meteorological monitoring system surveys past, present, and future kenneth g. wastrack tennessee...

Meteorological Monitoring System Meteorological Monitoring System SurveysSurveys

Past, Present, and FuturePast, Present, and Future

Kenneth G. WastrackKenneth G. WastrackTennessee Valley AuthorityTennessee Valley Authority

&&John CiolekJohn Ciolek

AlphaTRAC, Inc.AlphaTRAC, Inc.

1Met Monitoring Survey

• Meteorological monitoring programs are Meteorological monitoring programs are designed to comply with regulatory and other designed to comply with regulatory and other guidance.guidance.

• These programs generate the meteorological These programs generate the meteorological data bases required for effluent release data bases required for effluent release reports as well as provide real time data for reports as well as provide real time data for emergency response activities and normal emergency response activities and normal plant operations.plant operations.

• The programs vary both in content and The programs vary both in content and application, which can lead to uncertainty in application, which can lead to uncertainty in how to comply with requirements, as well as how to comply with requirements, as well as inconsistencies in the resulting data bases.inconsistencies in the resulting data bases.

Met Monitoring Survey 2

First SurveyFirst SurveyAt the inaugural NUMUG meeting, it was agreed At the inaugural NUMUG meeting, it was agreed that an inventory of meteorological monitoring that an inventory of meteorological monitoring programs would be compiled. programs would be compiled.

The purpose of this effort was twofold:The purpose of this effort was twofold:

– Provide detailed information about compliance with Provide detailed information about compliance with applicable requirements.applicable requirements.

– Develop a database from which an updated industry Develop a database from which an updated industry standard for meteorological monitoring can evolve.standard for meteorological monitoring can evolve.

The first survey was conducted during 1992.The first survey was conducted during 1992.


By 1997, it was appropriate to update the original survey.By 1997, it was appropriate to update the original survey.

– Facilities included in the original survey had made Facilities included in the original survey had made numerous changes. numerous changes.

– The original survey did not address a number of important The original survey did not address a number of important aspects. aspects. • Maintenance and calibrationMaintenance and calibration• Data processing and archivingData processing and archiving• General administrative issuesGeneral administrative issues

– The original survey did not include several DOE sites.The original survey did not include several DOE sites. NUMUG conducted a second survey during 1997-1998NUMUG conducted a second survey during 1997-1998(as a supplement to the first survey).(as a supplement to the first survey).


Second SurveySecond Survey


By 2009, NUMUG and DMCC determined a new updated survey was By 2009, NUMUG and DMCC determined a new updated survey was necessary to accurately reflect the current state-of-the-industry.necessary to accurately reflect the current state-of-the-industry.

– Facilities had made further changes.Facilities had made further changes.– DMCC wanted to expand the scope to provide a more DMCC wanted to expand the scope to provide a more

representative picture of DOE meteorological monitoring representative picture of DOE meteorological monitoring activities.activities.

– There have been numerous changes in regulatory and other There have been numerous changes in regulatory and other guidance, and more changes are expected. guidance, and more changes are expected.

The third survey was a joint NUMUG/DMCC effort. Like the second The third survey was a joint NUMUG/DMCC effort. Like the second survey, this survey is a supplement to the earlier surveys and not stand-survey, this survey is a supplement to the earlier surveys and not stand-alone. alone.

The third survey was conducted during 2009-2010.The third survey was conducted during 2009-2010.

Third SurveyThird Survey


The Survey was designed to give a complete picture of the meteorological The Survey was designed to give a complete picture of the meteorological monitoring programs.monitoring programs.

