Site Environmental Programs
J. W. Schmidt and R. W. Hanf
It is the policy of DOE and Site contractors to conduct effluent monitoring and environmental surveillance
programs that can determine whether the public and the environment are protected during Site operations and
whether operations are in compliance with DOE and other federal, state, and local standards, regulations, and
requirements. A number of environmental programs are conducted onsite. These programs monitor for
impacts from operations in several areas. The first area consists of the point of possible release into the
environment; this area is covered by the effluent monitoring programs operated by both PNL and WHC. The
second area consists of possible contamination immediately adjacent to DOE facilities and is covered by the
near-facility environmental monitoring program operated by WHC. The third area consists of contamination
in the general environment both on and off the Site and is covered by the Site environmental surveillance
program operated by PNL.
In addition, aspects of the environment are studied for reasons other than specific impacts from possible
contamination. These aspects include climate, wildlife, and cultural resources. These studies are summarized
in Section 4.0, "Environmental Program Information."
Effluent Monitoring and Waste Management and Chemical Inventory Programs
Liquid and airborne effluents and solid waste and chemical inventories are monitored or managed through
effluent monitoring programs. The effluent programs are designed to measure effluents at their point of
release into the environment, whenever possible. The waste management and chemical inventory programs
document and report the quantities and types of solid waste disposed of at the Hanford Site and the hazardous
chemicals stored across the Site. Results for the 1994 effluent monitoring and waste management and
chemical inventory programs are summarized in Sections 3.1, "Facility Effluent Monitoring," and 3.3, "Waste
Management and Chemical Inventories."
Near-Facility Environmental Monitoring Program
The near-facility environmental monitoring program provides facility-specific environmental monitoring
immediately adjacent to facilities on the Site that are managed by WHC and BHI. This monitoring is
conducted to ensure compliance with DOE and contract requirements and local, state, and federal
environmental regulations. The program is also designed to evaluate the effectiveness of effluent treatments
and controls, waste management and restoration activities, and to monitor emissions from diffuse/fugitive
sources. Results for the 1994 program are summarized in Section 3.2, "Near-Facility Environmental
Monitoring."
Sitewide Environmental Surveillance Program
The Sitewide environmental surveillance program is conducted by the PNL independent of facility specific
monitoring programs conducted by other Site contractors. The program's main focus is on assessing the
impacts of radiological and chemical contaminants on the environment and human health, and confirming
compliance with pertinent environmental regulations and federal policies. Surveillance activities are
conducted both on and off the Site and monitor contaminants from the entire Hanford Site, rather than from
specific contractor-owned or managed facilities. Results for the 1994 Sitewide environmental surveillance
program are summarized in Section 5.0, "Environmental Surveillance Information."
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