Characterization of a Deep Radiological Contamination: Integration of Geostatistical Processing and Historical Data

The problem of site characterization is quite complex, especially for deep radiological contamination. This article illustrates the added value of the geostatistical processing on a real application case dealing with grounds of facilities partially dismantled at the end of the 1950s in Fontenay-aux-Roses CEA Center (France). 12 years ago, a first exploratory drill-hole confirmed the presence of a deep radiological contamination (more than 4m deep). More recently, 8 additional drill-holes failed to delineate the contamination extension. The integration of the former topography and other geological data led to the realization of 10 additional drillholes. This final stage significantly improved the characterization of the radiological contamination, which impacted the remediation project and the initially estimated volumes.