Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Annual Site Environmental Report for Calendar Years 2002 and 2003
Editor: Virginia L. Finley
Date of PPPL Report: December 2004
This report provides the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 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 Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory's (PPPL) operations. The results of the 2002 and 2003 environmental surveillance and monitoring program for PPPL are presented and discussed. The report also summarizes environmental initiatives, assessments, and programs that were undertaken in 2002 and 2003.
PPPL has engaged in fusion energy research since 1951. The vision of the Laboratory is to create innovations to make fusion power a practical reality — a clean, alternative energy source. The years 2002-2003 marked the fourth and fifth years of National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) operations and the final year of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor dismantlement project. The NSTX Project — a collaboration among fourteen national laboratories, universities, and research institutions — is a major element in the U.S. 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. In early 2003, the Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham, announced that the United States would rejoin the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project at a press conference held at PPPL.
In 2002 and 2003, PPPL's radiological environmental monitoring program measured tritium in the air at on- and off-site sampling stations. PPPL is capable of detecting small changes in the ambient levels of tritium by using highly sensitive monitors. The operation of an in-stack monitor located on D-site is a requirement of the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) regulations. Also included in PPPL's radiological environmental monitoring program, are water monitoring — precipitation, ground-, surface-, and waste-waters. PPPL's radiological monitoring program characterized the background levels of tritium in the environment; the data are presented in this report.
Groundwater monitoring continued under New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection guidance. PPPL monitored for the presence of non-radiological contaminants, mainly volatile organic compounds (components of degreasing solvents). Monitoring revealed the low levels of volatile organic compounds in an area adjacent to PPPL. In 2002-3, PPPL was generally in compliance with its permit limits for surface (two chlorine-produced oxidants-2002 and four chemical oxygen demand-2003 limits exceeded) and sanitary discharges and had six small quantity reportable releases from 2002-2003. Additionally, as part of DOE's program for the purchase of recycled content and other environmentally preferred products, PPPL has ranked in the excellent category of 80 to 85% of national goals.