DOE-HDBK-1215-2014 Chg Notice 1 (Reaffirmed 2022), Optimizing Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment for use with DOE O 458.1, ALARA Requirements
This Handbook provides information to assist the Department of Energy (DOE) program and field offices in understanding what is necessary and acceptable for implementing the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) provisions of DOE Order (O) 458.1, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment. It identifies the goals, requirements, and issues that need to be addressed when developing ALARA analyses for the optimization of various programs to support DOE’s diverse missions. Various case studies and examples are also provided to further assist in implementing the ALARA process. This Handbook was reaffirmed in September 2022.
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Section 1
DOE HANDBOOK
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
October 2014
Change Notice 1
Reaffirmed September 2022
OPTIMIZING RADIATION PROTECTION
OF THE PUBLIC AND THE
ENVIRONMENT FOR USE WITH
DOE O 458.1, ALARA REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Department of Energy AREA ENVR
Washington, D.C. 20585
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
NOT MEASUREMENT
SENSITIVE
DOE HDBK-1215-2014
October 2014
Change 1: September 2022
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE TO
DOE HDBK-1215, OPTIMIZING RADIATION PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC AND
THE ENVIRONMENT FOR USE WITH DOE O 458.1, ALARA REQUIREMENTS
LOCATION OF CHANGES:
Page Paragraph Changed To
Ch.11 Bibliography
Page 11-2
1st reference Updated 2011, 10 CFR 835 reference 2017, 10 CFR 835
reference
Ch. 11 Bibliography
Page 11-3
7th reference Corrected spelling of “optimization”
in title of ICRP Publication 101.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
ii
PREFACE
This Handbook provides information to assist Department of Energy (DOE) program and field
offices in understanding what is necessary and acceptable for implementing the As Low As
Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) provisions of DOE Order (O) 458.1, Radiation Protection of
the Public and the Environment. It identifies the goals, requirements and issues that need to be
addressed when developing ALARA analyses for optimization of various programs to support
DOE’s diverse missions. Various case studies and examples are also provided to further assist in
implementing the ALARA process.
DOE’s ALARA process helps ensure that optimization techniques will be integrated into the
design and analyses of programmatic options necessary for the protection of the public and the
environment in accordance with the requirements of DOE O 458.1. As much as possible, DOE
sites should consider using existing processes, programs or documentation for addressing the
provisions of DOE O 458.1 in the development and implementation of the ALARA
requirements.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1-1
Chapter 2. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY ....................................................................... 2-1
Chapter 3. ALARA REQUIREMENTS IN DOE DIRECTIVES ........................................... 3-1
3.1 ALARA Process. ............................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1 ALARA Commitment ........................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2 Implementing ALARA ......................................................................... 3-3
3.1.3 Documenting ALARA Decisions ......................................................... 3-3
3.1.4 ALARA Training .................................................................................. 3-4
3.2 Factors to consider during the ALARA Process ............................................... 3-4
3.3 Compliance ....................................................................................................... 3-5
Chapter 4. ALARA PROCESS ANALYSIS ............................................................................. 4-1
4.1 Implementation ................................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Determining the Level of ALARA Analysis .................................................... 4-4
Section 2
4.2.1 Qualitative Analysis .............................................................................. 4-5
4.2.2 Semi-Quantitative Analysis .................................................................. 4-5
4.2.3 Quantitative Analysis ............................................................................ 4-6
4.3 General Steps in Quantitative ALARA Analysis .............................................. 4-6
4.3.1 Identify and Quantify the Sources of Radiation ................................... 4-7
4.3.2 Define Candidate Radiation Protection Systems .................................. 4-7
4.3.3 Quantify the Economic Factors (Costs) ................................................ 4-8
4.3.4 Quantify Exposures and Doses from DOE Activities ........................... 4-9
4.3.5 Estimate Health and Non-Health Detriments and Benefits ................ 4-10
4.3.6 Select a Candidate Radiation Protection Alternative as ALARA ....... 4-11
Chapter 5. EVALUATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS ............................................................... 5-1
5.1 Cost of Radiation Protection Systems ............................................................... 5-1
5.2 Exposures and Doses ........................................................................................ 5-2
5.2.1 Exposure Location ................................................................................ 5-2
5.2.2 Receptors............................................................................................... 5-4
5.2.3 Collective Dose ..................................................................................... 5-4
Chapter 6. OTHER FACTORS AND ISSUES RELATED TO THE ALARA PROCESS .. 6-1
6.1 Resource Allocation .......................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Uncertainties ..................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2.1 Source Terms ........................................................................................ 6-2
6.2.2 Dispersion Patterns ............................................................................... 6-2
6.2.3 Time Variations .................................................................................... 6-2
6.2.4 Release to the Atmosphere .................................................................... 6-2
6.2.5 Release to Surface Waterways .............................................................. 6-3
6.2.6 Releases to Ground Water .................................................................... 6-4
6.3 Exposures within Facilities ............................................................................... 6-5
6.4 Exposure Time .................................................................................................. 6-5
6.5 Discounting Cost ............................................................................................... 6-6
6.6 Perspectives....................................................................................................... 6-7
6.7 Other Factors and Criteria ................................................................................. 6-7
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Chapter 7. QUALITATIVE ALARA ANALYSIS ................................................................... 7-1
7.1 Environmental Restoration Case Study ............................................................ 7-1
7.2 Volumetric Release of Sediment for Off-Site Landfill Disposal ...................... 7-2
7.3 Pros and Cons Analysis .................................................................................... 7-5
Section 3
Chapter 8. SEMI-QUANTITATIVE ALARA ANALYSIS..................................................... 8-1
8.1 Case Study #1: Colonie, New York .................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Case Study #2: Elza Gate Site, Tennessee ........................................................ 8-4
8.3 Case Study #3: Maywood, New Jersey ............................................................. 8-8
8.4 Case Study #4: Ventron, Massachusetts ......................................................... 8-12
8.5 Case Study #5: Weldon Spring Site, Missouri. ............................................... 8-15
Chapter 9. QUANTITATIVE ALARA ANALYSIS ................................................................ 9-1
9.1 Cost Benefit Analysis ....................................................................................... 9-1
9.1.1 Total Detriment Equations .................................................................... 9-2
9.1.2 Cost-Benefit Optimization .................................................................... 9-2
9.1.3 Detriment and Monetary Equivalent ..................................................... 9-4
9.1.4 Dose, Risk, and Health Detriment ........................................................ 9-4
9.1.5 Quantifying Risk of Radiation-Induced Serious Health Effects ........... 9-5
9.1.6 Monetary Considerations for Reduction in Collective Dose ................ 9-5
9.1.7 Non-Health Detriment .......................................................................... 9-6
9.1.8 Cost-Benefit Example ........................................................................... 9-8
9.2 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis ........................................................................... 9-12
9.3 Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis ..................................................................... 9-13
9.3.1 Additional Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis Example ........................ 9-18
9.4 Multi-Criteria Outranking Analysis ................................................................ 9-21
9.5 Kepner-Tregoe (K-T) Decision Analysis ........................................................ 9-22
9.6 Analytical Hierarchy Process Analysis ........................................................... 9-23
Chapter 10. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF ALARA APPLICATION .......................... 10-1
10.1 Input Data. ....................................................................................................... 10-1
10.2 Identity of the Optimum.................................................................................. 10-1
10.3 Graphical Illustration ...................................................................................... 10-1
10.4 Other Considerations ...................................................................................... 10-7
Chapter 11. BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................ 11-1
APPENDIX A. FINAL DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY .............................. A-1
APPENDIX B. OPTIMIZATION OF THE DESIGN OF LWR-RADWASTE
TREATMENT SYSTEMS BY COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS ............................................. B-1
APPENDIX C. REMEDIATION OF THE WELDON SPRING CHEMICAL PLANT AND
SELECTION OF TREATMENT METHOD FOR THE CONTAMINATED QUARRY
WASTEWATER...................................................................................................................... C-1
APPENDIX D. CLEANUP OF CONTAMINATED SOILS AT THE NEVADA TEST SITE
Section 4
................................................................................................................. D-1
APPENDIX E. BNL'S HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY (HWMF) E-1
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
1-1
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
For several decades, the position of the radiological protection community has been to keep
exposures as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). The International Commission on
Radiological Protection (ICRP), following a review of past recommendations, reaffirmed this
position in Publication 60 (1991) which recommended that the system of radiological protection
for proposed and continuing practices be based on the following general principles:
1. Justification: No practice involving exposures to radiation should be adopted unless it
produces sufficient benefit to the exposed individuals or to society to offset the radiation
detriment it causes.
2. Optimization: The magnitude of individual doses, the number of people exposed, and
the likelihood of incurring exposures where these are not certain to be received should be
kept as low as reasonably achievable, economic and social factors being taken into
account.
3. Dose limits: The exposure of individuals resulting from all relevant practices should be
subject to dose limits such that no individual is exposed to radiation risks that are judged
to be unacceptable from these practices in any normal circumstance.
The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) made similar
recommendations (NCRP 1987, 1993). The ICRP general principles of radiological protection
for proposed and continuing practices have been adopted almost universally and DOE has
implemented the recommendations through Orders such as DOE O 458.1, and regulations, such
as 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection. This
Handbook focuses on the ALARA requirements in DOE O 458.1 to implement a process that
ensures all exposures are kept as low as reasonably achievable.
Since Department of Energy (DOE) programs and activities are established by Federal policy
makers, and, for the most part, the justification part of the system is addressed through these
policy decisions, this Handbook will not address Justification. Exposures of individuals will be
managed in a manner that will ensure compliance with the dose limits for the individuals,
regardless of the associated cost. For radiation protection purposes, Optimization considers the
collective dose to the exposed population from radiation sources to be proportional to the number
of radiation-induced health effects and evaluates the cost or detriment of measures that would
reduce the dose below applicable dose limits or dose constraints. Optimization provides a basis
for judging the reasonableness of the selection of a particular radiological protection system after
considering several alternatives. This Handbook strives to be consistent with the ICRP and
NCRP recommendations and to supplement other Federal regulations with that same intent.
It should be stressed that optimization is not minimization. Optimization is the result of an
evaluation that carefully balances the benefits from exposure reduction (e.g., health, regulator,
and public goodwill, etc.) with the costs (e.g., economic, schedule, social, etc.). Thus, the best
option is not necessarily the one with the lowest dose.
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1-2
The importance of the ALARA concept was further stressed in DOE P 450.4A, Integrated Safety
Management Policy (DOE, 2011), which states:
Section 5
It is the Department’s policy that work be conducted safely and efficiently
and in a manner that ensures protection of workers, the public, and the
environment. To achieve this Policy, effective safety requirements and goals
are established; applicable national and international consensus standards
are adopted; and where necessary to address unique conditions, additional
standards are developed and effectively implemented. Implementing
Integrated Safety Management requirements for Federal organizations are
established through directives, and for contractor organizations through
contract clauses.
The Department’s ultimate goal is zero accidents, work-related injuries and illnesses,
regulatory violations, and reportable environmental releases. The Department expects
that for all activities and phases in the lifecycle of missions (design, construction,
research and development, operations, and decommissioning and decontamination),
appropriate mechanisms are in place to ensure that exposures to workers, the public, and
the environment to radiological and nonradiological hazards are maintained below
regulatory limits. Furthermore, DOE expects that deliberate efforts are taken to keep
exposures to radiation as low as reasonably achievable.
The goals of this Handbook are:
• To provide additional information on the ALARA requirements in DOE O 458.1;
• To elaborate on the necessary elements of an ALARA process;
• To assist DOE program and field offices in understanding what is necessary and
acceptable for implementing the ALARA process for DOE activities that are conducted
under DOE O 458.1; and
• To aid decision makers by identifying acceptable approaches and methods for identifying
and selecting the optimum radiation protection alternative from among several candidate
radiation protection alternatives.
Chapter 3 addresses the DOE ALARA requirements. Chapters 4 - 6 provide information on the
various levels of ALARA analysis, assumptions and other factors related to the ALARA process.
Chapters 7 - 10 provide information and case studies specific to qualitative, semi-quantitative
and quantitative ALARA analyses, respectively. Chapter 10 and the appendices provide
additional examples of historical ALARA analyses conducted throughout the Department to
further help implement the ALARA process.
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DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
Chapter 2. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
This Handbook addresses the development and use of a process to keep radiation exposures of
the public and environment, and releases of radioactive material to the environment from DOE
activities as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), that is; an ALARA process to implement
and comply with DOE O 458.1, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment.
10 CFR Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection, prescribes regulations for occupational
dose to general employees from exposure to ionizing radiation from DOE activities. 10 CFR
Part 835 also includes dose limits for members of the public in a controlled area. ALARA
requirements for general employees as well as definitions of the terms “general employee,”
“occupational dose,” and “controlled area” are addressed in 10 CFR Part 835 and discussed in
associated 10 CFR Part 835 guidance.
The word “must” as used in this Handbook designates requirements from DOE O 458.1. The
words “should” and “may” are used to denote optional program recommendations and allowable
alternatives, respectively.
Section 6
To achieve an adequate level of radiation protection, the degree of control, treatment, processing,
remedial action, or other method limiting doses to workers and members of the general public
should be determined by implementing a process that identifies and considers all factors
important to decision-making. ALARA, as applied by DOE, is not a level or limit to be achieved
in controlling radiation exposures or doses, but rather a process used to ensure that appropriate
factors are considered in making decisions that could affect protection against radiation.
KEY TERMS
ALARA means “As Low As is Reasonably Achievable,” which is an approach to radiation
protection to manage and control releases of radioactive material to the environment, and
exposure to the work force and to members of the public so that the levels are as low as
reasonable, taking into account societal, environmental, technical, economic, and public
policy considerations. As used in DOE O 458.1, ALARA is not a specific release or dose
limit but a process that has the goal of optimizing control and management of release of
radioactive material to the environment and doses so that they are as far below the applicable
limits of the Order as reasonably achievable. ALARA optimizes radiation protection.
ALARA Process means a graded process for evaluating alternative operations, processes, and
other measures, for optimizing releases of radioactive material to the environment, and
exposure to the work force and to members of the public taking into account societal,
environmental, technical, economic, and public policy considerations to make a decision
concerning the optimum level of public health and environmental protection. A graded
approach provides the flexibility to perform qualitative or quantitative ALARA analyses. For
low doses, qualitative evaluations normally will suffice.
An ALARA Program refers to the set of design specifications, operating procedures,
techniques, monitoring and surveillance programs, records, instructions and other elements
that have been used to implement the ALARA process.
2-2
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
Doses to the public from effluents, emissions, and residual radioactive material must be
maintained as low as reasonably achievable below the primary dose limits. Under DOE O 458.1
a documented ALARA process must be implemented to optimize control and management of
radiological activities so that doses to members of the public (both individual and collective) and
releases to the environment are kept as low as reasonably achievable. The ALARA process must
be applied to DOE activities and the design or modification of facilities that expose the public or
the environment, no matter how small the dose. In all cases, the scope and detail of the ALARA
analysis should be commensurate with the potential benefit of the dose reduction.
DOE O 458.1 requires that the ALARA process use a graded approach (e.g., a graded level of
control and oversight) to ensure that doses to the public are low and any decisions made as a
result of the process be both beneficial and cost-effective. DOE has defined the graded approach
for nuclear safety management (10 CFR Part 830.3) as the process of ensuring that the level of
analysis, documentation, and actions used to comply with a requirement are commensurate with:
• The relative importance to safety, safeguards, and security;
• The magnitude of any hazard involved;
• The life cycle stage of a facility;
Section 7
• The programmatic mission and characteristics of a facility;
• The relative importance of radiological and non-radiological hazards; and
• Any other relevant factor.
This graded approach and these criteria generally are applicable to this Handbook, although other
factors may modify how they are used. For example, a highly contentious issue may result in
public concern and public policy becoming more consequential factors in the ALARA process.
This Handbook describes a graded approach for applying the ALARA process. ALARA is a
self-limiting system and thus the level of analysis should be commensurate with the estimated
collective dose to the exposed population; higher estimated collective doses require more rigor in
the analysis. In this sense, the cost of the analysis itself should be justified. For instance, DOE
recommends the monetary value of a unit of collective dose be between $1,000 and $6,000 per
person-rem (see Chapter 9). For an action that might cause a collective dose at the end of the
qualitative range in Figure 2-1 (e.g., 10 person-rem/yr) to be reduced to zero (0 person-rem/yr),
the averted dose value would be $60,000. In many cases, the cost of a quantitative ALARA
analysis (e.g., Cost-Benefit Analysis) alone may significantly exceed this value.
It is difficult to be prescriptive in setting guidelines for the level of ALARA analysis because
many factors – both technical and societal in nature – can influence such an evaluation. A
detailed quantitative ALARA analysis may only be necessary for major actions. DOE has
therefore opted to provide flexibility in selecting the level of analysis. “Reference” dose levels
have been established to help determine the level of effort required for an ALARA analysis, as
illustrated in Figure 2-1. In general, if the dose to the maximally exposed individual (MEI), or
the representative person of the critical group, is much less than 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) in a year and
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DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
the collective dose to the exposed population is less than 10 person-rem in a year, only a
qualitative1 ALARA analysis is warranted. When doses are near the reference levels, it may be
necessary to evaluate the alternatives semi-quantitatively2. However, if individual doses are
significant compared to the primary dose limit, e.g., tens of millirem in a year, or the collective
dose exceeds 100 person-rem in a year, a quantitative ALARA analysis is recommended.
Section 4.2 provides more detail on determining the level of ALARA analysis.
ALARA applications to radiation protection may be reflected in decision-making among various
options or alternatives such as design of a process system, performance criteria for the features or
components of the system, selection of operating modes or other parameters, and other facility-
specific or programmatic decisions that can affect the exposure of members of the public to
radiation. The optimal decision may be reached through an ALARA process. The ALARA
process should be applied to the control of routine doses and effluents, including those resulting
from minor operational occurrences and anticipated off-normal operation. Although the ALARA
process may be applied to accident-mitigating design features, that application is beyond the
scope of this Handbook. While this Handbook includes some discussion of ALARA
considerations for general employees, the 10 CFR Part 835 ALARA provisions must be
incorporated into occupational ALARA considerations. Implementation of this Handbook does
not constitute compliance with the ALARA requirements from 10 CFR Part 835.
Section 8
1 A qualitative ALARA analysis is done by describing alternatives and comparing the costs and benefits without
estimating their monetary or numerical values. A simple “pros and cons” analysis is an example of a qualitative
type of analysis and is described further in Chapter 8 and in the Guidebook to Decision-Making Methods (Baker et
al., 2001).
2 A semi-quantitative ALARA analysis develops alternative descriptions and estimates of the costs and benefits
which can be enumerated readily but may lack a comprehensive numerical comparison employing all factors.
Although numerical criteria (some subjectively assigned) may be used to help rank alternatives in the decision
process. Examples of semi-quantitative analyses are presented in Chapter 9.
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FIGURE 2-1. General Guidance for Determining the Level of ALARA Analysis Required
This Handbook:
• Identifies a number of factors that should be considered in an ALARA analysis;
• Presents a logical sequence for reviewing the factors important to decision-making; and
• References techniques that may be used to quantify some of the factors.
This Handbook also recognizes the difficulties in performing quantitative evaluations of
alternative options using tools, such as cost-benefit analyses, and acknowledges that decisions
inevitably involve technical and managerial judgment, regardless of the approach used. This
Handbook goes beyond traditional quantitative ALARA tools such as cost-benefit analysis and
optimization, recognizing the utility and efficiency of allowing different levels of detail in the
ALARA process and further recognizing that other decision-making tools such as multi-attribute
utility analysis may also be useful, particularly where non-quantifiable factors or attributes are
concerned.
Due to the complex nature of many DOE activities, a combination of radiological and non-
radiological hazards may be encountered. DOE O 458.1 and this Handbook apply only to
radiation exposures of the public and releases of radioactive material to the environment.
However, identification of non-radiological hazards is critical to the ALARA process, because
efforts to apply the ALARA process may inadvertently increase risks from non-radiological
hazards. An integrated safety management approach that optimizes protection of the public and
environment from all potential hazards should be considered in the ALARA process for a given
DOE activity.
MEI or Representative Person of the Critical Group dose
1 mrem/y
Collective dose
10 person-rem/y 100 person-rem/y
ALARA analysis type
Qualitative………………Semi-quantitative ..................... Quantitative
It is necessary to comply with the appropriate (individual) dose limit to any member of the
public, whatever the cost. However, it is the collective dose that is used in the ALARA
analysis to select a radiation protection alternative.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
3-1
Chapter 3. ALARA REQUIREMENTS IN DOE DIRECTIVES
The principal ALARA requirements for DOE actions in protecting the public and environment
are contained in DOE O 458.1, paragraph 4.d [paragraph 2.d of the Contractor Requirements
Document (CRD)]. However, specific references to the application of ALARA process appear
throughout DOE O 458.1, including sections on the public dose limit, temporary dose limits,
airborne radioactive effluents, liquid discharges, management, storage and disposal of
radioactive waste, protection of drinking water and ground water, and release and clearance of
property. Related directives such as DOE O 435.1, Radioactive Waste Management, also
contain ALARA requirements. Application of ALARA is a broad, integral part of the overall
implementation of DOE public, environmental and worker protection programs, and is not a
limited or niche application.
Section 9
3.1 ALARA Process
In accordance with DOE O 458.1, a documented ALARA process must be implemented to
control and manage releases of radioactive material to the environment and exposures of
members of the public to radiation at levels as low as reasonably achievable.
Likewise, the method for implementing the ALARA process is highly dependent on the
complexity of the activity and should be commensurate with the potential radiological hazard
associated with the DOE activity. For example, activities that use encapsulated radiation sources
where there is essentially no likelihood of releasing source material with no potential for public
or environmental exposures would only require addressing possible contamination from ruptured
sources and potential external exposure. In contrast, if the activity included recovering the
source material from ruptured capsules and re-encapsulation, the potential environmental
exposure pathways for inhalation and ingestion would also be required in the ALARA process.
An ALARA process should be reviewed by the DOE contractor or operating organization as
necessary to maintain a current and effective program, but at least every three years, to identify:
• Changes that have occurred in the facility, operations, or activities that could alter the
relative importance of the releases or exposures;
• Alternatives to operations or activities that were not considered previously;
• Operational information on the performance of the selected equipment or process that
could alter the decision on choice among alternatives; and
• Changes in administration of the program, such as changes in mission or contractor.
The ALARA process is an integral part of an environmental radiation protection program and
should be reviewed and approved either separately or as part of other environmental protection
documents such as those associated with the implementation of an Environmental Management
System (EMS). The description of the ALARA process should be contained in, or summarized
and referenced in, the DOE-approved plans, procedures, or other documentation. The degree of
formality and the level of detail contained in these documents should be commensurate with the
magnitude of the radiological hazard associated with the DOE activity.
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Internal assessments or audits should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the ALARA
process and to ensure improvements are implemented to strengthen it, if justified. This is
consistent with the approach in DOE G 441.1-1C, Radiation Protection Programs Guide for Use
with Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection (2011).
The basis for ALARA decisions should be made available to the public. DOE encourages public
participation in the process as well as coordination with appropriate external regulators that may
be involved in related activities. This can be accomplished through existing site advisory groups,
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, or other public involvement programs
that currently are being implemented in support of DOE actions. It is important to assure that the
public understands DOE’s ongoing environmental protection activities.
3.1.1 ALARA Commitment
Section 10
Management commitment to ALARA is a critical element in ensuring a successful ALARA
program. DOE management retains the primary responsibility and accountability for the scope
and implementation of ALARA. This commitment should take the form of a formal, written
policy statement from a high-level manager responsible for DOE radiological activities
committing to establish and to implement the ALARA process for activities that are sources of
exposures to ionizing radiation. This commitment should hold all levels of management and
personnel responsible for adhering to ALARA policy.
All site personnel should know management’s commitment to ALARA, and appropriate
personnel should be instructed on their ALARA responsibilities. Line management should
demonstrate support for the ALARA program through direct communication, training, inspection
of the workplace, and actions including:
• Management decisions that incorporate ALARA considerations along with cost or
schedule considerations;
• Encouragement of, and praise for, employees who identify ALARA opportunities;
• Support of the ALARA Committee; and
• Publication of ALARA success stories.
Also, it is essential that the public is aware of an organization’s commitment to ALARA. For
example, the policy statement could be part of the public record.
Management commitment is essential to implementing a successful ALARA process.
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3.1.2 Implementing ALARA
A description of how the ALARA process will be implemented, including appropriate
involvement of interested parties, should identify:
• The designated organizational responsibility, authority, and structure for implementing
ALARA;
• The systematic evaluation of the activities at the site to identify those activities that are
responsible for the release of radioactive material and the exposures of the public and
workers; and
• A procedure to analyze the operations or activities to determine whether they are being
performed in a manner that will ensure that the radiological impacts are ALARA.
3.1.3 Documenting ALARA Decisions
DOE O 458.1 requires that a documented ALARA process be implemented however, as ALARA
is a graded approach whose rigor and detail should be commensurate with potential benefit,
documentation of the process can also be graded. In cases where no options exist to further
reduce dose or dose reduction for all options are very small, minimal documentation (e.g.
memorandum to file) may be adequate. Factors that should be considered and documented for
any ALARA decision-making process are specified in Section 3.2.
Records requirements are contained in DOE O 458.1, paragraph 4.l (paragraph 2.l of the CRD)
and include:
• Documentation of individual and collective dose to members of the public due to
radiological activities. This includes documentation of site-specific information on
radiation source dispersion patterns, location and demography of members of the public
in the vicinity of the radiological activity and assumed default values or site-specific
parameters used in calculations.
• Documentation of actions taken to implement the ALARA process identified in the Order
(CRD). Examples include records of cost-benefit or other analyses, and other factors
considered important to the ALARA decision-making process.
• Documentation of actions taken to implement the best available technology (BAT)
selection process in regulating liquid discharges, including documentation of the analyses
and factors considered to be important, including alternative processes.
Section 11
ALARA evaluations and other activities and information considered in the selection of the
alternative radiological protection option judged to be ALARA and in the rationale leading to the
selection should be documented, to include referencing data utilized as part of NEPA or
CERCLA requirements. Procedures should be established and implemented to assure that
ALARA records are kept current, complete, and readily available for use. The records should be
organized in such a way that appropriate sections can be located easily to demonstrate
compliance with the ALARA requirements. The records should facilitate coordination and
cooperation with other organizations in sharing information on analyses, performance of
equipment, costs, operations, maintenance, identity, and evaluations of alternatives.
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3.1.4 ALARA Training
Personnel who plan, prepare, schedule, estimate, or engineer jobs that have the potential for
radiological consequences should receive appropriate training to be knowledgeable of the
ALARA process. The purpose of providing training in ALARA concepts and techniques is to
ensure that personnel have the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct the needed analyses
and evaluations. ALARA training should provide the basics of ALARA concepts and the use of
ALARA-related equipment such as containment devices, shielding, ventilation, and special tools.
Topics such as radiological waste minimization, application of decontamination efforts, and
basic contingency planning for mitigation of accidental spills or releases may also be
appropriate. The size, frequency, and content of the ALARA training should be commensurate
with the size, complexity, and hazard potential of the DOE activity (i.e., a graded approach
should be applied).
Application of the ALARA process includes evaluations of:
• Exposures and doses to individuals and populations;
• Dispersions of radioactive material in the environment;
• Cost-benefit and other economic evaluations;
• Engineering evaluations of equipment performance and source determinations; and
• Applications of other disciplines.
As appropriate, such training may be integrated with other activities including ALARA-related
training for 10 CFR Part 835 or DOE O 435.1. DOE has developed specialized training material
in DOE HDBK 1110-2008, ALARA Training for Technical Support Personnel (DOE 2008b).
3.2 Factors to consider during the ALARA Process
The ALARA process evaluates and documents the societal, environmental, technological,
economic, and public policy factors considered in decisions where public exposures to radiation
can occur from DOE activities. At a minimum, the following factors should be considered and
documented as part of the ALARA process:
• The maximum dose to an individual member of the public [termed MEI or representative
person of the critical group];
• The collective dose to the exposed population;
• Doses to workers;
• Applicable alternative processes such as alternative treatments of discharge streams,
operating methods, or controls;
• Doses for each alternative evaluated;
• Cost for each alternative evaluated;
• An examination of the changes in cost among alternatives; and
• Societal and environmental (positive and negative) impacts associated with alternatives.
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These factors should be addressed whether the assessment is qualitative, semi-quantitative, or
quantitative. If a specific factor(s) was not included in the evaluation, this should be noted and
the justification documented.
Section 12
No single best procedure exists for implementing the ALARA process for all DOE activities.
This choice depends on the characteristics of the activity, the site, and the potential doses
involved.
3.3 Compliance
DOE requires application of the ALARA process in most activities addressed in DOE O 458.1.
The exception is an activity regulated by a rule containing dose or other limits based on an
ALARA determination. In that case, simply complying with the dose limit constitutes ALARA.
Applicable requirements are specified in DOE Orders and rules as well as those of other Federal,
State, and local agencies. Requirements do not originate in guidance documents.
Demonstration of compliance with the ALARA requirements may be provided by:
• A documented current description of the site ALARA process, reviewed and approved by
the appropriate DOE Program or Field Office and a statement of commitment to
implement the ALARA process;
• A documented ALARA process describing procedures by which the individual ALARA
evaluations and judgments will be made and the documentation of the procedures;
• A description of the training program provided to ensure staff capabilities to perform
ALARA evaluations; and
• Records of all formal ALARA evaluations and decisions, including the rationale for the
ALARA judgments, indicating that the ALARA process is being implemented. The
records should demonstrate that sufficient information was assembled and considered to
support the ALARA decisions.
An ALARA process should identify general areas to be considered in making ALARA decisions:
societal, technological, economic, and public policy considerations.
Whether the ALARA analyses are qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative, it is
essential to document the analyses and decision.
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Chapter 4. ALARA PROCESS ANALYSIS
This Chapter provides additional information related to the implementation of the ALARA
process and the analysis methods that may be used.
The ALARA process is a management and decision-making tool designed to maximize the total
benefits of the radiation protection provisions of a DOE activity that is likely to expose members
of the public to ionizing radiation. The optimal radiation protection alternative can be selected
from among several candidates by considering the radiation protection benefits, and, as
appropriate, other benefits and detriments, along with the cost of implementing these protective
measures. No single best method exists for implementing the ALARA process at all DOE
activities. This choice depends on the characteristics of the activity or operation, the site, and the
potential doses involved. Use of site-specific and activity- or operation-specific factors is
encouraged for all ALARA analyses.
4.1 Implementation
The basic question to be answered in the implementation of the ALARA process is “Has
everything that reasonably can be completed to reduce the radiation doses been done?”
Although the primary goal of ALARA is radiation dose reduction, hazardous non-radioactive
materials also might be components of the waste stream effluent or could be introduced by some
of the optional treatments used to reduce the radiological components. Therefore, risks
associated with these materials should also be factored into the ALARA process and ALARA
determinations. It is important to remain informed about the overall impacts and detriments of
any alternatives or decision. The release of hazardous chemicals could be treated as a “β-factor”
in a cost-benefit analysis or a non-radiological factor in a multi-attribute analysis (see Section
10.1.7). Other factors such as impacts or risks to natural or cultural resources can be addressed
similarly.
Section 13
There are a number of methods that can be applied to gather data for the ALARA process,
ranging from quantified cost-benefit analysis to multi-attribute analysis with weighting and
scaling factors that can be used in both quantitative and semi-quantitative analyses. Some may
be rudimentary and based upon a fundamental understanding and commitment to the ALARA
principle, “common sense,” or “sound judgment,” rather than on formal quantitative techniques –
and that may be all that is necessary or justified. Activities that involve low doses are more
likely to be based on judgmental decisions. In cases where dose increments are very low
compared to the dose limits, the social and public policy considerations often will be the
dominant factors in arriving at the ALARA decision.
The goal of the ALARA process is to identify, from among candidate radiation protection
alternatives, the alternative that would result in the maximum total benefit, considering the
protective measures and their costs. Assumptions and parameters used in the ALARA
evaluation should be realistic instead of overly conservative. Overly conservative choices of
parameters may bias the ALARA analysis and could result in unjustified control expenditures
or, in some cases, increased risk or detriment.
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DOE’s application of Best Available Technology (BAT) under DOE O 458.1 may also be seen
as a form of ALARA. However, it is important to distinguish that BAT focuses on reduction of
concentration or quantity of contaminants rather than dose and may lead to controls being
required for releases that have no receptor and hence no dose. From a cost-benefit perspective, it
may require treatment that goes beyond ALARA.
Site-specific societal values can be incorporated into the analysis through public input. Public
input could be used:
• To define values for use in the ALARA balancing decision;
• For a comparative ranking of risks; and
• To provide input regarding the adequacy of the data and decision processes.
An example of incorporating societal values is the use of different food chain radiation exposure
pathway models for estimating potential radiation doses to Native Americans and for ecological
receptors.
Table 4-1 presents a sequence of steps that could be followed in an ALARA (or BAT)
evaluation. A sensitivity analysis is worthwhile in both types of evaluations because it can
provide information on the robustness of the results. A sensitivity analysis also can identify
information that is important to obtain as part of the monitoring and surveillance program.
ALARA should be a flexible process, and the evaluation efforts should be proportional to the
potential benefits. The boundaries between each of the steps in Table 4-1 may not always be
clear-cut; some may proceed in parallel or may need to be repeated. The overall impact of the
alternatives under consideration might also control the detail and level of effort assigned to
individual steps. For example, if the difference in doses and costs associated with the various
options is small, the cost of a detailed ALARA review may not be warranted. Similarly, if the
difference in dose increments is large and the cost difference is small, or vice-versa, the choice of
options could be straightforward and very detailed analyses may not be justified. However,
when costs, doses, and other impacts vary significantly among options, more detailed analyses
are needed.
Section 14
The principal difference between the ALARA process and the BAT selection is that the
ALARA process balances the cost and dose reduction and attempts to identify the optimal of
several alternatives, whereas the BAT selection places more importance on the source term
(rather than doses). As utilized in DOE O 458.1, BAT is a regulatory process applicable only
to liquid effluents, but ALARA applies to all sources of radiation exposure.
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TABLE 4-1. Implementing the ALARA Process
Step 1: Define the Objective and Scope of the Issue to be Analyzed. State the objectives of the project or proposal in terms that do not
prejudge the means by which the objective is to be achieved. Specify the radiation protection factors to be included and other factors to be
considered.
Step 2: Identify Radiation Protection Options. Generate several options for achieving the objective: the aim is to find options that are both
practicable and environmentally acceptable. This step provides a strong incentive to consider not only obvious solutions, but also innovative
alternatives. It also includes the elimination of impractical options.
Step 3: Evaluate the Performance of the Radiation Control Options. Analyze these options to identify the advantages and disadvantages of
each option. Use quantitative and qualitative methods when appropriate. Cost (for a cost-benefit analysis) each of the options for operation,
maintenance, utilities, structures, equipment, labor, and collective dose. Incorporate judgment criteria explicitly. Identify other (non-
radiological) impacts and other considerations. Evaluate the impact and cost of compliance with non-radiological requirements.
Step 4: Screen Options. Present the results of the quantitative (or semi-quantitative) analysis of factors concisely and objectively and in a
format that can highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Do not combine the results of different measurements and forecasts
if this would obscure information that is important to decision-making.
Step 5: Order and Analyze. Include consideration of all relevant factors whether treated quantitatively, semi-quantitatively, or qualitatively,
together with judgment or relative weighing and the results of sensitivity analyses to select the recommended radiological optimum.
Step 6: Identify Optimal Alternative. Select the optimal option from the feasible options. The choice will depend upon the adequacy of the
radiation protection, the weight given to the environmental impacts, the associated risks and the costs involved, and the importance of non-
radiological factors.
Step 7: Perform Sensitivity Analysis. The robustness of the decision to choose a particular alternative can be determined by varying the more
important parameters and observing how the “bottom line” results are affected. If a particular parameter is seen to be capable of substantially
affecting the results, the site-specific information should be scrutinized to ensure that the value of the parameter used in the study is
representative for the site.
Step 8: Decision. Take into account the results of optimization and any non-radiological factors and make the decision. Scrutinize closely the
proposed detailed design or operating procedures to ensure that no pollution or hazards have been overlooked. It is good practice to have the
scrutiny done by individuals who are independent of the original team. Decision makers should be able to demonstrate that the preferred option
does not involve unacceptable consequences to the environment.
Step 9: Implement and Monitor. Monitor the achieved performance against the desired targets, especially those for environmental quality.
Do this to establish whether the assumptions in the design are correct and to provide feedback for future development of proposals and designs.
The results of the sensitivity study can provide valuable input to planning a monitoring program for the activity.
Throughout Steps 1 through 9: Record the bases for any choices or decisions through all of these stages: the assumptions used, the details of
evaluation procedures, the reliability and origins of the data, the affiliation of those involved in the analytical work and a record of those making
the decision. Record, if possible, the reasons for any departure from the recommended optimal candidate.
Section 15
4-3
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Under DOE O 458.1 the ALARA process must be applied to the design or modification of
facilities and conduct of activities that expose the public or the environment to radiation or
radioactive material. (It should be recognized that when a new facility is being considered, the
ALARA evaluation process needs to be used in those cases when the selection of processes,
design of the facility, and setting operating parameters and procedures needs to be consistent
with10 CFR Part 835). Early consideration of alternatives allows maximum flexibility in the
choice of design options. When a new DOE activity is being designed, the initial source term
should be characterized, and a “base case” alternative or system established. The condition that
the base case needs to satisfy is that the radiation dose to the most exposed persons (workers or
members of the public) must be within the appropriate dose limit. This base case system
subsequently will be used as a basis for comparison of the cost- effectiveness of more
sophisticated and more expensive alternative systems. The base case or some of the alternative
cases may or may not be practical design candidates because of possible environmental or other
impacts that may be judged to be undesirable or unacceptable, but these considerations would be
evaluated at a later point in the decision-making.
When the ALARA application is for an established, ongoing activity or facility (i.e., retrofitting),
the practical alternatives are likely to be more limited. Retrofitting is considerably more costly
(frequently by a factor of 2 to 3, or more) than the cost of the original design features, and the
alternatives generally are limited to practical modifications of existing facility structures or
operational procedures. In such cases, the “no action” case (i.e., the status quo) may be used as
the base case. In some situations, the no action case may result in potential doses that exceed
dose limits (e.g., a cleanup site), and as a result, may not be a viable alternative in the long term.
However, it is helpful as a basis for comparison with other alternatives to assess risks and
benefits and provide a perspective on the cost of various dose reductions.
4.2 Determining the Level of ALARA Analysis
As a management tool, the resources expended to implement the ALARA process should be
proportional to the potential benefits to the decision process. Although some level of evaluation
is required for all actions that may affect doses to the public and environment, that level may
vary from a “Memorandum to File” when the choice is obvious, to a very complex cost/benefit
or multi-criteria decision analysis when there are multiple options with varied impacts. To assist
in determining the necessary complexity of the analysis, DOE recommends “reference” dose
levels to the MEI (or representative person of the critical group) and to the exposed population to
assist in determining the level of detail needed in an ALARA analysis (See Figure 2-1).
This Handbook provides the flexibility to perform qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative
ALARA analyses, depending on the dose expected to be received by the MEI (or representative
person of the critical group) or the exposed population, and other influencing factors. The level
of effort expended to estimate the initial dose level and to determine the level of ALARA
analysis should be appropriate to the level of the activity. Professional judgment should be
Section 16
The ALARA process can be most effective when applied in the design of new facilities that
have potential to expose workers and members of the general public to radiation or
radioactive material.
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applied, and it should be considered an iterative process if the initial estimate seems too high or
too low. In many cases, reasonable estimates of the radionuclide source term, site-specific
meteorology, and dose screening factors should provide a reasonable dose estimate that allows
the level of analysis to be determined.
4.2.1 Qualitative Analysis
A qualitative ALARA analysis may be appropriate when the estimated doses are less than the
reference dose levels and, in particular, when the collective dose is estimated to be less than 10
person-rem per year and individual doses are less than 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) per year. As for all
analyses, several alternatives should be considered. All appropriate attributes or criteria of the
alternatives should be identified, described, and compared but without assigning any numerical
criteria to them. For example, the radionuclide emission level likely would be an important
attribute of candidate airborne emission control systems, and could be described as low, medium
or high. The cost of the candidate systems could be described similarly. In situations where
there is only one obvious reasonable action, or there are a few alternatives all resulting in
insignificant dose differences and one of the alternatives is clearly the favored approach based on
one important attribute (e.g., cost, schedule, public acceptance), a simple memorandum
explaining the options and the rationale for selecting one of the options may be adequate to
satisfy DOE ALARA requirements. In other cases where doses are below the reference levels
but there are multiple options with various risks or benefits, it may be appropriate to identify and
qualitatively discuss multiple attributes, how each option addressed them, and qualitatively
compare the options.
4.2.2 Semi-Quantitative Analysis
A semi-quantitative ALARA analysis may be needed as the estimated doses from the alternative
actions begin to approach or exceed the “reference” dose levels. Alternatives with collective
doses between 10 and 100 person-rem per year are prime candidates for semi-quantitative
analysis. In addition to the estimated dose the level of analysis also depends upon the
complexity of the alternatives and the number and types of attributes. Semi-quantitative analysis
may be necessary at lower levels if there are several attributes that are difficult to describe and
compare qualitatively to show difference among alternatives. Useful tools for semi-quantitative
analysis are multi-attribute analyses to rank and score attributes, with the level of analysis
complexity following a sliding scale based on the estimated dose level. All significant attributes
should be identified, characterized (rather than just described), weighted and scored, then
compared and selected. More rigor is required to develop the attributes, their characteristics, and
the relationships among attributes (e.g., uncertainty) for high-level multi-attribute analyses. The
cost-benefit analyses generally will be partial analyses that are representative of the relative costs
of each alternative, or surrogates may be used for dollars. For example, in a cleanup project,
volume of material excavated may be assumed proportional to cost for the purpose of comparing
alternative standards.
Section 17
Resources allocated to the ALARA evaluation process should be commensurate with their
potential benefits.
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4.2.3 Quantitative Analysis
A quantitative ALARA analyses may be justified for estimated doses that are above the
“reference” dose levels. For example, if alternative actions produce individual doses that could
cause the public dose to exceed or approach the all sources/all pathways dose limit [100 mrem (1
mSv) per year], or an associated source-based dose constraint such as the 25 mrem (0.25 mSv)
per year for waste management or property control, or if collective dose exceeds 100 person-rem
per year, a quantitative evaluation likely is warranted. However, dose is not the only attribute on
which to base a decision to conduct a more rigorous evaluation. If there are several viable,
alternative actions and their performance with respect to the various criteria is determined to be
important to the decision (e.g., overall environmental performance, worker risk, cost, resource
utilization), a quantitative evaluation may be needed. Similarly, if there are a large number of
non-health factors to evaluate, it may be more appropriate to perform a quantitative analysis to
determine which are more important to the decision. ICRP Publication 55 (ICRP 1989) presents
a number of quantitative decision-aiding techniques that can be used such as: cost-effectiveness
analysis, cost-benefit analysis, multi-attribute utility analysis, and multi-criteria outranking
analysis. The process of quantitatively determining the alternative with the greatest total
radiation protection benefit is formally called “optimization,” although all of the ALARA
approaches discussed above seek the “optimal” radiation protection solution. “Optimization”
should be used whenever decisions involve the implementation of a radiation protection practice
that would be costly, complex, and/or involve significant dose savings (Munson 1988).
4.3 General Steps in Quantitative ALARA Analysis
Quantitative analyses require the most effort and rigor and are the primary focus of much of this
Handbook. Most of the information provided for quantitative analysis can be adapted for use in
semi-quantitative and even qualitative analyses.
The major steps in a quantitative ALARA analysis include the following:
• Identify and quantify the sources of radiation;
• Identify and define candidate radiation protection alternatives or systems (including
waste stream treatment) that would reduce the exposure or doses;
• Quantify economic factors (cost of systems, operations, maintenance, etc.);
• Quantify exposures and doses to individuals and to populations in the vicinity of the DOE
activity;
• Estimate the health risk and identify non-health detriments (or benefits); and
• Select one or more of the candidate radiation protection systems as ALARA.
For semi-quantitative and quantitative analyses, it is important to avoid using very similar
attributes to characterize the alternatives. Duplicative attributes result in unwarranted
emphasis to a given impact area, manipulating the decision-making process and leading to
bias. Duplication should also be avoided for qualitative analyses.
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The above steps are based on a cost-benefit analysis, but they are generally applicable to other
types of analyses, considering that cost-benefit analyses require benefits and detriments to be
quantified in monetary or economic terms. The following subsections expand on these major
steps of a quantitative ALARA analysis.
Section 18
4.3.1 Identify and Quantify the Sources of Radiation
A logical starting point for any ALARA analysis is to identify and characterize all anticipated
radiation source terms, that is, sources of ionizing radiation from DOE activities. The source
evaluation should quantify all parameters germane to the estimation of potential direct exposures
of the workers and members of the public and internal exposures due to inhalation, ingestion,
immersion, or absorption of radioactive material released to the environs by the DOE activity.
For operational facilities, the “base case” source term used to compare with all alternative
radiation protection systems is that which currently exists or a reasonable representation of the
baseline source term. The data obtained from effluent sampling and/or monitoring, and
environmental surveillance could be valuable when defining existing source terms from an
ongoing activity and can provide exposure pathways and source data as well. The sampling,
monitoring and surveillance data also may verify the adequacy of analytical models for
dispersion of radioactive material in the environs and exposure pathways used to evaluate
exposure conditions and dose estimates. Careful evaluations of facility design and operating
conditions and measurements at a variety of locations in and around the facility or activity may
reveal radiation sources and release and exposure pathways not previously identified or
anticipated. Differentiation may have to be made between releases of radioactive materials as
controlled airborne or liquid effluents and releases arising from pre-existing contamination (e.g.,
re-suspension).
For facilities that are in the design stage, the base case is a radiation protection system that will
meet the dose limits for postulated dose to the maximally exposed general employee or member
of the general public. Although ALARA may be applied to the prevention of non-routine or
accidental releases of radioactive materials, the application of this Handbook and the
requirements of DOE O 458.1 are intended to apply to routine releases of radioactive material as
airborne effluents and liquid discharges from normal operation.
The ALARA process can also be used to set cleanup levels and authorized limits in the
decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of DOE facilities.
4.3.2 Define Candidate Radiation Protection Systems
When the amount, physical characteristics, and location of the radiation sources are known,
process systems can be designed to reduce the exposures of the workers and the public from the
sources.
The ALARA process should indicate how the activities and operation of the facility are
analyzed systematically to identify existing and potential radiation sources and pathways for
discharges or leakage of radioactive material that can be released to the environment where
members of the public could be exposed.
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For new facilities, or those being designed, source characterization likely would be based on:
• Component performance data supplied by the manufacturer;
• The design engineers;
• Data from other installations that have used similar components; or
• Laboratory tests.
Source characterization also should consider life cycle costs and impacts of new facilities. The
future cleanup or D&D costs should be considered as a criterion or attribute in selecting the
appropriate environmental radiation protection approach for a new facility.
Section 19
For operating facilities, the source characterization can be based on the results of survey,
monitoring, and environmental surveillance data with supplemental studies or measurements, as
necessary.
Assuming that the sources of radiation and potential exposures are sufficient to justify the effort,
several system design and operating options that would result in a range of release or exposure
conditions and costs should be identified for each radiation source. Ideally, the design options
would include several process technologies, combinations of process components, and operating
conditions ranging from the most rudimentary (base case) to the most technologically
sophisticated system. The ALARA process will identify the most favorable of the candidate
design and operating options.
The performance of the components of the radiation protection systems for reducing the
exposures and associated doses should be estimated for each candidate system and option so that
the modified source term, before and after treatment, can be estimated. Engineers, operators, and
designers of other nuclear (and non-nuclear) facilities can provide extremely valuable data on
alternative systems and components, cost, maintenance, and operating experience, particularly
where the characteristics of the streams or processes are similar. Data should include system
descriptions, performance and cost characteristics.
4.3.3 Quantify the Economic Factors (Costs)
Two primary components of the cost associated with a radiation protection system are:
• The system cost of purchasing, installing, operating, maintaining the equipment and
D&D, and
• The cost of the potential health effects.
In ALARA applications, one is interested in the cost of providing various degrees of radiation
protection for persons who are anticipated to be exposed to sources of radiation caused by a DOE
activity, and in how these costs change with alternative systems. There also may be other costs
associated with alternative systems that should be considered, such as those related to damage
It is essential that several candidate process or radiation protection design options be
evaluated so that the ALARA process can identify the best system(s).
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(due to implementing an alternative) to a natural or cultural resource, or benefits to the protection
of those resources from other alternatives. These factors also may be identified as part of the
other “non-health detriments” discussed in Section 4.5.2. These analyses identify the candidate
system with the least total (benefit [control] + detriment) cost in a cost-benefit analysis, hence
the optimum system. The same types of factors help identify the optimum system in a multi-
attribute analysis but are not quantified in monetary equivalents. It is important to recognize that
cost is a metric used to compare alternatives. Alternative metrics may be used in multi- attribute
analyses, but the goal is the same – to present the cost and benefits of the alternatives in common
terms that can be easily compared.
4.3.4 Quantify Exposures and Doses from DOE Activities
Section 20
The doses to occupationally exposed individuals and to the MEI (or representative person of the
critical group) from a DOE activity are important because there are specific dose limits
established by regulation or directive that must be met if the activity causing the exposures is to
be permitted. The appropriate dose limit for an individual worker or member of the general
public must be met regardless of cost. DOE also utilizes dose constraints for specific activities.
In most cases, the constraints are treated like limits when evaluating options. If the constraint
cannot be met, then the alternative is not viable. However, unlike limits, it is possible to
consider an alternative that might exceed a constraint when other attributes of the ALARA
analysis clearly override the benefit of meeting the constraint, as long as the dose limits are not
exceeded. 10 CFR Part 835 regulates doses to workers. ALARA requirements for workers are
addressed in that rule and its associated guidance.
Collective dose is used as a surrogate for the potential radiological health impact on the
population exposed to the radioactive material. DOE O 458.1, consistent with the ICRP, defines
collective dose (S) as the sum of the total effective dose (TED) to all persons in a specified
population received in a specified period of time. ICRP 103 recognized that this definition has
led people in some cases to use the collective dose incorrectly to calculate radiation-related
detriments by summing radiation exposures over a wide range of doses, over very long time
periods and over large geographical regions. The following aspects should be considered and
critically reviewed in order to assure that the collective dose is correctly calculated and applied
as an instrument for optimization:
• The radiation source geometry;
• Quantity, type and energy of radiation emissions;
• Exposure modes and pathways;
• Number of exposed individuals and population distribution;
• Age and sex of exposed persons;
• Range of individual doses;
• Location of the receptor with respect to the source location;
• Duration of exposure and dose distribution in time;
• Quantity of radioactive material released;
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• Dispersion by natural forces;
• Lifestyle of the receptors; and
• Other parameters.
There are no specific dose limits in DOE O 458.1 for collective dose from a DOE activity. As
will be seen, if the health-detriment or health benefit can be quantified, a cost of the detriment or
benefit may be postulated for cost-benefit assessment purposes.
4.3.5 Estimate Health and Non-Health Detriments and Benefits
It is important to quantify the detriment (risk) or benefit (risk reduction) because, by doing so, a
value can be placed on the amount of resources that may be committed for a radiation protection
system to avoid a radiation-induced serious health effect. Again, the terminology of detriment
and benefits is used principally in cost-benefit analysis, but the concepts are applicable to other
ALARA process evaluations such as multi-attribute utility analyses.
4.3.5.1 Health Detriments
Section 21
Serious health effects, such as cancer and genetic diseases, can be induced by exposures of
humans to ionizing radiation. The effects have been observed only among populations subjected
to doses greater than 10 rad delivered at a high dose rate. Whether these health effects occur at
lower dose rates or by chronic exposure at low dose rates has not been determined due to the
problems attendant to large epidemiological studies and to incomplete knowledge of the
mechanisms of radiation-induced cancer causation. For radiation protection purposes, DOE
assumes that there is proportionality between dose and risk (the probability of radiation-induced
health effects) at dose levels encountered in the workplace and in the environment. To estimate
radiation-induced health effects from low dose or low dose rate exposures, DOE recommends the
use of cancer risk coefficients in the supplemental disk to Federal Guidance Report #13 update
supplement, Cancer Risk Coefficients for Environmental Exposure to Radionuclides,
EPA402-R-99-001, September 1999. However, this methodology requires estimates of
radionuclide intake and may be too rigorous for many ALARA assessments. For estimating
health effects from TED estimates, DOE recommends a mortality value of 6x10-4 fatal
cancers/TED (rem) and a morbidity value of 8x10-4 cancers/TED (rem) based on use of technical
guidance developed by the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation Standards (DOE,
2003b). There are considerable uncertainties regarding radiation-induced health risks and, in
general, DOE recommends ALARA analyses use dose and its monetary equivalents for
comparative analysis rather than risk.
The analyses conducted to support the ALARA process should consider all health detriments and
benefits associated with the various alternatives evaluated. For example, one alternative control
technology might reduce the collective dose (person-rem), by ∆S (detriment averted), but could
significantly increase the risk to workers. The technology also might create a hazardous waste
It is necessary to comply with the appropriate (individual) dose limit to any member of the
public, whatever the cost. However, it is the collective dose that is used in the cost-benefit
analysis to select a radiation protection system.
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that could increase the public risk and present difficult disposal problems. These and similar
factors need to be considered in the ALARA assessment. Reasonable measures should be taken
to mitigate any additional risks caused by the technology. Due to the complex nature of many
DOE activities, a combination of radiological and non-radiological hazards may be encountered.
Identification of non-radiological hazards is critical to the ALARA process because efforts to
apply the ALARA process inadvertently may increase risks from non-radiological hazards. An
integrated safety management approach that optimizes protection from all hazards should be
considered in the ALARA process for a given DOE activity.
4.3.5.2 Non-Health Detriments
Non-health effects also can be experienced from activities that involve actual or potential
exposures to radiation. Some of these effects are real and associated with environmental factors,
such as temperature, noise, humidity, and other comfort considerations. Cost or other impacts
and benefits may be accrued to a population other than the one receiving the exposure. It could
include costs for purchasing property or other expenses to avoid litigation or demonstrations
from stakeholders. Unlike the health detriment, the non-health detriment is not linearly related to
dose, and might not be related to dose levels at all.
Section 22
Because it is difficult to anticipate the cost of non-health detriments and the cost may not even be
related to collective dose, they are difficult to include in a cost-benefit analysis and may need to
be compared qualitatively. Multi-attribute analyses are useful analysis tools where non-health
attributes may be important contributors to the decision-making and selection process. These
techniques are particularly useful for factors that are difficult to quantify in the monetary terms
that are required by a cost-benefit analysis. Multi-attribute analyses also are useful when
sufficient quantitative information is not available to perform a cost-benefit analysis.
4.3.6 Select a Candidate Radiation Protection Alternative as ALARA
In some cases, adequate information will be available to permit a cost-benefit analysis to
quantify elements important in the decision-making process. In other cases, the information
might not be available, or a quantitative cost-benefit analysis might not be practical to aid in a
decision-making process involving ALARA exposures—in such cases, the decision should be
based on less quantitative criteria. In these cases, other decision-making tools such as multi-
attribute analyses may aid in alternative selection.
In simplest terms, the radiation protection system selected by the ALARA process is the one that
results in the maximum total benefit when all significant factors – either benefits or detriments –
are considered. The prime factors crucial to ALARA decision-making in a cost-benefit analysis
are the cost differential between candidate radiation protection systems and the differential in
collective dose. These same attributes are likely the most important ones in a multi-attribute
analysis; however, the inclusion of other attributes may change their relative significance.
In the simplest case, the optimum system is that system with the maximum total benefit. In a
cost-benefit analysis this is the system with the lowest total cost – including the monetary cost
assigned to the health detriment. In a multi-attribute analysis, it is the highest ranked system.
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Chapter 5. EVALUATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
In any type of ALARA process evaluation, there are assumptions that need to be made and
commonly used methods that should be followed. This Chapter addresses some of the areas
commonly encountered for an ALARA analysis.
5.1 Cost of Radiation Protection Systems
Cost projections for candidate radiation protection systems (including treatment systems) that
alter the radiation source and operating cost may be expressed in terms of annual cost or total
cost over the lifetime of the facility. Calculation of total cost for a facility or process typically
should include, but not be limited to:
1. The system (capital) cost:
• Equipment (description and quantity);
• Labor (installation and operation); and
• Other material.
