Screening of potential sites for undeclared nuclear facilities in environmental monitoring for nuclear proliferation

The sensitivity of environmental sampling and analysis for the estimated at mospheric concentrations of radionuclides in effluents from clandestine nuc lear facilities may require many sampling sites and exorbitant costs to mon itor such large areas. An assessment has been made of the key factors neces sary to support the operation of a nuclear facility, e.g., the existence of a nearby transportation network, main electrical power supply, and populat ion centers. Screening, the subject of this paper, evaluates how cartograph ic data and satellite imagery can be used to identify areas most capable of supporting undeclared nuclear operations. As a result, large geographical areas can be eliminated from environmental monitoring and sampling. This le ads to reduced costs, a reduction in the number of sampling sites required, and a reduction in the overall level of effort required to accomplish effe ctive environmental monitoring. The screening methodology and techniques ar e described and examples given.