Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Annual Site Environmental Report for 1998
Author: Virginia L. Finley
Date of PPPL Report: March 2000
The results of the 1998 environmental surveillance and monitoring program for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) are presented and discussed. The purpose of this report is to provide the U.S. Department of Energy and the public with information on the level of radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants, if any, that are added to the environment as a result of PPPL's operations. The report also summarizes environmental initiatives, assessments, and programs that were undertaken in 1998. One significant initiative is the Integrated Safety Management (ISM) program that embraces environment, safety, and health principles as one.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has engaged in fusion energy research since 1951. The long-range goal of the U.S. Magnetic Fusion Energy Research Program is to develop and demonstrate the practical application of fusion power as an alternative energy source. 1998 was the transitional year between the operation of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) and the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX).
Groundbreaking ceremonies for National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) were held in May 1998. The NSTX construction project is a national collaboration with PPPL, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Columbia University, and the University of Washington (Seattle). The NSTX is a major element in the US Fusion Energy Sciences Program. It has been designed to test the physics principles of spherical torus (ST) plasmas. The ST concept could play an important role in the development of smaller, more economical fusion reactors. First plasma was performed in early 1999.
The 1998 performance of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory was rated "outstanding" by the U.S. Department of Energy in the Laboratory Appraisal report issued early in 1998. The report cited the Laboratory's consistently excellent scientific and technological achievements, its successful management practices, and included high marks in a host of other areas including environmental management, employee health and safety, human resources administration, science education, and communications.
Ground-water investigations continued under a voluntary agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. PPPL monitored for the presence of non-radiological contaminants, mainly volatile organic compounds (components of degreasing solvents). Monitoring revealed the presence of low levels of volatile organic compounds in an area adjacent to PPPL.
Also, PPPL's radiological monitoring program characterized the ambient, background levels of tritium in the environment and from the TFTR stack; the data are presented in this report.