+
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.
| OF T
ORNL P
2328
enero
.
.
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MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS -1963
Druh p-7328 MASTER
P
LEGAL NOTICE
SM-72/3
TKS report na praçared u usccount al Goverweni sponsored work. Neither the Unit
ham, mor the Communion, nor way person acting an mhall of the Comunicatoa:
A. Hakes my warranty or representation, expressed or implied, will respect to the accu.
racy, completas, or wafalme of the laboration contained in the report, or that the use
ol may laborna tom, amenate, method. or process decloued lan this rogort way ut latringo
primately owned risus; or
1. Araw way liabilues with noapect to the wes of, or lor damages roouurs trom the
use of any information, mantu, method, or process discloud us we report.
As we do the above, "preos sctly on bolall of the countratan" include my on-
mogn or contractor of the Comission, or employee ol auch contractor, to the extent that
such anploys or contruc or at the Connisolon, os en suya al such contractor preparu,
Mosambats, or provides access 60, way information pursuant to Ws engloyarat or coatrat
with the Counsston, or Moonployment with such comes setor.
2:00.- 50
AUG 10 1966
DILUTION, DISPERSION, AND MASS TRANSPORT OF RADIONUCLIDES
IN THE CLINCH-TENNESSEE RIVERSO,
F. L. Parker (ORIL), M. A. Churchill (TVA), R. W. Andrew (USPHSC)
B. J. Frederick (USGS), F. H. Carrigan, Jr. (USGS)
J. S. Cragwall, Jr. (USGS), S. L. Jones (Tenn. SPCBf)
E. G. Struxness (OP.NL), and R. J. Merton (AECC)
Health Physics Division
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
A
Abstract
.
>
The comprehensive cooperative study, by state and Federal agencies
and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, of the fate of nuclides discharged
to the Clinch River has been successfully concluded.
Analyses of water samples indicated that the major radionuclides dis-
charged to the clinch River in the 20 years, 1944 through 1963, have been
Pogr, 1110 curies; +51cs, 660 curies; 10 Ru, 6600 curies; TRE, 1240 curies;
and "Ru in Clinch and Tennessee rivers below ORNL has been made, cover-
ing a period of 2 years and 160 river miles. Water samples proportional
Into Seas, Oceans, and Surface Waters; Vienna, Austria; May 16-20, 1966.
"Research sponsored by the U. S. Atomic Energy Comission under con-
tract with the Union Carbide Corporation.
"Tennessee Valley Authority.
"United States Public Health Service.
United States Geological Survey.
*Tennessee Stream Pollution Control Board.
United States Atomic Energy Commission.

RELEASED FOR ANNOUNCEMENT
IN NUCLEAR SCIENCE ABSTRACTS

BLANK PAGE
1.
AU
-
-
.
-
.
to flow have been analyzed for both radioactive and stable chemical ele-
ments. A good balance was found in the Clinch River between the input and
output of radionuclides, except for +Cs. The negligible quantities stored
in the biots and the small quantities in the sediments, except for +5'cs,
confirmed the hypothesis that the majority of the nuclides passed out of
the Clinch River in the water phase. The Clinch River at mile 5.5 is a
slightly basic (pH 7.7), moderately hard (106 ppm), bicarbonate stream,
with a low organic content (28 ppm volatile solids at Clinch River Mile
14.5), a nitrate content of 1.5 ppm, and a phosphate content of 0.1 ppm,
and an average flow of 5585 cfs.
Tracer tests with 1, 90 au, fluorescein, Rhodamine B, and Pontacyl
Pink B in the river have shown that dispersion at all flow rates causes
practically uniform distribution of the radionuclides in the river water
before reaching the water intake of the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant
(ORGDP), 6.3 miles downstream. Diffusion coefficients have been calculated
and a mathematical model formulated for the movement of radioactive mate-
rials through the clinch River'.
A hydroelectric peaking power plant has been constructed on the Clinch
River, 2.3 miles upstream from the point of entry of wastes into the river.
By theoretical analyses and field tests, it has been shown that the momen-
tary minimum dilution of ORNL wastes in the Clinch River has been recuced
to a dilution factor of 54 for summer conditions and 17 for winter condi.
tions at ORGDP. These minimum dilutions persist, for very short periods
of time.
The results of studies of the Clinch River have been compared with
those for other streams receiving low-level radioactive westes. For the
rivers investigated with low organic content and comparable velocities, it
can be concluded that a catastrophic large-scale release of radioactive
material already stored in the river system would not occur, even as a re-
sult of major changes in flow, in pH, or in oxidation-reduction potential
in the river.
Purpose
The purpose of the comprehensive, cooperative study of the Clinch
River below Oak Ridge National Laboratory was to obtain fundamental infor-
mation on the physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of a flowing,
fresh-water ecosystem which 13 receiving large volumes of low-level radio-
active wastes.
The information derived from such a compréhensive, broadly conceived,
fundamental, and applied research program has important implications for
two major world-wide problems resulting from large-scale environmental con-
tamination [1]. These are:
1. What is the over-all diluent capacity of freeh-water environments
l'or an increasing continuous input of large volumes or low-level radioɛctive
wastes?
2. What is the long-tern inäirect impact of radioactive contamination
of such environments?
The five najor objectives of the Clinch River study were:
1. to determine the fate of radioactive materials currently being
dischargeu,
2. to determine and define mechanisus of dispersion of radionuclides
released,
3. to evaluate direct and indirect hazards of current disposal
practices,
4. to evaluate the capacity of the river for radioactive waste dis-
posal toward assurance that no adverse downstream conditions would occur,
and
5. to suggest appropriate long-term monitoring procedures.
The study was directed by the Clinch River Study Steering Committee,
which consisted of representatives of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL), U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), U. S. Public Health Service (USPHS),
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Tenuessee Fish and Game Commission (TFCC),
Tennessee Department of Public Health (TDPH), and Tennessee Stream Pollu-
tion Control Board (TSPCB), and as ex officio members, U. S. Atomic Energy
Commission (USAEC) representatives from the Oak Ridge Operations Office
and the divisions of Reactor Development and Biology and Medicine in Wash-
ington, D. C.
