Estimated radiation doses to the population from exposure to routine atmospheric releases during long-term operation of the Leningrad NPP-2

The article presents estimating radiation doses to the population from exposure to radioactive materials released into the atmosphere during long-term designed operation of the Leningrad NPP-2 (LNPP-2). The dose assessment was made with data on routine releases from the NPP during the 1st and 30th years of operation. Doses were calculated with contemporary software CROM, developed with account of IAEA and European Commission recommendations. When estimating radiation doses different exposure pathways were considered. Calculated and standard doses were compared. From comparison it followed that during the operation of the LNPP-2 doses from radioactivity released into the atmosphere would not exceed permissible dose limits to the population. Contribution of various exposure pathways to the total dose was estimated. The immersion into the radioactive cloud was established to be the main radiation exposure pathway. During the LNPP-2 operation contribution of radionuclides to total dose to the population would vary because of accumulation of long-lived radionuclides in the soil. According to estimates the total dose from 60Со and 90Sr will increase by one mathematical degree after 30 years of normal operation of LNPP-2.