DOE/NV/25946--259

Nevada Test Site

Environmental Report Summary 2006

Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

September 2007
Disclaimer

Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof or its contractors or subcontractors.

This report was prepared for:

U.S. Department of Energy

National Nuclear Security Administration

 Nevada Site Office

 under Contract DE-AC52-06NA25946

 by: 

National Security Technologies, LLC 

Post Office Box 98521 

Las Vegas, NV 89193-8521

The information presented in this document is explained in greater detail in the Nevada Test Site Environmental Report 2006 (DOE/NV/25946--259). A compact disc of this document is included on the back 

inside cover. It can also be downloaded from the NNSA/NSO Web site at

http://www.nv.doe.gov/library/publications/environmental.aspx or from the U.S. Department of Energy 

Office of Scientific and Technical Information at http://www.osti.gov/bridge.

If you would like a hard copy of the full report, please contact B.W. Hurley, NNSA/NSO 

Environmental Management, at (702) 295-1284 or send an e mail message to hurley@nv.doe.gov.


 

 

Nevada Test Site 

Environmental Report Summary 2006

The U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office (NNSA/NSO) directs 

the management and operation of the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The NTS is the nation’s historical testing site for 

nuclear weapons from 1951 through 1992 and is currently the nation’s unique site for ongoing national-securityrelated missions and high-risk operations. NNSA/NSO strives to provide to the public an understanding of the 

current activities on the NTS, including environmental monitoring and compliance activities aimed at protecting the 

public and the environment from radiation hazards and from nonradiological impacts. This document is a summary 

of the Nevada Test Site Environmental Report (NTSER) for calendar year 2006 (see attached compact disc on 

inside back cover). The NTSER is a comprehensive report of environmental activities performed at the NTS and 

its satellite facilities over the previous calendar year. It is prepared annually to meet the requirements and guidelines 

of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the information needs of NNSA/NSO stakeholders. To provide an 

abbreviated and more readable version of the NTSER, this summary report is produced. This summary does not 

include detailed data tables, monitoring methods or design, a description of the NTS environment, or a discussion of 

all environmental program activities performed throughout the year. The reader may obtain a hard copy of the full 

NTSER as directed on the inside front cover of this summary report. 

The NTS is located about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The approximately 1,375-square mile site is one of the 

largest restricted access areas in the United States. It is surrounded by federal installations with strictly controlled 

access as well as by lands that are open to public entry. 
 

 

NTS History

Between 1940 and 1950, the area now known as the NTS was part of the 

Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range. In 1950, the NTS was 

established as the primary location for testing the nation’s nuclear 

explosive devices. Such testing took place from 1951 to 1992. 

Tests conducted through the 1950s were predominantly atmospheric tests. 

These involved a nuclear explosive device detonated while on the ground 

surface, on a steel tower, suspended from tethered balloons, dropped 

from an aircraft, or placed on a rocket. Several tests were categorized as 

“safety experiments” and “storage-transportation tests,” involving the 

destruction of a nuclear device with non-nuclear explosives. Some of 

these tests resulted in dispersion of plutonium in the test vicinity. One 

of these test areas, Project 57, lies just north of the NTS boundary on the 

Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). Other tests, involving storagetransportation, were conducted at the north end of the NTTR (Double 

Tracks) and on the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) (Clean Slates I, II, and III). 

All nuclear device tests are listed in United States Nuclear Tests, July 1945 

through September 1992.

1

The first underground test, a cratering test, was conducted in 1951. 

The first totally-contained underground test was in 1957. Testing was 

discontinued during a moratorium that began October 31, 1958, but was 

resumed in September 1961 after tests by the Union of Soviet Socialist 

Republics began. Since late 1962, nearly all tests have been conducted 

in sealed vertical shafts drilled into Yucca Flat and Pahute Mesa or in 

horizontal tunnels mined into Rainier Mesa. From 1951 to 1992, a 

total of 828 underground nuclear tests were conducted at the NTS. 

Approximately one-third of these tests were detonated near or below the 

water table. 

Five earth-cratering (shallow-burial) tests were conducted over the period 

of 1962 through 1968 as part of the Plowshare Program that explored 

peaceful uses of nuclear explosives. The first and highest yield Plowshare 

crater test, Sedan, was detonated at the northern end of Yucca Flat on 

the NTS. The second highest yield crater test was Schooner, located in 

the northwest corner of the NTS. Mixed fission products, tritium, and 

plutonium from these tests were entrained in the soil, ejected from the 

craters, and deposited on the ground surrounding the craters.

Other nuclear-related experiments at the NTS included the Bare Reactor 

Experiment-Nevada series in the 1960s. These tests were performed with 

a 14-million electron volt neutron generator mounted on a 

1,527-foot steel tower used to conduct neutron and gamma-ray interaction 

studies on various materials and assess radiation doses experienced by the 

nuclear bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In addition, from 

1959 through 1973 a series of open-air nuclear reactor, nuclear engine, 

and nuclear furnace tests were conducted in Area 25, and a series of tests 

with a nuclear ramjet engine was conducted in Area 26. The test released 

mostly gaseous radioactivity (radio-iodines, radio-xenons, radio-kryptons) and some fuel particles due to erosion 

of the metal cladding on the reactor fuel; these releases resulted in negligible deposition on the ground.

1 U.S. Department of Energy, 2000. Report No. DOE/NV-209 (Rev. 15).

NTS - Continental Test Site

After the end of World War II, the United 

States tested nuclear weapons at Bikini Atoll 

and Enewetak in the Marshall Islands of the 

Central Pacific. 

In June 1950, with the outbreak of hostilities 

in Korea and U.S. relations with the Soviet 

Union continuing to deteriorate, the search 

began for a continental test site to overcome 

the difficulties with remoteness and security 

experienced with testing in the Pacific. The 

final choices included Dugway Proving 

Ground–Wendover Bombing Range in 

western Utah, Alamagordo-White Sands 

Guided Missile Range in south central New 

Mexico, and a North Site and a South Site 

on the Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery 

Range in southern Nevada. 

On December 18, 1950, President Truman 

approved the recommendations of Los 

Alamos testing officials and the Atomic 

Energy Commission, christening the 

South Site on the Las Vegas Bombing and 

Gunnery Range as the nation’s continental 

test site. It is called the Nevada Proving 

Ground. 

On Saturday, January 27, 1951, an Air Force 

B-50D bomber dropped a one-kiloton yield 

nuclear bomb over Frenchman Flat. It was 

the world’s tenth nuclear detonation and was 

the first NTS test. 

On September 23, 1992, the last underground 

nuclear test was conducted on the NTS after 

which Congress imposed a moratorium on 

nuclear weapons testing. 

Since 1951, a total of 100 atmospheric and 

828 underground nuclear weapons tests 

were conducted at the NTS.

Source: T. R. Fehner and F. G. Gosling, 2000. Origins of the Nevada 

Test Site, DOE/MA-0518, History Division, Executive Secretariat, 

Management and Administration, U.S. Department of Energy.
 

 



Historic Nuclear Testing Areas
 

 

NTS Missions and Their Programs

National Security

Stockpile Stewardship Program – Conducts highhazard operations in support of defense-related 

nuclear and national security experiments. 

Homeland Security Program - Provides support 

facilities, training facilities, and capabilities for 

government agencies involved in counterterrorism 

activities, emergency response, first responders, 

national security technology development, and 

nonproliferation technology development. 

