DOE O 5400.5 Chg 2, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment
Functional areas: Requires Crosswalk When Revised, Safety
To establish standards and requirements for operations of the Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE contractors with respect to protection of members of the public and the environment against undue risk from radiation. Supersession of DOE O 5480.1A. Canceled by DOE O 458.1 Admin Chg 2.
Version history and related documents
Document text
Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
2-8-90
Change 2: 1-7-93
RADIATION PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC AND
THE ENVIRONMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
PURPOSE. To establish standards and requirements for operations of the
Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE contractors with respect to protection of
members of the public and the environment against undue risk from radiation.
SUPERSESSION. DOE 5480.1A, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SAFETY, AND HEALTH
PROGRAM FOR DOE OPERATIONS, of 8-13-81, Chapter XI that addressed public and
environmental radiation protection standards and control practices.
SCOPE. The provisions of this Order apply to all Departmental Elements and
contractors performing work for the Department as provided by law and/or
contract and as implemented by the appropriate contracting officer.
IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS. This Order becomes effective
5-8-90. Within 2 months from the date of issuance of the Order (2-8-90),
the DOE Field Office Manager shall provide to the appropriate Program Office,
with a copy to EH-1 for review and comment: a. a certification for those
areas covered by the Order for which field elements are in compliance; and/or
b. a request for exemption for areas not yet in compliance that includes a
Plan for achieving compliance. Within 3 months of issuance, the appropriate
Program Office will submit to EH-1 the certification and/or the request for
exemption(s). The compliance plan accompanying the request for exemption shall
include schedules of activities which will lead to compliance with the
requirements of this Order.
POLICY. It is the policy of DOE to implement legally applicable radiation
protection standards and to consider and adopt, as appropriate,
recommendations by authoritative organizations, e.g., the National Council on
Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the International Commission
on Radiological Protection (ICRP). It is also the policy of DOE to adopt and
implement standards generally consistent with those of the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) for DOE facilities and activities not subject to licensing
authority.
OBJECTIVES.
a. Protecting the Public. It is DOE’s objective to operate its facilities
and conduct its activities so that radiation exposures to members of the
public are maintained within the limits established in this Order and to
control radioactive contamination through the management of real and
personal property. It is also a DOE objective that potential exposures
to members of the public be as far below the limits as is reasonably
achievable (ALARA) and that DOE facilities have the capabilities, con-
sistent with the types of operations conducted, to monitor routine and
non-routine releases and to assess doses to members of the public.
All Departmental Elements
Office of Environment, Safety
Vertical line denotes change. and Health
DOE/HR-6
2
a.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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b. Protecting the Environment. In addition to providing protection to
members of the public, it is DOE’S objective to protect the environment
from radioactive contamination to the extent practical.
7. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY. The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended,
authorizes the Department to protect the health and safety of the public
against radiation in conducting the Department’s programs.
8. REFERENCES.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
I i.
I j.
DOE 1324.2A, RECORDS DISPOSITION, of 9-13-88, which prescribes
policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines for the orderly
disposition of records of the DOE and its operating contractors.
Section 2
DOE 5000.3B, OCCURRENCE REPORTING AND PROCESSING OF OPERATIONS
INFORMATION, of 1-19-93, which establishes a system for reporting
operations information related to DOE-owned or operated facilities and
processing of the information.
DOE 5400.1, GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, of
11-9-88, which establishes general environmental protection
requirements.
DOE 5400.2A, ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE ISSUE COORDINATION, of 1-31-89,
which establishes requirements for coordination of significant
environmental compliance issues.
DOE 5400.4, COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND
LIABILITY ACT PROGRAM, of 10-6-89, which establishes requirements for
hazardous waste cleanup and notification.
DOE 5440.1E, NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM, of
11-10-92, which establishes DOE policy for implementation of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
DOE 5480.1B, ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY, AND HEALTH PROGRAM FOR DEPARTMENT OF
ENERGY OPERATIONS, of 9-23-86, which outlines environmental, safety, and
health protection policies and responsibilities.
DOE 5480.4, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SAFETY, AND HEALTH PROTECTION
STANDARDS, of 5-15-84, which identifies mandatory and reference
environmental, safety, and health standards.
DOE 5480.5, SAFETY OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, of 9-23-86, which establishes
nuclear facility safety program requirements.
DOE 5480.6, SAFETY OF DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY-OWNED NUCLEAR REACTORS, of
9-23-86, which establishes nuclear reactor safety program requirements.
Vertical line denotes change.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2 3
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DOE 5480.11, RADIATION protection FOR OCCUPATIONAL WORKERS, of 12-21-88,
which establishes radiation protection standards and program requirements
for workers.
DOE 5480.23, NUCLEAR SAFETY ANALYSIS REPORTS, of 4-10-92, which establishes
requirements for contractors to develop safety analyses that establish and
evaluate the adequacy of the safety bases of nuclear facilities.
DOE 5482.16, ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY, AND HEALTH APPRAISAL PROGRAM, of
9-23-86, which establishes the DOE environment, safety, and health appraisal
program.
DOE 5483.1A, Occupational SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM FOR DOE EMPLOYEES AT
GOVERNMENT-OWNED, CONTRACTOR-OPERATED FACILITIES, of 6-22-83, which
establishes requirements for the protection of the health and safety of
employees at DOE contractor-operated facilities.
DOE 5484.1, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SAFETY, AND HEALTH PROTECTION
INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, of 2-24-81, which establishes
procedures for the reporting of information having environmental pro-
tection, safety, or health protection significance.
DOE Orders in the 5500 series that outline responsibilities for emergency
preparedness and response.
DOE 5820.2A, RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT, of 9-26-88, which establishes
policies and guidelines for the management of radioactive waste and
contaminated facilities.
DOE 6430.1A, GENERAL DESIGN CRITERIA, of 4-6-89, which provides general
design criteria for use in the acquisition of the Department’s facilities
and establishes responsibilities and authorities for the development and
maintenance of those criteria.
DOE publication DOE/EH-0070, “External Dose-Rate Conversion Factors for
Calculation of Dose to the Public,” of 7-88, which provides conversion
factors for use in calculating dose from radionuclides external to the
body.
Section 3
DOE publication DOE/EH-0071, “Internal Dose Conversion Factors for
Calculation of Dose to the Public,” of 7-88, which provides conversion
factors for use in calculating dose from radionuclides in the body.
DOE Publication DOE/EH-0173T, "Environmental Regulatory Guide for
Radiological Effluent Monitoring and Environmental Surveillance,” of
1-91, which-establishes elements of a radiological monitoring program in
support of DOE 5400.1 and 5400.5.
line denotes change.
4 DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
v. DOE publication DOE/EV/1830-T5, “A Guide to Reducing Radiation Exposure
to as Low as Reasonably Achievable,” of 4-80, which provides contractor
personnel with general guidance regarding programs and techniques to
reduce radiation exposure to levels as low as is reasonably achievable.
w. DOE publication, “Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program;
Summary Protocol: Identification - Characterization - Designation -
Remedial Action - Certification, ” of 1-86, which provides procedures
for conducting remedial actions at formerly utilized sites.
x. DOE/CH-8901, “A Manual for Implementing Residual Radioactive Material
Guidelines; A Supplement to U.S. Department of Energy Guidelines for
Residual Radioactive Material at Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial
Action Program and Remote Surplus Facilities Management Program Sites,”
of 6-89, which provides guidance on the implementation of DOE residual
radioactive material limits.
y. EPA Publication EPA-520/l-88-020, Federal Guidance Report No. 11,
“Limiting Values of Radionuclide Intake and Air Concentration and Dose
Conversion Factors for Inhalation, Submersion, and Ingestion, ” of 1988,
which provides preferred dose conversion factors for use by Federal
agencies.
z. Title 10 CFR Part 60, “Disposal of High-Level Wastes in Geologic
Repositories,” which prescribes rules governing the licensing of DOE to
receive and possess source, special nuclear, and byproduct material at
a geologic repository operations area.
aa. Title 10 CFR Part 72, “Licensing Requirements for the Storage of Spent
Fuel in an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI),” which
establishes requirements, procedures, and criteria for licensing ISFSI.
bb. Title 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart H, "National Emission Standard for
Radionuclide Emissions from Department of Energy (DOE) Facilities,”
which regulates radionuclide air emissions from DOE facilities.
cc . Title 40 CFR Part 141, “National Interim Primary Drinking Water
Regulations (Safe Drinking Water Act),” which prescribes radionuclide
concentration limits for public drinking water.
dd . Title 40 CFR Part 190, “Environmental Radiation Protection Standards
for Nuclear Power Operations, ” which contains the radiation dose limits
for members of the public in the general environment and curie release
limits for radioactive materials released into the general environment
from operations within the nuclear fuel cycle operations that are
associated with the production of electrical power.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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5
ee. Title 40 CFR Part 191, “Environmental Standards for the Management and
Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel, High-Level and Transuranic Wastes,” which
establishes requirements for the management and disposal of spent nuclear
fuel, high-level, and transuranic wastes.
ff. Title 40 CFR Part 192, “Standards for Remedial Actions at Inactive
Uranium Processing Sites,” of 1-5-83, which concerns the control of
residual radioactive material at designated processing or disposal sites.
Section 4
gg. Title 42 U.S.C. 300, et seq., Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, which
authorizes EPA to promulgate regulations under two specific programs:
the first protects the Nation’s public drinking water supplies; the
second protects subsurface waters by regulating underground injection of
materials.
hh. Title 42 U.S.C. 2011, et seq., Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended,
which authorizes the conduct of atomic energy activities and establishes
authority for protecting the health and safety of the public.
ii. Title 42 U.S.C. 4341, et seq., National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
as amended. which establishes broad national environmental policy.
jj. Title 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq., Clean Air Act, as amended, which provides
requirements to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air
resources, to promote the public health and welfare.
kk. Volume 47 Federal Register (FR) 47073, “Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Accidental Radioactive Contamination of Human Food and Animal Feeds;
Recommendations for State and Local Agencies,” which provides guidance
for protecting consumers of produce following a nuclear accident.
ll. Title 48 CFR Part 923.70, “Environmental Conservation and Occupational
Safety, ” which contains the basic provisions of the DOE Environment,
Conservation and Occupational Safety Program.
mm. Title 48 CFR Part 970.23, “DOE Management and Operations Contracts,
Environmental Conservation, and Occupational Safety,” which contains
supplemental information to Title 48 CFR Part 923.70 in providing the
basic provisions of the DOE Environment, Conservation and Occupational
Safety Program.
nn. International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication
23, “Reference Man: Anatomical, Physiological and Metabolic
Characteristics,” Pergamon Press, Oxford, England.
oo. ICRP Publication 26, “Recommendations of the International Commission on
Radiological Protection,” Pergamon Press, Oxford, England (1977).
pp. ICRP Publication 30, “Limits for Intakes of Radionuclides by Workers.”
Vertical line denotes change.
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vv.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
ICRP Publication 45, “Quantitative Bases for Developing a Unified Index
of Harm,” Pergamon Press, Oxford, England.
ICRP Publication 48, “The Metabolism of Plutonium and Related Elements,”
Pergamon Press, Oxford, England.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report
No. 91, “Recommendations on Limits for Exposure to Ionizing Radiation,”
NCRP, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Regulatory Guide 1.86, “Termination of
Operating Licenses for Nuclear Reactors,” of 6-74, which establishes
limits for surface contamination on materials and equipment.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission publication, “Guidelines for
Decontamination of Facilities and Equipment Prior to Release for
Unrestricted Use or Termination of Licenses for Byproduct, Source or
Special Nuclear Material,” of 7-82.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Publication CCC - 475, 11-86,
“CAAC - Code System for Implementation of Atmospheric Dispersion
Assessment Required by the Clean Air Act.” RSIC Computer Code
Collection.
9. RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES.
Section 5
a. The Secretary. Many provisions in this order permit and/or
necessitate the exercise of discretion and/or judgment in carrying out
the requirements of the Order. In those instances, the determination
of whether, in the exercise of such discretion and/or judgment, the
requirements of this Order were complied with rests initially with the
relevant Department authority and, ultimately, with the Secretary. The
Secretary retains the sole and final authority to determine what acts
are necessary to comply with this Order. Further, the Secretary
retains the authority to suspend any and all requirements under this
Order whenever the Secretary deems it necessary. This authority may be
delegated by the Secretary as appropriate.
b. In addition to those responsibilities and authorities contained in
DOE 5480.1B and DOE 5400.1, the following responsibilities and
authorities are assigned:
(1) Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health (EH-1)
(a) Develop DOE public and environmental radiation protection
policy and requirements; and
(b) Approve, if warranted, specific exceptions to this Order,
pursuant to provisions in DOE 5400.1 and DOE 5820.2A.
Vertical line denotes change.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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7
(2) Program Secretarial Officers.
(a) Implement DOE public and environmental radiation protection
policy and requirements in their respective programs; and
(b) Implement, if warranted, interim control strategies proposed by
field organizations pursuant to this Order and DOE 5820.2A.
(3) Heads of Field Elements.
(a) Implement provisions of this Order for their respective
activities;
(b) Maintain appropriate capabilities at each operating site for
monitoring and assessing routine and unplanned releases of
radioactive materials, with respect to the characteristics of
radioactive material released and the release modes, consistent
with the types of operations conducted;
(c) Process specific requests for exceptions to this Order, pursuant
to paragraph II.la(4); and
(d) Temporarily suspend the requirements of this Order when doing so
is in their judgement necessary to minimize damage to life or
property or to protect public health or safety. Whenever this
provision is invoked, such suspension and the reason therefore
are to be reported to EH-1 at the earliest practicable time.
(4) Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program: Executive Order 12344,
statutorily prescribed by PL 98-525 (42 USC 7158 note) establishes
the responsibilities and authority of the Director, Naval Nuclear
Propulsion Program (who is also the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Naval Reactors within the Department) over all facilities and
activities which comprise the Program, a joint Navy-DOE organization.
The policy principle promoted by these executive and legislative
actions is cited in the Executive Order as “... preserving the basic
structure, policies, and practices developed for this Program in the
past...”. Accordingly, The Naval Nuclear Propulsion program is
exempt from the provisions of this Order. The Director shall
maintain an environmental protection program to ensure compliance
with applicable environmental statues and regulations. The Director
and EH-1 shall cooperatively develop information exchange and other
mutually beneficial programs as appropriate, consistent with PL 98-
525.
Vertical line denotes change.
8 DOE 5400.5
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10. DEFINITIONS.
Section 6
a. As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) is a phrase (acronym) used to
describe an approach to radiation Protection to control or manage
exposures (both individual and collective to the work force and the
general public) and releases of radioactive material to the environment
as low as social, technical, economic, practical, and public policy
considerations permit. As used in this Order, ALARA is not a dose
limit, but rather it is a process that has as its objective the
attainment of dose levels as far below the applicable limits of the
Order as practicable.
b. Best Available Technology(BAT) means the preferred technology for
treating a particular process liquid waste, selected from among others
after taking into account factors related to technology, economics,
public policy, and other parameters. As used in this Order, BAT is not
a specific level of treatment, but the conclusion of a selection
process that includes several treatment alternatives.
c. Derived Concentration Guide (DCG) is the concentration of a radio-
nuclide in air or water that, under conditions of continuous exposure
for one year by one exposure mode (i.e., ingestion of water, submersion
in air, or inhalation), would result in an effective dose equivalent of
100 mrem 0.1 rem (1 mSv). DCGs do not consider decay products when the
parent radionuclide is the cause of the exposure (DCG values are
presented in Chapter III) (1 rem = 0.01 sievert).
d. Dose Terms.
(1) Absorbed Dose is the energy imparted to matter by ionizing
radiation per unit mass of irradiated material at the place of
interest in that material. The absorbed dose is expressed in
units of rad (or gray). (1 rad = 0.01 gray.)
(2) Collective Dose Equivalent and Collective Effective Dose
Equivalent are the sums of the dose equivalents or effective dose
equivalents of all individuals in an exposed population within an
80-km radius, for the purposes of this Order, and they are
DOE 5400.5
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9
expressed in units of person-rem (or person-sievert). When the
collective dose equivalent of interest is for a specific organ, the
units would be organ-rem (or organ-sievert). For purposes of this
Order, the 80-km distance shall be measured from a point located
centrally with respect to major facilities or DOE program activities.
(3) Committed Dose Equivalent is the predicted total dose equivalent to a
tissue or organ over a 50-year period after a known intake of a
radionuclide into the body. It does not include contributions from
external dose. Committed dose equivalent is expressed in units of
rem (or sievert).
(4) Committed Effective Dose Equivalent is the sum of the committed dose
equivalents to various tissues in the body, each multiplied by the
appropriate weighting factor. Committed effective dose equivalent is
expressed in units of rem (or sievert).
(5) Deep Dose Equivalent, as used in this Order, means the dose
equivalent in tissue at a depth of 1 cm deriving from external
(penetrating) radiation.
(6) Dose Equivalent is the product of absorbed dose in rad (or gray) in
tissue and a quality factor. Dose equivalent is expressed in units
of rem (or sievert).
Section 7
(7) Effective Dose Equivalent is the summation of the products of the
dose equivalent received by specified tissues of the body and a
tissue-specific weighting factor. This sum is a risk-equivalent
value and can be used to estimate the health-effects risk of the
exposed individual. The tissue-specific weighting factor represents
the fraction of the total health risk resulting from uniform
whole-body irradiation that would be contributed by that particular
tissue. The effective dose equivalent includes the committed
effective dose equivalent from internal deposition of radionuclides
and the effective dose equivalent due to penetrating radiation from
sources external to the body. Effective dose equivalent is expressed
in units of rem (or sievert).
(8) Public Dose means the dose received by member(s) of the public from
exposure to radiation and to radioactive material released by a DOE
facility or operation, whether the exposure is within a DOE site
boundary or off- site. It does not include dose received from
occupational exposures, doses received from naturally occurring
“background” radiation, doses received as a patient from medical
practices, or doses received from consumer products.
(9) Weighting Factor is tissue-specific and represents the fraction of
the total health risk resulting from uniform, whole-body irradiation
that could be contributed to that particular tissue. The weighting
factors recommended by the ICRP (Publication 26) and used here are
10 DOE 5400.5
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Organ or Tissue Weighting Factor
Gonads 0.25 I
Breasts 0.15
Red Bone Marrow 0.12
Lungs 0.12
Thyroid 0.03
Bone Surfaces 0.03
Remainder 0.30
1 “Remainder means the five other organs with the highest
dose (e.g., liver, kidney, spleen, thymus, adrenal,
pancreas, stomach, small intestine, or upper and lower
large intestine, but excluding skin, lens of the eye, and
extremities). The weighting factor for each of these
organs is 0.06.
(10) Quality Factor is the principal modifying factor used to
ulate the dose equivalent from the absorbed dose. For the
purposes of this Order, the following quality factors, which are
taken from DOE 5480.11, are to be used.
Radiation Type Quality Factor
X-rays, gamma rays, 1
positrons, and electrons
(including tritium)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Neutrons, <10 keV 3
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Neutrons, >10 keV 10
Protons and single charged
particles of unknown energy with
rest mass > one atomic mass unit
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Alpha particles 20
Multiple-charged particles
(and particles of unknown
charge) of unknown energy
For neutrons of known energies, the more detailed quality
factors given in DOE 5480.11 may be used.
e. Members of the Public means persons who are not occupationally
associated with the DOE facility or operations, i.e., persons whose
assigned occupational duties do not require them to enter the DOE site.
(Also see DoseTerms: Public Dose.)
DOE 5400.5 11
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Monitoring Terms.
(1)
(2)
Effluent Monitoring is the collection and analysis of samples or
measurements of liquid and gaseous effluents for purposes of
characterizing and quantifying contaminants, assessing radiation
exposures of members of the public, and demonstrating compliance with
applicable standards.
Section 8
Environmental Surveillance is the collection and analysis of samples
of air, water, soil, foodstuffs, biota, and other media from DOE
sites and their environs and the measurement of external radiation
for purposes of demonstrating compliance with applicable standards,
assessing radiation exposures of members of the public, and assessing
effects, if any, on the local environment.
Protective Action Guides (PAG) are projected numerical dose values
established by EPA, DOE, or States for individuals in the population.
These values may trigger protective actions that would reduce or avoid
the projected dose.
Radioactivity means the property or characteristic of radioactive
material to spontaneously “disintegrate” with the emission of energy in
the form of radiation. The unit of radioactivity is the curie (or
becquerel).
Reference Man means a hypothetical aggregation of human (male and female)
physical and physiological characteristics arrived at by international
consensus (ICRP Publication 23). These characteristics may be used by
researchers and public health workers to standardize results of
experiments and to relate biological insult from ionizing radiation to a
common base. The “reference man” is assumed to inhale 8400 cubic meters
of air in a year and to ingest 730 liters of water in a year.
Release of Property, as used in this Order, means the exercising of DOE’s
authority to release property from its control after confirming that
residual radioactive material (over which DOE has authority) on the
property has been determined to meet the guidelines for residual
radioactive material in Chapter IV or any other applicable radiological
requirements. There may be instances in which DOE or other authority
will impose restrictions on the management and/or use of the property if
the residual radioactive material guidelines of Chapter IV are not met or
if other applicable Federal, State, or local requirements cause the
imposition of such restrictions.
12 DOE 5400.5
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Remedial Action means those actions consistent with permanent remedy
taken instead of, or in addition to, removal action in the event of a
release or threatened release of a hazardous substance into the
environment, to prevent or minimize the release of hazardous substances
so that they do not migrate to cause substantial danger to present or
future public health or welfare or the environment.
Residual Radioactive Material means any radioactive material which is
in or on soil, air, equipment, or structures as a consequence of past
operations or activities.
Settleable Solids means those solids suspended in waste water that are
determined to be settleable using Method 209 E, Settleable Solids pp 98
and 99, 16th edition, Standard Methods for Examination of Water and
Waste Water.
Sewerage Terms.
(1) Sewage means the waste matter that passes through sewers.
(2) Sewer means the artificial conduit, usually underground, for
carrying off waste water and refuse.
(3) Sewerage means the system of sewers.
Soil Column is an in situ volume of soil down through which liquid
wastes percolate from ponds, cribs, seepage basins, or trenches.
Stochastic Effects are biological effects, the probability, rather than
the severity, of which is a function of the magnitude of the radiation
dose without threshold; i.e., stochastic effects are random in nature.
Nonstochastic Effects are biological effects, the severity of which, in
affected individuals, varies with the magnitude of the dose above a
threshold value.