The scientific investigations necessary to meet these objectives were
carried out in a coordinated and concentrated effort and were evaluated and
directed by subcommittees on water sampling and analysis, bottom sediment
sampling and analysis, aquatic biology, and safety evaluation. Reports
from three of these sul committees will be presented at this conference.
The study was a truly coordinated effort, and members of the various
participating agencies worked under a general over-all direction to try to
fulfill the objectives of the study. The study period was from 1959 through
1964 with the major sampling program in 1961 and 1962.
The primary emphasis or the analysis of releases of radionuclides to
the clinch River tili the start of the comprehensive study in 1959 2 had
been to determine if the concentrations in the river were below the maxi-
mum permissible concentrations (MPC) for drinking water recommended by the
International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) B U and the
National Committee on Radiation Protection (NCRP) 551. The Applied Health
Physics Group of the Laboratory has been monitoring the river practically
from the day the Laboratory was started in 1943. There were even notes in
the secret records of the Manhattan District prior to the establishmerit of
Oak Ridge about the possiole effect on fish population of discharges of
radioactive material into the Clinch River 6).
Hydrology
The Clinch River, a tributary of the Tennessee River system, rises
near Tazewell, Virginia, and flows southwest to join the Tennessee River
near Kingsto. Tennessee (Fig. 1). The Clinch River is over 300 miles
long and drains an area of approximately 4400 square miles. Below Norris
Dain, at Clinch River Mile (CRM) 79.8 (that is, miles upstream from the mouth
of the river), and during the major portion of the Study, the river was
highly regulated by the flow from the dai and by the flow from and the ele-
vation of the water at Watts Bar Dam, located 37.8 miles downastream from
the confluence of the Clinch and Tennessee rivers. White Oak Creek, which
drains the site of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and thus is the major
source of radionuclide input, joins the clinch River at CRM 20.8 (Fig. 2).
The backwater pool from Watts Bar Dam extended upstream past White Oak Creek
to CRM 28 during the nonflooding season, May to September, and to White Oak
Creek during the high flow period of planned minimum pool elevation. The
average flow in the Clinch River above White Oak Creek is 4560 cfs with a
maximum flow of record and prior to the construction of Norris and Melton
Hill dams of 42,900 cfs.

ORAL-DNG 65-1TTORE
VIRGINIA
KENTUCKY
CLINCH_RIVER
RAIS camere
NORRIS DAM
TENNESSEE
MELTON HILL DAM
OAK
RIDGE
KNOXVILLE
Sklo
Anna
LOUDON
FORT LOUDOUN DAM
TENNESSEE RIVER
NORTH CAROLINA
-WATTS BAR
DAM
CHICKAN.AUGA
DA
CHATTANOOGA
10
10
20
30
40
GEORGIA
MILES
Fig. 1. Location Map of Clinch and Tennessee Rivers.
K-25 WATER INTAKE
MONITORING STATION -
WHITE OAK DA
MONITORING STATIO
TO
NORRIS DAM
'CENTERS FÉRRY
MELTON
HILL DAM
MONITORING STATION
TO TENNESSEE RIVER,
WATTS BAR DAM, CHATTANOOGA
Fig. 2. Water Sampling Station Location Map.
-
--

The work reported in this study took place mainly before the comple-
tion of Melton Hill Dam at CRM 23.1 in May 1962. With beginning of oper-
ations of Menton Hill Dam, a peaking hydroelectric power plant, in 1962
the river regime changed drastically. Now, tie river from Watts Bar Dam
to Melton Hill Dam is practically a reeervoir, and pilsed releases, higher
velocities, and lower temperatures occur below Melton Hill Dam. Tracer
tests to predict the effect of Melton Hill Dam on pollutant flows in
the Clinch River will be discussed later.
The Clinch River is used for fishing, swimning, water skiing, drink-
ing water, and industrial cooling. The river is also used for navigation,
and in the past for coal targes, up to the K-25 steam piant at CRM 13.
The use of the river will be materially increased now that Melton Hill
Dam has been constructed,
The time for water or a wave to move from Norris Dam to CRM 20.8 was
variable, depending upon conditions in the river [7] [8]. A flow of 3800
cfs corresponded to one turbine operating at Norris Dam, and 7400 cfs cor-
responded to two turbines operating. The electrical output is tied into
the TVA power system; and, because of the integrated use of hydroelectric
and sterom pover, the flow at Norris Dem through the turbines might be 0,
3800, or 7400 cfs. During flood-control periods, larger quantities of
water may be releesed through the gates or sluices.
The time of travel of water from Norris Dan to CRM 20.8 was about
twice the time for the waves generated by operation of the turbines to
travel B. This assumes unstratified flow in the river which is not al-
ways the case. In the summer backwaters from Watts Bar Dam are warmer than
the Clinch River water released from Norris Dam and caused the Norris water
to flow under the ponded Watts Bar water; that is, stratified flow cesulted.
'The "duck-under point" varied, depending upon flow and temperature condi-
tions in the river, but commonly occurred at or downstream from CRM 12.6.
It is evident that the Clinch River is a highly complex hydraulic system.
Radioactive Releases to the River
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory releases some radioactive material
to White Cak Creek from the waste water treatment plant, earthen seepage
pits, and drainage of various reactor facilities. In addition, some radio-
active material is leached or exchanged from the bed of White Oak Lake.
7
White Oak Lake from 1943 to 1955 had been used as an impoundment for
the wastes released from the Laboratory. This lake covered an area of 35
to 44 acrss and had an average depth of 6 ft. Suse of the wastes flowing
from the Laboratory settled in White Oak Lake and were sorbed on the mids
and siits. Eventually, equilibrium was reached in the lake between inflow
and outflow of radioactive muterials, and the lalie was drained in 1955.
