4.10 AIR QUALITY
This section discusses air quality regulations and existing emissions of criteria air pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and toxic air contaminants.
4.10.1 Criteria Air Pollutants
Regulatory Authority for Criteria Air Pollutants
Applicable federal, state and local statutes and regulations and the regulatory agencies responsible for enforcement are listed in Table C-1 in Appendix C.
Federal and state air quality standards were established for six ambient air pollutants. These are referred to as criteria air pollutants. The pollutants are ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulates (both fine particulate matter [PM10] and total suspended particulates [TSP]), and lead (Pb) (see Table 4.10-1). Additionally, California has established state ambient air quality standards for sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and visibility-reducing particles.
Existing Criteria Air Pollutant Monitoring
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District operates ambient air monitors in the Livermore Valley for criteria pollutants. This monitoring is conducted to determine the area's ambient air quality and to determine the area's compliance with federal and state ambient air quality standards. To maintain compliance with these standards, monitoring in an area must demonstrate that pollutant levels do not exceed those shown in Table 4.10-1. When an area meets compliance standards it is classified as an "attainment" area under federal law. Pollutant concentrations measured by downtown Livermore's monitoring station are shown in Table 4.10-2. These data demonstrate that the Livermore area meets all ambient air quality standards except for ozone and PM10.(1) Ozone forms when nitrogen oxides and certain hydrocarbons chemically react under the effect of strong sunlight. Particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter is called PM10. It consists of small particles that remain suspended in air and may include materials such as dust, soil particles, pollens, and molds.
When an area does not meet the ambient air quality standard for a criteria air pollutant, it is classified as being in nonattainment. The Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 has defined classification levels for ozone nonattainment areas. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has classified the Livermore area as "moderate" for ozone nonattainment which requires the enactment of a plan to achieve attainment. A plan was adopted in 1991 and will continue to be implemented through 1997 at which time if attainment is not achieved the area may be reclassified as a "serious" ozone nonattainment area and the reclassification may result in implementing a more stringent attainment plan. There are no levels of classification for PM10 nonattainment areas and no PM10 attainment plan has been adopted by the State of California as of early 1992.
The California Air Resources Board conducts criteria pollutant monitoring for the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. Based on these measurements, the district is classified as a nonattainment area for ozone and PM10. LLNL Site 300 emissions are subject to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District monitoring and regulations.
The criteria pollutant emission rates for sources permitted in 1990 are presented in Table 4.10-3.
These rates were estimated based on actual material usage (such as boiler fuel and solvents for degreasers) and established emission factors.
Due to changes in stationary source operations (such as variation in materials used), the existing setting was projected to 1992 using estimates of material usage in the permitted stationary sources and application of emissions factors. The LLNL Livermore site estimated emissions are 3.2 lb/day of particulate matter, 183 lb/day of volatile organic compounds, 1 lb/day of sulfur oxides, 118 lb/day of nitrogen oxides, and 24 lb/day of carbon monoxide. The LLNL Site 300 estimated emissions are 5 lb/day of particulate matter, 14 lb/day of volatile organic compounds, 3 lb/day sulfur oxides, 52 lb/day of nitrogen oxides, and 11 lb/day of carbon monoxide. The SNL, Livermore estimated emissions are 0.35 lb/day of particulate matter, 14.1 lb/day of volatile organic compounds, 0.01 lb/day of sulfur oxides, 18.7 lb/day of nitrogen oxides, and 2.4 lb/day of carbon monoxide.
Permitted Stationary Sources
LLNL Livermore Site
The LLNL Livermore site held 192 permits in 1990 for stationary sources issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. These permits were Permits to Operate for the following operations:
| 96 | Boilers |
| 51 | Solvent cleaners |
| 12 | Particulate capture devices (baghouses or cyclones) |
| 6 | Cleaning/refurbishment devices |
| 4 | Printing presses |
| 4 | Oil shale experimental equipment |
| 3 | Paint spray booths |
| 2 | Vapor recovery systems |
| 2 | Ground water stripping systems |
| 2 | Ovens |
| 1 | Gasoline station recovery system |
| 1 | Fire test cell |
| 1 | Wet scrubber |
| 7 | Miscellaneous sources |
LLNL Site 300
LLNL Site 300 held nine permits in 1990 from the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District for stationary sources. These permits were Permits to Operate for the following operations:
| 5 | Diesel fired boilers |
| 2 | Gasoline station vapor recovery systems |
| 1 | Paint spray booth |
| 1 | Sawdust collector baghouse |
SNL, Livermore
SNL, Livermore held 16 permits in 1990 for stationary sources issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. These permits were Permits to Operate for the following operations:
| 1 | Vapor degreaser |
| 10 | Boilers |
| 1 | Baghouse |
| 1 | Incinerator |
| 1 | Spray booth |
| 2 | Solvent cleaners |
Mobile Sources
Mobile sources consist of vehicular traffic that is attracted to the LLNL Livermore site, LLNL Site 300, and SNL, Livermore. The estimated traffic volumes at the LLNL Livermore site, LLNL Site 300, and SNL, Livermore are 21,000, 4900, and 3700 trips per day respectively. This traffic releases criteria pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. The emissions from the mobile sources are primarily localized and exhibited in the ambient monitoring data from the Livermore Monitoring Station. A further description of the existing traffic in Livermore and Tracy is presented in section 4.13. The estimated 1-hour carbon monoxide ambient concentration due to traffic near the LLNL Livermore site is 3.3 ppm. This ambient carbon monoxide concentration is based on air quality modeling of the emissions from the existing traffic volume in the LLNL Livermore area.
