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Environmental monitoring
In order to assess the real impact of the facility, SOMANU carried out monitoring based on samples taken in various ecosystems along the transfer chains right up to human beings. Familiarity with the surrounding environment allows proper selection of the locations and number of sampling points to ensure the control of the overall process.
Measures carried out under ASN
SOMANU's annual monitoring program is drawn up under the control of the ASN (French Nuclear Safety Agency), which sets the types, regularity and location of samples.
The analyses carried out on samples for environmental monitoring are carried out by the CEA's radiology and environmental chemistry laboratory (Atomic Energy Commission) at Saclay, accredited as Réseau National de Mesures de radioactivité » (RNM).
an accreditation body whose work is based on international standards).
In 2010, environmental monitoring represented approximately 900 samples distributed as follows:
- 85% for atmospheric monitoring (radioactivity in the air outside the site, ambient irradiation).
- 5% land-based monitoring (vegetation).
- 10% hydrological monitoring (streams, groundwater).
1100 analyses were performed in total.
Monitoring of the air outside the SOMANU site
A facility near the site performs constant air sampling using a fixed filter. Every day, dust activity is measured (aerosols) by the CEA laboratory at Saclay, and at the IRSN (French National Institute for Research and Nuclear Safety). In 2010, the measures do not show a significant labeling of the environment visible.
Radioactivity at the SOMANU site
Ambient dosimetry is carried out around the edge of the facility. This measurement is performed with the help of monthly ratemeter dosimeters, for the assessment of gamma radiation. In 2010, it does not reveal a value greater than the natural radioactivity of the site.
The values constantly being measured by IRSN radiation monitor fall between 60 and 80 nGy/h (dosage amounts given in nanoGrays per hour) and correspond to the values of the local natural radioactivity (depending on the geological features and the altitude differences, natural radioactivity in France varies from one region to another between 10 nGy/h and 250 nGy/h).
Land-based monitoring: grass
Measurement of the radioactivity of plant life enables the evaluation of future gaseous waste deposits. Samples of grass taken monthly at the SOMANU facility are measured. The main radio elements observed in grass are potassium 40 and beryllium 7 which are of natural origin.
Hydrological monitoring: groundwater and streams
The groundwater is subject to regular monitoring through the use of four piezometers distributed around the SOMANU site.
Monitoring through the measurement of underground water samples does not show marking arising from the presence of the SOMANU site.
The &uot;La Flamenne&uot; stream waters, sampled on a monthly basis, show results inferior to the thresholds set out in discharge orders for the SOMANU facility.
SOMANU 2010 nuclear safety report (in French)
SOMANU, workshop specializing in the maintenance of material from nuclear facilities, is engaged in nuclear safety, radiation protection, environmental monitoring and management of radioactive waste. It completed his action through information, listening and dialogue.
