Radon Control During Remediation -Reply

[Stephen McGuire <SAM2@nrc.gov>]

If the DU were covered under an NRC license, you would have to control the radon
dose as well as that from the DU (see 10 CFR 20.1001(b) and 20.1003, definition of
background radiation).  Agreement States should have comparable regulations.  But
DOE may have different regulations.

>>> Bates Estabrooks <Bates.Estabrooks@rfets.gov> 01/08/98 10:28am >>>
          Hello Radsafers;
          
          Rocky Flats will shortly begin remediation of an area known as 
          Trench 1 (T1) where ~125 drums of depleted uranium (DU) chips 
          and lathe coolant were buried from 1954 until 1962.
          
          The work will involve excavating the drums and stabilizing the 
          potentially pyrophoric DU, in place.  All work will be 
          performed inside a very large tent to be constructed over the 
          site.
          
          My question concerns the generation of Radon and decay 
          products from the DU (primarily U238) during the work. Are 
          there any regulatory drivers, etc. to require monitoring 
          worker exposure to the Radon products, as would be the case in 
          a uranium mine, since the Radon is being generated from 
          man-made materials?