Table 4.10-1 National and State of California Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS)
| Pollutanat | Average Time Period | California Standards | National Standards |
| Ozone | 1 hour | 0.09 ppm | 0.12 ppm |
| Carbon Monoxide | 8 hour | 9.0 ppm | 9.0 ppm |
| 1 hour | 20.00 ppm | 35.00 ppm | |
| Nitogen Dioxide | Annual Average | --- | 0.053 ppm |
| 1 hour | 0.25 ppm | --- | |
| Sulfur Dioxide | Annual Average | --- | 0.03 ppm |
| 24 hour | 0.05 ppm | 0.14 ppm | |
| 3 hour | --- | 0.50 ppm | |
| 1 hour | 0.25 ppm | --- | |
| Suspended Particulate Matter (PM10) | Geometric Mean | 30 µg/m3 | --- |
| Arithmetic Mean | --- | 50 µg/m3 | |
| 24 hour | 50 µg/m3 | 150 µg/m3 | |
| Lead | 30-day Average | 1.5 µg/m3 | --- |
| Calender Quater | --- | 1.5 µg/m3 |
Source: California Air Resources Board (CARB) 1985-1990
Note: The AAQS
for PM10 replaced the AAQS fro TSP.
Table 4.10-2 Livermore Old First Street Ambient Air Monitoring Station Criteria Pollutant Monitoring Data for 1985-1990
| Carbon Monoxide b (ppm) | Nitrogen Oxidea (ppm) | Particulate Matter Less than 10 micronsc(mg/m3) | Leadd (mg/m3) | ||||||||||||
| Year | 1st High | 2nd High | Avg. | 1st High | 2nd High | 1st High | 2nd High | Annual Avg. | 1st High | 2nd High | Annual Avg. | 1 Qtr | 2 Qtr | 3 Qtr | 4 Qtr |
| 1985 | 0.15 | 0.14 | 0.019 | 5.3 | 4.9 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.021 | ---e | ---e | ---e | 0.12 | 0.08 | 0.07 | 0.1 |
| 1986 | 0.14 | 0.13 | 0.022 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.021 | 84 | 67 | 30.7 | 0.11 | 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.16 |
| 1987 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.017 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.022 | 87 | 75 | 30 | 0.15 | 0.17 | 0.33 | 0.09 |
| 1988 | 0.15 | 0.14 | 0.020 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 0.14 | 0.12 | 0.023 | 69 | 61 | 33.3 | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.07 | 0.07 |
| 1989 | 0.14 | 0.13 | 0.022 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 0.1 | 0.09 | 0.022 | 108 | 88 | 37.4 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.1 |
| 1990 | 0.13 | 0.12 | 0.023 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 0.09 | N/A | 0.020 | 137 | 84 | 27.4 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.07 |
a Hourly average.
b 8-hour mean.
c 24-hour average.
d Quarterly means.
e Monitor not established until 1986 (CARB,
1985–1990).
N/A = Not available.
Note: No ambient sulfur
dioxide measurements are available from the Livermore Air Monitoring Station.
Source: CARB 1985–1990.
Table 4.10-3 Daily Emission Rates of Criteria Pollutants from LLNL Livermore Site, LLNL Site 300, and SNL, Livermore
| Pollutant | LLNL Livermore Site | LLNL Site 300 | SNL, Livermore | |||
| Tons/Day | lb/Day | Tons/Day | lb/Day | Tons/Day | lb/Day | |
| Particulates | 0.0035 | 7 | 0.0020 | 4 | 0.0005 | 1 |
| Volatile organic compounds | 0.0313 | 62.6 | 0.0011 | 2.2 | 0.006 | 12 |
| Sulfur dioxide | 0.0024 | 4.8 | 0.0018 | 3.6 | <0.001 | <2 |
| Nitrogen dioxide | 0.0834 | 166.8 | 0.0259 | 51.8 | 0.0135 | 27 |
| Carbon monoxide | 0.0172 | 34.4 | 0.0056 | 11.2 | 0.001 | 2 |
| Chlorofluorocarbons | 0.0449 | 89.8 | 0.0032 | 6.4 | ---* | ---* |
* Included in the volatile organic compound totals.
Source: LLNL, 1991f; BAAQMD, 1991.
4.10.2 Hazardous Air Pollutants
National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
Toxic air contaminants are regulated at the federal level by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) established under section 112 of the Clean Air Act, which specifically requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set "health based" emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants. The EPA has established standards for inorganic arsenic, beryllium, mercury, asbestos, radionuclides, vinyl chloride, benzene, and coke oven gas from a variety of operations, most of which are not performed at the Laboratories. The EPA has delegated responsibility for enforcing these standards to California except for those pertaining to radionuclides. California, through the State Implementation Plan, has delegated enforcement authority to the local air districts such as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.
Existing Hazardous Air Pollutants at LLNL and SNL, Livermore
Inorganic Arsenic, Asbestos, Benzene, Coke Oven Emissions, Mercury, and Vinyl Chloride
Neither of the Laboratories performs operations for which inorganic arsenic, benzene, coke oven emissions, mercury, or vinyl chloride NESHAP requirements have been set. Applicable NESHAP requirements for asbestos, primarily notifications of regulatory agencies and implementation of emission controls during demolition and renovation activities involving asbestos materials, are met.
Beryllium
LLNL Livermore Site. Beryllium is the only nonradioactive material regulated by NESHAP for which the LLNL conducts ambient air monitoring. Beryllium is regulated under the NESHAP and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District regulations. There are currently no applicable San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District regulations for beryllium.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's standard for an ambient monthly maximum concentration for beryllium is 0.01 mg/m3 (1000×10-5 mg/m3). As seen from Table 4.10-4, which shows average monthly concentrations of airborne beryllium at the LLNL Livermore site perimeter for the last 5 years, LLNL's beryllium concentrations average less than 0.58 percent of the district's monthly maximum.
LLNL Site 300. LLNL monitors beryllium at Site 300. Concentrations are shown in Table 4.10-5. Although there are no applicable San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District standards, for comparison purposes, these values average 0.42 percent of the NESHAP standard as enforced by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. LLNL also operates a beryllium air monitor at the firehouse in Tracy, California, located 10 km northeast of LLNL Site 300. Average monthly concentrations from 1986 through 1990 are given in Table 4.10-6. Average monthly concentrations in Tracy are 0.52 percent of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District ambient monthly concentration guideline of 0.01 mg/m3.
