ASTM E1819-15(2021)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1819 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Guide for
Environmental Monitoring Plans for Decommissioning of
Nuclear Facilities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1819; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E1167 Guide for Radiation Protection Program for Decom-
missioning Operations
1.1 This guide covers the development or assessment of
E1281 Guide for Nuclear Facility Decommissioning Plans
environmental monitoring plans for decommissioning nuclear
E1892 Guide for Preparing Characterization Plans for De-
facilities. This guide addresses: (1) development of an envi-
commissioning Nuclear Facilities
ronmental baseline prior to commencement of decommission-
ISO/ASTM 51707 Guide for Estimating Uncertainties in
ing activities; (2) determination of release paths from site
Dosimetry for Radiation Processing
activities and their associated exposure pathways in the envi-
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ronment; and (3) selection of appropriate sampling locations
ANSI N 545 EnvironmentalApplication of Thermolumines-
and media to ensure that all exposure pathways in the envi-
cent Dosimetry
ronmentaremonitoredappropriately.Thisguidealsoaddresses
ANSI N 13.1 Guide to Sampling Airborne Radioactive Ma-
the interfaces between the environmental monitoring plan and
terials in Nuclear Facilities
other planning documents for site decommissioning, such as
ANSI N323AB Standard for Radiation Protection Instru-
radiation protection, site characterization, and waste manage-
mentation Test and Calibration, Portable Survey Instru-
ment plans, and federal, state, and local environmental protec-
ments
tion laws and guidance.This guide is applicable up to the point
of completing D&D activities and the reuse of the facility or
2.3 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Documents:
area for other purposes.
NUREG CR-2082 Monitoring for Compliance with Decom-
missioning Termination Survey Criteria
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
NUREG-1575 Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site In-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
vestigation Manual (MARSSIM), Revision 1, August
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NUREG-1576 Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Ana-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
lytical Protocols (MARLAP)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.4 U.S. Government Documents:
2. Referenced Documents
29 CFR Part 1910.120
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2.5 U.S. EPA Documents:
E666 Practice for CalculatingAbsorbed Dose From Gamma OSWER-9950.1 RCRA Ground-Water Monitoring Techni-
or X Radiation
cal Enforcement Guidance Document
E668 Practice for Application of Thermoluminescence- SW-846 Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/
Dosimetry (TLD) Systems for Determining Absorbed
Chemical Methods
Dose in Radiation-HardnessTesting of Electronic Devices 40 CFR 302 Designation, Reportable Quantities, and Noti-
fications
40 CFR 61 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
1 Pollutants
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear
Technology and Applicationsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
40 CFR 58 Ambient Air Quality Surveillances
E10.03 on Radiological Protection for Decontamination and Decommissioning of
Nuclear Facilities and Components.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2021. Published February 2021. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E1819-15. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
10.1520/E1819-15R21. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St. SW,
the ASTM website. Washington, DC 20460.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1819 − 15 (2021)
2.6 American Public Health Association Document: 3.1.12 unrestricted use, n—control over the property is fully
Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewa- released for any use desired by the owner.
ter
4. Summary of Guide
3. Terminology 4.1 Nuclear facilities must have established plans for moni-
toring the environment surrounding the site as part of their
3.1 Definitions:
license or technical specifications. These plans are designed to
3.1.1 active phase, n—time during which physical
identify any release of radioactive or hazardous material and to
decontamination/dismantling operations are performed.
assess the resulting impacts. Similar plans are required during
3.1.2 characterization, n—a systematic identification of the
surveillance and maintenance, decommissioning or site reme-
types, quantities, forms, and locations of contamination on the
diation to continue environmental monitoring, although the
site.
types of discharges and the affected pathways may be different
3.1.3 Data Quality Objectives (DQOs), n—quantitative and
from those monitored during facility operations.
qualitative statements that specify the quality of data needed
4.2 In addition, limited environmental surveillance may
from a particular data collection activity.
have been performed since the facility operated. The existing
3.1.4 decommission, vt—to remove safely from service and
environmentalmonitoringplansshouldbemodifiedfordecom-
reduce residual radioactivity to a level that permits release of
missioning and reflect the current environment, potential re-
the property for unrestricted use and termination of any
lease points, and affected pathways. If no environmental
applicable licenses.
monitoring plan exists, one must be developed.
