Environmental Monitoring
The Radiation Control Program has the statutory authority to conduct environmental monitoring in areas around operating nuclear power stations in or near the Commonwealth. Environmental radiation monitoring devices are deployed at a variety of sites around these power stations, and staff conduct periodic sampling of crops, finfish, shellfish and dairy products originating in these areas. These environmental samples and monitoring devices are evaluated at the Massachusetts Environmental Radiation Laboratory to determine the extent of radioactive releases, if any, from these power stations.
The Radiation Control Program also operates the Ring Monitoring System, a network of 14 fixed, real-time, land-based environmental radiation monitors that surround Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in a one-mile ring. The individual monitors are connected to a computer which collects and stores the data, and transmits it in real-time to a central location.
This information is provided by the Radiation Control Program within the Department of Public Health.