The waste waters f?ow in White Oak Creek through the bed of white Oak Lake.
The gates at the dan are still operative and were raised again in 1959 to
create a small lake. They can be raised further to form a larger lake for
temporary storage if wastes of higher level than normal should be discharged
accidentally.
During the 20 years, 1944 to 1963, a total of almost 14,000 curies
was discharged from White Oak Creek into the clinch River 01 (10 (1) ,
principally the rare earths, bYsr, Yosr, 1970s, and TOC Ru (Table 1). In
addition, the white Oak Creek discharges have contained substantial quan-
tities of nonradioactive chemicals, particularly nitrates. The Oak Ridge
Gaseous Diffusion Plant and the X-12 Plant also discharge radioactive
material to the clinch River, but the wastes from the uranium processing
at these plants contain only small quantities of low-activity material
and do not materially increase the pollutant load of the river.
It was decided at the very start of the study that an Inventory or
materials balance of the radionuclides entering, leaving, remaining, or
doceying in the river should be established. Only in this way would it
be certain that there were no undetected reservoirs of radioactive mate-
rials accumulating in the environment. Consequently, water-sampling sta-
tions were established, as shown in Fig. 2, on the clinch River at the
Oak Ridge water plant, upstream from the point of discharge of Oak Ridge
National Laboratory's wastes; at ORNL's discharge point at White Oak Dam;
at the point of water intake of the K-25 plant at Gallaher Bridge; upstream
from the mouth of Clinch River near Centers Ferry; on the Tennessee River,
at Loudon, upstream from the point of confluence of the Clinch and Tennes-
see rivers; and downstream from the point of confluence at Watts Bar Dam;
and at Chickamauga Dam. The first major use of the Clinch River waters
for drinking purposes is located below Chickamauga Dam [12. Table 2
lists the distance downstream of the sampling stations, the frequency and
type of sampling, and determinations made.
Year
Co
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
77
15
1.9
2.2
19
TABLE 1
YEARLY DISCHARGES OF RADIONUCLIDES TO CLINCH RIVER (CURIES)
Gross
187Cs 106 Ru Sos TRE(-Ce)
Beta
144 Ce 95zr 95Nb 1311
600
500
900
200
494
718
110 150
18 180
191 19 23 38
101
29
4.5
214 9.9
72
26
18
304 6.4
130 110
7.6
384 22
140
437 63
93 150
5.2 5.7
582 170 29 100 140
12 15
397 89
83
110
23
7.1 1.2
544 55
* 381
240
6.0
8.2
937 76 520 60
94
27
2190 31 1900
48
38 45 . 5.3
2230
24
2070 3.7
1440 5.6 1400 9.4 11
1.2 2.2 7.7 0.36
470 3.5 430 7.8 9.4
1.5 0.34 0.71 0.44
15
26
Soon
160
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
14
6.6
46
3.5
60
42
4.8
6.0
8.7
30
0.5
77
2000
4.2
72
31
14
14
Values calculated from data supplied by Applied Health Physics Section, ORNL.
ORNL-DWG, 66-2250
TABLE 2
FREQUENCY AND TYPE OF WATER SAMPLING AND ANALYSES
-
6
Designation
Miles
Mile
Period of Frequency
from Clinch
Type of Analyses
Collection of Collection
River 20.8
[ Clinch River at Oak CRM 41.5
+20.7 Nov. 1960- Weekly
Weekly radiochemical,
Ridge Water Plant
Nov. 1962 proportionate of weekly stable; after May
daily sub-sample 1961, monthly stable.
2 White Oak Creek at WOC 0.6
+ 0.6 Nov. 1960- Weekly
Weekly radiochemical,
White Oak Dam
Nov. 1962 continuous weekly stable chemical*
proportionate after Nov. 1961.
sample
Clinch River at
CRM 14.5
- 6.3 Jan. 1962- Weekly
Weekly radiochemical
Gallaher Bridge
Nov. 1962 proportionate and stable chemical
sample of 4
hr sub-samples
4 Clinch River above CRM 5.5
- 15.3 Nov. 1960- Weekly
Weekly radiochemical
Centers Ferry
Nov. 1962 proportionate and stable chemical.
sample of
daily sub-samples
5 Tennessee River TRM 591.8
Nov. 1960- Monthly Monthly radiochemical and
at Loudon
Nov. 1962 composites of stable chemical
daily sub-samples
6 Tennessee River at TRM 529.9
-58.6
Nov. 1960- Weekly
Weekly radiochemical,
Watts Bar Dam
Nov. 1962 proportionate weekly stable; after
of daily
May 1961, monthly stable
sub-samples
7 Tennessee River at TRM 471.0
-117.5 Nov. 1960- Weekly
Weekly radiochemical,
Chickamauga Dam
Nov. 1962 proportionate weekly stable; after
of daily
May 1961, monthly stable
sub-samples
*Applied Health Physics Section continuously monitors this flow.
.
.
.
-
- -
-
.
Five gallons of the collected samples from each station were sent
to the U, S. Public Health Service Laboratory, Robert A. Taft Sanitary
Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, where the suspended sediments (0.7 u)
were separated (Prior to April 1961, the entire sample was evaporated.)
fron the dissolved material, and both were evaporated to diyness. The
Samples were counted on a multi-channel analyzer, and the results sent to
a computer for gamma-spectrum analyses. The "Sr and ° Sr were separated
by wet chemical processes prior to the final evaporation and counted. One
gallon of the collected samples was sent to the Tennessee Department of
Public Health for routine stable-chemical analyses. One-gallon samples
were also used at ORNL for determination of some of the less common sta-
ble chemicals 63.
The average concentration of the nuclides was multiplied by the
average water flow 014) in the river during the composite period to deter-
mine the flux of nuclides passing the sampling point. The cumulative
values of the nuclides passing each sampling point were tabulated and
plotted.