3.1.5 decontamination, n—activitiesemployedtoreducethe
4.3 The decommissioning environmental monitoring plan
levels of (radioactive or hazardous chemical) contamination in
must be consistent and complete to ensure the detection and
or on structures, equipment, materials, and personnel. Typical
mitigation of off-site impacts caused by radioactive or hazard-
forms of decontamination may include: (1) decontamination to
ous materials released from decommissioning activities at
support decommissioning objectives; (2) decontamination to
nuclear facilities.
reduce radiation levels in support of as low as reasonably
5. Significance and Use
achievable (ALARA) objectives; (3) decontamination to limit
the spread of radiological contamination; (4) decontamination
5.1 Useofthisguidewillensurethatthepotentialimpacton
to support the unrestricted release of material and equipment;
the surrounding environment from planned decommissioning
and (5) decontamination of personnel.
activities has been properly assessed.
3.1.6 monitoring, vt—observing or taking measurements
5.2 Use of this guide will ensure that the adequacy of
systematicallyovertimetodeterminethestatusofandtodetect
environmental sampling has been assessed for location,
significant changes in conditions or performance of a system,
frequency,analyticaltechniques,andmediatypetomonitorthe
facility, or area.
environment and to detect site-related releases and their
3.1.7 passive phase, n—time of surveillance and mainte-
impact.
nance from the time plant operations cease until
6. Organizational Interfaces
decontamination/dismantling operations begin, and from the
end of active decontamination/dismantling operations until the 6.1 The environmental monitoring plan should coordinate
site is released for unrestricted use. with other decommissioning documents. Guide E1281 recom-
mends that certain planning documents and implementation
3.1.8 radiological release criteria, n—levels of residual
plans will be prepared prior to commencement of dismantle-
radioactivity present at the completion of a decommissioning
ment actions. This guide ensures that the basic environmental
activity below which the site may be released to the general
monitoring planning elements and requirements are identified,
public for unrestricted use.
examined, and addressed to accomplish the decommissioning
3.1.9 hazardousmaterialclean-upcriteria,n—thereduction
activities. Other project plans and reports guide the operations
of hazardous contaminants needed to reduce the risk identified
and organization for the decommissioning project.
in the baseline health-based risk assessment to a level consis-
6.1.1 Planning and implementation documents define the
tent withApplicable and Relevant orAppropriate Requirement
activities around which the site environmental monitoring
(ARAR) values.
program will be developed. Documents that should be re-
3.1.10 hazardous substance, n—any material identified by
viewed include the following:
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR 262.
6.1.1.1 Site Description and Operating History Reports,
6.1.1.2 Site Characterization Report,
3.1.11 restricted use, n—organizational control is main-
6.1.1.3 Health Based Baseline Risk Assessment,
tained over a property through physical barricades, signs and
notices,ordeedcovenantsthatlimitthefulluseoftheproperty 6.1.1.4 Planned Decommissioning Activities Document,
6.1.1.5 Licensing and Regulatory Issues Document,
by an owner or prospective owner.
6.1.1.6 Quality Assurance Document, and
6.1.1.7 Radiation Protection Document.
6.1.1.8 Appendix X1 contains brief overviews of these
Available from American Public Health Association, 1015 15th St. NW,
Washington, DC 20005. documents, as they contribute to the environmental plan.