Section 9
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
DONNA R. FITZPATRICK
Assistant Secretary
Management and Administration
DOE 5400.5
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I - GENERAL
ii DOE 5400.5
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DOE 5400.5 iii (and iv)
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DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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I-1
CHAPTER I
GENERAL
1. BACKGROUND. This Order has been developed to integrate, consolidate, and
update the portions of DOE 5480.1B that addressed public and environmental
radiation protection standards and control practices. Specifically, this
Order replaces requirements of DOE 5480.1B, Chapter XI; adopts current
guidance and standards issued by national and international authoritative
bodies on radiation protection; incorporates current regulatory requirements
applicable to DOE operations; and consolidates and upgrades DOE guidance for
contaminated property. The following paragraphs provide a summary of the
topics considered in this Order.
2. DOSE STANDARDS AND TERMINOLOGY.
a. International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). This Order
adopts and implements radiation protection dose standards consistent with
the recommendations of the ICRP. In 1977, the ICRP recommended a system
of dose limitations that has been adopted and implemented by essentially
all countries with nuclear programs. The ICRP system of dose limitations
provides a scientific basis for health protection and selection of dose
limits. The system also reflects current information on health risks,
dosimetry, and radiation practices, and promotes a more uniform and
consistent application of radiation protection among diverse activities
than had previously been possible. The ICRP system is based on sophisti-
cated analytical models and requires computer capabilities for making
evaluations or using the dose conversion tables produced from such
evaluations.
b. Other Sources of Regulations and Guidance. DOE is required to comply
with legally applicable rules and regulations of other Federal, State,
and local agencies, some of which have not adopted the ICRP system. The
result is a mixture of dose standards, terminology, and units.
Therefore, some dose limits in this Order are expressed in terms of
effective dose equivalent, consistent with current ICRP recommendations,
while others are expressed in terms of dose equivalent to the whole body
or to specific organs, consistent with pre-1977 recommendations of ICRP.
The presentation of this Order includes both the more traditional dose
terms and units and the new dose terms and concepts introduced by the
ICRP for their system of dose limitations. Definitions presented in this
Order are consistent with the definitions presented in related Orders,
such as DOE 5480.11.
Vertical line denotes change.
I-2 DOE 5400.5
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3. DOSE LIMIT SELECTION. The DOE primary standard of 100 mrem (1 mSv)
effective dose equivalent to members of the public in a year is lower than
the previous primary limit of 500 mrem (5 mSv). The lower value was
selected in recognition of the ICRP recommendation to limit the long-term
average effective dose equivalent to 100 mrem (1 mSv) per year, or less.
Experience suggests that the lower dose is readily achievable for normal
operations of DOE facilities. A higher dose limit, not to exceed the
500-mrem effective dose equivalent recommended by ICRP as an occasional
annual limit, may be authorized for a limited period if it is justified by
unusual operating conditions.
Section 10
4. AS LOW AS REASONABLY ACHIEVABLE (ALARA). The DOE primary public dose limit
is based on consideration of the potential risk of radiation-induced fatal
cancers and serious genetic defects (i.e., the ICRP risk-based system). The
ICRP recommends that doses to individuals be within the appropriate dose
limit for the individuals and that all exposures be ALARA. Accordingly,
this Order adopts the ALARA process in planning and carrying out all DOE
activities.
5. LIQUID WASTES AND EFFLUENTS.
a. Protection of Resources. In addition to limiting dose to members of
the public (onsite or offsite) to the primary radiation protection
standards established in this Order and to the applicable limits of EPA
and State regulations, additional controls on the release of liquid
wastes are adopted to reduce the potential for radiological
contamination of natural resources such as land, ground and surface
water, and ecosystems.
b. Treatment of Liquid Radioactive Waste Streams. Standards for liquid
effluent discharges are driven by the DOE ALARA policy and objective
minimize contamination in the environment to the extent practicable.
The Order adopts the “best available technology” (BAT) as the
to
appropriate level of treatment for liquid wastes containing radioactive
material and provides that the BAT be phased in at the earliest
practicable time. Technical and economic considerations are included
in determining the BAT. Based on cost and benefit considerations,
radioactive waste streams that contain radionuclide concentrations of
not more than the derived concentration guide (DCG) reference values at
the point of discharge to a surface waterway normally will not require
treatment to further reduce the concentration. BAT treatment is
provided to protect ground water and to prevent radionuclide buildup in
soil.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. The phasing out of the use of soil columns and
the additional requirements associated with the burial of low-level radio-
active wastes (discussed in Chapter II) address concerns with potential
long-term contamination of the environment on and near DOE activities and
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
1-7-93
I-3
sites. These requirements are intended to prevent the buildup of
contamination in soils and ground water and to protect the environment from
the spread of contamination from burial trenches and pits.
7. DISCHARGES TO SANITARY SEWERAGE. The control of releases of liquid wastes to
community sanitary sewer systems is designed to be generally consistent with
requirements imposed by NRC on its licensees. As discussed in Chapter II, the
“best available technology” (BAT) selection process is to be applied to the
treatment of liquid wastes released to sanitary sewerage when concentrations
of radionuclides would otherwise exceed five times the DCG reference values
given in Chapter III. Operators should ensure that the total annual discharge
of radioactive material to the sanitary sewer system will not cause exposures
to members of the general public that will result in doses exceeding a small
fraction of the basic annual dose limit.
8. EFFLUENT MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE.
Section 11
a. Demonstration of Compliance. Demonstrations of compliance with
requirements of this Order generally will be based upon calculations that
make use of information obtained from monitoring and surveillance
programs. The abilities to detect, quantify, and adequately respond to
unplanned releases of radioactive material to the environment also rely
on in-place effluent monitoring, monitoring of environmental transport
and diffusion conditions, and assessment capabilities. This will enable
DOE to develop useful data and to collect and analyze pertinent infor-
mation on unplanned releases in a timely manner. It is the intent of DOE
that the monitoring and surveillance programs for the DOE activities,
facilities, and locations be of high quality. Although some differences
result from specific site or specific activity conditions, uniformity in
the methods and performance criteria used in obtaining the information is
desirable.
b. Monitoring and Surveillance Requirements. To ensure that the effluent
monitoring and environmental surveillance programs
all DOE facilities and sites, certain requirements
are provided in DOE publication DOE/EH-0173T which
radiological effluent monitoring and environmental
are of good quality at
and recommendations
deals with
surveillance.
9. RESIDUAL RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL. DOE practices and requirements for residual
radioactive material are presented in Chapter IV, including limits of
potential dose, authorized contamination limits for the release of property,
and ALARA considerations.
10. DOSE EVALUATIONS
a. Standard Methods. Data developed by the Department to demonstrate that
DOE operations comply with applicable standards and requirements should
be correct and representative. Accordingly, this Order requires that
calculations of dose to the public from exposures resulting from both
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I-4 DOE 5400.5
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routine and unplanned activities be performed using standard EPA or DOE
dose conversion factors or analytical models prescribed in regulations
applicable to DOE operations.
b. Supplemental Documents. The dose conversion factors and derived
concentrations needed to make dose evaluations to meet DOE requirements
are provided in Chapter III and three supplemental documents: EPA-
520/1-88-020, Federal Guidance Report No. 11, “Limiting Values of
Radionuclide Intake and Air Concentration Factors for Inhalation,
Submersion, and Ingestion;” DOE/EH-0071, “Internal Dose Conversion
Factors for Calculation of Dose to the Public,” and DOE/EH-0070,
“External Dose-Rate Conversion Factors for Calculation of Dose to the
Public.” The dose conversion factors in these documents provide the
primary basis for determining compliance with this Order. The table of
DCGs (Chapter III) has been expanded considerably to present all
classes of uptake and retention.
c. EPA Models. The use of AIRDOS/RADRISK, CAP-88, or AIRDOS-PC models is
prescribed by EPA in 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart H, to evaluate potential
doses from airborne releases. Thus, two evaluations of doses from
airborne pathways could be required: one to satisfy 40 CFR Part 61
requirements and one for DOE purposes using contemporary dosimetry.
[Caution: Unless modified, AIRDOS/RADRISK (also known as CAP-88 or
AIRDOS-PC) is not suitable for calculating doses from accidents.]
Section 12
11. REPORTING. The Order addresses the notification of headquarters personnel
when DOE activities might have caused, or might cause, a noncompliance with
requirements of this Order. These requirements are in addition to the
general requirements for reporting, specified in DOE 5484.1. “Federally
permitted” designation of releases, for purposes of EPA reporting
requirements, are addressed in section 11.7.
DOE 5400.5
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II-1
CHAPTER II
REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIATION PROTECTION
OF THE PUBLIC AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1. PUBLIC DOSE LIMITS. Dose limits for members of the public are presented in
this chapter. The primary public dose limits include consideration of all
exposure modes from-all DOE-activities (including remedial actions). The
primary dose limit is expressed as an effective dose equivalent, a term
developed by the ICRP for their risk-based system, which requires the weighted
summation of doses to various organs of the body. Additional public dose
limits are established by EPA regulations for exposures to several selected
sources or exposure modes (pathways or conditions). Public dose limits
promulgated by EPA for selected exposure modes are sometimes expressed as dose
equivalents, which do not include risk-based weighting or summation of doses
to various organs, and sometimes expressed as effective dose equivalent. DOE
must also comply with legally applicable requirements (e.g., 40 CFR Parts 61,
191, and 192 and 10 CFR Parts 60 and 72), including administrative and
procedural requirements. Except for those provided in paragraph II.1a(4),
administrative and procedural requirements of legally applicable regulations
are not addressed in this Order. Such legally applicable regulations must be
consulted for provisions not addressed in this Order.
a. DOE Public Dose Limit--All Exposure Modes, All DOE Sources of Radiation.
Except as provided by 11.1a(4), the exposure of members of the public to
radiation sources as a consequence of all routine DOE activities shall
not cause, in a year, an effective dose equivalent greater than 100 mrem
(1 mSv). Dose evaluations should reflect realistic exposure conditions
(see II.6b).
(1) Dose Components. The limit of 100 mrem (1 mSv) effective dose
equivalent in a year specified in paragraph II.1a is the sum of the
effective dose equivalent (or deep dose equivalent, if dosimeter data
are used) from exposures to radiation sources external to the body
during the year plus the committed effective dose equivalent from
radionuclides taken into the body during the year.
(2) Exposure Modes. Other than for sources specifically excepted, doses
to members of the public from all exposure modes that could
contribute significantly to the total dose shall be considered for
evaluation. Requirements and methods for performing the evaluations
are discussed in paragraph II.6.
II-2 DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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(3) Application. The public dose limits in paragraph II.1a apply to
doses from exposures to radiation sources from routine activities,
including remedial actions and naturally occurring radionuclides
released by DOE processes and operations. The dose limits also
apply to the doses to individuals who are exposed to radiation or
contamination by radionuclides at properties subsequent to
remedial action and release of the property. Limits for radon and
its decay products in air are provided in terms of Working Levels
and concentrations in air and are addressed independently (Chapter
IV and Figure III-l). In addition, DOE operators are required to
report DOE-related effective dose equivalent contributions of 10
mrem (0.10 mSv) or more in a year (see paragraph II.7).
Section 13
(a)
(b)
Doses from Sources Other than DOE Man-Made or Enhanced
Natural Radionuclides. Except for medical sources, consumer
products, residual fallout from past nuclear accidents and
weapons tests, and naturally occurring radiation sources, DOE
operators shall make a reasonable effort to be aware of the
existence of other than DOE man-made sources of radiation
which, combined with the DOE sources, might present a
potential for exceeding contributions of 10 mrem (0.1 mSv)
effective dose equivalent in a year. Reasonable efforts
shall be made to limit dose to members of the public, from
multiple sources of radiation, to 100-mrem (1 mSv) effective
dose equivalent, or less, in a year. EH-1 and the
appropriate Headquarters Program Offices shall be notified if
the 100-mrem in a year dose limit cannot be achieved.