The representativeness of the sampling stations on the Clinch River
was determined by river tests using both radioactive and fluorescent tracers
at flow rates from 600 cfs to 20,000 cfs. Figure 3 shows a representative
curve of the 20,000-cfs flows and the variation in concentration with
depth 015]. At all flow rates and river conditions tested the concentra-
tion across the clinch River was uniform by the time the first downstream
water supply intake (K-25) was reached. Based on the methods developed
previously, it was possible to determine the diffusion coefficients in the
Clinch River from the concentration time curves, such as shown in Fig. 3
016 17. The variation of the diffusion coefficient at various flows and
with distance in the Clinch River is shown in Fig. 4 (18]. The diffusion
coefficients were used later to calculate the effects of Melton Hill Dam
releases on the movement of nuclides in the river.
-.-
-.-
-
r.
-
3-
-
-
-
- -
-
-
.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Movement of Radionuclides in Clinch River Water
Curves showing mass balance analysis of the major nuclides, Yosr,
1970s, bºco, and 100 Ru, introduced into the clinch River are shown in Figs.
5, 6, 7, and 8 (9). There is a loss of 10.8% of 90sr, 5.4% of 100 Ru, and
11
ORNL-LR-OWG 76478
DEPTH OF PROBE-5 ft (EXCEPT AS NOTED)
10 ft
CONCENTRATION OF RADIOACTIVITY Iype c/mi)
- 15 ft
- 2017
12
OQ
° 41:40 om
19:50 om
12:00 12:10 pm 12:20 pm
TIME OF OBSERVATION, FEB. 1, 1962
12:30 pm
12:40 pm

Fig. 3. Flow-Through Curve of 20,000-cfs Tracer Test at CRM 14.5.

ORNL-DWG 64-4670
DATE
TO AUG. 61
FEB. *62
ELEVATION
DISCHARGE WATTS BAR RES.
7,990 cfs 740.6 ft
20,00
7354
D, DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT (*+/noc)
22
20
18 16 14 12 10 8
CLINCH RIVER MILE
Fig. 4. Diffusion coefficients in the clinch River.
ORNL-DWG 65-3192
-
-
-
DAM.... the
.
INDICATES SAMPLING STARTED AT GALLAHER BRIDGE
-------
Chien
ACCUMULATED CURIES
do .tt .afif
WATTS BAR DAM-
CENTERS TERRY LOUDON
TR
GALLANER BRIDGE
.fo
f - t.
DOO
.
0
W.O.C.. 41.5 L
Sattarts
. . WHITE OAK CREEK
-
-
V
:
** CENTERS FERRY
-
-
O.R. WATER PLINT
1960
1961
1962
DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV?
NOV. 16
NOV. 19
NOV. 21
NOV. 30
DEC. 5
to-do--t--
2.-.p.-..
.........
Fig. 5. Mass Balance Diagram for Strontium-90.
1.-4
.-
.-
F
t-


ORALOWG Asus
3500
CHUCKANALEM
..
Tis, noul Lola
INOICATES SAMLING STARTED
L
No. + 1.5
J GALLAHER BRIDGE
ot Jan TERS EN
WITE MK CREEK
3000
m
ACCUMULATED CURIES
Llor. MTEN AANT
"ST"
1900
NOV 16 -
1961
1902
NOV 19 -
**Tooc] JANT FED/MARS APRT MAY SUN T TAUGT SEPT OCT NOV DEC JANTFOMAN APR MAY JUNT
AUG SEPTOCT MONT
NOV 30
NO 2 ELZAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAF
DEC
.
Fig. 6. Mass Balance Diagram for Ruthenium-106.

ORUL-OUNG 65-3193
3
6
8
ZONIERS Center
INDICATES SAMPLING STARTED AT GALLAMER BRIDGE
TEEK
CAK
Det
|
|
8
8
8
8
ACCUMULATED CURIES
8
8
8
8
|
|
f
t
-t
---
|
T
-tt-
6
5
4
t
tot WATER PLANT
8 968 o
1960
1961
1002
NOV
NOV 19-
DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SOOCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUS, SEP OCT NOV
MOV 21-
--- -- - --- - -- --
NOV 301...
DEC S.
NOV 301.--
-
----
-
-
-
-
----.f-f
.-t.-.-.-
Fig. 7. Mass Balance Diagram for Cobalt-60.
ARNOWG 6-10
CENTERS FREY
INDKCATES SAMPLING STARTED AT GALLAHER BRIDGE
:
8.
mer (narus TEOS
.
CENTERS Sony
LLAMER TRIOGE
:
Ő
.
ACCUMULATED CURICS
.
: .
CENTERS TERRY SAMPLER
NOT, FUNCTIONING PROPERLY
17
CHACKAMAUCA
OAM
troca
WEITE OAK CREEK
CA. MATER. LLANT
190
TAUG SEP OCT NOV?
now 0 7777777777*A*7
1960
1962
~ 16 TOEC JANT FEDMAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
NOV 19
NOV 21
NOV 30+
DEC S..
Fig. 8. Mass Balance Diagram for Cesium-137.
hit

00
a gain of 5.1% op 60co, and 48.5% of 137c8 in the clinch River from the
cumulative combined flow of nuclides at White Oak Dam and the clinch River
ut mile 41.5 (46 curies, 90sr; 3370 curies, 106Ru; 55.2 curies, 60co; and
33 curies, 154c8). "The small differences between the input to the clinch
River waters and the output, except for 137c8, indicate that radionuclides
entering the clinch River in the water phase also leave the clinch River in
the water phase. Some discrepancies are to be expected, because the cumula-
tive loads are derived by multiplying low concentrations (about 10°45
curie/liter) by high flows (about 104 liters/week) at each station and com-
paring the differences. The -Cs concentrations are especially subject to
error, because the + Cs energy peaks (0.662 Mev) in gamma ray spectroscopy
are masked by the high - Ru concentrations and consequent high - Ru energy
peaks (0.518 Mev and 0.624 Mev). The minimum detectable concentrations of
these isotopes are shown in Table 3.
