This report provides observations of areas for improvement and potential interoperability opportunities in the areas of Batch Quality Control Requirements, Written Communications, Data Review Processes, Data Reporting Processes, along with the lessons learned as they apply to items in the early phase of a response that will be critical for developing a more efficient, integrated response for future interactions between the FRMAC and EPA assets.

The purpose of this exercise was to assess the ability of the DOE Federal Radiological monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC) and the ICLN Response laboratory Network’s to identify analytical criteria required to support a large-scale radiological/nuclear event, provide agent detection, and to demonstrate interoperability.

The Nationwide Lab analysis Drill Series was designed for state agencies to use RadResponder to manage the entire sample analysis process, from sample collection to upload of analysis results.  It consisted of three parts.  In part one, states created field sample records and Analysis Request Forms (ARFs) to send to their respective labs to indicate which samples were to be analyzed, and for which radionuclides.  In part two, labs uploaded results of their analysis into RadResponder.  Part three tested the Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center’s (FRMAC) ability to use RadResponder for their sample management purposes.

This document presents a case study on the capability of methods approved by EPA for Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) compliance measurements for radionuclides to determine whether EPA’s Protective Action Guide (PAG) limits for drinking water have been exceeded during the early and intermediate stages of a radiological or nuclear event.