SNL, Livermore. There are no emissions of beryllium from SNL, Livermore.
Radionuclides
All people are exposed to varying levels of natural and artificial radiation. In the vicinity of LLNL and SNL, Livermore, the typical annual radiation dose from natural sources is about 0.3 rem effective dose equivalent per year (NCRP, 1988). Background radiation doses are received from a number of various types of exposures (see Figure 4.10-1). Contributors to the annual background radiation dose include:
|
0.200 rem | (200 mrem) |
|
0.040 rem | (40 mrem) |
|
0.030 rem | (30 mrem) |
|
0.030 rem | (30 mrem) |
In addition, most people are commonly exposed to other artificial sources of radiation, which include:
|
0.039 rem | (39 mrem) |
|
0.014 rem | (14 mrem) |
|
0.010 rem | (10 mrem) |
|
0.002 rem | (2 mrem) |
Federal regulations for emissions of radionuclides into the air (40 C.F.R., Part 61) limit the effective dose equivalent offsite for a member of the public to no greater than 0.01 rem (10 mrem) per year. If a release point has the potential to result in a radiation dose offsite to a member of the public of 0.0001 rem (0.1 mrem) or greater, the release point must be monitored.
LLNL. Pursuant to a compliance order from the EPA, LLNL submitted an action plan, dated May 23, 1991, to the EPA. LLNL has initiated a plan to investigate and model all radionuclide stack emissions to demonstrate compliance with NESHAP. Quarterly progress reports are forwarded to the EPA.
SNL, Livermore has demonstrated compliance with the revised National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) published in December 15, 1989, 40 C.F.R. 61. The total radionuclide emission to the atmosphere for site operations in 1990 resulted in maximum offsite radiological dose of 0.15 mrem, effective dose equivalent (as compared to the NESHAP standard of 10 mrem). SNL, Livermore has completed a comprehensive, sitewide NESHAP assessment to determine compliance with the monitoring requirements of the NESHAP rule. Maximum inventory quantities and potential airborne release pathways were evaluated. This assessment concluded that all emission sources subject to the NESHAP rule were adequately monitored.
Ambient Monitoring for Radionuclides
LLNL Livermore Site and SNL, Livermore
Because of the proximity of the LLNL Livermore site and SNL, Livermore, the environmental protection organizations of the two Laboratories conduct a joint environmental monitoring program. The LLNL Livermore site, acting for SNL, Livermore as well, maintains six continuously operating high volume airborne particulate (HI-Vol) samplers on the perimeter of the site and 11 elsewhere in the Livermore Valley. The Laboratory analyzes the filters from these samplers for alpha, beta, and gamma radioactivity. During 1990, most of the gross alpha determinations were at or near the detection limit. Gross beta activity was also quite low at less than 1×10-15 mCi/mL. Most of this observed activity results from naturally occurring radioisotopes and their decay products. Of the radionuclides for which monitoring data are provided in Table 4.10-7, 7Be, 40K, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 228Th occur naturally. LLNL analyzes these radionuclides to ensure that any releases will be detected, and to identify background trends in the LLNL environs.
DOE publishes Derived Concentration Guidelines (DCGs) for radionuclides in air and water. Derived Concentration Guidelines are concentrations of radionuclides in air (or water) that, if inhaled (or consumed) continuously throughout the year, would result in an effective dose equivalent of 0.05 rem (50 mrem) per year. This is one-half of DOE primary radiation protection standard for the public of 0.1 rem (100 mrem) per year. NESHAP regulations (40 C.F.R., part 61) limit the radiation dose to a member of the public from airborne releases of radionuclides to no greater than 0.01 rem (10 mrem) per year effective dose equivalent. Thus, the concentrations for radionuclides released from the facilities may not exceed 20 percent of the Derived Concentration Guideline. The applicable Derived Concentration Guidelines for the monitored gamma emitters are presented in Table 4.10-7; the monitored concentrations for each isotope represent only a small percentage of the applicable Derived Concentration Guideline.
The LLNL Livermore site also analyzes some air filters specifically for plutonium-239, uranium-235, and uranium-238. During 1990, a sampler located on the southeast perimeter of the site measured the highest concentration of plutonium at 2.15×10-17 mCi/mL. This amount represents 0.11 percent of the Derived Concentration Guideline for Pu in air, which is 2.0×10-14 µCi/mL. Table 4.10-8 presents 1990 results for these radionuclides.
LLNL also analyzes samples at 19 locations specifically for ambient concentrations of tritium that might result from activities at the site. The results of tritium monitoring at the LLNL Livermore site perimeter are presented in Table 4.10-9. The average concentration of tritium in air at various locations at the site perimeter ranged from 0.66×10-11 to 1.84×10-11mCi/mL with an overall average of 1.33×10-11 mCi/mL. SNL, Livermore also samples tritium at four onsite locations and obtains results similar to those at the LLNL Livermore site. At sampling locations throughout the Livermore Valley the tritium concentration averaged 0.54×10-11mCi/mL. These concentrations can be compared with the Derived Concentration Guidelines for tritium of 10-7 mCi/mL.
LLNL Site 300
At LLNL Site 300 ambient monitoring is conducted to determine airborne radionuclide contributions from explosives testing and to identify trends in the environmental concentrations of radionuclides. Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are not used at LLNL Site 300 and the observed airborne concentrations of these isotopes are attributable to their natural abundance or from the resuspension of global fallout from nuclear weapons testing. The ambient monitoring data indicate that during 1990 the location with the highest average concentration of plutonium-239 experienced levels approximating 0.04×10-17 mCi/mL. For uranium-238, during the same period the highest average ambient concentration was 9.86×10-5 mg/m3; uranium-235 was measured at approximately 9.33×10-7 mg/m3 for its highest average concentration at the site.