Concentrations at each of the stations are given in Table 4, and dis-
tributions of the major radionuclides in suspended sediments are given in
Table 5.
The -'Cs determinations would have been improved if the cesium and
ruthenium had been separated chemically prior to counting. In spite of
the relatively inaccurate +) Cs determinations, however, it is interesting
to note that measurements of the total loads of nuclides passing White Oak
Dam, based on independent gamma ray spectrum analyses by ORNL and USPHS,
are in good agreement (Table 6) 20. The agreement resulted from the rela-
tively high concentrations of cesium in the White Oak Lake water, whereas
the concentrations further downstream were much lower.
The cumulative mass-balance analysis of water-transported nuclides has
proved useful to flatten out pulses, to make negligible the differences in
travel time, and to provide a portion of the total mass-balance system.
The mass changes of radionuclides in the biota and bottom sediments complete
the mass-balance analyses.
Reservoir of Radioactive Nuclides
In Clinch River Biota and Sediments
To check the correctness of the information obtained from the cumula-
tive nuclide transport curves, that most of the radionuclides entering the
Clinch River leave it in the aqueous phase, it is necessary to determine
18
TABLE 3
LOWER LIMITS OF DETECTION FOR INDIVIDUAL RADIONUCLIDES
(10-12 curie/11ter)
106RU
90gr
1
137C
11
60co
9
45
White Oak Creek
White Oak Creek (DS* only)
Other Stations
Other Stations (DS only)
ana
i
2
0.03
0.03
*DS = Dissolved Solids.
ORNL-DWG-66-2251
TABLE4
CONCENTRATION OF RADIOK UCLIDES AT SAMPLING STATIONS
(10° curles/Wor)
iCS
W
R
Plow Wow Aled Maximum
Mean Conc. conc.
0.71
5.0
Maximum
Conc.
Maximum
Conc.
Flow Weighted
Mona Conc.
23
Maximum
Conc.
223
1,349
17,460
4,005
103,600
Brldre
346
Clinch River at auk Radio
Water Plan (CRM 41.5)
mille auk Crook at White Out Dam
(WOC 0.6)
cunch River at Calahor Bridyo
(CRM 14.5)
Cunch River above Centers Perry
(CRM 6.8)
TOARE... Ruvor at Loudon, Tennessee
(TROM M1.6)
Tonmus. Ruror at Watts Bar Dam
(TRM 52.0)
Teamwe Rawor at Chickamaun Dam
1.0
4.6
1.2
..
1.6
1.6
6,400
21
36
24
.
11.9
36
2.5
16.6
14.1
345
.12
...
Tonnesso.
waito Bar Dam
prat Chickamaus Deum
10
s
i
2
s
3.3
304,400
789
2,633
386
193
200
296
1.6
1
TABLE 5
PERCENTAGE ACTIVITY IN SUSPENDED SOLIDS
Гіпсо
со
Modian
Modian
Mean
Medan
Mean
Mean
Median
100
44
79
Mean
Cunch River at Ouk Rudne
Water Plant (CRM 41.8)
Waxe auk Crook a white auk Dam
(WOC 0.6)
Cunch River at Gallaber Bridge
(CHM 14.5)
Chincha Rinor aboro Canten forry
(CRM 6.8)
Tonnesowe Pnr a Watte Bu Dum
(TRM 399.9)
Tonnet me River at Chickamaua Dum 10
(TRM 471.0)
242183
WANO O Croat at White Oak Dari 1 0
A River at Calleber Bridge o
nch River above Contors Porn
86
River at Walto Bar Danto o 30
100
5
10
27
30
.
3
100
100
0
100
12
26
25
0
0
29
h
17
16
,
21
21
1
20
TABLE 6
COMPARISON OF CURIES PASSING WHITE OAK DAM
ORNL
USPHS
% Differerice
39.3
25.8
Strontium-90
Cesium-137
Cobalit-60
Ruthenium-106
34.7
22.2
16.3
3530
iii +
ерка
51.5
3180
21
the reservoir of radioactive nuclides in the biota and bottom sediments.
The total amount of radioactive material concentrated in the biota is dif-
ficult to obtain. However, by taking an engineering-type approach, it is
possible to obtain a maximum estimate of what the radioactive reservoir
nutrient in the Clinch River waters [] and that all of the phosphorus
in the water was converted to hiomass. It is recognized that phosphorus
coes into the mud and biota quickly, influenced by water composition, form
of phosphorus, water velocity, etc.; but for estimating purposes, it was
assumed that all f the phosphorus in the water is converted to biomass
and that the transport of biomass out of the study reach is slow in com-
parison to the water transport.
Phosphates in the water were measured to be about 0.2 ppm is dis-
cussed in the next section. Phosphorus has also been measured to average
about one-half of 1% for marine fish [22, and it is assumed that the
same concentration holds for fresh-water biota. The amount of water in
the Clinch River is about 109 cu ft or say equivalent to 4 x 10° g of
biomass possible in the river. Now, if it is assumed that the maximum
concentration factor for strontium in the biomass is 2.0° - which is above
the measured levels - then there is a total loading of 1.8 curies in the
biomass at any one time, whereas, based on a maximum observed concentration
of 43,000 pc/kg [23] , this is only 17 me. The reservoir is, of course,
could be a major source of exposure [24]. .
The data presented in the paper by R. J. Pickering (25), showing only
200 curies in the bottom sediments, completes the over-all mass balance
of the Clinch River and show without any doubt that very little of the ra-
dioactive material introduced into the Clinch River remains there in either
the bottom sediments or in the biomass. Analysis of releases from other
nuclear sites has confirmed the rapid movement of radionuclides out of a
stream [26]. However, the work of Gloyna and associates has shown that in
a flume with heavy induced organic growth it is possible to have a signifi-
cant portion of the radionuclides retained terporarily on the biomass (27).
For a continuous input, however, it is not certain whether the organic growth
acts as an ion exchange column, allowing a build-up till a breakthrough
occurs, or whether new organic growth simulates regeneration of the exchange
material.
