Soil samples are used to establish
background levels of radionuclides (both natural and those
resulting from fallout from nuclear weapons-testing) and to detect
any long-term buildup of radionuclides from the INL in offsite
soils. Soil is taken from 12 offsite locations in
even-numbered years. Each soil sample consists of a
composite of five cylindrical cores of soil. One is taken at
the center and four at the corners of a 1076-square foot square.
Samples are taken at each of two depths, 0-2 inches and 2-4
inches, at each location. Sampling locations are undisturbed
areas, as evidenced by the presence of mature native vegetation
and sagebrush.
Soil is sampled at RWMC, Butte
City, Birch Creek, Monteview, Rexburg, Mud Lake, FAA Tower, Aberdeen, Blackfoot,
Atomic City, Carey, Arco, St. Anthony, and Howe.