E1819 − 15 (2021)
7. Elements of an Environmental Monitoring Plan precision, accuracy, representativeness, completeness,
comparability, and detection limit. For further information on
7.1 Site environmental monitoring shall comply with a
DQOs, see Ref (1).
written plan. This plan must both direct the performance of
monitoring and inform concerned individuals as to the intent 7.3 Background Information:
and methodologies used in monitoring the environment. The 7.3.1 Location—The plan should specify the location and
plan must clearly define the scope of work activities, that is, describe the site and surrounding area.
describe the site, area, or room to be decommissioned. Guid- 7.3.2 Source of Contaminants and Transport Pathways—
ance on the content and structure of the plan is outlined in 7.2 The source term from the site characterization data should be
– 7.10.12.Additional guidance relative to the requirements for complete enough to identify the types of radionuclides and
monitoring of environmental pollutants at facilities being hazardous materials on site, their quantities, and the physical
decommissioned can be found in such references as , 40 CFR conditionsinwhichtheyarefound.Theplanshouldspecifythe
61, and 40 CFR 58. These cover such topics as notification of chemical composition and condition of the material, extent of
the release of hazardous materials, emission standards for air contamination, and whether the material is in soil or
pollutants, and air monitoring of these materials. groundwater, or on buildings and equipment surfaces. Imple-
mentation of a site characterization plan, developed using
7.2 Introduction and Objectives—The introduction should
guidance provided in Guide E1892, will provide this data.
address the history of actions leading to decommissioning,
7.3.3 Information Sources—Sources of information on the
identify the organizations involved, describe the decommis-
site should be identified, searched for pertinent information,
sioning process and required documentation, define the objec-
and summarized, including previous sampling, facility waste
tive or purpose of the environmental monitoring program, and
plans, environmental characterizations, radiation surveys, and
describe the intended use of the monitoring data.
local sampling problems.
7.2.1 Monitoring Objectives—Basic objectives should in-
7.3.4 Impact Data—Available environmental impact data
clude the following, as a minimum:
should be summarized.
7.2.1.1 Assess the actual or potential doses to man from
7.3.5 Background Evaluation Requirements:
contaminants released to the environment as a result of
7.3.5.1 Requirements governing the decommissioning ac-
decontamination efforts,
tivities and release of the site may be based on levels above
7.2.1.2 Demonstrate compliance with applicable environ-
background; therefore, careful evaluation of background con-
mental regulations during decommissioning and with estab-
ditions at the decommissioning site should be considered when
lished release criteria. Chapter 4 of The Decommissioning
planning the environmental monitoring program.
Handbook provides an excellent summary of the various
environmental regulations that apply to decommissioning 7.4 Evaluation of Existing Data:
work, 7.4.1 Source Term Examination—Once all contaminants
7.2.1.3 Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the present at the site are identified, those contaminants that
containment and effluent control system during decontamina- potentiallycouldbereleasedtotheenvironmentduringdecom-
tion. missioning should be identified specifically and included in the
7.2.2 Calibration and Measurement System Performance: transport model, as discussed in 7.4.2.
7.2.2.1 Provisions must be made when planning environ- 7.4.2 Pathways Modeling for Monitoring System Design—
mental monitoring activities at decommissioning sites to en- The decommissioning activities specified in the decommis-
sure that all data are obtained using instruments and instru- sioningplanshouldbereviewedtoidentifyactivitiesthatcould
mentation systems capable of producing accurate and valid release hazardous materials to the off-site environment. The
data. This requires the use of instruments and equipment environmental transport pathways will then be identified,
having valid and current calibration certificates. ANSI including critical environmental components and receptors.
N323AB describes the protocols for portable instrument cali- Using the strength of the source and the model, the most
bration. It also means that careful consideration should be significant pathways and receptors will be identified for each
given to the appropriate use of spiked samples, blanks, and contaminant.
split samples as quality assurance principles are incorporated 7.4.2.1 The pathways model (conceptual or mathematical)
into the environmental monitoring program. The MARLAP for transport of material to the environment should establish
manual provides guidance for this. the critical population and the most probable locations for
7.2.3 Data Quality Objectives—The DQOs impact statisti- accumulation of radioactivity or hazardous material. Pathways
cal sampling design, sampling techniques, analytical with potentially high accumulation rates should be selected for
procedures, and documentation procedures. The elements for a samplingtoprovideameansofdetectingreleasesattheearliest
decommissioning monitoring plan will be prepared with con- opportunity. Likewise, exposure pathways to humans defined
cernfortheDQOprocess.Technicalmonitoringobjectiveswill in the site release criteria (that is, milk, fish, and groundwater
be established to support the data quality objectives in the consumption, and dust ingestion and inhalation) should be
monitoring plan. The objectives will be specified in terms of specifically considered for sampling. These pathways to hu-
mans provide a means of comparing site releases and resultant
Taboas, A. L., Moghissi, A. A., and LaGuardia, T. S., Eds., The Decommis-
sioning Handbook, Chapter 4, Environmental and Related Requirements, ASME, The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
Three Park Ave., New York, NY, 2004. this guide.
