Weldon Spring Site environmental monitoring report, calendar year 1984

During 1984, the environmental monitoring program was continued at the US Department of Energy (DOE) Weldon Spring Site (WSS), located in St. Charles County, Missouri. The WSS comprises two separate areas: a 52-acre Raffinate Pits (WSRP) area and a 9-acre Quarry (WSQ). The monitoring program measures the radon gas concentration in air, the radium and uranium concentrations in surface water and groundwater, and external gamma radiation levels at both sites. The nitrate and chloride content of surface water is also measured. All environmental samples collected are analyzed to determine compliance with applicable environmental quality standards. DOE Order 5480.1A, Chapter XI, provides applicable Concentration Guide (CG) limits for radionuclides in controlled and uncontrolled areas. Potential radiation doses to the public from the radioactive materials stored at the site are also calculated. During 1984, site boundary radon concentrations, including naturally occurring sources, were all below the DOE CG limit of 3 pCi/1. Total uranium and radium-226 concentrations in groundwater within the controlled Raffinate Pit site were below the DOE CG limits for uncontrolled areas. At two on-site and two off-site locations in the Quarry area, total uranium content in groundwater exceeded the DOE CG limit for release to uncontrolled areas. Average external radiation exposure rates were not appreciably different from normal background for the area. All radiation doses to the public from the stored materials were within DOE standards