Chemistry of Clinch River Waters
Waters in the Clinch and Tennessee rivers and in White Oak Creek re-
flect the geology of the area through which they flow. Consequently, in
the Clinch River, which drains a limestone region, one would expect to
find, and indeed does find, Ca(HCO ), as the major chemical constituent
of the water. Though nitrates and sulfates were quite high in White Oak
Creek water, 8.2 and 23 ppm, respectively, for the period November 1962 to
November 1963, the dilution in the clinch River is so great that the con-
centration of nitrates and sulfates downstream were not markedly affected.
Except for the radioactive contents, the quality of water in the Clinch
River, downstream from Oak Ridge, was essentially the same as that up-
stream (Table 7) [28] .
The suispended sediments in the Clinch River are quite low due to im-
pounaments at Norris Dam during high rainfall and runoff. The average
suspended sediment, on a monthly basis at CRM 41.5, was 185 ppm. Further
downstream at CRM 5.5, below the "duck-under point," and with Melton Hill
Dam partially constructed, the mean suspended sediment on a weekly sampling
had been reduced to 55 ppm. This indicates a deposition of 2.5 x 10° lb
in the reach or if uniformly distributed less than 2 in. Actual measure-
ments of bottom sediments in the river by TVA during a period, June 1961
to June 1962, from CRM 22.8 to CRM 1.3, showed an average deposition of
2.1 in. [29].
The Tennessee River, draining an area underlain by more siliceous
types of rock, has a lower hardness than the Clinch and, after passing
through a series of dams, has less suspended solids and lower concentra-
tions of associated constituents than the clinch River. The higher sodium
chloride content of the Tennessee River is due to industrial operations
and to the high sodium chloride content of the ground-water drainage into
the upper reaches of the Holston River. Water in the Clinch, below Melton
Hill Dam, and Tennessee rivers then is a slightly basic, moderately hard
water, with relatively low suspended solids.
Effects of Melton Hill Dain
The effect Melton Hill Dam would have on the movement of nuclides down-
stream was not immediately apparent. However, it was recognized that the flow
23
ORNL-DWG, 66-2252
CRM
TRM
.
53
20
20
117
3
125
5.8
5.1
15
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF DISCHARGE-WEIGHTED MEAN VALUES OF STABLE-CHEMICAL ANALYSES
OF CLINCH AND TENNESSEE RIVER WATERC
CRM
CRM
wode
TRM8
TRM
41.5
14.5
5.5
591.4 529.9
471.0
Turbidity
28
17
14
Apparent color
197
114
88
Centrifuged color
23
24
pH
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.8
7.6
Bicarbonate
117 125
125 119
112
Acidity, as Cacos
3
Hardne88, as CaCO, 107
Calcium
27
32
21
Magnesium
9.4
6.0
7.7
5.5
5.5
Chloride
1.6
20
Sulfate
23
11
Nitrate
8.2
2.7
1.5
1.8
1.6
1.5
Iron
3.4 0.08
0.06
1.7
0.5
Phosphate
0.2 0.60
0.22
0.1
0.2 0.2
0.1
Potassium
1.7 1.6
1.3
1.6
1.3
1.3
Sodium
1.4
2.4
2.4
Silicon
2.9
1,7
1.5
2.7
3.5
3.1
3.4
Specific conductance 195
283
216
196
170
177
162
Susrıended solid
185
25.3
55
Dissolved solid
125
129
133
121
112
101
Total solids
310
154
142
126
111
Organic nitrogen
0.7
0.5
0.4
Manganese
0.4
0.1
~0.0
~0.0
Chromium
Strontium,
0.073i
0.065 0.070 0.069
0.063
Discharge
5088
14
4620
5585
21,419 31,340 38,876
13
12
12
10
12
1.0
ܤ ܚ ܘܝܝܕܘ
1.0
0.6
2.3
9.5
6.8
5.8
22
15
188
0.5
0.1
0.02h
Concentrations in parts per million, except pH in pH units, specific conductance in micromhos per
cemtimeter, and discharge in cubic feet per second.
"Chemical analyses performed on filtered samples for CRM 14.5, White Oak Creek Dam. For other
stations, chemical analyses performed on unfiltered (raw) samples.
Values for TRM 591.4 are arithmetic averages of monthly samples which were not discharged-weighted
when composited, as were samples for other stations.
Sample period, Nov. 27, 1960-Dec 1, 1962.
Sample period, Nov. 18, 1961-Nov. 30, 1963.
Sample period, Nov. 28, 1960-Jan. 8, 1962.
Sample period, Aug. 1960-Nov. 1962.
Sample period, May 1961-Nov. 1962 only.
Sample period, Mar. 19, 1961-Jan.6, 1962 only.
Time weighted mean for the total sampling period.
24
regime in the river would be completely changed due to the greater dis-
charges, higher velocities, change in location of the "duck-under" region,
and lower temperatures. It was reasoned that if water were withdrawn uni-
formiy from the clinch River, the radiological effects should be inconsequen-
tial, since the radionuclides passing out of the river, averaged over the
year, should be approximately the same, and the radiation dose would be
unchanged. Averaging the dose over a year is permitted by ICRP recommen-
dations [30]. It was felt that water withdrawals on a daily and weekly
basis could be quite different and might under the worst imaginable condi-
tions make it necessary to restrict time of withdrawals from the river.
Since the Melton Hill facility was to serve as a peaking hydroelectric
power station, the estimated daily flow would be as high as 18,000 cfs and
would alter the flow regime considerably. These high flows would cause
the level of water in the Clinch River to rise and would prevent the re-
lease of waters from White Oak Creek until the flows were decreased and
the Clinch River waters fell. Consequently, the polluted waters in White
Oak Creek would be released as a slug. The concentrations downstream at
the ORGDP water supply intake were critical. River conditions differ
markedly" for summer and winter, as shown in Table 8.
