This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Reconnaissance Radiological Characterization


This grid was used in radiation surveys at White Point Nike Missile Site, San Pedro, California.

Are radioisotopes associated with past Department of Defense (DOD) operations at the White Point Nike Missile Site in San Pedro, California, present within accepted background levels?

White Point is located in the city of Los Angeles and was used in the 1950s as a Nike missile (uranium-tipped warheads) battery. The Nike Air Defense Program was discontinued in the early 1970s, and the 71-hectare site was declared excess. The city of Los Angeles intended to make the site a park, and it was therefore necessary to determine the levels of radioactivity on the site. There was no evidence or any reason to believe that any man-made radioactivity was present, however.

A study was conducted to determine the radioactive contaminant levels. This was accomplished by performing radiation surveys using the Ultrasonic Ranging and Data Systems (USRADS) for field surveys, survey of the interior of abandoned facilities, and random soil sampling. Alpha and beta-gamma radiation measurements and soil samples were taken at the same coordinates. USRADS was used for field surveys, which included roadways and building access areas. Indoor surveys and smears were conducted inside abandoned buildings. Background samples were taken upwind of the site.

The reconnaissance survey showed no indications of elevated anthropogenic radiation concentrations to DOD operations at the site. This study provided valuable information on collecting negative data with USRADS and other survey methodologies to show that contamination is not present.

Espegren, M. E., M. K. Jensen, S. M. Smith, and G. A. Pierce. 1992. Reconnaissance radiological characterization for the White Point Nike Missile site, San Pedro, California. ORNL/TM-12265, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Berven, B. A., C. A. Little, and M. S. Blair. 1991. A method to automate radiological surveys: The ultrasonic ranging and data system. Health Physics 60(3):367-373.


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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.