The Derived Concentration Guidelines for 239Pu, 238U, and 235U respectively are 2×10-14, 1×10-13, and 1×10-13 mCi/mL. The monitored concentrations at Site 300 are well below these guidelines and also comply with the NESHAP limits.
Radionuclide Exposure and Risk Calculations
For purposes of this EIS/EIR, potential exposures and risks associated with routine emissions of radionuclides from the LLNL Livermore site and SNL, Livermore were calculated using the EPA-approved model AIRDOS, specified in the regulations mentioned above. These computer models are used to predict potential atmospheric transport, exposures, and doses for radionuclides most likely to be emitted from routine laboratory operations. Population exposure figures were converted to dose using conversion and weighting factors specified by the EPA in NESHAP. For purposes of this document radionuclide doses associated with air emissions are reported as "annual effective dose equivalent" measured in units called "rem" or "millirem" (1 rem is equal to 1000 mrem). The models estimate weighted dose equivalents to specified body organs and the effective dose equivalent to the whole body of a hypothetical/maximally exposed individual (MEI). For purposes of these modelling exercises, this hypothetical member of the public is assumed to reside continuously (i.e., 24 hours/day, 365 days/year) at the point of highest ground-level radionuclide concentration for a specified time period (i.e., 1 year). While residing at this point, the MEI is also assumed to consume locally produced foodstuffs in equilibrium with the airborne concentrations of the radionuclides and to derive 1 percent of the drinking water supplies from water in equilibrium with the airborne concentrations.
For purposes of this EIS/EIR, in addition to doses calculated for the maximally exposed individual, doses were also predicted for the population at large. This dose, called the "collective effective dose equivalent," is calculated for the total population living within a 50 mile radius of a site (e.g., the LLNL Livermore site). This dose is obtained by assuming the 50-mile radius area is divided into sectors, projecting the average individual dose for each sector, multiplying that projected average sector dose by the actual number of individuals living in the area and then adding these sector doses for the entire area. The collective dose is reported in units of person-rem. Typically, U.S. Census figures are used for the actual population data. For this document, the 1990 Census population, which was determined to be approximately 6.3 million people in the actual 50-mile radius from the Laboratories was used to calculate the collective dose.
The risk of developing fatal cancer was calculated using the modeled dose estimates described above and "risk estimators" suggested by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and other organizations, which suggest that the average risk factor for exposure to ionizing radiation is about 500 fatal cancers per million "person-rem" of effective dose equivalent exposure (see Appendix C, section C.3.3).
The exposure and risk characterization process provides worst case estimates. The models are based on conservative assumptions that typically project significant overestimates of actual risks. Thus, the calculated doses do not represent those actually received by any member of the public. In fact, actual doses received and risks incurred would be considerably less than those presented in this document. Details concerning both exposure and risk determinations are found in Appendix C.
For 1990, radiation doses were modeled for the combined emissions of tritium, nitrogen-13, and oxygen-15 from the LLNL Livermore site and SNL, Livermore (See Table 4.10-10). The 1990 estimated collective radiation dose equivalent was almost entirely attributable to tritium released from the Hydrogen Research Facility (Building 331) at LLNL and the Tritium Research Laboratory (Building 968) at SNL, Livermore. In 1990, 1282 Ci of tritium were released into the atmosphere from LLNL, 700 Ci of which was tritiated water, and 295 Ci of tritium were released from SNL, Livermore, 244 Ci of which was tritiated water. The discharge of tritium from SNL, Livermore includes the evaporation of tritiated water that exceeds the concentration limits for discharge into the sewer systems. Water exceeding the concentration limit is collected and evaporated. The vapors emitted from the evaporation are discharged through the stack near the Tritium Research Facility, Building 968. Under the regulations of the State of California no more than 100 Ci of tritiated water is allowed to be discharged annually from the evaporator which is permitted by the EPA and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The maximum radiation dose calculated at the "fenceline" of the facility was 0.25 mrem. At the point of maximum offsite exposure, the point the model assumes a person actually resides, the dose was also estimated as 0.25 mrem. The EPA standard for such emissions is 10 mrem/year effective dose equivalent. For 1990 the dose to the maximally exposed individual assumed to reside offsite at the highest concentration of radionuclides and to consume radiation-contaminated foodstuffs and water was 0.25 mrem.
The 1990 estimated collective dose equivalent for the general population living within a 50-mile radius of the LLNL Livermore site and SNL, Livermore was 31 person-rem. The AIRDOS model calculates risk from several possible sources of exposure including inhalation of air, contact with ground services, immersion in water, drinking contaminated water, and ingestion of food produced locally and contaminated with radionuclides. The calculated contribution to total dose is about 14 percent from inhalation and 86 percent from ingestion. Based on these percentages and the 1990 estimated collective dose equivalent of 31 person/rem, about 4 person/rem is due to inhalation with the remaining 27 person/rem attributed to ingestion sources including locally grown foods, assuming all food is produced locally. This radiation dose is calculated to result in about 1 chance in 70 of causing one fatal cancer in the population of 6.3 million persons. As a comparison, the collective population dose from natural sources of radiation in the same time period was estimated to be 1.9×106 person-rem and this would result in about 950 fatal cancers (see Appendix C).
Using the dose estimated for the MEI (i.e., 0.25 mrem) and the risk estimators discussed above, the lifetime risk to the hypothetical maximally exposed individual of developing a fatal cancer due to release of radionuclides from the operation of the LLNL Livermore site and SNL, Livermore during 1990 is less than 1 in 8 million. As a comparison the EPA estimates that the lifetime risk to the U.S. population attributable to one year of exposure to natural background sources of radiation is approximately 1 in 6000.
LLNL Site 300
LLNL Site 300 has two potential sources for atmospheric emissions of radioactivity: the Advanced Test Accelerator (ATA) and high explosives tests. The ATA was not operational during 1990, so this facility contributed no air emissions for this period; during 1989, 0.57 Ci each of nitrogen-13 and oxygen-15 were released at the site. Airborne test emissions cannot be monitored at the source, but are assessed through a network of ambient air monitors for radionuclides.
