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263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires
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Author:  Bert490 [ Sun Aug 30, 2015 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

Still no posting on Radnet of data from the Charlotte spike in July. I sent another message via their website:
Quote:
Hello:
There seems to be a delay in posting data on the sudden sharp increase in Gross beta counts in early July at Charlotte NC and at several other sites. June 15th remains the last posting date for this site, and Jun 11 for Greensboro. I and others are concerned about the source of this. Does analysis work stop for the Summer?

Author:  Bert490 [ Mon Aug 31, 2015 11:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

Here is the response:
Quote:
Please note that Radnet data is updated quarterly in Envirofacts, and the last quarter data has not been released from QA yet. At this time we do not have a projected time frame for release.

Slightly different from the last response below (later in August). I hope it's not delayed too much.

Author:  KingCobra [ Tue Sep 01, 2015 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

In the past 6 months, my largest per minute 24/7 outside radiation station reading was in the first week of July.

Author:  Bert490 [ Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

Well, Radnet has posted their Gross beta analysis data from Charlotte NC in July, and there is NO SPIKE:
http://oaspub.epa.gov/enviro/erams_query_v2.simple_output?Llocation=City&pStation=0&subloc=CHARLOTTE%2CNC&media=AIR-FILTER&radi=Gross+Beta&Fromyear=2015&Toyear=2015&units=Traditional
We all see it in the near-real-time data collected here at Netc (e.g. see 6 month 1 day average), and also the EPA's own near-real-tiime data at https://cdxnode64.epa.gov/radnet-public/queryResult.do (you have to fill in the parameters to see the Charlotte gross beta spike) so why not on Radnet analysis data? I was hoping to see their lab confirm the higher filter readings from the field site, then do further analysis to identify isotopes. Without lab confirmation, all we are likely to see are the annual isotope counts as of Dec 31. I'll send another query.

Author:  Bert490 [ Sun Oct 11, 2015 7:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

I got a follow-up reply from Radnet on their analysis of the Charlotte and area samples (the big spike in early July). In summary, they found nothing in the lab so the spike must have been naturally occurring. Here is their emailed response from Oct 7.

Quote:
Thank you for your interest in EPA's RadNet system.

Regarding your questions about the beta detector readings in Charlotte, NC, in July 2015, the real-time data are measurements of particulate collected on the air filter. These measurements generally indicate relative abundances of short-lived, naturally occurring background radiation such as radon products, which have short half-lives. Increases in background radiation occur frequently during light precipitation or if there is an overcast sky with an inversion. Because of their short half-lives, the abundance of these naturally occurring radionuclides are greatly reduced when analyzed a few days later at the laboratory.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Radiation Protection Division

Author:  KingCobra [ Sun Oct 11, 2015 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

You say it must be natural radiation? Sure, if you really trust the results from the same EPA that had so many stations offline during the first Fukushima fallout passing over the U.S. in 2011. Looking at history (not just in the U.S.) of nuclear accidents and the governments timely warning (not so timely) to the public I wouldn't trust much from any monitoring station other than your own.

While I welcome all new radiation monitoring stations on NETC, I do not trust all of them. I will never be without a radiation monitoring station for my family. I have several geiger counters so if I get a incorrect reading from one, the others will confirm or deny that reading.

Author:  Bert490 [ Mon Oct 12, 2015 11:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

I agree with you. i should have used quotes; ...they found nothing in the lab so the spike must have been "naturally occurring". I don't think this one was natural AT ALL. What is sadly lacking is any acknowledgement that the event was unusual and widespread, or anything on these specific samples. Saying what the measurements "generally indicate" and that these increases "occur frequently" feels like being patted on the head by a parent. It sure does feels like they are witholding information.

Author:  KingCobra [ Mon Oct 12, 2015 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 263 Beta In Charlotte NC!!! Canada July 2015 Wild Fires

I agree with you. You might want to try and find someone who attends a local college near you that has access to a scintillation counter. You have nothing to lose by trying to get it tested that way. I would not recommend involving the college staff, they receive grant money and I personally do not feel they can be fully trusted.

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