Test Readiness Program - Maintains the capability 

to resume underground nuclear weapons testing, if 

directed. 

Environmental Management

Environmental Restoration Program – Characterizes 

and remediates the environmental legacy of nuclear 

weapons and other testing at the NTS and offsite 

locations and develops and deploys technologies that 

enhance environmental restoration. 

Waste Management Program - Manages and safely 

disposes of low-level waste received from 

DOE-and U.S. Department of Defense - approved 

facilities throughout the United States and mixed 

low-level waste generated in Nevada by NNSA/NSO, 

and safely manages and characterizes hazardous and 

transuranic wastes for offsite disposal.

Stewardship of the NTS

Facilities and Infrastructure - Maintains the buildings, 

roads, utilities, and facilities required to support all 

NTS programs and to provide a safe environment for 

NTS workers. 



The NTS Now

Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Sandia National 

Laboratories are the principal organizations that sponsor 

and implement experimental programs at the NTS. In 

2006, National Security Technologies, LLC (NSTec), was 

the Management and Operations contractor accountable 

for the successful execution of work and ensuring that 

work was performed in compliance with environmental 

regulations. The three major NTS missions include 

National Security, Environmental Management, and 

Stewardship of the NTS. During the conduct of all 

missions and their programs, NNSA/NSO complies with 

applicable environmental and public health protection 

regulations and strives to manage the land and facilities at 

the NTS as a unique and valuable national resource.

NTS activities in 2006 continued to be diverse, with 

the primary goal being to ensure that the existing 

U.S. stockpile of nuclear weapons remains safe and 

reliable. Facilities that support this mission include the 

U1a Facility, the Big Explosives Experimental Facility 

(BEEF), the Device Assembly Facility (DAF), and the 

Joint Actinide Shock Physics Experimental Research 

(JASPER) Facility. Facilities that support the Homeland 

Security program include the new Radiological/Nuclear 

Countermeasures Test and Evaluation Complex 

(Rad/NucCTEC), which was expected to be operational 

in October 2006, but is currently on hold. Facilities 

that support the Waste Management Program 

include the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management 

Complex (RWMC) and the Area 3 Radioactive Waste 

Management Site (RWMS). Other NTS activities 

include demilitarization activities; controlled spills of 

hazardous material at the Non-Proliferation Test and 

Evaluation Complex (NPTEC) (formerly known as 

the Hazardous Materials Spill Center); remediation 

of industrial sites; processing of waste destined for 

the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New 

Mexico, or the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho 

Falls, Idaho; disposal of radioactive and mixed waste; 

and environmental research.
 

 

Legacy Contamination

Groundwater - Areas of known and potential groundwater contamination on the NTS due 

to underground nuclear testing are called 

Underground Test Area (UGTA) CAUs. It is 

estimated that 300 million curies (Ci) of radiation 

were released underground. The total amount 

of radiation deposited below the groundwater 

table is approximately 60 million Ci, based on the 

last decay-corrected calculation from 1992. Since 

there is no feasible technology available that 

would allow for the cleanup of deep, extensive 

groundwater contamination, the strategy of 

the Environmental Management Program is to 

identify contaminant boundaries and implement 

an effective long-term monitoring system. 

Soil - Radioactively-contaminated surface soils occur at approximately 100 sites on and around 

the NTS. Closure of these sites is conducted in 

accordance with the FFACO and upon approval 

of the state of Nevada. Corrective actions 

required to complete closure range from removal 

of soil to closure in place with restricted access 

controls, such as fencing and posting.

Air - Airborne radioactive contamination from 

the resuspension of contaminated soils at legacy 

sites and from current activities (such as waste 

management) is monitored continuously on 

and off the NTS. Since the cessation of aboveground nuclear testing, the annual amounts of 

radiation released into the air from the NTS 

have ranged from 48 to 2,200 Ci for tritium, 

0.0018 to 0.40 Ci for plutonium, and 0.039 to 

0.049 Ci for americium. These emissions cannot 

be distinguished from the background airborne 

radiation measured in communities surrounding 

the NTS. 

 

Structures/Materials - There are approximately 1,850 sites where facilities, equipment, structures, 

or debris were contaminated by historic nuclear 

research, development, and testing activities. 

The responsibility for remediating these 

Industrial Sites belongs to the Environmental 

Restoration Project. As of July 2007, 1,630 sites 

have been remediated and closed in accordance 

with the FFACO and approved by the state of 

Nevada.

Waste Disposal - Low-level and mixed low-level 

radioactive waste have been generated by historic 

nuclear research, development and testing 

activities and the resulting environmental cleanup 

activities. More than 1.1 million cubic yards of 

this waste has been safely disposed at the Area 3 

and Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Sites. 

It is estimated that a total of 9.3 million Ci of 

radiation is contained within this disposed waste. 

The average concentration of radioactivity in the 

disposed waste is about 8.8 Ci per cubic yard.



The Legacy of NTS Nuclear Testing

Approximately one-third of the 828 underground nuclear 

tests on the NTS were detonated near or below the water table 

resulting in the contamination of groundwater in some areas. 

In addition, the 100 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted on 

the NTS and numerous nuclear-related experiments resulted 

in the contamination of surface soils, materials, equipment, 

and structures, mainly on the NTS. The NNSA/NSO 

Environmental Management Mission was established to 

address this legacy of contamination. Within Environmental 

Management, the Environmental Restoration Project is 

responsible for remediating contaminated sites and the Waste 

Management Project is responsible for safely managing and 

disposing radioactive waste.

The primary regulatory driver of the Environmental 

Restoration Project is the Federal Facility Agreement and 

Consent Order (FFACO) between the State of Nevada, DOE, 

and U.S. Department of Defense. The FFACO identifies 

Corrective Action Units (CAUs), which are groupings of 

Corrective Action Sites (CASs) that delineate and define areas 

of concern for contamination. Approximately 2,800 CASs have 

been identified, many of which have already been remediated 

and/or closed. The public is kept informed of Environmental 

Management activities through periodic newsletters, exhibits, 

and fact sheets and provides opportunity for public input via 

the Community Advisory Board comprised of 15-20 citizen 

volunteers from Nevada. 

Areas of Soil Contamination on and off the NTS
 

 

Areas of Potential Groundwater Contamination on the NTS 
 

 

Potential Sources of Radiological Air Emissions on the NTS
 

 

Understanding Radiation

Radiation is energy that travels through matter or space in the form of waves or high-speed particles. Light, heat, and 

sound are types of radiation. Ionizing radiation is a very high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Ionizing 

radiation are particles or rays given off by unstable atoms as they are converted, or decay, into more stable atoms. 

Ionizing radiation may be found everywhere. Almost all exposure to ionizing radiation comes from natural sources 

(82 percent in the United States). These sources include cosmic radiation from outer space, terrestrial radiation from 

materials like uranium and radium in the earth, and naturally-occurring radioactive elements (i.e., radionuclides) in 

our food, water, and the aerosols and gases in the air 

we breathe. Exposures to man-made radiation in our 

everyday life come from smoking cigarettes, traveling 

on airplanes, and having medical X rays. For the public 

surrounding the NTS, less than 1 percent of their total 

radiation exposure is now attributable to past or current 

NTS activities. 

Curie (Ci) is the traditional measure of radioactivity based on the observed decay 

rate of 1 gram of radium. One curie of radioactive 

material will have 37 billion disintegrations in

1 second.