Because the ATA was not operational during 1990 all doses from this source were zero mrem. The results of radionuclide ambient monitoring for LLNL Site 300 were presented earlier in this subsection along with their applicable Derived Concentration Guideline's.
Table 4.10-4 Monthly Mean Concentrationa of Beryllium on Air Filters LLNL Livermore Site Perimeter for 1986-1990 All Monitoring Sites
| Month | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 |
| January | 12.3 | 2.0 | 2.9 | 2.6 | ND |
| February | 1.7 | 3.7 | 5.2 | 3.1 | ND |
| March | 4.2 | 3.5 | 2.8 | 5.2 | ND |
| April | 3.2 | 5.5 | 2.9 | 1.0 | ND |
| May | 4.6 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 3.4 |
| June | 6.0 | 4.7 | 1.4 | 4.0 | 4.7 |
| July | 8.9 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 2.3 | 4.7 |
| August | 5.7 | 5.1 | 4.1 | 6.4 | 1.0 |
| September | 3.3 | 4.8 | 1.3 | NDb,c | 5.3 |
| October | 5.8 | 4.6 | 6.8 | ND | 8.9 |
| November | 3.2 | 2.1 | 3.0 | ND | 7.0 |
| December | 4.2 | 3.0 | 3.4 | ND | 6.5 |
a ×10-5 mg/m3.
b ND: Concentration below detection
limits (£ 27×10-5 mg/m3). BAAQMD Guideline
1000×10-5 mg/m3.
c Contract laboratory analysis methods
changed during September 1989–April 1990. The change in analysis
method produced a higher detection limit.
Source: LLNL, 1986–1990.
Table 4.10-5 Monthly Mean Concentrationa of Beryllium on Air Filters LLNL Site 300 Perimeter for 1986-1990All Monitoring Sites
| Month | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 |
| January | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.7 | ND |
| February | 0.4 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 1.4 | ND |
| March | 1.9 | 3.9 | 1.7 | 0.3 | ND |
| April | 1.6 | 5.1 | 2.3 | 1.7 | ND |
| May | 4.0 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| June | 2.6 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 2.4 | 2.7 |
| July | 6.4 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 3.6 |
| August | 2.4 | 3.5 | 1.4 | 3.5 | 1.9 |
| September | 2.0 | 3.0 | 2.1 | NDb,c | 4.6 |
| October | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.0 | ND | 4.9 |
| November | 1.0 | 2.0 | 1.3 | ND | 4.1 |
| December | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | ND | 4.9 |
a ×10-5 mg/m3.
b ND: Concentration below detection limits (£
27×10-5 mg/m3). BAAQMD Guideline 1000×10-5
mg/m3.
c Contract laboratory analysis methods
changed during September 1989–April 1990. The change in analysis method
produced a higher detection limit.
Source: LLNL, 1986–1990.
Table 4.10-6 Monthly Mean Concentrationa of Beryllium on Air Filters at Tracy, California, Fire Station for 1986-1990
| Month | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 |
| January | 4.9 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 3.2 | NDb |
| February | 1.7 | 0.7 | 3.6 | 4.0 | ND |
| March | 3.4 | 1.3 | 4.4 | 0.9 | ND |
| April | 3.4 | 5.6 | 3.5 | ND | ND |
| May | 9.3 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 3.1 |
| June | 7.8 | 0.6 | 2.1 | 4.0 | 5.1 |
| July | 5.9 | 0.8 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 4.7 |
| August | 4.8 | 0.6 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 0.8 |
| September | 2.4 | 5.2 | 2.5 | NDc | 7.0 |
| October | 7.8 | 4.0 | 11.0 | ND | 10.9 |
| November | 0.3 | 10.0 | 0.6 | ND | 8.8 |
| December | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2.3 | ND | 4.8 |
a ×10-5 mg/m3.
b ND: Concentration below detection limits (£
27×10-5 mg/m3). BAAQMD Guideline 1000×10-5
mg/m3.
c Contract laboratory analysis methods
changed during September 1989–April 1990. The change in analysis method
produced a higher detection limit.
Source: LLNL, 1986–1990.
SNL, Livermore. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has interpreted section 41700 of the Health and Safety Code as the authority to regulate emissions of radionuclides from SNL, Livermore.
Table 4.10-7 Gamma Activity on Air Filters-LLNL Livermore Site Perimeter, 1990a
| Month | 7Be | 40K | 137Cs | 22Na | 226Ra | 228Ra | 228Th |
| [10-13µCi/mL±2s(%)] | [10-16mCi/mL±2s(%)] | ||||||
| Jan. | 0.48±2 | <=1.36 | <=0.06 | <=0.06 | <=0.12 | <=0.26 | <=0.13 |
| Feb. | 0.68±2 | <=1.32 | <=0.06 | <=0.06 | <=0.12 | <=0.25 | <=0.14 |
| Mar. | 0.98±2 | <=1.07 | <=0.05 | 0.13±83 | <=0.09 | <=0.19 | <=0.12 |
| Apr. | 1.17±2 | 4.83±38 | 0.09±77 | 0.18±50 | 0.26±40 | 0.27±75 | 0.32±39 |
| May | 1.22±2 | 8.21±31 | 0.13±84 | 0.19±58 | 0.30±49 | 0.46±67 | 0.42±40 |
| June | 0.77±2 | 5.67±40 | 0.08±74 | 0.10±78 | 0.26±49 | <=0.22 | 0.21±73 |
| July | 0.98±2 | 5.39±37 | 0.10±78 | 0.12±74 | 0.28±40 | 0.47±50 | 0.39±43 |
| Aug. | 0.79±2 | 5.94±42 | 0.12±43 | <=0.04 | 0.35±40 | 0.43±67 | 0.27±55 |
| Sept. | 1.36±2 | 7.28±27 | 0.11±65 | <=0.08 | 0.37±29 | 0.68±34 | 0.48±30 |
| Oct. | 1.61±2 | 9.40±20 | 0.16±39 | 0.11±57 | 0.49±28 | 0.56±37 | 0.53±26 |
| Nov. | 1.24±2 | 6.00±52 | 0.16±46 | <=0.04 | 0.45±44 | 0.59±60 | 0.44±53 |
| Dec. | 1.36±2 | <=1.41 | <=0.05 | <=0.05 | 0.28±58 | <=0.22 | <=0.12 |
| Median | 1.05c | <=5.53 | <=0.10 | <=0.09 | <=0.28c | <=.035 | <=0.30 |
| DCGb | 5×10-8 | 9×10-10 | 4×10-10 | 1×10-9 | 1×10-12 | 3×10-12 | 4×10-14 |
| % of DCG | 2×10-4 | 6×10-5 | 3×10-6 | 9×10-7 | 3×10-3 | 1×10-3 | 8×10-2 |
a All LLNL Livermore site perimeter
samples composited. b DCG in mCi/mL.
