Environmental Radiation Monitoring System in Okayama Prefecture

Abstract

In 1955, an outcrop of uranium ore deposit was discovered at Ningyo-Toge, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. A uranium enrichment pilot plant has been constructed, and the test operations have produced about 3% enriched uranium since 1979. A UF₆ conversion pilot plant has been constructed, and the product will be supplied to the uranium enrichment pilot plant.
Environmental monitoring has been carried out by Okayama Prefectural Research Center of Environment and Public Health. The environmental monitoring consists of the continuous observation of environmental γ-radiation, α-emitters and fluorine and of periodical sampling of river water, soil, vegetables and so on.