Human Interaction with Reused Soil: An Information Search (NUREG-1725)

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: November 2001
Date Published: January 2002

Prepared by:
S. McCarthy, USDA/ARS/NAL
T. Nicholson (NRC Project Manager) and J. Philip, USNRC/RES
E. Brummett, F. Cardile, G. Gnugnoli, and A. Huffert, USNRC/NMSS

National Agricultural Library
Agricultural Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
10301 Baltimore Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351

Prepared for:
Division of Systems Analysis and Regulatory Effectiveness
Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

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Abstract

This NUREG-series publication reports the results of a 2-year investigation to compile information intended to support the formulation and characterization of scenarios related to exposure to residual radioactivity in reused soils. This information search focused on human interactions with reused soils in the United States. Using this information, the staff and contractors of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are working to define realistic soil reuse scenarios and to estimate parameters for simulating exposure pathways if soil is removed from NRC-licensed facilities. NRC staff and researchers from the National Agricultural Library (NAL) conducted this investigation in two phases. Phase 1 was a general information search structured to query literature from a wide range of published scientific and trade sources. Phase 2 was a focused information search on specific parameters such as contact time, dust exposures and tillage depths identified in Phase 1. NAL staff searched additional sources and contacted individuals in the Government, academia, and commerce. This report compiles, for the first time, data and information sources for parameters specific to soil reuse. This report also provides information that is relevant for generic, as well as site-specific dose assessments, and presents typical information that may be used in future dose modeling analyses. This investigation was coordinated with a companion effort by the Federal Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation Standards on disposition of sewage sludge.