Survey for Release of Granular Solids

["Geyster, John" <John.Geyster@vynpc.com>]

This question is directed to power reactor facilities.

1.  When counting granular solids (sediment, dirt, excavation material) for
unrestricted release from the site, which of the following criteria is used
to determine if the count acceptable?

a.   The sample count meets or exceeds the Environmental LLD's listed in the
Tech Spec/ODCM for Sediment (in our case, Cs-137 & Cs-134).

b.   The sample count meets or exceeds the Environmental LLD's listed in the
Tech Spec/ODCM for Sediment and meets the LLD's for all other isotopes
listed under other sample media times a multiplier (in our case, Co-60 for
water 15 pCi/l x 10 = 150 pCi/l for sediment because Co-60 is not listed
under sediment).

c.   Other criteria.

2.   Has the NRC reviewed your criteria and have they had any comments
(negative or positive) on your release criteria?

3.  Do you use an a priori LLD (LLD determined using a sample blank) or
determine the LLD for each sample based on the spectral analysis of the
sample in question?

4.  If anyone has any documented background information (other than the info
notices), I would appreciate references.

You may forward the answers directly to my e-mail address listed below or
post to radsafe as you prefer.

John J Geyster
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Company 
john.geyster@vynpc.com

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