PRECIPITATION SAMPLING

Precipitation samples are gathered when sufficient precipitation occurs to allow for the collection of the minimum sample volume of approximately 20 mL. Samples are taken of monthly composites from Idaho Falls and CFA, and weekly from the EFS. Precipitation samples are analyzed for tritium. Storm events in the first quarter of 2007 produced sufficient precipitation to yield nine samples –two from CFA, three from Idaho Falls and four weekly samples from the EFS.

Tritium was measured above the 3s value in seven of the nine samples collected during the first quarter of 2007. Low levels of tritium exist in the environment at all times as a result of cosmic ray reactions with water molecules in the upper atmosphere. The EPA’s RadNet program collects precipitation samples from across the United States. From 1980 to 2005, tritium measured in samples from Region 10 (which includes Idaho) ranged from -200 to 7500 pCi/L (EPA 2006). Tritium measured in all second quarter ESER samples were within this range and were consistent with historical measurements at the INL Site, with a maximum of 192 ± 32 pCi/L at EFS. Data for all first quarter 2007 precipitation samples collected by the ESER Program are listed in Table C-6 (Appendix C).