Radiation risk assessment of an old uranium mine site, Forte Velho, in Portugal

The former uranium mine site of Forte Velho, Guarda, was abandoned in the 70s. Although kept under surveillance till present, there has been no action about the cleanup of this site. A radiation risk assessment of Forte Velho site was carried out on 2014 and results are summarized herein. Radiation dose levels and radioactive waste piles recommend clean-up and implementation of remedial measures at this old uranium mine site. 1. Introduction: The former uranium mine of Forte Velho was abandoned in the early seventies. As the site is located in a relatively inhabited area - although at less than 1.5 km distance from the city of Guarda - no measures of decommissioning, cleanup, and closure of the site were implemented by the company. Signs have been placed there warning about contaminated waste, but no fence was permanently held in place. An encompassing survey of the area was carried out in 2014 for measurement of the ambient radiation dose and collection of samples for radionuclide analyses.