b
DCG in µCi/mL.
Table 4.10-8 Tritium in Air-LLNL Livermore Site Perimeter, 1990
| Month | Sampling Locations | |||||
| SALV | MESQ | CAFE | MET | VIS | COW | |
| [10-11µCi/mL±2s(%)] | ||||||
| Jan. | 2.27 ± 9 2.33±4 |
0.80 ± 10 1.22 ± 8 1.07 ± 12 0.92 ± 12 |
1.88 ± 4
2.01 ± 7 |
0.82 ± 10 1.13 ± 13 |
0.91 ± 7 1.26 ± 9 |
1.24 ± 10 |
| Feb. | 1.09 ± 7
1.05 ± 7 |
1.22 ± 7 0.94 ± 8 0.64 ± 14 |
1.52 ± 6
1.80 ± 5 |
0.62 ± 12 0.23 ± 25 0.20 ± 28 |
1.33 ± 6 0.72 ± 10 |
0.83 ± 9 0.58 ± 13 |
| Mar. | 1.60 ± 7
2.00 ± 6 |
0.60 ± 18 0.87 ± 13 |
1.82 ± 6 1.73 ± 7 |
0.31 ± 29 0.25 ± 34 0.26 ± 33 0.49 ± 17 0.51 ± 13 |
1.41 ± 7 1.45 ± 8 |
1.07 ± 9 1.27 ± 9 |
| April | 1.25 ± 8 2.89 ± 5 |
0.98 ± 12 1.05 ± 13 |
1.52 ± 7 0.93 ± 13 |
0.50 ± 21 0.57 ± 17 0.83 ± 15 |
1.68 ± 6
2.04 ± 7 |
0.86 ± 11 1.55 ± 8 1.51 ± 9 |
| May | 1.25 ± 7 1.25 ± 9 |
0.84 ± 12 0.47 ± 26 |
2.15 ± 5 0.63 ± 17 |
0.50 ± 19
0.26 ± 41 |
1.38 ± 6 1.92 ± 7 |
0.73 ± 11 0.69 ± 12 0.66 ± 15 0.49 ± 21 |
| June | 1.71 ± 9 1.20 ± 10 |
2.48 ± 7 0.65 ± 18 |
1.19 ± 12
1.71 ± 7 |
0.84 ± 18 0.31 ± 37 |
3.81 ± 5 2.14 ± 6 1.92 ± 6 2.15 ± 6 |
2.06 ± 7 1.82 ± 8 0.67 ± 15 |
| July | 1.53 ± 8
1.32 ± 8 |
0.54 ± 25
0.29 ± 35 |
0.63 ± 18
0.58 ± 19 |
0.16 ± 83 <=0.12 |
1.65 ± 8 1.74 ± 8 2.08 ± 6 2.37 ± 6 |
0.69 ± 18
0.65 ± 16 |
| Aug. | 1.29 ± 11 2.70 ± 5 3.03 ± 5 1.31 ± 11 1.18 ± 12 |
<=0.13
0.54 ± 17 0.42 ± 37 |
0.27 ± 45
1.16 ± 11 0.73 ± 16 |
0.19 ± 65
0.30 ± 28 0.38 ± 39 |
2.21 ± 7
1.81 ± 6 1.36 ± 10 |
0.74 ± 17
1.84 ± 7 0.91 ± 10 0.70 ± 19 |
| Sept. | 1.10 ± 9
1.04 ± 11 1.18 ± 10 |
0.33 ± 38 | 0.77 ± 13
0.82 ± 4 |
0.42 ± 24 0.33 ± 33 |
1.66 ± 6
1.15 ± 10 |
0.66 ± 13
0.95 ± 12 |
| Oct. | 1.96 ± 6
1.00 ± 6 |
2.27 ± 5 | 3.87 ± 4
3.93 ± 3 |
1.40 ± 9
1.26 ± 10 |
1.99 ± 4 2.12 ± 5 |
1.37 ± 7
0.89 ± 10 |
| Nov. | 2.13 ± 5
1.58 ± 7 |
1.31 ± 7
2.38 ± 5 |
6.34 ± 2
2.29 ± 5 |
0.94 ± 9
1.60 ± 7 |
1.97 ± 5
1.62 ± 6 |
1.16 ± 7
1.33 ± 7 |
| Dec. | 0.96 ± 8
1.55 ± 7 |
2.42 ± 4
1.61 ± 7 |
2.93 ± 3
2.80 ± 4 |
1.29 ± 6 1.31 ± 9 2.21 ± 6 |
1.13 ± 7
2.33 ± 4 |
0.93 ± 8
1.03 ± 8 |
| Meana | 1.63 | 1.04 | 1.84 | 0.66 | 1.77 | 1.03 |
| Percent of DCGb | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.007 | 0.02 | 0.01 |
| Dose (µrem)c | 1.3×10-2 | 0.8×10-2 | 1.5×10-2 | 0.5×10-2 | 1.4×10-2 | 0.8×10-2 |
a LLNL Livermore site perimeter overall
average=1.33×10-11µCi/mL.
b DCG=1×10-7µCi/mL (1×10-1µCi/mL).
c This dose is the effective dose equivalent.