2. The annual charge on capital (to the extent that this cost is applicable to Federal agencies).
3. The operation and maintenance (O&M) cost, that is:
• A selected fraction of total capital cost equipment and piping cost;
• Expendable material cost;
• Electrical or other power cost;
• Processing cost;
• Collection and disposal cost;
• Contingency allowance; and
• Transportation cost.
4. The health detriment (cost for reduction).
Section 23
It is essential to assess all of the alternatives on an equitable basis. Using conservative estimates
for either system cost or detriment cost in one alternative but not in another will bias
comparisons and should be avoided. Therefore, it is recommended that best estimates be used in
all cases and for all attributes so that comparisons will be equitable.
Standard engineering costing methods should be used in arriving at cost estimates for the
systems.
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5.2 Exposures and Doses
Doses to occupationally exposed individuals (workers) and to the MEI (or representative person
of the critical group) are important because there are specific dose limits that must be met,
regardless of cost, if the activity causing the exposures is to be permitted. The primary dose
limit is based on the TED and equivalent doses with few source-specific exceptions. Per DOE O
458.1, the primary dose limit for members of the public from all exposure modes is a TED of
100 mrem (1 mSv) in a year, an equivalent dose to the lens of the eye of 1500 mrem (15 mSv) in
a year, or an equivalent dose to the skin or extremities of 5000 mrem (50 mSv) in a year. Dose
limits for individuals are generally selected on the basis of 1) presumed health risk to the
individual that is deemed acceptable, 2) feasibility of compliance, or 3) cost-benefit
considerations.
Several other individual dose limits that are source-specific or exposure-specific have been
promulgated in DOE O 458.1. These include doses from airborne effluents (section 4.f.), liquid
discharges (section 4.g.), radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel (section 4.h.), drinking and
ground water (4.i.), and release and clearance of property (4.k.). Thus, there may be multiple
dose limits appropriate for an individual depending, in some cases, upon the exposure mode
(direct exposure, ingestion, inhalation or absorption), the receptor status (occasionally exposed
worker or incidentally exposed member of the public), and the source of the exposure (fuel cycle
activity, exposure media such as drinking water, airborne source, etc.).
If a DOE activity is subject to a dose limit that was based on cost-benefit considerations, and if it
can be demonstrated that the dose from the activity is within that dose limit, a quantitative
ALARA analysis will not be required for the part of the exposure subject to that dose limit.
However, it may be worthwhile to perform a simple qualitative or semi-quantitative ALARA
analysis to demonstrate that the exposures or resulting doses from that site-specific exposure
mode are as low as reasonably achievable.
There are many examples where non-radiological exposure limits have considered costs in their
development: EPA permissible concentrations for contaminants in the environment, pesticide
residual limits in food and feed stock, mercury limits in fish, EPA and FDA limits on cancer
causing agents, maximum contaminant levels for public drinking waters supplies and effluent
discharges for carbon-based power production, to name a few. There are several examples of
radiological based exposure limits included throughout this handbook.
5.2.1 Exposure Location
The magnitude of potential doses to individuals is dependent, among other things, on location
during exposure. The location of the MEI, or representative person of the critical group, will
depend on criteria such as:
• The amount and characteristics of the radioactive source;
• The release mechanism (through a stack, elevated vent, building leakage);
Section 24
The maximum dose to individuals must be quantified to verify compliance with appropriate
primary and supplemental dose limits.
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• The site dispersal modes (wind roses, natural waterways) or environmental pathways; and
• Exposure modes (direct exposure, intake of foodstuff).
If the DOE activity can cause the release of airborne radioactive material, the location of the
maximum potential exposure for that pathway is likely to be where the annual maximum time-
integral of the air concentration exists. For example, the location of the highest annual average
air concentration as a function of distance from the point of discharge may be determined by
analytical modeling of meteorological data using joint wind-direction, wind-speed, and stability
roses.
The location of maximum potential dose is not necessarily where the highest concentration
occurs. While the location of the maximum time-integral of the air concentration can be
determined, the location might be uninhabited, and no person would be exposed. Further, it is
unlikely for an individual to occupy any location for very extensive periods of time. Few people
live in one location all of their lives; about two-three decades of living in one residence is more
likely3. The doses at locations where there are homes, schools, and work locations should be
evaluated. Therefore, even if people did occupy that location occasionally, adjustments for
exposure duration would be necessary to estimate dose.
Distance of the MEI or representative person of the critical group, from the point of discharge of
the radioactive effluents can be taken as the location of the individual’s home, workplace,
school, or other location where the individual remains for substantial periods of time. Doses to
the MEI, or representative person of the critical group, from exposures to radioactive material in
a waterway might depend on the concentration at the nearest location where access to the
waterway is likely to occur.
Although it is desirable (and recommended) to evaluate doses in a realistic manner, it is possible
(and permissible) for economic savings to be realized to assume (conservatively) that the
exposure of an individual occurs at the site boundary in the predominant wind direction. The
advantage is that it is not necessary to collect data on actual locations of individuals. In this case,
potential exposure pathways should be evaluated to confirm that greater potential doses are
unlikely to occur at a location beyond the site boundary. This approach is less acceptable for
estimating collective dose than for individual dose because overestimating doses can produce
biased results and poor decisions.
3 A 1997 EPA survey found that about 95% of the population lives in a particular residence less than 30 years. The
mean duration was about 7 years per residency.
Realistic parameters should be used in estimating anticipated doses for ALARA purposes.
The goal should be to ensure that the estimated doses will not substantially over- or
underestimate the likely actual doses. To the extent practicable, the estimates should address
anticipated doses to actual people, rather than maximum doses to hypothetical persons.
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5.2.2 Receptors
For most ALARA applications, the use of “average” or typical characteristics for evaluating
potential doses to exposed populations is recommended. Irrespective of the age or gender of the
persons exposed, average doses to organs or tissues, average risk coefficients, and typical values
for food and drink intakes and metabolic parameters for “Reference Person” should be used.4
Section 25
ALARA evaluations should be expressed in terms of TED, the sum of the effective dose from
external exposures and the committed effective dose from radionuclides taken into the body
during the same exposure time interval. There may be special circumstances where age or
gender issues may be important considerations and the use of “Reference Person” or other
standardized assumptions may not be applicable.
This is clearly different from calculations for assessing compliance with individual dose limits or
dose constraints. In such cases, the MEI (or representative person of the critical group) is likely to
receive the highest dose, or the average dose to the “critical group” is calculated. This value
should not be used to estimate collective dose.
5.2.3 Collective Dose
By definition, collective dose (S) is the sum of the TED to all persons in a specified population
received in a specified period of time. It can also be expressed as the product of the average dose
to a specified population and the number of exposed persons within that population. It is
important to the decision-making process that collective dose estimates be representative so that
comparisons of alternatives can be conducted without bias. As with alternative cost estimates,
collective dose estimates in quantitative ALARA assessments should be best estimates.
Although the use of conservative dose estimates may be acceptable for screening assessments to
determine if quantitative ALARA assessments are needed, average or representative dose
estimates are needed for actual optimization assessments. The problem, therefore, is determining
the average dose(s) and the number of persons that receive the dose.
4 It is noted that DOE uses the linear dose to risk assumption and average parametric assumptions for planning
purposes and for evaluating potential exposure for use in the ALARA process and other environmental evaluations.
However, these assumptions may not be applicable or appropriate when assessing the risks from actual exposures or
the effects of exposures to accidental releases or conducting scientific studies (e.g., epidemiology).
In this Handbook, the critical group may be considered to be individuals in the general
vicinity of a DOE activity, facility, or site from which radioactive material is released or other
sources of exposure occurs, which have relatively homogeneous physical and lifestyle
characteristics that are likely to result in the maximum dose (and presumably the highest risk)
compared to other groups in the exposed population. For example, the critical group might be
infants who ingest milk from cows pastured on land in the predominant downwind direction
from a facility that releases radioiodine to the atmosphere. Another critical group might be
comprised of persons who ingest a substantial amount of fish taken from a local waterway
downstream of a facility that releases radionuclides in liquid effluent.
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To illustrate one method for estimating S, consider the release of radioactive material to the
atmosphere. Various analytical models, generally in the form of diffusion equations, may be
used to estimate the dispersion of the material at various distances from the source. Potential
exposure conditions, e.g., integrated air concentration, can be evaluated as a function of distance
and direction from the source. The population distribution of persons at the same distances and
directions need to be determined. Within each compass direction-sector, a series of radial
segments (of increasing distance from the release point, as Xi ± ΔX, or ΔRi) can be defined and
representative (average) doses estimated for the centerline of the radial increment. The potential
dose at distance Xi can be taken as the average dose, (Hi) for all persons, (N), located within a
given radial segment ΔRi defined by Xi ± ΔX. Thus, the incremental collective dose (ΔS) is
expressed as: N x Hi.
Section 26
Similarly, additional incremental S values are estimated for all radial segments in that quadrant
out to a distance of 50 miles (80 km) from the point of release or 50 miles beyond the site
boundary when integration of doses beyond this point does not significantly affect data quality
objectives. This process is repeated in all other sectors, each corresponding to one of the 16
compass points by which wind direction and wind speed are characterized in a wind rose. Site-
specific meteorological data also combine atmospheric stability measurements with wind speed
and direction to form a joint frequency file. The sum total of the incremental S values from all
sectors is the collective dose for the release. Figure 5-1 provides a context for applying these
concepts.
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FIGURE 5-1. Concepts in Estimating Collective Dose from Airborne Radioactive Material Releases
Figure 5-1 shows the release point, 0, surrounded by 16 equal sectors of 22.5 degrees, each
centered on the points of the compass corresponding to a wind direction. Each compass sector is
divided into radial segments, each designated as ΔRi where i defines the sector and distance Xi
from the release point. The radial increments selected at various distances in a sector should be
relatively small at locations where the concentration is decreasing rapidly with distance and
larger at locations where the concentration is decreasing more slowly. This is necessary because
the approximation is made that the average dose to all persons in the radial segment will be the
dose calculated for the mid-point of the segment. For example, the radial increments might be
no more than a mile apart out to 10 miles (16 km) and no more than 10 miles apart out to 50
miles (80 km). The actual division of sectors into radial segments depends on the site; many
DOE sites are large and have unoccupied buffer areas between release points and the site
boundary, so small radial segments near the release point are not necessary. When the release
includes short-lived material, adjustments for decay en route may be necessary.
N
NNW NNE
---22.5o---
NW NE
WNW ENE
W 10 20 30 40 50
miles
Xi
WSW ∆Ri ESE
SW SE
SSW SSE
S
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The collective dose associated with the use of each alternative radiation protection system is
needed for any semi-quantitative or quantitative ALARA analysis. Unless the characteristics
(other than magnitude) of the source term are altered by the various systems, the collective dose
will be proportional to the source term and can be determined readily by using ratios.5
Deposition of the airborne source on ground-level surfaces may be estimated using similar
analytical models and estimated deposition velocities.
When evaluating collective doses for release or clearance of property, defining the representative
receptor is difficult. In comparing alternative actions collective dose estimates should consider
the expected or likely use of the property. Where data are available for key parameters, models
may use probabilistic assessment techniques to establish the average or representative dose for
computing the collective doses. However, these dose estimates may not be acceptable for
demonstrating compliance with the individual dose limits that require evaluations of MEIs as
critical groups. When representative data are not available, it may be necessary to use generic
values. However, overly conservative parameter selections will bias the ALARA analysis.
Section 27
The collective dose to the exposed population is the measure used to evaluate the potential risk
of serious radiation-induced health effects to the public and to identify the optimum radiation
protection system among several alternatives. Actual and projected population distributions in
the vicinity of the DOE activity or site are needed for this estimate. For practical reasons, such
as availability of data, relatively small source term, or limitations of dispersion data, the
availability of the population distribution should be limited to a distance of 50 miles (80 km)
from the point of an atmospheric release unless integration of doses beyond this distance is
suspected to be significant. Analytical models may be used for evaluating atmospheric releases
and may assume sector-averaging and radial increments with the dose calculated at the center of
the radial sectors and applied to the number of persons in that area, as discussed previously.
For releases of radioactive materials to waterways, the method of release, such as through rakes
or conduits, will determine the initial dispersal conditions. Releases may be evaluated using
readily available analytical models, data on water usage, and the population data for activities
involving the waterway and shoreline. The location of wells, water intakes for water processing
plants, fishing, swimming, boating, shoreline, and other activities will be important parameters.
In waterways, the dispersion is generally much more limited than releases to the atmosphere and
evaluations of collective dose may require summations out to greater distances than for
atmospheric releases. For example, discharges to a river may have few and very limited
pathways of exposure within 50 miles (80 km) of the site. However, at some greater distance,
such as 70 miles (110 km), a major drinking water system may extract water from the river.
Potential collective doses associated with releases that might affect the system may be the major
detriment associated with the alternative control systems. Therefore, unlike atmospheric releases
where collective doses beyond 50 miles are typically not essential or significant to ALARA
decisions, in this example, potential receptors 70 miles from the site are likely to be important to
5 Examples of situations where collective dose may not be proportional to source term include control systems that
selectively affect certain radionuclides. For example, a containment facility may be used to delay releases for a
period of time sufficient to significantly deplete (through decay) short-lived radionuclides. Such a control system
may also increase worker dose while reducing public dose. In this example both public and worker doses must be
assessed.
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the decision-making process. Although in most instances such situations are not expected to
occur when evaluating releases to the air, the 50-mile practical geography-based truncation of
collective dose should be used cautiously. The truncation of collective dose calculations should
occur only when there is a reasonable expectation that the additional calculations will not
provide information important to the ALARA decision.
Section 28
To summarize, there is essentially no de minimis for the application of the ALARA process.
Theoretically, collective doses over all time and space may be considered in applying this
decision-making tool. However, given that the ALARA process is used to help optimize benefit
and make good decisions by balancing many factors such as dose reduction, economics and
social factors, collective dose calculations should be constrained by practical considerations.
Extending dose calculations inappropriately to include very long time periods, very large areas or
very low individual doses could bias the data and analysis and is as likely to result in a poor
decision as in a good decision. For example, integrating doses to infinity could produce results
that diminish protection of workers but, given the uncertainty in the long-term projection, tend to
provide little additional benefit to the non-worker populations. Therefore, quantitative ALARA
analyses should only be conducted within periods or spaces where the collective dose data and
differences between alternatives are meaningful. Temporal and geographical boundaries should
be selected with care to minimize bias in results and uncertainty between alternatives. It is key
to assess each alternative in a consistent, representative and comparable manner.
With this in mind, as noted in the previous discussion:
• Integration times for quantitative comparisons should be limited to time periods for
which reasonable projections and comparisons can be made. For operational activities it
is generally the expected life of the facility or operation. For cleanup and waste
management it is typically a period up to a few hundred years but no more than 1,000
years. In special circumstances, such as deep geologic disposal, quantitative analyses
beyond 1,000 years may be useful, but in most situations, analyses and data relating to
such long periods should be assessed qualitatively, not quantitatively.
• As a general rule, collective doses to populations need only be assessed to 50 miles (80
km) from the site boundary. There may be special circumstances where larger distances
may be used (e.g., a large population is located just beyond the 50-mile radius, or the
dispersion is sufficiently limited that larger distances can contribute collective dose that
will be significant to the analyses).
• Although DOE does not recommend dose-based value for truncating collective doses,
specific analyses may truncate calculations when it is determined that the continued
integration will be of little or no use in the comparison of alternative controls. It is
expected that any such truncation will be at doses well below 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) in a
year given that the median maximum individual dose associated with releases from DOE
facilities is below 0.1 mrem (0.001 mSv) in a year.
• The ALARA process must be applied and documented for all DOE radiological
activities. However, DOE supports a graded approach to the process. A process for
assessing the maximum resources appropriate for an ALARA assessment is discussed in
the section on Resource Allocation in Chapter 7. As a general rule, quantitative
assessments will not be necessary if potential individual doses from all alternatives
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assessed are less than 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) in a year and collective doses are less than 10
person-rem. Quantitative comparisons of alternatives should always be considered when
individual dose may exceed tens of mrem in a year and collective doses exceed 100
person-rem.
Section 29
All of the above criteria constitute guidance, not rules. The goal of any ALARA analysis is to
produce data that will be useful in supporting a good decision that fairly assesses the benefits and
costs associated with the alternatives under consideration. Therefore, care should be taken to
treat analyses of the alternatives equally and not compare conservative estimates for one
alternative to realistic estimates for another. Similarly, varied uncertainties in data from different
alternatives should be identified and to the extent possible, eliminated or, at least, be stated
clearly.
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Chapter 6. OTHER FACTORS AND ISSUES RELATED TO THE ALARA PROCESS
This Chapter provides information to aid in optimizing resource allocations for radiation
protection and to systemize and clarify “good ALARA practices.” ALARA applications are
broad, ranging from day-to-day “routine” operations to those related to the design or
modification of major facilities. The information in this Chapter can help determine how much
analysis is necessary for the ALARA evaluations.
DOE routine radiological activities are subject to the ALARA process. However, DOE O 458.1
requires that the ALARA process use a graded approach. The ALARA process should be
commensurate with the complexity and hazard of the DOE activity. This Handbook provides
practical benchmarks and criteria for ensuring that the level of effort associated with ALARA
analyses is effective.
6.1 Resource Allocation
To scope the effort necessary to comply with the ALARA requirements of DOE O 458.1, one
may start by estimating the maximum amount of resources that can be justified for reductions of
the dose. This can eliminate considerations of options that would exceed that amount. A
suggested procedure would be:
1. Estimate the source term that would cause exposures of the public;
2. Estimate the potential S value (person-rem); and
3. Multiply S by the value of α (e.g., $6,000/person-rem).6
The resulting value, S x $6,000, is the maximum amount of resources that could be justified for
health concerns because there is no process or system that can eliminate all exposures. If the
collective dose is from annual exposure, the S x $6,000 value is the maximum cost. If the
collective dose is over the lifetime of the activity, the S x $6,000 value is the maximum
justifiable total cost associated with public dose. If no process or system can be identified that
could be purchased, installed, operated, and maintained within this cost constraint, no further
ALARA effort is needed other than to document the conclusion as part of the record. Such a
finding does not foreclose on quantitative assessments and general good management practices
that may decrease doses or potential doses. Nor does it eliminate the need to consider “non
dose” factors that may indicate a need for quantitative review irrespective of the dose concerns.
6.2 Uncertainties
A second basis for defining the scope of the ALARA applications is the uncertainty in the
estimations of collective dose, even when using the best available models for making such
estimates. Evaluations of collective dose generally involve estimating a radiation source term,
estimating the dispersion patterns, characterizing exposure conditions, and summing the
postulated resultant doses to members of the general public over all locations and times were
Section 30
6 DOE recommends a range of $1,000 to $6,000 per person-rem be considered as possible monetary equivalents.
Depending on circumstances, it may be appropriate to use a range or the $6,000 value for such screening
assessments.
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and when the exposures occur. It is instructive to briefly review some of the factors that
contribute to uncertainties that are germane de minimis7 considerations; when uncertainties are
extremely large relative to the value needed to quantify exposures and doses, it is not productive
to continue the evaluation exercise.
6.2.1 Source Terms
It is unusual to know, exactly, the identity, quantity, and physical/chemical characteristics of the
radioactive source term that is the cause of exposures of the public. Sampling, monitoring, and
environmental surveillance can provide a reasonable database for reasonably characterizing the
sources if an effort has been made to do so. Sampling, collection, and analyses all have
limitations and introduce their own uncertainties. In many cases, the source term can only be
estimated on the basis of fragmentary information from operating experience or is completely
based on speculation. Thus, the source terms are subject to considerable uncertainty.
6.2.2 Dispersion Patterns
When radioactive material is released to the environment to be dispersed by natural forces, the
concentrations generally decrease without limit until the radioactive material can no longer be
measured. The ultimate fate of the material can be postulated, and analytical models can be
found or developed in an attempt to describe the dynamics of the dispersion between the release
and its ultimate fate. There are substantial uncertainties every step of the way. The collective
dose is calculated using the estimated environmental concentrations at the locations where
people reside. This calculation depends on demographic information, which can be highly
uncertain.
6.2.3 Time Variations
Essentially all of the parameters that determine exposure or dose vary with time. For example,
source terms depend on equipment performance; dispersion patterns are affected by daily,
monthly, seasonal, annual, and geologic fluctuations; and population numbers, locations, and
lifestyles that affect exposure pathways and modes vary with time.
6.2.4 Release to the Atmosphere
Consider a ground-level release of airborne material. As distance from the source increases, the
dose rate generally decreases and one should decide how far to extend the dose estimate as some
sources are dispersed widely, perhaps thousands of miles, or worldwide. Due to the inability of
analytical models to precisely predict the dispersion pattern, or any of the other exposure
parameters necessary for collective dose estimates, at distances beyond a few tens of miles,
extreme caution should be exercised by the user. Further, the characteristics of the source term
and the inability to predict its physical fate due, for example, to deposition or re-entrainment, are
confounding factors in estimating collective dose. In view of the many uncertainties such as
those discussed above, it does not appear rational to attempt to predict doses beyond a modest
7 De minimis refers to an impact or effect that is so small that it is insignificant and can be ignored in the decision-
making process.
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Section 31
distance of 50 miles (80 km) from the DOE site boundary. In most instances, collective dose
integrated for distance over 50 miles (80 km) provides minimal additional information necessary
for the decision process and, therefore, truncation of the dose calculations at 50 miles is usually
appropriate.
Several DOE sites are very large – in some cases 10 or more miles from the release point to the
site boundary. When several release points are present and they are all located at a considerable
distance within the site boundary, they may be treated as a single point of release for purposes of
calculating collective dose. However, the actual release points should be used where doses to
individuals are evaluated to verify compliance with appropriate limits.
6.2.5 Release to Surface Waterways
Releases to natural waterways generally undergo more limited dispersion than releases to the
atmosphere. In both cases, dispersion is due to mixing by eddy currents, but natural waterways
have much more finite dimensions than the atmosphere. This restricts the freedom for further
mixing. Consequently, estimates of collective doses from releases to waterways may require
including dose contributions beyond those associated with releases to the atmosphere. Further, if
the waterway is a drinking water supply, many persons may be exposed. In this event, the 50-
mile (80 km) distance constraint for atmospheric releases is not necessarily for releases to
waterways.
For smaller waterways, such as creeks, rivers, or ponds, the concentration becomes uniform over
cross-sections of the waterway in a relatively short distance and decreases with distance only as
further dilution from other water sources becomes available – generally slowly. In this case, the
integration of doses may be required to be extended until the next collective dose increment to be
added is less than about 1% of the total to that point.
For larger waterways, such as large lakes, bays or oceans, the dimensions are generally greater
and the water has fewer dimensional constraints, and the concentration is likely to decrease at a
greater rate than is the case in smaller waterways. There could be less need for calculating dose
contributions at the greater distances if the concentrations in the larger bodies of water are less
than those in the smaller waterways. Site-specific conditions should be used to demonstrate that
the collective dose has been adequately determined. The site of the receptor population is
extremely important in these determinations. For example, a 0.1 mrem (0.001 mSv) per year
dose 90 miles (145 km) downstream at a water treatment system serving a large population could
be the most significant source of potential collective dose.
DOE has no de minimis level on individual doses in the calculation of collective dose.
However, the integration may be truncated when it is unlikely to significantly affect the
decision process. In most instances, this is expected to occur when individual doses are a
small fraction of 1 mrem in a year.
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6.2.6 Releases to Ground Water
Releases to the subsurface water, which typically undergoes less dispersion than releases to
surface water, may or may not impact ground water quality, depending upon a number of factors
which all contribute to overall uncertainty. These factors include:
• Depth of the aquifer or water table;
• Force that drives the released material toward the aquifer or water table (infiltrating
water);
Section 32
• Pathways in the subsurface that include physical barriers; and
• Chemical processes that enhance or retard migration.
If factors obtained at a particular site suggest that ground water will be impacted by a release,
then additional factors related to the saturated zone become significant in determining the
ultimate fate of the released material, and also contribute to overall uncertainty.
Such additional factors include:
• Transmissive properties of the hydrogeologic unit, including the hydraulic gradient, the
size and dimensions of the unit, and soil particle distribution;
• Geochemical processes that can vary significantly from one point to another in the same
ground water unit, and can vary significantly over time; and
• Chemical and physical properties of the released material.
Further, understanding the current physical conditions of the subsurface is limited as a result of
the high costs of subsurface investigations. While “at surface” and “above surface” conditions
can be observed directly, “subsurface” conditions cannot. Generally, data from soil core
samples, monitoring wells, and geophysical techniques are collected from a small number of
observation points, and extrapolated to a much larger subsurface area, or to future time periods.
Extrapolation, based on models and inference, adds uncertainty, due to the lack of uniformity in
the subsurface (even considering small-scale investigations) and to the relatively long time
periods needed to validate modeling analyses and predictions.
One should also consider the uncertainty associated with long-term unknowns. Travel time of a
conservative (that is, non-degrading) species in the ground water typically can be measured in
tens of meters per year. At this rate of migration, human activities many generations into the
future, as well as long-term geologic phenomena, can contribute further to uncertainty.
Conceptual models of a site’s subsurface conditions should be designed to identify sources of
uncertainty, and to include each source in any analysis performed – if only in a qualitative sense.
Short-term (decades to centuries long) predictions of the fate of releases to the subsurface should
be matched with ongoing monitoring of actual site conditions to reduce uncertainty, and to
continually validate long-term predictions.
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6.3 Exposures within Facilities
Reduction in releases of radioactive material into the environment may be associated with
increased amounts retained within the facility. This could lead to increases in the dose to both
individual workers and the collective occupational dose. The detriment cost associated with
these doses should be considered and the benefit due to the reduction in public dose should be
reduced by this amount.
6.4 Exposure Time
Among the more difficult issues to evaluate are those that deal with very low levels of exposure
from man-made sources in the environment, and result in individual and collective doses that are
a small fraction of those from naturally occurring sources. In some activities, widespread,
chronic, very low dose levels might be delivered over very long-time intervals (such as several
generations) to many people over a very large geographical area.
Section 33
The dose from radiation sources depends on the dose rate and the duration of exposure. Possible
duration of exposures to members of the public to radiation from some DOE activities could
range from the duration of a cloud passage to a receptor’s lifetime. Estimates of the time-
integrated air concentration and doses from airborne radioactive material in the cloud can be
evaluated using available meteorological models describing atmospheric dispersion in the lower
atmosphere for finite size clouds and for clouds of semi-infinite dimensions. Such calculations
also can be used to estimate the intake of radioactive material by inhalation during cloud
passage.
In estimating the doses from finite exposure durations, the annual intake of radionuclides by
inhalation or ingestion should be determined and appropriate dose coefficients used to estimate
the annual (committed) dose and summed over the years of exposure. The average lifetime is
about 70 years. However, it is highly unlikely that an individual would be exposed to one source
for more than 20-30 years, because people usually do not live in one location more than 30 years.
Most dose coefficients are based on 50-year time-integrals (dose commitments) after the intake.
These factors are widely accepted and appropriate for DOE use regardless of the lifetime or
period of exposure used.
Another time-interval to consider is the time over which the public could be exposed. In some
cases, chronic exposures presumably could occur over many years – perhaps several hundreds
and possibly several thousands of years. Durations of these exposures are generally associated
with applications involving very long-lived radionuclide materials that are assumed to be
released to the biosphere at some point. The scenario usually ties the assumption of a release
mechanism and a fraction of the existing inventory of material into a medium such as the water
supply, and chronic exposure of the public. The results of such evaluations usually assume that a
large number of people will receive relatively low doses for many generations. Such projections
deserve critical examination to verify their credibility. Judgments on the acceptability of such
doses usually are based on the dose to individuals, rather than on the collective dose, but the
societal impact is related to collective rather than individual dose. The dose estimate can require
the summation of annual dose over a lifetime and the total exposure is assumed to continue over
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many generations. Further, the population density and distribution can be expected to differ
substantially as compared to current distributions. Lifestyles, which determine exposure modes,
also can be expected to change markedly over such a time span.
For purposes of comparing ALARA alternatives for operational systems, the lifetime of the
facility generally is a basis for truncating collective dose estimates, temporally. However, where
cleanup, restoration, and waste management activities are necessary, the time frame of interest
can be much longer. Where radionuclides have relatively short half-lives, decay over a few half-
lives may be sufficient to determine the collective dose. For longer-lived radionuclides,
integration times may be determined by the uncertainties in scenarios and due to the physical
parameters affecting dose rates. These uncertainties make it difficult to determine and
quantitatively assess the difference in alternatives beyond a few hundred years because the
differences are based largely on assumptions rather than fact. Therefore, it is only appropriate to
do quantitative comparisons to a few hundred years, or less.8 Although evaluating doses for
periods of up to 1,000 years may provide useful information, periods beyond 1,000 years should
not be used in quantitative ALARA assessments.
Section 34
Due to the uncertainties and difficulty in quantifying these time-related factors, it is critical that
knowledgeable persons are responsible for making ALARA judgments. As an example, the time
and duration of exposures to the affected individuals or population and the likelihood or
probability of occurrence of the exposure scenarios evaluated in the analyses should be
considered and appropriately balanced when the alternatives are weighed. It may be appropriate
for instance, to give more weight to likely near-term exposures than to plausible but unlikely
future exposures. In general, it is reasonable to assign lower values to doses that are increasingly
uncertain than to those that are not. Similarly, equal collective doses resulting from individual
doses that are a significant fraction of the dose limit may be considered more important than
collective doses resulting from individual doses that are very small compared to the dose limit.
This is recommended because the linear non-threshold dose-risk assumption is generally
believed to be conservative.
6.5 Discounting Cost
One of the more controversial time-integral issues is associated with discounting cost when the
expenditure is present and the health detriment that is being reduced is several hundreds or
thousands of years in the future. From strictly an economics point of view, it is rational to
discount cost projections based on postulated health effects centuries and eons in the future.
Assuming all conservative assumptions in quantifying potential health effects are factual, if any
finite discounting is applied, the present worth would be a small, even infinitesimal, fraction of
8 Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget,
January 11, 1996, Regulatory Planning and Review – Economic Analysis of Federal Regulations Under Executive
Order 12866.
The product of a very small annual dose to a very large number of people, over a very large
area and over a very long period of time may aggregate information inappropriately and could
be misleading when selecting protective actions.
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the cost of the future detriment. Because of this, and the extreme uncertainties associated with
very long projections of dose which limits the value in decision making, DOE recommends
limiting quantitative assessments of collective dose to support ALARA efforts to a few hundred
years. This is one method of weighting present collective doses greater than those that occur in
the future. Conventional discounting is not recommended for analyses hundreds of years into the
future (NAPA, 1997). However, without discounting, analyses of detriments over long periods
typically are biased in favor of future generations at the expense of the present generation.
6.6 Perspectives
A perspective of the dose analysis should be provided. It is often useful to compare estimated
collective dose values from DOE activities with the collective dose to the same exposed
population from natural (background) radiation sources. One such comparison would be the
time required for the exposed population to receive a comparable collective dose from natural
background radiation. Similarly, risks to populations can be compared to the normal incidence
of cancers (fatal and non-fatal to the same population during the same exposure time). For
example, about one-third of the population will contract cancer in their lifetime, and about half
of those will be fatal. There are other comparisons that also can add perspective.
Section 35
6.7 Other Factors and Criteria
In many cases, particularly where multiple contaminants in multimedia situations occur, DOE
ALARA requirements must be applied along with other criteria and requirements. The ALARA
process is sufficiently flexible to incorporate such criteria into the process and in many cases,
these factors or criteria are already parts of the process.
For example, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (CERCLA) regulations (40 CFR 300.430), selection of remedial actions must consider the
criteria shown in Table 6-1.
As noted above, all of these criteria are, or readily can be, addressed as part of the ALARA
process and the CERCLA requirements to document that consideration of these factors is
consistent with the ALARA documentation requirements. Although some of the CERCLA
criteria may not be easily quantified through a monetary equivalent in the cost-benefit analysis,
they all can be addressed with multi-attribute analysis approaches. Such approaches would
weight each criterion and then score the alternatives for each criterion. The sum of these scores
may be used to rank the alternatives.
Although justifiable from economic considerations, the issue of discounting (like many other
factors) is a policy consideration, and currently no discounting is likely to be considered.
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TABLE 6-1. CERCLA Criteria That Can Be Addressed Using the ALARA Process
Threshold Criteria
Compliance with Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) –
Addresses whether a remedy will meet the applicable or relevant and appropriate Federal and
State standards or whether a waiver is justified.
Overall protection of human health and the environment – Addresses whether a remedy
provides adequate protection of human health and the environment and discusses how risks are
eliminated, reduced or controlled through treatment, engineered controls or institutional
controls.
Both of these criteria are addressed in the ALARA process through the consideration of dose
constraints and selection of alternatives that reduce doses (risks) to as low as reasonably
achievable. The ALARA process may be useful in assessing the impact of specific ARARs with
regard to implementable alternatives in cleanups under CERCLA.
Primary Balancing Criteria
Short-term effectiveness – Addresses the period of time needed to achieve and to determine
any adverse impacts on human health and the environment that may be posed during the
construction and implementation period, until remedial action objectives are achieved.
Long-term effectiveness and permanence – Refers to expected residual risk and ability of a
remedy to maintain reliable protection of human health and the environment over time.
Reduction of toxicity, mobility, or volume through treatment – Refers to the performance of
treatment technologies.
Implementability – Refers to the technical and administrative feasibility of a remedy including
the availability of materials and services to implement the alternative remedy.
Cost – Includes estimated capital cost, annual operation and maintenance costs, and the net
present value of capital and operational and maintenance costs.
All of the primary balancing criteria are key factors in ALARA process assessments. Although
the reduction of toxicity, mobility, or volume criterion is not addressed in detail, processes or
techniques such as these that can reduce migration and possibly dose should be considered
and addressed in the selection of alternatives.
Section 36
Modifying Criteria
State acceptance – Indicates whether the State concurs with, opposes, or has no comment on
the preferred alternative, and State comments on ARARs or proposed waivers.
Community acceptance – Summarizes the public’s response to the alternatives.
As noted in this document, the analysis of the ALARA process factors requires judgment and
as a result, input from interested groups (e.g., States, communities, Site Advisory Boards,
unions, etc.) may be important when considering and evaluating the ALARA factors. The
impacts of such input are discussed in some of the examples presented in the appendices of
this Handbook for both CERCLA and non-CERCLA-related projects.
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Chapter 7. QUALITATIVE ALARA ANALYSIS
As previously expressed in Chapter 1, the goal of the ALARA process is to identify, from among
candidate radiation protection alternatives, the alternative that would result in the maximum total
benefit, considering the protective measures and their costs. Resources allocated to the ALARA
evaluation process should be commensurate with their potential benefits. As illustrated in Figure
2-1, DOE recommends reference dose limits to the MEI (or representative person of the critical
group) and to the exposed population to assist in determining the level of detail needed in an
ALARA analysis.
Qualitative analysis typically uses words to describe the magnitude of potential consequences
and the likelihood that those consequences will occur. Scales or matrices are useful tools that
can be adapted to suit the circumstances of the analysis. This type analysis is useful when
reliable data for a more quantitative analysis is not available or necessary.
A qualitative ALARA analysis may be appropriate when the estimated doses are less than the
reference dose levels and, in particular, when the collective dose is estimated to be less than 10
person-rem per year and individual doses are less than 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) per year.
7.1 Environmental Restoration Case Study
This case study is an example of using a Qualitative ALARA analysis for a small environmental
restoration project to show that a complex analysis need not be performed to arrive at an
optimum conclusion. This case study examined the options of removal of contaminated soil in a
Radiological Materials Management Area (RMMA) to satisfy an industry land-use scenario and
a residential land-use scenario.
Site Description and History
The RMMA is located immediately surrounding the outfall of an old industrial building and the
former location of a trailer used for industrial operations. The industrial building was
constructed in the late 1950s for explosive compounds synthesis and had also been used for
animal experiments. A machine shop was opened in the mid-1960s and may have discharged
solvents and acids to floor drains. There is currently no activity in the building and all floor
drains had been sealed at some point in the past. The drains discharge to a central drain line east
of the building to a surface outfall near the bottom of a small ravine, which is a tributary of a
nearby stream. A thick mat of dead vegetation has built up around the discharge point. The area
of the site is approximately 1000 m2 estimated to be 15-45 meters above the regional water table.
Site Status
A final status survey was conducted in accordance with Multi-Agency Radiological Survey and
Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) guidelines. Surface radiation surveys did not detect any
anomalies above background at the site. Subsequent soil sampling found one slightly elevated
U-235 result but otherwise passed the MARSSIM statistical tests.
Section 37
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Dose Assessments
A dose assessment, using the Residual Radiation (RESRAD) computer code, was performed
assuming both an industrial (most likely) and residential (assumes loss of active control
measures) land-use scenarios. The assessment assumes that the only contamination will come
from the U-235 concentration within the top 0.15 m of soil. As a conservative approach, this
U-235 concentration was averaged over the entire site.
The RESRAD dose assessment resulted in an annual TED to an MEI of 0.08 mrem (8.0 E-4
mSv) per year and 0.18 mrem (0.0018 mSv) per year for the industrial land-use and residential
land-use scenario, respectively. Both values are much less than the numerical EPA guidance of
15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year.
ALARA Analysis for the Site
Since only one slightly contaminated area of soil was found at the site, the ALARA cost analysis
addresses only the expense of removing the soil and treating it as radioactive waste versus
leaving it on the site. The disposal cost for 150 m3 of radioactive waste at this concentration
would be approximately $108,000. Assuming an unlikely residential land-use scenario, where
0.18 mrem (1.8 E-3 mSv) per year is avoided by each of the projected 1 site resident
(8 residents/acre * 0.04 acre) for each of the next 50 years, the projected cost per person-rem
avoided would be $12 million ($108,000/(0.00018 rem/yr * 50yr * 1 person). By comparison,
the cost to simply leave the soil untouched on-site would be $0. Therefore, further remedial
actions or waste disposal expenses to reduce the already minimal radiation doses at this site are
not reasonably justified.
7.2 Volumetric Release of Sediment for Off-Site Landfill Disposal
This qualitative ALARA analysis was prepared in 1998 to evaluate the potential disposal of
approximately 9 m3 (12 yd3) of sediments containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low
levels of residual radioactive materials in accordance with DOE O 5400.5 and associated
guidance.
Site Description and History
Sediments from a DOE facility containing PCBs at levels regulated under the Toxic Substances
Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). Levels ranged from 52 to 450 ppm as compared to the TSCA
criterion of 50 ppm. In addition, the sediments contained low levels of residual uranium at a
maximum measured concentration of approximately 8 pCi/g.
At the time of this evaluation, DOE requirements for release of real property were specified in
Chapter IV of DOE O 5400.5. These requirements include: an evaluation to ensure that potential
radiation doses to the public would not exceed 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) per yr with a goal of a few
mrem per yr, in accordance with DOE’s requirements to reduce radiation exposures to ALARA;
an evaluation of compliance with groundwater protection requirements; reasonable assurance
that the proposed disposal is not likely to result in a future requirements for remediation of the
landfill; and assurance that the materials proposed for disposal are acceptable to the
owner/operator of the facility and regulators.
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Disposal Alternatives
Two primary disposal alternatives were available for this waste stream, an off-site, DOE-owned
TSCA Incinerator or an off-site, commercial TSCA-permitted disposal facility. Utilization of the
DOE-owned TSCA Incinerator would also require removed sediments be stored for an indefinite
period of time until the then-current waste backlog be processed. In contrast, the commercial
facility could provide permanent disposal of this waste immediately upon its generation.
Section 38
Dose Assessment
In accordance with DOE O 5400.5, dose assessments were conducted to determine:
• Reasonable maximum worker dose during disposal
• Reasonable maximum worker dose following disposal
• Collective dose to facility workers
• Long-term residential dose via ground water protection
• Long-term remediation of disposal site
Reasonable Maximum Worker Dose during Disposal
Disposal workers were considered to be at greatest risk of exposure to radioactive materials
during the disposal of the proposed waste stream. Three components of this work scope were
identified as potential exposure periods:
1. Waste Transportation – Personnel involved in loading materials into trucks at the DOE
site and driving loaded trucks to the disposal facility.
2. Waste Receiving – Personnel involved in receiving waste at the disposal facility,
including inspection of the waste manifest, weighing the trucks, sampling and analysis of
waste, and transferring the load to a staging area to await disposal.
3. Waste Disposal – Personnel involved in placement of waste in the disposal cell, including
transfer from staging area, placement in the disposal cell, and placement of cover
material as required by facility operating procedures.
Estimated exposure times and characteristics for activities conducted by each of these
hypothetical worker categories were derived in consideration of the specific characteristics of the
waste stream. All parameter values and assumptions were also selected to be conservative.
These parameters were combined with external dose factors developed for each scenario and
appropriate internal dose conversion factors for inhalation and ingestion to estimate potential
dose to each worker category.
In all cases, the estimated annual dose to a hypothetical worker was less than 0.0003 mrem (3.0
E-6 mSv), which is more than five orders of magnitude below the primary DOE dose limit of
100 mrem per yr and far below the limit of 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) per yr specified for release of
materials for disposal at an off-site landfill.
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Reasonable Maximum Worker Dose following Disposal
A hypothetical future worker employed full-time at the landfill facility following closure for site
maintenance and surveillance was the basis of this dose assessment. The hypothetical future
worker was assumed to spend 8 hours per day at the disposal facility for 250 hours per year in a
position directly above the waste. This scenario and resulting dose estimate also represented a
disposal worker involved in the placement of subsequent waste materials into the disposal cell
during the active operating period of the facility.
Under these conservative assumptions, the predicted dose to the future worker was 1 x 10-10
mrem (1 x 10-12 mSv) per year. In the event that a building was constructed over the disposal
cell cover system, the potential concentration of radon decay products in indoor air was
estimated at less than 2 x 10-7 working level, five orders of magnitude below the applicable limit
of 0.02 working level. As indicated by these calculated levels, most potential exposure pathways
are significantly restricted or eliminated due to the engineering of the disposal cell. Only
external radiation, radon mitigation through the cap and cover system, and exposure to radiation
in leachate would be active exposure pathways. Radionuclides of concern in this scenario are
relative insoluble and immobile and not expected to be readily leached from the disposal
material. As long as the cap and cover system retains its integrity, radiation exposures to any
future receptor would be negligible for any future land use.
Section 39
Collective dose to facility workers
The following categories of workers, with varying potential for exposure to residual radioactive
materials, were considered in this analysis:
1. Facility Worker/High-Exposure – Hypothetical worker population of 40 persons with
high potential for exposure to waste or residual materials.
2. Facility Worker/Medium-Exposure – Hypothetical worker population of 60 persons with
moderate potential for exposure to waste or residual materials.
3. Facility Worker/Low-Exposure – Hypothetical worker population of 80 persons with low
potential for exposure to waste or residual materials (e.g. clerical workers).
Dose assessment for this analysis utilized methodology and assumptions developed within the
Complex for evaluating potential collective exposures at generic hazardous waste disposal
facilities. Using these default parameters, the collective worker dose is estimated at
approximately 2 x 10-5 person-rem during the active disposal operation for this waste stream.
Similar methods and parameters were applied to estimate potential dose to the off-site public.
The collective dose to this population would be negligibly small, due to the small volume and
low radionuclide concentrations in the waste and the non-energetic dispersion mechanisms.
Following placement in the disposal facility, there would be no plausible pathway for off-site
exposures to the public.
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Long-term residential dose via ground water protection
For the selected facility, no breakthrough of contaminated groundwater was predicted during the
1,000-year period of analysis. Therefore, no impacts to groundwater were predicted. Even in
the unlikely event that all design features and post-closure care requirements for the facility fail,
no significant impacts to groundwater would be predicted due to the small volume of the waste
stream and the very low concentrations of residual radioactive materials.
Long-term remediation of disposal site
Since the selected facility is permitted under RCRA and TSCA, closure and post-closure
requirements are specified to control, minimize or eliminate the potential for future remediation
at the site. The facility has a closure plan and perpetual fund established for future maintenance,
monitoring and control of the site, to ensure care is provided. This will ensure that the facility
will not be subject to future remediation under DOE Orders or other applicable requirements as a
result of the disposal of this waste stream.
ALARA Analysis for the Sediment
Disposal of the materials at a commercial disposal facility was estimated to cost approximately
$14,000 (including transportation and disposal) while disposal at the DOE-owned facility was
estimated at $554,000 (not including interim storage costs). The results of this analysis clearly
indicated that the disposal of these materials at the commercial facility would be protective of
human health and the environment, while providing significant cost savings (approximately
$540,000) and immediate disposal capacity for this waste. Evaluating the information readily
available, a qualitative decision to select the commercial disposal option was made without
having to perform a full quantitative ALARA analysis – further saving time and money.
7.3 Pros and Cons Analysis
Section 40
A Pros and Cons Analysis is another example of a qualitative comparison method. As the name
implies, positive and negative results are identified about each alternative. It requires no
mathematical skill and can be implemented rapidly. Lists of the pros and cons, likely based on
input from subject matter experts, are compared to one another for each alternative. The
alternative with the strongest pros and weakest cons is preferred. A Pros and Cons Analysis is
suitable for simple decisions with few alternatives and few discriminating criteria of
approximately equal value. The following case study provides a simple example of this type
analysis.
Problem
You must ensure the dose rate in a public area adjacent to a DOE facility is consistent with DOE
guidelines.
Approach to the problem
To ensure public dose limits are consistent with DOE guidelines, you must determine the dose
rates in the area adjacent to a DOE facility during routine facility operations. There are a number
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of options available to determine the dose rates using resources commonly available at a DOE
site. Three suggested options include:
1. Placing Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs) or Electronic Personnel Dosimeters
(EPDs) in common area for 30 days to determine average dose rate in adjacent area;
2. Perform a survey using direct-reading radiation detectors to map the dose rate in the
adjacent area; or
3. Use of a modeling code (e.g., Microshield) to estimate the dose rate at any point in the
adjacent area.
Applying the Pros and Cons Analysis
You assemble a group of subject matter experts to provide comments on each alternative. Table
7-1 lists the generated Pros/Cons for each alternative:
TABLE 7-1. Pros and Cons
TLDs/EPDs
Pro Con
Easy to perform Delayed results (TLDs)
Minimum time to employ
Tampering of
TLDs/EPDs
DOECAP accredited
Environmental Issues
(e.g. weathering)
Longer dwell time
Instrumentation
Pro Con
Easy to perform Can be time intensive
Immediate results Snap-shot in time
Calibrated equipment
Modeling
Pro Con
Immediate results Can be complex
Model uncertainty
Subjective
Although all three options will provide the required information, a simple comparison of the Pros
and Cons for each as they pertain to the particular circumstance will identify the best option to
employ.
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Chapter 8. SEMI-QUANTITATIVE ALARA ANALYSIS
A semi-quantitative analysis is an approach that blends attributes of both qualitative and
quantitative approaches. Where quantitative analyses can be both exhaustive and detailed, and
typically performed by an outside third party, qualitative approaches lack the accuracy and
transparency but usually result in high stakeholder buy-in as the level of involvement in the
analysis is greater. A semi-quantitative approach is a mixture of the two.
A semi-quantitative analysis attempts to match the thoroughness of a quantitative analysis with
some of the simplicity of performing a qualitative analysis. The process is less costly and time-
consuming than a quantitative analysis but the primary objectives are achievable at only a
moderate loss in detail.
A semi-quantitative ALARA analysis may be needed as the estimated doses from the alternative
actions begin to approach or exceed the “reference” dose levels (i.e., collective doses between 10
and 100 person-rem per year) as illustrated in Figure 2-1. In addition to these dose levels, a
semi-quantitative ALARA analysis, as compared to a quantitative ALARA analysis, is more
appropriate when the number, types and complexities of alternative actions are not as
substantive.
Section 41
Five case studies are presented to explain the basis for derived standards applied to specific
cleanups. The case study discussions are intended to provide examples of the impacts of cleanup
criteria on waste volume, costs, and dose/risk avoided. These examples demonstrate various
semi-quantitative evaluation processes used to satisfy ALARA process requirements when
selecting Authorized Limits. The benefits or limitations to the approaches also are discussed.
The comparisons also demonstrate that some knowledge of projected collective dose is important
to the decision-making process.
8.1 Case Study #1: Colonie, New York
Authorized limits for this case study were initially developed qualitatively, and post-activity
analysis indicates the acceptability of the approach used. This case study demonstrates the
importance of realistic assumptions in evaluating the benefits and assessing expected outcome.
Site
This site was a formerly-licensed (State and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC))
facility that processed uranium largely for Department of Defense use. The facility operated for
some period without functional stack controls. The State ultimately closed the facility, and
Congress directed DOE to remediate the plant and residential properties around the plant.
Vicinity properties have been remediated. This discussion deals primarily with the vicinity
properties remediated in the late 1980s.
Basis for Standard
The cleanup standard or authorized limit used for cleanups at Colonie, New York, was 35 pCi/g
for depleted uranium (U-238). This standard was derived using a process similar to that
contained in DOE Order 5400.5, the predecessor to DOE O 458.1. DOE conducted dose
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assessments that assumed a residential farmer scenario (a resident gets a significant fraction of
food supplied from a home garden) and determined that a 120 pCi/g concentration of depleted
uranium could result in a dose of 100 mrem (1 mSv) in a year. Based on a cost evaluation and
through meetings with New York State and EPA officials, 35 pCi/g was determined to be an
appropriate ALARA-based limit. At the time of the cost analysis, only 12 properties were
known to be contaminated and the incremental cost between 35 pCi/g and other alternatives was
on the order of a few thousand dollars per property. Therefore, the incremental costs were
considered not to be significant. The supporting analysis was qualitative and included no
systematic assessment of collective dose or waste volume-cost relationships. The standard
ensured that maximum doses to residents would be less than 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) in a year
assuming the contamination was uniformly spread over the property. For the most part, actual
contamination was concentrated in areas such as near drain spouts, drip lines or run-off areas
from pavement. Localized concentrations in these small areas exceed 100 pCi/g. Over 50
properties were cleaned up and many had only small areas of contamination.
Results
The final cleanup reduced maximum uranium concentrations on the properties to levels between
1.5 and 24 pCi/g. Post-remedial action dose assessments, conducted on the first 47 properties,
indicated that the average maximum dose was 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) in a year (an average of the
doses to the MEI from each of the properties evaluated). The maximum dose for any single
property was 3.3 mrem (3.3 E-2 mSv) in a year. This dose is less than 15% of the dose used to
select the authorized limits for uranium at this site.9
Section 42
These dose estimates are generally conservative in that they are calculated assuming dose over
the entire time period was equivalent to the dose at the time of maximum dose rate, and assume a
significant portion of the resident’s diet is obtained from home gardening. In fact, the food
grown may exceed the quantity that can be produced on the lots, although this is a minor
contributor to dose, assuming a reasonably conservative mass loading factor used for inhalation
(a major contributor to dose), likely overestimation of dose, and assuming that the residential
scenario applied for all dose estimates, despite the fact that some properties were commercial or
open areas. Doses from U-234 were not estimated; however, the site was contaminated with
depleted uranium that is primarily U-238 and the contribution to dose from U-234 is expected to
be low. Likewise, Ra-226 will eventually result from ingrowth; however, over the 1,000-year
period evaluated, the contribution is insignificant.
Table 8-1 presents a summary of the pre-remedial action doses, the post-remedial action doses,
and the dose reduction resulting from the remedial action (Figure 8-1 presents pre- and post-
remedial action doses by property). Pre-remedial action doses for these properties ranged from
about 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) per year to less than 15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year. In other words,
although the generic dose assessment used to develop the standard assumed that the potential
9 This is not an uncommon situation – due to the field application of the ALARA principles and the precautions
taken to account for uncertainties in field radioanalytical methods and excavation techniques, post-remedial levels
actually achieved routinely surpass the authorized limit. However, this decrease cannot be predicted in advance and
efforts to lower pre-remedial action limits to account for this phenomenon will likely cause significant increases in
waste volume, costs and impact schedules.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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dose on the contaminated properties could be as high as 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) in a year, given the
actual use of the properties, the distribution of radionuclides, and the site-specific parameters,
none of the 47 properties studied were likely to approach that dose even prior to remedial
action.10
Annual individual risk of cancer, given residential use of the subject property, was reduced from
2x10-6 to 5x10-7. Assuming individuals spend 30 years at a property (EPA data suggest that most
individuals spend, on average, seven years at a given property and 95% of the population spends
less than 30 years at a given property), the lifetime incremental risk of fatal cancer was reduced
from 6x10-5 to 1x10-5 (6 in 100,000 to 1 in 100,000).
Assuming an average of four persons per household, collective doses for pre-remedial action
conditions, post-remedial action conditions, and collective dose avoided by the action were
estimated for 1 year, 50 years, and 200 years. Table 8-1 presents these doses. The estimated
collective dose avoided over the 200-year period was 30 person-rem. At a cost of about
$200,000 for vicinity property cleanup, this equates to about $6,700 per person-rem avoided,
which is consistent with the upper end of the DOE recommended range of values for the
monetary values for collective dose. The total number of health effects avoided, over a 200-year
period, by these remedial actions is calculated to be 0.02 (this is effectively no cancers). The
estimated cost per health effect averted for the project is about $10,000,000.
Section 43
Authorized limits used for this remedial action were established at a concentration that provides
assurance that doses would be less than 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) in a year. However, in this
situation, it was developed using the worse plausible use scenario as the expected use scenario.
Data from this site also demonstrate the importance of using dose estimates that are as realistic as
possible in developing authorized limits. The results of modeling pre- and post-remedial action
doses shows that the most conservative scenario and qualitative analysis used to derive the 25
mrem (0.25 mSv) per year-based authorized limits significantly overestimated actual doses.
TABLE 8-1. Colonie, New York, Summary of Dose, Collective Dose, and Risk Averted
Pre-Cleanup
Post-Clean
Reduction (Risk or
Dose Averted)
Average Maximum
Individual Dose
4.2 mrem/y 1.0 mrem/y 3.2 mrem/y
Hypothetical
Annual Risk (cancer)
2 in 1,000,000 5 in 10,000,000 2 in 1,000,000
Hypothetical Lifetime
Risk (30 yrs exposure)
6 in 100,000 1 in 100,000 5 in 100,000
Collective
Integration time
Person-rem Person-rem Person-rem Hypothetical
Cancers Averted
Annual 0.2 0.05 0.2 0.00008
50 year period 10 2 8 0.004
200 year period 40 10 30 0.02
10 Conservative assumptions routinely result in over-estimates of dose. Generic modeling conducted (in the early
1980s) to develop dose-based authorized limits for remediation of this site produced doses that were greater than
those that were more firmly based on more site-specific data.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
8-4
12
m 11
Residual Reduction
r
e
m
/
y
e
a
r
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Properties
FIGURE 8-1. Estimated Doses (Total Pre-cleanup, Residual and Reduction) by Property
8.2 Case Study #2: Elza Gate Site, Tennessee
This is an example of applying the ALARA process to a small area with modest soil
contamination. Authorized Limits for uranium were established based on a semi-quantitative
evaluation using waste volume as a surrogate for costs. The selection of the ALARA-based
authorized limit was made on the basis of cost-effectiveness rather than cost-benefit. The
analysis also suggests that Authorized Limits developed separately for various radionuclides,
when used together, likely will result in more dose reduction than projected.
Site
This site was a former storage site for waste and contaminated material. It was remediated and
released to standards in effect in the 1970s. The property is now an industrial park that includes
about 20 acres. The primary radionuclides of concern were Ra-226, Th-230, and U-238. The
5 pCi/g surface and 15 pCi/g subsurface criteria were used for Ra-226 and Th-230 based on a
qualitative ALARA assessment because levels were not unlike the Uranium Mill Tailings
Remedial Action (UMTRA) vicinity properties. A standard for uranium was derived using the
DOE ALARA process.
Basis for Uranium Standard
The authorized limits for cleanup at Elza Gate were 35 pCi/g for U-238 and 5 pCi/g surface and
15 pci/g subsurface for the combined activities of Ra-226 and Th-230 isotopes. The uranium
standard was developed independent of the radium11 standard. A dose assessment was
completed for several scenarios, and a uranium concentration that would meet a dose limit of
Section 44
11 The radium/thorium and uranium standards are not truly independent of each other. Selection of a lower or higher
radium standard, for example, could impact the residual uranium levels and vice versa. In many cases, the standard
development process deals with all radionuclides at once. However, because radium is treated separately in DOE
standards (as low as reasonably achievable below the concentration limit) and all other radionuclides are dose-based
(plus ALARA requirements), development is typically done separately, and dose analyses integrate the doses later.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
8-5
100 mrem (1.0 mSv) in a year was calculated for each. The results are presented in Table 8-2. It
was conservatively assumed that residual dose associated with cleanups to lower concentrations
would be linearly related. This assumption ignores the benefits associated with additional clean
fill necessary to replace the contaminated soil that was removed.
