Environmental radiation mapping of KAPS emergency planning zone using mobile monitoring techniques

The operation of Nuclear Power Plants results in generation of low level effluents, which are released in a controlled manner out of which atmospheric releases are carried out through the stack to reduce the radiation dose rate on ground by dispersion. In order to assess the radiological impact of routine and accidental releases from a nuclear installation, it is necessary to know the concentration of radionuclides and dose rate profile in the environment, which helps in the implementation of early countermeasures during a radiation emergency. The mobile radiation monitoring technique using various systems/radiation monitors installed on a mobile monitoring vehicle helps in quick assessment during any emergency. This methodology was tested on mobile platform at KAPS and it's surroundings by installing various state of the art systems like GRaMS, CARMS, AGSS, Gamma Tracer etc. which is discussed in this paper. The detailed radiation monitoring carried out in the Emergency Planning Zone of KAPS showed the radiation level in the range of 50-60 nGy.h -1 .