METHODS TO ASSESS POTENTIAL RADIOACTIVE AIR EMISSIONS FROM A STACK

In accordance with U.S. Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61 , ''National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants,'' Subpar t H, U.S. Department of Energy stack emissions which have the potentia l to cause an exposure greater than or equal to 1 mu Sv y(-1) to the o ffsite maximally exposed individual must meet the continuous monitorin g requirements dictated therein. Since February 1993, all 125 stacks o perated by the Westinghouse Hanford Company on the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site have been assessed for their potential unabated radionuclide emissions using one of six methods approved for use by th e U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10. These potential emi ssions combined with the CAP88 code were used to produce dose estimate s to the maximally exposed individual. Results show there are 106 stac ks in compliance and below the potential to emit greater than the EPA threshold. The 19 remaining stacks will be brought into full complianc e under a Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement which was establishe d in February, 1994. While each method maintains the safety and protec tion of the occupational worker, the public, and the environment, sign ificant cost benefits may be derived by applying the best available te chnology. The CAP88 code and the methods for estimating potential emis sions are presented, as well as the associated results.