Analysis of the relationship of the authorized limit (soil concentration of U-238) to volume of
waste (a surrogate for cost) was completed (see Figure 8-2). This shows costs began to increase
dramatically between concentrations of 30 and 40 pCi/g U-238. The estimated individual dose
in this concentration range for the likely use of the site was about 4 mrem (0.04 mSv) in a year,
which conforms with DOE guidance to remain well below the DOE constraint of 25 mrem (0.25
mSv) in a year. The worst-case future use scenario dose was about 15 mrem (0.15 mSv) in a
year, well below the 100 mrem (1.0 mSv) in a year dose limit for all sources. A cleanup standard
Authorized Limit of 35 pCi/g was selected for U-238 (about 70 pCi/g total uranium).
TABLE 8-2. Uranium Concentrations representing 100 mrem/yr for
Several Scenarios and Uranium Concentrations
Industrial use (current and likely use)
(if U-238 used as an indicator for measurement)
- 1800 pCi/g (Uranium)
- 880 pCi/g (U-238)
Recreational use
(U-238 as indicator)
- 4000 pCi/g (Uranium)
- 2000 pCi/g (U-238)
Residential use12 (worst-case use)
(U-238 as indicator)
- 470 pCi/g (Uranium)
- 230 pCi/g (U-238)
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Uranium‐238 Cleanup Guideline (pCi/gm)
FIGURE 8-2. Elza Gate: Waste Volume vs. Uranium Concentration
12 Another residential scenario that was evaluated was rejected because the groundwater pathway was inappropriate
[that is, inappropriate assumptions and parameters]. Even for the residential scenario results that were reported here,
unrealistic assumptions were used for water use – it was assumed that an on-site pond provided drinking water and
irrigation water despite the fact that the site is adjacent to a river and has a relatively steep slope.
Volum
e (cubic yards)
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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Results
Table 8-3 presents pre- and post-remedial action concentrations (in pCi/g). Post-remedial action
doses were estimated for the site using the Net Average residual concentrations of the above
radionuclides and estimating U-234 &U-235 (and decay products) as a standard ratio to U-238.
TABLE 8-3. Elza Gate, Tennessee, Site Pre- and Post-remedial Action Concentrations
Pre-remedial Action Concentrations
Radionuclide
Measured (pCi/g)
Average Background
(pCi/g)
Average Net
(pCi/g)
U-238* 146 1.0 145
Ra-226 8.9 1.3 7.6
Th-232 1.9 1.5 N/A
Th-230 59 1.0 58
Post-remedial Action Concentrations
Radionuclide
Measured
(pCi/g)
Average Background
(pCi/g)
Average Net
Section 45
(pCi/g)
U-238* 5.9 1.0 4.9
Ra-226 1.0 1.3 N/A
Th-232 1.3 1.5 N/A
Th-230 2.5 1.0 1.5
* U-235 and U-234 were estimated on the basis of U-238 concentrations.
The most likely use for this site will be industrial. Estimated dose for the maximum individual is
shown in Table 8-4 and estimated dose for the individual risk is shown in Table 8-5.
TABLE 8-4. Estimated Dose for the Maximum Individual
Post-remedial Use Maximum Individual Dose Notes
Industrial 1.5 mrem/yr less than 40% of the modeled dose13
Most likely use
Recreational <1 mrem/yr
Residential farmer 12 mrem/yr using an on-site pond for drinking
water and irrigation14
TABLE 8-5. Estimated Dose for Individual Risk
Post-remedial Use Potential Risk Factor Notes
Industrial 7.5x10-7 Annually
Industrial 2x10-5 (2 in 100,000) Lifetime, assuming 25 years
working at the site
Residential farmer 2x10-4 (2 in 10,000) Lifetime
13 Due to in-field ALARA applications and the uncertainties in radioanalytical methods and excavation techniques,
post-remedial levels achieved routinely surpass the authorized limit for a site. However, because this reduction is
highly dependent on field conditions, it cannot be predicted and pre-remedial action designation of this reduction as
a specific goal would be likely to significantly increase volumes of waste.
14 An extremely unlikely assumption due to the slope and proximity to river.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
8-7
Assuming a 20-acre industrial site could maintain a work force of 150 persons, the collective
dose and estimated number of associated cancers for 1, 25, 50, and 200 years for continued use
of the site under pre- and post-remedial action conditions were estimated and are presented in
Table 8-6.
TABLE 8-6. Elza Gate Site, Tennessee, Pre- and Post-remedial Action Conditions for Industrial Scenario
INDUSTRIAL SCENARIO ANALYSIS
Years Integrated
Pre-remedial Action
Collective Dose
(person-rem)
Estimated Cancers
(fatal)
1 11 0.006
25 290 0.2
50 590 0.3
200 2340 1.2
Years Integrated
Post-remedial Action
Collective Dose
(person-rem)
Estimated
Cancers (fatal)
Collective Dose
Averted (person-rem)
Cancers
Averted
1 0.2 0.0001 11 0.006
25 5 0.003 285 0.2
50 10 0.006 580 0.3
200 40 0.02 2300 1.2
Based on current use of the site (industrial/commercial) and assuming pre-remedial radiological
conditions, dose to the reasonable MEI at the site was estimated to be about 78 mrem (0.78 mSv)
in a year. An individual working at the facility and receiving this dose for 25 years would incur
a potential incremental lifetime individual risk of about 1 in 1000 (about 1x10-3). It is highly
unlikely that any individual would actually receive this dose for 25 years. Similarly, given the
spotty and localized nature of the contaminant, it is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that a large
number of the employees would be exposed to this dose; however, for the purposes of assessing
collective dose, it was assumed that all 150 workers were exposed to this dose.
The total cost of this remedial action was about $5,000,000. The cost per person-rem averted for
this project is $2,200 ($5,000,000/2340 person-rem) for 200 years of operation and $18,000
($5,000,000/290 person-rem) for the 25-year period. This equates to about $4,200,000 per
potential cancer averted ($5,000,000/1.2 fatal cancers) over the 200 year integration period. This
assessment ignores risks associated with worker dose and fatal accidents that would be expected
to be less than 1. There were no fatal accidents on this project.
Section 46
To illustrate the relationship between dose criteria and cost/benefit, consider Figure 8-2 that
shows waste volume to uranium concentration relationships. It is apparent that increasing the
uranium limit from 35 to 80 pCi/g would have decreased waste volume by less than 10% and
would result in little cost savings. However, decreasing the authorized limit from 35 to 20 pCi/g
would produce a 2.4 times increase in volume of the waste and a corresponding increase in costs.
The collective dose reduction for this additional remedial action would be on the order of 17
person-rems over 200 years. This incremental action would have resulted in a cost per person-
rem avoided on the order of $400,000 per person-rem (about $800,000,000 per fatal cancer
averted) compared to the $2,200 per person-rem for the entire project. This indicates that more
extensive remedial actions would not be reasonable.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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8.3 Case Study #3: Maywood, New Jersey
This case study represents a reasonable semi-quantitative assessment, although data to support
volume estimates for the lower concentration alternatives were limited, producing significant
uncertainty in the cost estimates at these levels. In addition to this semi-quantitative analysis,
which used conservative but reasonable scenarios for exposure under all conditions, the results of
a second analysis which used reasonable assumptions for the no-action option and worst-case
exposure assumptions for cleanup alternatives are discussed. This comparison demonstrates the
importance of using best-estimate scenarios for semi-quantitative evaluations. Mixing
reasonable and worse-case assumptions can bias the results.
Site
This site includes a former thorium processing site and vicinity properties that contain residual
radioactive material derived from the site. The site processed thorium and rare earth ores
primarily for commercial uses. Many of the most contaminated properties have been
remediated. This discussion addresses remedial action at the remainder of the vicinity properties
and the site proper. Details on previous vicinity property cleanup are contained in the DOE
certification docket for the Maywood remedial actions.
The primary contaminant of concern is Th-232. Radionuclides present in lesser amounts include
U-238, U-234 and Ra-226. The site is located in an industrial area and the vicinity properties
include primarily neighboring residences. The site has since been remediated by DOE,
transferred to the Army Corp of Engineers, and is on the CERCLA national priority list (NPL).
Basis for Standards
The cleanup criterion used for the action was the DOE Order 5400.5 guidelines for radium and
thorium, that is to reduce the concentrations to levels at or below 5 pCi/g for the surface and 15
pCi/g for the subsurface radionuclides based on the ALARA process. At the time of the analysis,
the project was in the “feasibility study” phase and DOE was working with EPA to develop the
final remediation goals. Table 8-7 provides project costs, doses, and collective doses integrated
over 200 years associated with no action and various cleanup goals (all of the alternatives except
no action assume that post-remedial action concentrations on the soil surface are 5 pCi/g with the
ratio of Th-232 and its progeny being four times the concentration of Ra-226 and its progeny).
On the basis of these data, cost per dose and cost per cancer averted can be estimated.
Section 47
As indicated in Table 8-7, the baseline costs for this project (indicated as the “No Action”
alternative), cost $16M. Decontamination of these properties to 30 pCi/g will reduce collective
doses by 11,000 person-rem at an additional cost of $61M (total of $77M). The incremental
reduction to 15 pCi/g will avert an additional 440 person-rem and cost an additional $61M (total
of $138M). Remediating to 5 pCi/g will avert an additional 280 person-rem in addition to that
averted by the 15 pCi/g limit and cost between $30M and $120M15 additional (total between
$168M and $258M). The incremental costs per person-rem avoided under each alternative
15 The cost of the 5 pCi/g alternative is uncertain because measurement on these radionuclides is sufficiently near to
background that the actual volume of waste to be removed cannot be adequately defined with normal survey data.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
8-9
cleanup level are $5,500, $140,000 and $110,000 to $430,000 for the 30 pCi/g, 15 pCi/g and 5
pCi/g cleanup alternatives. (See Table 8-7.) This equates to about $9M per hypothetical fatal
cancer avoided at the 30 pCi/g level, $230M per hypothetical cancer averted for the 30 to 15
pCi/g increment, and between $180M and $270M for 15 to 5 pCi/g increment.
TABLE 8-7. Predicted Costs, Radiation Doses, and Collective Doses for
Various Criteria at Maywood, New Jersey
Alternative
Remedial Action
Criteria
Total Project
Costa($M)
Residual Dose to
Exposed Individual
(mrem/yr)
Residual Collective
Dose (person- rem) for
200 yearsb
Remediation Worker
Collective Dose
(person- rem)
No action 16 12-2800 12,000 —
30 pCi/g 77 3.6 (Resc)
8.2 (Comd)
880 18
15 pCi/g 138 1.8 (Res)
4.1 (com)
440 24
5 pCi/g 168 to 258 0.6 (Res)
1.4 (Com)
160 30
a. Detailed cost analysis is presented in the Feasibility Study for the No-Action alternative and Phased Action with 15 pCi/g subsurface
criterion. The costs for 20 pCi/g and 5 pCi/g alternatives were scaled with the estimated change in waste volume. The waste volume for the
30 pCi/g criterion was estimated to be 56% of the waste from the 15 pCi/g alternative. The 5 pCi/g alternative was estimated to increase
waste volume by 20 to 30%. The No Action alternative assumes continued environmental monitoring ($480,000 per year) and 5-year
remedy reviews ($200,000 each) for 30 years.
b. An integration period of 200 years is assumed in the estimate of collective dose from exposure to residual radioactive material (evaluations
beyond this time would require assessments of waste disposal alternatives and associated collective doses); implementation times for
remedial action workers were assumed to be 9, 12, and 15 years for the 36, 15, and 5 pCi/g alternatives, respectively.
c. Estimated for expected conditions following remediation at residual properties (current use).
d. Estimated for expected conditions following remediation at commercial/industrial properties (current use).
As in the other examples, risks associated with the remedial actions had not been taken into
account in the results stated above. Table 8-8 presents the risks of fatal accidents for remediation
workers due to the transport of the waste as well as the risk averted in the analysis above. The
incremental worker accident risk increases as expected with greater remediation volumes. The
transportation related risks are insignificant at the 30 pCi/g criteria and lowering the criteria is
shown to only result in minimal incremental increases to this risk. Depending on the volume of
wastes resulting from the last increment (15 pCi/g to 5 pCi/g), the impact of the transportation
and worker risks could range from that of reducing the benefits (0.14 cancers averted over the
200 years) by only a few percent to that of generating more risk than is averted by the
incremental cleanup level.
Section 48
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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TABLE 8-8. Comparison of Risk Averted to Worker and Transportation Risk at Maywood, New Jersey
Remedial Action
Criteria
Incremental
Transportation
Accident Riska
(fatalities)
Incremental
Remediation
Worker Accident
Risk (fatalities)
Incremental Excess
Fatal Cancers due
to Remediation
Worker Exposureb
Incremental
Cancers Averted by
Remedial Action to
Criteria
No action — — — —
30 pCi/g 0.004 rail
0.1 truck
0.005 0.009 5.5
15 pCi/g 0.002 rail
<0.1 truck
0.009 0.003 0.22
5 pCi/g 0.002-0.003 rail
<0.2 truck
0.001 — 0.01 0.003 0.14
a. Transportation risks include the risks associated with transport of the waste from the site to a commercial disposal site by
rail, and transportation of borrow soil from an off-site borrow area to the site. (Risk associated with disposal or management
of the waste at the disposal site are not included.) Both waste volume and borrow soil volume requirements are assumed to
be proportional to the estimates of soil requiring excavation under each criterion.
b. Fatal Cancers were estimated by multiplying the collective dose (person-rem) by a risk factor of 500 cancers per million
person-rem. a factor of 600 cancers per one million person-rem was used for members of the public (that is, residential use
scenarios).
The data above are based on the Department’s assessment of the site and environs “expected
conditions.” It considers likely use of the properties and takes credit for soil cover and shielding.
In the Department’s negotiations with EPA to establish cleanup criteria for this phase of the
Maywood project, EPA proposed that the analysis be conducted for the worst-case scenario and
giving no credit for soil cover. Table 8-9 presents the average individual dose for residential and
industrial/commercial uses and residual and averted collective doses for the worst-case scenario.
The 30 pCi/g alternative was not assessed for the EPA scenario. For the EPA scenario, the cost
per person-rem for the 15 pCi/g alternative was estimated to be between $24,000 and $55,000
per person-rem averted. This equates to between $41,000,000 and $92,000,000 per hypothetical
cancer avoided.) Similar estimates for the 15 pCi/g to 5 pCi/g increment indicated that this
additional cleanup would cost between $5,000 and $26,000 per person-rem averted (between
$7,500,000 and $43,000,000 per hypothetical risk of fatal cancers). The decrease in the cost for
collective dose (for health effects) between the 15 pCi/g criteria and the incremental reduction to
5 pCi/g may be an artifact of the assumptions. Under the scenarios used in the EPA estimates,
material that was buried and not available to expose the public under the “No Action” alternative
was assumed to be at the surface in the 15 pCi/g scenario despite the fact that it would be
covered in that scenario as well. This artificially reduces the effectiveness of the first increment
(that is, it compares a realistic no-action alternative scenario to a conservative scenario for the
remedial action). It is extremely difficult to compare alternatives under such conditions and
demonstrates the importance of using scenarios that are similar for all alternatives.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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TABLE 8-9. Predicted Post-cleanup Dose, Collective Dose, and Collective Dose Averted by Criteria
(Worst-case Exposure Assumptions for Cleanup Alternatives)
Remedial Action Criteria Residual Individual Dose
(mrem/year)
Residual Collective Dose
(person-rem)
Section 49
Collective Dose Averted
(hypothetical Cancers
averted)
15 pCi/g 122 (Resa)
66 (Comb)
189 (Futurec)
9,800
7,000d
2,200 person-rem
5,000 person-rem
(1.1 cancers)
(2.5 cancers)
5 pCi/g 40 (Res)
22 (Com)
61 (Future)
3,200
2,400
8,200 person-rem
4,600 person-rem
(4.1 cancers)
(2.3 cancers)
a. Estimate for worst-case conditions following remediation of residential properties.
b. Estimate for worst-case conditions following remediation of commercial/industrial properties, assuming
continued commercial/industrial use.
c. Estimate for worst-case conditions following remediation of commercial/industrial properties, assuming
residential use.
d. Assumes all properties are residual in the future.
In any case, the comparison of these two analyses (expected scenario analysis and worst-case
analysis) demonstrates the need to clearly define the process for selecting comparable scenarios.
Although in both analyses the cost per dose or health effect averted is relatively high, the use of
one or the other of these analyses could very easily result in the selection of different cleanup
criteria.
It is critical that risk or dose assessments used in these types of comparisons represent the best
estimates of expected risk that can be calculated. Bounding assessments can be of value when
considering the uncertainty of best estimates. Although, if time and resources permit, a
probabilistic risk assessment would be preferable for estimating uncertainty, because bounding
estimates developed to quantify 95th percentile risks can significantly overestimate the risks. In
general, worst-case scenarios should only be applied for screening purposes, and never in
relative risk comparisons. They are prone to biasing the results in a manner that is not readily
detectable and are difficult to compare to competing non-health risks or actuarial risks that are
normally “best estimates.”
This example also illustrates another important factor related to the need to define the process for
selecting the comparative scenarios and evaluating the alternatives. Under the expected use
scenario (as defined in the DOE analysis) all remediation criteria alternatives (30 pCi/g, 15
pCi/g, and 5 pCi/g) achieve the dose limit and constraints, and the 5 pCi/g criteria achieves the
goal of a few mrem per year, or less, (although at great cost per person-rem averted). However,
in the conservative assumptions (See Table 8-9), none of the alternatives are projected to achieve
the “few mrem/y” goal. The waste volume data for the 5 pCi/g criteria are very uncertain
because of the difficulty in adequately characterizing radium and thorium at these low
concentrations. If the concentration limit was reduced by one third or one fourth to ensure
compliance with a 15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year limit (under the worst-case scenario) survey
costs and remedial action costs would be further increased, not only as a function of waste
volume, but also as a result of added survey costs, extensions of schedules to await verification
of compliance from laboratory analyses, and possibly extra excavation to ensure compliance.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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Although not considered in these analyses, it is not clear that some of these factors would not
affect the cleanup costs under the 5 pCi/g criteria. This scenario illustrates the importance of
communicating the results of an ALARA analysis with responsible parties (e.g. EPA) in
determining final remediation goals.
8.4 Case Study #4: Ventron, Massachusetts
Section 50
This case study represents another situation employing a semi-quantitative approach. However,
it is a situation where a land use scenario other than industrial/commercial or suburban
residential is the likely use. This is a good example of unrealistic and conservative exposure
scenarios and assumptions used in many guidelines’ development efforts. The Ventron Site is a
3-acre site in a heavily developed area that directly abuts Massachusetts Bay (actually the mouth
of the Danvers River) on two sides. The resident-farmer scenario was still evaluated assuming
100% of the milk/meat/fish and 50% of the produce was produced on site. These are extremely
conservative assumptions.
Site
The former Metal Hydrides site in Beverly, Massachusetts, processed uranium compounds and
scrap to produce uranium for the Manhattan Engineering District (MED) and Atomic Energy
Commission (AEC). Operations contaminated portions of the buildings and grounds on site plus
some of the properties around the site. The 3-acre site presently is used for industrial
applications.
Basis for Standard
The authorized limit for cleanup of this site was developed consistent with DOE 5400.5
requirements and guidance. An assessment of potential doses was completed for industrial use,
recreational use, and the resident farmer scenario. The analysis indicated that the 100 mrem (1.0
mSv) in a year dose limit would not be exceeded if total uranium concentrations were less than
1,800 pCi/g, 3,100 pCi/g, and 480 pCi/g for the industrial, recreational, and farmer scenarios,
respectively.
To select an authorized limit that was as far below the derived 100 mrem (1.0 mSv) in a year
equivalent concentration guideline values as is reasonably achievable, an analysis of the
relationship between concentration and waste volume (a surrogate for cost) was performed. This
analysis indicated that waste volumes (and costs) generally were constant to about 60 pCi/g of
U-238 (120 pCi/g total uranium). On this basis, an authorized limit of 100 pCi/g total uranium
(about 48 pCi/g U-238 and U-234, and 4 pCi/g U-235) was approved. This limit would ensure
that doses under the expected use of the property would be less than 5.5 mrem (5.5 E-2 mSv) in a
year to the MEI or representative person of the critical group. Lifetime risk of a fatal cancer for
a worker continuously exposed (for 25 years) to this dose would be about 7x10-5 (7 in 100,000).
If the site were to continue to be operated as an industrial facility, residual collective dose would
be less than 0.2 person-rem per year or about 8 person-rem and 33 person-rem integrated over 50
and 200 years, respectively. This assumes that the facility employed 30 persons for the entire
integration period and all persons receive the 5.5 mrem (5.5 E-2 mSv) per year estimated for the
MEI or representative person of the critical group. Assuming a linear no threshold relationship
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
8-13
between dose and health effects, the residual radioactive material on site after the cleanup would
result in no radiation-induced cancers. The projected potential is 0.02 fatal cancers, or
effectively zero, over 200 years of operation. However, it is expected that post-remedial action
concentrations of uranium will be below the approved authorized limit and hence, potential doses
and associated risks will be lower as well.
Section 51
In the unlikely event that the site is used in a manner similar to the conditions set forth for the
resident-farmer scenario, the maximum dose would be less than 21 mrem (0.21 mSv) in a year.
This represents a 3x10-4 lifetime risk of cancer. Continuous exposure to such a dose (assuming
the site could support six persons under the resident-farmer scenario) would produce a maximum
collective dose of 0.1 person-rem/year or an integrated dose of about 25 person-rems over 200
years. Assuming the linear relationship between collective dose and health effects, 0.01 cancers
over 200 years may be calculated.
A more likely potential use for the site is a condominium complex, which is not unusual for this
type of property in this region. Given a 3-acre lot, assuming a maximum of about 15 dwellings
per acre and four residents per unit, the area could house a maximum of about 180 individuals.
A reasonably conservative dose assessment indicates that the maximum dose to individuals
living on the first floor of a condominium would be about 9 mrem (0.09 mSv) per year
(individual lifetime cancer risk about 1.5 in 10,000) and for higher floors about 1.5 mrem (0.015
mSv) per year (individual risk of about 1.5 in 100,000) assuming the 3 acres were uniformly
contaminated to 100 pCi/g total uranium (a very conservative assumption as average
concentrations following cleanup are normally many times less than the standard). The annual
collective dose would be 0.07 person-rem. Integration over a 200 year period would indicate
less than 11 person-rem (hypothetical 0.06 fatal cancers in 200 years).
Summary
Table 8-10 presents the summary of collective doses from the various scenarios. This analysis
was prepared prior to completion of remedial action; however, preliminary engineering estimates
at the proposed uranium criteria indicated the cost of the project would be on the order of
$20,000,000. This cost includes building remedial action and renovation as well as soil cleanup.
As noted above, it was anticipated that residual levels of uranium at the site would be below
those used in the dose assessments reported above and hence, the actual potential doses and
associated risks also would be lower.
TABLE 8-10. Ventron, Massachusetts, Exposure Scenario Collective Dose Analyses
Years Residual Collective Dose person-rem Residual Risk Total Potential Cancers
Industrial Use Scenario
25
200
4
33
0.002
0.02
Residential Farmer Use Scenario
25
200
3
25
0.002
0.01
Condominium Complex
25
200
18
144
0.009
0.07
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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For the two likely use scenarios (Condominium and Industrial) evaluated, remedial action to the
authorized limit is expected to reduce doses well below the dose constraint. If the residential-
farmer scenario were assumed (the worst plausible use) the selected authorized limit is well
below the primary dose limit.
Table 8-11 reflects the impact of additional remedial measures implemented to reduce the
potential maximum dose for the residential scenario.
TABLE 8-11. Impact of Additional Remedial Measures – Residential Scenario
Projected Dose Under
Residential Scenario
Uranium Criteria
for Remedial Action
Increase in Waste
Volume Additional cost*
21 mrem/yr 100 pCi/g
(48 pCi/g U-238)
15 mrem/yr 70 pCi/g
(35 pCi/g U-238)
1,550 cubic yards
(Figure 8-3) $530,000
*assuming $220/cu.yd. for disposal and $120/cu.yd. for transportation
If the same reductions were taken for each of the likely use scenarios, Table 8-12 shows
exposure reductions that would be anticipated (over the 200-year integration period).
Section 52
TABLE 8-12. Anticipated Exposure Reductions
Post-remedial Use Person-rem Reduction Cost per Person-rem Avoided
Industrial 10 $53,000
Residential farmer 7 $76,000
Condominium 42 $12,000
This is equivalent to a cost per fatal cancer avoided of between $27,000,000 and $130,000,000,
suggesting that the use of the semi-quantitative process employed to establish the authorized
limit resulted in a decision that was reasonable.
Further reduction of the authorized limit could not be justified solely on the basis of health
considerations. However, a clear drawback of this semi-quantitative “cost-effectiveness-type” of
process using waste volume and concentration as surrogates for cost and dose, respectively, is
that there is no easy way to assess overall benefit between no action and alternative cleanup
levels.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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2
6
10
14
18
22
‐
FIGURE 8-3. Alternative Concentration Limits vs. Estimated Waste Volume
8.5 Case Study #5: Weldon Spring Site, Missouri
The Weldon Spring remediation was based on an application of the ALARA process and the
CERCLA process. It is a large site containing a large industrial complex for processing uranium.
The uranium contamination distribution in soil, buildings, and quarry varies widely and the
remediation decisions included radiological and non-radiological considerations.
Standard Approved
Ra-226, Ra-228, Th-230, Th-232, and daughters in soil (0-60 cm) 5 pCi/g. U-238 in soil 30
pCi/g (natural U).
Site
This 226-acre AEC site (now DOE) was originally part of 17,000 acres of land acquired by the
U.S. Army to construct an ordnance works. Uranium and thorium ore concentrates were
processed from 1957 to 1966. Many buildings were constructed to house the processing
equipment. Waste streams, including raffinates from the refinery and washed slag from the
uranium recovery process, were piped to the raffinate pits and the decanted liquids were drained
through sewers to the Missouri River via a 2.4-km natural drainage channel. The site
contamination was extremely non-homogeneous, with a few highly concentrated areas that
15
14
13
12
W 11
S
T
E
V
O
L
U
M
E
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
T
h
o
u
s
a
n
d
s
U‐238
pCi/g
Cubic
Yards
c
u
b
i
c
10
20
35
50
100
230
13800
10800
6700
5150
4070
2370
y
a
r
d
s
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
Concentration (pCi/gram)
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
8-16
extend to a depth of a few tens of centimeters and the bulk of the soil area relatively lightly
contaminated on the surface only. The sludge, in four raffinate pits and two ponds, was highly
contaminated but confined. Contaminated surface water runoff was contained in a quarry. Table
8-13 presents the estimated volume of contaminated media.
Basis for Standard
The site was cleaned in compliance with CERCLA and NEPA. The standard was derived in
1991, using a site-specific process similar to that required by DOE Order 5400.5. Contaminated
debris from buildings and equipment constitute the bulk of the volume (and cost) disposed and
the soil, regardless of the level selected, comprised a relatively small fraction of the total. When
the contamination is highly concentrated in the hot spots, there is relatively little difference in
the volume of soil that has to be removed to reduce the residual contamination to a small fraction
of the initial concentration. Hence, relatively more restrictive cleanup standards could be
justified in this case through ALARA considerations. Nevertheless, the lifetime hypothetical
risks could not be reduced to the EPA “target” range of 10-6 to 10-4, due to exposures to radon. A
dose limit of 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) per year, which EPA has used for several source-specific
regulations including management of U and Th by-product material, also was considered but
could not be achieved for the residential site-specific scenario in all site locations.
Section 53
Cleanup targets for radium and thorium (Ra-226, Ra-228, Th-230, and Th-232) concentrations in
surface soil of 6.2 pCi/g (background is 1.2 pCi/g) and 16.2 pCi/g in subsurface soil were
considered. Table 8-14 shows the relationship of target U-238 concentrations in soil to cost and
dose. An ALARA goal of 5 pCi/g was selected for Ra-226, Ra-228, Th-230, Th-232, and
daughters in soil at all depths, including background, because it is the lowest concentration that
can be reasonably achieved without excavating significant quantities of clean soils and without
incurring costs that are disproportionately high for the corresponding risk reduction. (The cost
for excavation and disposal of soil is $55/yd3.) The EPA acceptable indoor radon level of 4
pCi/L was considered.
The average U-238 concentration in soil was 190 pCi/g. The calculated annual dose to a farmer
in the ash pond area is 42 mrem (0.42 mSv) per year, which represents a risk of 3 x 10-5/y.
Doses were calculated for concentrations in soil of 120, 60, 30, and 15 pCi/g for U-238.
Removal of contaminated soil and backfill with clean soil would reduce and delay the dose after
remediation due to shielding and erosion. For uranium, a soil cleanup target of 120 pCi/g
without backfill (that would yield a calculated dose of 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) per year) was
selected, with an ALARA goal of 30 pCi/g. Table 8-14 shows that there is little incremental risk
reduction associated with the significant cost increases beyond the proposed action level.
Results
The primary cleanup effort to date has been directed toward remediating buildings and
equipment – the most expensive part of remediation. A water treatment facility was planned for
decontaminating the water from the quarry prior to disposal in the river. The site is adjacent to a
large recreational area and that is the most likely use for the property after remediation. The
potential doses to persons who may use the site for a variety of purposes, including rangers,
visitors, recreational, residential, farming, and intruders, were estimated. It is anticipated that the
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
8-17
ALARA goals for concentrations in soil will be achieved. The incremental radiological risk to a
resident would range from 0 to 6 x 10-3 with a median of 8 x 10-6 across the site. Background for
radium in soil is 1.2 pCi/g and a small increment of 0.075 pCi/g corresponds to a risk of 1 x 10-4.
This reflects the difficulty in achieving either the target risk range or annual dose limit of 25
mrem (0.25 mSv) for residential scenarios for the areas of high contamination. However, the
EPA acceptable indoor radon level of 4 pCi/L is likely to be met at all site locations. Dose
projections for the site have focused on individual doses at various locations and times and not
on collective doses to the population. State and EPA personnel have been involved with the
proposed site cleanup plan.
TABLE 8-13. Volume of Contaminated Media at Weldon Spring, Missouri
Media Volume (yd3)
Sludge 220,000
Sediment 119,800
Soil 339,000
Structural Material 169,600
Process Chemicals 3,960
Vegetation 30,650
Total 883,000
TABLE 8-14. Relationship of Target U-238 Concentrations in Soil to Cost and Dose at Weldon Spring, Missouri
Concentration
pCi U-238/g.
Volume
yd3
Backfill
ft.
Cost
$M
Annual dose
Mrem
>120 — 0.5 — 20 @ 400 y
120 11,000 0 0.58 25 @ present
60 26,000 1.0 1.4 6.7 @ 800 y
30 — 2.0 — 1.5 @ 10,000y
30 37,000 0 2.0 6.7 @ present
15 50,000 2.0 3.0 8.38 @ 10,000y
Section 54
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Chapter 9. QUANTITATIVE ALARA ANALYSIS
As discussed in Chapter 4, a quantitative ALARA analysis generally requires the most effort and
includes the following major steps:
• Identify and quantify the sources of radiation;
• Identify and define candidate radiation protection alternatives or systems (including
waste stream treatment) that would reduce the exposure or doses;
• Quantify economic factors (cost of systems, operations, maintenance, etc.);
• Quantify exposures and doses to individuals and to populations in the vicinity of the DOE
activity;
• Estimate the health risk and identify non-health detriments (or benefits); and
• Select one of the candidate radiation protection systems as ALARA.
Quantitative cost-benefit optimization methods are discussed in ICRP Publication 37, Cost-
Benefit Analysis in Optimization of Radiation Protection (ICRP, 1982), and ICRP
Publication 55, Optimization and Decision-making in Radiological Protection (ICRP, 1990).
The most common quantitative ALARA analysis used is the cost benefit analysis and is
discussed at length in this document. However, quantitative ALARA analyses can also be
performed using a cost effect analysis, multi-attribute utility analysis, multi-criteria outranking
analysis, Kepner-Tregoe (K-T) decision analysis, or analytical hierarchy process analysis. Each
of these analyses are discussed further in this Chapter and applicable examples of optimization as
applied to DOE occupational radiation protection issues are provided later in this Handbook and
in Munson et al., 1988.
9.1 Cost Benefit Analysis
Very complex or contentious issues may need a quantitative cost-benefit analysis16 to help
decision-makers select among alternatives. Cost-benefit analysis is often a good approach to use
when the primary basis for making a decision is the monetary cost vs. monetary benefits of the
alternatives. This type of analysis describes benefits and detriments in terms of the economic or
monetary cost and requires all attributes to be described in these terms. This is the most
quantitative method described in this Handbook and requires the greatest amount of quantitative
information.
Selection of an appropriate cost-benefit factor for reducing dose involves a judgment of the
relative values of dose, normally in terms of dollars per rem avoided. Additionally, guidance on
optimization methodology will provide the basis for selection of collective dose values above
which an ALARA review is appropriate. Numerical criteria for ALARA decision making should
include types of radioactive effluent contamination levels, and exposure scenarios.
16 U.S. Office of Management and Budget, OMB Circular No. A-94, Guidelines and Discount Rates for Cost-Benefit
Analysis of Federal Programs (October 29, 1992) presents general guidance on conducting cost-benefit analyses.
OMB updates the discount rates for the methodology annually.
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9.1.1 Total Detriment Equations
Total detriment includes all deleterious effects, both health effects and non-health effects. These
include real and imagined effects, perceived effects, anxiety, risk aversion, and any others
associated with the radiation source. The Total cost, or the monetary equivalent of the total
detriment (Y), can be written:
Y = α S + ß Σj Nj ƒj(Hj) Equation 9-1
Where:
α is the health detriment cost coefficient (dollars per person-rem),
S is the collective dose (person-rem),
Section 55
ß is the non-health detriment cost coefficient (dollars per person-rem),
N is the number of individuals exposed,
ƒ is a function of the individual doses, which would depend on risk aversion attitudes and
regulations or company policies, and
H is the mean total effective dose (rem) where j represents a particular group of
individuals for N, ƒ, and H.
In Equation 9-1, all components of the non-health detriment are taken together and assumed to
depend on individual doses. This section will not address the non-health detriment portion of the
cost-benefit analysis further, but rather will focus on the health detriment and specifically on the
radiation-related health detriment.17 Thus, Equation 9-1 becomes:
Y = αS Equation 9-2
9.1.2 Cost-Benefit Optimization
The net benefit of an activity may be expressed mathematically in the following manner:
B = V − (P + X + Y) Equation 9-3
17 Natural Resource Valuation: A Primer on Concepts and Techniques, July 1997, provides examples of related
techniques for valuation of non-health detriments to support cost-benefit assessments.
Two components of detriment are: 1) the assumed radiation-induced health effects that may
be expressed in monetary terms through the use of the coefficient α ($/person-rem), and 2) a
non-health coefficient ß ($/person-rem) that is related to societal considerations. Many ß
“terms” are not predictable and can be strongly dependent on such factors as the local attitude
and may be more suited for evaluation using multi-attribute type processes. Different values
for the worth of the detriment might be warranted for workers and members of the public.
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9-3
+ =
Where:
B is the net benefit of the activity,
V is the gross benefit of the activity,
P is the basic production costs,
X is the cost of achieving a selected level of protection, and
Y is the cost of radiation detriment of the activity at a selected radiation protection level.
The optimum level of radiation protection is obtained by maximizing the net benefit B of
implementing an alternative. Assuming the collective dose (S) is the relevant independent
variable; Equation 10-3 is differentiated with respect to S and set equal to zero:
dV −
dS
dP dX
dS dS
dY
dS
0
Equation 9-4
The values of V and P are generally independent of S for a given activity, that is, the gross
benefit worth and production cost of an activity generally are not affected by variations in S.
Thus, components dV/dS and dP/dS are 0 and the optimum condition may be written as:
dX = − dY
dS dS
= − = −α Equation 9-5
The optimum degree of radiation protection is obtained at a value of S such that the incremental
increase in the cost of the radiation protection per unit of collective dose is equal to the
incremental reduction in detriment per unit of collective dose. This is a differential cost-benefit
equation18 and is used to optimize radiation protection efforts. This form is best-suited for
applications where the exposures (and cost of health-detriment) can be associated with a release
of radioactive material that can be described in an equation by a continuous variable.
In most cases, exposures are not continuous variables; rather, the alternative radiation protection
options result in finite incremental changes in exposures (and cost of the health-detriment). The
equation may be written:
(X 2 − X1 ) =
(S2 − S1 )
(Y2 − Y1 )
(S2 − S1 )
= − α Equation 9-6
Section 56
18 To select the optimum radiation protection system, it is necessary to define, cost, and evaluate the performance of
several candidate systems which range from the most rudimentary to the more technologically sophisticated
systems. When several candidate systems are considered, the ALARA process will identify the optimum system.
If only two systems are evaluated, the only finding made is whether the change from the first system to the second
system is cost-effective. There is a vast difference between the two applications, with economic savings favoring
the optimization. A good example is a typical waste stream which will be discharged to the environment. The most
rudimentary treatment can be expected to remove a significant fraction of the contaminant and cost relatively little.
Further removal efforts will be less effective because there is less contaminant remaining in the waste stream and the
more sophisticated removal components will be more and more costly. The ALARA process will indicate the
choice of several candidate systems which will result in the minimum total cost, e.g., optimization.
+
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
9-4
The subscripts indicate the candidate radiation protection systems considered. System 2 is more
costly than System 1, and results in less collective dose than System 1. This expression indicates
that the optimum is achieved when the incremental cost of the radiological protection system
equals the decremental cost of the detriment.
9.1.3 Detriment and Monetary Equivalent
Quantifying detriment in terms of the economic or monetary equivalent for a specific factor is a
feature of a quantitative cost-benefit analysis. Some of the concepts may also be applicable to
other ALARA process evaluations.
9.1.4 Dose, Risk, and Health Detriment
The principal radiation protection benefit of the process system is the reduction of the dose to the
individuals with the highest exposures and the collective dose to the exposed population. For
radiation protection purposes, dose is presumed to be a surrogate for risk. The risk of serious
health effects is assumed, for radiation protection purposes, to be linearly proportional to the
effective dose (or effective dose equivalent under DOE Order 5400.5) for all values of dose
greater than background.19 The health detriment (risk of contracting radiation-induced cancer or
serious hereditary disease) to the exposed population from an activity that causes exposures to
radiation is assumed to be proportional to the collective dose to the population from: 1) direct
exposures to the radiation external to the body; and 2) internal exposures (material taken into the
body by ingestion, inhalation, and absorption). Even though the number of potential radiation-
induced health effects within a population is assumed to be proportional to the collective dose,
there is no promulgated limit for collective dose. However, a value of 100 person-rem in a year
has been selected by DOE for reporting purposes, rather than a collective dose limit.
The magnitude of a dose, whether to individuals or collective dose to a population, will depend
on:
• Radiation source geometry;
• Type and energy of radiation emissions;
• Exposure modes and potential exposure pathways;
• Population distribution;
• Location of the receptor with respect to the source location;
• Duration of exposure;
19 There is scientific uncertainty about cancer risk in the low-dose region below the range of epidemiologic
observation, and the possibility of no risk cannot be excluded (CIRRPC Scientific Panel Report No. 9).
Section 57
If the dose to the maximally exposed individual (MEI) from all exposure pathways complies
with the dose limit, the optimum choice using cost-benefit analysis is the alternative with the
least total cost – where the total cost includes the reduction in the radiation detriment
(negative) and the added cost of the control system.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
9-5
• Quantity of radioactive material released;
• Dispersion by natural forces;
• Lifestyle of those exposed; and
• Other parameters.
If the health-detriment can be quantified, a cost of the detriment may be postulated for cost-
benefit purposes.
9.1.5 Quantifying Risk of Radiation-Induced Serious Health Effects
Data used to derive quantitative risk values for radiation-induced serious health effects generally
are based on human exposures to high levels of radiation delivered at high dose rates, such as the
survivors of the nuclear weapons in Japan, radium dial painters, and the use of radiation to
diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses. There are no data that demonstrate harmful effects for
doses in the regime ranging from “background” exposure levels to doses at the limits selected for
members of the public or for workers. Most authoritative organizations that have quantified
radiation-induced risks caution that the values are applicable to doses of 10 rads or greater. DOE
believes that it is prudent to be consistent with Federal guidance and to use the linear no-
threshold assumption. DOE applies the concept for radiation protection purposes and for
comparing and evaluating radiation protection alternatives for protection of the public and the
environment for ALARA or other purposes.
9.1.6 Monetary Considerations for Reduction in Collective Dose
ALARA analyses require the comparison of many unlike factors such as collective dose, and
control costs. For the purposes of quantifying and comparing such factors it is necessary to
express them in like terms, using a common denominator. Although any unit of comparison can
be used effectively in multi-attribute analyses, the unit used for cost-benefit analysis is cost. In
such situations, the factor or attribute of interest (that is, collective dose, S), should be expressed
in terms of a monetary equivalent.
Consistent with the assumptions of a linear relationship of health-effects with dose, it is
generally assumed that alpha (α), the monetary value of a unit of collective dose, is independent
of the magnitude of the individual doses comprising the collective dose – provided that the doses
to individuals are within the appropriate dose limit.20 In 1973, the AEC assumed a constant value
α = $1,000 for a rulemaking (Appendix I of 10 CFR Part 50). At that time, the AEC did not
attempt to derive a value for the monetary worth of collective dose using first principles.
Attempts to rationalize the value of such indicators as willingness to pay insurance premiums,
commitment of resources for highway safety, cost of medical treatment for cancer,
hospitalization cost, loss of years of life expectancy, loss of earnings, Gross National Product
statistics, and the cost of worker replacement have been considered over the several decades
since the need was identified. An AEC literature search in the early 1970s found values for α
ranging from about $10 to $1,000 per person-rem.
20 However, there are situations where varied monetary equivalent values have been applied that are dose-dependent.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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Section 58
The NRC reevaluated the monetary equivalent value that was used in Appendix I of 10 CFR
Part 5021 and issued regulatory analysis guidelines in 1995 that recommended $2,000 per person-
rem as the current monetary equivalent value for converting collective dose to dollars. DOE also
completed evaluations to determine the appropriate monetary conversion factors for collective
dose22 and, on the basis of these analyses, the Department recommends that the monetary
equivalent for a collective dose used in DOE ALARA evaluations should be between $1,000 and
$6,000 per person-rem. For most applications, the $2,000 per person-rem recommended by
NRC is acceptable for DOE application. However, because of the uncertainty in the values, it is
recommended that detailed ALARA evaluations use the range for comparing alternatives. Some
have suggested significantly lower values on the basis of single analysis, while others have
suggested a greater range of values.23 After a broad review of the current literature, DOE
believed that its recommended range is still appropriate. DOE ALARA analyses should apply
monetary equivalents for a person-rem in the range from $1,000 to $6,000.
For comparison, assuming one person-rem represents a potential risk for workers on the order of
5 in 10,000 (5x10-4 fatal cancers per person-rem) and for the pubic about 6 in 10,000 (6x10-4
fatal cancers per person-rem). The recommended range ($1,000 to $6,000 per person-rem)
would thus equate to a range of about $2,000,000 to $12,000,000 per hypothetical radiation-
induced cancer death averted.
9.1.7 Non-Health Detriment
There are non-health detriments, some of which may be introduced into a cost-benefit analysis,
that are not readily expressed in monetary terms and are not linearly related to collective dose.
For example, public policy considerations, comfort considerations for workers, or design or
operating decisions made to avoid possible losses of environmental amenities. Non-health
components generally are not proportional to collective dose and may not be related to actual
dose at all, for example, increased risks in industrial safety.
21 NUREG-1530, Reassessment of NRC’s Dollar Per Person-Rem Conversion Factor Policy, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, December 1995, and NUREG/BR-0058, Regulatory Analysis Guidelines of the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, November 1995.
22 Estimating Costs for Man-rem Exposures, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Waste Management: M.H. Chew
& Associates, Inc., April 1996.
23 The rationale discussed here, that is, the willingness to commit resources to avoid a radiation-induced serious
health effect is only one of several rationales used to select a value for α.
The monetary value of a unit of collective dose is assigned a symbol α. NOTE: The results of
the quantitative cost-benefit ALARA evaluation is not very sensitive to the value selected for
α and must not combine health and non-health effects in the same coefficient. By assigning a
monetary value to the willingness to avoid a serious health effect, one can express the health
detriment (Y) in monetary terms. From equation 9-2, Y=αS, where S is the collective dose of
the exposed population and α is the health detriment cost coefficient, it is recommended that
α be assigned a value in the range of $1,000 to $6,000 per person-rem.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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Section 59
The non-health component may be computed by determining the total cost of the completed
radiation protection system and subtracting the cost of the radiation protection system with only
those features that can be justified considering only the health-effect detriment rather than the
total detriment. This difference should be included in the records of ALARA applications as
well as the rationale for the non-health costs.
The monetary equivalent of non-health detriment is generally depicted by the symbol beta, β, and
can be assigned a monetary value ($) or assigned a weighting factor through multi-attribute
analyses or similar techniques, or simply recognized as a factor to be considered intuitively in the
final selection of the radiological protection system. In some applications, the β coefficient is a
complex function of potential individual doses and may be indicated symbolically as β Σj Njf(Hj).
If β is the monetary coefficient of other (non-health) factors of detriment, N the number of
individuals receiving a dose of H rem in a year.
Other techniques, such as multi-attribute analyses, can permit some of the less quantifiable
factors, such as comfort considerations or other environmental factors to enter into the decision-
making process. Such non-health costs can be estimated by calculating the difference in cost
between the optimum system based on radiation protection and the system selected. The cost
difference should be determined and included in the records of ALARA decisions. When
ALARA evaluations are based on the combined doses to workers and to members of the public,
the values of α selected for the two groups generally should not differ substantially; however, the
β factors might be quite different.
Although non-health components of the detriments are real and should be recognized and
quantified to the extent that one can do so, the methods used in quantification or other methods
for introducing them in the decision-making process are variable and will not be discussed in this
Handbook. However, several methods may be found in the literature and should be considered.
For example, the report Natural Resource Valuation: A Primer on Concepts and Techniques
(Ulibarri and Wellman, 1997) discusses a number of techniques that have been employed to
estimate values for natural resources.
The value for β is much more difficult, a priori, to estimate than α because it can include
considerations such as the cost of a Federal or State agency laying on requirements beyond
those that can be rationalized by health risk evaluations to obtain a required permit or other
approval. Additional confounding factors complicate the rationale, such as costs or impacts
and benefits accrued to a population other than the one receiving the exposure. It could also
include costs for purchasing property, expenses to avoid litigation, training or equipment
costs, or demonstrations from interested or affected parties.
In some cases, adequate information is available to permit a cost-benefit analysis to quantify
elements important in the decision-making process. In other cases, the information might not
be available, or a quantitative cost-benefit analysis might not be practical to aid in a decision-
making process involving ALARA exposures – in that case the decision will be based on less-
quantitative factors. Documentation of the basis for the decision needs to be provided in all
cases.
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9.1.8 Cost-Benefit Example
Section 60
As indicated previously, one characteristic of cost-benefit analyses is that the factors generally
are expressed in monetary terms. The simplest case of optimization for radiation protection
purposes may be demonstrated for the uranium mine example illustrated in ICRP Publication 55.
In this case, a monetary value “alpha” (α), is selected for a unit of annual collective dose, S.
Then, the monetary value of the collective dose (detriment), Y, is αS. The total annual cost is the
sum of the annual cost for radiation protection, X, and the annual cost of the detriment, Y. The
option that has the least total annual cost is the optimum selection.
To illustrate this technique consistent with ICRP Publication 55, a monetary value for collective
dose of $20,000 (person-Sv)-1 will be assumed.24 This is equivalent to $200 per person-rem,
which is outside of the range recommended in 9.1.6 of this Handbook. Table 9-1 presents the
data for a simple cost-benefit analysis of the uranium mine example, provided above.
TABLE 9-1. The Simple Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Uranium Mine Options
Protection option Annual protection cost
X, $
Annual detriment cost
Y, $
Total annual cost
X + Y, $
1 10400 11200 21620
2 17200 7100 24340
3 18500 6700 25200
4 32200 3900 36120
5 35500 3600 39060
Note: Assumes α = $20,000 (person-Sv)-1.
The optimum solution (minimum total cost) is underlined.
In Table 9-1, the annual protection cost, Xn, for each option, n, is estimated by conventional cost
analyses and annualized. The annual cost of the detriment, Yn is the product of α ($20,000 per
person-Sv) and the projected annual collective dose, Sn, for each option (see Table 9-2). The
total annual cost for each option is the sum Xn + Yn. Based on the Simple Cost-Benefit Analysis
only, the first option is the optimum. However, note in Table 9-2, that the doses to Group I
workers would be close to the 50 mSv worker dose limit for Option 1. To provide for sufficient
operating flexibility, the preferred choice would then be Option 2 in the Simple Cost-Benefit
Analysis.
24 Historically, values for alpha ranging from “a few pounds Sterling” to $1,000 per person-rem [$100,000 per
person-Sv] have appeared in the literature and have been assumed in many cost-benefit exercises. However, there is
no specific value for the monetary value for a unit of collective dose that has been justified, rationalized, or endorsed
by any national or international authority, nor is there any consensus value. The NRC has selected $1,000 (person-
rem)-1 for some evaluations for rulemaking purposes, but only because it is the top of the range of values which was
found in the literature at the time.
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TABLE 9-2. Data for Options Considered in the Uranium Mine Example
Protection Option 1 2 3 4 5
Annual Protection Cost, $ 10,400 17,200 18,500 32,200 35,500
Annual collective dose, person-Sv 0.561 0.357 0.335 0.196 0.178
Annual average individual dose to
workers in group, mSv
I
II
III
40.8 28.4 26.0 17.5 15.8
34.5 22.3 21.0 12.6 11.3
28.9 17.1 16.3 8.4 7.8
Discomfort from Ventilation no problems slight slight severe difficult to work
1 sievert (Sv) = 100 rem,
1 person-sievert (person-Sv) = 100 person-rem
One of the radiological protection factors generally regarded as important, for decision-making
purposes, is whether the individual doses are high or low relative to the appropriate dose limit.
This type of consideration can be introduced into an extended cost-benefit analysis by
introducing a “beta” (ß) term into the detriment:
Section 61
Yn = αS + Σ ßj Sj Equation 9-7
Where Sj is the collective dose comprised of the doses to the individuals in range j, and ßj is the
additional monetary value assigned to unit collective dose in the range j.
Table 9-3 presents the distribution of average and collective doses of the workers among the
three groups.
TABLE 9-3. Average Individual Doses to Workers in the Three Groups and
Corresponding Collective Doses for the Options
Average annual individual dose
(mSv)
Annual collective dose
(person-Sv)
Protection option I II III I II III
1 40.8 34.5 28.9 0.163 0.138 0.260
2 28.4 22.3 17.1 0.114 0.089 0.154
3 26.0 21.0 16.3 0.104 0.084 0.147
4 17.5 12.6 8.4 0.070 0.050 0.076
5 15.8 11.3 7.8 0.063 0.045 0.070
For illustration purposes, in the uranium mine example, the following additional criterion is
assumed:
ß1 (<5 mSv) = 0
ß2 (5 to 15 mSv) = $40,000 (person-Sv)-1
ß3 (15 to 50 mSv) = $80,000 (person-Sv)-1
In the previous example, a constant value was assumed for alpha – the monetary value of the unit
of collective dose regardless of the range of doses comprising the collective dose. That is, the
importance of the doses received was assumed to be equal, regardless of the magnitude of the
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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individual doses so long as the doses were within the applicable dose limit. The introduction of
the beta terms permits one to place greater importance on the individual doses according to how
close they are to the appropriate dose limit. Note that for doses that are a small fraction of the
limit, there is no supplementary value at all, i.e., the beta term is $0.
The values assigned to the beta terms for each range of dose and the number of groups are
arbitrary. Again, no national or international authorities have endorsed any values for beta or the
ranges of importance for doses. However, some countries have applied the technique in
providing guidance for their ALARA applications. The evaluations can be repeated with other
values selected for alpha and beta to determine the sensitivity of the optimum determination to
these parameters (sensitivity analysis).
As shown in Table 9-3, the average individual dose for workers in all three groups exceeds 15
mSv for Option 1, the entire collective dose of 0.561 person-Sv (see Table 9-4) is in the range 15
to 50 mSv, where the value of ß is $80,000 per person-Sv. The product, $80,000 x 0.561 =
$44,880, is the partial detriment cost Y(ß) for considering the magnitude of the average dose
relative to the dose limit. For Options 2 and 3, the average doses also are within range 15 to 50
mSv and are evaluated similarly. For Option 4, 0.070 person-Sv is in the range 15 to 50 mSv,
and 0.126 person-Sv is in the range 5 to 15 mSv. Therefore, the cost Y(ß) for Option 4 is
$80,000 x 0.070 + $40,000 x 0.126 = $5,600 + $5,040 = $10,640 and for Option 5, Y(ß) =
$9,640. The partial detriment annual costs, Y(ß), are presented in Table 9-4.
TABLE 9-4. Annual Collective Doses in Each Individual Dose Range and
Partial Y(ß) Detriment Cost for the Options Considered
Protection
option
Annual
collective
dose - total
(S) person-Sv
Annual
collective dose -
Range 1
(S1) person-Sv
Annual
collective dose -
Range 2
(S2) person-Sv
Annual
collective dose -
Range 3
(S3) person-Sv
Partial detriment
annual cost,
Y(ß), $
1 0.561 0 0 0.561 44,880
2 0.357 0 0 0.357 28,560
3 0.335 0 0 0.335 26,800
4 0.196 0 0.126 0.070 10,640
5 0.178 0 0.115 0.063 9,640
Section 62
Note: a ß1 (<5 mSv) = 0
ß2 (5 to 15 mSv) = $40,000 (person-Sv)-1
ß3 (15 to 50 mSv) = $80,000 (person-Sv)-1
Applying the selected beta values, as well as the alpha factor in the previous example (e.g.,
$20,000/person-Sv), the data in Table 9-5 were generated. The total annual cost for the several
options, with consideration given to the annual collective dose and the average individual doses,
is an extended cost-benefit analysis and is presented in Table 9-5.
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TABLE 9-5. Extended Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Options Considered for the Uranium Mine Options
Protection
option
Annual
protection cost
(X) $
Annual
detriment cost
Y(α), $
Annual
detriment costa
Y(ß), $
Total
annual cost
= X + Y(α)+Y(ß), $
1 10,400 11,200 44,880 66,480
2 17,200 7,100 28,560 52,860
3 18,500 6,700 26,800 52,000
4 32,200 3,900 10,640 46,740
5 35,500 3,600 9,640 48,740
Note:a Assumes α = $20,000 (person-Sv)-1; ß1 (<5 mSv) = 0; ß2 (5 to 15 mSv) = $40,000 (person-Sv)-1;
ß3 (15 to 50 mSv) = $80,000 (person-Sv)-1
The optimum solution is underlined.
In the example of Extended Cost-Benefit Analysis above, the Options of choice would be either
4 or 5 however; the “comfort” factor was not included in the optimization determination. Note
in Table 9-2 that the discomfort ratings for these two Options are severe and difficult to work,
respectively. Taking all the factors into consideration, the likely decision would then be to select
Option 3, since it provides sufficient dose reduction with only slight discomfort at a relatively
median cost.
COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS IN A NUTSHELL
A cost-benefit analysis can be a useful way to organize and compare the favorable and
unfavorable impacts that a proposed action might have. It can help decision makers
understand the implications of various options. In a cost-benefit analysis, the costs and
benefits of an action are determined, quantified, and assigned monetary values to the extent
possible. The difference in monetary value between costs and benefits is then calculated. In a
very simple sense, a project can be said to benefit society if the monetary value of its benefits
is greater than that of its costs. Source: Poch, Gillette and Veil, 1998
The standard criterion for deciding whether a program can be justified on economic principles
is net present value – the discounted monetized value of expected net benefits (i.e., benefits
minus costs). Net present value is computed by assigning monetary values to benefits and
costs, discounting future benefits and costs using an appropriate discount rate and subtracting
the sum total of discounted costs from the sum total of discounted benefits. Discounting
benefits and costs transforms gains and losses occurring in different time periods to a
common unit of measurement. Programs with positive net present value increase social
resources and generally are preferred. Programs with negative net present value generally
should be avoided. When “benefits” and “costs” can be quantified in dollar terms (e.g., as
avoided cost) over several years, these benefits can be subtracted from the costs (or dollar
outlays) and the present value of the benefit calculated. Both intangible and tangible benefits
and costs should be recognized. Costs should reflect opportunity cost of any resources used,
measured by the return to those resources in their most productive application elsewhere. The
alternative returning the largest discounted benefit is preferred. Source: Guidebook to
Decision-Making Methods (WSRC-IM-2002-00002) and OMB Circular No. A-94.