Understanding Radiation Dose

Dose is a generic term to describe the amount of radiation a person receives. The energy deposited indicates the 

number of molecules disrupted. The energy the radiation deposits in tissue is called the absorbed dose. The units of 

measure of absorbed dose are the rad or the gray. The biological effect of radiation depends on the type of radiation 

(alpha, beta, gamma, or X-ray) and the tissues exposed. A measure of the biologic risk of the energy deposited is 

the dose equivalent. The units of dose equivalent are called rems or sieverts. In this report, the term dose is used 

to mean dose equivalent measured in rems. A thousandth of a rem is called a millirem, abbreviated as mrem. An 

average person in the United States receives about 300 mrem each year from natural sources and an additional 

60 mrem from medical procedures, consumer products, and activities. Whether or not there is a “safe” radiation 

Forms of Radiation

Alpha particles are heavy, positively charged particles given off by some decaying atoms. Alpha particles can be blocked 

by a sheet of paper. Atoms emitting alpha particles are hazardous only if they are swallowed or inhaled. 

Beta particles are electrons or positrons (positively charged electrons) ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. More 

penetrating than alpha radiation, beta particles can pass through several millimeters of skin. A sheet of aluminum only 

a fraction of an inch thick will stop beta radiation. Beta particles can damage skin, but are most hazardous if the betaemitting atoms are swallowed or inhaled. 

Gamma rays are waves of pure energy similar to X rays, light, microwaves, and radio waves. Gamma rays are emitted by 

certain radionuclides when their nuclei transition from a higher to a lower energy state. They can readily pass into the 

human body. They can be almost completely blocked by about 40 inches of concrete, 40 feet of water, or a few inches 

of lead. Gamma rays can be both an external and internal hazard. 

X-rays are a more familiar form of electromagnetic radiation, usually with a limited penetrating power, typically used 

in medical or dental examinations. Television sets, especially color, give off soft (low-energy) X rays; thus, they are 

shielded to greatly reduce the risk of radiation exposure. 

Neutrons are uncharged heavy particles contained in the nucleus of every atom heavier than ordinary hydrogen. They 

induce ionization only indirectly in atoms which they strike, but can damage body tissues. Neutrons are released, for 

example, during the fission (splitting) of uranium atoms in the fuel of nuclear power plants. They can also be very 

penetrating. In general, efficient shielding against neutrons can be provided by materials containing hydrogen, such as 

water. Like gamma rays, neutrons are both an external and internal hazard. 
 

 

dose equivalent is a controversial subject. Because the topic has yet to be settled scientifically, regulators take 

a conservative approach and assume that there is no such thing as a 100 percent safe dose equivalent, and it is 

assumed that the risk of developing an adverse health effect (such as cancer) is proportionate to the amount of 

radiation dose. Many human activities increase our exposure to radiation over and above the average background 

radiation dose of 300 mrem per year. These activities include, for example, uranium mining, airline travel, 

and operating nuclear power plants. Regulators balance the benefit of these activities to the risk of increasing 

radiation exposures above background, and as a result, set dose limits for the public and workers specific to 

these activities. The DOE has set the 

dose limit to the public from exposure to 

DOE-related nuclear activities to 

100 mrem/yr (1 mSv/yr). This is the 

same public dose limit set by the U.S. 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 

and recommended by the International 

Commission on Radiological Protection 

and the National Commission 

on Radiological Protection and 

Measurements. The NRC has set the 

dose limit for radiation workers to 

5 rem/yr (50 mSv/yr). There is no 

regulatory standard for radiation dose 

limits to workers or the public across 

industries, states, or countries. 

Radionuclides Detected on the NTS

Name* Abbreviation

Primary Type(s) of 

Radiation Major NTS Source

Man-Made

Americium- 241 241Am Alpha, gamma

In soil at and near legacy sites of above-ground nuclear testing. 

Detected in soil and air.

Cesium-137 137Cs Beta, gamma 

Plutonium-238 238Pu Alpha 

Strontium-90 90Sr Beta

Plutonium239+240

239+240Pu Alpha In soil at and near legacy sites of plutonium dispersal experiments. 

Detected in soil and air.

Tritium 3H Beta In groundwater in areas of underground nuclear tests, in surface 

ponds used to contain contaminated groundwater, in soil at nuclear 

test locations, in waste packages buried in pits at waste management 

sites. Detected in groundwater and air.

Naturally-Occurring

Be-7 7Be Gamma Produced by interactions between cosmic radiation from the sun and 

the earth’s upper atmosphere. Detected in air.

Potasium-40 40K Beta, gamma

Naturally occurring in the earth’s crust. Detected in groundwater, 

soil, and air.

Radium-226 226Ra Alpha, gamma

Thorium-232 232Th Alpha**

Uranium-234 234U Alpha**

Uranium -235 235 U Alpha, gamma**

Uranium -238 238 U Alpha**

*The number given with the name of the radionuclide is the atomic mass number and is the number of protons and neutrons together in the nucleus of the atom. Radionuclides with the same number of protons are the same element and radionuclides of the same element are called isotopes of one another. Plutonium and uranium each 

have several radioactive isotopes that are detected on the NTS.

**These radionuclides decay to other radionuclides (called progeny or daughters) which emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. 

Common Doses to the Public 

Source/Activity Average Dose/Year

(or as noted)

Five-hour jet plane ride 3 mrem

Building materials 4 mrem

Chest X ray 8 mrem

Cosmic 30 mrem

Soil 35 mrem

Internal to our body 40 mrem

Mammogram 138 mrem

Radon gas 200 mrem

CT scan 2,500 mrem

Smoking 20 cigarettes/day 5,300 mrem to a smoker’s lung

One cancer treatment 5,000,000 mrem to the tumor

Source: <http://hss.energy.gov/HealthSafety/WSHP/radiation/Radiation-final-6-20.pdf>,

accessed on 6/26/2007 

}

}
 

 10

Monitoring NTS Radiation and Pathways of Exposure to the Public

The release of man-made radionuclides from the NTS 

has been monitored since the first decade of atmospheric 

testing. After 1962 when nuclear tests were conducted 

only underground, the radiation exposure to the public 

surrounding the NTS was greatly reduced. Underground 

nuclear testing nearly eliminated atmospheric releases 

of radiation, but resulted in the contamination of 

groundwater in some areas of the NTS. After the 1992 

moratorium on nuclear testing, radiation monitoring 

focused on detecting airborne radionuclides that are 

resuspended with historically-contaminated soils on 

the NTS and on detecting man-made radionuclides in 

groundwater. 

There are three pathways in this dry desert environment by which man-made radionuclides from the NTS might reach 

the surrounding public: 

Air Transport Pathway - Members of the public may inhale or ingest radionuclides that are resuspended by the wind 

from known contaminated sites on the NTS. However, such resuspended radiation measured off and on the NTS is 

much lower than natural background radiation in all areas accessible to the public. 

Ingestion Pathway - Members of the public may ingest game animals that have been exposed to contaminated soil or 

water on the NTS, have moved off the NTS, and have then been hunted. 

Groundwater Pathway - 

Drinking contaminated 

groundwater is currently not 

a possible pathway for public 

exposure given the restricted 

public access to the NTS 

and the location of known 

contaminated groundwater 

on the NTS. No manmade radionuclides occur 

in drinking water sources 

monitored off the NTS and 

no drinking water wells on the 

NTS have measurable levels 

of man-made radionuclides. 

Only the groundwater from 

monitoring wells drilled near 

underground tests on the NTS 

show radioactive 

contamination. 

