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Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM), Proposed Revision 2 for Public Comment

Update to the MARSSIM Manual

The Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) Workgroup has drafted an update to the MARSSIM manual. The proposed revisions are based on the most current scientific understanding of radiation site investigation and survey. The Workgroup is currently reviewing comments received from the public and the Science Advisory Board on the Draft for Public Comment.

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 risk-based regulation. MARSSIM focuses on the demonstration of compliance during the final status survey following scoping, characterization and any necessary remedial actions.

Over the past ten years, the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) Workgroup collaborated to update the manual to incorporate lessons learned over its 20 years of use. The Workgroup member agencies include the EPA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC], the Department of Energy [DOE] and the Department of Defense [DoD].

Updates to MARSSIM are intended to increase clarity and improve flexibility in providing a consistent approach for planning, performing, and assessing building surface and surface soil radiological surveys to meet established dose- or risk-based release criteria, while concurrently encouraging an effective use of resources. The proposed revisions are based on the  most current scientific understanding of radiation site investigation and survey. Technical capabilities for radiation measurements and the number of methods for them have grown since MARSSIM was first issued in 1997.

A 90-day public comment period on the proposed revision was extended by 45 days and ended on February 11, 2022.   The public comments received are currently being evaluated.

View public comments received in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0276 on regulations.gov

Proposed MARSSIM Revision 2 and Related Documents

  • Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual, Revision 2 (pdf) (5.15 MB, May 2020, EPA-402-P-20-001)
  • Appendices to MARSSIM Revision 2 (pdf) (5.69 MB, May 2020, EPA-402-P-20-001)
  • Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) Revision 2 Factsheet (pdf) (102.68 KB, June 2021)
    Fact Sheet listing the significant changes to MARSSIM in Revision 2

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Last updated on March 31, 2025
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