Section 63
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9.2 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
When performing an evaluation of a particular ALARA option, each has a level of protection
cost and a corresponding collective dose. Only two variables are normally considered using
cost-effectiveness analysis and the simplest way to express relationships between options is to
plot the variables against each other.
In the simple example below, the variables are the annualized protection cost and the annual
collective dose or “detriment.” In Figure 9-1, the various protection options are represented
graphically. The options are discrete with no intermediate choices. By a simple examination of
the figure, a pre-selection of options based on these two factors can be performed. The options
illustrated by square points have neighboring options giving a lower collective dose at a lower
cost. Provided the options are similar in other respects, these may be eliminated from further
consideration, thus restricting the set of available options to those that are cost-effective.
NOTE: Straight lines joining the cost-effective options illustrated by diamond points are added
to improve clarity.
FIGURE 9-1. Typical Cost-Effectiveness Curve
The cost-effectiveness analysis is a relatively simple quantitative ALARA analysis technique
that will give an analytical solution that directly indicates the optimum. However, this is
predicated on the fact that only two factors are relevant, for example cost and collective dose.
ICRP 55, Optimization and Decision-Making in Radiological Protection, (1989), also includes a
helpful example of a cost-effective analysis. Although it only considers occupational exposure,
it provides some insight into the use of cost effectiveness in conjunction with multi-attribute
utility analysis.
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 1 2
Collective Dose
3 4
Co
st
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9.3 Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis
Multi-attribute utility analyses are discussed in most modern management texts, and there are a
number of references available on its application and implementation. This method requires that
the n relevant factors important to radiological protection be identified. These factors are known
as attributes. Each of these attributes needs to be rated on a scale of 0 to 1 from the least
desirable to the most desirable outcome for each option. The rating is the utility value, uj. A
scaling constant, k, is used to express the relative importance (or weight) assigned to each
attribute. The scaling factors are generally normalized so that Σ kj = 1. The multi-attribute
utility function for option i, Ui, provides the figure of merit or “total” utility of each option, i, and
is given by:
n
= k8u8
j=l
Equation 9-8
The higher the figure of merit, the better the overall ranking of the option so the optimum would
be the option with the highest utility function.
A simple cost-benefit analysis, as discussed previously, can be thought of as a particular form of
additive multi-attribute utility analysis and the results of the simple cost-benefit analyses can be
duplicated using multi-attribute utility analysis. This is demonstrated in the following example.
Consider the simple cost-benefit analysis summarized in Table 9-1.
Among the options, the range of protection cost is R(X) and the range of collective dose is R(S).
Each factor will have a scaling constant, k(X) and k(S), and the value of alpha (α) will be used to
relate the collective dose for each option to cost in a linear manner.
Section 64
The value of the scaling factors can be obtained by solving the simultaneous equations:
k(X) = k(S)
Equation 9-9
R(X) aR(S)
k(X) + k(S) = 1 Equation 9-10
From Table 9-2, R(X) = $35,500 - $10,400 = $25,100
R(S) = 0.561 - 0.178 = 0.383 (person Sv)
α = $20,000 (person Sv)-1
Solution of equation 9-9:
k(X)
=
R(X)
k(S) aR(S)
k(X)
=
25,100
k(S) 20,000 ∗ 0.383
k(X) = 3.276 ∗ k(S)
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i
Substituting k(X) into equation 9-10:
[3.276 ∗ k(S)] + k(S) = 1
k(S) ∗ (3.276 + 1) = 1
k(S) =
1
(3.276 + 1)
k(S) = 0. 23
k(X) = 1 - k(S)
k(X) = 0. 77
Calculating the partial utility value [u(X)] for each option is similar to the R(X) calculation
above:
u2(X) = [35,500 - 17,200] / 25,100 = 0.729
u3(X) = [35,500 – 18,500] / 25,100 = 0.677
u4(X) = [35,500 – 32,200] / 25,100 = 0.131
The lower annual protection cost is desirable so option 1 has a partial utility of 1; and the highest
annual cost, option 5, is assigned the partial utility value of 0.
Calculating the partial utility value [u(S)] for each option is performed using the annual
collective dose data from Table 9-2 and the following equation:
u (S) = Smax-Si
R(S)
u2(S) = [0.561 – 0.357] / 0.383 = 0.533
u3(S) = [0.561 – 0.335] / 0.383 = 0.590
u4(S) = [0.561 – 0.196] / 0.383 = 0.953
Equation 9-11
On the other hand, the lower annual collective dose is desirable so option 5 has a partial utility
of 1; and the highest collective dose, option 1, is assigned the partial utility value of 0. Table 9-6
presents the complete data for the multi-attribute analysis corresponding to the simple Cost-
Benefit Analysis example.
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l
TABLE 9-6. Partial Utilities and Utility Analysis Corresponding to the
Simple Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Options Considered
Protection
Option
Annual
protection
cost, X $
Annual
collective
dose, S,
person-Sv
Partial
utility
u(X)
Partial
utility
u(S)
Scaled
partial
utility
k(X)u(X)
Scaled
partial
utility
k(S)u(S)
Utility U
1 10,400 0.561 1 0 0.77 0 0.77
2 17,200 0.357 0.729 0.533 0.56 0.12 0.68
3 18,500 0.335 0.677 0.590 0.52 0.14 0.66
4 32,200 0.196 0.131 0.953 0.10 0.22 0.32
5 35,500 0.178 0 1 0 0.23 0.23
Note: The optimum option is underlined
Notice that the optimum found using either the simple cost-benefit analysis example or the
simple multi-attribute analysis is the same option.
Similarly, multi-attribute utility analysis can be used to consider the beta functions – which
weight the results according to the distribution of individual doses. Consider the results of the
extended cost-benefit analysis summarized in Table 9-5. In this case, each portion of the
collective dose will be considered separately with a linear partial utility. To obtain the three
additional scaling constants, the three annual collective dose ranges [Rn(S)] are determined from
Table 9-4 as:
R1(S) = 0.0 – 0.0 = 0.0 person-Sv
R2(S) = 0.126 – 0.0 = 0.126 person-Sv
R3(S) = 0.561 – 0.063 = 0.498 person-Sv
The scaling constant for the n portion of the collective dose is defined by:
k(X)
=
k(Sn)
Equation 9-12
R(X) ßnR(Sn)
These equations are combined with the earlier equation for k(S) with the alpha term and using
the normalizing condition:
k(X) + k(S) + ∑3 k(Sn) = 1 Equation 9-13
to obtain the set of values for the scaling constants:
k(X)=0.323
k(S)=0.099
k(S1)= 0.0
k(S2)=0.063
k(S3)=0.513
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Calculating the partial utility value of each range [u(Sn)] for each option is performed using the
following equation:
Section 65
ui(Sn ) = Sn(max)-Sn
Rn(S)
Equation 9-14
u1(S1) = [0.0 – 0.0] / 0.0 = 0.0
u2(S1) = [0.0 – 0.0] / 0.0 = 0.0
u3(S1) = [0.0 – 0.0] / 0.0 = 0.0
u4(S1) = [0.0 – 0.0] / 0.0 = 0.0
u5(S1) = [0.0 – 0.0] / 0.0 = 0.0
u1(S2) = [0.126 – 0.0] / 0.126 = 1.0
u2(S2) = [0.126 – 0.0] / 0.126 = 1.0
u3(S2) = [0.126 – 0.0] / 0.126 = 1.0
u4(S2) = [0.126 – 0.126] / 0.126 = 0.0
u5(S2) = [0.126 – 0.115] / 0.126 = 0.087
u1(S3) = [0.561 – 0.561] / 0.498 = 0.0
u2(S3) = [0.561 – 0.357] / 0.498 = 0.410
u3(S3) = [0.561 – 0.335] / 0.498 = 0.454
u4(S3) = [0.561 – 0.070] / 0.498 = 0.986
u5(S3) = [0.561 – 0.063] / 0.498 = 1.0
The utility is calculated as the sum of each partial utility by its corresponding k value as
summarized in Table 9-7. Thus, the protection option with the highest utility value is option 4.
TABLE 9-7. Partial Utilities and Utility Analysis Corresponding to
the Extended Cost Benefit Analysis for the Options Considered
Protection
option
Partial
utility
u(X)
Partial
utility
u(S)
Partial
utility
u(S1)
Partial
utility
u(S2)
Partial
utility
u(S3)
Utility
= kj uj
1 1 0 0 1 0 0.388
2 0.729 0.533 0 1 0.410 0.563
3 0.677 0.590 0 1 0.454 0.575
4 0.131 0.953 0 0 0.986 0.642
5 0 1 0 0.087 1 0.618
Note: k(X)=0.323, k(S)=0.099, k(S1)= 0.0, k(S2)=0.063, and k(S3)=0.513
Although not included in the calculations in Table 9-7, the remaining factor, Comfort, can also
be expressed as a utility function. This adds one further set of partial utilities to those in Table
9-7 and the scaling constants are then re-normalized to include the relative importance of this
factor. If the decision maker is “fairly concerned” about the ventilation it might be assigned half
the importance of the cost so that:
K(V) = ½ k(X)
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From Equation 9-13, new scaling factors are then:
k(X)=0.278
k(S)=0.085
k(S1)= 0.0
k(S2)=0.055
k(S3)=0.422
k(V)=0.140
To determine the partial utility for this factor, a “No problem” would receive a value of 1 and
“difficult to work” would be assigned a value of 0. A linear function can be assumed with
“slight discomfort” assigned a value of 0.75 and “severe discomfort” assigned a value of 0.25.
The new utility calculation is then expressed in Table 9-8. By applying a cost to this factor, and
since there are no further factors to include in the analysis, protection option 3 is definitively
deemed the optimum. From the extended Cost-Benefit Analysis previously, this protection
option was also deemed the optimum but only after a qualitative analysis of the Comfort factor.
TABLE 9-8. Partial Utilities and Utility Analysis Corresponding to
the Extended Cost Benefit Analysis for the Options Considered
Protection
option
Partial
utility
u(X)
Partial
utility
u(S)
Partial
utility
u(S1)
Partial
utility
u(S2)
Partial
utility
u(S3)
Partial
utility
u(V)
Utility
= kj uj
1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0.470
2 0.729 0.533 0 1 0.410 0.75 0.590
3 0.677 0.590 0 1 0.454 0.75 0.600
4 0.131 0.953 0 0 0.986 0.25 0.590
5 0 1 0 0.087 1 0 0.530
Note: k(X)=0.278, k(S)=0.085, k(S1)= 0.0, k(S2)=0.055, k(S3)=0.422, and k(V)=0.140
9.3.1 Additional Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis Example
To illustrate the multi-attribute process further, the following simplistic example is provided.
Given that a control system is being evaluated for a specific project, the following major factors
have been identified as relevant to the selection of the optimum system:
• Public protection;
• Worker protection;
• Environmental protection;
• Cost;
• Schedule;
• Public acceptance; and
• Protection of cultural resources.
Section 66
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Each of these factors is evaluated to define performance measures as: desired, acceptable, not
desirable, and unacceptable. An unacceptable rating for any essential factor results in rejection
of the alternative.
Although treated in the evaluation as independent attributes, these factors are not independent.
For example, schedule clearly will be impacted by costs, and public acceptance is a function of
the performance of the various other parameters. Similarly, public acceptance may be a function
of the alternatives’ projected success with regard to the public protection, the environmental
protection, and the cultural resource protection factors as well as the schedule factor. Therefore,
given that public information and participation programs are in place at the site where the facility
is to be constructed, it may be possible to remove public acceptance as a separate factor and
address it when considering the ratings in the other factors.
Given appropriate input from interested groups, the ALARA review team could eliminate,
consolidate, supplement, and weight the factors considered. In this illustration, it is presumed
that the team consolidated cultural resource protection and environmental protection, eliminated
public acceptance as a separate factor, and addressed it in the other related factors.
To obtain factor weightings, each is compared to the other and the more important factor is
labeled with a 1 and that of lesser importance with a zero. If both are of equal importance, they
are given a 0.5. Table 9-9 presents the results of this rating. It is presumed that ALARA team
consensus was used to establish the individual comparative scores in Table 9-9. The relative
weighting is determined by the score for the factor divided by the sum of the scores.
TABLE 9-9. Example Weight of Factors (Attributes)
Factor below rated against
factor to the right
(numbers keyed as below):
Factor 1
Public
Protection
Factor 2
Worker
Protection
Factor 3
Env/Cultural
Resources
Factor 4
Costs
Factor 5
Schedule
Factor 1 Public Protection N/A 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Factor 2 Worker Protection 1.0 N/A 0.5 0.0 0.0
Factor 3 Env/Cultural
Resources
1.0 0.5 N/A 0.5 0.5
Factor 4 Costs 1.0 1.0 0.5 N/A 0.5
Factor 5 Schedule 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 N/A
Score 4.0 2.5 1.5 1.0 1.0
Relative Weighting 0.4 0.25 0.15 0.1 0.1
Although the weighting indicates the relative importance of the factors in the analysis, these are
each major factors and, therefore, it is reasonable to assume that an unacceptable rating in any
single factor could make an otherwise desirable alternative unacceptable. The analysis would
continue by establishing lower-level factors on which to rate alternatives for each factor.
Combining factors does not suggest that one is less important than another; rather, such actions
should be based on the best means of considering the factor in the analysis. In this example,
public acceptance influenced by acceptability of alternatives under various factors and was felt
best addressed in combination with the other factors.
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The new installation must at least ensure that public dose limits are achieved. In the absence of
non-DOE radiation sources, this requires that doses to the MEI, or representative person of the
critical group, from all DOE sources combined be less than 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) in a year. Given
that the maximum dose from all other DOE activities on the site is less than 1 mrem (0.01 mSv)
in a year, conceivably, this activity could contribute up to 24 mrem (0.24 mSv) without
exceeding DOE dose constraints. However, it is not desirable to have one activity use so great a
fraction of the allowable individual dose. Therefore, with regard to individual dose, the
following conditions and scores were established:
Section 67
> DOE dose constraint - unacceptable = alternative rejected
< Dose constraint but more than 15 mrem in a year = 0 pt
< 15 mrem in a year to the MEI = 0.5 pt
< 1 mrem in a year = 1 pt
DOE air pathway limit is 10 mrem (0.1 mSv) in a year. Therefore, for the air pathway alone, the
following conditions were established:
> 10 mrem/year - unacceptable = alternative rejected
< 10 mrem/year = 0.5 pt
< 1 mrem/year = 1 pt
For this example, no separate water-related pathways were considered, and it was presumed that
no emissions other than radiological are of concern. Collective dose was assumed in this case to
be a negative cost using $2,000 per person-rem as the monetary equivalent for the dose. The
public protection score for each alternative in this illustration will be the average of the score
resulting from the total and air pathway elements.
Five alternatives were identified and were rated as shown in Table 9-10, by summing the
products of the factor’s score and the weighting for that factor for each alternative. In this
simplified example, Alternatives B, C, and E are acceptable unless other special considerations
indicated that Alternatives A or D should be considered. Alternative E, although not rejected, is
sufficiently lower that “other factors or special considerations” would not permit its
consideration unless these other factors were of major importance. In such a case, the other
factors should be evaluated, incorporated into the matrix, and reevaluated.
TABLE 9-10. Scoring Alternatives in Illustration
Factor (weight)
Alternative
A
Alternative
B
Alternative
C
Alternative
D
Alternative
E
Factor 1. (0.4) Rejected 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.0
Factor 2. (0.25) 1.0 1.0 0.75 1.0 1.0
Factor 3. (0.15) 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.5
Factor 4. (0.1) 1.0 1.0 0.5 Rejected 1.0
Factor 5. (0.1) 1.0 1.0 0.5 Rejected 1.0
Score Rejected 0.725 0.837 Rejected 0.5
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9.4 Multi-Criteria Outranking Analysis
The analysis techniques described in the previous sections combine all the attributes representing
the relevant factors influencing a decision into a single figure of merit, whether this is a total cost
as in the cost-benefit analysis or a utility function as in the multi-attribute utility analysis. To do
this, all factors considered need to be commensurable and tradeoffs (poor performance on one
factor can be fully compensated by better performances) are acceptable over the full range of
consequences. These two conditions may pose some difficulties where the factors being
considered are heterogeneous or where they can only be evaluated in a qualitative manner. In
such circumstances, the use of a multi-criteria outranking technique could prove more helpful.
The multi-criteria outranking technique initially compares each option (i) to every other option
(m), in order to evaluate whether option i outranks option m. This comparison by pairs is
generally based on two indicators:
A. An “advantage index” that expresses the amount by which option i is preferred to
option m by the assessor conducting the study. The index, Adi,m, is equal to 1 when i is
preferred or equivalent to m for all factors (j), it is equal to 0 when i is never preferred
or equivalent to m and it varies in range from 0 to 1 when i is preferred or equivalent to
m for some factors.
B. An “exclusion criteria” that expresses the degree to which the disadvantages of option i
as compared to option m are significant for the factors where i is not preferred or equal
to m. The criteria, Eci,m, is equal to 1 when the drawbacks associated with the choice of i
rather than m are very substantial and equal to 0 otherwise.
Section 68
The major difference of the multi-criteria outranking technique lies in the exclusion criterion.
This is a means of formally rejecting options that do not comply with the fundamental trade-off
requirements necessary for all the aggregative techniques. To apply it requires some qualitative
or quantitative definition of the point at which the drawbacks become “very substantial”. This
definition is known as the “exclusion threshold” and is a further expression of judgment by the
decision maker. If a factor is not judged sufficiently important to eliminate options then the
exclusion threshold for that factor is set so that no comparisons between pairs give an exclusion
criterion of 1.
ICRP 55 utilizes the multi-criteria outranking technique for the same uranium mine example
presented in the Cost-Benefit Analysis example above. From this example, the outranking
relationships result in a Adi,m > 0.5 and a Eci,m = 0. An additional elimination criteria of 0.5 for
selection of the Adi,m is introduced by inspection merely to reduce the number of outranking
relationships from which the analytical solution is to be found. (ICRP, 1989) This leads to the
result that:
Option 2 outranks Option 1
Option 3 outranks Option 1
Option 3 outranks Option 2
Option 5 outranks Option 4
If Adi,m is high enough and Eci,m low enough, option i outranks option m.
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9-21
Depicted graphically in Figure 9-2, these relationships illustrate that Options 3 and 5 each
outrank the others but are not themselves outranked. This analysis did not yield a single
solution, but application of a more discriminatory elimination criterion would do so.
2
5
3
4
1
FIGURE 9-2. Multi-Criteria Outranking Relationships
As demonstrated in the uranium mine example in ICRP Publication 55, the same option was
selected by both the multi-criteria outranking analysis and the multi-criteria utility analysis.
NOTE: This is not always the case, however, as the multi-criteria outranking technique
introduces preference criteria of a different form to the aggregate techniques and could therefore
yield a different result.
9.5 Kepner-Tregoe (K-T) Decision Analysis
K-T Decision Analysis is a quantitative comparison method in which a team of experts
numerically score criteria and alternatives based on individual judgments or assessments. The
size of the team needed tends to be inversely proportional to the quality of the data available –
the more intangible and qualitative the data, the greater number of people should be involved.
With this analysis, each evaluation criterion is first scored based on its relative importance to the
other criteria (1 = least; 10 = most). These scores become the criteria weights. Once the goals
are identified, each one is weighted according to its relative importance. The most important
objective is identified and given a weight of 10. All others are weighted in comparison to the
first. Alternatives are evaluated relative to each other against all objectives, one at a time.
Table 9-11 provides a generic example of what a K-T Decision Analysis may look like. Each of
5 criteria is evaluated for each of the 4 alternatives to arrive at a total score. Comparison of the
weighted score totals indicates the fourth alternative as the one which most effectively meets all
the requirements.
Section 69
The K-T Decision Analysis is suitable for moderately complex decisions involving relatively few
criteria. Its main disadvantage is that it may not be clear how much better a score of “10” is
relative to a score of “8”, for example. Moreover, the total alternative scores may be close
together, making a clear choice difficult. (Baker, 2001)
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TABLE 9-11. Example of K-T Decision Analysis
Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 1
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 5 4-month delay 6 30
Safety 10 2.5-star rating 5 50
Efficiency 7 4.5-star rating 9 63
Reliability 9 80% 9 81
Cost 10 $260K 5 50
Total: 274
Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 2
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 5 1-month delay 9 45
Safety 10 4-star rating 8 80
Efficiency 7 4-star rating 8 56
Reliability 9 70% 7 63
Cost 10 $210K 8 80
Total: 324
Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 3
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 5 6-month delay 4 20
Safety 10 3-star rating 6 60
Efficiency 7 5-star rating 10 70
Reliability 9 65% 5 45
Cost 10 $170K 10 100
Total: 295
Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 4
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 5 Immediate 10 50
Safety 10 5-star rating 10 100
Efficiency 7 4-star rating 9 63
Reliability 9 85% 10 90
Cost 10 $240K 6 60
Total: 363
9.6 Analytical Hierarchy Process Analysis
The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Analysis is a quantitative comparison method used to
select a preferred alternative by using pair-wise comparisons of the alternatives on their relative
performance against the criteria. This analysis method organizes the basic rationality by
breaking down a problem into its smaller and smaller constituent parts and then guides decision
makers through a series of pair-wise comparison judgments to express the relative strength or
integrity of impact of the elements in the hierarchy. These judgments are then translated to
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9-23
numbers. The AHP includes procedures and principles used to synthesize the many judgments
to derive priorities among criteria and subsequently for alternative solutions. (Baker, 2002)
The pair-wise comparisons are made using a nine-point scale:
1 = Equal importance or preference
3 = Moderate importance or preference of one another
5 = Strong or essential importance or preference
7 = Very strong or demonstrated importance or preference
9 = Extreme importance or preference
Using the same example illustrated in Section 9.5 above, matrices are developed so that each
criterion/alternative is compared against the others (Table 9-12). If Criterion A is moderately
more important to Criterion B (e.g., a value of 3), then Criterion B has a value of 1/3 compared
to Criterion A. The “priority vector” (i.e., Normalized Weight) is calculated for each criterion
using the geometric mean of each row in the matrix divided by the sum of the geometric means
of all the criteria (see Table 9-13).
TABLE 9-12. Example of Pair-Wise Comparison of Criteria
TABLE 9-13. Example of Calculating Priority Vector
Installation
Safety
Efficiency
Reliability
Cost
Geometric
Mean
Normalized
Weight
Installation 1 1/3 1/4 1/2 1 0.53 0.084
Safety 3 1 7 4 2 2.79 0.445
Efficiency 4 1/7 1 1/6 1/6 0.44 0.070
Reliability 2 1/4 6 1 1/2 1.08 0.173
Cost 1 1/2 6 2 1 1.43 0.228
SUM= 6.27
Section 70
Next, pair-wise comparisons of the alternatives are performed with regard to each criterion. For
example, a team of experts concludes that for the criteria of efficiency, Alternative 4 is given a 4
(moderately strong importance or preference) as compared to Alternative 1, and 1 (equal
importance or preference) as compared to Alternative 2, etc.
Efficiency -
Installation
4
Reliability-Efficiency 6
Reliability-
Installation
2
Safety-Efficiency 7
Safety-Reliability 4
Safety-Installation 3
Safety-Cost 2
Cost-Efficiency 6
Cost-Reliability 2
Cost-Installation 1
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TABLE 9-14. Example of Pair-Wise Comparison of Alternatives with Respect to EFFICIENCY
TABLE 9-15. Example of Calculating Priority Vector with Respect to EFFICIENCY
Alternative
1
2
3
4
Geometric
Mean
Normalized
Weight
1 1 1/2 3 1/4 0.78 0.161
2 2 1 3 1 1.57 0.323
3 1/3 1/3 1 1/5 0.39 0.080
4 4 1 5 1 2.11 0.436
This process is repeated for all criteria. To identify the preferred alternative, multiply each
normalized alternative score (Table 9-14) by the corresponding normalized criterion weight
(Table 9-15) and sum the results for all alternatives. The preferred alternative, Alternative 4 in
this example, will have the highest total score (see Table 9-16).
Alternative 4 - 1 4
Alternative 4 - 2 1
Alternative 4 - 3 5
Alternative 2 - 1 2
Alternative 2 - 3 3
Alternative 1 - 3 3
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TABLE 9-16. Example of AHP Decision Analysis
Criteria
Normalized
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 1
Normalized
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 0.084 4-month delay 0.161 0.014
Safety 0.445 2.5-star rating 0.114 0.051
Efficiency 0.070 4.5-star rating 0.227 0.016
Reliability 0.173 80% 0.300 0.052
Cost 0.228 $260K 0.076 0.017
Total: 0.149
Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 2
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 0.084 1-month delay 0.323 0.027
Safety 0.445 4-star rating 0.266 0.118
Efficiency 0.070 4-star rating 0.138 0.010
Reliability 0.173 70% 0.122 0.021
Cost 0.228 $210K 0.270 0.062
Total: 0.238
Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 3
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 0.084 6-month delay 0.080 0.007
Safety 0.445 3-star rating 0.109 0.048
Efficiency 0.070 5-star rating 0.307 0.021
Reliability 0.173 65% 0.073 0.013
Cost 0.228 $170K 0.532 0.121
Total: 0.211
Criteria
Criteria
Weight
Alternative 4
Alternative
Score
Total
Score
Installation 0.084 Immediate 0.436 0.037
Safety 0.445 5-star rating 0.510 0.227
Efficiency 0.070 4-star rating 0.277 0.019
Reliability 0.173 85% 0.505 0.087
Cost 0.228 $240K 0.122 0.028
Total: 0.398
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Chapter 10. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF ALARA APPLICATION
To assist in the practical application of the ALARA process, a number of examples ALARA
assessments are presented in the Appendices that follow. This chapter presents a simple
hypothetical situation to illustrate the classical evaluations that accompany an ALARA analysis.
The following example demonstrates the basic elements of optimization for radiation protection.
10.1 Input Data
Assume that a process is to be selected to accomplish a particular production goal and the
process will result in the exposure of a number of persons to radiation. Further assume that there
are other alternative processes that also could accomplish the same production goal, but each will
have a different cost and will result in different exposure conditions. The objective is to select
the particular system from the several candidates that will maximize the benefits and minimize
the costs. Consider the data presented in Table 10-1.
Section 71
TABLE 10-1. Hypothetical Cost and Collective Dose Data for Illustration of ALARA Principles
Options
System Number
System Cost,
$
Collective
Dose, S
(person-rem)
Health-
Detriment Cost, αS
$
Total Cost*
$
1 80,000 250 500,000 580,000
2 120,000 60 120,000 240,000
3 160,000 10 20,000 180,000
4 200,000 4 8,000 208,000
5 240,000 1 2,000 242,000
In this example, the cost and health detriment values are taken as the total for the lifetime of the
activity. If they were annual values, the same analysis would yield similar results, but they
would be annual values.
10.2 Identity of the Optimum
As indicated in the total cost column of Table 10-1, the least cost is achieved by using System
No. 3. In this example, where the value of α is assumed to be $2,000/person-rem, the same
system (No. 3) would still be the optimum choice if the assumed value of α were $1,000 or
$6,000/person-rem. This demonstrates that the assumed value for α generally is not a very
sensitive parameter to the total cost, yet the selection of System No. 3 is quite clear.
10.3 Graphical Illustration
This example of optimization is illustrated in the graphic presentation of the information on
system performance in Figure 10-1. For each of five candidate systems, the cost, in dollars, is
plotted as a function of performance, in person-rem. The data for each of the systems should be
graphed linearly. Typically, the greater the performance of a system (as reflected in a lower
collective dose), the higher the cost. Systems that result in greater collective doses generally
have the lower costs. However, it is not uncommon to identify systems (options) that have
higher cost and lesser performance. This is illustrated by the scatter of data points shown in
Figure 10-2.
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10-2
300000
200000
100000
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
FIGURE 10-1. Graphical Illustration of the Data Demonstrating the ALARA Process
Performance of a system is not necessarily determined by the cost of radiological
protection systems, but by how effectively the resources are expended.
CO
ST
S
($
)
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10-3
300000
200000
100000
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
FIGURE 10-2. Graphical Illustration of Cost and Collective Dose for a Variety of Candidate Systems
The value of α, the monetary worth of a unit of collective dose, may also be placed on the graph.
(The rationale for the selection of a value for α is discussed in Section 8.3.3). The straight line
with a slope of α represents the assumed linear-relationship of health-detriment and cost over the
range that the effects are stochastic, that is, random-like cancer induction. In the example above,
the slope, α, is taken to be $2,000/person-rem. In Figure 10-3, the ovals are the data points for
each of the system options, their locations determined by the cost and collective dose of each
system, the rectangles are the presumed cost of health detriment (to prevent a health effect) for
each of the systems, and the triangles are the total cost (system plus health-detriment) for each
optional system. As can be seen, System No. 3, represented by the triangle on the left side of the
graph, has the minimum total cost for the systems that were evaluated.
CO
ST
S
($
)
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10-4
800000
600000
400000
200000
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
FIGURE 10-3. System and Total Cost for Candidate Systems with α = $2,000
Section 72
The same data for the system costs and collective dose are presented in Figure 10-4. A straight-
line with a slope -α has been drawn near the origin. While retaining the slope α, if the line (with
slope -α) is moved to the right until it intersects the first point for an optional system, that system
is the optimum. As may be seen, the selection is also System No. 3, represented by the
“Optimum System” label on the graph.
Total
Detriment Cost
Control Cost
CO
ST
S
($
)
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10-5
300000
200000
100000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
FIGURE 10-4. Graphical Method for Selection of Optimum System
In Figure 10-5, two other lines are shown intersecting the same point, one with a slope of α1 =
$1,000/person-rem and the other with a slope α3 = $3,000/person-rem. This illustrates the fact
that the selection of the optimum generally is not very sensitive to the assumed value of α, in this
case it is an indication of the robustness in the selection process.
CO
ST
S
($
)
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10-6
300000
200000
100000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
FIGURE 10-5. Illustration of the Effects of Three Values of α on Optimization
Notice that the dose (S) in the figures is collective dose. The primary dose limit for an individual
is 100 mrem (1 mSv) in a year, but this is applicable for the total dose from essentially all
radiation sources except natural background radiation. A dose in the range of 10 to 25 mrem
(0.1 to 0.25 mSv) in a year is more likely to be “acceptable” or “appropriate” for a particular
DOE activity. The least costly treatment system that achieves the "acceptable" dose to the MEI,
or representative person of the critical group becomes the “base case” for the data base for
identifying the optimum system. Other candidate systems will be compared to it.
Most, if not all, of the factors used in cost-benefit analyses are variable or site-specific values
subject to considerable uncertainty. Estimates generally are based on analytical models derived
from limited measurements under specific parametric conditions. A series of points may be
found with considerable scatter rather than the orderly progressions assumed in the examples
used to demonstrate the cost-benefit analysis. (A more common distribution of data for optional
systems is illustrated in Figure 10-2.) The same principles apply to these data however.
Quantifying the costs and benefits is instructive and useful in the decision-making process, even
though the values may be subject to considerable uncertainty and many intangible factors also
need to be considered.
α 1
α 3 α 2
CO
ST
S
($
)
In most cases, when the dose to the MEI, or representative person of the
critical group, is well below the primary limit, no further treatment can
be justified on the basis of health-risk considerations.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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10.4 Other Considerations
The many factors and considerations entering the non-health detriment or ß-factors in the
equation may defy quantitative evaluation. Techniques other than quantitative cost-benefit
analyses generally are used in combination with or in place of cost-benefit analyses in making
the ALARA decision when these factors are considered important in the process. Optimization
means determining the alternative that has the minimum total cost (where cost is a measure of all
negative factors or attributes considered). This also implies maximizing the benefit (benefit is
typically expressed as a negative cost). The total cost, in such studies, includes a monetary
equivalent for collective dose and any other considerations to the extent they can be quantified in
terms of a cost equivalent.
Section 73
The case studies presented in the following Appendices provide examples of ALARA process
applications related to personal property; rulemaking; and remediation decisions. Appendix A
and B provide topical examples for disposition of personal property and the use of optimization
during the design of facilities, respectively. Appendix C-E provides examples from specific sites
representing utilization of the ALARA process for large areas or facilities. These examples
should not necessarily be considered templates for ALARA analyses and documentation but are
provided to illustrate ALARA considerations and types of ALARA assessments and to assist
DOE personnel in reviewing ALARA determinations. The examples represent different
situations and provide a general outline for issues that need to be considered. However, for some
site-specific actions, these analyses may be too detailed.
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Chapter 11. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Many references have appeared on the subject of optimization as applied to radiation protection.
Several of them were originated by the ICRP and most of the others by various international
organizations that have attempted to apply these principles. Selected ALARA references are
presented below.
Baker, D., Bridges, D., Hunter, R., Johnson, G., Krupa, J., Murphy, J., and Sorenson, K., 2001,
Guidebook to Decision-Making Methods, WSRC_IM_2002-00002, Developed for the
Department of Energy under the auspices of the Nuclear Materials Stewardship Initiative,
December 2001.
Bartlit, J., 1984, Why Not Cost/Benefit? The Environmental Forum.
Bengtsson, G. and Moberg, L., 1993, What Is a Reasonable Cost for Protection Against
Radiation and Other Risks? Health Physics, Vol. 64, No.6.
Chew, M.H. & Associates, Inc., 1996, Estimated Costs for Man-Rem Exposure Final Report
prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Waste Management, April 1996.
Cohen, J.J., 1984, Optimization of Public and Occupational Radiation Protection at Nuclear
Power Plants, NUREG/CR-3665, (SAIC-84/1317), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC.
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination (CIRRPC), 1992, Use of
BEIR V and UNSCEAR 1988 in Radiation Risk Assessment; Lifetime Total Cancer Mortality
Risk Estimates at Low Doses and Low Dose Rates for Low LET Radiation, Science Panel Report
No. 9.
Cropper, M.L. and Portney, P.R., 1992, Discounting Human Lives, Resources for the Future,
Washington, DC.
DOE, 1989, A Manual for Implementing Residual Radioactive Material Guidelines, Chapter 5,
DOE/CH/8901.
DOE, 1991, Occupational Dose Reduction at Department of Energy Contractor Facilities:
Bibliography of Selected Readings in Radiation Protection and ALARA, DOE/EH-0234T, (BNL-
43228).
DOE, 1992a, Occupational Dose Reduction at Department of Energy Contractor Facilities:
Study of ALARA Programs – Status 1990, DOE/EH-0277T, (BNL 47339).
DOE, 1992b, Occupational Dose Reduction at Department of Energy Contractor Facilities:
Study of ALARA Programs – Good Practice Documents, DOE/EH-0278T, (BNL-47339).
DOE, 1993, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment, DOE Order 5400.5,
Change 2, January 7, 1993.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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DOE, 2017, Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection,
Federal Register, Vol. 82, No. 154, dated 8-11-2017, Washington DC.
DOE, 2008, Occupational ALARA Program Guide for use with Title 10, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection, DOE G 441.1-1C, Ch 1, July 8, 2011.
Section 74
DOE, 2011, Radioactive Waste Management, DOE O 435.1, Chg 2, June 8, 2011.
(http://www.directives.doe.gov).
DOE, 2003b, Estimating Radiation Risk from Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) ISCORS
Technical Report No.1, DOE/EH-412/0015/0802 rev.1, January 2003.
DOE, 2011, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment, DOE O 458.1, February
11, 2011.
DOE, 2011, Integrated Safety Management Policy, DOE P 450.4A, April 25, 2011.
Dinwiddie, 1997, Request for Supplemental Information: Background Concentration Report,
SNL/KAFB, Letter from S. Dinwiddie, State of New Mexico Environment Department,
Hazardous & Radioactive Materials Bureau, September 24, 1997, to Michael J. Zamorski, U.S.
Department of Energy, Kirtland Area Office.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1997, Exposure Factors Handbook, Volumes I, II and
III,
EPA, 1997, (OSWER No. 9200.4-18) Establishment of Cleanup Levels for CERCLA Sites with
Radioactive Contamination.
EPA, 1999, Federal Guidance Report No. 13 – Cancer Risk Coefficients for Environmental
Exposures to Radionuclides, EPA 402-R-99-001.
Fuchs, V.R., and Zeckhauser, R., 1987, Valuating Health – A Priceless Commodity, AEA Papers
and Proceedings, Vol.77, No.2.
Garen, J., 1988, Compensating Wage Differentials and the Endogeneity of Job Riskiness, The
Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol. 70, No. 1.
Gillett, C.P., and Hopkins, T.D., 1988, Federal Agency Valuations of Human Life, A Report to
the Administrative Conference of the United States.
Graham, J.D., and Vaupel, J.W., 1981, Value of a Life: What Difference Does It Make? Risk
Analysis, Vol.1, No.1, Society of Risk Analysis, 1981.
Heaberlin, S.W., Burnham, J.B., Gallucci, R.H.V., Mullen, M.F., Nesse. R.J., Nieves, L.A.,
Tawil, J.J., Triplett, M.B., Weakly, S.A., and Wusterbarth, A.R., 1983, A Handbook for Value-
Impact Assessment, NUREG/CR-3568 (PNL 4646), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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Hyman, E.L., et al., Combining Facts and Values in Environmental Impact Assessment --
Theories and Techniques, Westview Press.
International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), 1973, Implications of Commission
Recommendations that Doses be Kept As Low As Readily Achievable, ICRP Publication 22.
International Commission on Radiological Protection, 1977, Recommendations of the
International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP Publication 26, Pergamon Press,
New York.
International Commission on Radiological Protection, 1982, Cost-Benefit Analysis in the
Optimization of Radiation Protection, ICRP Publication 37, Pergamon Press, New York.
International Commission on Radiological Protection, 1989, Optimization and Decision Making
in Radiological Protection, ICRP Publication 55.
International Commission on Radiological Protection, 1991, 1990 Recommendations of the
International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP Publication 60.
International Commission on Radiological Protection, 2006, Assessing Dose of the
Representative Person for the Purpose of Radiation Protection of the Public and the
Optimization of Radiological Protection, ICRP Publication 101.
International Commission on Radiological Protection, 2007, 2007 Recommendations of the
International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP Publication 103.
International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission
(ISO/IEC), 2009, Risk Management – Risk Assessment Techniques, ISO/IEC 31010.
Section 75
Kahn, S., 1986, Economic Estimates of the Value of Life, IEEE Technology and Society
Magazine.
Kathern, R.L. and Selby, J.M., 1980, A Guide to Reducing Radiation Exposures to As Low As
Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), DOE/EV/1830/T5, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington,
DC.
Keeney, R.L. and Raiffa, H., 1976, Decisions with Multiple Objectives: Performance and Value
Trade-offs, Wiley, New York.
Linnerooth, J., 1975, A Critique of Recent Modeling Efforts to Determine the Value of Human
Life, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, RM-75-67.
Maxey, M.N., 1977, A Bioethical Perspective on Acceptable-Risk Criteria for Nuclear-Waste
Management, UCRL-52320.
Munson, W.H., Herrington, W,N., Higby, D.P., Kathern, R.L., Merwin, S.E., Stoetzel, G.A., and
Vallario, E.J., 1988, Health Physics Manual of Good Practices for Reducing Radiation Exposure
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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to Levels that are As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), PNL-6577/UC-610, Richland,
WA, June 1988.
National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), 1997, Deciding for the Future: Balancing
Risks, Costs, and Benefits Fairly Across Generations, A Report by a Panel of the National
Academy of Public Administration for the U.S. Department of Energy, Washington DC.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), 1987, Recommendations
and Limits for Exposures to Ionizing Radiation, NCRP Report No. 91, Bethesda, MD.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), 1993, Limitation of
Exposure to Ionizing Radiation, NCRP Report No. 116, Bethesda, MD.
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Emitters, (BEIR IV), National Academy of Sciences.
National Research Council, 1990, Health Effects of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing
Radiation, (BEIR V), National Academy Press.
National Radiological Protection Board (U.K.), 1988, BEPO and ALARA, NRPB Radiological
Protection Bulletin, No. 96, October 1988.
Nieves et al., 1988, The Economic Costs of Radiation-Induced Health Effects: Estimation and
Simulation, NUREG/CR-4811, PNL-6097.
Norgaard, R.B., 1992, Sustainability and the Economics of Assuring Assets for Future
Generations, WBS-0832.
Raiffa, H., et al., 1977, Decision Making in the Environmental Protection Agency, Analytical
Studies for the EPA, Vol. IIb., National Academy of Science.
Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, 1988, Twelth Report – Best Practicable
Environmental Option, HMSO, CM 310.
Sagen, L.A., 1972, Human Costs of Nuclear Power, Science, v. 177.
Smith, A.E., et al., 1992, The Effects of Neglecting Correlations When Propagating Uncertainty
and Estimating the Population Distribution of Risk, Risk Analysis, Vol. 12, No.4.
The President, 1990-91, Regulatory Program of the United States Government, April 1990-
March 1991.
Ulibarri, C.A. and Wellman, K.F., 1997, Natural Resource Valuation: A Primer on Concepts and
Techniques, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington, July 1997.
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), 1988,
Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation, United Nations: New York.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
11-5
United States Code of Federal Regulations National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants, 40 CFR Part 61 as revised in the Federal Register on December 15, 1989, and
Volume I Background documentation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1989.
Section 76
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Regulatory Analysis Guidelines of the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Final Report, NUREG/BR-0058, Revision 2, November 1995.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 1995, Reassessment of NRC’s Dollar Per Person-Rem
Conversion Policy, NUREG-1530, December 1995.
U.S. Office of Management and Budget, 1996, Economic Analysis of Federal Regulations Under
Executive Order 12866, November 26, 1996.
Usher, D., 1985, The Value of Life for Decision Making in the Public Sector, Social Philosophy
& Policy, 2,2, Spring 1995.
Voilleque, P.G. and Pavlick, R.A., 1982, Societal Cost of Radiation Exposure, Health Physics,
Vol. 43, No.3.
Webb, G.A.M., A Report on the Work of the ICRP Task Group, NEA ad hoc meeting, March
1988.
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APPENDIX A.
FINAL DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
The ALARA process balances the cost to perform certain activities and the dose reduction that
could be seen by performing those activities. The result of the process is that the optimal of
several alternatives is identified. Four examples of the application of ALARA principles that
need to be considered before final disposition of personal property are discussed in this
Appendix. These examples are for: (1) the recycle of copper, (2) the recycle of high explosives,
(3) the remediation of a CERCLA site, and (4) the analysis of radiological risks and costs for the
use of a bag monitor at one of the National Laboratories.
A.1 Recycle of Copper
This example illustrates a situation where both the collective dose and the individual dose are
insignificant for all options. In the collective and individual dose estimates in this example,
potential collective dose or health effects for all alternatives are so low that they are not an
important factor in selecting among options considered.
This action was supported by an environmental assessment (EA). The data in the ALARA
summary were based on analyses contained in the EA. This section summarizes the results of
the EA and the ALARA documentation.
The copper is from the windings of a cyclotron. The most highly contaminated portions were
removed and disposed of as radioactive waste prior to the action to recycle the copper. As a
result, the action was to determine if the remaining copper was acceptable for recycle rather than
to establish authorized limits for recycle of the copper. Had the more highly contaminated
copper not already been disposed of the action would have required an ALARA analysis to
determine appropriate authorized limits to define the portion of copper that could be recycled.
However, given the concentration and quantity of residual radionuclides in the remaining copper,
that was not necessary.
In this example, the relative insignificance of both the dose to individuals and the collective dose
for all options eliminates the health effects as a significant factor in choosing a course of action
and illustrates the principle that the ALARA effort should be commensurate with the potential
detriment associated with the activity.
A1.1 Background
A laboratory has 140 metric tons of copper that had become slightly activated from use as
windings of a cyclotron. The copper has been stored in 32 wooden crates outdoors at a leased
warehouse for several years and the laboratory would like to dispose of it. The amount of
radioactive material is sufficiently low that the State’s Department of Health has approved burial
of the copper as ordinary (i.e., non-radioactive) waste, without regard for the activity, and found
that the recycle of the material is acceptable under the practice of risk-based regulations.
However, the copper is a valuable resource and, when at the time this analysis was conducted,
could be sold for scrap for about $0.80/lb (approximately $247,000 for the 140 metric-ton lot)
Section 77
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and recycled. The laboratory would like to make a final disposition of the copper and comply
with the ALARA policy and requirements.
A1.2 Contaminants
The high-purity (99.99%) copper has an average activity, principally cobalt (Co)-60 (half-life
5.26 years, beta and gamma emitter), of 3 pCi/g from activation and a maximum activity of 20
pCi/g. All of the copper with activity greater than 20 pCi/g has been disposed of at Hanford.
The total amount of Co-60 in the remaining copper is about 0.42 mCi. If the total amount of Co-
60 in the 140 metric tons of copper (0.42 mCi), could be concentrated into a single small
unshielded source, the dose rate one foot from the source would be about 5.5 mrem (0.055 mSv)
per hr.
A1.3 Proposed Action and Alternatives
The laboratory proposed to recycle the copper by selling it to a local scrap metal dealer. Several
local dealers were interested. Five alternative actions also were considered and evaluated:
1. No action – continue to store the copper at the warehouse (this would require implementation
of DOE storage requirements for low-level waste – the Co-60 activity would be undetectable
through decay in about 50 years);
2. Recycle at a State-licensed facility, located in Oak Ridge, TN, for re-use at a DOE facility
(the likely use would be as customized shielding blocks that eventually would be disposed as
low-level waste);
3. Recycle by selling or giving the copper to a foreign government (e.g., a government
interested in using the copper in synchrotron accelerators – transportation would be by
common carriers);
4. Disposal at a local sanitary landfill (a local sanitary landfill was available but some additional
testing would be required); and
5. Disposal at the Hanford Low-Level Waste Burial Facility (common carriers would be used to
transport the copper to Hanford, Washington).
A1.4 Radiological Impact to Members of the Public and to Radiation Workers
A1.4.1 Members of the public
The likely uses by the public of the copper through recycling include home wiring, electronic
components, and jewelry. A maximum collective dose of 0.072 person-rem was estimated from
the reuse of the copper as jewelry. An additional 3.0 E-6 person-rem would result from
transportation to the recycle facility. The potential biological risk of a fatal cancer occurring,
assuming 500 radiation-induced fatal cancers per million person-rem, would be about 4.0 E-5
given the exposed population. This is essentially zero cancers (no chance of an additional fatal
cancer) considering that the normal incidence of cancer among individuals in the United Sates is
about 1 cancer per 3 persons, about half of which are fatal.
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A1.4.2. Radiation workers
Transporting and recycling the copper were estimated to cause collective doses of 4.0 E-4 and
0.04 person-mrem, respectively, to workers. Potential fatal cancers would be 2.0 E-10 and 2.0
E-8, respectively. Workers in the warehouse, for the storage option, would receive 0.0001
person-rem, with an associated fatal cancer incidence of 6.0 E-8.
A1.5 Dose and Cost/Benefit Summary
A summary of the cost and doses for the alternative copper disposal actions is presented in Table
A-1. The collective dose is so small that the choice of alternatives would not change if the EA
value of $10,000 per person-rem were to be assumed. This value is slightly higher than the
DOE-suggested range for α ($1,000 to $6,000 per person-rem). From a health-effect
consideration, an assumption of $10,000 per person-rem appears to be an excessive value for
monetary equivalent unit dose unless other considerations are included. In any case, as noted
above, the potential doses are so small that the factor is not significant in the selection process.
Section 78
A1.6 Other Considerations
Benefits of the proposed recycling action would include:
1. Provide money for the DOE laboratory which would offset Federal funds from taxpayers;
2. Reduce environmental consequences, such as air emissions, water quality, energy use, and
traffic, associated with the mining and processing of copper ore to produce an equivalent
quantity of copper would be averted;
3. Valuable, and expensive, low-level radioactive waste burial space for material that is actually
classified as radioactive waste would be preserved;
4. Valuable sanitary landfill space would be preserved;
5. Currently used storage space would be released;
6. Compliance with the DOE waste minimization and pollution prevention policy would be
achieved; and
7. Copper, a valuable resource, would be preserved.
In this example, the analysis so definitively indicates the optimum that there is no need to
attempt to evaluate the cost values associated with each of the additional benefits. If it were not
so obvious, the value of each could have been quantified.
In the review of this action, potential impacts on special industries such as the electronics or
photographic industry were considered and determined to be minimal or nonexistent. The levels
of residual radioactive material in the subject copper are very low. Also, the relatively short
half-life of Co-60 (5.2 years) ensures that there is no buildup of this material in the metals pool.
A1.7 Discussion and Conclusions
Clearly, the proposed recycle option is preferred from ALARA considerations, not only on the
basis of cost, but also in consideration of the benefits. In this case, both the individual and
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collective doses to the public and to workers are too small to be a significant factor in selecting
between any of the options.
TABLE A-1. Summary of the Costs and Doses for the Alternative Copper Disposal Actions
Alternative Action
Maximum public
individual dose,
(mrem)
Collective dose
public + worker
(person-mrem)
Cost [saving] of
alternative
($1,000s)
Net cost
[saving]c
($1,000s)
Unrestricted use 0.15 72 [247] [247]e
Storage [50 yr] 0.015 0.115 50/[247]bd [197]e
Process/Recycle a 0.14 323 323
Sale/gift-foreign a 0.047 30 30
Dispose as radioactive waste at Hanford 3.0 E-6 0.0034 235 235
Sanitary fill a 0.0034 4.2 4.2
a. Dose is essentially averted by alternative.
b. Assumes 50 years storage at $1,000 per year. However, at that time the copper could be recycled and $247,000
recovered for a net savings of about $197,000.
c. A monetary equivalent of $1,000 per person-rem collective dose ($1 per person-mrem) was assumed in this
summary. However, the collective dose is so small that there would be no significant change if $10,000 per
person-rem had been selected. (A range of α values between $1,000 and $6,000/person-rem is recommended in
this guidance.)
d. The interest considerations for cash received from the sale of the copper and payments for storage over the 50-
year period were not included in this evaluation.
e. No attempt was made to assign a monetary value for the avoidance of environmental impacts from processing
copper for which the reused copper is substituted, or other considerations.
A.2 Recycle of High Explosives
Section 79
This example discusses the use of ALARA analysis to support the establishment of authorized
limits to recycle high explosives containing residual tritium. An ALARA assessment normally
should investigate the impacts and benefits of various authorized limits (e.g., 10,000 dpm/100
cm2, 1000 dpm/100 cm2 and 100 dpm/100 cm2 or 0.2, 0.002 and 0.0002 microcuries per gram).
However, in this case, the individual and collective doses associated with the proposed
authorized limit were so low that there was no value in assessing the lower limits and it was
qualitatively determined that a higher limit would provide no significant cost savings. Hence, a
single authorized limit based on 0.002 microcuries of tritium per gram of high explosives (HE)
for recycling was compared to the existing practice of open burning. The example is illustrative
of the principle that the ALARA effort should be commensurate with the potential benefit that
might be gained or detriment that might be averted by the action.
A2.1 Background
The current mission of the Pantex Plant is to dismantle nuclear weapons that are no longer
needed for the defense of the United States. These dismantlement operations produce high
explosive (HE) material that may be slightly contaminated with tritium. Although much of the
tritium contamination is on or near the surface of the HE, some of the contamination may have
penetrated through the depth of the HE. Tritium diffusion into HE is similar to its diffusion into
other materials such as metals and plastics.
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Pantex Plant proposed to make this HE available for commercial use, rather than processing the
HE onsite by regulated open burning/open detonation. The recycled HE would be sold to
industrial users in the mining industry. Consideration was given to recycling about 50,000
pounds of high explosives into the (public) market per year for several years. The recycled HE
was estimated worth about $15 per pound in the open market.
A2.2 Alternatives Considered
Two alternatives (options) were considered for the disposition of high explosive (HE) main-
charges. The currently used method involved removing the HE part and treating the HE through
open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) at the Pantex Plant’s Burning Ground. The second
option was to recycle the HE by making it available to commercial users.
The analysis considered the following factors for each option:
1. Radiation doses and risk (individual and collective);
2. Economic factors;
3. Operational constraints; and
4. Societal impacts and perceptions.
A2.2.1 Open Burning/Open Detonation Alternative
Under this alternative, the HE main charges would continue to be disposed of by treating them
via open burning and open detonation at the Burning Ground. The site’s “Burning Ground” is
operated under a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) interim strategy permit and
written grant of authority issued by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(TNRCC) of the State of Texas. This activity releases small quantities of carbon monoxide
(CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxides of nitrogen (Nox), fluorides (F-1), chlorides (Cl-1), and
airborne tritium in the form of HTO. All releases of CO, CO2, Nox, F-1, and Cl-1 are in full
compliance with applicable regulations. In addition, the release of the airborne tritium activity is
in full compliance with 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart H, “Environmental Protection Agency
Regulations on National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants – National Emissions
Standards for Emissions of Radionuclides Other Than Radon from Department of Energy
Facilities.” Over 50,000 pounds of HE, containing an estimated 0.144 curies (Ci) of tritium in
the form of tritiated water (HTO), were treated by OB/OD during 1993.
Section 80
It was estimated that this practice resulted in a maximum individual dose of 6.0 E-5 mrem (6.0
E-7 mSv) in a year. Collective doses were projected to be less than 1.0 E-4 person-rem in a year.
A2.2.2 Recycling Alternative
The second alternative was to dispose of all HE below a specified bulk tritium contamination of
2.0 E-3 microcuries of tritium oxide per gram of high explosives (μCi HTO/g HE) by recycling it
to a commercial HE manufacturer for use in commercial explosives. It was estimated that this
alternative could produce a savings of about $1,000,000 per year over the open burning
alternative.
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The recycle option might produce maximum doses to the workers using the explosives of 4.0 E-5
mrem (4.0 E-7 mSv) in a year and to members of the public on the order of 5.0 E-5 mrem (5.0 E-
7 mSv) in a year. Collective doses were estimated to be about 1.5 E-6 person-rem in a year.
A2.3 Analysis
The final dose analysis supporting this ALARA analysis examined two scenarios: (1) worst case
and (2) realistic case. Both cases represent conservative assessments of the potential exposures,
but the assumptions used in the “realistic case” were less conservative. It is necessary that dose
assessments supporting ALARA evaluations be as realistic as possible (without substantially
underestimating doses) so that all options can be compared equitably. Although worst-case
analyses may be useful in ensuring compliance with dose limits, they are not generally
acceptable for ALARA analyses except for screening purposes. If the collective dose were to be
based on the realistic case, the collective dose would be less than a person-mrem per year. For
example, given a range of monetary equivalents from $1,000 to $7,000 per person-rem and 0.001
person- rem (1 person-mrem) per year (well above the collective dose of the proposed
alternative), committing more than about $1 to $7 per year for dose reduction (i.e., reducing dose
to zero), based on health risk considerations cannot be justified.
Since all projected doses are extremely low (and despite the fact that the proposed action
indicated slightly lower collective doses), the details of the dose estimates in this specific
application are moot; the decision was made primarily based on economic benefits. The highest
dose to an individual is about 5.0 E-3 person-rem per year and the collective dose to workers and
the public was estimated to be 1.5 E-6 person-rem per year for the recycle case. The present
disposal method is estimated to result in a collective dose of 1.0 E-4 person-rem per year. The
potential doses are so low in this application that no alternatives to recycle for health detriment
considerations need be considered. Although the recycle alternative had additional
environmental benefits compared to alternative disposal methods, given the low doses associated
with the action, these need not be addressed in the quantitative assessment. Ordinarily, it would
be useful to consider other alternative concentrations in the selection of the authorized limits;
however, in this case, it was qualitatively determined that higher allowable concentrations would
not save costs or significantly improve measurability and lower concentrations limits would not
affect doses significantly. Therefore, on the condition that the release of the subject material was
coordinated with the appropriate state regulators, DOE approved the authorized limits for recycle
of Pantex high explosives.
Section 81
A.3 Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project
This example discusses the ALARA analysis used to support remediation of the Weldon Spring
site conducted under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA) and as part of the DOE’s Environmental Restoration and Waste Management
Program. The major goals of the Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project (WSSRAP) were
to eliminate potential hazards to the public and the environment, and to the extent practicable,
make surplus real property available for other uses.
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A3.1 Background
At the time this ALARA analysis was reported in 1999 the WSSRAP was in progress at a site
approximately 48 km (30 miles) west of St. Louis, in St. Charles County, Missouri. The project
involved environmental restoration of a 166-acre inactive uranium feed materials plant (usually
referred to as the chemical plant), a 51-acre raffinate pit area, a 9-acre limestone quarry (located
approximately four miles from the chemical plant), and associated vicinity properties. The scope
of remediation included cleanup of both radiological and chemical contaminants resulting from
previous operations that included trinitrotoluene and dinitrotoluene, and uranium metals
production.
