The scheduling and management of sample analyses collected in the WIPP EM project is based on
- Priorities for providing information to the public in a timely manner.
- Relative risks of human exposure to contaminants among the various media sampled.
- Needs for stringent data validation and verification prior to release.
- Time constraints resulting from sample preparation and analysis procedures.
Based on this, and as noted previously, analyses of daily and weekly composite FAS aerosol samples provide gross data on radiation at a location immediately adjacent to the waste-handling and deposition activities. These analytical results are made available within a few weeks of sample collection, and the data (along with quarterly composite data) are posted on the CEMRC web page weekly. This is a routine, quick turnaround monitoring strategy that focuses on detection of potential short-term, large-scale radioactive contaminant release via the medium likely of most risk for worker and public exposure (aerosols).
Results of analyses of other (non-FAS) aerosol sampling are carried out with quarterly batches of filters, with results posted on the web page approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter. For samples of soils, sediments, surface water, drinking water and biota, collection is annual or semi-annual (as previously described), and the period of time required for completion of analyses varies with each medium. As for aerosols, analytical results for these media areas will generally be posted to the web site within two months after sample collection. A schedule of sample collection and posting of results for the current year is provided at Recent Data for WIPP Environmental Monitoring.
