AIKEN, S.C. – The EM program has added two portable units to its network of 14 permanent air monitoring stations at the Savannah River Site (SRS), helping extend the reach of its study of the atmosphere in and around the site.

“The geographical coverage and the data obtained by these air sampling stations is excellent,” said Jason Walker, a scientist with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the site’s management and operations contractor. “However, with the purchase of two portable sampling units we can significantly increase our options, placing these state-of-the-art portable units wherever needed to add to the versatility of our overall program.”

The SRS Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program monitors effects SRS has on the environment. There is one permanent air monitoring station onsite, 10 at the site perimeter, and three within population centers near SRS. Initially, each portable system will be temporarily located near a permanent station, then scientists will compare the data. The units will then be placed in storage where they can quickly be accessed and deployed as needed.

“This will enable us to make small adjustments to further improve the data received from each permanent station. A portable unit can also be used to temporarily collect data while a permanent unit is undergoing repairs,” Walker said.

“I believe our emergency management team and environmental monitoring group are the best at what they do in the DOE complex,” said Rick Sprague, senior vice president, environment, safety, health, and quality at SRNS. “We continue to pursue innovative solutions to further enhance our environmental and emergency management programs.”