E1819 − 15 (2021)
environmental levels with calculated doses to individuals. The public or release to the environment (both accidental and
model must consider the transport of each contaminant planned) should be monitored. For decontamination activities,
separately, since their sources and environmental fates may be the most important pathways to the off-site environment are
different. typically atmospheric and surface water transport of contami-
nants. The sources may be point (such as a stack or discharge
7.5 Sampling and Analytical Design:
pipe) or non-point (fugitive dust or erosion of soil by surface
7.5.1 Statistical Design—A variety of statistical monitoring
water). The releases may be planned, unplanned, continuous,
designs are available to meet monitoring objectives, including
or episodic.
stratified, systematic, and random with grab or composite
7.5.3.1 The most common environmental media to monitor
sampling. The statistical design chosen must account for the
fordecommissioningoperationsareair,water(surface,ground,
source of statistical variability in the samples, such as space,
and drinking), soil, sediments, and biota. Paragraphs 7.5.3.2 –
time, sampling procedures, sample handling, sample process-
7.5.3.8 discuss basic considerations. Corley et al. (2) provides
ing including subsampling, sample extraction, and analytical
further guidance on monitoring system design, sample type,
measurements. The parameters include several sources of
sampling locations, and frequency.
statistical error. The development of data quality objectives
7.5.3.2 Air—Air is an important transport pathway to off-
requires consideration of these sources of error, an estimate of
site areas and an exposure pathway to man from contaminants
their magnitude, and, if necessary, a review of methods to
released to the atmosphere. Therefore, environmental air sam-
reduce the overall variability in a cost-effective manner. For
pling should be conducted to determine whether contaminants
further information on statistical sampling design and data
are migrating off-site and to evaluate potential doses to
interpretation, see Refs (2) and (3). In addition, the Multi-
environmental populations from inhaled or ingested contami-
Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual
nants or from external exposure.
(MARSSIM) provides excellent guidance on sampling design
(1) The sampling method depends upon the contaminants
for these projects. See NUREG CR-2082 for additional guid-
of interest, such as particulates, radioiodines, noble gases,
ance.
tritium, or volatile organic compounds. Particulate sampling
7.5.2 Initial Baseline Conditions—The site description and
techniques include filtration, electrostatic precipitation, im-
operating history should be reviewed to identify any previous
pingement (into or onto a collection medium), and impaction.
environmental sampling plans and the resultant data. All
For particulates, proper particle sizes and sampling equipment
licensed sites and sites operated by the government should
must be selected to comply with current clean air regulations.
have a documented baseline prior to the initial start of
Factors to consider in filter selection are pressure drop, flow
operations. These data should be reviewed, and those sample
reduction due to particle collection efficiency (filter loading),
points used to establish the previous background should be
particle-sizeselectivity,retentionofalpha-emittingparticleson
trended through subsequent environmental reports to update
the filter surface, and the ease of radiochemical analysis. Gases
the background value of these locations before decommission-
maybesampledeitheractivelyorpassivelyusingsorbenttraps
ing operations begin. This documentation should be supported
of Tenax, activated charcoal, or silica gel for example. For
by new samples taken from the original baseline sampling
additional information on TDLs, see Practices E666 and E668
locations and new locations for pathways resulting from
and ISO/ASTM Guide ISO/ASTM 51707, as well as ANSI N
decommissioning activities. The long-term sampling data
545.
should depict the status of the environment at the start of
(2) Deposition sampling is an alternative to active air
decommissioning operations.
sampling for particulate contaminants. Deposition collectors
7.5.2.1 If the existing documentation or current sampling
include pails, dustfall jars, coated surfaces, and precipitation
indicates that contamination has been deposited off-site, the
collectors. These methods are inexpensive, provide time inte-
quantity and location of this material must be characterized.
grated samples, are easy to maintain, and do not require power.