The surveys covered the following areas:The surveys covered the following areas:

Survey DescriptionSurvey Description

19921992 19971997 20092009 Site CharacteristicsSite Characteristics XX XX XX Meteorological Tower InformationMeteorological Tower Information XX XX XX Variables MonitoredVariables Monitored XX XX XX Meteorological InstrumentationMeteorological Instrumentation XX XX XX Recording and Auxiliary EquipmentRecording and Auxiliary Equipment XX XX XX Off-Site Data SourcesOff-Site Data Sources XX XX XX

Maintenance and CalibrationMaintenance and Calibration XX XX Data Processing and ArchivingData Processing and Archiving XX XX AdministrationAdministration XX XX


A total of 85 nuclear plants and DOE facilities were identified as A total of 85 nuclear plants and DOE facilities were identified as candidates for the surveys. Of these, 61 (71%) responded to one or candidates for the surveys. Of these, 61 (71%) responded to one or more of the surveys. more of the surveys.

Facilities IncludedFacilities Included

- Power Plant in current survey (2009)

- DOE Facility in current survey (2009)

- Site included in prior survey (1992, 1997)

SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Site Characteristics)(Site Characteristics)


The following depicts the results as a percentage of the facilities reporting The following depicts the results as a percentage of the facilities reporting (Note: Facilities generally fall into more than one category.)(Note: Facilities generally fall into more than one category.)

* The “Wooded” category was a choice in only the 2009-2010 survey.* The “Wooded” category was a choice in only the 2009-2010 survey.

Met Monitoring SurveyMet Monitoring Survey 99

SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Number of Meteorological Towers)(Number of Meteorological Towers)


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Height of Meteorological Towers)(Height of Meteorological Towers)

PrimaryPrimaryTowerTower

OtherOtherTowersTowers


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Tower Distance – Power Plants only)(Tower Distance – Power Plants only)

PrimaryPrimaryTowerTower

OtherOtherTowersTowers


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Meteorological Variables)(Meteorological Variables)

WD – Wind DirectionWD – Wind Direction RF - Rainfall (Precipitation)RF - Rainfall (Precipitation)WS – Wind SpeedWS – Wind Speed SR - Solar RadiationSR - Solar RadiationAT - Air TemperatureAT - Air Temperature AP - Atmospheric PressureAP - Atmospheric PressureDT - Delta-TDT - Delta-T EV - EvaporationEV - EvaporationDP - DewpointDP - Dewpoint ST - Soil TemperatureST - Soil Temperature


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Sampling Elevations)(Sampling Elevations)

Due to the diversity of release points, plant designs, and dispersion Due to the diversity of release points, plant designs, and dispersion characteristics of interest; there is wide variability in the elevations at characteristics of interest; there is wide variability in the elevations at which data are collected.which data are collected.

• 10-meters is a common level in nearly all cases.10-meters is a common level in nearly all cases.• Other sampling is performed at many different elevations (over 100 Other sampling is performed at many different elevations (over 100

meters at some locations). meters at some locations).


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Vendors - I)(Vendors - I)

Wind Direction/SpeedWind Direction/Speed Temperature/Delta-TTemperature/Delta-TVendorVendor 19921992 19971997 20092009 VendorVendor 19921992 19971997 20092009

BelfortBelfort XX XX CampbellCampbell XX

ClimatronicsClimatronics XX XX XX ClimatronicsClimatronics XX XX XX

ClimetClimet XX ClimetClimet XX

Met OneMet One XX XX EG&GEG&G XXMeteorology Research Meteorology Research

Inc.Inc. XX XX Met OneMet One XX XX

QualimetricsQualimetrics XXMeteorology Research Meteorology Research

Inc.Inc. XX XX

R M YoungR M Young XX XX XX QualimetricsQualimetrics XX

Teledyne GeotechTeledyne Geotech XX XX R M YoungR M Young XX

VaisalaVaisala XX RdF CorporationRdF Corporation XX

RosemountRosemount XX XX XX

Teledyne GeotechTeledyne Geotech XX XX

ThermocoupleThermocouple XX

VaisalaVaisala XX

WeedWeed XX XX XX


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Vendors - II)(Vendors - II)

