Total Online Access Data System

65525 The Department of Energy is responsible for cleaning up and then conducting ongoing surveillance and maintenance of 114 contaminated sites across the nation. The long-term cost associated with surveillance and maintenance of these sites is estimated to be approximately $100 million per year. Security issues emanating from 9/11 are likely to drive these costs even higher, given the perceived threat associated with materials stored and disposed of at the Department¿s sites and facilities. This project will develop a system for the real-time remote monitoring of sites and facilities via the use of sensors, security systems, and information management systems, all tied to a single data management tool. The system is designed to: (1) provide safe storage, retrieval, and use of important data and records; (2) accept, store, and utilize data from a wide variety of existing and future instruments and other data sources; and (3) accommodate evolutions in technology, surveillance, and stewardship approaches without becoming technically obsolete. During Phase I, a prototype system utilizing gamma spectrometry and visual surveillance inputs, historical database inputs, and authorized Internet/Intranet access was developed and placed on-line. In Phase II, the system¿s capabilities will be extended to allow unattended, real-time remote monitoring of Department of Energy sites with minimal human involvement. The system will be deployed at an already monitored DOE facility so that its results can be readily compared with those obtained using conventional methods. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Applications include post-closure monitoring of closure sites, and secure monitoring of closed, cocooned, dormant, or infrequently used sites and facilities in a manner that requires little human presence at the monitored locations. In addition to Department of Energy sites and facilities, commercialization opportunities include surveillance of operating energy, national security, and research-related facilities, as well as the long-term monitoring of closed facilities and sites such as commercial nuclear power plants.