In July 2002, The U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE) released a new technical standard entitled A
Graded Approach for Evaluating Radiation Doses to Aquatic and
Terrestrial Biota (DOE 2002a). The Graded Approach provides dose
evaluation methods that can be used to meet the requirements of
DOE Order 5400.5 “Radiation Protection of the Public and the
Environment” (DOE 1990) and DOE Order 450.1 “Environmental
Protection Program” (DOE 2003). DOE facilities are required to
demonstrate in their Annual Site Environmental Reports that
routine radioactive releases from their sites are protective of
non-human receptors. Sites are encouraged to use the Graded
Approach for this purpose. The purpose of this project was to
complete these necessary activities and incorporate their results
into an Idaho National Laboratory- (INL-)
specific guidance document. Four tasks were completed to
appropriately evaluate the current monitoring program.
Task 1. Develop Conceptual Models And Evaluate Exposure Pathways.
Task 2. Define INL Evaluation Areas.
Task 3. Evaluate Sampling Locations And Media.
Task 4. Evaluate Data Gaps.
This guidance manual describes the application of the Graded
Approach at the INL. All of the information developed in the
four steps is incorporated, data sources are identified,
departures from the Graded Approach are justified, and a
step-by-step procedure for biota dose assessment at the INL is
specified.