Dewpoint/HumidityDewpoint/Humidity PrecipitationPrecipitation

VendorVendor 19921992 19971997 20092009 VendorVendor 19921992 19971997 20092009

CampbellCampbell XX BelfortBelfort XX XX

ClimatronicsClimatronics XX XX XX ClimatronicsClimatronics XX XX XX

EG&GEG&G XX XX XX ClimetClimet XX

FoxboroFoxboro XX XX FriezFriez XX XX

General EasternGeneral Eastern XX XX Met OneMet One XX XX

HoneywellHoneywell XXMeteorology Research Meteorology Research

Inc.Inc. XX XX

Met OneMet One XX XX QualimetricsQualimetrics XX

Meteorology Research Meteorology Research Inc.Inc. XX XX SutronSutron XX

ProtimeterProtimeter XX Teledyne GeotechTeledyne Geotech XX XX XX

RototronicsRototronics XX Texas ElectronicsTexas Electronics XX

Technical ServicesTechnical Services XX Weather Measure Weather Measure XX

Teledyne GeotechTeledyne Geotech XX XX WeathertronicsWeathertronics XX

VaisalaVaisala XX BelfortBelfort XX XX

ClimatronicsClimatronics XX XX XX


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Vendors - III)(Vendors - III)

Solar RadiationSolar Radiation Atmospheric PressureAtmospheric Pressure

VendorVendor 19921992 19971997 20092009 VendorVendor 19921992 19971997 20092009

EppleyEppley XX XX XX ClimatronicsClimatronics XX XX

LICORLICOR XX ClimetClimet XX XX

Teledyne GeotechTeledyne Geotech XX ESCESC XX

Met OneMet One XX

SetraSetra XX XX

Teledyne GeotechTeledyne Geotech XX

VaisalaVaisala XX

Yellow SpringsYellow Springs XX


SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS(Data Applications)(Data Applications)


• Recording and Auxiliary EquipmentRecording and Auxiliary Equipment

One of the biggest changes between 1992 and 2009 was in recorders One of the biggest changes between 1992 and 2009 was in recorders and auxiliary equipment. This is primarily due to the major and auxiliary equipment. This is primarily due to the major improvements in computer and communications.improvements in computer and communications.

In 1992, analog (i.e., strip chart) recorders were predominately In 1992, analog (i.e., strip chart) recorders were predominately used to collect the detailed traces that described the short-term used to collect the detailed traces that described the short-term data characteristics.data characteristics.

By 2009, advances in computer technology permit large amounts By 2009, advances in computer technology permit large amounts of individual instantaneous samples to be collected, stored, and of individual instantaneous samples to be collected, stored, and processed (both to summarize the overall sampling period, but to processed (both to summarize the overall sampling period, but to also permit examination of short-term features).also permit examination of short-term features).

Data communications in 1992 were mostly analog telephone Data communications in 1992 were mostly analog telephone connections, either by direct line or through modems. In 2009, much of connections, either by direct line or through modems. In 2009, much of the data was transmitted over internet-based computer networks.the data was transmitted over internet-based computer networks.

OTHER TOPICS - IOTHER TOPICS - I


• Off-Site Data SourcesOff-Site Data Sources

Off-Site data sources are specifically used for supplemental or backup Off-Site data sources are specifically used for supplemental or backup data and not just for general weather information. By far the most data and not just for general weather information. By far the most common is data from surface weather stations (NWS, FAA, etc.). common is data from surface weather stations (NWS, FAA, etc.). However, other sources of data are also used.However, other sources of data are also used.

• Maintenance and CalibrationMaintenance and Calibration

Maintenance and calibration services are obtained from several Maintenance and calibration services are obtained from several different sources.different sources.

Maintenance support is most common from plant staffs, but both off-Maintenance support is most common from plant staffs, but both off-site staffs and contractors provide significant levels of support.site staffs and contractors provide significant levels of support.

For calibration services, in-house staff is more common than vendor For calibration services, in-house staff is more common than vendor and contractor support combined.and contractor support combined.

OTHER TOPICS - IIOTHER TOPICS - II


• Data Processing and ArchivingData Processing and Archiving

Data reviews generally consist of software screening with Data reviews generally consist of software screening with meteorologist/technician reviews. For most facilities that use screening meteorologist/technician reviews. For most facilities that use screening software to perform data validation, the software was custom-software to perform data validation, the software was custom-developed, but there are a few cases where commercially available developed, but there are a few cases where commercially available software is used. software is used.