The quarry bulk waste removal and chemical plant remediation required the construction of
treatment plants to treat contaminated waters impounded on the sites, storm water contaminated
from contact with wastes on the site, and water used for decontamination. Two water treatment
plants were constructed between 1990 and 1995 – the quarry water treatment plant (QWTP) and
the chemical plant site water treatment plant (SWTP) which had two trains. Bulk waste removal
from the quarry was completed in 1995. Planning for quarry restoration included dismantling
and/or demolishing of the quarry water treatment plant and the process equipment.
The chemical stabilization and solidification (CSS) full scale process plant was commissioned in
1998 to chemically solidify and stabilize raffinate sludges so they are suitable for containment in
an on-site disposal cell. Raffinate sludges are dredged from the raffinate pits, mixed with
Portland cement and fly ash, and then pumped into the disposal cell as a CSS grout mixture. In
November 1998, the CSS plant completed dredging and processing the remaining sludge from
Raffinate Pit 3. Sludge from the other three pits had been consolidated into pit 3. Approximately
122,000 cubic yards of sludge had been treated since the plant began operations in July 1998.
The CSS plant was dismantled in 1999.
The structures enclosing the site and quarry water treatment equipment contain very little, if any
residual radioactive material. During the period of use they did not come into direct contact with
radioactive waste streams.
A3.2 Property Description
The property considered for release consists of the building shells surrounding the water
treatment plants and the structural and process modules of the CSS processing plants. These
plants include the quarry WTP, Site WTP (Trains 1 and 2), CSS Production Facility, and the
CSS Pilot Scale Plant. The largest contribution of recyclable metals will come from the CSS
Production Facility.
Section 82
Recyclable metals from the water treatment plants consist of structural elements of hot rolled and
cold formed steel shapes, built-up plate sections, grating, tubing, piping, and wall and roof
panels. It is expected that demolition/dismantlement methods will be done using torch cutting
and mechanical shearing rather than by unbolting and taking the structures down as a reversal of
the erection process. Thus, the steel will have little, if any, reuse value. Its main value will be for
recycling. Contamination, if any, would initially consist of surface contamination potentially
having been transferred to a metal surface from an accidental spillage, slow leak, or from
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airborne dust particles. During the recycling process, any surface contamination will become
inherent bulk contamination due to the smelting process.
Metal building components will be subjected to radiological surveys, as appropriate, and sorted
into piles. Wall and roof panels will be stacked and secured in piles separate from the structural
steel. Structural members will be torch cut or mechanically sheared into linear members suitable
for placement into roll-off scrap containers or transport vehicles.
The total surface area and weight for the various salvage materials are estimated to be 210,900
ft2 and 400 tons respectively. Dividing 210,900 ft2 by the total weight of 800,000 lbs (400 tons)
gives an average surface-to-mass ratio of 0.264ft2/lb. This site-specific factor was used for dose
calculations.
A3.3 Contaminants
All material released under the proposed release limits have the potential to be contaminated as a
result of deposition of airborne radioactivity, spills, or buildup from inadvertent spreading of low
levels of contamination. Therefore, contamination is initially expected to be only surficial and
either loosely adhered or fixed via oxidation or applied paint.
Based on the history of operations at the various facilities, the contaminants are expected to vary
dependent upon facility. The various facilities can be categorized into three general areas:
Quarry Water Treatment Plant, Site Water Treatment Plant, and Raffinate Chemical Stabilization
and Solidification (CSS) Facilities. Tables A-2, A-3 and A-4 provide radiological profiles for
the three general areas. These profiles were used to compute fractional surface activities by
dividing the activity for a specific alpha emitting radionuclide by the total activity for all
emitters.
A3.4 Description of Alternatives
Through initial screening, the following alternatives were identified to be viable and were
analyzed in the optimization study required by the ALARA process for the development of
authorized limits.
Alternative 1: Unrestricted release of all material at or below dose-based contamination levels.
Recyclable steel would be sold as scrap metal without restrictions, provided that contamination
levels do not exceed levels corresponding to applicable dose limits.
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TABLE A-2. Contamination Pro
Radionuclide
Quarry Water Treatment Plant1
Max. Concentration in filter cake
(pCi/g)
Site Water
Treatment Plant2
Max. Influent
concentration (pCi/l)
Raffinate CSS
Facilities3
Ave. Concentration in
pit 3 raffinate (pCi/g)
Ra-226 3.7 1,580 320
Ra-228 5.3 251 64
Th-228 0.8 7.63 91
Th-230 58.6 1,900 17,000
Th-232 11.4 8.36 320
U-234 16,800 3,220 295
U-235 750 144 13.2
U-238 16,600 3,180 292
Section 83
1 Reference: DOE/OR/21548-550, “Safety Analysis for the Quarry Water Treatment Plant” Rev. 2, March, 1996
2 Reference: DOE/OR/21548-527, “Safety Analysis for the Site Water Treatment Plant” Rev. 2, November, 1997
3 Reference: DOE/OR/21548-074, “Remedial Investigation for the Chemical Plant Area of the Weldon Spring Site”,
Rev. 0, November, 1992
Note 1: Th-232 value is from Raffinate Pit 4 analyses. Th-232 values were not reported for Pit 3 due to interference
with high Th-230 concentrations.
Alternative 2: Unrestricted release of all material at or below DOE Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1
values. Recyclable steel would be decontaminated, as needed, and comprehensively surveyed in
order to meet DOE Order 5400.5 values. The steel would then be sold as scrap metal without
restrictions.
Alternative 3: Unrestricted release of only material at or below DOE Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1
values (no decontamination). Remaining material buried in on-site disposal cell. Recyclable
steel would be comprehensively surveyed. Material at or below DOE Order 5400.5 values
would be sold as scrap metal without restriction. Material above DOE Order 5400.5 values
would not be decontaminated and subsequently placed in the on-site disposal cell.
Alternative 4: Burial of all material in on-site disposal cell. All recyclable steel would be
disposed as low-level radioactive waste with WSSRAP’s disposal cell. No further surveys or
decontamination efforts would be performed.
A3.5 Radiological Assessment Assumptions
An overarching assumption was that all activities, regardless of alternative, would be conducted
in compliance with applicable DOE and, when applicable, NRC (or authorized state) regulations.
The following are general assumptions used to conduct public dose analyses for each alternative:
• A total of 400 tons of surface-contaminated steel would be processed, with no restriction
on the amount processed in a year, i.e., up to 400 tons per year;
• All released steel would be recycled. Steel recycling scenarios in document PNL-8724
would be considered representative of WSSRAP-recycled steel;
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• Any surface contamination becomes bulk/volumetric contamination during the steel
recycling process; and
• Calculated risk of fatal cancer is based upon current ICRP fatal cancer risk factors of
4.0 E-7 per mrem (4.0 E-9 per mSv) for workers and 5.0 E-7 per mrem (5.0 E-9 per mSv)
for members of the general public.
A3.6 Analysis of Alternatives
A3.6.1 Radiological Assessment of Alternative 1
The surface-contaminated recyclable steel generated during demolition of the various WSSRAP
facilities was calculated to have an average surface-to-mass ratio of 0.541 cm2/g. Using this
conversion factor and radiological control levels (RCLs) based on an annual individual dose of 1
mrem (0.01 mSv) from the recycle of 400 tons of steel in one year (PNL-8724), the average
surface contamination release limits (SCRL) could be calculated for each radionuclide present at
WSSRAP. The results of such calculations are presented in Table A-3. [Note: All RCLs given
in Table A-3 (and used throughout this Weldon Spring example) were obtained from Table E.1
of PNL-8724. Because RCLs for radionuclides in equilibrium with their immediate progeny are
not listed on Table E.1 of PNL-8724, appropriate RCLs were derived by applying ratios derived
from total dose values, in mrem, provided on Table E.2 of that document.]
Section 84
In comparison to DOE Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1 values for average allowable total residual
surface contamination (see Table A-4) the above derived values were higher for Ra-226 and Th-
230. However, the above values were lower than DOE Order 5400.5 values for Th-232 and
natural uranium. For waste streams which consisted of a combination of the above
radionuclides, the “sum of fractions” rule applied. To demonstrate compliance with the above
limits when surveying contamination comprised of a mixture of radionuclides, a “limit-
weighted” effective surface contamination release limit (SCRLeff) could be calculated using the
fractional surface activities (fαi) and the average SCRL (SCRLi) as depicted in Equation A-1.
TABLE A-3. Dose-Based Surface Contamination Release Limits (SCRLs)
Radionuclide RCL for 400 tons/yr
(pCi/g)
Average SCRL
(dpm/100cm2)
Ra-226 + D 1.59 648
Th-230 3.25 1,330
Th-232 + D 0.568 232
U-234 6.5 2,660
U-235 7 2,860
U-238 + D 1.32 538
Ra-226 + D represents Ra-226 in equilibrium with Rn-222 (with short-lived Po-
218, At-218, Pb-214, Bi-214, Po-214 and Tl-210), Pb-210, Bi-210 and Po-210.
Th-232 + D represents Th-232 in equilibrium with Ra-228, Ac-228, Th-228, Ra-
224 (which includes short-lived Rn-220 and Po-216), Pb-212, Bi-212, Po-212,
Tl-208 and Pb-208.
U-238 + D represents U-238 in equilibrium with Th-234, Pa-234m and Pa-234.
Limit (SCRLeff) may be calculated using Equation A-1.
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f
−1
SCRL = ∑ α i
eff SCRL
i i Equation A-1
Due to the relatively large variance in each facility’s contamination profile, an independent
SCRLeff should be calculated for each. Using Equation A-1, the following effective limit values
were obtained for each:
Quarry Water Treatment Plant: 912 dpm-α/100 cm2
Site Water Treatment Plant: 844 dpm-α/100 cm2
CSS Facilities: 1150 dpm-α/100 cm2
Material survey methodology would have to employ instrumentation capable of detecting the
above contamination levels. Portable alpha-sensitive survey instruments could provide this
capability for all three facilities. Because only the “Ra-226 + D, U-238 + D and Th-232 + D” are
generally detectable through the use of beta/gamma-sensitive field instrumentation (e.g., a
Geiger Mueller (GM) “pancake” probe), use of such instrumentation would require the
implementation of a correction factor to account for the relative abundance of “GM-probe
detectable” radionuclides in each facility’s waste stream. Due to its greater durability, decreased
source self-attenuation concerns and less restrictive operational considerations (e.g., source
geometry, survey speed, etc.) the GM “pancake” probe would be a more practical survey
instrument for release of recyclable steel from the QWTP and SWTP.
For the CSS Facilities, use of beta/gamma-sensitive survey instrumentation was not possible
because 92.4% of the activity was comprised of Th-230 – a radionuclide that is not “GM-probe
detectable.”
The radiological impact of Alternative 1 would be an annual dose of 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) to the
MEI or representative person of the critical group. This corresponds to a potential excess risk to
fatal cancer of 5.0 E-7. Actual annual individual dose and subsequent risk would be less than 1
mrem (0.01 mSv) and 5.0 E-7 respectively. This is because all material released would be
surveyed, as appropriate, to verify that contamination levels are less than the respective SCRLeff.
Since the SCRLeff value would be treated as a maximum allowable release limit, the average
contamination levels would be less, therefore resulting in lower dose/risk to the public.
Section 85
A3.6.2 Radiological Assessment of Alternative 2
The potential individual dose from an annual release of 400 tons of recyclable steel at or below
DOE Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1 values is given in Table A-4.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-12
TABLE A-4. Release of Material at or below DOE Order 5400.5 Values
Radionuclide
DOE Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1
Ave. Surface contamination limit
(dpm/100cm2)
RCL for 400
tons/yr(pCi/g)
Annual individual
Dose (mrem)
Ra-226 100 Note 1 1.59 0.154
Th-230 100 Note 1 3.25 0.0752
Natural Thorium 1,000 0.568 4.31
U-234 2460 Note 2 6.5 0.925
U-235 110 Note 2 7 0.038
U-238 2430 Note 2 1.32 4.52
Note 1: Value adopted by WSSRAP as the applicable surface contamination guideline as documented by letter
from J.R. Powers to the DOE (McCracken), dated 10/24/90. File: MN-01-02.
Note 2: Calculated from the DOE Order 5400.5 natural uranium limit of 5000 dpm /100 cm2 and the activity
fractions of U-234, U-235 and U-238 which comprise WSSRAP natural uranium.
The doses listed in Table A-4 are not representative of the actual individual dose that would
result from the recycle of 400 tons of steel in a year from the WSSRAP facilities. Due to the
contamination profiles of the specific areas/facilities and the need to demonstrate compliance
with DOE Order 5400.5 limits using “field” instrumentation (which do not assess radionuclides
separately), actual resultant doses would vary, dependent on facility. Therefore, each facility
would be assessed separately and then summed to assess public exposure and subsequent risk.
A3.6.3 Alternative 2 for the Quarry Water Treatment Plant (QWTP)
Material release from the QWTP would be performed utilizing beta-sensitive survey
instrumentation/techniques (i.e., GM “pancake” probe at 1/2 inch). This surveying methodology
is capable of detecting U-238 (due to its daughter product Pa-234m). Detection of the remaining
isotopes was not expected due a low relative fractional abundance and/or lack of beta particle
emission (> 30 keV average beta energy).
The calibration of GM “pancake” probes at WSSRAP provided GM operational efficiencies
which represent detection of U-238 (and possibly Ra-226 + D). Table A-5 represents the
expected radionuclide profile for compliance with the natural uranium DOE Order 5400.5 limit
value of 5000 dpm/100 cm2 and the subsequent potential dose to a member of the public for the
release of 20 tons of QWTP recyclable steel (0.05 x 400 tons). The calculations utilized the site-
specific surface-to-mass ratio of 0.264 ft2/lb. As Table A-5 shows, the maximum annual dose to
a member of the public from the recycle of 20 tons of QWTP steel at DOE Order 5400.5 limits is
0.274 mrem (2.74 E-3 mSv). This corresponds to a potential excess risk to fatal cancer of 1.37
E-7.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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TABLE A-5. Dose from 20 Tons of QWTP Steel at DOE Order 5400.5 Values
Radionuclide Expected Contamination Level
(dpm/100 cm2)
RCL for 20 tons/yr
(pCi/g)
Annual Individual
Dose (mrem)
Ra-226 0.54 31.8 4.15 E-5
Th-230 8.6 65 3.26 E-4
Natural Thorium 1.82 11.4 3.90 E-4
U-234 2460 130 4.63 E-2
U-235 110 140 1.92 E-3
U-238 2430 26.4 2.25 E-1
TOTAL: 2.74 E-1
A3.6.4 Alternative 2 for the Site Water Treatment Plant (SWTP)
Section 86
To meet DOE Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1 contamination limits, material release from the SWTP
would be performed utilizing alpha-sensitive survey instrumentation/techniques. This is because
Th-230 comprised 18.5% of the total activity and had a limiting average contamination release
limit value of 100 dpm/100 cm2. Table A-6 represents the expected radionuclide profile for 100
dpm of detected α activity and the subsequent potential dose to a member of the public for the
release of 40 tons of SWTP recyclable steel (0.10 x 400 tons). The calculations utilized the site-
specific surface-to-mass ratio of 0.264 ft2/lb.
As Table A-6 shows, the maximum annual dose to a member of the public from the recycle of 40
tons of SWTP steel at DOE Order 5400.5 limits is 0.0108 mrem (1.08 E-4 mSv). This results in
a potential excess risk to fatal cancer of 5.4 E-9.
TABLE A-6. Dose from 40 tons of SWTP Steel at DOE Order 5400.5 Values
Radionuclide Expected Contamination Level
(dpm/100 cm2)
RCL for 40 tons/yr
(pCi/g)
Annual Individual
Dose (mrem)
Ra-226 15.3 15.9 2.35 E-3
Th-230 18.5 32.5 1.39 E-3
Natural Thorium 0.16 5.68 6.89 E-5
U-234 31.3 65 1.18 E-3
U-235 1.4 70 4.89 E-5
U-238 30.9 13.2 5.72 E-3
TOTAL: 1.08 E-2
A3.6.5 Alternative 2 for the CSS Facilities
To meet DOE Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1 contamination limits, material release from the CSS
Facilities would be performed utilizing alpha-sensitive survey instrumentation/techniques. This
is due to the fact that Th-230 comprises 92.4% of the total activity and has a limiting average
contamination release limit value of 100 dpm/100 cm2 (surface contamination survey technique
is such to provide detection of average contamination guidelines of DOE Order 5400.5).
Table A-7 represents the expected radionuclide profile for 100 dpm of detected α activity and the
subsequent potential dose to a member of the public for the release of 340 tons of recyclable
steel (0.85 x 400 tons). The calculations used the site-specific surface-to-mass ratio of 0.264
ft2/lb. As Table A-7 shows, the maximum annual dose to a member of the general public from
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-14
the recycle of 340 tons of CSS Facilities steel at DOE Order 5400.5 limits is 0.0726 mrem (7.26
E-4 mSv). This corresponds to a potential excess risk to fatal cancer of 3.6 E-8.
TABLE A-7. Dose from 340 Tons of CSS Facilities Steel at DOE Order 5400.5 Values
Radionuclide Expected Contamination
Level (dpm/100 cm2)
RCL for 340 tons/yr
(pCi/g)
Annual Individual
Dose (mrem)
Ra-226 1.74 1.87 2.28 E-3
Th-230 92.4 3.82 5.91 E-2
Natural Thorium 2.24 0.668 8.20 E-3
U-234 1.60 7.65 5.11 E-4
U-235 0.0717 8.24 2.13 E-5
U-238 1.58 1.55 2.49 E-3
TOTAL: 7.26 E-2
A3.6.6 Summary for Alternative 2
The summing of all three locations results in an annual dose of 0.357 mrem (3.57 E-3 mSv) to
the MEI or representative person of the critical group. This corresponds to a potential excess
risk to fatal cancer of 1.8 E-7. Actual annual individual dose and subsequent risk would be less
than 0.357 mrem (3.57 E-3 mSv) and 1.8 E-7 respectively. This is because all material released
would be surveyed, as appropriate, to verify contamination levels are less than DOE 5400.5
limits. Since the limits would be treated as maximum allowable release limits, the average
contamination levels would be less, therefore resulting in lower dose/risk to the public.
A3.6.7 Radiological Assessment of Alternative 3
Section 87
It was estimated that approximately 90% of the bulk material from the water treatment plants and
50% of the bulk material from the CSS Facilities were contaminated at levels less than DOE
Order 5400.5, Figure IV-1 values. Maximum annual individual dose from the recycle of the
“releasable” fraction of steel is given in Table A-8.
TABLE A-8. Recycling Dose for Alternative 3
Facility
Estimated Fraction
Releasable
Annual Individual Dose
for 100% release (mrem)
Resultant Annual Individual
Dose (mrem)
QWTP 0.90 0.274 2.47 E-1
SWTP 0.90 0.0108 9.72 E-3
CSS Facilities 0.50 0.0726 3.63 E-2
TOTAL: 2.93 E-1
The annual individual dose from the disposal of contaminated material within the on-site
disposal cell was calculated using the RESRAD computer code. The RESRAD calculations
assumed the following:
• The non-releasable fraction of steel was contaminated (on average) to a level of 10 times
the average surface contamination release guidelines of DOE Order 5400.5.
• It is assumed that 10% of the activity deposited on the buried steel is transferred to and
uniformly dispersed within the soil of a disposal trench. The transfer mechanisms
included wash-off and corrosion.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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• The activity is mixed in a 1-meter-thick layer of soil (1.6 g/cm3) in a 1,000 m2 area
and covered with a 1-meter-thick layer of clay (1.8 g/cm3).
• Radon inhalation exposure pathway is applicable.
• All other parameters are RESRAD default.
Results of the RESRAD computations gave a maximum annual individual dose of 0.165 mrem
(1.65 E-3 mSv). Because it is highly unlikely that a single individual could be the recipient of
both maximum recycling and burial doses, the respective values were not summed.
Therefore, the radiological impact of Alternative 3 would be an annual dose of 0.293 mrem (2.93
E-3 mSv) to the MEI or representative person of the critical group. This corresponds to a
potential excess risk to fatal cancer of 1.5 E-7.
A3.6.8 Radiological Assessment of Alternative 4
The radiological impact from disposal of all material, regardless of contaminated status, was
determined using the RESRAD computer code. The burial exposure calculations utilize the
same assumptions as in Alternative 3 with one exception: the average surface contamination
levels were determined by including the releasable fraction of steel assumed to be contaminated
at DOE Order 5400.5 guidelines. The resultant annual dose to the MEI, or representative person
of the critical group, is 0.184 mrem (1.84 E-3 mSv), corresponding to a potential excess risk to
fatal cancer of 9.2 E-8.
A3.7 Economic Assessment
The estimated costs for each of the four alternatives considered was weighed against the
collective doses assessed previously. The following general assumptions were made for cost
estimating purposes:
• Fifty percent of CSS steel, ten percent of Site Water Treatment Plant steel, and ten
percent of Quarry Water Treatment Plant Steel were potentially contaminated and
required a 100 percent field survey for unrestricted release.
• Of the potentially contaminated steel, fifty percent of the CSS steel and all of the water
treatment building steel underwent decontamination for Alternatives 1 and 2.
• The average steel surface area to mass ratio is 0.264 ft2/lb.
• Surveying would be done by a crew of two ES&H technicians with field instrumentation
supported by a grapple with operator. Estimated labor cost is $35 per hour per
technician.
Section 88
• Radiation survey rate with a β/γ instrument is 75 square feet per hour. Survey rates with
an α instrument are 60 square feet per hour for dose-based release limits and 30 square
feet per hour for DOE Order 5400.5 release limits.
• Decontamination is accomplished with a 4 gallon per minute high pressure washer.
Treatment cost for decontamination water is $0.10 per gallon. Decontamination is done
with a crew of two laborers, one grapple operator, and an ES&H technician.
Decontamination can be accomplished as a rate of 50 square feet per crew hour for dose
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-16
based release limits and 25 square feet per crew hour for DOE Order 5400.5 release
limits.
• On site disposal in the disposal cell costs $156 per bulk cubic yard.
• Scrap salvage value is $75 per ton for CSS steel and $50 per ton for all other steel.
• Metals are size reduced by demolition subcontractor and stockpiled for survey. Materials
for recycle are placed in recycle vendor’s roll-off containers for release and transport off-
site.
Table A-9 summarizes the results of cost analyses for each alternative. The cost estimates were
based upon realistic assumptions from vendor information, process knowledge, operating
experience, and site-specific work practices and subcontract wage rates. The costs for the
various alternatives could vary considerably from the estimated values if the actual levels of
contamination vary significantly from estimated values and if the actual effort to decontaminated
steel to achieve release values is significantly at variance with estimated.
TABLE A-9. Cost Summary for Alternatives
Element
Alternative 1
Dose-based limits
W/ decon & release
Alternative 2
DOE Order 5400.5
limits
W/ decon & release
Alternative 3
DOE Order 5400.5
limits
No decon.
Alternative 4
On-site
disposal
Survey Costs $160,200 $320,400 $320,400 0
Decon Costs
Transport $660 $660 0 0
Decon $215,340 $423,780 0 0
Water Treatment $23,060 $45,480 0 0
On-site DisposalCosts 0 0 $19,200 $84,240
Salvage ($28,500) ($28,500) ($21,800) 0
Total $370,760 $761,820 $317,800 $84,240
Alternative 1 release limits were based on an individual dose of 1 mrem (0.01 mSv) per year for
the most restrictive scenario presented in PNL-8724. The major costs were associated with
survey and decontamination of CSS steel to the dose-based limits. The principal constituent of
CSS plant contamination was Th-230. The assumed survey rate for calculating costs was 60 ft2
per hour with alpha sensitive instrumentation. An assumption was made that, of the half (or 170
tons) of CSS plant steel surveyed for contamination; approximately half of the surfaces
encountered would be above the calculated dose-based release limit and thus would require
decontamination for release. A factor of 50 ft2 per crew hour was used to determine
decontamination costs. It was assumed that all steel would be successfully decontaminated to
release limits at that rate.
The site water treatment plant and the quarry water treatment plant only accounted for 15 percent
of the 400 tons of structural and building steel proposed for release. For Alternative 1, it was
assumed that surveying would be done at the two treatment plants with a beta-gamma instrument
at the rate of 75 ft2 per instrument hour. The decontamination rate used for the treatment plants
was the same as that used for the CSS plant. Decontamination accounts for about 64 percent of
the tabulated overall costs to release under Alternative 1. This was also the cost element with the
highest degree of uncertainty. The actual amount of contaminated steel could not be determined
Section 89
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-17
in the absence of surveys and the decontamination factor used did not have a strong basis in on-
site experience. The small return for recyclable steel for the large expenditure in
decontamination effort eliminates Alternative 1.
Alternative 2 release limits are based upon Figure IV-1 values from DOE Order 5400.5. The
costs for survey and decontamination were estimated to be higher than for Alternative 1 because
of the lower release limit for Th-230, which was present at limiting quantities at both the CSS
plant and the site water treatment plant. The assumed survey rate for calculating costs was 30 ft2
per instrument hour. The decontamination rate was assumed at 25 ft2 per crew hour.
Decontamination accounts for about 61 percent of the tabulated overall costs for Alternative 2.
As with Alternative 1, there was a great deal of uncertainty with this estimated figure. Again,
there is a small return in salvage for a potentially large expenditure of resources to
decontaminate. For these reasons Alternative 2 should be eliminated from further consideration.
Alternative 3 was the same as Alternative 2 except that no effort was spent in decontamination.
The principal costs were those associated with the survey process with perhaps some minor
administrative costs associated with the release process.
Alternative 4 consisted of taking all of the steel to the disposal cell. Cost elements considered
were the costs to transport the steel to the disposal cell and the costs of the expected added
volume to the cell.
Local salvage dealers were queried as to the expected salvage value of the scrap metal. Their
response was that current (October 1998) market forces were depressing the price for scrap
metal. Thus, the estimated values used were $75 per ton for thick hot rolled structural and $50
per ton for panels, cold formed structural, and small hot rolled structural and tubing.
A3.8 Collective Dose Assessment
A very accurate assessment of collective dose could not be performed using PNL-8724 because
dose values were listed only for the MEI for each analyzed scenario. However, conservative
collective dose estimates could be derived by grouping the exposed individuals into two general
categories (i.e., recycling workers/product users and population downwind of a smelter) and
assuming each individual received the same dose as the respective category MEI. “Recycling
workers” included all individuals involved with scrap delivery, smelting operations, initial and
final fabrication and distribution of the steel.
Because each alternative’s individual dose calculation accounted for the quantity of steel
recycled from each facility, the number of recycling workers was not adjusted further. That is,
the additional individual exposure time had already been accounted for in the calculation of the
individual doses and no additional individuals were required to process the steel.
The recycled steel was assumed to be used for the production of automobiles. Because 100 tons
of recycled steel is estimated to result in the production of 600 automobiles, the number of
exposed individuals for this category was corrected for the total quantity of steel recycled and
assumed an average occupancy of two individuals per vehicle. The collective dose was indicated
for a single year of automobile use for a total annual exposure of 300 hours per individual.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-18
Section 90
To conservatively estimate the collective dose this exposed population, it was assumed that
10,000 individuals receive a dose equivalent to the MEI. Dose values were calculated by using
the maximum radionuclide concentrations (pCi/g) in the recycled steel from each WSSRAP
facility. The concentrations were multiplied by the limiting dose values provided in Table H.1 of
PNL-8724 and corrected for the total quantity of steel recycled for each alternative.
The Weldon Spring Site is immediately surrounded by government-owned property. Local
demographics represent a mixture of rural and suburban populations beyond the government-
controlled area. Because of this, collective dose determinations from on-site burial scenarios
assumed that 1,000 individuals were exposed to the level of the RESRAD MEI dose results.
A3.9 Assessment of Other Factors
The calculation of dose-based surface contamination release limits resulted in values greater than
DOE Order 5400.5, Table IV-1 values for some radionuclides. Because of this, the release of
materials for recycle and unrestricted use at dose-based limits would not conform to approved
standards in site-specific CERCLA record-of-decision documents. Taking into consideration
that DOE Order 5400.5, Table IV-1 values are equivalent to Regulatory Guide 1.86, Termination
of Operating Licenses for Nuclear Reactors, Table 1 values, licensing concerns from the NRC
were also a possibility. Therefore, the option of unrestricted release of materials at dose-based
limits (i.e., Alternative 1) may not be viable, regardless of dose and cost comparisons.
Economic analysis of each alternative showed that on-site disposal resulted in maximum cost
savings. However, permanent disposal would waste a large volume of potentially recyclable
material. This option was not consistent with DOE’s commitment to promote conservation of
energy and natural resources (as recycling does). The recycle of steel also eliminates other risks
associated with the mining and milling of virgin ores. Below are the parameters of consideration
for each of the alternatives.
TABLE A-10
Parameter
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4
100% On-Site
Cell Disposal
Number of recycling
workers
132 132 132
Number of automobile
users
4800 4800 2688
Total individuals 4932 4932 2820
Annual Dose to MEI 1 mrem 0.357 mrem 0.293 mrem
Collective Dose 4.932 person-rem (A) 1.760 person-rem (A) 0.830 person-rem (A)
Population Downwind of
Smelter
10,000 10,000 10,000
Annual Dose to MEI 0.040 mrem 0.015 mrem 0.012 mrem
Collective Dose 0.400 person-rem (B) 0.150 person-rem (B) 0.120 person-rem (B)
Population Affected by
Burial
1000 1000
Annual Dose to MEI 0.165 mrem 0.184 mrem
Collective Dose 0.165 person-rem (C)
Total Annual Collective
Dose
5.332 person-rem 1.910 person-rem 1.115 person-rem 0.184 person-rem
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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Although the economic analyses showed decon and survey labor costs to be in excess of disposal
costs, scheduling of a facility’s demolition during “non-peak” construction periods may permit
such decon/survey activities regardless of cost. Because the associated work crews must be kept
on-site to maintain their availability during peak construction periods, the work would be
performed as “fill-in” duties to sustain crew productivity during slow periods.
A3.10 Selection of the Proposed Alternative
Section 91
Table A-11 summarizes doses and costs for all four alternatives. As Table A-11 shows, the
doses associated with all alternatives are very low and subsequently fully protective. Therefore,
selection of an alternative would be based on other factors, such as costs and potential regulatory
conflicts.
TABLE A-11. Dose and Cost Summary for Recyclable/Reusable Steel
Alternative
Maximum
Annual
Individual Dose
(mrem)
Annual
Collective
Dose
(person-rem)
Cost
($)
Dose-
Adjusted Cost ($) *
Alternative 1:
Unrestricted release of all
material at dose-based
values
1.0 5.332 370,760 381,400
Alternative 2:
Unrestricted release of all
material at DOE Order
5400.5 values
0.357 1.910 761,820 765,600
Alternative 3:
Unrestricted release at DOE
Order 5400.5 values/on-site
burial combination
0.637 1.115 317,800 320,000
Alternative 4:
100 % on-site burial
0.184 0.184 84,240 84,600
* Cost is adjusted by adding $2,000 for each person-rem of annual collective dose
A3.10.1 Alternative 1, Unrestricted release of all material at dose-based values
Because the ALARA analysis demonstrated Alternative 3 to be more cost-effective and due to
potential conflicts with release limit values in Regulatory Guide 1.86 and CERCLA record-of-
decision documents, this alternative was not selected.
A3.10.2 Alternative 2, Unrestricted release of all material at DOE Order 5400.5 values
An aggressive decontamination program in order to release all recyclable steel was demonstrated
to be cost-prohibitive, primarily due to a lack of scrap metal worth. Subsequently, Alternative 2
was not selected. However, for items with potential worth, a simple economic analysis could be
performed to justify a decontamination effort. A complete ALARA analysis would not be
necessary because the DOE Order 5400.5, Table IV-1 values had been demonstrated as being
protective to the public for an annual release of all 400 tons of the recyclable/reusable steel.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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A3.10.3 Alternative 3, Unrestricted release at DOE Order 5400.5 values/on-site burial
combination
If recycling of the steel were to be performed, then Alternative 3 would be exercised. Due to the
relative inexpensive burial costs and depressed resale value of scrap steel, minimal time should
be committed to reduction of contamination levels to DOE Order 5400.5, Table IV-1 values. An
economic comparison showed that disposal costs were at least 50% cheaper than costs associated
with decontamination and recovery of the steel. The collective dose to the public was also less
for disposal than for recycle.
A3.10.4 Alternative 4, 100% on-site burial
Because recovery of a significant portion of the steel is likely to be possible through utilization
of a workforce maintained on-site for other purposes, complete disposal would not be performed.
Creative scheduling of work for idle crews should allow Alternative 3 to be exercised for
recyclable-only steel and Alternative 2 for items determined to have resale potential. In the
event that support was not available from on-site crews, then disposal would be exercised prior
to acquisition of additional labor.
A3.11 Statement of Proposed Authorized Limits
Because the surface contamination release guidelines listed in DOE Order 5400.5 and
Regulatory Guide 1.86 were demonstrated as being protective to the public for the unrestricted
release of 400 tons of WSSRAP steel, it was recommended that these values be used when
economically feasible. Table A-12 summarizes the proposed surface contamination release
guidelines for each radionuclide or class of radionuclides.
Section 92
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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TABLE A-12. Surface Contamination Guidelines
Allowable Total Residual Surface Activity (dpm/100 cm2)1
Radionuclides2 Average3/4 Maximum4/5 Removable6
Group 1 - Transuranics, I-125, I-129, Ac-227, Ra-226, Ra-
228, Th-228, Th-230, Pa-231
100 300 20
Group 2 - Th-natural, Sr-90, I-126, I-131, I-133, Ra-223,
Ra-224, U-232, Th-232
1,000 3,000 200
Group 3 - U-natural, U-235, U-238, and associated decay
products, alpha emitters
5,000 15,000 1,000
Group 4 - Beta-gamma emitters (radionuclides with decay
modes other than alpha emission or spontaneous fission)
except Sr-90 and others noted above7
5,000 15,000 1,000
NOTES:
1. As used in this table, dpm (disintegrations per minute) means the rate of emission by radioactive material as
determined by counts per minute measured by an appropriate detector for background, efficiency and geometric
factors associated with the instrumentation.
2. Where surface contamination by both alpha and beta-gamma emitting radionuclides exists, the limits
established for alpha and beta-gamma emitting radionuclides should apply independently.
3. Measurements of average contamination should not be averaged over an area of more than 1 m2. For objects of
smaller surface area, the average should be derived for each object.
4. The average and maximum dose rates associated with surface contamination resulting from beta-gamma
emitters should not exceed 0.2 mrad/hr and 1.0 mrad/hr, respectively, at 1 cm.
5. The maximum contamination level applies to an area of not more than 100 cm2.
6. The amount of removable material per 100 cm2 of surface area should be determined by wiping an area of that
size with dry filter or soft absorbent paper, applying moderate pressure, and measuring the amount of
radioactive material on the wiping with an appropriate instrument of known efficiency. When removable
contamination on objects of surface less that 100 cm2 is determined, the activity per unit area should be based
on the actual area and the entire surface should be wiped. It is not necessary to us wiping techniques to measure
removable contamination levels if direct scan surveys indicate that the total residual surface contamination
levels are within the limits for removable contamination.
7. This category of radionuclides includes fission products, including the Sr-90 present in them. It does not apply
to Sr-90 that has been separated from other fission products or mixtures where the Sr-90 has been enriched.
A4 Bag Monitor Comparative Analysis of Radiological Risks and Costs at Brookhaven
National Laboratory
Introduction
Personal protective clothing worn at environmental restoration sites must be treated as
potentially contaminated when there is a potential for contamination with radioactive material.
The traditional approach for measuring radioactive contamination on protective clothing is to
“frisk” each worker with a hand-held radiation detector or for the worker/protective clothing to
be counted in a portal monitor.
An innovative approach is to use a bag monitor. This method of measuring contamination on
over 20 articles of protective clothing at a time is more sensitive, more effective, and less costly
than the traditional approach. The traditional disposal options are: 1) disposing of the
contaminated clothing after hand "frisking" or portal monitoring and sorting out of the clean
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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from the contaminated or 2) disposing of all potentially contaminated protective clothing as low-
level waste.
Section 93
Potential radiological risk and costs for four different disposal options were compared. These
options were to dispose of those bags that have radiation levels greater than the assumed
radiation test criteria:
• In a hazardous waste disposal site;
• At a municipal landfill;
• At an on-site incinerator; and
• A base case consisting of disposal of all bags as low-level radioactive waste.
Approach
Potential exposures to future residents on the site with residual radioactive material from the four
disposal options were estimated using the dose assessment software RESRAD version 5.61 (Yu
et al., 1993). The RESRAD analysis included potential groundwater contamination as well as
direct radiation, inhalation, and food-chain pathways. Exposure estimates for workers and public
exposure from airborne releases from an incinerator were derived from Aaberg et al. (1995) and
compared with results from TSD-DOSE.
Exposure to workers transporting waste to a disposal site and receiving and handling waste at the
disposal site were estimated with TSD-DOSE v. 1.1β (Pfingston et al., 1997) and MicroShield
version 5.01 (Grove, 1996). The bags and their contents were assumed to be plastic. TSD-
DOSE and Aaberg et al. (1995) assume soil. Since for landfill exposures the bags are in soil and
incinerator emissions are reduced to particles, the assumption of soil is not unreasonable. The
density of material in the bags was specified in TSD-DOSE as the density of plastic. The
MicroShield estimates were based on PVC plastic. It was assumed that Cs-137 was the
radionuclide of concern in all cases.
The maximum allowable activity per 100 cm2 area on a single article of protective clothing is
1,000 dpm. It was assumed that no fixed activity existed on the protective clothing and therefore
the 5,000 dpm/100 cm2 did not apply. The 1,000 dpm/100cm2 was used as the radiation test
criteria per bag for unrestricted release. Thus, if a single article of the 20 articles in the bag
exceeds this criterion, the bag is disposed as low-level radioactive waste. Only those bags that
successfully pass this radiation test criteria are considered in this analysis.
In the case of public exposure, population density was addressed parametrically. Three densities
were used following Aaberg et al. (1995): (1) metropolitan high-medium density (80
people/km2), (2) metropolitan low density (20 people/km2) and (3) rural (10 people/km2).
Analysis was done on a unit basis. One hundred drums of slightly contaminated plastic
protective clothing were assumed to require disposal each year.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-23
Data Sources
Costs were obtained from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and the Town of Brookhaven
Landfill.
A truck is assumed to carry 80 drums per load. Landfilling requires more space per drum than
the actual drum. Estimated landfill volume is 9.2 ft3 (0.26 m3) per drum. It is expected that
about 100 drums per year will be produced at BNL, primarily from environmental restoration
work.
The base data for incineration were taken from Aaberg et al. (1995). An incinerator processing
30,000 tons/year (2.7 E+7 kg/yr) was assumed. Cesium was assumed to partition as 0.20 to
flyash, 0.80 to slag, and 0.002 released from the stack.
Analysis
Calculation of Common Parameters:
DOE’s 1,000 dpm/100 cm2 limit is 16.7 dps/100 cm2.
16.7 dps
3.7 x 10l0dps Ci-l
= 4.5 x 10-l0 Ci
Section 94
This value, 0.45 nCi or 450 pCi, is the maximum allowable for 100 cm2 on a single article of
protective clothing. This is essentially the detection limit per individual article of protective
clothing for hand frisking, but the detection limit of the bag monitor is below this for 20 articles
of protective clothing.
A bag of 20 articles of protective clothing weighs about 3.5 pounds (1590 g). Bags are
compacted in drums for shipment or disposal. About 6 bags are compacted in a 55-gallon (0.208
m3) drum. The density in the drum is:
6 x 1590 g
2.08 x 105 cc
= 0.05 g/cc
The bag monitor detection limit for a density of 0.1 g/cc is 300 pCi.
Maximum allowable activity per 100 cm2 area on a single article of protective clothing was
determined as the maximum allowable level per bag. If the upper limit for a bag is set at 450
pCi/bag, no article exceeding the maximum is released. For six bags per drum, the maximum in
a drum will be:
450 pCi⁄bag x 6 bags⁄drum = 2,700 pCi/drum
Public Exposure in Land Disposal
Public exposure in land disposal of bags consists of the possibility of people living on the landfill
site at some point in the future. The maximum allowable exposure to the public is 25 mrem
(0.25 mSv) per yr (10 CFR Part 20), although DOE sets a goal of a few mrem/yr. RESRAD
analysis determined a maximum allowable concentration of Cs-137 in soil for residential use as
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-24
11.1 pCi/g for an allowable exposure to the public of 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) per yr. This soil
concentration was more than sufficient to avoid exposure from well water over 4 mrem (0.04
mSv) per yr. This was a conservative analysis, assuming no cover material on the landfill, no
liner, sandy loam soil, and 5 meters to ground water. The analysis assumed Kd values for Cs-137
between 44 cm3/g and 320 cm3/g, which is similar to the range of Kd values found in BNL soil.
The concentration of the Cs-137 in the bag waste is:
450 pCi⁄bag
= 0.28pCi/g
1590 g⁄bag
assuming each bag contains the maximum allowable amount. Disposal in a landfill requires
more space per drum than the actual drum. Estimated landfill volume based on an 80% increase
in the bags volume, i.e., air space, is 0.26 m3 per drum. This is due to the decrease in the density
of the waste when buried in a 55-gallon drum. Thus, the concentration in the landfill will be 0.22
pCi/g.
RESRAD analysis finds exposure to residents living on the waste site would be 2.2 mrem (0.022
mSv) per yr per pCi/g if they lived there immediately after initial emplacement. This assumes
the contaminated material is mixed with the soil and thus can be ingested and inhaled. No credit
is taken for shielding from the drum itself. These assumptions are extremely conservative for
residents living on the landfill immediately following emplacement. Over time these
assumptions may hold, but the exposure to pCi/g at emplacement will be lower at such time. It is
more likely that the land would not revert to residential use for years after emplacement.
Exposure levels decrease over time. In 10 years, residential exposure under these assumptions
would be 1.7 mrem (0.017 mSv) per yr; after 50 years, 0.7 mrem (0.0017 mSv) per yr; and after
100 years, 0.2 mrem (0.002 mSv) per yr. These values are for a MEI, but here it is assumed it
applies also to the average individual.
Before estimating population exposure, however, it is useful to consider the area potentially
involved. One hundred drums per year require:
Section 95
(100 drums/yr x 0.26 m3/drum) = 26 m3/yr.
If drums are emplaced in a single layer the height of the drum (34 inches or 0.36 m), this requires
72 m2/yr. Ten years of operation would require 720 m2 (0.18 acres). This is too small an area
for residence, but the results can be scaled to estimate for larger operations. The RESRAD
analysis was based on a much larger area for conservatism.
Population exposure is calculated as the land area times the population density times the dose to
source ratio times the concentration of Cs-137 in the landfill. For example, for the high-medium
density case:
80 people/km2 x 72 m2 x 0.001 km2/m2 x 2.2 mrem/yr per pCi/g
x 0.001 rem/mrem x 0.22 pCi/g = 0.003 person-rem/yr
for each year’s emplacement of 100 drums.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-25
Values for all three population densities are given in Table A-13. This does not take into account
radioactive decay during the 10-year operation period or during any intervening time between
ceasing operation and residential use. The population exposure is small but can be scaled to
larger operations.
TABLE A-13. Annual Population Exposure in Landfill Operation at 100 Drums/Year
Density Category Persons/km2 Person-rem/yr for each
year’s emplacement
High-medium metropolitan 80 3.0 E-3
Low metropolitan 20 7.0 E-4
Rural 10 3.0 E-4
Worker Exposure in Land Disposal
Exposure to workers involved in landfilling waste was estimated by Aaberg et al. (1995) at 0.22
mrem (0.0022 mSv) per yr per pCi Cs-137 per gram of waste. Exposure assumptions were: 1500
hours/yr with limited ingestion of soil. Since the waste in drums contains 0.22 pCi/g, exposure
to workers over the course of a year would be:
0.22 mrem per yr per pCi per g x 0.22 pCi/g = 0.05 mrem per yr
for a continuous operation, but 100 drums of waste at 9.2 ft3 is 0.34 CY. At 1.6 hours/CY, this is
only 55 hours for 100 drums. Taking the ratio of 55 hours to 1500 hours times the 0.05 mrem
(5,0 E-4 mSv) per yr for an annual exposure yields:
55 h⁄100 drums/yr
= 0.05 mrem⁄yr = 0.02 mrem/yr
1500 h/yr
for 100 drums. Assuming two workers are exposed, the population exposure is 0.004 person-
rem/year. This is highly conservative since the waste is in drums, avoiding exposure from
inhalation or ingestion.
Worker Exposure at Incinerator
Worker exposure at the incinerator was based on scenarios developed and exposure estimates of
Aaberg et al. (1995). Cesium partitions in the incinerator as 20% flyash, 80% slag, and 0.2% to
the stack. Individual jobs at the incinerator include waste receiving, waste treatment, bag filter
maintenance, scrubber maintenance, and incinerator maintenance. Due to the high fraction of
Cs-137 collected in the slag, the workers that maintain the incinerator receive the greatest
exposure from cleaning out the rotary kiln or afterburner chamber during shutdowns. Estimates
for 2.7 E+7 kg/yr waste throughput and for 100 drums/yr are given in Table A-14.
TABLE A-14. Worker Exposure from Cs-137 at Incinerator for 2.7 E+7 kg/yr Waste Throughput with Waste
Consisting of 100% Bags (after Aaberg et al., 1995) and at 100 drums/yr
Job Category
mrem/yr per pCi/g in waste for 2.7
Η 107 kg/yr waste throughput
mrem/yr for 100
drums/yr
Receiving & sampling 0.13 4.5 E-6
Waste treatment 0.02 7.0 E-7
Bag filter maintenance 0.03 1.1 E-6
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Scrubber maintenance 0.02 7.0 E-7
Incinerator maintenance 0.11 3.9 E-6
Assuming two workers in each job category yields a total worker population exposure of 2.2 E-5
person-rem/yr for 100 drums/yr.
Section 96
As a comparison, analysis with TSD-DOSE for the 100 drums/yr case estimates 2.3 E-5 mrem
(2.3 E-7 mSv) per year exposure in receiving and sampling, 1.3 E-6 mrem (1.3 E-8 per year
exposure in incinerator maintenance, 7.3 E-6 mrem (7.3 E-8 mSv) per year exposure in
incinerator operations, and 3.4 E-4 mrem (3.4 E-6 per year exposure in storage operations. Total
person-rem to incinerator workers was estimated at 8.8 E-7 mrem (8.8 E-9 mSv) per year. The
higher value above is used in the summary tables.
Aaberg et al. (1995) address incineration for contaminated soil, which would leave a much larger
amount of total ash and slag. The concentration of Cs-137 would thus be lower, but the amount
or radioactive material would be unchanged.
Public Exposure in Incineration of Bags
A reference incinerator is assumed based on the reference incinerator described by Aaberg et al.
(1995). The incinerator was characterized as a rotary kiln with a single stack, 30 m high and 2 m
in diameter with an exit velocity of 5.4 m/s with a bag filter system for collecting flyash. Waste
throughput for the incinerator was 30,000 tons/yr (2.7 E+7 kg/yr). These values are within the
range of commercial hazardous waste incinerators. Public exposure estimates were based on air
dispersion modeling using CAP88-PC (Aaberg et al., 1995). Exposure routes included direct
inhalation, deposition, and food-chain.
With a drum of mass 9.5 kg, a waste throughput of 2.7 E+7 kg/yr implies:
(2.7 7E+7 kg/yr) / (9.5 kg/drum) = 2.8 E+6 drums/yr
assuming such bags constitute 100% of the waste. The 100 drums/yr expected in BNL
operations are thus a small fraction of the total incinerator throughput (3.5 E-5).
Table A-15 shows the concentration of Cs-137 in incinerator throughput at 2.7 E+7 kg/yr that
produces an exposure to the MEI, or representative person of the critical group, of 1 mrem (0.01
mSv) per yr. These values are from Aaberg et al., (1995). The table also translates these into
values of mrem per pCi/g in the waste throughput.
TABLE A-15. Concentration (pCi/g) of Cs-137 in Waste that Produces Given Exposure to Maximum
Individual in Public with 30,000 tons/yr (2.7 E+7 kg/yr) Waste Throughput (Derived from Aaberg et al.,
1995) and the Inverse of that Value, in Units of mrem/yr
Population Density
pCi/g producing
1 mrem/yr
mrem/yr
per pCi/g
High-medium metropolitan 2.7 E+3 3.7 E-4
Low metropolitan 2.5 E+3 4.0 E-4
Rural 2.4 E+3 4.2 E-4
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A-27
The higher exposure per unit concentration in the waste in rural areas is due to the assumed
increased exposure via the food chain. The maximum concentration in the bag is 280 pCi/g.
The exposure to the MEI is thus the mrem per pCi/g value from Table A-13 times 0.28 pCi/g.
For example, for the high-medium metropolitan population density, if the bags constituted 100%
of the 30,000 tons waste throughput exposure would be:
3.7 E-4 mrem/yr per pCi/g x 0.28 pCi/g = 1.0 E-4 mrem/yr
Since only 100 bags/year was considered, this value is multiplied by the mass fraction,
[(100 drums/yr x 3.5 lbs/bag x 6 bags/drum) / 2000 lbs/ton] / 30,000 tons/yr
= 3.5 E-5.
1.0 E-4 mrem/yr x 3.5 E-5 = 3.5 E-9 mrem/yr
Results for the three population density categories are given in Table A-16.
TABLE A-16. Exposure to Maximum Individual in Public at 30,000 Tons/yr (2.7 E+7 kg/yr) Waste
Throughput with Waste Consisting of 100% Bags and with Only 100 Drums Filled with Bags Per Year
Population Density
mrem/yr to max individual for
30,000 tons/yr bags
Section 97
mrem/yr to max individual
for 100 drums/year
High-medium metropolitan 1.0 E-4 3.5 E-9
Low metropolitan 1.1 E-4 3.9 E-9
Rural 1.2 E-4 4.2 E-9
Estimates of population exposure depend on the number of people exposed and the level of
exposure to the average individual, not the MEI. Calculations of exposure around a facility are
generally made with a Gaussian plume model addressing exposure within a 50 mile or 80 km
radius. This provides an area of π x 80 km2 or 20,100 km2. Since the peak exposure (MEI) is
relatively near the source, and concentrations decrease beyond that, the average exposure within
the 80 km radius is considerably lower than the peak. Examination of Gaussian plume results
from Aaberg et al. (1995) and TSD-DOSE indicates the average exposure ranges from 0.01% to
1% of the peak exposure. The calculation of the population exposure for the high-medium
population density for 100 drums/yr is calculated below using a ratio of 0.1% as an example.
Table A-17 provides estimates of population exposure for each population density.
3.5 E-9 mrem/yr x 0.001 mean/peak x 2.0 E+4 km2 x 80 people/km2
x 0.001 rem/mrem = 5.6 E-9 person-mrem/yr.
TABLE A-17. Population Exposure in 80 km Radius per pCi/g Cs-137 at 2.7 E+7 kg/yr Waste Throughput
with Waste Consisting of 100% Bags and at 100 Drums/yr
Density Category
Median
persons/sq mi
Person-mrem, 100%
bags (2.7 E+7 kg/yr)
Person-mrem, 100
drums/yr
High-medium metropolitan 80 1.6 E-4 5.6 E-9
Low metropolitan 20 4.4 E-5 1.6 E-9
Rural 10 2.4 E-5 8.4 E-10
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Public Exposure of Landfill of Ash and Slag from Incinerator
Public exposure from the landfill of ash and slag from the incinerator is primarily due to the
possibility of future residential use of the landfill site.
The original drummed waste was estimated to have a concentration of 0.28 pCi/g. Cesium,
however, is concentrated in the flyash and slag from the incinerator. Of the original waste, all
but 0.2% of the Cs-137 remains in the flyash and slag whereas, only 70% of miscellaneous solids
are captured as flyash or slag (Aaberg et al., 1995). This results in a concentration of Cs-137 in
the flyash and slag to be landfilled of:
(0.28 pCi/g) x 0.998 / 0.7 = 0.4 pCi/g,
well below the clean-up guideline of 11 pCi/g. The ash and slag is a much smaller volume than
the original waste. Aaberg et al. (1995) estimate a landfill area of 10,000 m2 for the full
throughput of the incinerator of 2.7 E+7 kg/yr. For 100 drums/yr translates to 950 kg/yr, a ratio
of 3.5 E-5. This yields a landfill area of 0.35 m2/yr. As was the case for direct landfilling of
drums, this is too small an area for residence, but the results can be scaled to estimate for larger
operations. In addition, an area this size would qualify as a "hot spot" for which the soil cleanup
guideline would be multiplied by 10 (Yu et al., 1993).
Population exposure estimates for small areas (e.g., less than 1 m2) are of little direct practical
value in an analysis. It is calculated in this example for potential scaling purposes. The
calculation is the land area times the population density times the dose to source ratio times the
concentration of radionuclide in the soil. For example, for the high-medium density case:
207 people/mi2 x 3.86 E-7 mi2/m2 x 0.35 m2 x 2.2 mrem/yr per pCi/g
x 0.4 pCi/g x 0.001 rem/mrem = 2.5 E-8 person-rem
This is only a hypothetical exposure since the area is so small. It provides a basis for scaling to
larger areas. Exposure for the three population densities assuming the production of 100
drums/yr is given in Table A-18.
Section 98
TABLE A-18. Annual Population Exposure in Public from Landfilling Incinerator Ash and
Slag with 100 Drums/yr of Cs-137 Waste through the Incinerator
Population Density Person-rem/yr
High-medium metropolitan 2.5 E-8
Low metropolitan 6.3 E-9
Rural 3.1 E-9
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Worker Exposure of Landfill of Ash and Slag from Incinerator
Given the estimated concentration of Cs-137 in the ash and slag of 0.4 pCi/g and the estimate
from Aaberg et al. (1995) that workers’ landfilling ash and slag containing Cs-137 was 0.22
mrem (2.2 E-3 mSv) per yr per pCi/g, worker exposure rate is estimated at 0.09 mrem (9.0 E-4
mSv) per year if the worker was landfilling this material for the entire year. As shown above,
however, the 100 drums of waste constitute only 55/1500ths or 3.7% of the annual landfill effort
on an hourly basis, the worker's exposure is:
0.4 pCi/g x 22 mrem/yr per pCi/g = 0.09 mrem/yr
0.09 mrem/yr x 0.037 = 3.0 E-3 mrem/yr.
If it is assumed that only one worker is exposed in this small operation then the population
exposure is 3.0 E-6 person-mrem/yr.
Exposures in Transportation
Transportation includes load and secure, drive, rest, and maintenance. The need for
transportation and the length of trip varies by circumstances. For 100 drums/yr, only 1.25 trips
per year are required at 80 drums per truckload.
Trucking waste from BNL to the Envirocare radiation disposal site is a trip of 2,200 miles. With
two drivers driving straight through, averaging 55 miles per hour, this would take 40 hours.
Assuming drivers work 2000 hours/yr, this is 2% of a year.
Based on Aaberg et al. (1995), the exposure to workers transporting drums by truck was
estimated to be 0.016 mrem (1.6 E-4 mSv) per year per pCi/g Cs-137 in the waste. This assumed
full-time drivers, 10 hr/d in the truck and 8 hr/d in the sleeping compartment, with the truck
loaded one-half the time, i.e., returning empty. Assuming two drivers, population exposure is
0.02 person-mrem/yr. Since the time to transport 100 drums/yr is only 3% of the working year,
exposure to drivers was estimated to be 6.0 E-4 person-mrem/yr.
The estimate exposure to drivers using TSD-DOSE was 1.7 E-3 mrem (1.7 E-5 mSv) per trip, or
2.1 E-3 mrem (2.1 E-5 mSv) per 100 drums. The estimate assuming PVC plastic in MicroShield
was 1.04 E-4 mrem (1.04 E-6 mSv) per hour at a six-foot distance. Given the estimated 63 hours
in TSD dose, total exposure was 6.3 E-4 mrem (6.3 E-6 mSv) per 100 drums. The two estimates
are essentially identical. For two drivers, population exposure would be 3.4 E-6 person-rem per
100 drums. Given the very small worker exposure level, exposure to the public, which would be
much smaller, was not calculated.
Transportation to a local municipal landfill involves only a few miles and exposure to workers
will be nil.
