July 4, 2011

EcoMetrix participated RETS/REMP 2011 Workshop in Oak Brook, Illinois

The RETS/REMP Workshop is a forum to exchange practical experiences and issues related to Radioactive Effluent Technical Specifications (RETS) and Radiological Environmental Monitoring Programs (REMP) at commercial nuclear power plants. The open format of the meeting allows utility personnel to openly discuss effluent and environmental monitoring issues among themselves and with regulatory personnel from state and federal regulatory agencies. The meeting was attended by NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) personnel from regional offices and NRC/Headquarters and attendees from 7 countries.

The 2011 workshop focused on controlling and monitoring radioactivity in effluent releases from nuclear power plants and assessing the environmental consequences of such releases. Structured around a mix of individual presentations and panel discussions, the workshop addressed topics ranging from in-plant monitoring techniques, to environmental sampling and monitoring, to public dose assessment.

Carbon-14 release estimation methodologies, environmental transfers and human dose assessment were hot topics in this 2011 workshop. Canadian attendees from Bruce Power, OPG and EcoMetrix were present at this 2011 workshop. The only Canadian presentation "Management of Carbon-14 Emissions and Environmental Impact at Ontario Power Generation Nuclear" by Ms. Tho-Dien Le (OPG) showed Canadian advances in dealing with Carbon-14 issues. EcoMetrix is proud of contributions to these advances through developing and maintaining IMPACT.

Bruce Rodgers, Don Hart, and Jige (Gene) Shen, representing EcoMetrix, showed IMPACT to workshop attendees.

(Left to right) Bruce Rodgers, Don Hart, and Jige (Gene) Shen

Ms. Tho-Dien Le (OPG) presented Canadian advances in dealing with Carbon-14 issues.