While a copy of the raw data as collected should be retained, most While a copy of the raw data as collected should be retained, most facilities perform some adjustments to create the final data set. Data facilities perform some adjustments to create the final data set. Data adjustments are generally made based on calibration results, to adjustments are generally made based on calibration results, to recover missing data from data recorders, and discard questionable recover missing data from data recorders, and discard questionable data. A couple of facilities also insert off-site data to replace missing data. A couple of facilities also insert off-site data to replace missing data.data.

OTHER TOPICS - IIIOTHER TOPICS - III


FUTURE OF THE FUTURE OF THE SURVEYThe first survey established the “state of the industry” for The first survey established the “state of the industry” for meteorological monitoring. The second survey updated the first meteorological monitoring. The second survey updated the first survey and asked some additional questions. survey and asked some additional questions.

Information from both of these surveys was subsequently considered Information from both of these surveys was subsequently considered in the development of an industry standard, ANS-3.11 and eventually in the development of an industry standard, ANS-3.11 and eventually NRC Regulatory Guide 1.23 (revision 1).NRC Regulatory Guide 1.23 (revision 1).

By 2009, a new updated survey was necessary because facilities had By 2009, a new updated survey was necessary because facilities had made further changes, DMCC wanted to provide a more made further changes, DMCC wanted to provide a more representative picture of DOE meteorological monitoring activities, representative picture of DOE meteorological monitoring activities, and there have been numerous changes in regulatory and other and there have been numerous changes in regulatory and other guidance.guidance.

The third survey did identify changes reflecting advances in The third survey did identify changes reflecting advances in technology, but more importantly it showed that the “industry” was technology, but more importantly it showed that the “industry” was applying the standards that had been developed.applying the standards that had been developed.


Is there another survey in the future? Is there another survey in the future? Conducting a full-scale survey is a major task for both the survey Conducting a full-scale survey is a major task for both the survey sponsor and the responding participants. sponsor and the responding participants.

•The response rate was never as high as desired (39% in the first The response rate was never as high as desired (39% in the first survey and 32% in the second).survey and 32% in the second).•To try to improve the response rate, the third survey was conducted To try to improve the response rate, the third survey was conducted as a series of mini-surveys (to stretch out the effort over a longer as a series of mini-surveys (to stretch out the effort over a longer period), rather than the intense short-term effort required for a single period), rather than the intense short-term effort required for a single comprehensive spot survey. comprehensive spot survey. •Unfortunately the resulting 31% response rate was not an Unfortunately the resulting 31% response rate was not an improvement.improvement.


Is there another survey in the future? Is there another survey in the future? In addition, methods for obtaining information have improved. In 1992 In addition, methods for obtaining information have improved. In 1992 and 1995, “snail” mail, telephone, and occasionally E-mail were the and 1995, “snail” mail, telephone, and occasionally E-mail were the only practical ways to collect information. The surveys were large only practical ways to collect information. The surveys were large general-purpose efforts that tried to anticipate most likely questions. general-purpose efforts that tried to anticipate most likely questions. Users had to examine (and interpret) the survey documents to obtain Users had to examine (and interpret) the survey documents to obtain answers about meteorological monitoring.answers about meteorological monitoring.

Now E-mail, list servers, and web access enable users to get specific Now E-mail, list servers, and web access enable users to get specific answers, often within hours. In this environment, even recent survey answers, often within hours. In this environment, even recent survey information becomes outdated quickly. information becomes outdated quickly.

It is no longer practical to expend the time and effort for a large It is no longer practical to expend the time and effort for a large general purpose survey.general purpose survey.

meteorological monitoring system surveys past, present, and future kenneth g. wastrack tennessee...

Documents

met monitoring survey

original survey

survey description

meteorological data

monitoring survey4

monitoring survey2 slide

met monitoring survey5

monitoring survey3 slide