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TABLE A-19. Summary of Exposure in Person-rem for 100 Drums with Disposal in
High-Medium Population Density for Four Different Disposal Options
Activity
Baseline (low-
level rad waste
disposal)
Hazardous
waste
disposal site
Municipal
landfill
Incineration
on site
Public exposure to future
residents on landfill site
3.0 E-3 3.0 E-3 3.0 E-3 3.0 E-8
Public exposure to air pollution nil nil nil 6.0 E-9
Worker exposure 4.0 E-3 4 .0 E-3 4.0 E-3 2 .0 E-5
Transport exposure (worker) 1.0 E-6 1.0 E-6 nil nil
Total public exposure 3.0 E-3 3.0 E-3 3 .0 E-3 4.0 E-8
Total worker exposure 4.0 E-3 4.0 E-3 4.0 E-3 2.0 E-5
Bag Monitor Radiation Test Criteria
Section 99
Exposures from disposal of the bag-monitored waste are extremely low. This is desirable and
consistent with the ALARA principle. Given the potential costs of land disposal, one may
question the reasonability of maintaining such low concentrations in the waste.
As an exercise, it is possible to back-calculate the alarm setting on the bag monitor that will just
meet the soil cleanup guidance for residential use. That guideline was determined by RESRAD
to be 11 pCi/g for Cs-137. The current limit is 0.45 nCi/bag, which translates to 0.28 pCi/g.
Increasing the concentration to 11 pCi/g would allow the maximum test criteria or alarm setpoint
to increase by a factor of 39. The associated increase in worker exposure would be an increase
from 0.08 person-mrem/yr to about 3 person-mrem/yr.
This calculation shows the degree of conservatism that is associated with the current maximum
allowable limit of 1,000 dpm/100cm2 for the bag monitor.
Costs
Direct monetary costs for the different cases are provided in Table A-20. Baseline costs and
costs for administration, drum preparation, and transportation costs to low-level waste and
hazardous waste sites are from Miltenberger (1995). Results are re-expressed in tabular form on
the basis of 100 drums annually in Table A-19. The baseline case is transport of bags to Hanford
for disposal as low-level waste.
Health physics support was assumed to require 10 minutes/bag at $45/hour.
For disposal in a municipal landfill, the drum is assumed to be disposed with the waste. Tipping
fee at the Brookhaven Town Landfill is $0.045/lb. At 3.5 lbs/bag, 6 bags/drum, the weight of the
waste in the drum is 21 lbs. The tare weight is 55 lbs., yielding a total weight of 76 lbs/drum.
This yields a cost of $342/100 drums.
For incineration, drums are not assumed to be incinerated. Incineration costs are $4.63/lb (BNL
Environmental Restoration Division). At 3.5 lbs/bag, 6 bags/drum, the weight of the waste is 21
lbs/drum. This yields a cost of $9,723/100 drums. This is the cost for at an off-site incinerator.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
A-31
Since the incinerator is assumed to be on site, this cost is assumed to include capital and
operating and maintenance costs of incinerator.
The cost of the bag monitor itself is about $60,000. Assuming a useful life of 20 years and an
interest rate of 5% per yr, the capital recovery factor is 0.08024. This results in an annualized
cost of $4,814. These costs are added to all the cost estimates except the base case, in which
the bag monitor is not used (assume the hand monitors are already in place).
Results
Results are expressed on the basis of 100 drums annually in Table A-19. The baseline case is
transport of bags to Hanford for disposal as low-level waste. Given the concentration of Cs-137
in the waste, the results for a municipal landfill and a hazardous waste landfill are identical
except for cost and transport distance. Incineration is assumed to be on-site.
TABLE A-20. Costs
Activity
Baseline (low-level
rad waste disposal)
Hazardous waste
disposal site
Municipal
landfill
Incineration
on site.
Health physics support 25 person-h
$1,125
100 person-h
$4,500.
100 person-h
$4,500.
100 person-h
$4,500.
Drum prep 125 person-h
$5,625
8.4 person-h
$378
8.4 person-h
$378
8.4 person-h
$378
Administration 40 person-h
$2,250
0.63 person-h
$28
0.63 person-h
$28
1.3 person-h
$59.
Transport $7,500 $10,000 Nil Nil
Disposal $40,500 $10,000 $342 $9,723
Bag monitor None $4,814 $4,814 $4814
TOTAL COSTS $57,000 $29,720 10,062 $19,474
Section 100
Conclusions
Exposure to Future Populations Residing On or Near the Landfill
The concentration of Cs -137 in the bagged waste that passes the screen of the bag monitor is an
order of magnitude lower than the soil cleanup goal for residential land-use. A landfill entirely
filled with any amount of these bags would never require remediation. Although cesium
concentrates in the ash, the concentration remains well below the soil cleanup goal for residential
land-use. A landfill entirely filled with the ash and slag resulting from incineration of any
amount of these bags in a hazardous waste incinerator would never require remediation.
Because the concentration of Cs-137 in the waste is so low, the difference among different types
of landfill (low-level radioactive waste, hazardous waste, or municipal waste) is nil. The key
conclusion from this, however, is that, once passing the bag monitor screen, bags or drums of
protective clothing can be disposed in municipal landfill rather than in low-level radioactive
waste disposal sites.
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Exposure to the Public from Air Pollution
Exposure to the public from airborne dust at landfills is nil since the waste is packaged in bags
and drums. Exposure to airborne incinerator emissions from all routes to the MEI, or
representative person of the critical group, for a throughput of 100 drums per year is very low.
Population exposure within a 1.0 E+5 m radius is on the order of 1.0 E-8 person-rem/y.
Worker Exposure
Worker exposure was estimated to be a fraction of a mrem/yr. Total person-mrem for workers
was less than 0.02 person-mrem/yr for all cases.
Costs
All three disposal options using a bag monitor were estimated to produce substantial cost
reductions compared to the base case of sending all material to a low-level radioactive waste site.
As would be expected, disposal in a nearby municipal landfill reduced the cost by one-third to
one-half of the other options.
References
Aaberg, R.L., D.A. Baker, M.F. Jarvis, K. Rhoads, W.E. Kennedy, Jr. 1995. Radiation dose
assessment methodology and preliminary dose estimates to support U.S. Department of
Energy radiation control criteria for regulated treatment and disposal of hazardous
wastes and materials, (PNL-9405), Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington.
Grove Engineering, 1996. Microshield 5.00 User’s Manual, Grove Engineering, Rockville,
Maryland.
Hill, R. A, R. L. Aaberg, D. A. Baker, and W. E. Kennedy, Jr., 1995, Radiation Dose
Assessments to Support Evaluations of Radiological Control Levels for Recycling or
Reuse of Materials and Equipment, PNL8724, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland,
Washington.
Miltenberger, R.P. 1995. Technical justification for the use of bag monitors to detect the
presence of low-level radioactive contamination in compactable solids, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, Upton, New York.
Morris, S. C. and B. J. Dionne. July 20, 1999. Bag Monitor: Comparative Analysis of
Radiological Risks and Costs, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York.
Yu, C., A.J. Zielen, J-J Cheng, Y.C. Yuan, L.G. Jones, D.J. LePoire, Y.Y. Wang, C.O. Loureiro,
E. Gnanapragasam, E. Falliace, A. Wallo III, W.A. Williams, H. Peterson. 1993. Manual
for Implementing Residual Radioactive Material Guidelines Using RESRAD Version 5.0
(ANL/EAD/LD-2), Environmental Assessment Division, Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, Illinois.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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APPENDIX B.
Section 101
OPTIMIZATION OF THE DESIGN OF LWR-RADWASTE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
BY COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS
This case study evaluated the designs of liquid and gaseous radwaste systems and components
for all existing light water reactor (LWR) sites at the time this study was performed. The source
terms of radioactive materials generated in LWRs, i.e., boiling water reactors (BWRs) and
pressurized water reactors (PWRs), their transfer to other plant systems and their ultimate release
to the environment were determined for each alternative system. Each system was subject to a
cost-benefit analysis and evaluated with the intent of determining that releases complied with the
requirement in 10 CFR Part 50 that all releases of radioactive material in effluents from the LWR
be “As Low As Practicable (ALAP).” Collective doses to the population and the dose to the
MEI were also evaluated.
This example of an ALARA application is quite comprehensive because it applied to a
rulemaking where the design and operation of all licensed light water-cooled nuclear power
stations would be affected. It is also the first known application of the ALARA process for
radiological protection purposes. When the original analysis was developed very little
information on the cost and operational data from the operation of LWR rad-waste systems was
available. While the specific cost and equipment data presented in this example may not be
current, the methods are still valid. They are presented here to provide a procedure and workable
format for contemporary applications.
Since this case study is based on a 1972 analysis, doses are presented in terms of dose equivalent
rather than total effective dose (TED) as it would currently under DOE O 458.1.
Background
In 1971, the AEC published for comment “Proposed Numerical Guides for Design Objectives
and Limiting Conditions for Operation to Meet the Criterion ‘As Low As Practicable’25 for
Radioactive Material in Light Water-Cooled Nuclear Power Reactor (LWR) Effluents.” The
proposed regulation, 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix I, set numerical values for radioactive material
in effluents from operation of LWRs by which licensees could demonstrate compliance with the
10 CFR Part 50 requirement that releases of radioactive material in effluents from those facilities
be "as low as practicable." This requirement was added as a revision to 10 CFR Part 50 in
December 1970. The proposed guides were the subject of a rulemaking (Docket No. RM-50-2),
which was one of the first documents subject to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and
for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required. As part of the effort to
address the impact of the proposed guides, a substantial technical effort was made to study
radwaste treatment design options and to provide a cost-benefit analysis. The draft EIS was
published in January 1973, the final EIS was published in July 1973 (WASH-1258), and the
"Concluding Statement of Position of the Regulatory Staff" was published on February 20, 1974.
25 The phrase "A Low As Practicable" (ALAP), as used in the early 70s, is identical in meaning to the phrase "As
Low As [is] Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA), that is commonly used today.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-2
Based upon the information developed for the EIS, the AEC regulatory staff concluded that the
radwaste treatment systems for LWR stations could practicably be designed such that the MEI
would be unlikely to receive more than 5 mrem (0.05 mSv) in a year during normal operation.
The determination of practicability was based on estimated performance and a cost-benefit
analysis of several candidate radwaste system designs.
Section 102
The following example of a quantitative cost-benefit analysis is based on the information
developed for that rulemaking. While some of the specific parametric values selected for the
study might be changed if the study were repeated today, the principles of the application remain
valid. The evaluation would now be termed an "optimization" analysis. As previously noted in
this Handbook, the amount of technical effort needed for cost-benefit or ALARA studies should
be commensurate with the potential impact of the activity or facility being evaluated. Since the
study of radwaste treatment systems was in support of rulemaking that would have a substantial
impact on the design and operation of all nuclear power plants in the country, the effort to
develop a technical database was also substantial. Considerations of a major new facility or
activity, or a major modification of an existing facility might justify such a comprehensive study.
However, facilities or activities with little potential for dose or contamination impact might
require only rudimentary technical efforts. The procedure and results of the AEC technical effort
for the rulemaking are summarized and described briefly to serve as an example of how such
analyses can be accomplished.
The procedure used in the AEC rulemaking application was very similar to that described in this
Handbook for applying the ALARA process. All proposed and licensed LWRs, comprised of
BWRs and PWRs, and their sites were used to obtain a database to develop realistic and typical
characteristics and parameters for the generic study. The "reference" LWR stations evaluated in
the study for each site were assumed to be comprised of two reactors.
The specific goals of the study were:
1. To estimate the sources (origin, identity, and quantity) of radioactive material within
LWR power generating stations that are subject to release.
2. To identify candidate radwaste treatment components and systems, ranging from the most
rudimentary to the most technologically advanced, and to estimate the performance of
each with respect to removal of radionuclides from the waste streams.
3. To estimate the quantity of each radionuclide released from LWR stations with a variety
of possible radwaste treatment systems, that is, identifying where and why the releases of
radionuclides occur and the quantity and identity of each that is released.
4. To characterize: the sites (inland river, lake shore, and seashore), dispersion of effluents
in the environments, distribution of populations within 50 miles of the sites, and
pathways by which persons in the environment might become exposed to the radioactive
material, such as direct exposure from presence in the vicinity of the radioactive material,
internal exposure from ingestion of radionuclides that enter the food chains, and
inhalation of air containing radioactive material.
5. To determine potential doses to the most exposed individual and collective dose to the
population around typical sites.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-3
6. To estimate the cost of the radwaste treatment components and systems, including
installation, maintenance, operation, and other costs.
7. To select and apply a monetary cost per unit of collective dose so that the collective dose
can be factored directly into the total cost of the operation.
8. To determine the sensitivity of the specific monetary cost assumed per unit of collective
dose.
Section 103
9. To identify, from among the several candidate radwaste treatment system designs, the
radwaste system that provides the desired degree of radiological protection26 at the
minimum total cost.
10. Based on economic and technical considerations, to determine the practicability of
designing and operating LWR stations such that the dose to the most exposed individual
is unlikely to exceed a small fraction of the annual dose from natural background (for
example, about 5 mrem (0.05 mSv) in a year) from exposure to liquid or gaseous
effluents.
While some elements of the results from the entire LWR radwaste study will be summarized,
only portions of the analysis for PWRs on a typical river site will be presented in detail to
simplify this example.
Source Terms
The starting point for the study of liquid and gaseous radwaste systems was the source term. At
the time of the LWR radwaste study in 1972, little detailed information was available to
characterize the release of radionuclides (fission and activation products and tritium) from the
core of LWRs to the primary coolant, to other plant systems, the route to their release to the
environment, and their ultimate fate. In essence, much of the information had to be generated
from first principles.
The procedure to determine the identity, quantity, and concentration of radionuclides in effluents
from LWR stations was to identify design options for radwaste treatment systems for both liquid
and gaseous waste streams (compatible with the type of LWR considered), and then to determine
a series of source terms for each LWR alternative radwaste component or treatment system. A
source term was needed for each optional design feature or auxiliary system that could affect the
amount or concentration of specific radionuclides in the liquid or gaseous effluent and in solid
waste, since the supporting solid waste systems would also be affected. Figure B-1 is a diagram
indicating the origin of the liquid and gaseous radwaste sources from a PWR with two reactors.
A computer code was developed to calculate the source terms in effluents using appropriate
parametric values.
26 In this case, the primary interest of the study was to determine the extent to which the doses to maximally exposed
individual(s) could be kept well below the dose limits (which at the time was 500 mrem in a year) considering the
economic factors and attendant collective dose to the general public. The effective dose concept, whereby doses to
various organs can be multiplied by organ weighting factors related to risks, had not been introduced in 1973.
Therefore, doses were all expressed in units of rem (dose equivalent). If the calculations were done today, the dose
estimates would be expressed in terms of effective dose and might be somewhat higher or lower for a variety of
reasons. The costs would also likely be greater than those presented here.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-4
FIGURE B-1. Origin of Liquid and Gaseous Radwaste Sources
Parameters for Source Terms
The principal parameters that had to be evaluated and used in source term calculations (fission
products, activation products, and tritium) for BWRs and PWRs are identified in Figure B-2.
The bases for the quantification of the principal parameters are provided in the cited references.
Some values were based on measurements, some based on theoretical considerations, and others
were based on design data, best engineering judgment, or a combination of the several methods.
Section 104
Radwaste Treatment System Design Options
The objective of a quantitative optimization analysis is to identify, from among several optional
radwaste treatment systems, the option that provides the least total annual cost, including a cost
component related to the potential biological risks that may be associated with the doses. Liquid
and gaseous radwaste treatment systems and components of all existing LWR stations were
identified, evaluated, and costed. Combinations of components including some based on
advanced technology were studied to identify systems with potentially better performance than
those in use at that time.
Gas Stream
s
Gland Seal
Effluent
Liquid Stream
s
Stm
. Jet Air
Ejector Exhaust
Turbine
Bldg. Vent
Turbine
Bldg. Drain
Reactor
Containm
en
t Purges
Dirty
wastes
Auxiliary Equip. Bldg. Vent
(Fuel Storage Area)
Laundry
Drain
Blow Down
Clean W
astes
Clean W
astes
Reactor
Containm
en
t Purges
Solid W
astes
Prim
ary Coolant
Gases
Blow Down Vent
Aux. Bldg, Vent
(Radwaste Area)
Laboratory
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-5
Thermal power level;
Plant capacity factor;
Fraction of fuel releasing fission products to the primary coolant;
Equilibrium primary coolant radionuclide concentrations;
Turbine building steam leakage rate (gaseous source term only)
Turbine gland seal steam leakage rate;
Partition/decontamination factors for radioiodine;
Decontamination factors for demineralizers;
Removal factors for plate-out;
Decontamination factors for evaporators;
Holdup times for charcoal delay systems;
Air in-leakage to the main condenser;
Decontamination factors for cryogenic distillation;
Chemical regeneration of condensate demineralizers;
Guidelines for calculating liquid waste holdup times;
Liquid waste term normalization; and
Guidelines for rounding numerical numbers.
Miscellaneous building and system parameters for PWRs
Primary to secondary leakage rate;
Containment building leakage rate;
Auxiliary building leakage rate;
Frequency of containment building purge;
Primary system volume degassed per year;
Waste storage tanks - holdup time;
Steam generator blow-down rate; and
Liquid waste flow rates.
Miscellaneous building and system parameters for BWRs
Reactor building leakage rate;
Radwaste building;
Start-up of main condenser vacuum; and
Liquid waste flow rates.
FIGURE B-2. Principal Parameters Evaluated for Source Term Estimates from BWRs and PWRs
For PWR stations, the liquid radwaste treatment options include filters, demineralizers,
evaporators, recycle, and reverse osmosis. Six optional designs (Cases L-1 through L-6) were
identified initially for PWR liquid radwaste treatment systems. L-1 is the base case for PWRs
that contains essentially the minimum radwaste treatment that might be considered. Table B-1
presents a summary of liquid radwaste treatment systems for L-1 through L-4 to illustrate the
type of variations evaluated. Figure B-3 is a schematic flow chart for L-1, indicating the various
plant systems and the contributions to the total annual curie releases from each location. The
liquid cases evaluated included all of the specific designs found in the license applications and
some additional components not used routinely in the 1973 designs. Subsequent to the detailed
evaluations of the performance and cost of individual components and the six systems, three
additional alternative PWR liquid radwaste treatment systems (Cases L-A, L-B, and L-C) were
defined that featured additional combinations of components, different from those identified in
the original six options, offering potential economic advantages or more efficient use of
components.
Section 105
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B-6
TABLE B-1. Summary of PWR Liquid Radwaste Treatment Systems (L1 through L4)
Type of Waste Process Steps
PWR Liquid Case No. 1
Clean Wastes (includes shim bleed and reactor coolant
controlled leaks)
Collection
Dirty Wastes (includes chemical containment and
auxiliary building drains)
Collection
Steam Generator Blowdown None
Turbine building drains None
Laundry Collection-discharge
PWR Liquid Case No. 2
Clean Wastes Filter, demineralizer
Dirty Wastes Filter, demineralizer
Turbine building drains None
Laundry Filter
PWR Liquid Case No. 3
Clean Wastes Filter, demineralizer, evaporator, demineralizer
Dirty Wastes Filter, evaporator
Turbine building drains None
Laundry Filter
PWR Liquid Case No. 4
Clean Wastes Filter, demineralizer, evaporator, demineralizer
Dirty Wastes (includes turbine building drains) Filter, demineralizer, evaporator
Laundry Filter, evaporator
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B-7
Collector
Tank
Discharge
Waste Drumming
Station Disposal
FIGURE B-3. Flow Chart for the Radwaste Treatment Systems for PWR - Liquid Case 1
Similarly, components and systems for gaseous radwaste treatment were identified, evaluated,
and costed. These included pressurized holdup tanks, HEPA filters, charcoal absorbers, catalytic
recombiners, cryogenic distillation, recycle, ion exchange, vents, and stacks. Nine optional
designs (Cases G-1 through G-9) were identified initially for PWR gaseous radwaste treatment
systems. An additional six alternative treatment systems (Cases G-A through G-F) that appeared
to offer some possible advantages over the initial nine optional PWR gaseous radwaste treatment
systems were identified (most of which featured discharges through stacks or slightly different
combinations of components). The basic features of the candidate gaseous radwaste treatment
systems G-1 through G-9 are described in Table B-2.
Each optional liquid and gaseous radwaste treatment system presents different requirements with
respect to solid waste. Consequently, several modified solid radwaste systems necessary to
support each candidate liquid and gaseous radwaste treatment systems evaluated and costed.
PWR Liquid Radwaste Treatment System Case 2 (L-2) and PWR Gaseous Radwaste Treatment
System Case 6 (G-6) have been selected to illustrate some of the procedures involved in a cost-
benefit analysis and optimization determination. The features of each system are indicated in the
flow diagrams Figure B-4 and Figure B-5 for liquid and gaseous treatment systems, respectively.
More details of the features of the systems are provided in the discussions of cost. Gross release
rates for the source terms resulting from the calculations based on the parameters listed above are
CLEAN WASTE
Collector
Tank
Discharge 2.2x103
Collector
CVCS Tank
Reactor 1 and 2
DIRTY WASTE
CHEM LAB
DRAINS
CONTAINMENT
BLDG. DRAINS
STEAM GEN.
BLOWDOWN
Collector
Tank
Discharge 8.5x102
Discharge 9.3x101
TURBINE
BLDG. DRAINS
Discharge 4.6x10-2
LAUNDRY
1.4x10-2
9.3x103
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B-8
also indicated at the end of the flow lines for each system. Radionuclide-specific source terms
were used in dose estimations.
Site Characteristics
Section 106
Three types of sites were used in the study to characterize sites typically used for locating LWR
stations: sites on riverbanks; sites on lake shores (fresh water); and sites on seashores (oceans).
Each type of site presents a different spectrum of potential pathways for exposure of persons
located in the site environment, different marine organisms, and different dispersion patterns for
the sources in the environment. Data from each actual LWR site were used to characterize
typical liquid and atmospheric dispersion parameters and population density and distribution in
22.5-degree sectors at incremental distances (radii) required for estimating potential individual
and collective doses to the population. Atmospheric dispersion typical for each type of site was
estimated using actual data on the joint frequency of occurrence of wind speed, wind direction,
and stability for the several LWR sites.
Figure B-6 presents the atmospheric dispersion factor (sec/m3) as a function of distance from the
release point, calculated for the typical site on a river (in-land). This figure also indicates the
differences in ground-level concentrations resulting from release via vents (essentially, ground-
level due to building wake effects) and release via a 100-meter stack.
Population growth studies around LWR sites were performed and the population distribution
projected for the year 2000 around a typical river site out to 5 miles is presented in Figure B-7
and between 5 and 50 miles is presented in Figure B-8.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
TABLE B-2. Summary of Variables for PWR Gaseous Radwaste Treatment Systems
PWR Gas Case No.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Degree of Isotope Removal
Xe Low High High High High High High High Low
I Low Medium Medium High High High Medium High Medium
Kr Low Low Low Low High High Low Low Low
Equipment Unit or Function and Flowsheet Referencea
Primary system None 60-day 60-day decay 60-day decay Recombiner, 60- Cover gas 60-day decay on 60-day decay on None
gases decay on charcoal on charcoal day decay storage recycle charcoal bed, charcoal bed,
storage bed, HEPA bed, HEPA tanks, selective HEPA filter HEPA filter
tanks, filter filter adsorption
HEPA filter
Secondary None None Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal adsorber
system gases adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for for iodine, HEPA
iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA filter, secondary
filter, clean filter, clean filter, clean steam filter, clean filter, secondary filter, secondary steam for gland
steam for gland steam for gland for gland seal, steam for gland steam for gland steam for gland seal, blowdown
seal, blowdown seal, blowdown blowdown tank seal, blowdown seal, blowdown seal, blowdown tank vented to
tank vented to tank vented to vented to tank vented to tank vented to tank vented to condenser
condenser condenser condenser condenser condenser condenser
Reactor None Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal kidney Charcoal Charcoal kidney Charcoal kidney Charcoal kidney
containment kidney kidney adsorber kidney adsorber adsorber for kidney adsorber adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for iodine
purge adsorber for for iodine for iodine, iodine, charcoal for iodine, iodine iodine, charcoal
iodine charcoal adsorber for charcoal adsorber for
adsorber for iodine, HEPA adsorber for iodine, HEPA
iodine, HEPA filter iodine, HEPA filter
filter filter
Section 107
Auxiliary None None None Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal None Charcoal None
building adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for
ventilation iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA
filter filter filter filter
Turbine building None None None Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal None Charcoal None
ventilation adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for adsorber for
iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA iodine, HEPA
filter filter filter filter
a All gases are released through a 50-meter roof vent unless a stack is indicated.
B-9
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B-10
FIGURE B-4. Radwaste Treatment System for PWR – Liquid Case 2
Dose Calculations
Centerline ground-level concentrations of specific radionuclides in the plumes as a function of
direction and distance from the release point were calculated for use in conjunction with the
population distributions and exposure modes typical for such sites to estimate exposures and
doses to the maximally exposed individuals, assumed to be located at the site boundary, and the
collective doses to the population within 50 miles of the facility.
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B-11
FIGURE B-5. Gaseous Radwaste Treatment Systems for PWR – Base Case No. 6
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B-12
FIGURE B-6. Atmospheric Dilution – River Site
20
FIGURE B-7. Projected Population Distribution to the Year 2000 at a River Site
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-13
Dispersion in each of the waterways (river, lake, and ocean) was estimated, and the results used
in conjunction with the exposure modes typical and appropriate for each of the three types of
sites. These calculations were also used to estimate the doses to the maximally exposed
individuals and the collective doses to the population within 50 miles of each site.
Several AEC “regulatory guides” were written to present details of the models and analytical
methods used to estimate potential doses from the several exposure modes, typical and specific
for each of the three types of sites. Table B-3 identifies the exposure pathways evaluated for
persons and aquatic organisms in the environs around each of the typical sites for each of the
optional liquid radwaste systems. Table B-4 presents the pathway parameters used to calculate
the doses from liquid effluent at a typical river site. Table B-5 provides additional parameters
used in pathway evaluations. The potential doses to the thyroid was of special interest in the
study and Table B-6 presents the parameters used to calculate the thyroid doses from inhalation
and ingestion.
FIGURE B-8. Projected Population Distribution at River Site (5-50 Miles)
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B-14
TABLE B-3. Exposure Pathways Evaluated at Each Reactor Site
Type of
Waste
Reactor Site
Exposure Pathway to Man
Organisms Probably
Receiving Highest Dose
Liquid Seacoast Fish, crustacea, molluscs
Food from seaweed
Swimming and boating
Shoreline exposure
Crustacea, molluscs
Liquid River and Lakeshore Fish
Drinking water
Swimming and boating
Shoreline exposure
Irrigated agricultural products
Fish
Muskrat or raccoon
Gaseous Seacoast, River, and
Lakeshore
Gas submersion
Inhalation
Deposition and transfer to agricultural products
Grazing animals
Solid Seacoast, River, and
Lakeshore
Transportation through populated areas Not applicable
TABLE B-4. Parameters Used for Calculation of Radiation Doses from Liquid Effluents at a River Site
Pathway Location Annual Usage Effluent Dilution Decay Time
Individual (Adult)
Section 108
Fish Near outfall 18 kg 0.5 24 hr
Swimming Near outfall 100 hr 0.5 1 hr
Boating Near outfall 100 hr 0.5 1 hr
Shoreline Near outfall 500 hr 0.25 1 hr
Drinking Water At site boundary 730 liters 0.1 3 hr
General Population (1.5 x 106 persons)
Fish 25 miles downstream 7.3 kg(a) 0.0/0.05(b) 24 hr
Swimming 25 miles downstream 2 hr(c) 0.07/0.05 24 hr
Boating 25 miles downstream 4 hr(c) 0.07/0.05 24 hr
Shoreline 25 miles downstream 4 hr(c) 0.07/0.05 24 hr
Drinking water(d) 25 miles downstream 438 liters 0.07/0.05 24 hr
a. One-half of this is derived downstream of the reactor.
b. (PWR Reactor Flow, 2690 cfs) ÷ (River Flow, 5 x 104 cfs) = 0.05; (BWR Reactor Flow, 3450 cfs) ÷ (River
Flow, 5 x 104 cfs) = 0.07
c. (cfs=cubic feet per second)
d. These are the hours spent downstream of the reactor; additional time spent upstream and at nearby lakes.
e. 5 x 105 persons consume water derived from the river below the reactor and within 50 miles of the site.
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B-15
TABLE B-5. Recommended Adult Values for Up to be used in lieu of Site-Specific Data
Pathway Individual Adult Referencesa Average Adult Referencesa
Air Submersion 8766 hr/yr (2) 8766 hr/yr (2)
Inhalation 7300 m3/yr (6) 7300 m3/yr (6)
Drinking Water 2.0 liters/day (2) 1.2 liters/day (6)
Local Seafood
• fish 18 kg/yr (12) 2.3 kg/yr (11)
• crustacea
• molluscs
9 kg/yr
9 kg/yr
(12)
(12)
0.9 kg/yr
0.25 kg/yr
(11)
(11)
Local Fresh Water Fish 18 kg/yr (12) 2.2 kg/yr (11)
Holdup Time for Aquatic
Foods
24 hr/yr (12) 24 hr/yr (12)
Aquatic Recreation
Ocean
• shoreline activities 500 hr/yr (13) 4 hr/yr(a) (2)
• swimming
• boating
100 hr/yr
100 hr/yr
(14)
(14)
1 hr/yr(a)
1 hr/yr(a)
(2)
(2)
River
• shoreline activities 500 hr/yr (13) 2 hr/yr(b) (2)
• swimming
• boating
100 hr/yr
100 hr/yr
(14)
(14)
4 hr/yr(b)
4 hr/yr(b)
(2)
(2)
Lake
• shoreline activities 500 hr/yr (13) 1 hr/yr(a) (2)
• swimming
• boating
100 hr/yr
100 hr/yr
(14)
(14)
2 hr/yr(a)
2 hr/yr(a)
(2)
(2)
a. References can be found in AEC 1973, Appendix F.
b. These are hours spent in the vicinity of the site. Other hours are spent in areas unaffected by the liquid effluent
from the facility.
c. These are hours spent downstream of the site. Other hours are spent upstream and at nearby lakes.
d. Up = Usage: The exposure rate or intake rate associated with pathway p.
TABLE B-6. Parameters Used for Calculations of Thyroid Doses from Inhalation
Parameter Air Milk Leafy Vegetables
Growing Season – 6 months 4 months
Time between crop appearance
and harvest
– 1 month(a)
(pasture grass)
3 months
Relative Concentration of 131I 1.0 pCi/m3 650 pCi/liter(b) 4300 pCi/kg(b)
Relative Concentration of 133I 1.0 pCi/m3 110 pCi/liter 690 pCi/kg
Intake Rate
• Adult
• Child
7300 m3/yr
2045 m3/yr
365 liter/yr
365 liter/yr
24 kg/4 months
6 kg/4 months
mrem/yr per pCi/m3 Air 131I
• Adult
• Child
11
13
220(c)
1840(c)
200(c)
400(c)
mrem/yr per pCi/m3 Air 133I
• Adult
• Child
2.6
5.4
9.0(c)
130(c)
7.7(c)
28(c)
a. The cow re-grazes the same spot every 30 days.
b. See ICRP-2.
c. Corrected for growing season.
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B-16
“KRONIC,” a computer program, was used to calculate annual average doses27 from chronic
atmospheric releases of radionuclides from each of the optional radwaste systems. The program
is described in BNWL-B-264 by Strenge and Watson, 1973. The whole-body dose is a function
of the:
• Radionuclides present;
• Release path phenomena from fuel to atmosphere;
Section 109
• Climatology for the site;
• Time-dependence of fission product concentrations;
• Energy and number of photons and beta particles emitted from the nuclides; and
• Physical properties describing the interaction of photons and beta-particles with air and
tissue.
Dose Estimates
The individual and collective doses resulting from the release of liquid and gaseous wastes from
a PWR station on a river site is presented in Table B-7 and Table B-8, respectively. Estimated
thyroid doses from gaseous effluent are presented in Table B-9. The estimated potential doses to
the MEI are important because regulatory limits are generally expressed or implemented in
terms of dose to the individual. On the other hand, for regulatory purposes, it is generally
assumed that the collective dose to the population is linearly related to the impact, that is,
potential radiation induced health effects. In either case, the dose and cost evaluations should be
as realistic as possible to avoid deliberately biasing the study.
TABLE B-7. Summary of Radiation Doses Resulting from Release of Liquid Wastes – River Site
Liquid
Case
Skin Total Body GI-LLI Thyroid Bone
Collective Dose - man-rem/yr
PWR 1 190 4,570 980 6,820 3,630
2 90 2,110 160 120 1,680
3 0.013 0.90 0.37 3.1 0.25
4 0.00024 0.60 0.31 0.82 0.0046
Individual Dose - mrem/yr
PWR 1 79 210 92 130 180
2 37 96 34 32 82
3 0.0055 0.018 0.0085 0.031 0.012
4 0.00010 0.0046 0.0024 0.0065 0.00021
27 Note that the effective dose equivalent concept had not been proposed in 1973, but estimates for doses to total
body, skin, GI and LLI, bone, and thyroid were calculated separately. In 1973, potential radiation-induced risk
coefficients for adults were estimated to be about 140 fatalities from neoplasms (including leukemia) and 100
thyroid cancers (rarely fatal) per million person-rem.
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B-17
TABLE B-8. Estimated Annual Radiation Dose from Gaseous Effluents – Three Sites
Gas
Case
Site
Individual Doses (mrem/yr) Collective Dose
0-50 miles Total Body Thyroid
At Site
Boundary
At 3.5
Miles
At Site Boundary At 3.5 Miles Cumulative
(man-rem/yr)
Average Annual
(mrem/yr) Child Adult Child Adult
PWR-1 Seacoast
River
Lake
1.5
2.0
1.1
0.19
0.23
0.13
560
670
420
110
130
80
68
76
51
11
12
8.1
48
22
7.5
0.013
0.014
0.010
PWR-2 Seacoast
River
Lake
0.026
0.035
0.019
0.003
0.004
0.002
375
470
280
71
88
53
39
43
29
7.4
8.1
5.5
0.86
0.38
0.13
0.00023
0.00026
0.00017
PWR-3 Seacoast
River
Lake
0.026
0.035
0.019
0.003
0.004
0.002
83
99
62
16
19
12
8.3
9.2
6.1
1.6
1.7
1.2
0.86
0.38
0.13
0.00023
0.00025
0.00017
PWR-4 Seacoast
River
Lake
0.026
0.035
0.019
0.003
0.004
0.002
14
17
10
2.6
3.1
1.9
1.4
1.5
1.0
0.26
0.29
0.19
0.86
0.37
0.12
0.00023
0.00025
0.00017
PWR-5 Seacoast
River
Lake
0.026
0.035
0.019
0.003
0.004
0.002
14
17
10
2.6
3.1
1.9
1.4
1.5
1.0
0.26
0.29
0.19
0.84
0.38
0.13
0.00022
0.00025
0.00017
PWR-6 Seacoast
River
Lake
0.019
0.026
0.014
0.002
0.003
0.002
12
13
8.3
2.1
2.6
1.6
1.1
1.2
0.83
0.21
0.24
0.16
0.55
0.24
0.084
0.00015
0.00016
0.00011
Cost Estimates
Specific cost information for components and subsystems were difficult to obtain at the time of
this study. While general overall costs for LWR stations were available, vendors were reluctant
to provide specific cost information and considered it company confidential. Some cost data
were eventually made available through cooperative efforts with licensees, other data were
developed through engineering analyses and information obtained in a cooperative effort with
the AEC national laboratories.
Section 110
TABLE B-9. Estimated Annual Thyroid Doses from Gaseous Radioiodine at a River Site (mrem/year)
Gas Case a
At Site Boundary At 3.5 Miles
Inhalation Milk Vegetables Total Inhalation Milk Vegetables Totalb
PWR-1 Child 4.3 550 120 670 0.40 64 11 75
Adult 3.4 66 58 130 0.32 6.2 5.4 12
PWR-2 Child 3.1 380 84 470 0.29 35 7.7 43
Adult 2.4 46 40 88 0.22 4.2 3.7 8.1
PWR-3 Child 0.69 81 18 99 0.064 7.5 1.6 9.2
Adult 0.52 9.7 8.5 19 0.048
0.89
0.78 1.7
PWR-4 Child 0.11 13 2.9 16 0.010 1.2 0.27 1.5
Adult 0.085 1.6 1.4 3.1 0.008
0.15
0.13 0.29
PWR-5 Child 0.11 13 2.9 16 0.010 1.2 0.27 1.5
Adult 0.085 1.6 1.4 3.1 0.008
0.15
0.13 0.29
PWR-6 Child 0.092 11 2.4 13 0.009 1.0 0.22 1.2
Adult 0.070 1.3 1.1 2.5 0.006 0.12 0.11 0.23
a. The gaseous radwaste systems are defined in Table B-2
b. Because the values were rounded after adding, the total does not always equal the sum of the parts.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-18
The capital cost for the equipment and installation, operating and maintenance (O&M) cost, and
fixed cost were determined for each optional radwaste treatment system by using standard cost
estimating techniques. Table B-10 presents a table of 1972 installed cost for equipment used in
one or more of the various PWR radwaste treatment systems. Specific items are identified along
with the direct and capital cost for each. Detailed estimate sheets for each radwaste treatment
system option (case) were developed.
Fixed Charges
In addition to the costs of the installed equipment and operating and maintenance costs, certain
fixed charges (such as taxes, interest, replacement cost, insurance, depreciation, etc.) also were
included. The basis for the fixed cost for each of the PWR cases is presented in Figure B-9.
This is based on constant annual capacity factor. Variable capacity factor would give slightly
different results, but the constant basis is recommended for simplicity. The fixed charge rate on
depreciable capital, multiplied by the total depreciable capital investment, will give the annual
dollar charges for capital and capital-related expenses. Annual operating and maintenance costs
can then be added. The total, divided by the annual electrical production, will give the cost per
unit of electricity. This procedure is consistent with the discounted cash flow method.
Liquid Radwaste Treatment Systems
Flow sheets were used to identify the kind and quantity of all components for each option.
Figure B-10 is a schematic flow sheet for PWR liquid radwaste treatment system Case 2 (PWR
L-2). The basic features of the candidate liquid radwaste treatment systems L-1 through L-4 are
described in Figure B-3. PWR Case A, an optional system added after the initial evaluation, uses
treatment equipment similar to PWR Case 2 but the subsystem provided to treat the dirty waste
and turbine building drains has been replaced by subsystems from PWR Case 3. This resulted in
better performance than Case 2 at little additional cost (and was found to be the optimum system
of all those evaluated for PWRs located on sites using fresh water for coolant).
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B-19
TABLE B-10. Installed 1972 Cost of Equipment for PWR Radwaste Treatment Systems
Item
No.
Cost Without
Structures ($1000)
Section 111
Directa Capitalb
Surge tank, 610 ft3, SS 1 16 28
Storage tank, 610 ft3, SS clad 1 10 18
Compressor, 5 scfm 1 45 79
Recombiner 1 270 472
Charcoal delay bed (0.8-ton bed) 1 5.4 9.5
Cryogenic distillation (2 trains) 1 1,800 3,150
Selective absorption (2 trains) 1 1,620 2,840
Cover gas recycle 1 1,110 1,940
Clean steam for gland seals (each supplies two turbines) 2 1,230 2,150
Kidney 1 140 245
Building ventilation c (containment purge reactor and turbine building) 1 1,800 3,150
Liquid collection (L1 system) 1 140 245
Tank SS
5,000 gal 1 13.3 23
20,000 gal 1 38 66
90,000 gald 1 220 385
Filter, cartridge, SS
10 gpm 1 2 3.5
100 gpm 1 7 12
Demineralizer, cartridge SS
100 gpm 1 23 40
Evaporators
10 gpm 1 260 455
20 gpm 1 295 516
30 gpm 1 315 551
Solid Waste
Handling equipment 1 50 90
Centrifuge 1 45 80
Conveyor and mixer 1 60 105
Compactor 1 15 25
Silo 1 3.5 6
a. Costs for early 1972. Direct costs include equipment, site labor, and site materials.
b. Capital costs calculated by multiplying direct costs by 1.4 x 1.25 = 1.75. Capital costs - direct & indirect
costs & interest during construction.
c. Includes structures
d. Field erected
Note, in Figure B-10, that for each equipment item there is an identification number and the
number of units in the system. Table B-11 is a summary sheet indicating the identity and
number of components of each of the four original liquid waste treatment systems and is used for
determining the direct construction cost for the cases. Table B-12 presents the detailed cost
summary, identifying the equipment, labor, material, and total direct cost for L-2. Table B-13
presents the O&M annual cost for L-2, including the O&M costs of the supporting solid radwaste
system. Supplemental sheets frequently are used to cost individual components or sub-systems.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-20
The fixed charge rate on depreciable capital is calculated for the reactor waste system using
the POWERCOa Code. Basis for the calculation is given below using parameters typical of
private ownership:
Federal income tax is calculated by the sum of the years’ digits method with no investment
credit. Property tax is based on linearly depreciated plant value. The above figures give a
composite (weighted average) cost of money of 10.14% per year.
For example, Figure B-11 is a supplemental cost sheet used to estimate the installed cost for
tanks of various sizes. Supplemental sheets detailing radwaste treatment subsystems and their
cost were similarly developed. Table B-14 and Table B-15 detail the cost of the solid waste
treatment system supporting L-2. The cost of the supporting solid waste system is carried as part
of the liquid radwaste treatment system cost because the liquid radwaste treatment is the source
of most of the solid waste. For example, Table B-16 indicates the estimated number of drums of
solid wastes annually from the systems L-1 through L-4.
Basis
Debt fraction 56% at 7.5% per year
Equity fraction 44% at 13.5% per year after taxes
Life 30 years
Federal income tax 48%
State income tax 4%
Property tax 3.5% per year
Interim replacements 0.5% per year
Property damage insurance 0.3% per year
Annual Fixed Charge Rate on Depreciable Capital
Weighted average interest rate, % 10.14
Depreciation (sinking fund method), %0.59
Federal income tax, % 2.31
State income tax, % 0.20
Property tax, % 2.55
Interim replacements, % 0.50
Property insurance, % 0.30
TOTAL 16.59
a The POWERCO reference can be found in AEC 1973 Vol. 1. Annex 3A.
Section 112
FIGURE B-9. Fixed Charge Rate for Reactor Radwaste System
All costs for each radwaste option were annualized so that they could be used in conjunction
with estimated annual collective dose to determine the option resulting in minimum total cost
(optimization). Tables B-17 and B-18 present a summary of the liquid radwaste treatment
subsystem total annual cost and annual quantity released for all cases considered. This summary
demonstrates how subsystems can be varied to accomplish a variety of results.
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B-21
FIGURE B-10. PWR Liquid Case-2 Treatment Equipment - Two Reactor Plant
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-22
TABLE B-11. Major Liquid and Solid Treatment Equipment Items
for PWR Plants Containing Two Reactors
Itema
Number of Items
PWR Liquid Case
1 2 3 4
Tanks, SS
300 gal 2 2 2 2
500 gal 1 2 2 2
900 gal 2 2 2
4,000 gal 1 3 4
5,000 gal 3 3 6 7
20,000 gal 2
35,000 gal 2 2 2
90,000 gal 2 4 4
Pumps, centrifugal, SS
10 gpm, 1 hp. 1 5 5 3
50 gpm, 3 hp. 4 6 9 10
100 gpm. 7.5 hp. 3 8 12 13
Filters, cartridge, SS
10 gpm 1 1 1
100 gpm 4 4 4
Demineralizers, mixed-bed, SS
100 gpm 11 12 14
Degassifiers, packed tower, including chiller and vacuum pump 2 2 2
Evaporators, SS
10 gpm, vertical 1
20 gpm, vertical 2 4
30 gpm, vertical 1 2
Centrifuge, SS 1 1 1 1
Conveyer and Mixer 1 1 1 2
Cement Silo (700 ft3) 1 1 1 1
Compactor 1 1 1 2
a. Remote instruments and controls are assumed for monitoring and controlling liquid levels,
temperature, differential pressure, and pH. It is also assumed that there are adequate
sample lines.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
TABLE B-12. PWR Case L-2 Radwaste Direct Cost Estimate for a Two-Reactor 2400 Mw (e) PWR Plant - Early 1973 Start
ID.
No.
Item
Number
Item - Description Quan. Cost ($) Cost
Ref. No. Equipment Labor Material Total
2 1 Tanks 500g 1 900 500 200 1,600 PWR, L-1,1
3 2 1,000 1 1,300 700 200 2,200 ”
4 3 5,000 2 8,000 2,000 600 10,600 ”
5 4 10,000 5 30,000 15,000 4,000 49,000 ”
8 5 90,000 2 60,000 6,600 6,600 73,200 ”
9 6 Pump 10 gpm, 1 hp 1 1,500 300 200 2,000 BWR, L-1,7
7
11 8 100 gpm, 7.5 hp 9 6,300 4,500 1,050 11,850 BWR, L-1,7
12 9 Filters 10 gpm 1 1,500 300 200 2,000 Budget Est.
13 10 100 gpm 2 14,000 1,200 800 16,000 ”
14 11 Demineralizer 100 gpm 2 30,000 6,000 4,000 40,000 ”
17 12 Evaporator 20 gpm 1 210,000 25,000 15,000 250,000 ”
13 EQUIPMENT TOTAL 363,500 62,100 32,850 458,450
14 Piping LOT 0 24,000 6,000 30,000 Allowance
15 I&E LOT 30,000 20,000 10,000 60,000 ”
16 Electric Services LOT 40,000 20,000 10,000 70,000 ”
17 433,500 126,000 58,850 618,450
18 Structures LOT 0 390,000 170,000 560,000 Allowance
19
20
21 TOTAL DIRECTS 433,500 516,100 228,850 1,178,450
B-23
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B-24
00
TABLE B-13. Operating and Maintenance Costs (Two 1200 MW(e) PWR)
Liquids Case 2 Notes 1973
$ Cost/yr
1. Equipment - 11 tanks
10 pumps
3 filters
2 demin.
1 evap.
400,000@ 2%
8,000
2. Process Piping, etc. 160,000 @ 2% 3,200
3. Materials, etc. - Resins (2)(40)(100) 8,000
Filters, see Case 1 4,000 20,000
Steam Allowance (500 hr @ 12,000 lb/hr) 6,000
Allowance for other utilities and such like 2,000
Liquids Total 31,200
Solids Associated with L-2
1. S-1 System - Power and Equipment O&M Allowance 4,900
2. Collections per yr ft3 Drums
Resins (2)(40) 80 26 @ 20 520
Sludges and other wet wastes 100 40 @ 20 800
Cement Binder (26 + 40)(7)(2) 770
Dry Waste Allowance 700 @ 15 10,500
Solids Total 17,490
FIGURE B-11. Estimated Cost of Tanks Coated Carbon Steel 14.7psi
Section 113
Discussion of PWR Liquid Radwaste Systems
Data from the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) (AEC, 1973) concerning PWR liquid
radwaste systems and data for two additional alternate PWR liquid radwaste systems derived
from information in the FEIS are presented in Table B-19. The doses associated with PWR
stations using minimum treatment (PWR Case 1) liquid radwaste systems are much higher than
doses used to define design objective release quantities. PWR stations featuring cooling towers
result in calculated doses to individuals greater than those PWR stations featuring the once-
1E5
1E4
1E3
1 1E3
1000 1E4
Storage Capacity (gallons)
1E5
In
st
al
le
d
C
os
t (
$)
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-25
through cooling mode. PWR stations featuring the once-through cooling mode and any of the
PWR radwaste systems considered other than PWR Case 1 appear capable of reducing the
calculated annual doses to individuals to less than 5 millirem at average river, lakeshore, and
seashore sites but the total-body dose for individuals at the river and lakeshore sites is slightly in
excess of the design objective values. If cooling towers are used in conjunction with a two-
reactor PWR station using the PWR Case 2 liquid radwaste system some of the calculated annual
doses to individuals are in excess of 5 millirem for all site regimes considered in this analysis.
PWR stations with PWR Case 3 liquid radwaste systems and cooling towers at river and
lakeshore sites also result in calculated annual doses to individuals in excess of 5 millirem. A
two-reactor PWR station provided with PWR Case 4, 5, or 6 liquid radwaste systems appears
capable of limiting doses to individuals to less than 5 millirem at all site regimes considered.
TABLE B-14. Solid Waste System Operating and Maintenance Costs (Two 1200 MW(e) PWR)
Liquid Case 1
Notes
1973
$ Cost/yr
1. Equipment - 9 tanks
8 pumps
3 filters
1 demin.
$110,200
$ 5,100
$ 15,500
$ 35,000
$165,800
O&M@2%=
3,320
2. Process Piping, I&C, Elec. 160,000 O&M at 2% = 3,200
3. Materials - Resins (40 x 100) and filters (4000) 8,000
4. Pumping power totals 45 hp; use factor 10%, a
cost = (20)(0.746)(8760)(0.1)(0.0075) =
100
5. Allowance for other 1,900
Liquids Total 16,500
Solids Associated with L-1
4. Equipment O&M 2% on 235,200 4,700
5. Process Power Allowance 200
6. Collections per yr. ft3 Drumsb
1-100 gpm demin. Resins 36 13 @ 20/drum 260
Sludges and other wet wastec 50 20 @ 20 400
Cement binder = (13 + 20) (7)(2) 460
Dry Wastesc 350 @ 15 5,250
Solids Total 11,270
a. Case 1 liquids/yr all systems is 6 x 105, 4 x 105, 2 x 105, 0 for clean, dirty, detergent, and s.g.
blowdown response.
b. Drums = (ft3)(2.5)/(7) = (0.36)(ft3).
c. Allowance.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-26
TABLE B-15. Radwaste Direct Cost Estimate for a Two -Reactor 2400 Mw(e)
PWR Plant Early 1973 Start PQR Solids -- Case 1, 2, & 6
Item
No.
Item -
Description
Quan.
Equipment
Labor
Material
Total
Cost Ref
No.
1 Spent Resin Storage
Tank, 5000g
2 8,000 2,000 600 10,600 PWR, L-1, 1
2 Resin Batch Tanks, 300g 2 1,200 1,000 600 2,800 ”
3 Pumps - 50 gpm 4 2,400 1,600 400 4,400 BWR,
L-1, 7
4 Drumming Station
5 Hydraulic Baler 1 12,000 3,000 1,000 16,000 Budget Est.
6 Capping & Transfera 1 100,000 35,000 5,000 140,000 ”
7
8
9 Cranes & Hoists LOT 15,000 8,000 2,000 25,000 Allowance
10
11
12
13 EQUIPMENT TOTAL 138,600 50,600 10,600 198,800
14 Piping LOT 0 15,000 5,000 20,000 Allowance
15 I&E LOT 26,000 8,000 6,000 40,000 Allowance
16 Electric Service LOT 24,000 12,000 4,000 40,000 Allowance
17 PROCESS TOTAL 188,600 85,600 25,600 298,800
18 Structure LOT 0 290,000 110,000 400,000 PWR S-1, 1
19
20 TOTAL DIRECTS $188,600 $375,600 $135,600 $698,800
Section 114
a. Including nitrogen cover gas system.
TABLE B-16. PWR Radwaste - Estimate Annual Number of Drums for Solid Waste (for Two Reactors)
Wastea Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4
Resins, filter sludge, filters and evaporator bottoms, drums 54 160 470 630
Activity, Ci/drum 170 60 21 15
Dry and compacted waste, drums 700 900 1200 1400
Activity, Ci/yr <5 <5 <5 <5
a. Decayed 180 days
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-27
TABLE B-17. PWR Liquid Radwaste Subsystem Annual Releases and Costs
Classification Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4 Case 5 Case 6
Clean Waste Filter
Demineralizera
100% Discharge
Filter
Demineralizer
Evaporator
90% Recycle
Filter
Demineralizer
Evaporator
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Filter
Demineralizer
Evaporator
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Filter
2 Demineralizers
Evaporator
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Filter
2 Demineralizers
Evaporator
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Curies/Costs 164/157 0.0084/245 0.0018/271 0.0018/271 0.0017/ 0.0017/
Dirty Waste Filter
100% Discharge
Filter
Demineralizer
100% Discharge
Filter
2
demineralizersb
100% Discharge
Filter
Evaporator
90% Recycle
Filter
Evaporator
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Filter
Evaporator
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Curies/Costs 220/32 22/62 4.4/98 0.0014/166 0.0011/ 0.0014/
Turbine
Bldg. Drains
100% Discharge 100% Discharge To Dirty
Wastes
To Dirty
Wastes
100% Discharge To Dirty
Wastes
Curies/Costs 0.084/0 0.084/0 0/0 0/0 0.052/0 0/0
Detergent Wastes Filter
100% Discharge
Filter
100% Discharge
Filter
Reverse
Osmosis
100% Discharge
Filter
100% Discharge
Filter
100% Discharge
Filter
Reverse Osmosis
100% Discharge
Curies/Costs 0.14/12 0.14/12 0.0046/38 0.14/12 0.14/12 0.0046/38
Steam Generator
Blowdown
100% Discharge Filter
Demineralizer
100% Discharge
Filter
Demineralizer
Cation Demin.
100% Discharge
Filter
Evaporator
100% Discharge
Regenerant
Waste:c
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Filter
Evaporator
Demineralizer
90% Recycle
Curies/Costs 42/7 3.2/20 0.62/80 0.032/150 0.00004/ 0.00032/
Solid Wastes
Curies/Costs 0/195 0/202 0/259 0/258 0/258 0/209
Totals*
Curies/Costs 420/403 24/541 10/746 0.2/857 0.2/899 0.2/862
a. Curie quantities released per year normalized (Appendix A, Section 18, Volume 2, WASH-1258). Costs in thousands of
dollars per year.
b. Demineralizer refers to deep-bed, mixed bed demineralizer.
c. Demineralizers in series.
d. Once-through steam generator system and using condensate demineralizers in place of steam generator blowdown.
The approximate costs of the individual radwaste subsystems used in the separate full systems
considered were derived from the detailed cost information presented in the FEIS. These
subsystems are shown in Table B-17. All are defined in detail in the FEIS and were used to
define three alternate PWR liquid radwaste systems (Cases A, B, and C) which provide
capabilities nearly equivalent to some of the systems in Table B-17 but at slightly lower costs.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-28
TABLE B-18. PWR Liquid Radwaste Subsystem Annual Releases and Costs
Classification Case A Case B Case C
Clean Waste Filter
Demineralizer
Evaporator
90% Recycle
Filter
Demineralizer
Evaporator
90% Recycle
Filter
Demineralizer
Evaporator
90% Recycle
Curies/Costs 0.0084/245 0.0084/245 0.0084/245
Dirty Waste Filter
2 Demineralizers
100% Discharge
Filter
2 Demineralizers
100% Discharge
Filter
Evaporator
90% Recycle
Curies/Costs 4.4/98 4.4/98 0.0014/166
Turbine Bldg. Drains To Dirty
Wastes
100% Discharge 100% Discharge
Curies/Costs 0/0 0.084/0 0.084/0
Detergent Wastes Filter
Section 115
100% Discharge
Filter
100% Discharge
Filter
Reverse Osmosis
100% Discharge
Curies/Costs 0.14/12 0.14/12 0.0046/38
Steam Generator Blowdown Filter
Demineralizer
100% Discharge
Filter
Demineralizer
Cation Demin.
100% Discharge
Filter
Evaporator
100% Discharge
Curies/Costs 3.2/20 0.62/80 0.032/150
Solid Wastes
Curies/Costs 0/202 0/202 0/202
Totals*
Curies/Costs 10/577 10/637 0.2/801
* Curie quantities released per year normalized (as shown in Appendix A, Section 18, Volume 2, WASH-1258). Costs in
thousands of dollars per year.
These three additional liquid radwaste systems are described in Table B-18:
1. PWR Case A used treatment equipment similar to PWR Case 2 but the subsystems
provided to treat the dirty waste and turbine building drains have been replaced by
subsystems for PWR Case 3. The calculated cost of a PWR Case A liquid radwaste
system is slightly higher than the cost for a PWR Case 2 system and lower than the cost
for a PWR Case 3 system, but in Case A, the normalized radioactive material released in
liquid effluents is the same as that from a PWR Case 3 system. Annual doses to
populations and individuals were estimated for alternative radwaste cases. The collective
doses from PWR stations with PWR Case A liquid radwaste systems were calculated to
be 62 person-rem at a river site for the normalized annual release of 10 curies.
11. A PWR Case B system was also formulated but, because it has a normalized annual
release of 10 curies with a higher annual cost than a PWR Case A system, the doses
associated with a PWR Case B system are not given.
