Atmospheric releases of radioactive material from the Hanford Site to the surrounding region are a potential source of human exposure. Airborne radioactivity is sampled continuously on the site, at the site perimeter, and in nearby and distant communities. The influence of Hanford emissions on the local environment is evaluated by comparing air concentrations measured at distant locations within the region to levels measured at the site perimeter.

Radioactive materials in air are sampled continuously at 42 locations around the Hanford Site. Sampling sites are classified into onsite, perimeter and distant community locations.

Monitoring of suspended particulate matter began in 2001 in response to the Hanford Fire. Four TEOM particulate monitors are used to measure particulates with an atmospheric diameter of less than 10 microns (PM-10) or an atmospheric diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM-2.5). This network provides the flexibility to measure differences in concentrations at various locations, and to measure the ratio of PM-10 to PM-2.5.

The most current information on air surveillance is available in the 2006 Hanford Site Environmental Report.

Meteorological Monitoring Station Map
(Tables provide the most recent 15-minute poll from each of the remote stations identified on the map. The wind speed is in mph, temperatures are degrees F, precipitation is inches. The MAX's and MIN's are for the 15-minute period ending at the time shown.)

For more information, contact:

Brad G. Fritz
Battelle, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
902 Battelle Boulevard, MSIN K6-75
P.O. Box 999
Richland, Washington 99352

Phone: (509) 371-7119
Fax: (509) 371-7083

E-mail: Bradley.Fritz@pnl.gov