Doses Not Included in Evaluations. The public dose limits do
not apply to doses from medical exposures, consumer products,
and generally do not apply to doses from naturally occurring
radiation sources or from exposures due to accident
conditions, where controls of exposures cannot be maintained.
The policy and requirements relating to protective actions
following the uncontrolled release of radionuclides are set
forth in the DOE 5500 series of directives. Requirements for
planning to prevent or mitigate accidents and their effects
are presented in DOE 5480.5 and DOE 5480.6.
(c) Doses from Underground Nuclear Weapons Tests. The unan-
ticipated release of radioactive material due to venting or
seepage from underground nuclear weapons is considered to be
an accident. However, the release of radioactive material
that results from planned sampling or reentry following an
underground nuclear weapons test is not an accidental
condition, and shall be controlled in accordance with this
standard.
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DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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II-3
(4) Exceptions. Unusual circumstances could affect a DOE activity in
such a manner that the potential public dose could exceed an
effective dose equivalent of 100 mrem (1 mSv) in a year.
exposures is impracticable, the Manager of the DOE Field Office,
in coordination with their Program Office, may request from EH-1
specific authorization for a temporary public dose limit higher
than 100 mrem (1 mSv), but not to exceed 500 mrem (5 mSv), for
the year. The temporary higher dose limit derives from ICRP
recommendations (ICRP Publication 45) for a principal stochastic
dose limit of 100 mrem (1 mSv) effective dose equivalent in a
year for exposures to the public, and a subsidiary dose limit of
500 mrem (5 mSv) effective dose equivalent in a year, for some
years, if the dose averaged over a lifetime does not exceed the
principal limit of 100 mrem (1 mSv) effective dose equivalent per
year. The specific sources excepted in paragraph II.1a(3)(b) are
also excepted for II.1a(4)(a).
(a) Temporary Increases of Dose Limit. If avoidance of the higher
(b) Justification for Increase of Public Dose Limit. A request to
EH-1 for a dose limit higher than 100 mrem (1 mSv) shall be
accompanied by documentation that discusses the need for the
increase, the alternatives considered, and the application of
the ALARA process. EH-1 may approve such a request, or a lesser
increase in the public dose limit, as appropriate.
Section 14
b. Airborne Emissions Only, All DOE Sources of Radionuclides. To the extent
required by the Clean Air Act, the exposure of members of the public to
radioactive materials released to the atmosphere as a consequence of
routine DOE activities shall not cause members of the public to receive,
in a year, an effective dose equivalent greater than 10 mrem (0.1 mSv).
Exposures to, and releases of, radon-220, radon-222, and their respective
decay products are subject to DOE limits (See Figure III-3 and paragraphs
IV.4b and IV.6).
(1)
(2)
Title 40 CFR Part 61. The public dose limits as outlined in
paragraph II.1b are established by EPA regulation 40 CFR Part 61,
Subpart H, under the authority of the Clean Air Act. These limits
apply offsite where the members of the public reside or abide.
Subparts Q and T provide radon flux limits for DOE radium storage and
disposal facilities (Chapter IV) and DOE inactive uranium mill
tailings sites regulated under 40 CFR Part 192.
AIRDOS/RADRISK Codes. To demonstrate compliance analytically with
air emissions for the Clean Air Act Standards, doses to the -
individuals shall be evaluated using the version of AIRDOS/RADRISK
known as CAP-88 or, when available and approved, AIRDOS-PC. Other
computer codes or models, such as “Comply Code,” which are
specifically approved in accordance with 40 CFR Part 61, may also be
used.
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II-4 DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
c.
(3) Environmental Measurements. Compliance may also be demonstrated
through environmental or effluent measurements using EPA-approved
techniques. In this case, the doses estimated are to individuals
in areas offsite, where they are assumed to reside at the point of
maximum annual air concentration.
All Exposure Modes, Sources from Management and Storage of Spent
Nuclear Fuel, High-Level, and Transuranic Wastes at Disposal
Facilities. To the extent required by 40 CFR Part 191, the exposure of
members of the public to direct radiation or radioactive material
released from DOE management and storage activities at a disposal
facility for spent nuclear material or for high-level or transuranic
radioactive wastes that are not regulated by the NRC shall not cause
members of the public to receive, in a year, a dose equivalent greater
than 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) to the whole body or a committed dose
equivalent greater than 75 mrem (0.75 mSv) to any organ.
(1) 40 CFR Part 191. The dose limits as outlined in paragraph II.lc,
are established by Section 191.03(b) of EPA regulation 40 CFR
Part 191, Subpart A, “Environmental Standards for Management and
Storage.” The implementation of the requirements of Subpart B,
“Environmental Standards for Disposal," is beyond the scope of
this Order. DOE waste management and storage activities at
facilities other than disposal facilities are subject to the dose
limits outlined in paragraph II.lc. The Waste Isolation Pilot
Plant, for purposes of this Order, is considered to be a disposal
facility subject to this Order and 40 CFR Part 191. Other
requirements and guidelines for the management and storage of
spent nuclear fuel and high-level and transuranic waste at DOE
facilities that are not licensed by the NRC are given in DOE
5820.2A.
Section 15
(2) Regulatory Requirements. DOE facilities and operations, in some
instances, are subject to the regulatory requirements of the NRC
and the EPA, e.g., 10 CFR Parts 60 and 72 and 40 CFR Parts 61,
191, and 192. It is Departmental policy that DOE facilities and
operations will comply fully with the requirements of those and
other applicable regulatory requirements. In addition, these same
DOE facilities and operations shall comply with all applicable
requirements in this Order unless they are duplicative or conflict
with any of the other Federal regulatory requirements. The
resolution of issues concerning duplicative or conflicting
requirements will be conducted pursuant to the issue coordination
provisions of DOE 5400.2A.
(3) Evaluation of Exposure Modes. Dose conversion factors that
provide dose estimates for exposure to concentrations of specific
radionuclides in air and water and selected exposure modes are
II-5DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
provided in the documents Federal Guidance Report No. 11 (EPA-520/l-
88-020), DOE/EH-0070 and DOE/EH-0071. Use of these factors is
discussed in paragraph 11.6b.
d. Drinking Water Pathway Only, All DOE Sources of Radionuclides. It is the
policy of DOE to provide a level of Protection for persons consuming
water from a public drinking water supply operated by the DOE, either
directly or through a DOE contractor, that is equivalent to that provided
to the public by the public community drinking water standards of 40 CFR
Part 141. These systems shall not cause persons consuming the water to
receive an effective dose equivalent greater than 4 mrem (0.04 mSv) in a
year. Combined radium-226 and radium-228 shall not exceed
and gross alpha activity (including radium-226 but excluding radon and
uranium) shall not exceed
(1) DOE Drinking Water Systems. The dose limit is consistent with the
drinking water criteria in 40 CFR Part 141, “National Interim Primary
Drinking Water Regulations (Safe Drinking Water Act).”
(2) Dose Components. The dose limit is the effective dose equivalent to
individuals whose exclusive source of drinking water contains a
radionuclide, or a mixture of radionuclides, at a monthly average
level of four percent of the appropriate DCG value. For simplicity,
it is assumed that site workers are also exposed to four percent of
DCG values or the radium and gross alpha levels in II.1d for drinking
water while away from the DOE site.
(3) Impact on Other Systems. The liquid effluents from DOE activities
shall not cause private or public drinking water systems downstream
of the facility discharge to exceed the drinking water radiological
limits in 40 CFR Part 141.
2. THE ALARA PROCESS. Field Elements shall develop a program and shall require
contractors to implement the ALARA Process for all DOE activities and
facilities that cause public doses.
a. Considerations. ALARA requires judgment with respect to what is
reasonably achievable. Factors that relate to societal, technological,
economic, and other public policy considerations shall be evaluated to
the extent practicable in making such judgments. Factors to be
considered, at a minimum, shall include:
(1) The maximum dose to members of the public;
(2) The collective dose to the population;
— .
II-6 DOE 5400.5 Chg 1
3.
6-5-90
(3) Alternative processes, such as alternative treatments of discharge
streams, operating methods, or controls;
(4) Doses for each
(5) Costs for each
(6) Examination of
process alternative;
Section 16
of the technological alternatives;
the changes in-cost among alternatives;
(7) Changes in societal impact associated with process alternatives,
e.g., differential doses from various pathways.
b. Evaluations. A quantitative cost-benefit analysis (e.g.,
optimization) could be performed, given the results of the
considerations noted in paragraph 11.2a, above. However, the
parameters needed to evaluate the cost-benefit analyses are difficult
to quantify, and evaluations themselves can be expensive. Furthermore,
the evaluations include many additional assumptions, judgments, and
limitations that are often difficult to reflect as uncertainties in the
analyses. Therefore, except for meeting requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act, qualitative analyses are acceptable, in most
instances, for ALARA judgments, especially where potential doses are
well below the dose limit. The bases for such judgments should be
documented. More detailed analyses should be considered if the
decisions might result in doses that approach the limit.
MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS IN LIQUID DISCHARGES AND
PHASEOUT OF SOIL COLUMNS. In addition to the requirement to limit dose to
members of the public (onsite or offsite) in accordance with the standards
established in paragraphs II.1a and II.1d, further controls are imposed on
liquid releases to protect resources such as land, surface water, ground
water, and the related ecosystems from undue contamination. DCGs are not
release limits, but rather are screening values for considering BAT for
these discharges and for making dose estimates. The following requirements
apply at the point of discharge from the conduit to the environment.
a. Discharges of Liquid Waste to Surface Waters.
(1) Discharge at Greater Than DCG Level. For liquid wastes containing
radionuclides from DOE activities which are discharged to surface
water, the best available technology (BAT) is the prescribed level
of treatment if the surface waters otherwise would contain, at the
point of discharge and prior to dilution, radioactive material at
annual average concentrations greater than the DCG values in
liquids given in Chapter III. The BAT selection process shall be
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DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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II-7
implemented in accordance with II.3a(1)(a) and (b), below.
Although there is no known practicable method for removing tritium
from liquid waste streams, facilities and operations are to be
designed and operated so that tritium sources and releases are
considered in the ALARA process.
(a) BAT Selection. Selection of the best available technology for a
specific application will be made from among candidate
alternative treatment technologies which are identified by an
evaluation process that includes factors related to technology,
economics, and public policy considerations. Factors that are
to be considered in selecting BAT, at a minimum, shall include:
1
2
3
4
the age of equipment and facilities involved;
the process employed;
the engineering aspects of the application of various types
of control techniques;
process changes;
the cost of achieving such effluent reduction;
non-water quality environmental impact (including energy
requirements);
safety considerations; and
public policy considerations.
5
6
7
8
BAT analyses are difficult to express quantitatively because the
factors do not have a common denominator. However,
consideration of the factors will permit qualitative evaluations
which will support judgments.
Section 17
(b) Plan and Schedule for Implementation. A plan and schedule to
install waste treatment systems in existing facilities, if
justified by a BAT analysis, shall be developed within 6 months
of the issuance date of this Order, to permit compliance with
paragraph II.3a(1) at the earliest practicable time. The plan
shall include an ALARA section on tritium, where applicable.
General design criteria are presented in DOE 6430.1A.
(c) Approval. The plan shall be submitted for approval to the
responsible DOE Field Office Manager and updated annually,
consistent with the provisions of DOE 5820.2A for preparing
and updating Waste Management Plans.
vertical line denotes change.