Contaminants existing in the environment before decommis-
However, the resultant data cannot easily be incorporated into
sioning may be transported as a plume or slug and could result
dose assessment models. In addition, vegetation and surface
in increasing environmental levels. Without adequate data, the
soil may be sampled to evaluate atmospheric deposition.
increase could be attributed incorrectly to decommissioning
(3) Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) may be used to
activities.
determine an integrated exposure at site boundaries and popu-
7.5.2.2 Sites with no previous environmental monitoring
lation centers. TLDs are a relatively inexpensive means of
program should establish a baseline. Many state environmental
determiningexternaldosesofradionuclides.Itshouldbenoted,
or radiation protection programs maintain environmental sam-
however, that the correct use of TLDs outside of a controlled
pling locations that can provide baseline information for
laboratory environment requires a certain amount of care.
normalairactivity,radonlevels,externalbeta/gammaradiation
(4) When selecting air sampling locations, consider the
values, or trace element levels in ambient air. The baseline
characteristics of the potential source and local meteorology.
sampling activity should account for fluctuations in data taken
To monitor continuous releases from stacks, use a mathemati-
by other programs, such as radon emanation rates and air
cal model to predict the area of maximum impact. The model
activity levels.
should account for hours of operation, exhaust gas temperature
7.5.3 Sampling Rationale—Select the media to sample ac-
cording to the results of pathways modeling (see 7.3.2). Those
pathways deemed significant for their possible dose to the Consult current ICRP recommendations and EPA regulations.
E1819 − 15 (2021)
and velocity, stack height, expected meteorological conditions, for a particular activity, but routine monitoring is not recom-
and form of the contaminant (particulate, gas). Then, select mended. Air samplers, deposition collectors, and vegetation
exposed population. To monitor episodic or accidental releases monitoring are much more sensitive techniques to assess
from stacks, use an isokinetic stack monitoring program
atmospheric deposition of contaminants.
coupled with reliable meteorological data to calculate off-site
7.5.3.5 Sediment—Sediment is an excellent accumulator of
doses to the exposed population because the exact area of
certain contaminants and should be considered in pathways
maximum impact cannot be predicted a priori. Monitoring at
modeling. Sediment, like sessile aquatic biota, integrates ex-
selected population centers may also be considered to evaluate
posure and can be used to determine whether contaminants
exposure at specific locations in the event of an episodic
with high partitioning or sorption coefficients have been
release.
released. Both upstream and downstream samples should be
(5) For contaminants released at ground level, the maxi-
collected before decommissioning activities begin. Sediments
mum expected off-site concentration frequently is detected at
should be collected in areas of low water velocity, such as the
or near the downwind site boundary. Position a series of air
inside radius of stream bends, at the entrance to lakes and
samplers along the boundary of the facility calculated to be
rivers, and above dams.
downwind of the stack the greatest percentage of time, within
(1) Sediment may be sampled with dredges, hand or
the nearest exposed community, and upwind of the source for
weighted corers, or by divers, depending on the depth and
control samples.
velocity of the water, type of sediment, and objectives. For
(6) Recommended guides for air sampling include ANSI
further information on sediment sampling, see Refs (5), (6),
N13.1 and Ref (4).
and (7).
7.5.3.3 Surface Water—Contaminationofsurfacewaterdur-
7.5.3.6 Aquatic Biota—Aquatic biota may indicate off-site
ing decommissioning may result from direct discharge or
contaminant transport and may represent a significant pathway
surface runoff. Both routes may be routinely monitored. In
of human exposure (via ingestion). Wastes released to a water
addition, the receiving water body or drinking water supply
body may partition to biota and result in relatively high
may be sampled as part of the D&D monitoring program.
concentrations of contaminants compared to the receiving
Exposure from the surface water pathway results primarily
water. The pathways model may have identified specific
from ingesting drinking water, but may also result from
ingesting fish, shellfish, and other foodstuffs from potentially species or classes of organisms that could be ingested by man
contaminated surf
...