Download the MARSSIM Manual and Resources

The Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) provides detailed guidance on how to demonstrate that a site is in compliance with a radiation dose- or riskriskThe probability of injury, disease or death from exposure to a hazard. Radiation risk may refer to all excess cancers caused by radiation exposure (incidence risk) or only excess fatal cancers (mortality risk). Risk may be expressed as a percent, a fraction, or a decimal value. For example, a 1% excess risk of cancer incidence is the same as a 1 in a hundred (1/100) risk or a risk of 0.01.-based regulation. MARSSIM focuses on the demonstration of compliance during the final status survey following scoping, characterization and any necessary remedial actions. Learn more about the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM).

MARSSIM, Revision 1 (August 2000), including the June 2001 updates, is available in electronic format only. 

Below you can download an electronic copy of MARSSIM, Revision 1 and supporting documents.

Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) (pdf) (2.4 MB, August 2000, EPA 402-R-97-016)
This version of MARSSIM includes all chapters and appendices. The MARSSIM provides information on planning, conducting, evaluating, and documenting building surface and surface soil final status radiological surveys for demonstrating compliance with dose or risk-based regulations or standards.

Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual, Revision 2 (Public Comment Draft) (dated May 2020, EPA-SAB-22-001)

MARSSIM, Revision 1, CORRECTIONS (pdf) (345.98 KB, August 2002)

MARSSIM: Availability of Reference Materials (pdf) (18.45 KB)
This document details how to obtain reference materials used in the MARSSIM Manual from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other sources.

MARSSIM: Table of Contents (pdf) (159.45 KB)
This is the table of contents for the MARSSIM Manual.

MARSSIM: Roadmap (pdf) (179.99 KB)
The goal of the roadmap is to present a summary of the major steps in the design, implementation, and assessment of a final status survey and to identify where guidance on these steps is located in MARSSIM Manual.

MARSSIM: Cover Page and Spine (pdf) (107.8 KB)
This document provides the cover page and easy to print spine label for the MARSSIM Manual.

MARSSIM: Chapter 1 (pdf) (89.08 KB)
Introduction: Purpose and Scope of MARSSIM

MARSSIM: Chapter 2 (pdf) (237.12 KB)
Overview of the Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Process

MARSSIM: Chapter 3 (pdf) (222.54 KB)
Historical Site Assessment

MARSSIM: Chapter 4 (pdf) (477.31 KB)
Preliminary Survey Considerations

MARSSIM: Chapter 5 (pdf) (331.26 KB)
Survey Planning and Design

MARSSIM: Chapter 6 (pdf) (355.18 KB)
Field Measurement Methods and Instrumentation

MARSSIM: Chapter 7 (pdf) (241.08 KB)
Sampling and Preparation for Laboratory Measurements

MARSSIM: Chapter 8 (pdf) (388.28 KB)
Interpretation of Survey Results

MARSSIM: Chapter 9 (pdf) (68.26 KB)
Quality Assurance and Quality Control

MARSSIM: References, Regulations, & U.S. Code (pdf) (176.7 KB)
This is the list of references pertaining to the MARSSIM Manual.

MARSSIM: Glossary (pdf) (315.94 KB)
This is the glossary for the MARSSIM Manual.

MARSSIM: Index (pdf) (111.1 KB)
This is the index for the MARSSIM Manual.

MARSSIM: Bibliographic Data Sheet (pdf) (19.03 KB)
This document shows the performing and sponsoring agencies in the creation of the MARSSIM Manual.

MARSSIM: Appendix A (pdf) (320.01 KB)
Example of MARSSIM Applied to a Final Status Survey

MARSSIM: Appendix B (pdf) (93.65 KB)
Simplified Procedure for Certain Users of Sealed Sources, Short Half-Life Materials, and Small Quantities

MARSSIM: Appendix C (pdf) (159.23 KB)
Regulations and Requirements Associated with Radiation Surveys and Site Investigations

MARSSIM: Appendix D (pdf) (293.59 KB)
The Planning Phase of the Data Life Cycle

MARSSIM: Appendix E (pdf) (43.96 KB)
The Assessment Phase of the Data Life Cycle

MARSSIM: Appendix F (pdf) (167.03 KB)
The Relationship Between the Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Process, The CERCLA Remedial or Removal Process, and the RCRA Corrective Action Process

MARSSIM: Appendix G (pdf) (149.46 KB)
Historical Site Assessment Information Sources

MARSSIM: Appendix H (pdf) (414.9 KB)
Description of Field Survey and Laboratory Analysis Equipment

MARSSIM: Appendix I (pdf) (877.23 KB)
Statistical Tables and Procedures

MARSSIM: Appendix J (pdf) (249.34 KB)
Derivation of Alpha Scanning Equations Presented in Section 6.7.2.2

MARSSIM: Appendix K (pdf) (82.46 KB)
Comparison Tables between Quality Assurance Documents

MARSSIM: Appendix L (pdf) (47.41 KB)
Regional Radiation Program Managers

MARSSIM: Appendix M (pdf) (63.8 KB)
Sampling Methods: A List of Sources

MARSSIM: Appendix N (pdf) (163.65 KB)
Data Validation Using Data Descriptors