Public Dose Limits for NTS Radiation

 10 mrem/yr - This is the dose limit to the public 

(above natural background) from just the air 

transport pathway, as specified by the Clean 

Air Act National Emission Standards for 

Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). 

 100 mrem/yr - This is the dose limit to the public 

(above natural background) from all possible 

pathways combined, as specified by DOE

Order 5400.5, Radiation Protection of the 

Public and the Environment.

Potential Dose Pathways to the Public
 

 11

Estimated 2006 Radiation Dose to the Public from All Possible Pathways

The radiation dose to the general public by just the air transport pathway was estimated using air sampling results from 

six onsite “critical receptor” sampling stations. The radionuclides detected at three or more of the NTS critical receptor 

samplers (see map on page 14) were 241Am, 238Pu, 239+240Pu, 233+234U, 235+236U, 238U, and tritium. The uranium isotopes are 

attributed to naturally-occurring uranium. As in previous 

years, the 2006 data from the six critical receptor samplers 

show that the NESHAP dose limit to the public of 10 mrem/yr was not exceeded. The Schooner critical receptor 

station, in the far northwest corner of the NTS, had the highest 

concentrations of radioactive air emissions, yet an individual residing at this station would experience a dose from air emissions 

of only 2.5 mrem/yr. This annual dose is 2.5 percent of the 

background radiation dose estimated for an individual residing 

at Indian Springs. No one resides at the Schooner station, and 

the dose at offsite populated locations 12 – 50 miles from the 

Schooner station would be much lower due to wind dispersion, 

probably a fraction of 1 mrem, similar to dose estimates generated by computer models in previous years.

NTS game animals include pronghorn antelope, mule deer, 

chukar, Gambel’s quail, mourning doves, cottontail rabbits, and 

jackrabbits. Small game animals from different contaminated NTS sites are trapped each year and analyzed for their 

radionuclide content. These results are used to construct worst-case scenarios for the dose to hunters who might 

consume these animals if the animals moved off the NTS. In 2006, jackrabbits were sampled at the T2 site located 

in Area 2 where four nuclear weapons tests were conducted 

on the surface of the T2 site from 1952 to 1957. Based on 

these samples, the highest dose to a member of the public was 

estimated to be 0.12 mrem if this person consumed

20 jackrabbits from the T2 site.

The maximum dose to the public from all pathways (air and 

ingestion) during 2006 is estimated to be 0.32 mrem/yr. 

This assumes that an individual who resides in a community 

surrounding the NTS will receive an air pathway dose no 

greater that 0.20 mrem/yr, as dose estimates from 

1992 – 2004 suggest. It also assumes that this individual 

consumes an additional 0.12 mrem from game animals.

Dose to the Public 

from the Air Transport Pathway 

Based on 2006 Sample Data 

2.5 mrem/yr – This is the estimated dose to 

an individual if they lived year-round 

on the NTS at the Schooner air sampling 

station. The offsite public 12 – 50 miles 

away would only receive a fraction of 

1 mrem/yr.

There is no NTS radiation dose to the public from the groundwater pathway. Annual 

monitoring continues to verify that no 

contaminated groundwater has migrated beyond 

the NTS boundaries into surrounding water 

supplies used by the public. 

2006 Dose to the Public from All Pathways

0.32 mrem/yr – This estimated dose combines 0.2 mrem/yr (based on past year’s computer 

model estimates) and the 0.12 mrem/yr from ingestion of NTS game animals. This total dose 

estimate is indistinguishable from natural background radiation experienced by the public 

residing in Las Vegas or other communities surrounding the NTS. 

Dose to the Public 

from Ingestion of Game Animals 

Based on 2006 Sample Data 

0.12 mrem/yr – This is the estimated dose 

from ingestion of NTS game animals 

assuming one consumed 20 jackrabbits 

from the T2 site, a known site of legacy 

soil contamination. 
 

 12

This total dose is well below the dose limit of 100 mrem/yr established by DOE Order 5400.5 for radiation exposure to the public from all pathways combined. This dose is so small it cannot be distinguished from the dose from 

background radiation (it is ~0.1 percent of the total dose from naturally-occurring sources). 

Monitoring Onsite Radionuclide Air 

Emissions

 

Each year, the total quantity of radioactive 

emissions from the NTS (in Ci) and their sources 

are identified. In 2006, total tritium (3H) emissions 

from all sources was estimated to be 245 Ci. Over 

the previous 6 years, total tritium emissions have 

ranged from 170 to 564 Ci. Total 239+240Pu and 241Am 

emissions for 2006 were estimated to be 0.29 and 

0.047 Ci, respectively. 

No radioactivity was detected above minimum 

detectable concentrations (MDCs) in any of the 

samples collected from the JASPER Facility. No 

radiological releases occurred at U-1a, BEEF, or DAF. 

Dose to the Public fom the Air Transport Pathway

Based on Computer Modeling(a)

<0.2 mrem/yr – This is the estimated dose to an individual who resides in one of the many communities 

surrounding the NTS based on the use of soil resuspension models, wind models, and historical NTS soil 

sample data. From 1992 to 2004, these models were used to estimate the dose to the maximally exposed 

individual (MEI) and to identify the probable community surrounding the NTS in which they lived. Since 

1992, the estimated dose to the MEI has been <0.2 mrem/yr, and the MEI has been identified as residing in 

either Springdale or Cactus Springs, Nevada. 

(a) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the DOE no longer require NTS to use these models to confirm that the annual 

dose to the public from NTS is below the NESHAP limit of 10 mrem/yr. Data collected onsite each year from the six critical receptor air 

sampling stations will be used from now on to document NESHAP compliance, and 0.2 mrem will be assumed to be the maximum 

possible annual dose to the offsite public.

Estimated NTS Tritium Air Emissions 

by Source in 2006 (in Curies)

Equipment Calibration: 

Area 23 Building 650 0.0000225

Evaporation from Water Sources:

Area 12 E Tunnel Ponds 9.8

Area 5 Sewage Lagoon 0.0003

Evaporation/Transpiration from Soil/Vegetation:

Area 3 RWMS 54

Area 5 RWMS 19

Area 10 Sedan 85

Area 20 Schooner 77

Total 245

29.4%

11.8% 58.8%

0.1%

Dose from cosmic and

terrestrial radiation measured

at Indian Springs,

100 mrem/y

Dose from natural

radionuclides in body,

40 mrem/yr

Dose from inhalation of

decay product from natural

radon, 200 mrem/yr

Dose from calculated NTS

emissions and consumption

of wildlife, 0.32 mrem/yr

Percents of Total Dose to the Public from Natural Background Sources and from the NTS
 

 13

To monitor the diffuse onsite NTS radioactive emissions, a 

network of 19 air sampling stations and a network of 

109 thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used 

(see map on page 14). Air sampling stations and TLDs 

are located throughout the NTS, mainly within those 

numbered Operational Areas where historic nuclear testing 

has occurred or where current radiological operations 

occur.

Several human-made radionuclides were measured at air 

sampling stations at levels above their MDCs in 2006: 

241Am, 3

H, 238Pu, and 239+240Pu. The highest mean level of 241Am was detected at Bunker 9-300 in Area 9, a vacant 

building located within an area of known soil contamination from past nuclear tests. The highest mean level of 

tritium was detected at Schooner, site of the second-highest-yield Plowshare cratering experiment on the NTS where 

tritium-infused ejecta surrounds the crater. The highest mean levels of plutonium isotopes in air were at 

Bunker 9-300. Uranium isotopes were also detected in air samples collected in areas where depleted uranium 

ordnance has been used or tested. However, the samples’ isotopic ratios were what one would expect from 

naturally-occurring uranium in soil and not from either man-made depleted or enriched uranium. 

