Radioecological Analysis
SC&A’s radioecologists
provide specialized expertise in evaluating the fate and effects of
radionuclides in the environment, part of the ecological and human
health impact assessments required by many environmental statutes and
regulations. Our services include:
- Literature review and data collection on radionuclide
levels in the environment and their fate and effects on
humans and other organisms
- Multimedia pathway modeling
using the RESRAD suite of computer codes to assess impacts
- Natural resource damage assessments using RESRAD-BIOTA
- Support of site characterization and remediation in
accordance with Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site
Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) protocols
- Air and water permit preparation, including National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Technologically Enhanced
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM) permits
Sample Projects
- For a private company under contract with several state and
federal agencies, SC&A supported natural resource
damage assessments at uranium mines, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation,
Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
- For the New Mexico Environmental Division, SC&A derived
radioecological screening levels for the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act/Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (CERCLA/RCRA) review of Yucca Mountain.
- For the Republic of the Marshall Islands, SC&A evaluated the
human health and radioecological behavior of residual contamination
from above-ground nuclear weapons testing.
- For U.S. Department of Energy facilities nationwide, SC&A has
performed risk assessments for CERCLA and RCRA corrective action.
- For the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Radiation and
Indoor Air, SC&A has performed extensive multimedia pathway modeling
and radioecological assessments in support of rulemakings under many
environmental statutes and the preparation of guidance for implementing
regulations.