Table 4.10-9 Plutonium and Uranium Activity on Air Filters-LLNL Livermore Site Perimeter, 1990
| Annual Averages | |||||||||
| Location | 239Pu | 238U | 235U | ||||||
| 10-17 µCi/mL | SDM (%) | Percent of DCGa | 10-5 µg/m3 | SDM (%) | Percent of DCGb | 10-7 µg/m3 | SDM (%) | Percent of DCGc | |
| SALV | 0.41 | 143 | 0.021 | 7.11 | 41 | 0.024 | 4.85 | 44 | 0.001 |
| MESQ | 0.26 | 144 | 0.013 | 7.59 | 28 | 0.025 | 5.37 | 31 | 0.001 |
| CAFE | 0.14 | 85 | 0.007 | 9.43 | 28 | 0.031 | 6.50 | 34 | 0.001 |
| MET | 0.23 | 254 | 0.011 | 7.21 | 35 | 0.024 | 5.09 | 38 | 0.001 |
| VIS | 0.22 | 111 | 0.011 | 5.67 | 50 | 0.019 | 4.01 | 52 | 0.001 |
| COW | 0.17 | 145 | 0.008 | 7.73 | 33 | 0.026 | 5.44 | 35 | 0.001 |
a DCG=2×10-14 µCi/mL
for 239Pu activity in air or 2×10-2 pCi/m3.
b DCG1=10-13 µCi/mL (= 0.3 µg/m3)
for 238U activity in air.
c DCG=1×10-13 µCi/mL
(= 0.047 µg/m3) for 235U activity in air.
Table 4.10-10 Quantities of Radioactive Airborne Effluents Released by the LLNL Livermore Site, LLNL Site 300, and SNL, Livermore
| Site and Type of Radioactive Airborne Effluent Released | Quantities Released Per Year (Ci) | ||||||
| 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | |||
| LLNL Livermore Site | |||||||
| Tritium (3H) | |||||||
| Contribution from Building 331 | |||||||
| HTO | 661 | 1246 | 1615 | 1555 | 700 | ||
| HT | 467 | 1388 | 2333 | 1395 | 581 | ||
| Total from B-331:a | 1128 | 2634 | 3948 | 2950 | 1281 | ||
| Total from LLNL:b | 1254 | 2751 | 3983 | 2952 | 1282 | ||
| Nitrogen-13 (13N) | 56.5 | 31 | 15 | 21 | 24 | ||
| Oxygen-15 (15O) | 56.5 | 31 | 15 | 21 | 24 | ||
| LLNL Site 300c | |||||||
| Nitrogen-13 (13N) | 22.5 | 7 | 5.7 | 0.57 | 0 | ||
| Oxygen-15 (15O) | 22.5 | 7 | 5.7 | 0.57 | 0 | ||
| SNL, Livermore | |||||||
| Tritium (3H) | |||||||
| HTO | 629 | 570 | 1047 | 656 | 244 | ||
| HT | 131 | 1257 | 543 | 178 | 51 | ||
| Total: a,d | 760 | 1828 | 1590 | 834 | 295 | ||
a Includes tritiated water vapor (HTO) and
tritium gas (HT).
b The major source of 3H at the LLNL Livermore
site is Building 331; other sources may include Buildings 292, 298, 381, 391,
etc.
c Some tritium may be released at Buildings
801, 850, 851, etc.
d Building 968 is the only source of 3H at
SNL, Livermore.
Source: LLNL, 1986–1990; SNL, Livermore, 1991k, 1991a; Brekke,
1990.
4.10.3 Toxic Air Contaminants
Toxic air contaminants (TAC) are airborne substances that are capable of causing short-term or long-term adverse human health affects and include both organic and inorganic chemical substances. The California Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Information and Assessment Act of 1987 (AB2588) requires facilities to submit to the local air districts a comprehensive plan, for estimating the volumes of air toxics emitted by the facility. Following approval of the plan, the facilities must submit the resulting air toxics emissions inventory to the district by a separate, specified deadline. After the district receives completed inventories, it is required to identify high-priority facilities that must prepare facility-wide health risk assessments. A health risk assessment is based on the established cancer and noncancer toxicity factors for various TACs, estimated or measured quantities of emissions from individual air pollution sources at a facility, and a "worst case" hypothetical exposure scenario that assumes an individual will be exposed for a continuous 70-year period to the facility's maximum quantity of TAC emissions. A facility operator is required to give notice to "all exposed persons" if the district concludes, based upon the risk assessment, that there is a significant health risk caused by the toxic air emissions from the facility.
Based on the emission inventory information submitted by LLNL Livermore, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District determined that projected emissions required a risk assessment. SNL, Livermore, however, was not required to perform a risk assessment based on the emission inventory submitted. The AB2588 report for LLNL Site 300 will be completed and submitted to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District after specific source emission testing is performed as required by the regulatory agency. This will complete the emission inventory. At that time the air district will determine if a risk assessment is necessary.
LLNL Livermore Site
The first step of the LLNL AB2588 emissions inventory and screening assessment process was to identify and estimate the quantities of materials that could be emitted from LLNL operations. The list of compounds that must be identified and emission factors to be used to estimate emissions are specified in the AB2588 guidelines. Potential emissions of carcinogens (8 chemicals) and noncarcinogens (9 chemicals) were estimated for each building at LLNL. The estimated emissions rates for these compounds are presented in Table 4.10-11.
The exposure assessment was developed using the EPA's Industrial Source Complex–Short Term (ISC-ST) air dispersion model. Site specific parameters such as meteorological data and building and stack heights were used in the modeling (LLNL, 1991a). The model was used to predict locations of the maximum offsite ground level concentrations from potential emissions. This information, along with toxicity information about the chemicals of concern, was then used to predict the carcinogenic risk and noncarcinogenic hazard index.