II-8 DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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(2) Discharge at Less Than DCG Level. Implementation of the BAT process for
liquid radioactive wastes is not required where radionuclides are already
at a low level, i.e., the annual average concentration is less than DCG
level. In that case, the cost consideration component of BAT analysis
precludes the need for additional treatment, since any additional
treatment would be unjustifiable on a cost-benefit basis. Therefore,
additional treatment will not be required for waste streams that contain
radionuclide concentrations of not more than the DCG values in Chapter
III at the point of discharge to a surface waterway. However, the ALARA
provisions are applicable.
(3) Multiple Radionuclides. For purposes of II.3a(1), above, the DCG for
liquid waste streams containing more than one type of radionuclide shall
be the sum of the fractional DCG values.
(4) Sedimentation. To prevent the buildup of radionuclide concentrations in
sediments, liquid process waste streams containing radioactive material
in the form of settleable solids may be released to natural waterways if
the concentration of radioactive material in the solids present in the
waste stream does not exceed 5 pCi (O.2 Bq) per gram above background
level, of settleable solids for alpha-emitting radionuclides or 50 pCi
(2 Bq) per gram above background level, of settleable solids for beta-
gamma-emitting radionuclides.
(5) Interim Dose Limit for Native Aquatic Animal Organisms. To protect
native animal aquatic organisms, the absorbed dose to these organisms
shall not exceed 1 rad per day from exposure to the radioactive material
in liquid wastes discharged to natural waterways. DOE publication
DOE/EH-0173T provides guidance on monitoring and calculating dose for
aquatic organisms.
(6) New Facilities. New facilities shall be designed and constructed to meet
the discharge requirements shown in paragraph II.3a.
b. Discharges of Liquid Waste to Aquifers and Phaseout of Soil Columns.
(1) Phasing Out the Use of Soil Columns. The use of soil columns (i.e.,
trenches, cribs, ponds, and drain fields) to retain, by sorption or ion
exchange, suspended or dissolved radionuclides from liquid waste streams
shall be discontinued at the earliest practicable time in favor of an
acceptable alternative disposal means. DOE activities that currently
discharge liquids containing radioactive materials not first treated by
BAT to soil columns, shall develop, within 6 months of the issuance date
of this Order, a plan and schedule for implementing alternate acceptable
disposal at the earliest practicable time. The BAT selection process
shall be applied to those liquid waste streams that will continue to be
discharged to soil columns for indefinite periods and which contain
process-derived radionuclides. The plan shall be submitted for approval
Section 18
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II-9
DOE 5400.5 Chg2
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to the respective DOE Field Office Manager and updated annually,
consistent with the provisions of DOE 5820.2A for preparing and
updating Waste Management Plans.
(2) Prohibition of New or Increased Discharge Quantities and New Soil
Columns. Except as permitted by the provisions in paragraph
11.3e(l), new or increased discharges of radionuclides in liquid
waste to active soil columns and virgin soil columns shall be
prohibited after the effective date of this Order.
c. Management of Soil Columns, Natural Drainage Systems, and Ground Water at
active Sites Previously Contaminated with Radioactive Material.
(1) Inactive Receptors. Contaminated soil columns, drainage systems, and
groundwater to which contaminated liquid discharges have been
discontinued shall be managed or decontaminated pursuant to the
procedures and requirements of DOE 5480.4 and in the 5400 series.
(2) Discharge of Other Liquids. Liquid discharges, even though
uncontaminated, are prohibited in inactive release areas to prevent
the further spread of radionuclides previously deposited.
d. Discharges of Liquid Waste to Sanitary Sewerage. The BAT selection
process shall be implemented if liquid wastes discharged from DOE
activities into sanitary sewerage contain radionuclides at
concentrations, averaged monthly, would otherwise be greater than five
times the DCG values for liquids given in Chapter III at the point of
discharge. That is, the BAT selection process shall be implemented if
the total of the fractions of the average concentrations for each
radionuclide to its respective DCG value would otherwise exceed 5.
(1) Discharges to public sewers should be coordinated with the operators
of the waste water treatment works.
(2) Concentrations shall be controlled so that long-term buildup of
radionuclides in solids will not present a handling and disposal
problem at sewage disposal plants.
(3) Liquid wastes containing concentrations or quantities of radioactive
materials that, when averaged monthly, are greater than those
specified in paragraph II.3d may be discharged into a chemical or
sanitary sewerage system (e.g., systems with drain fields excepted)
if the system is owned by the Federal Government. However, ALARA
process considerations are required. Such a sewerage system will
provide liquid waste treatment prior to discharge to surface waters
in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 11.3a(1).
(4) Operators should ensure that the total annual discharge of
radioactive material to the sanitary sewer system will not cause
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II-10 DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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4.
5.
exposures to members of the general public that will result in doses
exceeding a small fraction of the basic annual dose limit.
e. Exceptions for Liquid Waste Control Requirements.
(1) Interim Control Strategies. DOE Field Office Managers responsible
for DOE activities that cannot comply, when this Order is issued,
with requirements shown in paragraph II.3, shall develop an interim
control strategy with adequate documentation identifying the altern-
atives considered and evaluation thereof. Such interim control
strategies shall be adopted and implemented under the provisions of
DOE 5820.2A, Chapter III, paragraph 3a(2), within 6 months of the
issuance of this Order, and shall be reevaluated every 2 years
thereafter.
Section 19
(2) Tritium Control. There is no practicable technology available for
removing tritium from dilute liquid waste streams. Therefore,
process alternatives that reduce the amount of tritium entering the
liquid waste streams shall be identified and evaluated in accordance
with the DOE ALARA policy. Tritium decay in transit in confined
ground water may be an acceptable alternative to direct release to
the atmosphere or to surface waters. A description and summary of
the alternatives considered in the control of tritium releases shall
be incorporated into the site Waste Management Plan required by
DOE 5820.2A.
MANAGEMENT OF LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE SOLID WASTE. The requirements for the
management of low-level wastes are presented in DOE 5400.1 and DOE 5820.2A.
Design, operational, and monitoring requirements for disposal of solid
low-level waste containing no constituents regulated by The Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) are addressed in DOE 5820.2A.
RELEASE OF PROPERTY HAVING RESIDUAL RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL.
a. Release of Real Property. Release of real property (land and structures)
shall be in accordance with the guidelines and requirements for residual
radioactive material presented in Chapter IV. These guidelines and
requirements apply to both DOE-owned facilities and to private properties
that are being prepared by DOE for release. Real properties owned by DOE
that are being sold to the public are subject to the requirements of
Section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, concerning hazardous substances,
and to any other applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. The
requirements of 40 CFR Part 192 are applicable to properties remediated
by DOE under Title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act
(UMTRA) .
b. Release of Personal Property. Personal property, which potentially could
be contaminated, may be released for unrestricted use if the results of a
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DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
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II-11
survey with appropriate instruments indicate that the property is less than
the contamination limits presented in Figure IV-1.
c. Release of Materials and Equipment.
(1) Surface Contamination Levels. Prior to being released, property shall
be surveyed to determine whether both removable and total surface
contamination (Including contamination present on and under any
coating) are in compliance with the levels given in Figure IV-1 and
that the contamination has been subjected to the ALARA process.
(2) Potential for Contamination. Property shall be considered to be
potentially contaminated if it has been used or stored in radiation
areas that could contain unconfined radioactive material or that are
exposed to beams of particles capable of causing activation
(neutrons, protons, etc.).
(3) Surveys. Surfaces of potentially contaminated property shall be
surveyed using instruments and techniques appropriate for detecting
the limits stated in Figure IV-1.
(4) Inaccessible Areas. Where potentially contaminated surfaces are not
accessible for measurement (as in some pipes, drains, and ductwork),
such property may be released after case-by-case evaluation and
documentation based on both the history of its use and available
measurements demonstrate that the unsurveyable surfaces are likely to
be within the limits given in Figure IV-1.
(5) Records. The records of released property shall include:
(a) A description or identification of the property;
Section 20
(b) The date of the last radiation survey;
(c) The identity of the organization and the individual who
performed the monitoring operation;
(d) The type and identification number of monitoring instruments;
(e) The results of the monitoring operation; and
(f) The identity of the recipient of the released material.
(6) Volume Contamination. No guidance is currently available for release
of material that has been contaminated in depth, such as activated
material or smelted contaminated metals (e.g., radioactivity per unit
volume or per unit mass). Such materials may be released if criteria
and survey techniques are approved by EH-1.
Vertical line denotes change.
II-12 DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
6. DEMONSTRATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE DOSE LIMITS. Compliance with the dose
limits of this Order shall be demonstrated by documentation of an appropriate
combination of measurements and calculations to evaluate potential doses and
the results of the evaluations.
a. Monitoring and Surveillance. General requirements for routine effluent
monitoring are part of the environmental monitoring plan prescribed in
DOE 5400.1. Specific requirements for radiological effluent monitoring
and environmental surveillance and their schedule of implementation
are prescribed in DOE publication DOE\EH-0173T which deals with radio-
logical effluent monitoring
monitoring requirements are
operations that are subject
Order.
and environmental surveillance. The
applicable to all DOE and DOE contractor
to the standards and requirements of this
b. Dose Evaluations. Doses to members of the public in the vicinity of DOE
activities shall be evaluated and documented to demonstrate compliance
with the dose limits of this Order and to assess exposures of the public
from unplanned events. Collective doses to the public within 80 km of
the site shall also be evaluated and documented at least annually.
(1) Modeling. Analytical models used for dose evaluations shall be
appropriate for characteristics of emissions (e.g., gas, liquid, or
particle; depositing or non-depositing; buoyant or non-buoyant); mode
of release (e.g., stack or vent; crib or pond; surface water or
sewer; continuous or intermittent); environmental transport medium
(e.g., air or water); and exposure pathway (e.g., inhalation;
ingestion of food, water, or milk; direct radiation). Information on
dispersion (transport and diffusion) in the environment, demography,
land use (including the location and number of dairy and slaughter
animals), food supplies, and exposure pathways used in the dose
calculations shall be appropriate to evaluate actual and potential
doses in the environs of DOE facilities. Such information shall be
updated as necessary to document significant changes that could
affect dose evaluations. Dose evaluation models that are codified,
approved, or accepted by regulatory or other authorities shall be
used where appropriate, such as the AIRDOS/RADRISK codes for
demonstrating compliance with 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart H.
(2) Dose Conversion Factors. Except as provided in paragraph
II.6b(2)(d), tables of approved dose conversion factors in paragraphs
II.6b(2)(a), (b), and (c), below, shall be used to evaluate doses
unless otherwise legally required, e.g., use of AIRDOS/RADRISK codes
pursuant to 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart H.
(a) Committed Dose Conversion Factors. Radionuclides taken into the
body, generally by exposure modes whereby the radionuclide is
ingested or inhaled, will continue to irradiate the body as long
as they exist and are retained by the body. The dose delivered
to a body over the lifetime of the individual from a single
Section 21
Vertical line denotes change.
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
II-13
committed dose conversion factors shall be used, as appropriate,
and are presented in EPA-520/1-88-020, Federal Guidance Report
No. 11, “Limiting Values of Radionuclide Intake and Air
Concentration and Dose Conversion Factors for Inhalation,
Submersion, and Ingestion,” and in DOE/EH-0071, “Internal DOSe
Conversion Factors for Calculation of Dose to the Public.”
These conversion factors are based upon the ICRP reference man
model, and the committed dose is the dose integrated over an
interval of 50 years.