To test the effect of these peaking flows, waters were released,
through the cooperation of the TVA, by operating the gates of the Melton
Hill Dam so as to simulate winter and summer conditions. The turbines were
not at that time operable. Temperature measurements in the reservoir behind
the dam showed that these waters would behave essentially the same as those
that would be released through the turbines. Rhodamine B was chosen on the
basis of its safety, detectability, and cost. Based on previous work and
knowledge of water conditions, it was assumed that Rhodamine B would move
in the Clinch River in a manner similar to the movement of radioactive
wastes in the water phase; that is, there would be no interaction between
the dye and the bottom and suspended sediments or the biota 031. Tempera-
ture corrections would, however, be required. Spot samples for the corre-
lation of radionuclide movement with dye movement showed that the dye did
indeed simulate the radionuclide movement. Rhodamine B dye was added in
the nappe at White Oak Dam and the movement of the dye in White Oak Creek
embayment and in the Clinch River was monitored.
The first dye test, simulating a 24-hr summer weekday release, showed
that the dye ponded in the White Oak Creek embayment during the release of
25
TABLE 8
COMPARISON OF SUMMER AND WINTER FLOW CONDITIONS IN CLINCH RIVER
Summer
Winter
Elevation at Watts Bar
Stratification
741
yes
16,000
735
no
18,000
Expected peak flows from
Melton Hill Dam
Week-end flows
Mid-day flows
no
yes
waters from Melton Hill Dam and that the ponded wastes were released dur-
ing periods of no flow out of Melton Hill Reservoir 332). Due to complete
mixing in the creek embayment and the slow discharge from White Oak Dam,
not all the dye released in 24 hr was flushed out of the embayment in the
next 24 hr. The rate of release and concentrations were postulated to
be those that could be predicted by a modified estuary theory for the case
of a one-dimensional well-mixed tidal estuary. The concentrations down-
stream in the clinch River could be predicted, based upon pulsed releases
and the one-dimensional transport equation. Eddy diffusion coefficients
were calculated from previous steady-flow tracer tests.
The highest concentrations downstream were predicted for Monday morn-
ings following weekend periods of no release, as the outflow from White
Oak Dam for 2 days would be ponded in the stagnant Clinch River before
being transported downstream by Monday morning's power wave. Summer and
winter tests were run with dye injected continuously for 1 week at White
Oak Dam, while Melton Hill Dam went through its weekly cycle of flows on
weekdays and no flows on weekends. The concentrations of dye ponded in
the Clinch River over the weekend were reduced by dispersion according to
a two-dimensional diffusion equation. The movement down the river was
predicted by a one-dimensional transport equation. The times of arrival
and the concentration of the dyes were predicted for the nearest water
user, 6. miles downstream (K-25), for summer and winter fïows and were
in excellent agreeme.at, as shown in Table 9.
Figures 9 and 10 show a typical summer release pattern and the ob-
served and predicted concentration downstream 133] B4].
The median daily dilution of White Oak Creek waters with clinch River
waters at CRM 20.8 is 570 B5]. The minimum dilution at the peak concen-
tration at CRM 14.4 is 54 for summer conditions and 17 for winter condi-
tions. These concentrations persist for only short periods of time. The
average percentage of the maximum permissible concentrations of radionu-
clides in water below ORNL has been about 2% over the last few years. Since
the concentrations can be averaged over a year's time for determining the
dose, and the total amounts of nuclides released have not increased, it is
felt that no additional hazard has been created by the changes in the river
regime caused by power releases at Melton Hill Dam.
'
ORNL-DWG. 66-2253
..
.
v
9.1
TABLE 9
PEAK CONCENTRATIONS AND THEIR TIMES OF ARRIVAL AT OAK RIDGE GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT
Summer Fiow Conditions
Winter Flow Conditions
Time of Arrival of Peak Concentration of Peak
Times of Arrival of Peak Concentration of Peak
(ppb)
(ppb)
Time Observed Predicted Observed Predicted Date Observed Predicted Observed Predicted
Aug. 1963
1964
22
1000
0945
4.5
April 1 1045
1055
25.9
26.9
1145
1130
5.1
15.5
2056
2100
9.8
8.5
0945
0945
21.5
21.5*
April 2
----
1145
1130
13.0
17.2
---- April 3
----
----
-...
1044
1055
51.3
53.0
----
2049
21GO
13.8
11.0
0945
0945
April 5 1049
1055
22.9
15.9
1145
1130
45.0
42.7
1000
0945
34,2
41.2
1130
1130
17.0 22.5
1000
0945
22.5
25.0
1145
1130
14.0
18.0
1000
0945
12.1
14.9
1145
1130
7.7
4.2
0945
1.1
1130
0.4
*Values normalized about this point.
28
April 4
22.6
30

UNCLASSIFIED
ORNL-DWG 63-4927
16,000
14,000
000*21
.
DISCHARGE (cfs)
.
..
..
1
-
.
.
2000
SUN
MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
Fig. 9. Melton Hill Dam Estimated Summer Discharge Pattern.
62

ORNL-DWG 65-7052
CONTINUOUS INJECTION OF DYE AT
32 grams per minute INTO WHITE OAK
LAKE OUTFLOW OF 6.9 cubic feet per
second (RESULTANT DYE CONCENTRATION=
2.73 x 103 ppb) FROM 0100 hours AUG
24 TO 0400 hours AUG 28, 1963
OBSERVED
PREDICTED
•
DYE CONCENTRATION (parts per billion)
30
MW.
THU
· AUG 22
FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED
AUG 23 AUG 24 AUG 25 AUG 26 AUG 27 AUG 28
Fig. 10. Coserved and Predicted Tracer Test Curves.