The assessment assumed that an individual is located continually for 70 years at the location of the maximum predicted offsite ground level concentration of toxic air emissions from the site (LLNL, 1991a).
The maximum carcinogenic risk for LLNL was calculated by adding the individual risk numbers for each chemical identified in Table 4.10-11. The total risk was estimated to be 3 in 1 million (LLNL, 1991a). This is below the threshold of 10 in 1 million, designated as the level of concern by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The maximum values for noncarcinogenic hazard indices were 0.089 for chronic exposures (i.e., exposure durations greater than 7 years) and 0.42 for short-term exposures (LLNL, 1991a). Both of these noncarcinogenic hazard indices are also below the level of concern of 1.0 developed by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), and used by the regional air boards and local air districts (CAPCOA, 1991). The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is currently reviewing the risk assessment.
LLNL Site 300
LLNL Site 300 developed and submitted to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District a comprehensive plan and emission inventory to comply with AB2588. This plan identified the TAC from all sources at LLNL Site 300 except the high explosive waste thermal treatment unit referred to as the "Iron Horse." The "Iron Horse" is a containment device used to confine ash generated from the burning of waste explosives. Because of the design and function of the Iron Horse, no agency has developed specific source testing methods or emission estimation techniques for use in quantifying emissions from the Iron Horse. Thus, at the time the original AB2588 emission estimates were submitted for LLNL Site 300 such data were not available. The plan was deemed incomplete by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District since the TAC emissions from the Iron Horse were unavailable. The LLNL Livermore site, after consultation with applicable agencies and experts in emission testing, has submitted a source testing protocol, which may provide the absent information, to the regulatory agency. The emission inventory will be completed once emission testing procedures for the Iron Horse proposed by LLNL Site 300 are approved by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District and the California Air Resources Board. At that time the plan will be reviewed by the air district and it will be determined if a risk assessment is required. The TAC emission estimates for all sources except the Iron Horse at LLNL Site 300 are shown in Table 4.10-12.
SNL, Livermore
SNL, Livermore has submitted the emission inventory plan and an air toxic emissions inventory to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to comply with AB2588. The air toxics (Hot Spots) plan for compliance with AB2588 was reviewed and approved by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Based on the emission estimates contained in the plan, no health-risk assessment was required. The estimate of TAC emissions from SNL, Livermore are presented in Table 4.10-13.
Table 4.10-11 Annual Emissions Estimates of Toxic Air Contaminants for LLNL Livermore Site
| Contaminant | Baseline Condition Annual Amount (lb/year) |
| Chlorine | 675 |
| Ethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate | 212 |
| Fluorocarbons | 28,770 |
| Glycol ethers (other) | 24 |
| Hydrogen fluoride | <0.1 |
| Methanol | 1,230 |
| Toluene | 274 |
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 16,270 |
| Xylenes | 117 |
| Benzene | 196 |
| Carbon tetrachloride | 493 |
| Chloroform | 633 |
| Dioxane (1,4-) | 161 |
| Ethylene dichloride | <1 |
| Formaldehyde | 35 |
| Methylene chloride | 738 |
| Trichloroethylene | 728 |
Source: LLNL, 1991a.
Note: The emission rates shown above were used to
develop the human health risk and hazard indices for the LLNL Livermore site.
These emission rates differ from the initial TAC emission information submitted
by LLNL to the BAAQMD due to suggested changes and modifications recommended by
the BAAQMD.
Table 4.10-12 Annual Emissions Estimates of Toxic Air Contaminants for LLNL Site 300
| Contaminant | Projected 1992 Baseline Condition Annual Amount (lb/yr) | |
| Arsenic | 0.43 | |
| Beryllium | 0.026 | |
| Cadmium | 0.11 | |
| Chromium | 0.014 | |
| Copper | 2.9 | |
| Formaldehyde | 4.2 | |
| Lead | 0.092 | |
| Magnesium | 0.27 | |
| Mercury | 0.031 | |
| Nickel | 1.8 | |
| PAH | 0.23 | |
| Fuel Dispenser Gasoline | ||
| Dispensers | 110.7 | |
| Tank Loading | 968.5 | |
| Spray Booths | ||
| Glycol Ethers | 117 | |
| Toluene | 40 | |
| Xylene | 11 | |
| High Explosive Detonation 801, 850, 851 | ||
| Ammonia | 20.9 | |
| Benzene | 0.18 | |
| HCL | 7.3 | |
| HCN | 3.9 | |
| HF | 26.5 | |
| PAH | 0.000003 | |
| Toluene | 0.3 | |
| High Explosive Metals | ||
| Beryllium | 0.31 | |
| Nickel | 0.42 | |
| Cooling Tower | ||
| Chloroform | 0.12 | |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 13.3 | |
| Limited Chemistry Lab | ||
| Ethylene Dichloride | 1 | |
| Fluorocarbons | 3.9 | |
| Methylene Chloride | 55 | |
| Toluene | 0.36 | |
| Drinking Water Chlorination | ||
| Chlorine Hydroxide | 15 | |
| Cold Cleaning | ||
| Freon 113 | 721 | |
| Vapor Extraction System | ||
| Trichloroethylene | 8 | |
| Refrigerants | ||
| R12 | 145 | |
| R13 | 80 | |
| R22 | 375 | |
| R113 | 66 | |
| R502 | 100 | |
| R503 | 70 | |
| Automotive Parts Cleaning | ||
| Cresol | 1.8 | |
| Methylene Chloride | 4.8 | |
| Linear Accelerator X-Ray Equipment | ||
| R12 | 580 | |
Source: LLNL, 1990a.
Table 4.10-13 Annual Emissions of Toxic Air Contaminants for SNL, Livermore
| Contaminant | Projected 1992 Baseline Condition Annual Amount (lb/yr) |
| Trichloroethene | 1765 |
| Gasoline Vapors | 170 |
| Chlorofluorocarbons | 300 |
Reference: DOE, 1989e.
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