Preventive radioecological assessment of territory for optimization of monitoring and countermeasures after radiation accidents

A methodology of a preventive radioecological assessment of the territory has been developed for optimizing post-emergency monitoring and countermeasure implementation in an event of a severe radiation accident. Approaches and main stages of integrated radioecological zoning of the territory are described. An algorithm for the assessment of the potential radioecological criticality (sensitivity) of the area is presented. The proposed approach is validated using data of the dosimetric passportization in Ukraine after the Chernobyl accident for the test site settlements. •A methodology for radioecological monitoring of the territory was developed.•Preventive radioecological assessment of the territory is proposed.•A degree of radioecological criticality of the territory was introduced.