12. PWR Case C uses treatment equipment similar to a PWR Case A system, but the
subsystem provided to treat the dirty waste has been replaced by one from a PWR Case 4
system. The calculated cost of a PWR Case C system is intermediate between that of a
PWR Case 2 and a PWR Case 4 system, but the PWR Case C system reduces the
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-29
normalized annual release of radioactive material in liquid effluent to 0.2 curie. The
collective doses were calculated in the same manner as described above for the PWR
Case A liquid radwaste systems. Table B-20 presents the calculated costs of PWR Cases
1, 2, A, C, and 4 liquid radwaste systems and the calculated releases of radioactive
materials in liquid effluent collective doses; incremental costs of the dose reductions
achieved; and the calculated total annual cost which includes the annual cost of the
treatment system plus a series of selected costs per person-rem received by the population
in the vicinity of river, lakeshore, and seashore sites. The PWR liquid radwaste systems
considered in this analysis illustrate the availability of treatment systems with low costs
which appear capable of reducing the quantities of radioactive materials in liquid
effluents to those specified in the Concluding Statement of Position of the Regulatory
Staff Paragraph A.2 of Appendix I. The values of the lowest total calculated annual costs
for each cost parameter selected for a given site are underlined in Table B-20.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
TABLE B-19. PWR Liquid Radwaste Summary
Case
No.
AC
Q
Once Through Cooling Cooling Towers
C
Population
Doses
∆AC
∆PR
Individual Doses
C
Collective Doses
∆AC
∆PR
Individual Doses
PR PTR Sk TB GI Th B PR PTR Sk TB GI Th B
1 R 403 420 140 2200 2140 Base case 13 45 13 30 35 7000 2200 2140 Base
case
14 290 24 72 210
Section 116
L 280 86 7.3 37 7.7 19 28 257 78 15 800 48 160 560
S 48 400 7.3 7.4 7.4 45 7.0 44 366 15 41 42 1000 32
2 R 541 24 7.7 220 27 0.070 1.3 4.6 1.3 1.3 3.5 380 220 27 0.070 1.3 30 2.1 1.6 21
L 29 3.7 0.55 0.73 3.8 0.74 0.72 2.8 26 3.4 0.60 1.5 82 4.1 2.4 57
S 4.6 6.4 3.2 0.73 0.72 0.64 0.92 0.69 4.2 5.8 3.5 1.5 3.7 1.7 9.0 3.0
3 R 799 10 3.2 47 12 0.18 0.27 0.94 0.26 0.32 0.71 160 47 12 0.18 0.27 6.1 0.45 0.50 4.2
L 5.9 0.90 1.4 0.15 0.77 0.15 0.18 0.57 5.4 0.82 1.6 0.30 17 0.88 0.90 12
S 0.94 2.3 8.3 0.15 0.15 0.13 0.30 0.14 0.86 2.1 9.2 0.30 0.78 0.48 4.7 0.61
4 R 857 0.2 0.065 0.76 2.3 0.21 0.0008 0.0073 0.0031 0.021 0.0022 3.2 0.76 2.3 0.21 0.0009 0.024 0.0044 0.054 0.013
L 0.022 0.048 1.6 0.0005 0.0048 0.0018 0.013 0.0018 0.020 0.044 1.8 0.0010 0.058 0.0073 0.13 0.035
S 0.0063 0.31 9.4 0.0005 0.0008 0.0006 0.033 0.0005 0.0058 0.28 10.3 0.0010 0.010 0.0069 0.83 0.0037
5 R 899 0.2 0.065 0.71 0.77
b
0.0005 0.0062 0.0030 0.0063 0.0013 3.2 0.71 0.77
b
0.0005 0.016 0.0046 0.010 0.0078
L 0.015 0.0096 0.0003 0.0039 0.0017 0.0036 0.0011 0.014 0.0088 0.0006 0.038 0.0082 0.018 0.021
S 0.0047 0.030 0.0003 0.0005 0.0009 0.0032 0.0003 0.0043 0.027 0.0006 0.0079 0.018 0.077 0.0013
6 R 862 0.2 0.065 1.7 1.9 0.21 0.0085 0.027 0.0084 0.021 0.017 3.2 1.7 1.9 0.21 0.0065 0.15 0.013 0.045 0.10
L 0.14 0.050 1.6 0.0036 0.021 0.0048 0.013 0.014 0.13 0.046 1.8 0.0072 0.40 0.022 0.096 0.28
S 0.026 0.24 9.5 0.0036 0.0038 0.0033 0.026 0.0034 0.024 0.22 10.4 0.0002 0.025 0.012 0.60 0.016
A R 577 10 3.2 62 9.3 0.081 0.36 1.2 0.34 0.41 0.94 160 62 9.3 0.081 0.36 8.0 0.59 0.65 5.5
L 7.8 1.2 0.64 0.20 1.0 0.20 0.23 0.75 7.1 1.1 0.70 0.40 22 1.2 1.2 16
S 1.2 3.0 3.7 0.20 0.20 0.17 0.39 0.18 1.1 2.7 4.1 0.40 1.0 0.63 6.1 0.80
C R 801 0.2 0.065 0.62 2.8 0.18 0.0007 0.0060 0.0025 0.026 0.0018 3.2 0.62 2.8 0.18 0.0007 0.020 0.0036 0.066 0.011
L 0.018 0.058 1.4 0.0004 0.0039 0.0015 0.016 0.0015 0.016 0.054 1.5 0.008 0.047 0.0060 0.16 0.029
S 0.0051 0.38 8.3 0.0004 0.0007 0.0005 0.040 0.0004 0.0047 0.34 9.0 0.0008 0.0082 0.0056 1.0 0.0030
Tritium
(all cases)
700 230 – – – – – – – – – 11700 – – – – – – – –
AC - annual costs (thousands of
dollars)
Q - curies per year for two reactors
∆AC
∆PR
∆AC = Thousands of dollars per year unit of dose reduction from base case.
∆PTR
Sk - mrem/yr to skin b – once through steam
TB - mrem/yr to total body generator not directly
GI - mrem/yr to GI tract comparable to the
C - concentration (pCi/l)
PR - person rem per year
PTR - person thyroid rem per year
R - river site L - lakeshore site S - seashore site Th - mrem/yr to thyroid other cases.
B - mrem/yr to bone
B-30
an
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-31
TABLE B-20. Total Annual Costs for PWR Liquid Radwaste Systems at River, Lakeshore and Seashore Sites
(Minimum Total Annual Cost Values Underlined for Each Selected Cost Parameter)
RIVER SITE
Case No.
AC
Q1
PR
∆AC
∆PR
Total Annual Costs
CP 0.1 0.2 0.5 1.0
1 403 420 2200 – 623 843 1503 2603
2 541 24 220 0.70 563 585 651 761
A 577 10 62 0.081 583 589 608 639
C 801 8 0.62 0.18 801 801 801 802
4 857 0.2 0.76 0.21 857 857 857 858
LAKESHORE SITE
Case No.
AC
Q1
PR
∆AC
∆PR
Total Annual Costs
CP 0.5 1.0 2.0 4.0
1 403 420 280 – 543 683 963 1523
2 541 24 29 0.55 556 570 599 657
A 577 10 7.8 0.64 581 585 593 608
C 801 8 0.018 1.4 801 801 801 801
4 857 0.2 0.022 1.6 857 857 857 857
SEASHORE SITE
Case No.
AC
Q1
PR
∆AC
∆PR
Total Annual Costs
CP 2 4 8 12
Section 117
1 403 420 48 - 499 595 787 979
2 541 24 4.6 3.2 550 559 578 596
A 577 10 1.2 3.7 579 582 587 591
C 801 8 0.0051 8.3 801 801 801 801
4 857 0.2 0.0063 9.4 857 857 857 857
AC - thousands of dollars annual cost for radwaste system for 2 reactors.
Q1 - curies released per year for 2 reactors.
PR - person-rem per year remaining for radwaste system used.
∆AC - thousands of dollars per person-rem dose reduction from base case.
∆PR
CP - cost parameter, assumed societal cost in thousands of dollars/person-rem remaining for radwaste system used.
Total Annual Cost = AC + PR X CP
From Tables B-19 and B-20, it can be seen that there is a reasonable assurance that the design
objective release quantities based on an annual dose of 5 millirem defined in the Paragraph A.1
of Section II of 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix I can be attained by a two-reactor PWR station using
treatment systems similar to those defined in this analysis at river, lakeshore, and seashore sites.
For a two-reactor PWR station using once-through cooling, PWR Case 2 liquid radwaste system
illustrates the lowest cost system capable of meeting the guidance of Section II, Paragraph A.1 of
Appendix I. This system has a calculated annual cost of $541,000, and the costs per person-rem
of collective dose reduction are approximately $70, $550, and $3,200 for river, lakeshore, and
seashore sites, respectively. The calculated annual dose to an individual received from a two-
reactor station using treatment systems similar to the PWR Case 2 liquid radwaste systems is 4.6
millirem. Annual doses to individuals near sites with more than two reactors were not
specifically considered in the FEIS. While it is not expected that doses will be linearly related to
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-32
the number of reactors at a site, use of a liquid radwaste treatment system similar to the PWR
Case a system could permit as many as 7, 9, or 23 PWRs at a site on a river, lakeshore, or
seashore, respectively.
For a PWR station featuring cooling towers, PWR Case C system provides the lowest cost liquid
radwaste treatment which appears capable of meeting the design objectives of Appendix I at a
seashore site. Calculated doses to individuals at river and lakeshore sites from liquid effluents
from PWR Case C systems are greater than 5 millirem.
The calculated annual cost for the PWR Case C radwaste system is approximately $645,000 and
the cost per person-rem of dose reduction attained is $5,680 for a two-reactor PWR station at a
seashore site.
With PWR Case 4 liquid radwaste systems, a two-reactor PWR station at river, lakeshore, and
seashore sites provides reasonable assurance of meeting design objective values. The calculated
annual cost of a PWR Case 4 liquid radwaste system is $857,000 and cost per person-rem dose
reduction is $210, $1600, and $9,400 for river, lakeshore, and seashore sites respectively. Based
on this analysis, it would be possible to put at least 12 PWR reactors with PWR Case 4 liquid
radwaste systems on a seashore site and considerably more on a river or lakeshore site without
exceeding the design objective doses.
For the Cases considered, there is a reasonable assurance that the design guidance of Section II
Paragraph A.2 of Appendix I can be met by PWR liquid radwaste systems except for systems
similar to those used in PWR Cases 1 and 2.
Section 118
If the cost parameter selected is in the range of $100 or $200 per person-rem of population
annual dose, the lowest total calculated annual costs are attained for a two-reactor PWR station
with a PWR Case 2 liquid radwaste system at a river site. This PWR station has calculated
annual release of 24 curies (12 curies per reactor). If the cost parameter selected is in the range
of $500 or $1,000 per person-rem, the lowest total calculated annual cost occurs for a PWR
station on a river site with a PWR Case a liquid radwaste system which has a calculated annual
release of 10 curies (5 curies per reactor). For a PWR station on a lakeshore site, the lowest total
calculated annual cost occurs for a PWR station with a Case 2 liquid radwaste system if the cost
parameter values selected are in the range of $500 and $1,000. A PWR Case A liquid radwaste
system provides near-minimum total annual costs for a cost parameter of $1,000 and minimum
total annual cost of the cost parameter values are $2,000 and $4,000. For a seashore site, the
lowest total calculated annual cost occurs for the base Case (PWR Case 1) liquid radwaste
system if the cost parameter value selected is $2,000. When the cost parameter value selected is
in the range of $4,000 or $8,000, the lowest total calculated annual cost occurs with a Case 2
liquid radwaste system (12 curies per reactor). The lowest total calculated annual cost for an
annual release of 10 curies (5 curies per reactor) occurs for a cost parameter value of $12,000 but
near-minimum total annual costs occur with a cost parameter of $4,000.
Gaseous Radwaste Systems
Figure B-1 identifies the location of most sources of gaseous waste containing radioactive
material from a PWR. Each of the sources may be treated by one or more processes, each with a
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-33
unique efficiency in the removal of the radioactive contaminant and a corresponding cost.
Various subsystems can be combined and evaluated to determine the optimum gaseous radwaste
treatment system for whatever criterion is selected. For example, Tables B-21 and B-22 presents
a summary of descriptive information to aid in identifying the radwaste systems that were
evaluated, including the optional systems that accomplish the same objectives as the original
system designs, but with different combinations of components and cost. Gaseous radwaste
treatment systems for a PWR station with 2 reactors were defined and evaluated for 9 alternative
designs and 6 additional variations. Tables B-21 and B-22 summarize the differences in features
among the candidate gaseous waste treatment systems evaluated in this study and the cost to
limit gases and iodine in the effluents. The major gas treatment equipment for each of the
alternative designs were identified and costed in a manner similar to those described for the
liquid treatment systems illustrated above. The various combinations of subsystems were
selected to treat the several sources of radionuclides, particularly the radioiodine. That figure
also contains the division of cost information for equipment to remove gases or to remove
radioiodine. Note that if the effective dose had been used, rather than dose equivalent, there
would be much less premium placed on radioiodine removal. Table B-23 shows the total annual
cost for controlling iodine releases from gaseous waste treatment systems.
Discussion of PWR Gaseous Radwaste Systems
Section 119
Summarized data concerning selected PWR gaseous radwaste systems plus similar data for a
number of alternate systems are presented in Table B-24. The number of reactors that could be
located on an average river site if the design objective dose guidance of Appendix I were to
apply is shown by the number in parentheses below the thyroid dose for each of the distances
indicated. Tables B-21 and 22 give a brief description of each of the subsystems for each of the
PWR gaseous release cases considered in the FEIS, along with the calculated annual costs
assigned to the treatment of noble gases and iodine. The additional alternate radwaste systems,
made up from various combinations of the subsystems shown in Table B-21, are shown in Table
B-22. All of the alternate PWR gaseous radwaste systems considered in this analysis include
primary system gas holdup times of either 45 days or 60 days provided by pressurized storage
tanks with HEPA filters. The FEIS cost analysis indicated that the primary gas holdup system
used in the PWR Case 6 had equivalent holdup performance and was slightly less costly;
however, because such a system was not in use or planned for use, it was not considered as an
alternate system. Since no other radwaste subsystems appeared capable of further reducing the
release of noble gases, the remaining discussion of alternate gaseous radwaste systems will
concern only the iodine control aspects.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
TABLE B-21. Summary of Annual Costs Applicable to the Control of Noble Gases and
Iodine Emissions from the Gaseous Radwaste Treatment Systems
PWR Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4 Case 5 Case 6 Case 7 Case 8 Case 9*
Primary System 7-day holdup
pressurized
storage tanks,
HEPA filters
45-day holdup
pressurized
storage tanks,
HEPA filters
45-day holdup
pressurized
storage tank,
HEPA filters
60-day holdup
pressurized
storage tank,
HEPA filters
Catalytic recombiner,
Charcoal delay system,
Pressurized storage
tanks - Total holdup
60 days Xe, 31 days Kr
Catalytic recombiner,
Cryogenic distillation,
90-day holdup
pressurized storage
tanks
45-day holdup
pressurized
storage tanks,
HEPA filters
Cover gas
recycle 90-day
holdup
pressurized
storage tanks
60 day holdup
pressurized
storage tanks
HEPA filters
Gases/Iodinesa 135/0 148/0 148/0 163/0 133/0 131/0 148/0 352/0 163/0
Secondary System
Condenser Air
Ejector
No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal adsorber Charcoal adsorber No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/54 0/54 0/54 0/54 0/0 0/54 0/54
Steam Generator
Blowdown Tank
Vent to
atmosphere
Vent thru
condenser
Vent thru
condenser
Vent thru
condenser
Vent thru condenser Vent to condenser No blowdown
(once-through
steam generator)
Heat Exchanger,
Blowdown Tank,
Ion Exchange
Vent thru
condenser
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/11 0/11 0/11 0/11 0/6 0/0 0/14 0/11
Containment Purge
Internal Cleanup No treatment 4,000- cfm
charcoal adsorber
20,000-cfm
charcoal adsorber
20,000-cfm
charcoal adsorber
20,000-cfm charcoal
adsorber
No treatment 20,000-cfm
charcoal adsorber
20,000-cfm
charcoal adsorber
20,000-cfm
charcoal adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/20 0/81 0/81 0/81 0/0 0/81 0/81 0/81
Purge Vent No treatment No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal adsorber Charcoal adsorber Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/106 0/106 0/106 0/106 0/106 0/106
Auxiliary Building
Ventilation
No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Section 120
Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal adsorber Charcoal adsorber Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/192 0/192 0/192 0/192 0/192 0/192 0/192
Turbine Building
Ventilation
No treatment No treatment No treatment Clean steam on
valves
> 2.5" in
diameter
No treatment No treatment No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/277 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/500
Stack None None None None None None None None 100-meter
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 175/175
Totals Gases/Iodines 135/0 148/31 148/339 163/721 133/444 131/358 148/379 352/447 338/1119
Totals System 135 179 487 884 577 489 527 799 1457
a. ($ thousands for noble gases / $ thousands for iodines)
* Gaseous radwaste system with 100-meter stack
B-34
I
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
TABLE B-22. Summary of Annual Costs Applicable to the Control of Noble Gas and
Iodine Emissions from the Gaseous Radwaste Treatment Systems
PWR Case A* Case B* Case C* Case D* Case E Case F
Primary System 45-day holdup
pressurized
storage tanks,
HEPA filters
45-day holdup
pressurized
storage tanks,
HEPA filters
45-day holdup
pressurized
storage tank,
HEPA filters
60-day holdup
pressurized
storage tank,
HEPA filters
60-day holdup
pressurized
storage tank,
HEPA filters
60 day holdup
pressurized
storage tanks
HEPA filters
Gases/Iodinesa 148/0 148/0 148/0 163/0 163/0 163/0
Secondary System
Condenser Air Ejector No treatment No treatment No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/54 0/54
Steam Generator
Blowdown Tank
Vent to
atmosphere
Vent to
condenser
Vent to
condenser
Vent to
condenser
Vent to
condenser
Vent to
condenser
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/6 0/6 0/6 0/6 0/6
Containment Purge
Internal Cleanup No treatment No treatment 4,000-cfm
charcoal
adsorber
20,000-cfm
charcoal
adsorber
20,000-cfm
charcoal
adsorber
20,000-cfm
charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/20 0/81 0/81 0/81
Purge Vent No treatment No treatment No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/106 0/106
Auxiliary Building
Ventilation
No treatment No treatment No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/192 0/192
Turbine Building
Ventilation
No treatment No treatment No treatment No treatment No treatment Charcoal
adsorber
Gases/Iodines 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/500
Stack 100-meter 100-meter 100-meter 100-meter None None
Gases/Iodines 0/350 0/350 0/350 0/350 0/0 0/0
Totals Gases/Iodines 148/350 148/356 148/376 163/437 163/439 163/939
Total System 498 504 524 600 602 1102
a. thousands for noble gases / $ thousands for iodines
* gaseous radwaste system with 100-meter stack
TABLE B-23. Total Annual Costs for Iodine Releases from PWR Gaseous Systems
Case
No.
ACI Q1I PTR ΔAC
ΔPTR
TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS
CP 0.1 0.2 0.5 1.0
1 0 2.42 130 – 13 26 65 130
A* 0 2.42 130 – 13 26 65 130
B* 6 1.16 63 0.090 12 19 38 69
C* 26 0.66 36 0.28 30 33 44 62
D* 87 0.42 23 0.81 89 92 98 110
E 439 0.088 4.8 3.5 439 440 441 444
F 939 0.042 2.3 7.4 939 939 940 941
ACI - thousands of dollars annual costs assigned to iodine control
Q1 - annual quantities of iodine-131 released
PTR - annual person-thyroid-rem doses
ΔACI
ΔPTR - thousands of dollars per person-thyroid-rem removed
CP - cost parameter for the assumed societal cost in thousands of dollars per person-thyroid-rem remaining
Total annual cost = ACI + CP x PTR
Annual costs, quantities, and doses are for sites with two reactors.
Minimum total annual cost values are underlined for each selected cost parameter.
Section 121
B-35
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
TABLE B-24. Gaseous Radwaste Systems Summary for River Sites
Case
No.
ACG
ACI
Gaseous
Effluents
Population
Doses
ΔACG
ΔPR
ΔAC1
ΔPTR
Doses to Individuals for Selected Distances
Q1G
Q1131
Q1133
PR
PTR
500 m 1000 m 2000 m 5000 m
TB Sk Th TB Sk Th TB Sk Th TB Sk Th
1 135 0 92000 2.42/1.18 13 130 C Base
case
1.7 42 2400
(0)
0.90 17 800
(0)
0.34 6.0 300
(0)
0.11 1.9 68
(0)
4 163 721 7200 .060/.044 1.1 3.3 C 5.7 0.19 4.7 60
(0)
0.092 1.9 21
(1)
0.039 0.67 7.5
(4)
0.019 0.20 1.7
(17)
6 131 358 7000 .16/.070 1.1 8.5 Base
case
2.9 0.19 4.7 160
(0)
0.092 1.9 55
(0)
0.039 0.67 19
(1)
0.019 0.20 4.3
(6)
7 148 379 7800 .011/.013 1.2 0.62 d d 0.20 5.0 12
(2)
0.096 2.0 4.2
(7)
0.040 0.71 1.5
(20)
0.020 0.21 0.34
(88)
9* 338 1119 7200 .056/.044 0.30 3.0 259 8.8 0.017 0.06 0.36
(83)
0.012 0.042 0.26
(115)
0.0061 0.024 0.19
(157)
0.0025 0.010 0.16
(187)
A* 148 350 7800 2.42/1.18 0.32 132 b c 0.019 0.064 15
(2)
0.013 0.045 11
(2)
0.0064 0.026 8
(3)
0.0026 0.011 7
(4)
B* 148 356 7800 1.16/.44 0.32 63 b 5.3 0.019 0.064 7.3
(4)
0.013 0.045 5.3
(5)
0.0064 0.026 3.8
(7)
0.0026 0.011 3.3
(9)
C* 148 376 7800 .66/.38 0.32 36 b 4.0 0.019 0.064 4.2
(7)
0.013 0.045 3.0
(10)
0.0064 0.026 2.2
(13)
0.0026 0.011 1.9
(15)
D* 163 437 7200 .42/.35 0.29 23 b 4.1 0.017 0.055 2.7
(11)
0.012 0.042 2.0
(15)
0.0061 0.024 1.4
(21)
0.0025 0.010 1.1
(27)
Case
No.
ACG
ACI
Gaseous
Effluents
Population
Doses
ΔACG
ΔPR
ΔAC1
ΔPTR
Doses to Individuals for Selected Distances
Q1G
Q1131
Q1133
PR
PTR
500 m 1000 m 2000 m 5000 m
TB Sk Th TB Sk Th TB Sk Th TB Sk Th
E 163 439 7200 .088/.061 1.1 4.8 b 3.5 0.19 4.7 92
(0)
0.092 1.9 32
(0)
0.039 0.67 11
(2)
0.019 0.20 3.0
(10)
F 163 939 7200 .042/.034 1.1 2.3 b 7.4 0.20 4.7 44
(0)
0.15 2.0 15
(2)
0.065 0.71 5.4
(5)
0.019 0.20 1.5
(20)
ACI - thousands of dollars annual costs assigned to iodine control
Q1I - annual quantities of iodine-131 released
PTR - annual person-thyroid-rem doses
ΔACI
ΔPTR - thousands of dollars per person-thyroid-rem removed
CP - cost parameter for the assumed societal cost in thousands of dollars per person-thyroid-rem remaining
Total annual cost = ACI + CP x PTR
Annual costs, quantities, and doses are for sites with two reactors.
Minimum total annual cost values are underlined for each selected cost parameter.
B-36
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-37
The alternate radwaste cases identified in the order of decreasing calculated quantities of iodine
released have been selected by introducing individual radwaste subsystems in a stepwise
procedure to reduce the iodine releases from the various waste streams. The PWR gaseous
radwaste systems are as follows (an asterisk (*) after a PWR Case number indicates a radwaste
system with 100-meter stack for all effluent):
1. Case A* [the 4000-cfm system would be inadequate to provide as low as practicable in-plant
occupational exposures, which have not been considered in this analysis, uses a 45-day
holdup system for noble gases.] A stack is provided to reduce the thyroid dose for
individuals in the vicinity of the reactor. The stack has essentially no effect on the
population thyroid dose and its annual cost, which is estimated to be $350,000, should be
considered only for the reduction of doses to individuals. The annual thyroid dose calculated
for the 500-meter distance is 15 millirem. The population thyroid dose is 130 person-
thyroid-rem.
13. Case B* uses a 45-day holdup system for the noble gases and includes a 100-meter stack
Section 122
and also includes treatment for the steam generator blowdown tank effluent to be vented
to the main condenser thereby eliminating a major source of iodine release for Case A*.
The individual annual thyroid dose is reduced to 7.3 millirem for the 500-meter distance,
and the population thyroid dose is a 63 person-thyroid-rem. The calculated annual cost
for iodine removal is $356,000.
14. Case C* includes treatment systems similar to those used in Case B* and also provides a
small 4000-cfm containment internal cleaning system (charcoal absorber) which reduces
the containment effluent release to 0.24 curie of iodine-131 and 0.044 curie of iodine-133
per year. Total calculated releases are 1.16 curies of iodine-131 and 0.44 curie of iodine-
133 per year. The individual annual thyroid dose is 4.2 millirem, and the population
annual dose is 36 person-thyroid-rem. The calculated annual cost for iodine control is
$376,000.
15. Case D* uses a 60-day holdup system for the noble gases and is otherwise like Case B*
except that it includes a 20,000-cfm internal containment cleanup system (charcoal
absorber) which reduces the release from the containment to 0.0090 curie of iodine-131
and 0.0084 curie of iodine-133 per year. The total releases are 0.42 curie of iodine-131
and 0.35 curie of iodine-133 per year. The calculated individual annual thyroid dose is
2.7 millirem at a distance of 500 meters, and the population annual dose is 23 person-
thyroid-rem. The calculated annual cost for iodine control is $437,000.
16. Case E is an improved radwaste treatment system without a stack. It uses a 60-day
holdup system for the noble gases and includes the features of Case D* (except the stack)
and in addition provides charcoal absorbers for the effluent from the condenser air
ejector, the purge vent, and the auxiliary building ventilation. The total iodine releases
are reduced to 0.088 curie of iodine-131 and 0.061 curie of iodine-133 per year. The
population annual dose is reduced to 4.8 person-thyroid-rem, and the individual annual
thyroid doses are 92 millirem for 500 meters, 32 millirem for 1000 meters, 22 millirem
for 2000 meters, and 3.0 millirem for 500 meters. The calculated annual cost for iodine
control is $439,000.
17. Case F has all the treatment systems of Case E and in addition includes charcoal
absorbers for the turbine building ventilation the total iodine release is reduced to 0.042
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-38
curie of iodine-131 and 0.034 curie of iodine-133 per year. The population annual dose
is reduced to 2.3 person-thyroid-rem and the calculated individual doses for the distances
500, 1000, 2000, and 5,000 meters are 44, 15, 5.4, and 1.5 millirem, respectively.
The total calculated annual costs for the lowest-cost PWR gaseous radwaste systems which
appear capable of attaining various population annual doses were calculated. Data for the noble
gas annual releases are limited essentially to Cases A*, B*, C*, and the 7-day holdup used for
Case 1, and 45-day holdup system used with stackless Cases 2, 3, and 7 and the systems with
stack which includes Cases A*, B*, and C*. The 60-day holdup system is used with stackless
Cases 4, E, and F, and with Case D*, which has a stack. The costs of all of the systems are
similar and the collective doses are very low except for those for Case 1. The lowest total annual
costs are associated with Case 1 for cost parameters up to $1,000 per person-rem. For a cost
parameter of $1,500 per person-rem, the lowest total annual costs occur with the use of the 45-
day holdup system. Table B-24 shows five stackless radwaste systems (Cases 4, 6, 7, E and F)
which for distances of 500 meters or more are capable of limiting annual doses to total body and
skin below the design objective doses of paragraph b.3 of Section II of Appendix I. The Case 1
system can attain this release level for receptor distances greater than 2,000 meters from the
release point.
Section 123
The values of the total annual costs for the iodine control subsystem were calculated without
including the annual costs for the 100-meter stack. The data for the iodine cases selected are
presented in Table B-23. The cases are arranged in order of increasing annual cost and
decreasing iodine release quantities. The lowest total annual costs for the cases considered are
attained with a Case B* for cost parameter values of $100, $200, and $500 per person-thyroid-
rem and with Case C* system for a cost parameter value of $1,000 per person-thyroid-rem.
One of the stackless systems (Case 7) appears capable of limiting the calculated annual release
quantities to meet the requirements of subparagraph C.1 of the Concluding Statement of Position
of the Regulatory Staff at distances of 500 meters or greater. PWR stations with Case E systems
appear capable of meeting this guidance for a distance of 2,000 meters, and Case F systems
appear capable of meeting this guidance for a distance of 2,000 meters. All of the PWR gaseous
radwaste systems with stacks (Cases A*, B*, C*, and D*) provide reasonable assurance of
meeting this guidance for distances of 500 meters or greater. Except for the Case 1 system, the
annual releases of iodine-131 from all of the radwaste systems considered appear capable of
meeting the guidance provided by subparagraph c.2.
There was reasonable assurance that the air dose from either the gamma radiation or the beta
radiation in effluents for PWR stations could be no more than 5 millirem per year.
On the basis of Tables B-23 and B-24 and the discussion in the previous paragraphs, it can be
seen that there is reasonable assurance that the proposed design objective release quantities of
paragraph B of the Concluding Statement of Position of the Regulatory Staff and subparagraphs
C.1 and C.2 can be met by the use of one of several PWR gaseous radwaste systems which have
been analyzed. The lowest cost radwaste system which appears capable of meeting these
objectives at all distances greater than 500 meters is a PWR Case A* system, and use of this
system would allow a two-reactor PWR station (2,400 MWe) to operate on a site. More reactors
can be accommodated by the use of the slightly more costly radwaste systems of PWR Cases B*,
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-39
C*, and D* which can provide for 4, 7, and 11 reactors at a site, respectively, if the distance to
the location where the dose guidance is to be applied is 500 meters or greater.
Monetary Equivalent per Unit of Collective Dose
A quantitative cost-benefit analysis for the various radwaste options requires that the collective
doses resulting from the operation of the LWR be compared to the cost of the radwaste options.
Since the annual collective dose is expressed in units of person-rem, a monetary equivalent per
unit of collective dose (e.g., $ per person rem) is needed to permit comparisons of terms with a
common denominator. The monetary equivalent per unit of collective dose is the “alpha” term in
the equation:
Total annual cost = annual cost of system operation+ alpha x collective dose + other cost
considerations reflecting releases (beta).
Section 124
The value for alpha is intended to apply to collective dose where the individual doses are in the
range where only “stochastic” effects such as radiation-induced cancer (as opposed to
deterministic effects) are assumed to occur. For radiation protection purposes, it is assumed that
the radiation-induced health effects are linearly related to the dose. Deterministic effects are
assumed to occur only after a threshold dose has been received. In this application, it has
generally been assumed that the value for the monetary equivalent per unit of collective dose is
independent of dose or dose rate so long as it is applied to doses below the appropriate dose
limit.28 A partial search of the literature revealed several suggested values ranging from "a few
pounds Sterling" per person rem to about $1,000 per person rem. No two studies were found to
use the same rationale as the basis and varied widely. Since 1973, several additional values have
been suggested, making the range even greater (by more than an order of magnitude) than had
been found previously. There is no specific value for alpha that has been adopted by any Federal
agency or authoritative radiological protection organization in the United States. A value of
$1,000 per person rem was used in the cited AEC rulemaking to demonstrate optimization and to
consider back-fitting operating LWRs. However, the study also investigated the sensitivity of
the value selected for alpha and concluded that for LWR radwaste systems, optimization was not
affected by values of alpha ranging a factor of two above or below $1,000 per person rem. As
noted elsewhere, the NRC recommends $2,000 per person-rem while DOE recommends a range
from $1,000 to $6,000 per person-rem value for alpha.
The “beta” term is a cost that reflects the monetary value associated with other impacts
(generally societal) that are not necessarily directly related to either individual or collective dose
and that generally are quantified rather arbitrarily. Optimization is the identification of the
optimal system, selected from several, that provides an acceptable dose to the MEI and results in
the minimum total annual cost.
28 It is of interest to note that the National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) of the United Kingdom, for radiation
protection purposes, has applied a variable value for alpha. The NRPB values are selected for each three ranges of
individual dose, depending on how close the dose range is to the appropriate dose limit.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-40
Evaluation
The basic information important to the analysis is summarized in tabular form in Tables B-19
and B-21 for liquid and gaseous radwaste treatment systems, respectively. It contains the annual
cost and annual total body and organ doses to individuals and the collective (population) for
PWRs with once- through and PWRs with cooling towers. The tables present the information for
PWRs on river, lake, and seashore sites to demonstrate the magnitude of the variations that
might be anticipated for that parameter. The collective total body doses are shown, graphically,
as a function of annual cost for selected treatment systems in Figures B-12 and B-13 for liquid
and gaseous radwaste treatment systems, respectively. Notice that the graph is presented using
semi-log scales because of the substantial ranges of source terms (and consequently, doses) for
the several treatment systems evaluated.
Section 125
The total annual costs, including a range of monetary values assumed for a unit of collective
dose, were evaluated for selected Cases. The results are presented in Tables B-20 and B-24 for
liquid and gaseous treatment systems, respectively. As may be seen in these figures, the results
are not sensitive to the assumed monetary value per unit of collective dose. This appears to be
true in many optimization analyses.
Conclusions
In this example, it was demonstrated that PWRs can be designed and operated in a manner that
will limit the radioactive material in effluents to a small fraction of that from natural background
radiation. In the actual study, duplicate information was generated for BWRs with similar
results. The procedures used in the optimization are described in detail so that it they may be
repeated for other applications. This example demonstrated the importance of identifying as
many alternative treatment subsystems as possible, evaluating their probable performance and
cost, and combining the subsystems to provide the best performance at the least cost – including
the cost assumed per unit of dose. It was also demonstrated that the design selected is not
sensitive to the monetary value assumed per unit of collective dose.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-41
1,000
100
10
1
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
0
0.5
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
ANNUAL COST (million of dollars)
PWR LIQUID CASE
FIGURE B-12. Annual Average Total Body Dose from Liquid Effluent from a PWR Station
5 mrem
RIVER
LAKESHORE
SEASHORE
AN
NU
AL
T
OT
AL
B
OD
Y
DO
SE
(m
re
m
) A
T
1,0
00
M
ET
ER
S
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
B-42
}
10,000
1,000
100
9
9(s)
10
1 8
9 VENTS ONLY
0.1
7(s) 8(s)
} STACKS ONLY
0.01
0.001 1 9 7
2
0
0.5
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
ANNUAL COST (million of dollars)
(STACKS ONLY)
FIGURE B-13. Annual Total Body Dose from Gaseous Effluent
to the Year 2000 Population Near a Site of a PWR Station
PO
PU
LA
TI
ON
A
NN
UA
L
TO
TA
L
DO
SE
(m
an
-re
m
)
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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APPENDIX C.
REMEDIATION OF THE WELDON SPRING CHEMICAL PLANT AND SELECTION
OF TREATMENT METHOD FOR THE CONTAMINATED QUARRY WASTEWATER
This example of an ALARA application summarizes the effort to remediate the Weldon Spring
facility. The implementation of the ALARA requirements of DOE Order 5400.5 is fully
adequate, and no criticism of the project is intended. The analysis at the end of this section is a
post-decision assessment of the data reviewed and is provided to assist others in the conduct of
similar ALARA assessments and risk-management decisions and to identify information that is
useful to consider and document during the process.
This application is of interest for several reasons:
• It is an application where a large site complex is being remediated.
• The majority of radioactive and chemically hazardous waste generated by site cleanup is
not related to the incremental amounts of site soil that would result from different cleanup
criteria for soil.
• The bulk of the waste is associated with other media, principally the raffinate pit sludge,
structural debris, and waste from the quarry.
• The soil contamination is quite localized, that is, on a small fraction of the total site soil.
(Non-homogeneous distributions are commonly found at most sites with contaminated
soil.)
• The site contains a variety of structures and several contaminants.
Section 126
• The site provides a glimpse of the real-world, wherein decisions included consideration
of the total detriment, that is, potential health-effects and actual non-health (societal)
considerations.
• The project was conducted consistent with and in compliance with DOE requirements but
is being planned and implemented under CERCLA regulations.
• The potential risks from residual contamination related to both radionuclides and
chemical risks, as well as radiation dose, were considered in the comparison of
alternatives.
Background
In 1941, the U.S. Army acquired about 17,000 acres of land 30 miles (48 km) west of St Louis,
Missouri, to construct the Weldon Spring Ordnance Works for the manufacture of explosives.
The location of the Weldon Spring site is shown in Figure C-1.
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FIGURE C-1. Location of Weldon Spring Site
In 1955, the AEC acquired 217 acres of the property to construct a uranium feed materials plant.
Uranium and thorium ore concentrates were processed in the plant from 1957 to 1966. The plant
operations generated several chemical and radioactive waste streams, including raffinates from
the refinery and washed slag from the uranium recovery process. Waste slurries were piped to
the raffinate pits, where the solids settled to the bottom and the supernatant liquids were decanted
to the plant process sewer; this sewer drained off-site to the Missouri River via a 1.5-mile (2.4
km) natural drainage channel. Some solid wastes were disposed on-site, and the quarry was used
by the Army to dispose of chemicals and by the AEC to dispose of radioactively contaminated
material (uranium and thorium residues, building rubble, and processing equipment) through
1969. For decontamination purposes, the AEC (now DOE) site is divided into two areas: the
chemical plant area (217-acres), and the quarry area (9-acres). Adjacent to the Weldon Spring
Site are two wildlife areas (recreational areas including small lakes and streams), and an Army
Reserve/National Guard Training Area. The Busch and Weldon Spring wildlife areas comprise
14,000 acres, compared to the 217 acres of the Chemical Plant area. Figure C-2 identifies
features of the areas within a few km of the Weldon Spring site.
The nearest communities are Weldon Spring and Weldon Spring Heights, about two miles (3.2
km) east of the site with a combined population of about 850. St. Charles, about 15 miles (24
km) to the northeast, has a population of about 50,000. There are about 10,700 persons living
within 3.1 miles (5 km) of the site and less than 3,000,000 persons within 50 miles (80 km).
The Weldon Spring site, a former uranium and thorium processing facility, has been cleaned in
compliance with the CERCLA and NEPA. Refer to the third example given in Appendix A of
this Handbook that discusses the Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project for a discussion of
work performed to complete the closure of the site.
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C-3
FIGURE C-2. Surface Features near the Weldon Spring Site
The location of the principal contaminated media and source areas at the Weldon Spring site is
indicated in Figure C-3.
Section 127
Radioactive contaminants at the Weldon Spring site are U-238, Th-232, and U-235 and their
decay series, principally Ac-227, Pb-210, Pr-231, Ra-226, Ra-228, Rn-220, Rn-222, and Th-230.
The contamination of the soil is very heterogeneous; there being relatively few locations with
relatively high contaminations in soil and low concentrations over most of the site. Chemical
contaminants include metals and inorganic anions as well as organic compounds such as PCBs,
PAHs, and nitroaromic compounds. There are about 883,000 cubic yards of contaminated
sludge, sediment, soil, structural material, process chemicals, and vegetation. (Analyses indicate
that the chemical contaminants constitute less potential risks than the radioactive contaminants.
Consequently, the chemical contaminants will not be addressed in this example, but they were
evaluated and considered in the decisions for remediation.)
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C-4
FIGURE C-3. Contaminated Media and Source Areas at Weldon Spring Site
1. Remediation
Objectives
The overall objectives of the remedial action at the Weldon Spring site were to: (1) protect
human health and the environment by developing actions that address the radioactive and
chemical contaminants in various media at the site and control related exposures; (2) implement
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
C-5
the actions in a manner that would ensure compliance with applicable environmental
requirements; and (3) release, to the extent practicable, at least a portion of the property for
unrestricted use.
Initially, four determinations were needed:
• Selection of residual or “cleanup” levels for soil and other solid debris;
• Selection of methods for collecting and disposing of the solid material contaminated
above the cleanup level;
• Selection of methods for removing, treating, and disposing of contaminated water
impounded at the quarry and chemical plant areas; and
• Choosing between discharging the quarry water to the Missouri River via the Femme
Osage Creek or via a pipe that would bypass the creek.
Doses and Risks
EPA (1989a) selected a risk coefficient of 600 cancer-induction effects per 1 million person-rem
(6.0 E-7 per person-mrem29) and a risk factor of 260 per 1 million person-rem for genetic effects.
The EPA risk factor was used for deriving soil cleanup levels. All doses from intakes of
radionuclides were 50-year committed dose equivalent and all doses were assumed to be
effective dose equivalent (EDE).
Basis for Remediation Goal Selection
Although the project cleanup criteria (authorized limits) were developed consistent with DOE
requirements, they were being developed and implemented through CERCLA regulations. Two
main factors were used to evaluate the appropriate cleanup options for the site: (1) long-term
protection of human health and the environment--as indicated by results of site-specific risk
assessments, and (2) compliance with environmental requirements such as “applicable or
relevant and appropriate requirements” (ARARs) and “to be considered requirements” (TBCs).
The ARARs and TBCs serve as a starting point for selecting cleanup levels for the site-specific
data provide a basis for selecting the remediation goals. For contaminated debris from
structures, the NRC guidance for the release of decommissioned nuclear sites, which was
incorporated in DOE Order 5400.5, was adopted. Cleanup criteria for soil (including sludge)
was developed independently.
Section 128
To implement the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) and the National
Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), EPA has promulgated
29 A TEDE dose-to-risk conversion factor was used in this example to estimate risk, but if risk is being used to
support ALARA analyses or, for that matter, any assessment of health risk, factors that convert intake of
radionuclides or exposure to radiation directly to risk also may be used. In many cases, differences are within a
factor of two or so and there is little impact on the decisions, but for some radionuclides difference can be
significant. EPA provides slope factors and other information for converting radionuclide intake to risk in
documents such as “Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables.” The computer codes such as the RESRAD
computer code for assessing the impacts of residual radioactive material in soil also includes an option to compute
individual risk as well as dose. RESRAD calculations are consistent with the EPA methodology.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
C-6
standards (40 CFR Part 192 and 40 CFR 300.430) for Ra-226 and its daughters, Th-230, and the
Th-232 decay series. DOE has established guidelines for Ra-226, Ra-228, Th-230, and Th-232
in soil for areas with unrestricted access and address nonsecular equilibrium conditions between
Th-232 and Ra-228 and between Th-230 and Ra-226. No Federal or State standards are
available for uranium in soil. The State of Missouri has a standard for Rn-222 and Rn-220 in
uncontrolled areas and DOE has similar guidance for the same isotopes. EPA has dose standards
for airborne emissions for radionuclides other than Rn-222, and dose limits for the management
of uranium and thorium by-product material. DOE Order 5400.5 requires use of the ALARA
process to consider reducing potential doses below the applicable standards. Ra-226 and its
progeny are the primary contaminants of importance because they contribute the most to
potential doses through external exposures and inhalation of radon.
Risk-based remediation goals and site-specific estimates of potential doses were used to select
cleanup criteria for soil. To judge the “acceptability” of risk, the study cites the EPA “target
range” for incremental risk used to limit the probability that an individual could develop a fatal
cancer from exposures to residual contaminants at a National Priority List (NPL) site. The
principal concern, at that time, was anthropogenetic chemicals. These chemicals are generated
by man and do not occur in nature, and thus, truly constitute incremental risks. In contrast, the
principal contributors to risk at the Weldon Spring site also occur naturally in soil. ALARA
analysis was applied to determine how far below the current levels they could be reduced,
considering technical practicability. The top of the EPA target range is 1.0 E-4 (incremental
lifetime risk for exposure from a given site) and the bottom of the range, referred to as the “point
of departure,” is 1.0 E-6.
Evaluations of potential doses were obtained using site-specific exposure modeling,
supplemented with the RESRAD and CAP-88-PC computer programs and the methods given in
Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (EPA 1989b). The RESRAD program permits
evaluations of doses from several exposure pathways from multiple radionuclides over selected
time intervals. It also permits including the effects of soil erosion and infiltration of ground
water. The CAP88-PC program was used to evaluate collective doses off-site from airborne
releases of radioactive material. Joint wind speed/frequency/stability class data were collected
for the 16 sectors. The population distribution was determined for each of the 16 sectors for 10
radial distances to 80 km (50 miles) of the site.
Section 129
2. The Chemical Plant
The chemical plant once consisted of about 40 buildings, four disposal (raffinate) pits for process
waste, two ponds, and two dump areas. There are about 679,000 m3 of contaminated media,
excluding water, on the site.
Selection of Cleanup Levels
The first ALARA consideration for the chemical plant was to select levels for the cleanup of soil.
The EPA target range (1.0 E-6 to 1.0 E-4) was used to select clean-up levels for the
contaminated soil. Interim cleanup levels from the NRC decommissioning guidance and DOE
Order 5400.5 were applied to debris from buildings and other structures. The results of a source
term analysis indicated the need for soil cleanup criteria for U-238, Th-232, Th-230, Ra-228, and
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
C-7
Ra-226. Hypothetical receptor parameters, exposure conditions, and durations for calculating
potential doses (e.g., for a recreational visitor, a trespasser, a resident, and a wildlife area ranger)
are described in the section on Potential Exposures. The potential risks to hypothetical receptors
were estimated for exposure to the various radionuclides in soil and “target” risk values, that is,
associated with ALARA levels to minimize risks for the principal radionuclides, are presented in
Table C-1. Note that the concentrations are linearly related to the potential risk for each
receptor, but the importance of the specific isotopes varies among the receptors, being dependent
upon their exposure modes and durations.
TABLE C-1. Soil Concentrations of Radionuclides Associated with
Target Levels for Risk for Selected Hypothetical Receptors
Receptor/
Radionuclidea
Soil conc. (pCi/g)
for riskb of 1.0 E-4
Soil conc. (pCi/g)
for riskb of 1.0 E-5
Soil conc. (pCi/g)
for riskb of 1.0 E-6
Recreational Visitor
Ra-226
Ra-228
Th-230
Th-232
U-238
23
46
2,100
430
810
2.3
4.6
210
43
81
0.23
0.46
21
4.3
8.1
Ranger
Ra-226
Ra-228
Th-230
Th-232
U-238
0.81
2.6
160
31
95
0.081
0.26
16
3.1
9.5
0.0081
0.026
1.6
0.31
0.95
Resident
Ra-226
Ra-228
Th-230
Th-232
U-238
0.075
0.62
81
16
23
0.0075
0.062
8.1
1.6
2.3
0.00075
0.0062
0.81
0.16
0.23
a. The values in this table are applicable for the selected scenarios and locations and would not be
applicable for the site as a whole.
b. Risk for Ra-226 includes that for Rn-222 and Pb-210; the risk from U-238 includes that from U-
235, Pr-231, and Ac-227.
[Note that since the natural background for Ra-226 in soil in the Weldon Spring area is about 1.2 pCi
Ra-226/g soil, and the risk to a resident of 1.0 E-4 is associated with a concentration of 0.075
(pCi/g), it would be impossible to measure remediated soil with a risk potential of 1 x 10-4 above
background, e.g., to verify a level of 1.275 pCi/g. Normally, radon is not included in the risk
assessment, but is considered separately. In such cases Ra-226 concentrations would be limited to
provide a reasonable expectation of limiting indoor concentrations to less than 4 pCi/L (0.02 WL)
and outdoor concentrations, where people reside or work, to less than 0.5pCi/L above background.]
A site-specific analytical model was developed locally to estimate the potential incremental
radiological risks to a hypothetical resident at the chemical plant site in the absence of remedial
action and it was found to range from about 1.0 E-6 to 9.0 E-2, with a median of 2.0 E-4. This
was due largely to inhalation of Rn-222 decay products and external irradiation from Ra-226.
The estimated risk from the same sources at a “background” location is 3.0 E-3. (This is about
30 times the upper limit of the EPA “target” range.) Since the local soil would be used as
Section 130
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C-8
backfill, the EPA risk target of 1.0 E-4 could not be met for Ra and Rn, and the issue was to
select cleanup levels based on other considerations. The lowest level that Ra-226 in soil could
reasonably be measured in the field was about 5 pCi/g, including background, or 4 pCi/g net
residual Ra-226. Based on practicality of measurements and being able to achieve them, 5 pCi/g
(including background) was selected for the Ra-226 “ALARA” cleanup level.
A cost-benefit analysis was performed to select the Ra-226 ALARA cleanup level. However,
one important factor was the observation that the site contamination was very uneven, with
higher concentrations located in a few specific locations, namely, raffinate pits, ponds, some
chemical plant buildings and support structures, former dump areas, and storage areas, and the
remainder of the site subject to generally low level (near background) contamination. For
example, the location of the 30 pCi U-238/g soil isopleths in the top 2 feet of soil is presented in
Figures C-4 and C-5. EPA has selected 4 pCi/L as an acceptable level for Rn in indoor air and
this appears to be feasible at all site locations based on measurements of contaminants in soil.
Initially, the RESRAD program was used to evaluate potential doses from uranium in soil at
concentrations of 190, 120, 60, 30, and 15 pCi/g; subsequently, site-specific modeling was
conducted to assess impacts across the site. Table C-2 presents the estimated potential annual
doses, volume of soil to be excavated, and cost to achieve the soil concentrations. The CAP-88-
PC computer program was used to estimate population exposures off-site from airborne
emissions during remediation actions. The 190 pCi U-238/g soil concentration level, without
backfill, could result in maximum annual doses of 42 mrem (0.42 mSv) – within the 100 mrem
(1 mSv)-annual dose limit for members of the general public, but slightly above the 30 mrem
(0.03 mSv) in a year dose constraint used for DOE sources. External irradiation, inhalation, and
ingestion of locally grown produce, and milk, meat, and soil are estimated to cause 60%, 16%,
12% and <15% of this potential dose, respectively.
The 120 pCi/g level for U-238, without backfill, was selected as the “target-level.” This level
would ensure that potential doses were less than 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) in a year without taking
credit for clean cover material. This value was applied to Radium and Thorium too (that is, U,
Ra, and Th combined, as required by the State of Missouri and EPA Region VII). However,
considering the feasible net reductions in dose, additional cost, and technical limitations
associated with further reducing the residual level (for instance, measurements of 15 pCi/g
requires laboratory analysis and greatly increases the cost), a site-specific “ALARA” goal of 30
pCi/g was selected. This would reduce potential residual dose to less than 7 mrem (0.07 mSv) in
a year without considering clean cover or less than 2 mrem (0.02 mSv) in a year when credit for
the cover is assumed. Collective dose was not specifically addressed in this process. However,
collective doses at the target levels would be small. For example, a screening assessment of
residual collective doses at the target level, given the conservative scenario that the remediated
areas were used for residential purposes (20 families with 4 persons each) would suggest that
doses would be less than one person-rem over 200 years.
Section 131
Table C-3 and Table C-4 present the estimated risks and doses, respectively, associated with the
derived cleanup target, ALARA goal, and background levels for the principal contaminants for
three hypothetical receptors: (1) a recreational visitor; (2) a ranger; and (3) a resident. Note that
the risks (and, assuming the risk coefficient of 6.0 E-7 health effects per person-mrem, the doses
to the hypothetical individuals) presented in these tables are not annual risks, but lifetime risks
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C-9
for the exposure conditions and durations described in the section on “Potential Exposures”
below.
FIGURE C-4. Uranium-238 in Surface Soil (0.0 to 1.0 feet)
Although information for this selection included limited cost and feasibility considerations, it
did not include a detailed cost-benefit analysis or evaluation of collective doses either within
or beyond the site boundary, during or subsequent to the remediation effort. Because the
relatively highly contaminated areas are small, the incremental cost and risk from
contaminated soil are small – essentially insignificant – compared to those associated with
raffinate sludge and other sources.
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FIGURE C-5. Uranium-238 Subsurface (1.0 to 2.0 feet)
TABLE C-2. Potential Annual Individual Doses to a Farmer and Excavation Cost for
Various Concentrations of U-238 in Soil
Concentration Level
(pCi U-238/g soil)
Potential Annual
Dose to Farmer
(mrem/y)
Excavation Soil
Volume (m3)
Cost of Excavation/
disposal
(x $1,000)
190+a 42 0 0
120 25 (present) --
20b(@ 400 y) 8,100 580
60 12 (present) --
6.7b(@ 800 y) 20,000 1,400
30 6.7 (present) --
1.5b(@ 10,000 y) 28,000 2,000
15 0.38b(@ 10,000 y) 42,000 3,000
a. Average concentration of U-238/g soil for a hypothetical farm located in the surface (6") soil
at the Ash Pond area – one of the more contaminated areas. Thickness is 6 inches.
b. With backfill (provides indicated delay time: 6" soil -> 400 y; 12" soil -> 800 y; 24"soil ->
10,000+y). It is assumed that when contaminated soil is excavated, the soil will be replaced
with uncontaminated backfill.
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TABLE C-3. Estimated Risks* for Individual Hypothetical Receptorsa Associated
with Target Cleanup Criteria and ALARA Goals
Radionuclide
Criterion
Soil Concentrationb
(pCi/g)
Recreational
Visitor (risk)
Ranger
(risk)
Resident
(risk)
Ra-226c
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
5.0 E-5
4.0 E-5
9.0 E-6
8.0 E-4
6.0 E-4
2.0 E-4
2.0 E-2
8.0 E-3
2.0 E-3
Ra-228
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
2.0 E-5
1.0 E-5
3.0 E-6
2.0 E-4
2.0 E-4
5.0 E-5
1.0 E-3
8.0 E-4
2.0 E-4
Th-230
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
3.0 E-7
2.0 E-7
6.0 E-8
4.0 E-4
3.0 E-4
8.0 E-5
8.0 E-6
6.0 E-6
2.0 E-6
Th-232
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
2.0 E-6
1.0 E-6
3.0 E-7
2.0 E-4
2.0 E-4
4.0 E-5
4.0 E-5
3.0 E-5
7.0 E-6
U-238
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
120
30
1.2
2.0 E-5
4.0 E-6
2.0 E-7
2.0 E-4
5.0 E-5
3.0 E-6
5.0 E-4
1.0 E-4
8.0 E-6
*Lifetime risks based on exposure assumptions in Table C-5.
a. The values in this table are for selected scenarios and locations and would not be applicable for the site as a whole.
b. Cleanup and ALARA values include background. For Ra and Th, the sub-surface concentration commitment,
including background, is 16.2 pCi/g.
c. Risk for Ra-226 includes contributions for Rn-222, and Pb-210; the risk from U-238 includes contributions from U-
Section 132
235, Pr-231, and Ac-227.
Selection of Treatment
Having selected the soil cleanup levels, a decision needed to be made on the disposition of the
contaminated soil. Potential applicable technologies for treating the contaminated residues (soil
and debris) were identified, evaluated, and incorporated into seven preliminary alternatives and
several variations including in-situ and removal containment, treatment, stabilization, and
vitrification. These alternatives were screened on the basis of the nine criteria in the NCP:
• Overall protection of human health and the environment;
• Compliance with ARARs;
• Long term effectiveness and performance;
• Reduction of contaminant toxicity, mobility, or volume through treatment;
• Short-term effectiveness;
• Implementability;
• Cost; and
• State and community acceptance.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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TABLE C-4. Estimated Lifetime Doses* for Individual Hypothetical Receptors Associated
with Target Cleanup Criteria and ALARA Goals
Radionuclide/
Criterion
Soil Concentrationb
pCi/g
Recreational Visitor
(mrem)
Ranger
(mrem)
Resident
(mrem)
Ra-226c
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
8.0 E+1
7.0 E+1
1.5 E+1
1.3 E+3
1.0 E+3
3.0 E+2
3.0 E+4
1.3 E+4
3.0 E+3
Ra-228
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
3.0 E+1
1.7 E+1
5.0 E+0
3.0 E+2
3.0 E+2
8.0 E+1
1.7 E+3
1.3 E+3
3.0 E+2
Th-230
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
5.0 E-1
3.0 E-1
1.0 E+0
7.0 E+2
5.0 E+2
1.3 E+2
1.3 E+1
1.0 E+1
3.0 E+0
Th-232
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
6.2
5.0
1.2
3.0 E+0
1.7 E+0
5.0 E-1
3.0 E+2
3.0 E+2
7.0 E+1
7.0 E+1
5.0 E+1
1.2 E+1
U-238
Cleanup target
ALARA goal
Background
120
30
1.2
3.0 E+1
7.0 E+0
3.0 E-1
3.0 E+2
8.0 E+1
5.0 E+0
8.0 E+2
1.7 E+2
1.3 E+1
* Total dose to individual over a lifetime based on exposure assumptions in Table C-5.
a. The values in this table are for selected scenarios and locations and would not be applicable for the
site as a whole.
b. Cleanup and ALARA values include background. For Ra and Th, the sub-surface concentration
commitment, including background, is 16.2 pCi/g.
c. Doses for Ra-226 includes contributions for Rn-222, and Pb-210; the dose from U-238 includes
contributions from U-235, Pr-231, and Ac-227.