Both 239+240Pu and tritium 

concentrations in NTS air 

samples continue to decline. 

Tritium concentrations have 

decreased since the cessation 

of testing in 1992. The 

average decline rate of tritium 

air concentrations is around 

19 percent per year across all 

locations. 

239+240Pu concentrations have 

likewise decreased; the average 

decline since 1992 ranges from 

3.4 percent for Areas 1 and 3 to 

17.2 percent for Areas 18, 19, 

and 20. The downward trends 

in plutonium concentrations are attributed to its dispersal by the wind and weathering in the soil, where it becomes 

bound to less mobile particles. 

Gross alpha and beta radioactivity was detected at all stations on the NTS. The average gross alpha activities ranged 

from 17.72 to 60.26 x 10-16; μCi/mL; the highest seen at Bunker 9-300. The average gross beta activities ranged 

from 17.76 to 21.33 x 10-15 μCi/mL; the highest seen at Sugar Bunker N, an unoccupied structure used during past 

nuclear testing, located about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) south-southwest of the Area 5 RWMC.

Direct exposure to gamma radiation is measured at 109 TLD stations on the NTS. Exposure is reported in units 

called milliroentgens (mR). The TLD detectors can measure gamma radiation from all sources, both natural 

background radiation from cosmic and terrestrial sources and radiation from man-made sources. Ten of the 

NTS TLD stations measure natural background levels. The mean level was well within average background levels 

observed in other parts of the United States of similar elevation above sea level. Background radiation varies not 

only by elevation but by the amounts of natural radioactive materials in soil and rock in different geographic regions. 

Highest Average Concentrations of 

Man-Made Radionuclides in Air Samples on the NTS

Radionuclide

CL (a)

(10-15μCi/mL)

Highest Average

Concentration

(10-15 μCi/mL)(b)

Sampler

Location

241Am 1.9 0.179 Bunker 9-300

3

H 1,500,000 360,310 Schooner

238Pu 2.1 0.018 Bunker 9-300

239+240Pu 2.0 12.02 Bunker 9-300

(a) Concentration limits established by NESHAP, in microcuries per milliliter (μCi/mL).

 

(b) The scale of concentration units for radionuclides shown in the table have been 

standardized to 10-15 μCi/mL. This scale may differ from those reported in detailed 

radionuclide-specific data tables in the NTSER.

Total Estimated NTS Radiological 

Air Emissions in 2006 (in Curies)

Tritium

(3H)

Plutonium 

(239+240Pu)

Americium

(

241Am)

245 0.29 0.047

Plutonium and americium sources are legacy sites of past 

nuclear testing on the NTS where these radionuclides are in 

surface soils that can become resuspended by wind. resuspended by wind.
 

 14

2006 NTS Air Sampling Network
 

 15

The highest estimated mean annual gamma exposure 

measured at a TLD station on the NTS was 

771 milliroentgens per year (mR/yr) at Schooner, one of 

the legacy Plowshare sites on Pahute Mesa. The lowest was 

59 mR/yr in Mercury at the fitness track. The mean annual 

gamma exposure at 17 TLD locations near the Area 3 and 

Area 5 RWMSs was 143 mR. At the 35 TLD locations near 

known legacy sites (including Schooner), it was 268 mR. 

Monitoring Offsite NTS Radiological Air Emissions by the Community 

Environmental Monitoring Program(CEMP)

An important component of the NTS radiological monitoring program is the oversight program run by the CEMP 

which is coordinated by the Desert Research Institute (DRI) of the Nevada System of Higher Education under 

contract with NNSA/NSO. It can independently confirm NTS compliance with radiological air emission and water 

quality standards offsite. Its purpose is to provide monitoring for radionuclides which may be released from the NTS. 

A network of 27 CEMP stations located in selected towns and communities of Nevada, California, and Utah near 

the NTS was operated continuously during 2006. The CEMP stations monitored gross alpha and beta radioactivity 

in airborne particulates using low-volume particulate air samplers, penetrating gamma radiation using TLDs, gamma 

radiation exposure rates using PIC detectors, and meteorological parameters using automated weather instrumentation 

(MET stations). 

No airborne radioactivity related to 

any NTS operations was detected in 

any of the CEMP samples 

during 2006. Gross alpha and gross 

beta radioactivity was detected at all 

CEMP stations at levels consistent 

with previous years, which reflect 

radioactivity from background 

radiation. No man-made 

gamma-emitting radionuclides were 

detected. Naturally-occurring 

radioactive beryllium (7Be) was 

detected in most air particulate 

samples. 

Range in Radioactivity/Radiation Levels

Measured at Offsite and Onsite Air Sampling Stations

Average Gross Alpha

(x 10-16 μCi/mL)

Average Gross Beta

(x 10-15 μCi/mL)

Offsite 

(CEMP)

Onsite

 (NSTec)

Offsite

(CEMP)

Onsite

(NSTec)

Highest 

Average 

Value

2.78

(Duckwater)

60.26

(Bunker 9-300)

2.78

(Duckwater)

21.33

(Sugar Bunker N)

Lowest 

Average 

Value

0.87

(Nyala Ranch)

17.72

(ABLE Site)

1.95

(Nyala Ranch)

17.76

(Little Feller 2N)

NTS Background Gamma Radiation

125 mR/yr – This is the background 

radiation measured at 10 TLD 

stations in areas isolated 

from past and present nuclear 

activities. 

Average Direct Background Radiation of

Selected U.S. Cities 

(Excluding Radon)

City

Elevation Above 

Sea Level 

(feet)

Radiation 

Exposure 

(mR/yr)(a)

Denver, Colorado 5,280 164.6

Wheeling, West Virginia 656 111.9

Rochester, New York 505 88.1

St. Louis, Missouri 465 87.9

Portland, Oregon 39 86.7

Los Angeles, California 292 73.6

Fort Worth, Texas 650 68.7

Richmond, Virginia 210 64.1

Tampa, Florida 3 63.7

New Orleans, Louisiana 0 63.7

(a) Source: < http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cemp/Radiation.html>

 “Radiation in Perspective,” August 1990, as accessed on 3/22/2005 06/27/2007
 

 16

2006 CEMP Air Surveillance Network

The offsite TLD and PIC results remained consistent with previous years’ background radiation levels and are well 

within average background levels observed in other parts of the United States and with the 125 mR/yr level measured 

on the NTS. The highest total annual gamma exposure measured offsite, based on the PIC detectors, was 

183.08 mR/yr at Milford, Utah (at 4,957 feet elevation). The lowest offsite rate, based on the PIC detectors, was 

72.27 mR/yr at Pahrump, Nevada (at 2,675 feet elevation).

