Monitoring of radioactivity in the environment of Finnish nuclear power plants : Annual report 2021

Abstract

This report describes the results of radiation monitoring carried out by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) in the environment of the Loviisa and Olkiluoto nuclear power plants in 2021. STUK’s environmental monitoring and measurement activities complement and verify the environmental monitoring and release measurements conducted by the power plants. The monitoring is implemented by collecting samples from the terrestrial and marine environment in the vicinity of the power plants and of outdoor air. In addition, the concentrations of radioactive substances in the bodies of inhabitants of the surrounding area of the power plant are monitored. The environmental samples are analysed in STUK’s laboratory. The radioactive substances contained in the collected samples are determined by gamma spectrometric and radiochemical analysis methods. In some of the collected samples, small quantities of radioactive substances originating from the power plant were found. There was no significant deviation from the environmental findings of the previous years in terms of the identified radioactive substances or their quantities. Radioactivity originating from the power plant observed in the environment is insignificant in terms of radiation exposure of the environment and people. The results of the release measurements reported by the nuclear power plants and the findings of the environmental monitoring carried out by the nuclear power plants are compatible with the findings made by STUK as part of its own monitoring.