Site Tour

Mr. Tesner discussed geophysical survey methods for waste site characterization with Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) members and attendees and provided a handout, Geophysical Survey Methods Used at Site Investigations at Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP).

The RAB was then taken to Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 51 for a demonstration of geophysical site characterization methods. Mike Thompson and Bill Davies of the U.S. Department of Energy ‘s Argonne National Laboratory showed how they are using vertical and horizontal seismic profiling (e.g., geophones and seismic energy forces) to assess the size and location of waste sites. These methods measure the rate of mechanically induced vibration through soil and rock. Electromagetic-induction instruments were also discussed. It measures the electrical conductivity of soil near the ground surface. These types of geophysical survey methods can save RFAAP thousands of dollars at each waste site.

The site visit was concluded at 8:20 p.m. The next RAB meeting is scheduled for Thursday November 21, 2002.

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