Monitoring, evaluation and reporting of radioactive liquid and gaseous effluent releases from the CEGB nuclear power stations

The method adopted in the United Kingdom for authorizing discharges of radioactive effluents is briefly reviewed. A distinction is drawn between the quantitative limits given for liquid effluents and the control of gaseous discharges by the 'best practicable means'. The source and nature of liquid and gaseous radioactive effluents that arise from gas-cooled reactor operation are described. For radioactivity in liquid effluent the amount that has been discharged annually in the last three years is compared with the authorized limit. The estimated maximum annual radiation dose received by an individual as a consequence of liquid and gaseous effluent discharges is given for each station. The stations and the 'independent laboratories' routinely participate in intercomparison counting exercises; typical accuracies are given. These exercises and the isotopic analysis programme provide assurance on the accuracy with which radioactive discharges are determined. The method by which the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) disseminates information to local people and to the general public is described. It is concluded that radioactive effluent discharges from the Board's nuclear power stations give rise to acceptable radiation doses to members of the general public, and that the doses are for the most part too small to be meaningfully quantified. (author)