Onsite environmental report for the Nevada Test Site, January 1987-December 1987

This report documents environmental monitoring at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) as conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) onsite radiological safety contractor from January 1987 through December 1987. It presents results and evaluations of radiological and non-radiological measurements in air and water, and of direct gamma radiation exposure rates. The radiological monitoring results for CY-1987 reveal that the concentrations of radionuclides in air and water on the Nevada Test Site were low compared to DOE guidelines. The highest average gross beta concentration in air was 0.006 percent of the DOE concentration guide (CG). This concentration is considered close to background for the NTS. The highest average 239Pu concentration in air was 28.5 percent of the CG. The highest average tritium concentration was 0.22 percent of the CG. 85Kr concentrations compared favorably to the offsite average and to worldwide concentrations. All 133Xe positive results were associated with specific events. The highest average gross beta concentration in potable water was well within the allowed CG. Tritium and 239Pu levels were below detection levels and consequently below CG's. Contaminated waters contained measurable amounts of tritium and some 239Pu. Effluent measurements were maintained and reported to the DOE. The reported estimates of total curies released into the environment are listed in Chapter 8. 30 refs., 24 figs., 29 tabs