Average Direct Radiation

 Measured in 2006 

 Location

Elevation Above 

Sea Level 

(feet)

Radiation 

Exposure 

(mR/yr)

NTS - Schooner TLD station 5,660 771

NTS - 35 Legacy Site TLD stations 3,077 – 5,938 268

Milford, Utah PIC station 4,900 183

Twin Springs, Nevada PIC station 5,055 171

NTS - 17 Waste Operation TLD stations 3,176 – 4,021 143

NTS - 10 Background TLD stations 2,755 – 5,938 125

St. George, Utah PIC station 2,600 81

Pahrump, Nevada PIC station 2,550 72

NTS Mercury Fitness Track TLD station 3,769 59
 

 17

2006 CEMP Water Monitoring Locations

Offsite Radiological Monitoring of Groundwater 

The comprehensive radiological environmental monitoring program off the NTS includes sampling and analysis 

of groundwater and natural springs to determine if groundwater contamination from past nuclear testing poses a 

current threat to public health and the environment. 

In 2006, NSTec conducted radiological monitoring of 16 offsite wells and 7 offsite springs. The wells included 

3 private domestic wells, 3 local community wells, and 10 NNSA/NSO wells drilled for hydrogeologic 

investigations including groundwater flow modeling. All of the NSTec-sampled wells and springs are in Nevada 

within 35 miles from the western and southern borders of the NTS (see map on page 18). 

The DRI, through the CEMP, is tasked by NNSA/NSO to provide independent verification of the tritium 

concentrations in some of the offsite groundwater wells, municipal water supply systems, and springs used for 

water supplies in areas surrounding the NTS. Samples collected by DRI provide a comparison to the results 

obtained by NSTec. In 2006, the CEMP offsite water sampling locations included 20 wells, 3 surface water supply 

systems, and 4 springs located in selected towns and communities within 240 miles from the NTS. Only one site, 

the Beatty Water and Sewer well, was sampled by both NSTec and CEMP. 

Tritium is the sole radionuclide for which CEMP water sample analyses are run. 

Tritium is the radionuclide created in the greatest quantities in underground nuclear 

tests and is widely believed to be the most mobile. NSTec offsite water samples were 

also analyzed for man-made gamma-emitting radionuclides which, if found, would 

signify contamination from nuclear testing. NSTec also monitored gross alpha and 

gross beta activity to determine if they are increasing over time at any well or spring. 

20,000 pCi/L – This is the 

EPA-established maximum 

concentration limit for 

tritium in drinking water. 
 

 18

2006 NSTec Water Monitoring Locations
 

 19

None of the offsite springs or the offsite public or domestic water supply 

systems/wells monitored by NSTec or the CEMP had levels of tritium 

significantly above detection limits. Measured tritium levels from the 

CEMP-monitored wells ranged from -12.9 to 12.9 picocuries per liter 

(pCi/L). For the CEMP-monitored springs and surface waters, they ranged 

from 0 to 35.4 pCi/L. As in previous years, samples from Boulder City 

and Henderson municipal water supplies contained tritium at levels above 

detection. These two municipal water systems obtain water from Lake 

Mead, which has documented levels of residual tritium persisting in the 

environment that originated from global atmospheric nuclear testing.

Measured tritium levels in the NSTec-monitored drinking water 

wells ranged from -24 to 13 pCi/L. For the seven offsite springs 

they ranged from 2.0 to 16 pCi/L. None of the offsite public 

or domestic water supply wells had levels of tritium above their 

detection limits, except the School Well in Amargosa Valley. This 

well had one duplicate sample for tritium of 23 pCi/L which was 

above detection limits, but a duplicate sample collected on the same 

date had 13 pCi/L of tritium which was below detection limits. 

Most all of the NSTec-monitored offsite well and spring samples 

contained detectable gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity. All 

but one of the samples were less than the EPA drinking water limit for gross alpha. This exception was the spring 

at Spicer Ranch where the measured gross alpha activity was 16 pCi/L, slightly above the EPA limit of 15 pCi/L. 

None of the gross beta measures exceeded the EPA drinking water levels of concern. The measurable gross alpha 

and gross beta radioactivity is likely from natural sources. 

Onsite Radiological Monitoring of Water

Radioactivity in onsite groundwater and surface waters of the NTS is monitored annually in order to (1) ensure that 

NTS drinking water is safe, (2) determine if permitted facilities on the NTS are in compliance with permit discharge 

limits for radionuclides, (3) estimate radiological dose to onsite wildlife using natural and man-made water sources, 

and (4) determine if groundwater is being protected from disposed radioactive wastes at the Area 3 and Area 5 

RWMSs. In 2006, the onsite water monitoring network included 3 natural springs, 10 water supply wells (6 drinking 

water wells and 4 non-potable water wells), 18 monitoring wells, 1 tritiated water containment pond system, and 2 

sewage lagoons (see map on page 18). 

Water Supply Wells 

The 2006 data continue to indicate that underground nuclear testing has not impacted the NTS water supply 

network. None of the drinking water wells had non-detectable concentrations of tritium. Wells UE-16D and 

WW C1 (both non-potable water supply wells) had water samples that measured 13 and 14 pCi/L, respectively, 

both slightly above their MDCs, yet the duplicate water samples collected at the same time from these wells 

had undetectable levels of tritium. All of the water samples from the ten supply wells had non-detectable 

concentrations of man-made gamma-emitting radionuclides. Gross alpha and beta radioactivity was detected in 

most all of the water supply wells and is attributed to the presence of naturally-occurring radionuclides, and all 

levels were below drinking water limits.

 No offsite springs, surface water 

supplies, or wells had levels of 

tritium significantly above detection 

levels. 

 35 pCi/L – This was the highest level of 

tritium measured in any offsite 

water sample. f

No gamma-emitting radionuclides were

detected in any of the NSTec-monitored 

offsite wells or springs. 

Gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity 

was below drinking water standards 

in all potable water sources. The 

radioactivity is most likely from 

natural sources and the levels show no 

increasing trend.
 

 20

Monitoring Wells

Some migration of radionuclides from the underground test areas to 

monitoring wells sampled annually on the NTS has probably occurred, 

although the migration distances appear to be very short. Four of the

15 onsite monitoring wells sampled in 2006 (PM-1, UE-7NS, WW A, 

and ER-20-2 #1) had detectable concentrations of tritium ranging from 12 to 484 pCi/L, all well below the drinking 

water limit of 20,000 pCi/L. The first three wells are all located within 0.6 miles of an historical underground nuclear 

test; all have consistently had detectable levels of tritium in past years, and no trend of rising tritium concentrations in 

these wells have been observed since 2000. Well ER-20-2 #1 had 12 pCi/L, just above its MDC and it is not near an 

historical underground nuclear test. 

No man-made radionuclides were detected by gamma spectroscopy analyses at concentrations above detection limits 

in any of the NTS monitoring wells in 2006. Most onsite monitoring wells had gross alpha and gross beta levels 

above detection limits. One onsite monitoring well (U-19BH) had gross alpha levels above the EPA drinking water 

limit, but this well does not supply drinking water. The radioactivity is most likely from natural sources. 

Containment Ponds

Five constructed basins collect and hold water 

discharged from E Tunnel in Area 12 where 

nuclear testing was conducted in the past. 

The water is perched groundwater that has 

percolated through fractures in the tunnel 

system. Monitoring of the effluent waters 

from E Tunnel is conducted to determine

if radionuclides or nonradiological 

contaminants exceed the allowable contaminant levels regulated under a state water pollution control permit. Tritium 

concentrations in tunnel effluent waters in 2006 were lower than the permit limit. The E Tunnel containment ponds 

are fenced and posted with radiological warning signs. Given that the ponds are available to wildlife, game animals 

were sampled to assess the potential radiological dose to humans via ingestion of game animals exposed to these 

ponds and to evaluate the radiological impacts to wildlife. 

