A mobile high resolution gamma ray spectrometry system for radiological surveys. Final report

Magnox Electric has developed a mobile large area radiological survey system designed to produce a rapid and cost effective characterization of outdoor land areas. The system combines the technique of high resolution gamma ray spectrometry, which is capable of rapidly identifying and quantifying specific radionuclides at levels well below those normally associated with natural background radiation, with modern automated surveying techniques that facilitate navigation and provide assurance as to the location of contamination. A dedicated software system supports survey operations, providing real time displays detailing spectrometry and navigational data capture, and enabling seamless remote switching between positioning methods. In open areas with an unrestricted line of sight to satellites Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technology provides positional data, in areas where a significant portion of the sky is obscured a laser ranging device known as an Automatic Total Station (ATS) is employed and in the most restricted and confined areas manual surveying resorted to. In this report the system is described, its advantages and limitations compared with conventional survey methodologies are discussed, and its perceived role within the wider framework of the site investigation process is detailed, particularly with respect to current and proposed legislation in the US describing conditions for the release of nuclear licensed sites from regulatory controls. Experience at recent termination surveys on large nuclear licensed facilities is considered in detail, along with the principal features of the Magnox system that will enable it to overcome the difficulties and problems encountered