NV5 was contracted by a confidential client to characterize their Richland Washington Laboratory prior to demolition. This laboratory provided radioanalytical services to the Department of Energy and commercial clients for over 50 years.
NV5 developed a Historical Site Assessment (HSA) in order to determine the required levels of surveys in the building. A characterization survey plan, based on Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM), was developed to survey the impacted areas as described in the HSA.
NV5 staff mobilized to survey the building and fixed equipment such as fume hoods in preparation for the demolition of the building. Surveys were performed for gamma, alpha, and beta emitting radionuclides, as well as for fixed and removable contamination. Areas with elevated readings were marked. The marked areas and equipment were removed and disposed of as radioactive waste.
Following demolition, NV5 developed a Final Status Survey (FSS) plan to survey the building footprint and surrounding area to confirm residual radioactivity was indistinguishable from background. NV5 worked in conjunction with Washington Department of Health personnel to collect split samples for both background determination and FSS implementation. Over 100 soil samples were obtained and analyzed.
Final reports were written for Washington Department of Health review in support of the client’s request for radioactive material license termination.