Advanced characterization system deployments at the hanford site.

The Advanced Characterization System (ACS) uses readily available commercial radiation Environmental Restoration Contractor (ERC) detection and measurement equipment in a complementary staged system to locate and identity contamination in structures, systems and land area at Hanford's Environmental Restoration Contractor work sites. Large structures, such as former plutonium production reactors and separations facilities, are thoroughly and comprehensively characterized, not only for decontamination and decommissioning (D&D), but also for disposal and/or release. The ACS uses gamma-ray imaging instruments, in situ gamma spectrometry and large-area data-logging contamination survey meters to generate sufficient quality data to make operational and release decisions. The system is also used to safely characterize in-place systems without violating any containment and to localize activity in unusual situations.