34. 



kind and abundance of species present, but also the current level of 

 gross radioactivity in each, and the isotopic composition of the radio- 

 active elements. Special attention will be given to elements that are a 

 part of the low level wastes that will enter the disposal area. In this 

 latter regard it seems essential that it be possible to distinguish, during 

 future stages of monitoring, between activity introduced by disposal 

 operations and that brought to the region by other means, for example 

 fallout. This information can be obtained by a continuing comparison 

 between the disposal area and an adjacent control area outside of the 

 influence of the disposal area. During the pre-survey the pattern of 

 fishing activity in the region should be determined and an estimate 

 made of the extent to which migratory fish inhabit the region. 



The second aspect of the monitoring problem has to do with the 

 surveillance of the area after disposal has started. Two difficulties 

 should be noted. First, the levels of activity that may constitute a 

 hazard are low. Therefore the analytical problems connected with 

 getting and measuring a representative sample from the area are large, 

 counting levels will be low, and the chances of contamination of the 

 samples high. Second, it should be emphasized that the establishment 

 of a steady state condition, with respect to the distribution and levels of 

 contaminant, will require ten to twenty years at present production 

 levels. Because of the lag between disposal and possible appearance 



