Abstract: To achieve rapid assessment of public exposure from liquid effluent discharge from nuclear facilities under some scenarios with limited assessment parameters, this study developed a graded screening assessment model for public exposure due to multi-pathway liquid effluent discharge based on IAEA Safety Report Series No. 113. The model can perform a graded screening assessment process from conservative to realistic for public exposure due to radioactive effluent discharges to river, lake, coastal and sewage systems. A case study of liquid C-14 effluent release scenarios from the Hualong One nuclear reactor was established and the assessment results of different public exposure assessment models were compared. The results of the study demonstrate the robustness of the developed screening assessment model. This study provides an approach and methodology for assessing the environmental impacts of liquid effluents from nuclear facilities under multiple discharge pathways. The model can be applied to site selection assessment in the siting phase of nuclear facilities, rapid assessment of the environmental impact for nuclear technology application facilities as well as small and medium-sized nuclear reactors, and independent review of the environmental impact assessment conclusions for nuclear facilities by regulatory authorities.

Key words: environmental impact assessment, public exposure, graded screening assessment, C-14, liquid effluent