Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Program (ESOP)
Vegetation Monitoring
Radiological Monitoring of Terrestrial Vegetation On and Adjacent to SRS
Broad-leafed evergreen (wax myrtle, live oak, Carolina laurel cherry) samples are collected quarterly on and around the perimeter of the SRS for tritium and gamma analysis. The sampling locations include perimeter sites, sites at a 25-mile radius of SRS, sites within a 50-mile radius of SRS, and background locations throughout South Carolina.
Radiological Monitoring of Edible Vegetation
Biannual food crops such as green leafy vegetables, squash and fruit are
collected according to the growing season. Sample collection points are determined
by the availability of crops, population density, and the sampling location
in relation to the perimeter of the SRS. A background station location approximately
110 miles from SRS is also sampled. Samples are analyzed for tritium and gamma-emitting
radionuclides.