(b) External Dose Conversion Factors. The doses from exposure to
external radiation from radionuclide concentrations in air and
in water that result from submersion or from exposure to
contaminated plane surfaces shall be estimated, as appropriate,
using the external dose conversion factors presented in EPA-
520/1-88-020, Federal Guidance Report No. 11, “Limiting Values
of Radionuclides Intake and Air Concentration and Dose
Conversion Factors for Inhalation, Submersion, and Ingestion”
and in DOE/EH-0070, “External Dose-Rate Conversion Factors for
Calculation of Dose to the Public.”
(c) Derived Concentration Guides (DCG). DCG values are presented as
reference values in Chapter III for each of three exposure
modes: inhalation of air containing the radionuclide;
submersion in a semi-infinite cloud of air containing the
radionuclide; and ingestion of water containing the
radionuclide. The DCG tables may be used to evaluate only the
three exposure modes upon which they are based.
(d) Other Methods and Alternatives. Methods and alternatives other
than those discussed above and as prescribed in applicable
regulations shall be submitted to EH-1 for approval. EH-1 may
approve the alternative method, if appropriate.
(3) Parametric Considerations.
(a) Dose limits for members of the general public, from routine
operation of a DOE activity, shall be expressed as a dose
received by the individuals during the year (if, for example,
the exposure is external to the body) or the committed dose
received by the individual over a period of 50 years from
radionuclides taken into the body during the year. The limits
should not be interpreted as dose rates per se, especially not
in the sense of instantaneous dose rates.
(b) Doses calculated should be as realistic as practicable.
Consequently, the individuals subject to the greatest exposure
shall be identified, to the extent practicable, so that the
highest dose might be determined.
II-14 DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
1-7-93
(c) Dose limits apply to actual or committed doses to real
individuals. Consequently, all factors germane to dose
determination should be applied. Alternatively, if available
data are not sufficient to evaluate these factors or if they are
too costly to determine, the assumed parametric values shall be
sufficiently conservative so that it is unlikely that
individuals would actually receive a dose that would exceed the
dose calculated using the values assumed.
(d) Parametric values used in performing dose calculations shall be
recorded.
(e) Collective public dose in the environs of a site with multiple
emission points may be estimated using the assumption that all
emissions occur from a single point centrally located on the
site. Guidance on combining emission points is provided in EPA-
450/477-001, “Guidelines for Air Quality Maintenance Planning
and Analysis,” Vol. 10, Revised: Procedures for Evaluating Air
Quality Impact of New Stationary Sources.
Section 22
(f) The assumption of a single point of emission, as discussed in
II.6b(3)(e), may be used to calculate public dose for the
maximally exposed individuals if the emission points are close
to one another relative to the distance to the site boundary.
Otherwise, the public dose to the maximally exposed individuals
should be determined taking into consideration the actual
locations of emissions on the site with respect to the offsite
locations.
7. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. In addition to the reporting requirements of DOE
5400.1 and DOE 5484.1, the responsible DOE Field Office Manager shall notify, in
a timely manner, the relevant Program Office(s) and the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Environment (EH-20) of actual or potential exposures of members
of the public that could result in either an effective dose equivalent from
DOE sources exceeding 1O mrem (0.1 mSv) in a year; or exceeding any limit or
not meeting any other requirement specified in this Order or any other legally
applicable limits, or a combined dose equal to or greater than 100 mrem
(1 mSv) effective dose equivalent in a year due to DOE and other man-made
sources of radiation (medical, consumer products, and natural sources
excepted). For purposes of determining compliance with the reporting
requirements of 40 CFR Parts 302 and 355, releases of source, by-product, and
special nuclear material that occur from DOE activities are considered to be
“Federally permitted” releases if they do not exceed the limits specified in
this Order and the operations and releases are in compliance with DOE
policies, and guidelines, and requirements specified in DOE Orders, including
DOE 5820.2A.
Vertical line denotes change.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
1-7-93
8. RECORDS.
II-15 (and II-16)
a. Content. Records developed shall include information and data necessary
to identify and characterize releases of radioactive material to the
environment, their fate in the environment, and their probable impact on
radiation doses to the public. Basic information used assess compliance
with the requirements of this Order pursuant to paragraph II.6, and the
results of such assessments, shall be incorporated as part of the record.
b. Retention. Information and data developed pursuant to this Order shall
be retained consistent with the requirements of DOE 1324.2A and other
legally applicable requirements.
9. UNITS. All reports, notifications, and records developed pursuant to DOE
Order requirements shall present data in the units used in the applicable
regulation or DOE Order.
Vertical line denotes change.
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-1
CHAPTER III
DERIVED CONCENTRATION GUIDES
FOR AIR AND WATER
1. PURPOSE. The Derived Concentration Guide (DCG) values listed in this
chapter are provided as reference values for conducting radiological
environmental protection programs at operational DOE facilities and
sites. Derived Air Concentrations (DAC) guides for controlling
occupational intake of radionuclides through inhalation are listed in
DOE 5480.11.
Section 23
2. BASIS. The DCG values are presented for each of three exposure modes:
1) ingestion of water; 2) inhalation of air; and 3) immersion in a gase-
ous cloud. The DCG values for internal exposure shown in Figure III-1
are based on a committed effective dose equivalent of 100 mrem for the
radionuclide taken into the body by ingestion or inhalation during one
year. To use the DCGs for comparison with the DOE drinking water systems
criterion of 4 mrem/yr (0.04 mSv/yr), use 4 percent of the DCG values for
ingestion. Compliance with the 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart H, criterion of
10 mrem/yr (0.10 mSv/yr) effective dose equivalent is demonstrated using
the AIRDOS/RADRISK models prescribed by the EPA. Alternative
gastrointestinal-tract (GI-tract) absorption factors (fl) and lung reten-
tion classes (noted as D, W, or Y in the Task Group Lung Model used to
produce the inhalation dose factors reported in ICRP Publication 30) are
listed for specific compounds, by element, in Figure III-2 for
cross-referencing with the internal DCGS in Figure III-1. The data in
Figure III-2 are listed in alphabetical order, by element name. Removal
half-times assigned to the compounds with lung retention classes D, W,
and Y are 0.5, 50, and 500 days, respectively. The air immersion DCG
values shown in Figure III-3 are based on an effective dose equivalent of
100 mrem from exposure during one year. Figure III-1 contains six
columns of information: Radionuclide/Chemical Form/Isomer Half-Life; fl
Value (GI-tract absorption); Ingested Water DCG ( µ µ Ci/mL); Inhaled Air DCG
for Lung Retention Class D ( µ µ Ci/mL); and Inhaled Air DCG for Lung
Retention Class W ( µ µ Ci/mL); and Inhaled Air DCG for Lung Retention Class
Y ( µ µ Ci/mL). Figure III-2 contains five columns of information:
Element/Symbol; Atomic Number; compound; fl value; and Lung Retention
Class. Figure III-3 contains three columns of information:
Radionuclide; Half-life in units of seconds (s), minutes (min), hours
(h), days (d), or years (yr); and Air Immersion DCG ( µ µ Ci;mL).
a. Exposure Conditions for Ingestion of Water and Inhalation. Under
conditions of continuous exposure, members of the public are assumed
to ingest 730 liters of drinking water or to inhale 8,400 cubic
meters of air (for exposure of 24 hours per day, 365 days per year),
as given for the “reference man” in ICRP Publication 23. Only
single modes of exposure were considered in the calculation of the
DCGs - that is, they apply to either inhalation or ingestion, not to
DOE 5400.5
III-2 2-8-90
a combination of both. The dose factors used to calculate the DCG
values for internal exposure were taken from the report “Internal
Dose Conversion Factors for Calculation of Dose to the Public”
(DOE/EH-0071). For ingestion, DCG values are tabulated for all
values of fl for each radionuclide given in ICRP Publication 30, as
modified for several transuranic elements by ICRP Publication 48.
For inhalation, DCG values are given for all combinations of fl and
lung retention class (D, W, or Y) given by the ICRP, as tabulated in
Figure III-2. For radionuclides with multiple fl listings, where
specific data for an airborne or liquid release are lacking, the fl
value that results in the most restrictive DCG for ingested water or
inhaled air should be used.
Section 24
b. Exposure Conditions for Air Immersion. The air immersion DCGs were
calculated for a continuous, nonshielded exposure via immersion in a
semi-infinite atmospheric cloud. The dose conversion factors used
to calculate the DCG values for air immersion were taken from the
report “External Dose-Rate Conversion Factors for Calculation of
Dose to the Public” (DOE/EH-0070). The DCG value for air immersion
listed in Figure III-3 for a given radionuclide is determined either
by a limit on annual effective dose equivalent, which provides a
limit on stochastic radiation effects, or by a limit on annual dose
equivalent to any organ, which provides a limit on nonstochastic
radiation effects. For most of the radionuclides listed in
Figure III-3, the DCG value is determined by the limit on annual
effective dose equivalent. Thus, the few cases where the DCG value
is determined by the limit on annual dose equivalent to skin are
indicated in the figure by an appropriate footnote. Again, the DCGs
listed in Figure III-3 account only for immersion in a semi-infinite
cloud and do not account for inhalation or ingestion exposures.
Three classes of radionuclides are included in the air immersion
DCGs given in Figure III-3, as described below.
(1) Class 1. The first class of radionuclides includes selected
noble gases and short-lived activation products that occur in
gaseous form. For these radionuclides, inhalation doses are
negligible compared to the external dose from immersion in an
atmospheric cloud.
(2) Class 2. The second class of radionuclides includes those for
which a DCG value for inhalation has been calculated (using the
ICRP inhalation dose equivalent factors), but for which the DCG
value for external exposure to a contaminated atmospheric cloud
is more restrictive (i.e., results in a lower DCG value).
These radionuclides generally have half-lives of a few hours or
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-3
(3)
less, or are eliminated from the body following inhalation
sufficiently rapidly to limit the inhalation dose.
Class 3. The third class of radionuclides includes selected
isotopes with relatively short half-lives that were not con-
sidered in ICRP Publication 30. These radionuclides typically
have half-lives that are less than 10 minutes, they do not
occur as a decay product of a longer-lived radionuclide, or
they lack sufficient decay data to permit internal dose calcu-
lations. These radionuclides are also typified by a radio-
active emission of highly intense, high-energy photons and
rapid removal from the body following inhalation.
c. Application to Mixtures of Radionuclides. The DCG values are given
for individual radionuclides. For known mixtures of radionuclides,
the sum of the ratios of the observed concentration of each radio-
nuclide to its corresponding DCG must not exceed 1.0.
3. LIMITATIONS. The values given in Figures III-1 and III-3 account for
only three exposure pathways (ingested water or inhaled air or air immersion)
and do not include other potentially significant pathways. When more complex
environmental pathways are involved, a more complete pathway analysis is
required for calculating public radiation doses resulting from the operation
of DOE facilities.
III-4
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1
Derived Concentration Guides (DCGs) for Members of the Public from
Ingested Water and Inhalation Resulting in 100 mrem/yr
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-5
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-6
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-7
Section 25
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-8
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-9
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-10
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-11
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-12
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-13
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-14
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-15
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-16
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-17
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-18
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-19
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-20
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-21
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-22
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-23
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-24
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-25
Figure III-1 (contd)
III-26
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
A dash indicates no values given for this data category.
The inhalation DCG values allow for an additional 50% absorption through
the skin, as described in ICRP Publication No. 30: “Limits for Intakes
of Radionuclides by Workers.” For elemental tritium, the lung dose
equivalent is used as the basis for the DCG value shown.
For the radionuclide shown, the DCG for external exposure from immersion
in a contaminated plume (listed in Figure III-2) is more restrictive.