Tritiated water is also pumped into lined sumps during studies conducted by the UGTA Project. To characterize the 

groundwater regime under the NTS, suitable additional wells are being drilled and existing wells recompleted in the 

vicinity of certain underground tests and at other locations on the NTS. If the tritium level exceeds 200,000 pCi/L 

during these drilling operations, contaminated water is pumped from the wells and diverted to lined containment 

ponds, as required by the state. In 2006, the UGTA Project did not conduct any studies of wells with high tritium 

concentrations and no lined sumps were needed. 

Permitted Sewage Lagoons

Two permitted sewage lagoons (Area 6 Yucca and Area 23 Mercury) are sampled annually and analyzed for tritium. 

As during previous years, no tritium was detected in the lagoon water samples and no man-made gamma-emitting 

radionuclides were detected during 2006.

Monitoring Results for E Tunnel Effluent Waters 

Pertaining to Water Pollution Control Permit NEV 96021

Parameter

State Water Pollution 

Control Permit Limit 

(pCi/L)

Average Measured 

Concentration

(pCi/L)

Tritium 1,000,000 604,000

Gross Alpha 35 16.8

Gross Beta 100 50.8

Nuclear testing has not impacted 

NTS drinking water wells.
 

 21

Nonradiological Air Emissions at the NTS 

Air quality was monitored on the NTS throughout the year as required by state of Nevada permits for operations that 

release criteria air pollutants, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), or toxic and hazardous chemicals. Common sources 

of air emissions on the NTS include particulates from construction, aggregate production, surface disturbances, fugitive dust from driving on unpaved roads, fuel-burning equipment, open burning, fuel storage facilities, detonations 

conducted at the BEEF, and chemical release tests conducted at the 

NPTEC on Frenchman Flat playa in Area 5. The NTS has been issued 

a Class II air permit by the state of Nevada. Class II permits are issued 

to facilities which emit small quantities of air pollutants within a year 

(less than 100 tons of each criteria air pollutant, or 10 tons of any one 

HAP, or 25 tons of any combination of HAPs).

An estimated 4.57 tons of criteria air pollutants were released on the NTS in 2006. The majority of these emissions 

(2.02 tons) were from NOx. Total air emissions of lead, also a criteria pollutant, were 13.32 pounds. The quantity 

of HAPs released in 2006 was 1.87 tons. No emission limits for any criteria air pollutants or HAPs were exceeded. 

In 2006, performance emission tests were conducted for four NTS generators. One of the generators (the JASPER 

generator) exceeded its emission limits set by the air permit and was shut down. 

In 2006, 4 chemical tests consisting of 

40 releases were conducted at the Area 5 

NPTEC. One chemical test that included nine 

releases was conducted at the Area 26 Port 

Gaston facility under the NTS air permit 

site-wide releases system. In accordance 

with the requirements of the NTS air quality 

operating permit for the NPTEC, an annual 

report of the types and amounts of chemicals 

released and the test plans and final analysis 

reports for each chemical release were submitted 

to the state. Based on the low level of risk each 

test posed to the environment and biota, no 

test-specific ecological monitoring was 

performed. 

Nonradiological Drinking Water Quality at the NTS 

NNSA/NSO operates a network of six permitted wells that comprise three permitted public water systems on 

the NTS which supply the potable water needs of NTS workers and visitors. For work locations at the NTS that 

are not part of a public water system, NNSA/NSO hauls potable water for use in decontamination and sanitation. 

Monitoring results for 2006 indicated that water samples from the three public water systems and from the potable 

water hauling trucks met the National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Standards with one exception. The 

Area 12 water system exceeded the action level for lead (0.037 milligrams per liter [mg/L]; with action level of 

0.015 mg/L). The high level is attributed to the camp’s inactivity and resultant lack of flushing within the service 

lines. In September 2006, this public water system was reclassified to a non-community transient system.

Calculated Tons of Emissions

Criteria Air Pollutant Actual PTE(b)

Particulate Matter (PM10)(a) 0.69 23.98

Carbon Monoxide (CO) 0.43 14.04

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 2.02 20.96

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 0.03 6.13

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) 1.40 16.11

Totals 4.57 81.22

(a) Particulate matter equal to or less than 10 microns in diameter

(b) Potential to Emit - the quantity of criteria pollutant that each facility

piece of equipment would emit annually if it were operated for the 

maximum number of hours at the maximum production rate specified in 

the air permit 

There were no discharges of nonradiological hazardous materials 

in air or water from the NTS to 

offsite areas in 2006. 
 

 22

Nonradiological Discharges into Water at the NTS

In 2006, industrial discharges on the NTS were limited to two operating sewage lagoon systems: Area 6 Yucca Lake 

and Area 23 Mercury systems. Under the conditions of state of Nevada operating permits, liquid discharges to these 

sewage lagoons are tested quarterly for biochemical oxygen demand, pH, and total suspended solids. Sewage lagoon 

pond waters are sampled annually for a suite of toxic chemicals. Quarterly and annual analyses of sewage influent and 

of pond waters, respectively, showed that all water measurements were within permit limits (often below detection 

levels) with one exception. One measure of 5-day Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) Mean Daily Load was 

exceeded at the Area 23 Mercury lagoons in the second quarter. The lagoon waters were resampled and BOD5 levels 

were found to be below permit limits and remained so for the remainder of the calendar year.

There are no liquid discharges from the NTS into navigable waters, offsite surface water drainage systems, or publicly 

owned treatment works. 

 

Nonradiological Emissions into Air and Discharges into Water at Satellite 

Facilities

Like the NTS, the North Las Vegas Facility (NLVF) and Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL)-Nellis are regulated for 

the emission of criteria pollutants and HAPs. Air quality operating permits are maintained for a variety of equipment 

at these facilities. There are no monitoring requirements associated with these permits. The combined quantity of 

criteria air pollutants and HAPs emitted at the NLVF in 2006 was 0.351 tons, ranging from 0.001 tons for HAPS 

to 0.237 tons for nitrogen oxides. At RSL-Nellis, the total estimated quantities of criteria air pollutants and HAPs 

emitted in 2006 is 0.383 tons. Natural gas consumption at RSL-Nellis in 2006 was 3,213,100 cubic feet. Natural gas 

consumption is reported as a requirement of the RSL-Nellis air permit. 

Water discharges at the NLVF were regulated in 2006 by a permit with the City of North Las Vegas (CNLV) for 

sewer discharges, two temporary state-issued National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge 

permits, and an EPA-issued NPDES discharge permit which replaced the temporary permits. The final EPA 

NPDES authorizes the discharge of pumped groundwater into the Las Vegas Wash via the CNLV storm drain 

system. The NPDES permits were obtained for a groundwater characterization and dewatering project at the facility. 

Self-monitoring and reporting of the levels of nonradiological contaminants in sewage and industrial outfalls are 

conducted. At the NLVF in 2006, contaminant measurements were below permit limits except in water samples 

from two outfalls where total dissolved solids (TDS) exceeded permit limits. In response, a Salinity Control Plan was 

written and submitted to the CNLV. The CNLV conducted an annual inspection in November 2006 that resulted in 

no findings or corrective actions. Discharges of wastewater from 

RSL-Nellis are required to meet permit limits set by the Clark County 

Water Reclamation District. All wastewater outfall samples at 

RSL-Nellis in 2006 were below permit limits.