The final alternatives subject to detailed evaluation were:
• Alternative No.1: No action;
• Alternative No.2: Removal, chemical stabilization/solidification, and disposal on-site;
• Alternative No.3: Removal, vitrification, and disposal on-site;
• Alternative No.4: Removal, vitrification, and disposal at the Envirocare facility (Utah);
and
• Alternative No.5: Removal, vitrification, and disposal at the Hanford (Washington)
facility.
The “No-action” alternative assumes:
• The bulk waste excavated from the quarry would be in short-term storage;
• The water treatment plants at the quarry and the chemical plant area would be
operational;
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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• The building and other structures would be dismantled, and the resulting material
would be in short-term storage; and
• The containerized chemicals would be in storage.
Contaminated soil, sludge, and sediment would remain, with continued potential for release.
DOE site ownership, access restrictions, and monitoring would continue into the foreseeable
future. Annual costs to maintain the site under the “no action” alternative were estimated to be
$1.2M for 10 years operation and 30 years maintenance, with increases likely to address
contamination that might be released in the absence of further source control or mitigation
control measures. The total costs of the other alternatives are presented in Table C-5.
Section 133
TABLE C-5. Comparative Costs for Removal, Treatment, and Disposal Activities for the Chemical Planta
Alternative Activity
No. 1 Cost
(x $1M)
No. 2 Cost
(x $1M)
No. 3 Cost
(x $1M)
No. 4 Cost
(x $1M)
No. 5 Cost
(x $1M)
Removal 26.8 24.0 26.5 26.3 26.3
Treatment -- 30.0 64.4 64.0 64.0
Transport and Disposal -- 55.7 44.7 214 143
Other -- 47.2 46.8 46.5 70.4
Total 26.8 157 182 351 304
a. The incremental cost of removal, treatment, and disposal of the soil is a relatively insignificant component,
compared to the total cost of remediation.
Potential Exposures
The hypothetical receptors (exposure location, mode, time, frequency, and duration) were
identified to characterize potential individual doses. These are presented in Table C-6. Nearby
communities were assumed to be exposed during the remedial action period (7 years exposure)
but not exposed otherwise.
The Busch and Weldon Spring wildlife areas were anticipated to have as many as 2 million
recreational visitors annually by 1994 and about 7,000 troops train (mostly on weekends) in the
area annually. A small fraction (~0.015) of the total wildlife area is occupied by the Chemical
Plant and only about 20% of the site surface soil is sufficiently contaminated to require
remediation (i.e., >30 pCi/g soil). The annual number of recreational visitors in the remediated
area is likely to be less than 6,000 persons if the area were to be used for that purpose. Exposure
modes evaluated were direct (external) exposure to gamma radiation; dermal contact; ingestion
of surface and ground waters; ingestion of flora and fauna; direct contact with the water; and
inhalation of dust and gases.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
C-14
TABLE C-6. Baseline Calculated Doses (EDE) to Individual Receptors from
Various Exposure Pathways (Lifetime dose associated with scenario)
Receptora Pathway
Worker
(mrem)
Trespasser
(mrem)
Recreational Visitorb
(mrem)
Site soilc: external gamma;
ingestion
46
94
0.14
0.78
6.8
14
Near-site soilc: external gamma;
ingestion
-- -- 0 to 510
0.55 to 67
Raffinate Pit: water ingestion;
sludgec ingest
--
--
13
250
160
4,600
Off-site surface water: ingestion;
sludgec ingest.
--
--
--
--
8 to 18
4.4 to 340
Site aerosols: inhalation 31 0.15 4.5
Building 403: external gamma;
inhalation;
ingestion
-- --
51
--
1,700
a. Exposure time, frequency, and duration differ among receptor scenarios.
b. Visitor evaluated for uncontrolled access.
c. Ingestion of sludge and soil is incidental.
The potential doses to hypothetical receptors at various locations and from various pathways are
presented in Table C-7 and Table C-8, respectively. Recall that the each type of receptor is
assumed to be subjected to typical exposure conditions. Individual, but not collective, doses also
were projected for the period after remediation. Since it is likely that the remediated site will
again be used for recreational purposes, the collective dose to this group is of interest. The
“recreational visitor” receptor was assumed to visit the site 20 times per year over a 30-year
period for a total of 600 visits. The recreational visitor receptor was estimated to receive a total
of D mrem over the 30-year period. Thus, the postulated 6,000 recreational visitors per year
would be the equivalent of 6,000 visitor-days/y x 20 days/y per receptor x Drec mrem/30 y = 10 x
Drec person-mrem annually. Similarly, one can postulate that the remediated site could be used
for farming, in which case, the annual collective dose could be 40 (remediated) acres/10-acre per
farm x 4 persons per farm x Dfarm mrem/ 30 years = 0.5xDfarm person-rem annually. The annual
collective dose for residents living on the remediated site can be estimated by 40 acres/0.3 acres
per residence x 4 persons/residence x Dres mrem/30y = 2 x Dres person-mrem/y, where D is the
median integral dose per receptor and the subscripts indicate the type of receptor.
Section 134
TABLE C-7. Potential Individual Lifetime Doses to Various Receptors on Site (After Remediation)
Receptor
Pathway
Recreational Visitor (mrem)
Ranger
(mrem)
Resident
(mrem)
Farmer
(mrem)
External gamma 7 (70 to 10,00)a
80
(0 to 10,000)
330
50
Inhalation 83 (830 to 17,000)
830
(1 to 130,000)
33
17,000
Ingestion of soil 10 --
150
(1 to 5,000)
17
670+1,200b
Total dose 100 (1,000 to 17,000)
1,160
(2 to 130,000)
380
17,000
a. Dose ranges are indicated in (), single value is median of range.
b. Dose from eating locally grown food.
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TABLE C-8. Summary of Potential Doses and Costs for the Disposal Alternatives
Receptor Baseline (6a) (7a) (7b) (7c)
Dose to member of public
on/near site, (mrema/y)
Baseln 1700
Mod.150,000
Env. 500
4.0 E-3 to 2.0
E-1
6.0 E-3 to 3.0
E-1
0.4 0.4
Collective dose,b worker
(person-rem)
-- 150 260
--
260
4.4
260
5.8
Collective dose,c
public-50mi
(person-rem)
-- 34 32 4.4 5.8
Cost of alternative
(x $1M)
-- 157 182 351 304
Total costd incl.coll.dose
(x $1M)
-- 157.2 182.3 351.3 304.3
dCost/dDosee
($/person-rem)
-- 25/2= 13M 47/1.4=34M 122/26=5M
a. Dose estimates are from inhalation the entire exposure period (10 to 30 years). Baseline (baseln) dose is to recreational
visitor, modified (mod.) site configuration dose is to farmer, environment (env.) dose is from soil near the site and Rn-222
daughters.
b. (1 WLM = 1 rem).
c. Number of workers: 200 offices; 80 for 6a; 110 for 7a; 160 for 7b and 7c.
d. Number of receptors: 0 to 3 miles = 10,700 persons; 0 to 50 miles = 3 x 106 persons.
e. Total cost includes $1,000/person-rem for workers and for public collective dose.
These collective doses could be too high if they are based on the dose estimates for the MEI
because the contaminated areas are small compared to the rest of the site and hiking trails and
other target areas are not in the contaminated area. The same is true for the farm scenario. In
both cases, site- and location-specific evaluations would be needed. Following soil cleanup to 5
pCi/g for Ra-226, Ra-228, Th-230, and Th-232 and 30 pCi/g for U-238, the estimated median
risk (and assuming 6.0 E-7 x dose [mrem] = risk) to the onsite resident would be 8.0 E-6 (13
mrem) and a maximum of 6.0 E-3 (1.0 E+4 mrem). The minimum dose could be zero. The
estimated risk for a recreational visitor is 7.0 E-6 (12 mrem), and for a ranger the maximum risk
is 2.0 E-4 (300 mrem) and the median is 2.0 E-5 (30 mrem).] Again, the minimum dose could be
zero. Four water treatment plants are located within 86 km (50 miles) and they supply water to
about 2 million persons who are assumed to ingest 820 million liters/y. The annual consumption
of local fish is assumed to be 116,000 kg.
Results of Analyses
Based on the results of the analyses, final Alternative 2 – Removal, chemical stabilization/
solidification, and disposal on-site, was selected as the proposed action. Under this alternative,
material would be removed from the contaminated areas and treated as appropriate; material with
the highest contamination would be stabilized chemically and stored in an on-site disposal cell
designed to retain its integrity for at least 200 and up to 1,000 years. The cell would be
monitored and maintained for the long term. Because this alternative would meet the nine
criteria stated in the NCP, it was selected for the proposed remedial action on the basis that it is
the least costly of the acceptable options evaluated.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
Section 135
C-16
With respect to guidance on ALARA, the ICRP in Publication 26 (1977) recommends managing
doses as low as reasonably achievable within the dose limits appropriate for the exposed
individuals. When exposure of the public is involved, the appropriate dose limit is 100 mrem
(1.0 mSv) in a year from all sources. To ensure that the total dose from DOE and non-DOE
sources is within the limit, DOE has established a dose constraint for DOE only sources of 25
mrem (0.25 mSv) in a year. When selecting cleanup levels for soil the EPA “target range” for
acceptable risk was also considered. The upper limit for the range, 1.0 E-4 serious health effects
per person, was used with the EPA risk coefficient of 6.0 E-7 per person mrem. Given that an
individual might be exposed for a period from 10 to 30 years suggests that annual doses less than
20 mrem (0.2 mSv) in a year would be in the target range and would be below the DOE dose
constraint. Further, the collective doses were sufficiently low that their inclusion in a cost
benefit analysis was not necessary. Notice that the total costs (including collective doses
evaluated at $2,000 per person rem) for all options were essentially the same as the cost without
the collective dose consideration when data were presented within two significant figures.
3. The Quarry
The quarry at Weldon Spring is located in the southern part of the site about one mile (1.6 km)
from the Missouri River and about 14.5 miles (23 km) from the Mississippi River. Drainage
from the quarry to the Missouri River is through the Femme Osage Creek. The quarry covers
about 9 acres, is about 300 m long, has a floor of about 2 acres, and holds about 11,000 m3 of
water when full. It has an average depth of 6.1 m. Drainage to the quarry is from direct
precipitation or subsurface flow only. Drainage from the quarry is to the ground water.
The average concentration of uranium in the quarry pond is about 2,300 pCi/L, which exceeds
the DOE criteria for triggering Best Available Technology considerations of 550 pCi/L for
discharge to uncontrolled areas derived per discharge requirements of DOE Order 5400.5. The
sources of mixed-waste contamination of the quarry water are stated in the “Background”
section.
Alternative Remedial Actions
The general technologies were screened, and the following preliminary alternatives
were identified for further evaluation:
• Alternative 1: No action;
• Alternative 2: Access restrictions, for example, improvement of existing controls;
• Alternative 3: Access restrictions with in-situ containment, such as using a grout system;
• Alternative 4: Access restrictions; pumping and treatment, with temporary storage of
process wastes at the quarry; and discharge of the treated water to Femme Osage Creek;
• Alternative 5: Access restrictions; pumping and treatment, with temporary storage of
process wastes at the quarry; and discharge of the treated water to Missouri River; and
• Alternative 6: Access restrictions; pumping and treatment, with temporary storage of
process wastes at the quarry; and discharge of the treated water on land at the quarry,
through spray irrigation or evaporation pond.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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Following initial evaluations, Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 were rejected because there was
considerable uncertainty regarding the ability to provide protection of the public and
environment over the long term. Potential contamination of the ground water was an important
consideration. Alternatives 4, 5, and 6 were subject to further detailed evaluation. The
contaminated water could be treated to attain a concentration of less than 550 pCi/L (derived for
total uranium) by the following conventional processes:
Section 136
• Alternative A: Chemical (lime) addition; granular media filtration; and adsorption onto
both activated alumina and granular activated carbon;
• Alternative B: Adding an ion-exchange process could reliably attain 100 pCi/L; and
• Alternative C: A vapor recompression/distillation system could be used, rather than the
multi-stage treatment process, to reliably attain a concentration of 30 pCi/L. (This option
was eliminated due to an ALARA analysis.)
Treatment System Costs and Doses
Table C-9 presents a summary of the costs and doses for the three alternative system designs for
treating the quarry water. DOE Order 5400.5 requires that discharges of contaminated liquid to
surface waters be managed such that the concentration being discharged does not exceed the
derived concentration guide (DCG) values prior to dilution, that is, 550 pCi/L (derived for total
uranium). Alternative A will meet this requirement operating at about one-third of capacity.
The “design safety factor” of the plant is 2.5 and would compensate primarily for increased
flows: (1) the potential for large temporary increases in storm runoff; (2) uncertainty with respect
to groundwater inflow over time; and (3) the capacity for follow-on surface water/ground water
treatment, if necessary. (Note: The documentation does not make it clear why the ion-exchange
is necessary given the design safety factor built into the initial system that – if fully used – might
reduce the concentrations to about 100pCi/L without the ion-exchange. It is also not clear why
the design safety factor is needed for concentrations higher and lower than the design
concentration. Ideally the documentation could more fully discuss the basis for adding the
process.)
If the impact on the environment is acceptable, the discharge concentration constraint, that is, a
concentration less than DCG, can be satisfied by simply diluting the untreated quarry water with
river water at a ratio of 4 parts river water to 1 part quarry water prior to release and dilution in
the natural waterway. This has been added to the other options in Table C-9 and constitutes the
base case. While dilution might not be an attractive alternative philosophically, it could be
attractive from the economic point of view and should be presented to clearly define alternatives
and illustrate costs and benefits.
Chemical Plant
Consideration of candidate clean-up guidance for the Weldon Spring site started with
consideration of ARARs for Ra and Th and then evaluated several increments of risk values for
concentrations of U-238, Ra, and Th in soil. Rather than starting with the EPA risk value of 10-4
to derive the soil cleanup concentration, the evaluation might have been done for several more
incremental values than those presented in Table C-3 and the appropriate individual and
collective doses calculated for each. The total cost, including collective dose monetary
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
C-18
equivalents, might then indicate the optimum alternative, that is, the option with the minimum
total cost, where benefits are expressed as negative costs. Notice, in Table C-2, that the dose for
a concentration of 190 pCi U-238/gm of soil is 42 mrem (0.42 mSv) in a year for the resident
farmer scenario and lower still for the other scenarios. These doses are well below the 100
mrem-annual dose limit for members of the public and most are within the 30 mrem (0.30 mSv)
in a year DOE dose constraint – and that is with no excavation. However, the contributions from
Ra and Th must also be considered. The table also indicates how the cost for excavation is
related to the soil concentrations. Similarly, the ALARA concentrations for the other nuclides in
soil were not chosen based on cost-analysis information. In other words, for our ideal case, the
ALARA levels for soil cleanup were selected too early in the process. They should have been
selected only after more complete analyses of doses and costs were available. The summary
used in this example is based on incomplete information.
Section 137
TABLE C-9. Summary of Cost and Dose Information on the
Alternative Treatment Systems for Quarry Water
Alternative treatment
system
Uranium in
effluent
(pCi/L)
System cost
($M)
Collective
public dose
(person-rem)
dCost/dDose
($/person-rem)
No treatment (base) 2,300 b 35 base case
No. A
Chemical/filter/adsorp.
550a 1.27 8.25 1,270K
------ = 47K
26.75
No. B
above + ion exchange
100 1.44 1.5 170K
----- = 25K
6.75
No. C
Vapor recompression/
distillation
30 2.15 0.5 710K
----- = 710K
1.0
a. Assumes operation of the facility 100 days per year for 10 years.
b. Assumes that untreated quarry water could be released directly to the Femme Osage Creek or to the Missouri
River after diluting it by about 4:1 with river water. There would be some cost for the pumping station, but it
would be small compared to the water treatment station.
Quarry Water Treatment
The concentration of uranium in the quarry water is about 2300 pCi/L. Discharge of the quarry
water without treatment could result in an estimated dose to the MEI and collective dose to the
population of about 1.8 mrem (0.018 mSv) and 35 person-rem respectively, after 10 years of
operation. DOE Order 5400.5 contains a requirement (Chapter II, Section 3.a.1) that liquid
effluent cannot be discharged to a surface waterway if the concentration at the point of discharge
exceeds the DCG value (550 pCi/L) without being treated by the best available technology.
However, discharging at 500 pCi/L, the dose to the MEI from ingestion of water and local fish
would be about 0.0014 mrem (1.4 E-5 mSv) in a year (a very small fraction of the 100 mrem (1.0
mSv) per year dose limit or the 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) in a year dose constraint for DOE only
sources). With Alternative A, the concentration will be reduced to less than 550 pCi/L, for
example, 500 pCi/L, (the system would have a design safety factor of about 3), and
consequently, discharge of effluent from the basic water treatment system could be permitted by
DOE Order 5400.5. It appears feasible to attain this same discharge concentration at a lesser cost
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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by accounting for dilution of the untreated quarry with river water. Assuming that the effluent
from the quarry with alternative treatment system A is 500 pCi/L, the dose to the maximally
exposed individual and the collective dose to the population would be about 0.014 mrem (1.4 E-
4 mSv) and 7.5 person-rem respectively after the 10 year operation of the facility. The cost of
reducing the collective dose would be about $47K/person-rem if the Alternative A treatment
system waswere used. However, this alternative would likely not have been acceptable to EPA
or the State of Missouri.
Treatment Alternative B for the quarry water was selected because the incremental cost ($170K)
was judged to be modest compared to the cost of the conventional system ($1.27M) and the
monetary equivalent per unit of collective dose ($64,000/person-rem), although greater than the
$1,000 to $6,000/person-rem range, was judged to be acceptable. Nevertheless, in view of the
low potential individual dose and collective dose, the ion-exchange unit cannot be justified on
health considerations. Because the cost greatly exceeds that justified by health detriment
considerations, it is another example of the non-health detriment, that is, societal factors –
usually referred to as the beta factor.
Discharge Mode
Section 138
Another consideration was whether to discharge the effluent to the Femme Osage Creek or to the
Missouri River. Using treatment system Alternative A or B, the calculated annual dose to the
MEI and annual collective dose to the exposed population from ingesting water containing 7.0 E-
4 pCi/L of uranium from the Missouri River would be about 7.7 E-5 mrem (7.7 E-7 mSv) per
year and 0.15 person-rem/y, respectively for the 10 years of operation. Ingestion of fish,
assumed to be caught in an area where the concentration is 100 times greater, would result in a
dose commitment of 2.0 E-4 mrem (2.0 E-6 mSv) per year. The collective dose from fish
consumption would be about 4.4 E-5 person-rem/y. The collective dose to the population from
operation of the quarry treatment system over a period of 10 years is about 1.5 person-rem
(population risk about 9.0 E-4). The advantage of piping the quarry effluent to the Missouri
River, rather than to the Femme Osage Creek is that it eliminates the possible accidental
inadvertent drinking of the water by persons passing through the area. It also would reduce the
need for monitoring the effluent en route to the ultimate discharge point. However, in the
unlikely event that a hiker or hunter was to drink 1 liter of the untreated and undiluted effluent
from the Femme Osage Creek, the dose commitment to the individual would be only about 0.03
mrem (3.0 E-4 mSv). Therefore, the cost of construction of the one mile (1.6 km) of piping to
the Missouri River, that is $106K, to avoid that potential occasional dose to individuals, is not
justified on the basis of health consideration.
Some decisions at this site were based on the total detriment (that is, including non-health
considerations) and the site analysts did not believe that many of the adopted features were
justified through cost-benefit considerations. However, in coordinating with the State of
Missouri and to some degree EPA (Region VII) it was determined that the choices were
necessary in order to receive the support of the agencies – that was critical for the success of the
project. This is an example of the non-health (ß) factor. These considerations should be
documented in the ALARA records. Recording this additional information would help DOE
track all factors – including the assumed scenarios incorporated in the cleanup decisions.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
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References
Avci, H.I.; Biwer, B.M.; Blunt, D.L. 1992. Off-Site Population Radiological Dose and Risk
Assessment for Potential Airborne Emissions from the Weldon Spring Site; prepared by
Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Assessment and Information Sciences
Division, Argonne, IL, for U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Field Office, Weldon
Spring Site Remedial Action Project; Weldon Spring, MO.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy), 1990. Radiation Protection of the Public and the
Environment. DOE Order 5400.5, Washington DC.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy). 1992. Baseline Assessment for the Chemical Plant Area of
the Weldon Spring Site; RI/FS-EIS-0185D Baseline Assessment: DOE/OR/21548-091;
prepared by Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Assessment and Information
Sciences Division, Argonne, IL, for U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Field Office,
Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project; Weldon Spring, MO.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy). November 1992. Feasibility Study for Remedial Action at
Section 139
the Chemical Plant Area of the Weldon Spring Site; DOE/EIS-0185D, Feasibility Study:
DOE/OR/21548-148, Vols. I-II; prepared by Argonne National Laboratory,
Environmental Assessment and Information Sciences Division, Argonne, IL, for U.S.
Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Field Office, Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action
Project; Weldon Spring, MO.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy). November 1992. Remedial Investigation for the Chemical
Plant Area of the Weldon Spring Site; DOE/EIS-0185D, DOE/OR/21548-074, Vol. I:
Remedial Investigation; prepared by MK-Ferguson Company and Jacobs Engineering
Group, Inc., Weldon Spring, MO, for U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Field
Office, Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project; Weldon Spring, MO.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy). November 1992. Addendum to the Remedial Investigation
for the Chemical Plant Area of the Weldon Spring Site; DOE/EIS-0185D,
DOE/OR/21548-272, Vol. II: Addendum.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy). November 1992. Proposed Plan for Remedial Action at the
Chemical Plant Area of the Weldon Spring Site; RI/FS-EIS-0185D, Proposed Plan:
DOE/OR/21548-160; prepared by Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental
Assessment and Information Sciences Division, Argonne, IL, for U.S. Department of
Energy, Oak Ridge Field Office, Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project; Weldon
Spring, MO.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy). December 1991. Potential Radium-226 and Thorium
Remedial Action Standards for the Weldon Spring Site; DOE/OR/21548-247, Rev. A.
Oak Ridge Field Office, Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project. Weldon Spring,
MO.
EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Title 40 CFR Part 192, Health and
Environmental Protection Standards for Uranium and Thorium Mill Tailings.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
C-21
EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1989a. Risk Assessment s Methodology,
Environmental Impact Statement, NESHAPs for Radionuclides, Background Information,
Vol. 1. EPA/520/1-89/005. Washington DC.
EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1989b. Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund;
EPA/540/1-89/005. Washington, DC.
ICRP Publication 26, 1977. Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological
Protection. Didcot, Oxon, England.
MacDonell, M.M., J.M., I.E. Joya. January 1989. Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for the
Proposed Management of Contaminated Water in the Weldon Spring Quarry; RI/FS-EIS-
0185D, DOE/OR/21548-039; Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-1
APPENDIX D.
CLEANUP OF CONTAMINATED SOILS AT THE NEVADA TEST SITE
This case study used the report Cost/Risk Benefit Analysis of Alternative Cleanup Requirements
for Plutonium-Contaminated Soils on and near the Nevada Test Site (DOE/NV-399, 1995) as its
basis and includes a brief summary of the findings of the report. This case study demonstrates
the value of the output of the ALARA process with respect to decision-making.
The case study looks at cost and risk (to members of the public, workers, and biota). The
impacts of the EPA cleanup criteria on the population risks and cost are discussed and evaluated.
The overall summary for this case study is that the remediation activities being considered would
be very costly and would avoid little public risk.
Background
Section 140
EPA has published several documents related to cleanup of Federal facilities contaminated with
radioactive material. These include issues papers and radiation site cleanup regulations. For
NTS and adjacent areas, EPA considered a two-tiered cleanup criteria for remediating the
plutonium contaminated areas: (1) areas to be released without control, cleanup areas until the
projected dose from residual Pu is 15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year above background to the
reasonably maximally exposed individual(s) (RME) for 1,000 years after cleanup without active
control measures; and (2) where active controls are in place, cleanup the areas until the projected
dose from residual Pu is 75 mrem (0.75 mSv) per yr above background to the RME. DOE
undertook a cost-benefit analysis to better understand the issues and evaluate a range of
alternative cleanup levels.
Figure D-1 shows the location of the NTS and nearby areas (totaling about 6,000 square miles).
There are several locations within the areas where measurable depositions of plutonium (Pu) are
located from atmospheric explosions and safety tests.
Figure D-2 indicates the isopleths of depositions in excess of 10 pCi/g. The total area within the
isopleths is about 37,000 hectares (50 square miles). Areas with various contamination levels at
one of the typical locations are shown in Figure D-3. A summary of the areas in NTS
contaminated at specified contamination levels is presented in Table D-1. Contamination in
areas near the NTS are presented in Table D-2. The variation of concentration with depth is
assumed to be described by an exponential function. Uncertainties in the estimated relationship
between surface concentrations and areas within isopleths were estimated. Table D-3 and Table
D-4 present factors used in projections and the results. The estimates are characterized as
“realistic,” “optimistic,” and “pessimistic” projections.
Cost
Cost elements included consideration of excavation, area and volume of soil remediated, cost of
processing soil and no processing, remediation strategy selection (volume reduction, disposal
location) construction of facilities, site locations, transportation (building roads, hauling
distances), surveys, and re-vegetation. Fixed cost components and estimates and area driven
activities and cost are presented in Table D-5 and Table D-6, respectively.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-2
Risk
Members of the Public
Radiological risks to individuals and to the population, remediation workers and the public, who
may inhabit portions of the NTS in the future, were estimated. The estimates were based on
alternative exposure scenarios affecting intake of Pu from soil by inhalation and ingestion (land
use and exposure pathways); predictions of Pu concentrations in indoor and outdoor air, dust,
and soil; population and its distribution; and conversions of intake to risk. Scenarios considered
include land use for residential, commercial/industrial, and agricultural/ranching. Pathway
exposure factors for inhalation and ingestion were rationalized and applied. The exposure
duration was based on U.S. Bureau of the Census (1991) findings that the mean residence time is
10 years, with 5 and 95 percentiles of 0.4 and 36 years. For farm/rural locations, the mean
residence time is about 20 years. For industrial workers, the mean time at a location was
assumed to be 6 years, with a standard deviation of 1.74. Population densities were taken to
range from that of the current least and most populated counties in Nevada, being limited by
water availability. The risk coefficients used in this study were not substantially different from
that recommended in this document, that is, 400 to 500 fatal health effects per million person-
rem, despite the different bases for their selection.
Section 141
Workers
The factors used for exposure to risk conversion are based on a combination of ICRP
(Publication 67), EPA, and other sources. Non-nuclear accidents were also evaluated for the
worker activities supporting the remediation. Results of the risk evaluation indicated that the
risk to workers from traffic accidents would be an order of magnitude greater than those from
industrial activities (operation of heavy equipment) and two orders of magnitude greater than
that from radiological considerations.
Biota
Risks of remediation activities, that is, mechanical disturbances and scraping, on the NTS
environs would be substantial for plants, animals, and micro-organisms important in the nutrient
cycle over the total area of about 17,000 to 220,000 hectares that might require scraping and
removal of the surface layers and adjacent areas. Restoration of a vegetation cover could require
a long time interval, such as 100 years, if it can be done at all. Revegetation was estimated to
cost about $40,000 per hectare. The study indicates that there has been little impact of the Pu
contamination on the biota without remediation and that remediation can have devastating
impacts that may be irreversible.
Impact of the EPA Cleanup Criteria
Population Risks
Figure D-4 illustrates the main components of the integration model used to estimate costs, risks,
and benefits. Considering the provisions for active controls for (smaller) areas of higher
concentration and release for unrestricted use for those (larger) areas, the strategy that minimizes
the remediation necessary is shown in Figure D-5. However, the EPA paper defined the RME as
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-3
the exposure dose at the 95% percentile. Figure D-6 illustrates the applicable exposure
distribution. To reduce the likelihood that future remediation would be necessary, a safety
margin of 10% was also considered desirable.
Individual risk was estimated for a location where the Pu concentration is as high as permitted by
the suggested standard, that is, RME results in a dose of 75 mrem (0.75 mSv) per year (about
844 pCi/g). The risk is about 7 x 10-5. Consequences of the population exposures were
estimated using various discount rates and for a finite exposure duration of 1,000 years. Both
approaches are acceptable cost-benefit methods.
Figure D-6 shows the “expected” risk over all time is about 100 (or less) fatal cancers for a wide
range of alternative concentration limits. The risk is not strongly dependent on the cleanup
concentration levels because much of the risk is due to the 10 pCi/g area. Similar risk values are
obtained for alternative annual dose limits. Although not consistent with the recommendations
in Section 6.5 of this document, the risks averted due to various cleanup levels at this site were
integrated over more than 100,000 years. There is almost a three-orders of magnitude spread
between the + 90% confidence bounds.
Costs
Two components of costs were identified: (1) fixed costs (that are independent of the cleanup
levels) and (2) variable costs (that are dependent on the cleanup levels). The fixed component
includes the cost of building and maintaining roads and other support functions. The variable
component is strongly dependent on the volume of soil that requires excavation and the location
of the disposal site. Total expected and + 90% confidence bounds of the cost are presented in
Figure D-7 as a function of Pu concentration in soil [also note that 169 pCi/g is associated with
15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year].
Section 142
Worker Risk
The risk to workers from the remediation is almost entirely due to industrial accidents from
operating heavy equipment (non-radiological). Even so, the total risk to workers is less than one
fatality.
Summary of Results
Figure D-8 presents an “influence diagram” that indicates how the various decisions and factors
considered in the remediation activity are interrelated. Table D-7 provides a summary of the key
results of the study.
Inferred Cost to Avert a Projected Cancer
The data may be interpreted as inferring a value of life or, more appropriately, cost for
preventing a hypothetical cancer, that is, the value that is placed on a fatality (cancer) to justify
the various cleanup criteria. The cost for a member of the public would vary from about $200M
to about $10M for 10 pCi/g to 1000 pCi/g and in this particular case, essentially independent of
the cost of protecting a worker life.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-4
The graphic effect of discounting is demonstrated in Figure D-9, which presents the inferred cost
of protection for various dose limits and 0%, 1%, and 5% discount rates. The values range from
about $7M for the 100 mrem (1.0 mSv) per year level with no discounting to almost $40 Trillion
for 10 mrem (0.10 mSv) per year with a 5% discount rate. If the effects are limited to 1,000
years, the value of public life needed to justify the remediation is $240M for a 75 mrem (0.75
mSv) per year cleanup level, $390M for a 15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year level, and $970M for a 5
mrem (0.05 mSv) per year level. Considering the effects of uncertainties, the study concluded
that if the cleanup level were to be set at 75 mrem (0.75 mSv) per year, or less, it would be very
worthwhile to more definitively and precisely determine the contamination distribution, the cost
of excavation and disposal, and the cost of public health protection.
Conclusions
The data indicates that the contemplated remediation efforts would be very costly and would
avoid little public risk. There is little incentive to undertake the remediation in the near future,
there being no need for commercial development or public housing at this time. Cleanup criteria
based on dose rate, rather than soil concentration, permits more flexibility.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-5
FIGURE D-1. Location of the Nevada Test Site
Es
m
er
ald
a
Co
un
ty
Ny
e
Co
un
ty
Tonopah
Nevada
Nellis
Air Force
Range
118° 114°
41°
39°
37°
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-6
Frenenman
Flat
Schooner
Palanquin and
Cabriolet
20
Little
Feller I
Danny Boy
18
19 12
17
Little
Feller II
15
8
10
9
7
Yucca
Flat
Buggy
30 16
14
29
3
Plutonium
Valley
6 11
26
GMX
Frenchman
Flat
25 27 5
23
SCALE 22
0 8
0 12
16 Miles LEGEND
24 Kilometers
Nevada Test Site Boundary
Area boundary
FIGURE D-2. Sites of Plutonium Contamination Exceeding 10 pCi/g at the Nevada Test Site
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-7
LEGEND
Measurement location
Area Between Given Isopleths
SCALE
0 2,000
4,000 Feet
Greater than 10,000 pCi/g
7,500 - 10,000 pCi/g
5,000 - 7,500 pCi/g
2,500 - 5,000 pCi/g
1,000 - 2,500 pCi/g
400 - 1000 pCi/g
200 - 400 pCi/g
150 - 200 pCi/g
100 - 150 pCi/g
40 - 100 pCi/g
10 - 40 pCi/g
1.0 hectares
3.0 hectares
2.0 hectares
5.0 hectares
17.0 hectares
48.6 hectares
41.0 hectares
20.6 hectares
34.2 hectares
111.4 hectares
197.7 hectares
0 600 1,200 Meters Note: Dotted isopleths indicate
areas of high uncertainty
FIGURE D-3. Approximate Areas of Plutonium Contamination – Little Feller I and II Sites
Section 143
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-8
TABLE D-1. Estimated Areas (in Hectares) Exceeding Specified
Concentrations of Plutonium on the Nevada Test Site
Site
Pu Concentration (pCi/g)
>10,000 >7,500 >5,000 >2,500 >1,000 >400 >200 >150 >100 >40 >10
Yucca Flat 4 11 19 29 73 230 470 730 1,600 7,800 26,000
Schooner 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 35 77 230
Palanquin/Cabriolet 0 1 3 8 18 30 68 83 120 220 580
Little Feller I & II 1 4 6 11 28 77 120 140 170 280 480
Danny Boy 0 0 0 1 2 5 10 13 17 29 51
Buggy 0 0 0 <1 5 14 19 22 25 35 51
Plutonium Valley 0 0 0 <1 13 28 73 110 210 580 820
GMX 0 0 0 <1 1 2 3 4 6 16 82
Frenchman Flat 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 16 91
Total 5 16 28 49 140 400 760 1,100 2,200 9,100 28,000
TABLE D-2. Estimated Areas (in Hectares) Exceeding Specified
Concentrations of Plutonium Near the Nevada Test Site
Site Pu Concentration (pCi/g)
>10,000 >7,500 >5,000 >2,500 >1,000 >400 >200 >150 >100 >40 >10
Clean Slate 1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 6 8 15 81 690
Clean Slate 2 <1 <1 <1 <1 4 17 26 39 77 170 280
Clean Slate 3 <1 <1 <1 <1 4 17 49 57 79 180 470
Double
Tracks
<1 <1 <1 <1 1 1 3 4 7 8 11
Area 13 1 2 4 7 18 40 67 82 130 260 370
Smallboy
Plume
0 0 0 0 12 130 400 670 940 2,100 6,200
TOTAL 1 2 4 7 39 200 550 860 1,200 2,800 8,000
TABLE D-3. Factors Used to Compute Optimistic and Pessimistic Bounds on Area Estimates
pCi/g Range Optimistic Pessimistic
NTS Sites
>40 0.5 2
10-40 0.5 5
Clean Slates
>40 0.5 2
10-40 0.3 10
Double TracksArea 13
>40 0.3 3
10-40 0.3 20
Small Boy Plume
>1,000 0.3 3
400-1,000 0.4 2.5
100-400 0.3 3
40-100 0.4 2.5
10-40 0.3 20
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-9
TABLE D-4. Estimated Areas Exceeding Specified Concentrations of Plutonium
Pu(pCi/g)
Area (hectares)
Optimistic Realistic Pessimistic
10,000 2 6 13
7,500 9 18 38
5,000 16 32 68
2,500 27 56 125
1,000 83 180 390
400 280 600 1,300
200 580 1,300 3,100
150 850 2,000 4,600
100 1,500 3,400 7,800
40 5,600 12,000 26,000
10 17,000 37,000 220,000
TABLE D-5. Values for Fixed Cost Components
Item
Optimistic Cost*
Realistic Cost*
Pessimistic
Cost*
Processing Plants 0.72 2.33 7.50
Roads Connecting TTR and Area 12 33.48 44.27 62.27
Build Waste Disposal Site on TTR 6.44 8.58 14.30
Upgrade Roads on NTS 1.00 1.45 2.10
Mobilization/Demobilization 0.86 0.86 1.02
Survey Support 0.14 0.15 0.17
Clean-up 0.14 0.15 0.16
Ram Compactor 0.08 0.08 0.08
*In millions of dollars.
TABLE D-6. Summary of Areas Driven Cost Componentsa
Item Optimistic
Costb
Realistic Costb Pessimistic
Costb
Survey and Certification, Pu > 35 pCi/g 1,134 1,297 1,698
Survey and Certification, 10 < Pu < 35 pCi/g 5,041 5,189 13,590
Revegetationc 15,000 30,000 40,000
Total. Pu > 35 pCi/g 16,134 31,297 41,698
Total. 10 < Pu < 35 pCi/g 20,041 35,189 53,590
a. As many significant digits as possible were carried throughout the calculations. It should not be inferred that all
digits are meaningful.
b. Dollars per hectare.
c. See Appendix C of DOE/NV-399, for explanation of rounding.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-10
FIGURE D-4. The Integration Model Expressed in Flowchart Form
e-remediation)
Log Area
FIGURE D-5. The Inverse Area vs. Concentration and Minimal Remediation
under the Two-Tiered Dose Limit
Lo
g
Pl
ut
on
iu
m
C
on
ce
nt
ra
tio
n
(p
C
i/g
)
Area vs. concentration curve (Pr
(Post-remediation)
RME exp = Z
X < RME exp < Y
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-11
FIGURE D-6. Total Numbers of Excess Public Cancer Fatalities under
Alternative Concentration-based Regulations
FIGURE D-7. Total Cost under Alternative Concentration-based Regulations if
Disposal on Tonopah Test Range is Not Allowed
Section 144
1000
100
10
0.1
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
100,000
10,000
1000
100
10
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Po
pu
la
tio
n
R
is
k
(to
ta
l e
xc
es
s
ca
nc
er
fa
ta
lit
ie
s,
u
nd
is
co
un
te
d)
To
ta
l C
os
t
(m
ill
io
ns
o
f d
ol
la
rs
)
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-12
FIGURE D-8. The Integration Model Expressed as an Influence Diagram
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-13
TABLE D-7. Summary of Key Results
Expected Values
Dose-Based Regulations (without active control /with
active control, mrem/yr)
1/5 3/15 5/25 15/75 20/100
Individual Risk - Nuclear 4.3 E-6 1.3 E-5 2.2 E-5 6.5 E-5 8.6 E-5
Individual Risk - Safety Test 3.5 E-6 1.1 E-5 1.8 E-5 5.3 E-5 7.1 E-5
Pre-Remed Population Risk - 1,000 years 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9
Post-Remedial Population Risk - 1,000 years 1.8 2.2 2.3 2.6 2.6
Population Risk Reduction -
1,000 years 1.1 0.7 0.6 0.3 0.3
Total Cost (millions of dollars)a $1,060 $282 $171 $82 $73
if TTR disposal allowed
($ millions) $1,003 $240 $131 $44 $35
Worker Risk 0.86 0.19 0.097 0.0248 0.0179
if TTR disposal allowed 0.56 0.12 0.64 0.0166 0.0118
Area Releasable (hectares)b 13,813 71,724 80,929 87,711 88,282
Area Under Action Control (hectares) 67,116 15,987 7,765 1,772 1,214
Area Remediated (hectares) 8,831 2,048 1,065 276 197
Post Remedial Avg. Conc. (PCi/g) 23 29 31 35 36
Concentration-Based Regulations (pCi/g)
10 40 100 400 1000
Individual Risk - Nuclear 7.6 E-7 3.1 E-6 7.6 E-6 3.1 E-5 7.6 E-5
Individual Risk - Safety Test 1.5 E-6 6.1 E-6 1.5 E-5 6.1 E-5 1.5 E-4
Pre-Remed. Population Risk -
1,000 years 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9
Post-Remedial. Population Risk - 1,000 years 0.9 1.7 2.1 2.5 2.6
Population Risk Reduction - 1,000 years 2.0 1.2 0.8 0.4 0.3
Total Cost (millions of Dollars) $10,543 $1,349 $417 $110 $70
if TTR disposal allowed $ millions) $10,442 $1,303 $376 $72 $32
Worker Risk 8.2 0.93 0.25 0.040 0.0129
if TTR disposal allowed 7.1 0.80 0.21 0.033 0.0106
Area Remediated (hectares) 89,694 11,606 3,276 530 168
Post Remedial Av. Conc. (PCi/g) 10 21 27 33 36
a. Total cost under minimum remediation strategy (cleanup to higher close level in the two-tiered
dose-based regulation)
b. Area releasable without active control is determined by the lower dose level in the two-tiered dose-based regulation.
Expected total site area (area contaminated above 50 pCi/g) is 90,000 hectares.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
D-14
D
FIGURE D-9. Implied Value of Hypothetical Life Saved (Cancer Averted) Required to Justify Alternative
Dose-based Regulations
References
DOE. 1995, Cost/Risk Benefit Analysis of Alternative Cleanup Requirements for Plutonium-
Contaminated Soils on and Near the Nevada Test Site. DOE/NV-399, UC700.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
E-1
APPENDIX E.
BNL’s HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY (HWMF)
The following case study is a summary of a Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Informal
Report entitled A Risk Assessment and Optimization (ALARA) Analysis for the Environmental
Remediation of Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Hazardous Waste Management Facility
(BNL-65339, March 1998).30 This action provided a case study to demonstrate the value of the
results of an ALARA analysis when making a decision on selecting the best remedial action.
Dose assessments were made for members of the public and workers to determine the risk to be
averted from the remedial action using the risk based remediation goals of 1, 15, 25, 75, and the
100 mrem (0.01, 0.15, 0.25, 0.75 and 1.0 mSv) per year public dose limit. In addition, a risk
optimization analysis was performed to determine the cost savings from the remedial action, the
life cycle costs for the remedial action, the value of the net dose avoided, and the value of other
avoided risks and damages.
Section 145
Background
Extensive measurements of radiological contamination in soil and ground water were made at
BNL’s Hazardous Waste Management Facility (HWMF) as part of a CERCLA remediation
process.
The HWMF is a fenced, 12-acre (4.8 ha) lot, located in the southeastern quadrant of the BNL
site. The Army (Camp Upton) originally used this restricted-access area as a munitions storage
area and livery stable during and after World War I. Since 1947, BNL has used this site as the
central receiving facility for processing, limited treatment, and storage of hazardous and
radioactive waste. BNL terminated operations in 1998 and a work plan was developed for
decommissioning the facility and remediation of the environment.
A feasibility study was conducted in 1996 and a draft report prepared (CDM 1996b). The
remedy selected was large-scale excavation with off-site disposal. This involved excavating
30,800 yd3 (24,000 m3) of soil to achieve the preliminary remediation goal of 67 pCi/g for Cs-
137. This cleanup goal was based on a 15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year dose goal using a
commercial industrial scenario and 50 years of Federal control.
This ALARA or risk optimization analysis was undertaken in accordance with applicable
requirements (DOE 1991b and EPA 1988b) and DOE guidance (DOE 1991a and 1997). It also
was consistent, to the extent possible, with the relevant and appropriate requirements in 10 CFR
Part 20, Subpart E.
30 The report and its appendices contain the scenarios, assumptions, input parameters, calculations, spreadsheets, and
computer printouts for the risk assessments and optimization analysis used in this study.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
E-2
Soil Contamination and Future Land Use
Approximately one fourth of the 12-acre lot is paved or covered with temporary storage
buildings. Approximately 5 acres of the surface is contaminated with mixed fission-products and
activation products from previous site operations. About 8,000 to 78,000 cubic yards of soil
predominately contaminated with Cs-137 and Sr-90 will require treatment or excavation/disposal
depending on the derived concentration guideline levels (DCGL) that is selected. Other
radionuclides that are present include H-3, Am-241, Pu-238/-239/-241, U-235/-238, Co-60, and
Cu-242. None of these other isotopes were detected at concentrations that exceeded the DCGL
for an undeveloped recreational area (undeveloped open-space scenario) during the remedial-
investigation sampling program.
This parcel of property was designated for commercial/industrial use. Several public meetings
were held to discuss various land-use options. It was agreed that when operations cease at BNL,
the HWMF would be converted from commercial/industrial use to open space.
Cost Estimates for Large Scale Excavation and Disposal
The costs for implementing the remedial alternative, e.g., design and engineering, equipment
procurement, fabrication, installation or construction labor, operation, maintenance, associated
training and procedure, additional chemicals, additional consumables, special tools, additional
radioactive waste, as well as the costs to decontaminate, decommission, dispose of, and then
restore the environment during facility/system closure were also estimated. The periodic
operating and maintenance expenses were included in this total and were converted to worth in
1997 dollars using a 3% discount rate (NRC, 1995). The present worth for long-term
radiological environmental and ecological monitoring programs/reports, the CERCLA/RCRA
post-closure monitoring program/reports, and HWMF site maintenance and security inspections
was $457,640. Table E-1 lists the total cost to remediate to the various risk-base remediation
goals/limit.
Section 146
Results of Risk Assessments
Dose assessments were made for workers and the public to determine the risk to be averted from
this proposed remedial action using the risk-based remediation goals of 1, 15, 25, 75, and the 100
mrem (0.01, 0.15, 0.25, 0.75 and 1.0 mSv) per year limit. These goals and limit translated into
the DCGLs listed in Table E-2. These DCGLs were based on an undeveloped open-space
scenario and 50 years of Federal control. The clean-up of soil to these DCGL levels required
that the following soil volumes be excavated: 78,000 yd3 (60,000 m3); 26,000 yd3 (20,000 m3);
20,000 yd3 (15,000 m3); 9,000 yd3 (7,000 m3); and 8,000 (6,100 m3) yd3, respectively.
TABLE E-1. Cost to Remediate at Various Remediation Goals/Limit
Risk-Based Remediation
Goals/Limit (mrem/yr)
Remediation Costs
(1997 Dollars)
1 64,728,000
15 28,650,000
25 24,826,000
75 17,102,000
100 16,420,000
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
E-3
TABLE E-2. Derived Concentration Guideline Limits (DCGL) for the Undeveloped
Open-Space Scenario after 50 Years of Federal Control
Risk-Based Remediation
Goals/Limit (mrem/yr)
DCGL
Cs-137 (pCi/g)
DCGL
Sr-90 (pCi/g)
1 15 390
15 230 5,800
25 380 10,000
75 1,140 29,000
100 1,500 39,000
Radiological risk assessments were performed for the following:
• Present workers;
• Future members of the public;
• A basement resident assuming the failure of active controls; and
• A resident drinking ground water.
The estimated range of collective doses for present workers, over the remediation goal/limit
range of 1 to 100 mrem (0.01 to 1.0 mSv) per year, is summarized below. The potential
radiation doses to workers resulting from excavation and off-site disposal (collective dose
impacts) would be extremely large in comparison to the potential radiation dose that would be
saved by present workers as a result of remediation (collective dose savings).
• Worker collective dose savings from remediation: 4.1 to 3.8 person-rem
• Worker collective dose impacts from remediation: - 223 to - 212 person-rem
• Net collective dose to workers: -219 to -208 person-rem
The estimated range of collective doses for the future public, over the remediation goal/limit
range of 1 to 100 mrem (0.01 to 1.0 mSv) per year, is summarized below. The potential
radiation doses to the public resulting from excavation and off-site disposal (collective dose
impacts) would be about three times greater than the potential radiation dose that would be
avoided by remediation (net collective dose). The radiological impacts to the public from the
remediation (dose impacts from remediation) would be comparable to the dose that would be
saved (dose savings from remediation). Workers would receive about 100 times more collective
dose than what would be averted to the public.
• Public collective dose savings from remediation: 8.5 to 8.1 person-rem
• Public collective dose impacts from remediation: - 6.7 to - 6.3 person-rem
• Net collective dose to public: 1.8 to 1.8 person-rem
Table E-3 summarizes the hypothetical fatalities for workers and public from radiological
causes, as well as those that could result from construction and transportation at the various
remediation goals. They show that the net risk of fatalities associated with remediation range
from 15 in 100 to 9 in 100 for the remediation goal/limit of 1 and 100 mrem (0.01 to 1.0 mSv)
per year, respectively. Therefore, the probability for a hypothetical fatality resulting from the
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
E-4
Section 147
remedial actions (0.09 to 0.15 hypothetical fatalities) is higher than that for the no-action
alternative (0.0001 to 0.0043 hypothetical fatalities).
TABLE E-3. Estimated Hypothetical Fatalities Associated with Remediation
Risk-based
Remediation
Goals/Limit
(mrem/yr)
Net Worker
Radiation
Fatalities
Net Public
Radiation
Fatalities
Worker
Construction
Fatalities
Transport
Fatalities
Net
Hypothetical
Fatalities
1 0.0876 -0.00093 0.0040 0.0600 0.1506
15 0.0856 -0.00097 0.0010 0.0200 0.1056
25 0.0856 -0.00097 0.0010 0.0160 0.1016
75 0.0836 -0.00096 0.0005 0.0080 0.0912
100 0.0832 -0.00093 0.0004 0.0070 0.0897
Results of Optimization Analysis
A risk optimization analysis was performed to determine the cost savings from the remedial
action, the life cycle costs for the remedial action, the value of the net dose avoided, and the
value of other avoided risks and damages. The purpose of this was to select the optimum
radionuclide concentration for the risk-based remediation goal. The risk-based remediation goals
used to assess these costs and benefits were 1, 15, 25, 75, and the 100 mrem (0.01, 0.15, 0.25,
0.75 and 1.0 mSv) per year limit. The optimization (ALARA) analysis produced the following
results for each: cost savings from the remediation; cost to remediate, package, ship, and dispose
of the contaminated soil; value of the radiation dose averted to the workers, visitors, and public;
value of other risks and damages avoided by remediation; net benefit analysis; and qualitative
factor analysis.
The results for the net-benefit analysis using the 15 mrem (0.15 mSv) per year remediation goal
were as follows:
• Cost of excavation and disposal $ - 28,650,000
• Benefits from reduced well sampling
and potential real-estate sale $ 819,000
• Value of collective dose averted
or expended (negative) $ - 424,000
• Value of avoided risks and damages $ 27,000
• Net Benefit or Cost (negative) $ - 28,227,000
Table E-4 lists the net benefits for the various remediation goals/limits. Based on risk avoidance
and economic factors alone, it was concluded that none of these goals were reasonably
achievable since no net benefit would be achieved below 100 mrem (1.0 mSv) per year.
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
E-5
TABLE E-4. Net Benefit at Various Remediation Goals/Limit
Risk-based Remediation Goals/Limit
(mrem/yr)
Net Benefit/Cost
(1997 Dollars)
1 - 64,486,000
15 - 28,227,000
25 - 24,386,000
75 - 16,618,000
100 - 15,930,000
However, compliance with the applicable Federal regulations and guidelines must be achieved.
The DOE’s public radiation dose limit in DOE Order 5400.5 (and now DOE O 458.1) of 100
mrem (1.0 mSv) per year must be met. Also, since the HWMF exceeded EPA’s regulatory risk
range in CERCLA (or Superfund Act) of 0.0001 to 0.000001, remediation must be performed.
Therefore, whatever costs are needed to comply with these Federal rules must be expended. The
decision makers need to decide what level below these regulatory levels is reasonable based on
the net benefit and other factors.
Other factors considered for the selection of the optimal level for BNL’s HWMF remediation
included:
• Relocation of the habitat for an endangered species;
• Workers and community concerns;
• Public policy factors;
• Regulatory fines, enforcement actions and administrative orders; and
• Potential liabilities from civil suits.
Conclusions
Section 148
The ALARA level selected for this analysis was the level at which the costs to remediate the area
and the net fatalities begin to increase dramatically. This occurred at the 15 mrem (0.15 mSv)
per year level for the soil concentration distribution at BNL’s Hazardous Waste Management
Facility; it corresponded to 230 pCi/g for Cs-137 assuming an open-space land use and the
agreed-upon 50 years of Federal control at BNL. The preliminary remediation guideline that
DOE proposed to State and Federal regulators was 67 pCi/g (Cs-137). This guideline was based
on a commercial industrial land use and 50 years of control. Therefore, the 67 pCi/g preliminary
remediation guideline for the HWMF was more protective for the hypothetical future user than
the level derived using risk-based decision techniques.
Selecting a risk-based remediation goal just below the 100 mrem (1.0 mSv) per year limit
involves cleaning up a relatively small volume of soil, while, at the same time, there is a
relatively small chance for a fatality. As the soil-remediation goal was made more stringent i.e.,
decrease in the DCGL, the volume of soil to be removed increased rapidly, while the chance for
a fatality being avoided decreased, or, in other words, the probability for a fatality increased
rapidly. Since there is no clear optimum remediation level (differential cost to risk ratio of zero),
the traditional optimum risk level cannot be defined. Instead, the optimum (ALARA) level will
be defined as the value of the risk-based remediation goal where costs and the number of deaths
DOE-HDBK-1215-2014
E-6
caused by remediation begins to increase dramatically. This ALARA level also corresponds to
the point where the volume of contaminated soil to be remediated begins to increase
dramatically. The final remediation level selected by the decision-makers also would factor in
some of the qualitative factors listed above.
October 2014
Change Notice 1
Reaffirmed September 2022
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE TO
3.1 ALARA Process
3.2 Factors to consider during the ALARA Process
3.3 Compliance
4.1 Implementation
4.2 Determining the Level of ALARA Analysis
4.3 General Steps in Quantitative ALARA Analysis
5.1 Cost of Radiation Protection Systems
5.2 Exposures and Doses
Chapter 6. OTHER FACTORS AND ISSUES RELATED TO THE ALARA PROCESS
6.1 Resource Allocation
6.2 Uncertainties
6.3 Exposures within Facilities
6.4 Exposure Time
6.5 Discounting Cost
6.6 Perspectives
6.7 Other Factors and Criteria
7.1 Environmental Restoration Case Study
Site Description and History
Site Status
Dose Assessments
ALARA Analysis for the Site
7.2 Volumetric Release of Sediment for Off-Site Landfill Disposal
Site Description and History
Disposal Alternatives
Dose Assessment
Reasonable Maximum Worker Dose during Disposal
Reasonable Maximum Worker Dose following Disposal
Collective dose to facility workers
Long-term residential dose via ground water protection
Long-term remediation of disposal site
ALARA Analysis for the Sediment
7.3 Pros and Cons Analysis
Problem
Approach to the problem
Applying the Pros and Cons Analysis
8.1 Case Study #1: Colonie, New York
Site
Basis for Standard
Results
8.2 Case Study #2: Elza Gate Site, Tennessee
Site
Basis for Uranium Standard
Results
8.3 Case Study #3: Maywood, New Jersey
Site
Basis for Standards
8.4 Case Study #4: Ventron, Massachusetts
Site
Basis for Standard
Summary
8.5 Case Study #5: Weldon Spring Site, Missouri
Standard Approved
Site
Basis for Standard
Results
9.1 Cost Benefit Analysis
9.2 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
9.3 Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis
u (S) = Smax-Si
ui(Sn
9.4 Multi-Criteria Outranking Analysis
9.5 Kepner-Tregoe (K-T) Decision Analysis
9.6 Analytical Hierarchy Process Analysis
10.1 Input Data
10.2 Identity of the Optimum
10.3 Graphical Illustration
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
COLLECTIVE DOSE (person‐rem)
10.4 Other Considerations
A.1 Recycle of Copper
A.2 Recycle of High Explosives
A.3 Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project
A4 Bag Monitor Comparative Analysis of Radiological Risks and Costs at Brookhaven National Laboratory
Approach
Data Sources
Analysis
Bag Monitor Radiation Test Criteria
Costs
Results
Conclusions
References
Background
Source Terms
Parameters for Source Terms
Radwaste Treatment System Design Options
Site Characteristics
Dose Calculations
Dose Estimates
Cost Estimates
Fixed Charges
Liquid Radwaste Treatment Systems
Discussion of PWR Liquid Radwaste Systems
Gaseous Radwaste Systems
Discussion of PWR Gaseous Radwaste Systems
Monetary Equivalent per Unit of Collective Dose
Evaluation
Conclusions
ANNUAL COST (million of dollars)
PWR LIQUID CASE
10
0.1
0.01
0
0.5
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
Background
1. Remediation Objectives
Doses and Risks
Basis for Remediation Goal Selection
2. The Chemical Plant
Selection of Cleanup Levels
Selection of Treatment
Potential Exposures
Results of Analyses
3. The Quarry
Alternative Remedial Actions
Treatment System Costs and Doses
Chemical Plant
Quarry Water Treatment
Discharge Mode
References
Background
Cost
Risk
Impact of the EPA Cleanup Criteria
Summary of Results
Inferred Cost to Avert a Projected Cancer
Conclusions
References
BNL’s HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY (HWMF)
Background
Soil Contamination and Future Land Use
Cost Estimates for Large Scale Excavation and Disposal
Results of Risk Assessments
Results of Optimization Analysis
Conclusions