Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 96baa826-d3bb-478b-8f38-e74500f6d433
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: 06/2009 (Rev. 2)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0911/ML091170109.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.21
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
s of tritium about 50 percent of the time, and that tritium concentrations never exceeded 2,000 pCi/L of tritium. In this example, the licensee discovers a leak in the tank and is able to fix the leak after 400 gallons (1,500 liters) of water leaked to the ground surface. The licensee confirms the presence of tritium by sampling the tank contents and/or the wetted soil. Based on those results, the licensee chooses to remediate the affected soil and excavates the affected soil and places the removed soil into suitable containers. The licensee then samples undisturbed soil from several locations within the excavated area and analyzes the soil for tritium. The licensee adjusts the analytical method and the analytical sensitivity to allow detection of (the equivalent of) 1,000 pCi/L of tritium in the water fraction. The licensee analyzes the soil (for gamma activity) and the water fraction of soil (for tritium activity) from the excavated area and detects no radionuclides. The licensee also confirms radioactive material did not reach the water table by verifying the excavated area is above the water table. The NRC would find this to be an acceptable method for the licensee to use in concluding that there is no detectable residual radioactivity from the spill listed in this example. This regulatory guide provides guidance regarding information the licensees should provide in the ARERR. In that context, when leaks and spills of radioactive material are identified, prompt response and timely actions should be taken to the extent reasonable to (1) evaluate radiological conditions and (2) ensure proper reporting of materials discharged off site. To realize these two goals, it may be necessary to isolate the leak or spill at the source, prevent the spread of the leak or spill, and remediate the affected area (if the licensee deems remediation to be reasonable and necessary). For leaks and spills involving the discharge of radioactive material to the unrestricted area, the