Dose-Estimation Studies Related to Proposed Construction of an Atlantic-Pacific Interoceanic Canal with Nuclear Explosives: Phase I

This report presents information obtained by ORNL in Phase I of dose estimation studies to evaluate the radiological safety feasibility of excavating an Atlantic-Pacific interoceanic canal with nuclear explosives. The information includes (1) methods for estimating external and internal dose equivalents, for quantifying the transfer of radionuclides through critical exposure pathways, and for identifying the radionuclides likely to be critical; (2) criteria for evaluating the radiological safety of the operation; and (3) lists of radionuclides arranged according to the dose commitment that results from exposure to a unit quantity of each radionuclide. Equations to estimate external and internal radiation dose commitments were developed which account for production, venting, and movement of radionuclides in environmental exposure pathways. A compartment model for representing movement of radionuclides in the tropical environment was designed with coupled compartments having income and loss fluxes controlling the inventory of radionuclides which may have inputs to man. The specific activity concept for estimating the allowable radionuclide concentrations in the environment was evaluated in a way that reveals its limitations, considering the time dependent relative importance of radioactive half life, biological half time, and biological growth. Criteria for evaluating radiological safety were developed from the recommendations of recognized authorities which might reasonably apply in an operation of this magnitude, taking account of the principle of balancing the possible benefits against the potential risks.