DCGs for Rn-220 are being assessed by DOE. Until the review has been
completed and new values issued, the value of 3.E-09 µ µ Ci/mL given in
Figure III-3 shall be used.
DCGs for Rn-222 are being assessed by DOE. Until the review has been
completed and new values issued, the value of 3.E-09 µ µ Ci/mL given in
Figure III-3 shall be used for Rn-222 releases from DOE facilities. In
addition, the requirements of Chapter IV, Sections 4b, 6b, and 6d, shall
be used when they are applicable.
ICRP Publication No. 48: “The Metabolism of Plutonium and Related
Elements.”
Based on the listed value. It is assumed that individual organ
doses, except for the gastrointestinal tract, change in proportion to
for all organs, including the "Remainder.” Gastrointestinal doses are
unchanged because very little material is absorbed in the upper portions
of the tract.
It is assumed that the effective dose equivalents are unchanged even
though the values have changed. This is because the contribution to
organ dose from inhalation is dependent mainly on transfer from lung to
blood when fl values are small. Also the gastrointestinal tract dose
would be unchanged because the fraction of activity passing through the
tract is (1.0 - ).
Figure III-1 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-2
III-27
Alternative Absorption Factors and Lung Retention Classes
for Specific Compounds
III-28
Figure III-2 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-29
Figure III-2 (contd)
III-30
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-2 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-31
Figure III-2 (contd)
III-32
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-2 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-33
Figure III-2 (contd)
III-34
Figure III-2 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
no data for the value shown. A dash indicates
For ingestion, no lung retention classes are listed.
III-35
Figure III-2 (contd)
III-36
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Figure III-3
Derived Concentration Guides (DCGs) for Members of the Public from
External Exposure During Immersion in a Contaminated Atmospheric Cloud
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-37
Section 26
Figure III-3 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90III-38
Figure III-3 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 III-39
Figure III-3 (contd)
III-40
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
Committed effective dose equivalent from inhalation is
calculated in ICRP Publication 30, but the DCG value
for external exposure to a contaminated atmospheric
cloud is more restrictive than the DCG value for
inhalation.
Committed effective dose equivalent from inhalation is
not calculated in ICRP Publication 30, but DCG value
for external exposure to contaminated cloud should be
more restrictive than DCG value for inhalation due to
relatively short half-life of radionuclide.
DCG value is determined by limit on annual dose
equivalent to skin, rather than limit on annual
effective dose equivalent.
Figure III-3 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
III-41 (and III-42)
DCG value applies to radionuclide in vapor form only;
DCG value for inhalation is more restrictive for
radionuclide in inorganic form.
DCG value applies to radionuclide in inorganic or
vapor form.
DCG value for exposure to contaminated atmospheric
cloud is the same as DCG value for inhalation.
The value shown for radon gas is a result of unit
conversion from 3 pCi/L to 3 µ µ Ci/mL.
Figure III-3 (contd)
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
IV-1
CHAPTER IV
RESIDUAL RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
1. PURPOSE. This chapter presents radiological protection requirements and
guidelines for cleanup of residual radioactive material and management of the
resulting wastes and residues and release of property. These requirements and
guidelines are applicable at the time the property is released. Property
subject to these criteria includes, but is not limited to sites identified by
the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) and the Surplus
Facilities Management Program (SFMP). The topics covered are basic dose
limits, guidelines and authorized limits for allowable levels of residual
radioactive material, and control of the radioactive wastes and residues.
This chapter does not apply to uranium mill tailings or to properties covered
by mandatory legal requirements.
2. IMPLEMENTATION. DOE elements shall develop plans and protocols for the
implementation of this guidance. FUSRAP sites shall be identified,
characterized, and designated, as such, for remedial action and certified for
release. Information on applications of the guidelines and requirements
presented herein, including procedures for deriving specific property
guidelines for allowable levels of residual radioactive material from basic
dose limits, is contained in DOE/CH 8901, “A Manual for Implementing Residual
Radioactive Material Guidelines, A Supplement to the U.S. Department of Energy
Guidelines for Residual Radioactive Material at FUSRAP and SFMP Sites,” June
1989.
a. Residual Radioactive Material This chapter provides guidance on
radiation protection of the public and the environment from:
(1) Residual concentrations of radionuclides in soil (for these purposes,
soil is defined as unconsolidated earth material, including rubble
and debris that might be present in earth material);
(2) Concentrations of airborne radon decay products;
(3) External gamma radiation,
(4) Surface contamination; and
(5) Radionuclide concentrations in air or water resultlng from or
associated with any of the above.
IV-2 2-8-90
DOE 5400.5
Section 27
b. Basic Dose Limit. The basic dose limit for doses resulting from
exposures to residual radioactive material is a prescribed standard
from which limits for quantities that can be monitored and controlled
are derived; it is specified in terms of the effective dose equivalent
as defined in this Order. The basic dose limits are used for deriving
guidelines for residual concentrations of radionuclides in soil.
Guidelines for residual concentrations of thorium and radium in soil,
concentrations of airborne radon decay products, allowable indoor
external gamma radiation levels, and residual surface contamination
concentrations are based on existing radiological protection standards
(40 CFR Part 192; NRC Regulatory Guide 1.86 and subsequent NRC guidance
on residual radioactive material). Derived guidelines or limits based
on the basic dose limits for those quantities are used only when the
guidelines provided in the existing standards are shown to be
inappropriate.
c. Guideline. A guideline for residual radioactive material is a level of
radioactive material that is acceptable for use of property without
restrictions due to residual radioactive material. Guidelines for
residual radioactive material presented herein are of two kinds,
generic and specific. The basis for the guidelines is generally a
presumed worst-case plausible-use scenario for the property.
(1) Generic guidelines, independent of the property, are taken from
existing radiation protection standards. Generic guideline values
are presented in this chapter.
(2) Specific property guidelines are derived from basic dose limits
using specific property models and data. Procedures and data for
deriving specific property guideline values are given by DOE/CH
8901.
d. Authorized Limit. An authorized limit is a level of residual radio
active material that shall not be exceeded if the remedial action is to
be considered completed and the property is to be released without
restrictions on use due to residual radioactive material.
(1) The authorized limits for a property will include:
(a) Limits for each radionuclide or group of radionuclides, as
appropriate, associated with residual radioactive material in
soil or in surface contaminatlon of structures and equipment .
(b) Limits for each radionuclide or group of radionuclides, as
appropriate, in air or water; and
(c) Where appropriate, a limit on external gamma radiation
resulting from the residual material.
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
IV-3
(2) Under normal circumstances expected at most properties, authorized
limits for residual radioactive material are set equal to, or below
guideline values. Exceptional conditions for which authorized limits~
might differ from guideline values are specified in paragraphs IV-5
and IV-7.
(3) A property may be released without restrictions if residual
radioactive material does not exceed the authorized limits or
approved supplemental limits, as defined in paragraph IV.7a, at the
time remedial action is completed. DOE actions in regard to restric-
tions and controls on use of the property shall be governed by
provisions in paragraph IV. 7b. The applicable controls and
restrictions are specified in paragraph IV.6 and IV.7.c.
e. ALARA Applications. The monitoring, cleanup, and control of residual
radioactive material are subject to the ALARA policy of this Order
Applications of ALARA policy shall be documented and filed as a permanent
record.
3. BASIC DOSE LIMITS.
Section 28
a. Defining and Determining Dose Limits. The basic public dose limits for
exposure to residual radioactive material, in addition to natural
occurring “background” exposures, are 100 mrem (1 mSv) effective dose
equivalent in a year, as specified in paragraph II.1a.
b. Unusual Circumstances. If, under unusual circumstances, it is
impracticable to meet the basic limit based on realistic exposure
scenarios, the respective project and/or program office may, pursuant to
paragraph II.1a(4), request from EH-1 for a specific authorization for a
temporary dose limit higher than 100 mrem (1 mSv), but not greater than
500 mrem (5mSv), in a year. Such unusual circumstances may include
temporary conditions at a properly scheduled for remedial action or
following the remedial action. The ALARA process shall apply to the
selection of temporary dose limits.
4. GUIDELINES FOR RESIDUAL RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL.
a. Residual Radionuclides in Soil. Generic guidelines for thorium and
radium are specified below. Guidelines for residual concentrations of
other radionuclides shall be derived from the basic dose limits by means
of an environmental pathway analysis using specific property data where
available. Procedures for these derivations are given in DOE/CH-8901.
Residual concentrations of radioactive material in soil are defined as
those in excess of background concentrations averaged over an area of 100
IV-4
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90
(1) Hot Spots. If the average concentration in any surface or
below-surface area less than or equal to 25 , exceeds the limit
or guideline by a factor of (lOO/A) , [where A is the area (in
square meters) of the region in which concentrations are
elevated], limits for “hot-spots” shall also be developed and
applied. Procedures for calculating these hot-spot limits, which
depend on the extent of the elevated local concentrations, are
given in DOE/CH-8901. In addition, reasonable efforts shall be
made to remove any source of radionuclide that exceeds 30 times
the appropriate limit for soil, irrespective of the average
concentration in the soil.
(2) Generic Guidelines. The generic guidelines for residual
concentrations of Ra-226, Ra228, Th-230, and Th-232 are:
(a) 5 pCi/g, averaged over the first 15 cm of soil below the
surface; and
(b) 15 pCi/g, averaged over 15-cm-thick layers of soil more than
15 cm below the surface.
(3) Inqrowth and Mixtures. These guidelines take into account
ingrowth of Ra-226 from Th-230 and of Ra-228 from Th-232, and
assume secular equilibrium. If both Th-230 and Ra-226 or both
Th-232 and Ra-228 are present and not in secular equilibrium, the
appropriate guideline is applied as a limit for the radionuclide
with the higher concentration. If other mixtures of radionuclide
occur, the concentrations of individual radionuclides shall be
reduced so that either the dose for the mixtures will not exceed
the basic dose limit or the sum of the ratios of the soil
concentration of each radionuclide to the allowable limit for that
radionuclide will not exceed 1. Explicit formulas for calculating
residual concentration guidelines for mixtures are given in
DOE/CH-8901.
b. Airborne Radon Decay Products. Generic guidelines for concentrations
of airborne radon decay products shall apply to existing occupied or
habitable structures on private property that are intended for release
without restriction; structures that will be demolished or buried are
excluded. The applicable generic guideline (40 CFR Part 192) is: In
any occupied or habitable building, the objective of remedial action
shall be, and a reasonable effort shall be made to achieve, an annual
average (or equivalent) radon decay product concentration (including
background) not to exceed 0.02 WL. [A working level (WL) is any
combination of short lived radon decay products in 1 L of air that will
Section 29
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 IV-5
result in the ultimate emission of 1.3 x MeV of potential alpha
energy.] In any case, the radon decay product concentration (including
background) shall not exceed 0.03 WL. Remedial actions by DOE are not
required in order to comply with this guideline when there is reason
able assurance that residual radioactive material is not the source of
the radon concentration.
c. External Gamma Radiation. The average level of gamma radiation inside
a building or habitable structure on a site to be released without
restrictions shall not exceed the background level by more than 20 µ µ R\h
and shall comply with the basic dose limit when an “appropriate-use”
scenario is considered. This requirement shall not necessarily apply
to structures scheduled for demolition or to buried foundations.
