Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC): Update 1977

The Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) is a service to facilities requiring a means of realtime prediction of the extent of health hazards that may result from a release of radionuclides or other toxic materials. The ARAC system, sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE), consists of a network of serviced facilities and a central facility at the University of California, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL). Since 1973, when the concept was initiated, a joint feasibility study of the ARAC system has been conducted by LLL and the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) and research and development was initiated to implement this service for DOE nuclear facilities. The present system of three sites (LLL, Savannah River Plant and the Rocky Flats Plant) is now being tested and evaluated with the Mound Laboratory scheduled to join the network in the fall of 1977. Plans are presently being formulated to implement the ARAC service for additional DOE sites during the next several years. This article briefly describes the ARAC concept, discusses progress to date and outlines future plans for completing the system´s development and operating the service.