ML20247Q982

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Recommends Approval of DOE 890718 Application for Supplemental Stds for River Bank Area at Durango Site
ML20247Q982
Person / Time
Issue date: 09/19/1989
From: Randy Hall, Jacoby D
NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
To:
NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
References
REF-WM-48 NUDOCS 8909290137
Download: ML20247Q982 (6)
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  • .2 Oc UNITED STATES

[' 'g NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ef O REGloN IV h i[

,o URANIUM RECOVERY FIELD OFFICE o,,,, Box 25325 DENVER, COLORADO 80225 SEP 191989 URF0:DLJ Docket No. WM-48 040WM048950E MEMORANDUM FOR: Docket No. WM-48 FROM: Dawn L. Jacoby, Project Manager

SUBJECT:

SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS APPLICATION FOR RIVER BANK AREA AT THE DURANGO PROCESSING SITE BACKGROUND

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The EPA standards, under 40 CFR Part 192.12(a) require that the concentration of radium-226 in land averaged over any area of 100 square meters shall not exceed the background level by more than 5 pCi/g, averaged over the first 15 cm of soil below the surface, and 15 pCi/g averaged over 15 cm thick layers of soil more than 15 cm below the surface. The radon flux standard, 40 CFR 192.02(b)(1), requires that the release of radon-222 not exceed an average release rate of 20 pCi/m2s.

On July 18, 1989, DOE applied for supplemental standards for an area immediately cdjacent to the Animas River at the Durango processing site.

Elevated radium-226 concentrations in excess of the EPA standards were encountered at elevations below the river stage. The proposed remedial action would remove the upper two to three feet of material leaving the river bank in place. Supplemental Standards were recommended for the remaining material based on the environmental harm which would result from removal of the material.

DISCUSSION A site visit was conducted September 6, 1989 to observe the proposed area and to discuss the proposal with DOE. DOE originally requested supplemental standards for an area containing approximately 500 to 650 cubic yards of -

material. During the site visit, DOE indicated that the majority of the area had been cleaned and now meets the standards. There is an estimated 150 cubic yards of remaining contaminated material in the area that does not meet the standards (see Figure 1). The existing and proposed conditions are shown on Figure 2.

PW l u, 8909290137 890919 PDR WASTE WM-48 PNU L_______________

  • l 2 SEP 191989 Soil Radium DOE estimates the remaining soil to have a radium-226 concentration of approximately 30 pCi/g (based on the 500 cubic yard estimate). Review of the data from the test pits in the vicinity of the areas exceeding the standards (Test Pits 1, 2, and 7) and assuming one foot of material has been excavated, indicates an average concentration of 26 pCi/g. This value compares with the otherwise applicable standard of 16.4 pCi/g (background of 1.4 pCi/g plus 15 pCi/g).

Radon Flux DOE estimated radon flux using the RAECOM computer code and conservatively estimated soil parameters. Staff review of the RAECOM modeling indicated questionable results. In house RADON computer modeling results in an estimated average radon exit flux of 13 pCi/m2s assuming a minimum of two foot of cover as proposed and an activity of 26 pCi/g. This value meets the 20 pCi/m2s primary standard.

Supplemental Standards Criteria for applying supplemental standards (40 CFR 192.21) include (1) posing a clear and present risk of injury to workers, and (2) directly producing environmental harm that is clearly excessive compared to the health benefits of achieving primary standardc. Cost is not a consideration for applying supplemental standards at the processing site.

The proposed remedial action for the small amount of contaminated material will result in a negligible potential health hazard. If supplemental standards are not applied, the river will have to be diverted for cleanup operations. The construction activities associated with the river diversion and river bank cleanup would present a clear risk of injury to workers along with creating excessive turbidity in the river.

CONCLUSIONS The staff finds that due to the proximity of the area to the Animas River, the location meets two supplemental standard criteria (40 CFR 192.21 (a) and (b)).

These include posing a clear and present risk of injury to workers and directly producing environmental harm that is excessive compared to health benefits.

Also, the proposed design meets the intent of the low as reasonably achievable philosophy of 40 CFR 192.22.

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9 SEP 191989 3

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Therefore, the staff recommends approval of supplemental standards for the area requested.

Wdsuc.))j '.

Dawn L. Jaco Project Ma ger Approved by: g Aamon DirectorE. Hill /

Case Closed: 040WM048950E

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Fig u re 1 From DOE Figure 1 of July 18 1989 Submittal As Revised ofter Excavo* ion

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Figure 2 From DOE Figure 3 of July 18,1989 Submittaf I'

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