south of area A-7 A-12 11/30/78 Thatcher (Speedway) approximately no radicactivity Brook extending south 1 acre detected from Maple Street Q
cfbS g_,-.
+..
e
-em
--m mee
-e.
e-
- - - =
W M
+a.-
.e
i l
2 i
Areas Surveyed in Norton Number Date Location Area Results 10/24,10/27-South of Union St at approximately radioactivity I
11/2/78 the Norton-Attleboro 10 acres detected
]
town line N-1 11/28/78 Alleged location south approximately could not find east of Shpack dump 1 acre may be Thompson location Chemical dump site located at the south end of Shpack dump strattling the Norton-Attle-j boro town line N-2 11/28/78 East side of Maple St.
approximately no radioactivity
_. j just north of power 1 acre detected lines i
N-3 11/28/78 Barrows St. near the approximately no radioactivity intersection with 5 acres detected 1
Worcester St. from the j
bridge extending north-west toward Barrowsville i
Pond N-4 11/28/78 Barrows St. approxi-approximately no radioactivity mately 2000 ft. west 5 acres detected of the bridge N-5 11/30-12/1/78 West side of Cean St.
approximately no radioactivity approximately 2000 ft.
8 acres detected north of the Rehoboth town line 12/21/78 Bounded on the north by approximately no radioactivity H'irvey St., on the south 225 acres detected by West Hodges St. and Goose Branch (Creek) on the west by a dirt road and the electric company high tension wires and on the east by Goose Branch (Creek) r n")E)
L Q
Gfd '
m
I I
___._____.._____.m__
1 TABLE 3 Finberg Field Sample Analysis Results Sample No.
Date Sampled Laboratory Sample Analysis Results Radiation Survey Results i
uCi/gm*
contact (G-M)
Pb-214 Bi-214 A-4-A 11/30/78 Idaho (3.66 1 0.10) E-4 (3.48 + 0.15) E-4 0.20 mR/hr A-4-B 11/30/78 Idaho (2.05 1 0.05) E-3 (2.10 1 0.06) E-3 0.08 mR/hr A-4-C 11/30/78 Idaho (6.59 1 0.18) E-4 (6.20 1 0.23) E-4 0.32 mR/hr i
A-4-D 11/30/78 Idaho (1.39 1 0.04) E-4 (1.46 1 0.09) E-4 0.15 mR/hr lef t field not sampsed 0.05 mR/hr fence tn c[(
Radiation measurements made using Eberline E-120 survey meter with IIP-190 probe.
N t;-
- includes a systemmatic error of 1100%
N r
-l I