THU
AUG 29
FRI
AUG 30
Conclusions
This coraprehensive coordinated study has shown that a unified multi-
disciplined attack on environmental problems is essential. The study also
has shown (1) that mass balance techniques are a necessary part of environ-
mental studies; (2) that the major fraction of nuclides introduced into the
Clinch River leave the clinch River in the aqueous phase; (3) the dissolved
phosphorus concentrations in the water can be used to estimate an upper
limit for the biomass content and consequently the radionuclide content
of the stream; and (4) that a peaking hydroelectric plant on the stream,
while changing the distribution in time of the radionuclides in the river,'
does not change the average dose over a year's time if water is continuously
withdrawn from the stream.
G
..
.
References
(1 MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report Nos. I through 6 on Clinch River
Study, ORNL-3119, 3202, 3370, 3409, 3721, and 3941, respectively,
(1961-1966).
(2) PARKER, F. L. , Plan for Clinch River Study, November 1959 (unpublished
report).
3) INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION, Report of Commit-
tee II on Permissible Dose for Internal Radiation, ICRP Publication 2,
Pergamon Press, New York (1959).
(47 INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION, ICRP Recommenda-
tion of the ICRP, ICRP Publication 6, Pergamon Press, New York (1964).
(5) NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON RADIATION PROTECTION, Maximum Permissible Amounts
of Radioisotopes in the Human Body and Maximum Permissible Concentra-
tions in Air and Water, 1953 NBS Handbook 52, 1.
COOPER, C. M., COMPTON, A. H., Minutes of Meeting of April 21, 1943,
CS-584, 1.
WILKINSON, J. H., Translatory Waves in Natural Channels, T. Amer. Soc.
of Civil Eng. 72 (2945) 1203-1236.
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY, HYDRAULIC DATA BRANCH, Effect of Acciden-
tal Spillage of Radioactive Waste Into Clinch River: Report No. 1,
Time of Travel, Probable Flows, and Dispersion (Nov. 10, 1952); Re-
port No. 2, Water Control Possibilities and Their Results (April 20,
1953) unpublished.
(9) Memorandum from F. L. Parker to D. M. Davis, Estimate of Radioactivity
Release to Clinch River for Period 1944 Through 1947 (Dec. 19, 1962).
(10) ABEE, H. H., Liquid Waste Monitoring Summary Techniques and Data 1948-
1957 (unpublished).
[11] Applied Health Physics Annual Reports, ORNL-2777, 3073, 3159, 3284, 3490,
and 3665 (1958-1963).
(12: MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 4 on Clinch River Study, ORNL-
3409 (Sept. 11, 1963) 85.
(13] MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 2 on Clinch River Study, ORNL-
3202 (March 30, 1962) 7-16.
(14) U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, Surface Waters Records of Tennessee, 1961,
1962, and 1963.
(15) MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 4 on Clinch River Study, ORNL-
LO 3409 (Sept. 11, 1963) 66.
(16) PARKER, F. L. , Radioactive Tracers in Hydrologic Studies, Transactions
Amer. Geophysical Union 39(3) (June 1958) 434-439.
(17) PARKER, F. L., Eddy Diffusion in Reservoirs and Pipelines, J. Hydrau-
lic Division, Proc. Axier. Soc. of Civil Eng. 2825 (May 1961) 151-171
(18) MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 5 on Clinch River Study, ORNL-
3721 (Oct. 1995) 127.
32
[19] CHURCHILL, M. A., et al., Concentrations, Tota! Stream Loads, and Mass
Transport of Radionuclides in the clinch and Tennessee Rivers, ORNL-
3721, Suppl. 1 (Aug. 1965).
[0 Ibid., 24-25.
[21] HUTCHINSON, G. EVELYN, A Treatise on Limnology, Vol. I, Wiley, New York
(1957) 727.
[22 KETCHUM, BASTWICK H., "The Effects of the Ecological System on the
Transport of Elements in the Sea," Ch. 5, The Effects of Atomic Radia-
tion on Oceanography and Fisheries; Publication 551, National Academy
of Sciences-National Research Council (1957) 55.
23 FRIEND, ALBERT G., et al., Fate of Radionuclides in Fresh Water Environ-
ments, Progress Report No. 5, U. S. Public Health Service (1962) 25.
[24] COWSER, K. E., et al., Evaluation of Radiation Dose to Man from Radio-
nuclides Released to the Clinch River, to be presented at Symposium
on the Disposal of Radioactive Wastes into Seas, Oceans, and Surface
Waters; Vienna, Austria; May 16-20, 1956.
257 PICKERING, R. J., et al., Radioactivity in Bottom Sediment of the
Clinch and Tennessee Rivers, to be presented at Symposium on the Dis-
posal of Radioactive Wastes into Seas, Oceans, and Surface Water,
Vienna, Austria, May 1966.
EO) PARKER, F. 1., Nucl. Safety 6(1) (Fall 1964) 93-94.
271 GLOYNA, E. F., AEC Discussions on the Transport of Radionuclides in
Fresh Water, University of Texas (April 1965) 115.
MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 5 on Clinch River Study, ORNL-
3721 (Oct. 1965) 19.
[29) Calculated from Tennessee Valley Authority Sediment Range Data.
[30 INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION, ICRP Recommenda-
tion of the ICRP, ICRP Publication 6, Pergamon Press, New York (1964).
FEUERSTEIN, D. L., and SELLECK, R. E., Tracers for Dispersion Measure-
ments in Surface Waters, SERL Report No. 63-1, University of California
(Feb. 1, 1963).
B2] PARKER, F. L., Contaminant Movement in the clinch River, Proc. of Third
Annual Sanitary and Water Resources Eng. Conf., Vanderbilt University,
Tennessee (May 1964) 78-37.
B3] MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 5 on Clinch River Study, ORNL-
3721 (Oct. 1965) 112.
[34 MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 6 on Clinch River Study, ORNL-
3941 (1966).
[35] MORTON, R. J. (ed.), Status Report No. 3 on clinch River Study, ORNL-
3370 (Dec. 6, 1962) 106.
INTEGER LOT the ICR., and Serge Repor
F
END
.
M
2
Sesia
T.
.
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P:
.
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DATE FILMED
9/ 14 / 66






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+