Monitoring

SC&A helps conduct monitoring to measure exposures related to emergency incidents. Our services include:

Sample Projects

Maintenance and Repair of RadNet Fixed Air Monitoring Systems. SC&A has been awarded a 3-year contract to support the EPA’s National Air and Radiation Laboratory (NARAL) in Montgomery, AL, in maintaining the operability of the national RadNet system. RadNet has more than 130 fixed radiation air monitors located in all 50 states. The RadNet systems run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to monitor the nation’s air, precipitation, and drinking water to track radiation in the environment. SC&A instrumentation engineers and technicians ensure that the RadNet system is working satisfactorily and that onsite maintenance and repair of monitors is timely and thorough. We also help NARAL identify and test potential replacements for components and parts that may have become obsolete or difficult to obtain.

RadNet Upgrade. SC&A supported the EPA’s upgrade to the RadNet monitoring system. We helped to (1) integrate new monitoring station installations into the RadNet network, (2) review and evaluate data transmitted by the RadNet air monitors, (3) evaluate the status and performance of the operating RadNet air monitors, (4) calibrate and periodically recalibrate monitors that are in service, and (5) develop standard operating procedures for these activities.

Sampling Program. SC&A reviewed the EPA milk sampling program, researched other milk sampling programs, and prepared a summary report to help EPA improve the existing program.

RadNet Data Analysis. SC&A analyzes RadNet data for anomalies and ensures the data are accurate for use by decisionmakers and the public. We also integrate new monitoring installations and help calibrate monitors.

Data Quality Objectives. SC&A provided technical support to develop documentation that outlined and defined data quality objectives for radiological laboratory operations for the EPA’s Radiological Emergency Response Program during specific emergency scenarios.

Literature Review. SC&A performed a literature review to identify existing minimum detectable concentrations for specific radionuclides associated with emergency incident scenarios and calculated others as needed to support development of emergency response plans and preparations for EPA fixed and mobile laboratories.

Site Investigation. For a medical technology company, SC&A conducted a 10-day site investigation to determine the level of radiological contamination, both outdoors and inside production and other buildings, at the company’s facility near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the 2011 accident.

Residual Contamination Evaluation. For the Office of the Public Advocate for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, SC&A compiled and evaluated radiological data on residual contamination from weapons testing, evaluated Marshall Islanders’ past and current radiation exposures and associated health risks, and identified cost-effective strategies for remediating contaminated atolls to acceptable levels.