Some statistical aspects of characterizing the distribution of radionuclides in the environment

A radiological characterization was performed at the former Kellex site, the first pilot uranium-diffusion plant, in Jersey City, New Jersey to determine if there were any contaminated regions containing 40 pCi/g or more of 238U in the top 20 cm of soil over a 400 m2 area. As a result of this radiological survey, final decisions would be made about the need for remedial action (cleanup) and the suitability for unrestricted use of the site. This paper describes the development and the statistical reasoning behind a sampling plan for the radiological characterization