External gamma radiation levels or open lands shall also comply with
the basic limit and the ALARA process, considering appropriate-use
scenarios for the area.
d. Surface Contamination. The generic surface contamination guidelines
provided in Figure IV-1 are applicable to existing structures and
equipment. These guidelines are generally consistent with standards of
the NRC (NRC 1982) and functionally equivalent to Section 4, “Decon-
tamination for Release for Unrestricted Use,” of Regulatory Guide 1.86,
but apply to nonreactor facilities. These limits apply to both
interior equipment and building components that are potentially
salvageable or recoverable scrap. If a building is demolished, the
guidelines in paragraph IV.6a are applicable to the resulting con-
tamination in the ground,
e. Residual Radionuclides in Air and Water. Residual concentrations of
radionuclides in air and water shall be controlled to the required
levels shown in paragraph II.1a and as required by other applicable
Federal and/or State laws.
AUTHORIZED LIMITS FOR RESIDUAL RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL.
a. Establishment of Authorized Limits. The authorized limits for each
property shall be set equal to the generic or derived guidelines unless
it can be established, on the basis of specific property data
(including health, safety, practical, programmatic and socioeconomic
considerations), that the guidelines are not appropriate for use at the
specific property. The authorized limits shall be established to (1)
provide that, at a minimum, the basic dose limits of in paragraph IV.3,
will not be exceeded under the “worst case” or “plausible-use”
scenarios, consistent with the procedures and guidance provided in
DOE/CH-8901, or (2) be consistent with applicable generic guidelines.
The authorized limits shall be consistent with limits and guidelines
established by other applicable Federal and State laws. The authorized
limits are developed through the project offices in the field and are
approved by the Headquarters Program Office.
IV-6
DOE 5400.5
2 - 8 - 9 0
Figure IV-1
Surface Contamination Guidelines
1/ As used in this table, dpm (disintegrations per minute) means the rate of
emission by radioactive material as determined by correcting the 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 . For objects of less surface area, the average should be
derived for each such object.
Section 30
4/ The average and maximum dose rates associated with surface contamination
resulting from beta-gamma emitters should not exceed 0.2 mrad/h and 1.0
mrad/h, respectively, at 1 cm.
5/ The maximum contamination level applies to an area of not more than 100 cm2.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2 IV-7
6/ The amount of removable material per 100 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 area less than 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 use 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 mixed fission products, including the
Sr-90 which is present in them. It does not apply to Sr-90 which has been
separated from the other fission products or mixtures where the Sr-90 has been
enriched.
b. Application of Authorized Limits. Remedial action shall not be
considered complete until the residual radioactive material levels comply
with the authorized limits, except as authorized pursuant to paragraph
IV.7 for special situations where the supplemental limits and exceptions
should be considered and it is demonstrated that it is not appropriate to
decontaminate the area to the authorized limit or guideline value.
6. CONTROL OF RESIDUAL RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL. Residual radioactive material above
the guidelines shall be managed in accordance with Chapter II and the
following requirements.
a. Operational and Control Requirements. The operational and control
requirements specified in the following Orders shall apply to interim
storage, interim management, and long-term management.
(1) DOE 5000.3B, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information
(2) DOE 5440.1E, National Environmental Policy Act Compliance Program
(3) DOE 5480.4, Environmental Protection, Safety, and Health Protection
Standards
(4) DOE 5482.1B, Environmental, Safety, and Health Appraisal Program
(5) DOE 5483.1A, Occupational Safety and Health Program for DOE Employees
at Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated Facilities
(6) DOE 5484.1, Environmental Protection, Safety, and Health Protection
Information Reporting Requirements
(7) DOE 5820.2A, Radioactive Waste Management.
Vertical line denotes change.
IV-8 DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
1-7-93
b. Interim Storage.
(1) Control and stabilization features shall be designed to provide,
to the extent reasonably achievable, an effective life of 50 years
with a minimum life of at least 25 years.
(2) Controls shall be designed such that Rn-222 concentrations in the
atmosphere above facility surfaces or openings in addition to
background levels, will not exceed:
(a) 100 pCi/L at any given point;
(b) An annual average concentration of 30 pCi/L over the facility
site; and
(c) An annual average concentration of 3 pCi/L at or above any
location outside the facility site.
(d) Flux rates from the storage of radon producing wastes shall
not exceed 20 pCi/sq.m-sec , as required by 40 CFR Part 61.
(3) Controls shall be designed such that concentrations of
radionuclides in the groundwater and quantities of residual
radioactive material will not exceed applicable Federal or State
standards.
Section 31
(4) Access to a property and use of onsite material contaminated by
residual radioactive material should be controlled through
appropriate administrative and physical controls such as those
described in 40 CFR Part 192. These control features should be
designed to provide, to the extent reasonable, an effective life
of at least 25 years.
c. Interim Management.
(1) A property may be maintained under an interim management
arrangement when the residual radioactive material exceeds
guideline values if the residual radioactive material is in
inaccessible locations and would be unreasonably costly to remove,
provided that administrative controls are established by the
responsible authority (Federal, State, or local) to protect
members of the public and that such controls are approved by the
appropriate Program Secretarial Officer.
(2) The administrative controls include but are not limited to
periodic monitoring as appropriate; appropriate shielding;
physical barriers to prevent access; and appropriate radiological
safety measures during maintenance, renovation, demolition, or
other activities that might disturb the residual radioactive
material or cause it to migrate.
Vertical line denotes change.
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
1-7-93
IV-9
(3) The owner of the property should be responsible for implementing the
administrative controls and the cognizant Federal, State, or local
authorities should be responsible for enforcing them.
d. Long-Term Management.
(1) Uranium, Thorium, and Their Decay Products.
(a) Control and stabilization features shall be designed to provide,
to the extent reasonably achievable, an effective life of 1,000
years with a minimum life of at least 2OO years.
(b) Control and stabilization features shall be designed to limit
Rn-222 emanation to the atmosphere from the wastes to less than
an annual average release rate of 20 pCi/ /s and prevent
increases in the annual average Rn-222 concentration at or above
any location outside the boundary of the contaminated area by
more than 0.5 pCi/L. Field verification of emanation rates
shall be in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR Part 61.
(c) Before any potentially biodegradable contaminated wastes are
placed in a long-term management facility, such wastes shall be
properly conditioned so that the generation and escape of
biogenic gases will not cause the requirement in paragraph
IV.6d(1)(b) to be exceeded and that biodegradation within the
facility will not result in premature structural failure in
violation of the requirements in paragraph IV.6d(1)(a).
(d) Ground water shall be protected in accordance with legally
applicable Federal and State standards.
(e) Access to a property and use of onsite material contaminated by
residual radioactive material should be controlled through
appropriate administrative and physical controls such as those
described in 40 CFR Part 192. These controls should be designed
to be effective to the extent reasonable
(2) Other Radionuclides. Long-term management of
shall be in accordance with Chapters II, III,
as applicable.
7. SUPPLEMENTAL LIMITS AND EXCEPTIONS. If special specific
circumstances indicate that the guidelines or authorized
for a given property are not appropriate for any portion
for at least 200 years.
other radionuclides
and IV of DOE 5820.2A,
property
limits established
of that property,
Section 32
then the DOE-Field Office Manager may request, through the Program Office,
that supplemental limits or an exception be applied. The responsible DOE
Field Office Manager shall document the decision that the subject guide-
lines or authorized limits are not appropriate and that the alternative
action selected will provide adequate protection, giving due consideration
Vertical line denotes change.
IV-10
DOE 5400.5 Chg 2
1-7-93
to health and safety, the environment, costs, and public policy
considerations. The DOE Field Office Manager shall obtain approval for
specific supplemental limits or exceptions from Headquarters as specified
in paragraph IV.5, and shall provide to the Headquarters Program Office
those materials required by Headquarters for the justification as
specified in this paragraph and in the FUSRAP and SFMP protocols and
subsequent guidance documents. The DOE Field Office Manager shall also be
responsible for coordination with the State and local government regarding
the limits or exceptions and associated restrictions as appropriate. In
the case of exceptions, the DOE Field Office Manager shall be responsible
for coordinating with the State and/or local governments to ensure the
adequacy of restrictions or conditions of release and that mechanisms are
in place for their enforcement.
a. Supplemental Limits. Any supplemental limits shall achieve the basic
dose limits set forth in Chapter II of this Order for both current and
potential unrestricted uses of a property. Supplemental limits may be
applied to any portion of a property if, on the basis of a specific
property analysis, it is demonstrated that
(1) Certain aspects of the property were not considered in the
development of the established authorized limits for that
property; and
(2) As a result of these certain aspects, the established limits
either do not provide adequate protection or are unnecessarily
restrictive and costly.
b. Exceptions to the authorized limits defined for a property may be
applied to any portion of the property when it is established that the
authorized limits cannot reasonably be achieved and that restrictions
on use of the property are necessary. It shall be demonstrated that
the exception is justified and that the restrictions will protect
members of the public within the basic dose limits of this Order and
will comply with the requirements for control of residual radioactive
material as set forth in paragraph IV.6.
c. Justification for Supplemental Limits and Exceptions. The need for
supplemental limits and exceptions shall be documented by the DOE Field
Office on a case-by-case basis using specific property data. Every
reasonable effort should be made to minimize the use of supplemental
limits and exceptions. Examples of specific situations that warrant
DOE use of supplemental standards and exceptions are:
(1) Where remedial action would pose a clear and present risk of
injury to workers or members of the public, notwithstanding
reasonable measures to avoid or reduce risk.
Vertical line denotes change.
DOE 5400.5
2-8-90 IV-11
(2) Where remedial action, even after all reasonable mitigative measures
have been taken, would produce environmental harm that is clearly
excessive compared to the health benefits to persons living on or
near affected properties, now or in the future. A clear excess of
environmental harm is harm that is long-term, manifest, and grossly
disproportionate to health benefits that may reasonably be
anticipated.
Section 33
(3) Where it is determined that the scenarios or assumptions used to
establish the authorized limits do not apply to the property or
portion of the property identified, or where more appropriate scen-
arios or assumptions indicate that other limits are applicable or
appropriate for protection of the public and the environment.
(4) Where the cost of remedial action for contaminated soil is
unreasonably high relative to long-term benefits and where the
residual material does not pose a clear present or future risk after
taking necessary control measure. The likelihood that buildings will
be erected or that people will spend long periods of time at such a
property should be considered in evaluating this risk. Remedial act-
ion will generally not be necessary where only minor quantities of
residual radioactive material are involved or where residual
radioactive material occurs in an inaccessible location at which
specific property factors limit its hazard and from which it is
difficult or costly to remove. Examples include residual radioactive
material under hard-surfaced public roads and sidewalks, around
public sewer lines, or in fence-post foundations. A specific
property analysis shall be provided to establish that the residual
radioactive material would not cause an individual to receive a
radiation dose in excess of the basic dose limits stated in paragraph
IV.3, and a statement specifying the level of residual radioactive
material shall be provided to the appropriate State and/or local
agencies for appropriate action, e.g., for inclusion in local land
records.
(5) Where there is no feasible remedial action.
8. SOURCES.
a. Basic Dose Limits. Dosimetry model and dose limits are defined in
Chapter II of this Order.
b. Generic Guidelines for Residual Radioactive Material. Residual
concentrations of radium and thorium in soil are defined in 40 CFR Part
192. Airborne radon decay products are also defined in 40 CFR Part 192,
as are guidelines for external gamma radiation. The surface contam-
ination definition is adapted from NRC (1982).
DOE 5400.5
IV-12 2-8-90
c. Control of Radioactive Wastes and Residues. Interim storage is guided
by this Order and DOE 5820.2A. Long-term management is guided by this
Order, 40 CFR Part 192, and DOE 5820.2A.