Routine radiological surveys are part of near-facility environmental monitoring, which monitors and helps direct the reduction of the radiological areas at the Hanford Site. The routine radiological surveys are performed by the Southern Area Remediation Support Group and the Site Support Services Radiological Control Group as directed by Environmental Monitoring and Investigations. The surveys performed have included inactive waste sites; outdoor radiological control areas; tank farm perimeters and associated diversion boxes, lift stations, and vent stations; perimeters of active or uncovered waste sites such as burial grounds, retention basins, ponds, process trenches, and ditches; underground pipelines; and road and rail surfaces. This report provides a summary of the radiological surveys performed in support of near-facility environmental monitoring at the Hanford Site during the first quarter 1998. The survey results and the status of actions required are also discussed. A waste site survey schedule, Routine Environmental Monitoring Schedule, Calendar year 1998, HNF-SP-0098-9, was developed by Environmental Monitoring and Investigations working with the Southern Area Remediation Support Group and the Site Support Services Radiological Control Group. Environmental Monitoring and Investigations reviews the radiological survey reports and files a copy for historical purposes and reference. Radiological conditions are tracked and trends noted. All sites are surveyed at least once each year. The survey frequencies for particular sites are based on site history, 1,551 radiological conditions, and general maintenance. Special surveys may be conducted at irregular frequencies if conditions warrant (e.g., growth of deep-rooted vegetation is noted at a waste site). Radiological surveys are conducted to detect surface contamination and document changes in vegetation growth, biological intrusion, erosion, and general site maintenance conditions. Survey data are compared with standards identified in HSRCM-1, Hanford Site Radiological Control Manual, as well as previous surveys to recognize possible trends, assess environmental impacts, and help determine where corrective actions are needed. Landlords of the sites found out of compliance with HSRCN-1 may be issued a Radiological Problem Report (RPR) from the appropriate radiological Control Group. Open Surveillance Compliance Inspection Reports (SCIRS) are listed. Surveillance of the active nuclear facilities and inside the tank farms is the responsibility of the facility. These radiological surveys are to determine surface radiological conditions and do not constitute a release survey. Therefore, surveys that detect no contamination in radiological areas do not release the site from control but may result in a posting status change.