Accidental or Unplanned Environmental 

Releases or Occurrences

In 2006, there were no reportable accidental or unplanned 

environmental releases or occurrence on the NTS or at any of the 

NTS satellite facilities. 

North Las Vegas Facilty (source: NSTec Facility 

Data Warehouse, September 2006)
 

 23

Overall Compliance with Environmental Laws, Regulations, and Policies

The 2006 NTSER lists and discusses the many applicable environmental drivers (laws, regulations, and policies) which 

govern the protection of the public and the environment during the conduct of NTS missions. The compliance status 

with these federal laws, state laws, regulations, and policies are reported in Chapter 2 of the NTSER in detail. For this 

summary report, the major categories of these drivers are listed below. Where compliance for a category is not 

100 percent, the noncompliance incidents are noted. 

Other Significant 2006 Environmental Accomplishments 

Environmental Restoration 

The cleanup of sites contaminated by past DOE operations and the hydrogeological investigations supporting 

characterization of underground nuclear contamination areas are the most significant environmental work 

performed by NNSA/NSO each year. The DOE, U.S. Department of Defense, and the State of Nevada Division 

of Environmental Protection identify a work scope and milestone schedule for the cleanup and safe closure of the 

contaminated above-ground sites and for the field investigations and model development necessary to characterize the 

underground sites. A total of 339 contaminated above-ground sites was closed safely in 2006. These above-ground 

sites consist of facilities and land, such as the Test Cell A Facility, and are referred to as Industrial Sites. In addition 

to the Industrial Sites closures, extensive progress was made toward the development of hydrologic models describing 

groundwater flow and possible radionuclide transport from the primary underground sites into the groundwater 

underlying public lands outside the boundaries of the NTS. This involved the completion of groundwater flow 

models for CAU 98 (Frenchman Flat) and CAUs 101 and 102 (central and western Pahute Mesa) (see figure 

on page 6).

Environmental Compliance Summary for the NTS in 2006

Category Noncompliance Incidents

Air Quality Three pieces of equipment failed their performance emissions test and 

were shut down.

Water Quality and Protection Limits for lead were exceeded in Area 12 public water system. 

Limits for TDS were exceeded in sewage outfalls at NLVF.

Radiation Dose Protection None

Radioactive and Nonradioactive Waste 

Management and Environmental Restoration None

Hazardous Materials Control and Management None

Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization

One Executive Order 13101 goal, to have 100 percent of purchases of 

items from the EPA-designated list contain recycled materials at the 

specified minimum content, was not met. The percentage of such 

purchases in 2006 was 73 percent. 

Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource 

Protection None

Conservation and Protection of Biota and 

Wildlife Habitat

Four accidental bird deaths attributable to NTS activities (e.g., roadkill);

deaths included 3 species protected as migratory birds. 
 

 24

Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization 

Pollution prevention and waste minimization (P2/WM) activities on the NTS result in reductions to the volume 

and/or toxicity of waste generated onsite. A reduction of 164 tons of hazardous wastes was realized in 2006. The 

largest volume of hazardous waste reduction came from shipments of bulk used oil (108 tons) and lead acid batteries 

(38 tons) to offsite vendors for recycling. In 2006, NSTec bought three refrigerant recycling machines and recycled 

0.6 mtons (0.66 tons) of refrigerant.

 

A reduction of 883 tons of solid wastes was realized in 2006. The largest proportion of solid waste reductions came 

from offsite shipments of 593 tons of scrap ferrous metal and 170 tons of mixed paper and cardboard to offsite 

vendors for recycling and shipment of 74 tons of food wastes from the NTS cafeterias to a local pig farm. 

NNSA/NSO received two NNSA Environmental Stewardship Awards (ESAs) and two NNSA Best-In-Class 

Awards for pollution prevention (P2) activities in 2006. The BEEF, operated by the Lawrence Livermore National 

Laboratory, won an ESA for incorporating P2/WM practices into the facility design and daily operating procedures. 

NSTec’s Information Services Personal Computer Leasing Group was awarded the second ESA for developing 

an electronics stewardship program that promotes environmentally responsible management of leased computers 

(from Dell Corporation) and company-owned computers. One NNSA Best-In-Class Award recognized the efforts 

of Stoller-Navarro Joint Venture for fully integrating EMS into their infrastructure and culture. The second NNSA 

Best-In-Class Award went to the NSTec Advanced Monitoring Systems Initiative Program for developing an 

automated, universal platform for using analytical sensors in the field to monitor environmental contaminants, which 

is cost-efficient and energy-efficient. 

Waste Management 

In 2006, the secondary sewage lagoon in Area 23 was lined with a geosynthetic clay and high-density polyethylene 

liners. The Area 23 sewage lagoon system is now a fully contained basin. 

Ecological Monitoring

In 2006, biologists conducted surveys for 21 NTS projects within 

habitat of the threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). No 

tortoises were accidentally injured or killed, nor were any found, 

captured, or displaced from project sites. Numerous field surveys 

for important plants and animals were conducted on the NTS in 

2006. They include species protected or managed under state or 

federal regulations, those listed on the Nevada Natural Heritage 

Program’s Nevada At-Risk Plant and Lichen Tracking List and the 

At-Risk Animal Tracking List, and bats listed as being at risk under 

the Nevada Bat Conservation Plan. One new plant population of 

rock purpusia (Ivesia arizonica var. saxosa) was found. The western 

red-tailed skink (Eumeces gilberti rubricaudatus) was trapped from six 

new locations. Western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) 

were also trapped at six new locations. A common black-hawk 

(Buteogallus anthracinus) was observed for the first time on the NTS. 

A West Nile Virus sampling program on the NTS continued in 2006 with guidance from the Clark County Health 

District. Biologists conducted 14 trapping sessions at 8 sites on the NTS. A total of 111 mosquitoes representing 

6 species was collected. One Culiseta inornata mosquito tested positive for the virus, but the test result is suspected to 

be false. Six injured hawks from the NTS tested negative for the virus. 

Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), protected as 

a threatened species by the Endangered Species 

Act (photo by Paul Greger, June 1994) 
 

 25

Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Management

The National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to identify and maintain the integrity of historic 

properties under their jurisdiction. Historic properties are cultural resources that have been determined eligible to the 

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) through consultation between the NNSA/NSO and the Nevada State 

Historic Preservation Office. DRI archeologists conducted two field projects in 2006 to meet this requirement. One 

project focused on 10 sites that were temporary American Indian camps and lithic tool manufacturing areas. The 

second was at Cane Spring. All of the sites were in a very good state of preservation. 

DRI archeologists examined a total of 140.2 hectares (346.7 acres) on the NTS in 2006 and found three prehistoric 

sites, two isolated features, and seven isolated artifacts. None of the sites, however, met the criteria for eligibility of the 

NRHP. Evaluations of three NTS historic structures were conducted in 2006 and one structure, the U12b Tunnel 

complex, has been determined eligible to the NRHP; the review and determinations for the other two are pending. 

The NTS Archaeological Collection currently contains over 400,000 artifacts. Any new additions to the NTS 

collection continue to be inventoried and the inventory list is provided to the NTS-affiliated American Indian tribes. 

All artifacts which the tribes have requested have been repatriated to them. Known locations of American Indian 

human remains at the NTS continued to be protected from NTS activities in 2006. 

All consultations between NNSA/NSO and the tribes occurs through the Consolidated Group of Tribes and 

Organizations (CGTO) comprised of 16 groups of Southern Paiute, Western Shoshone, and Owens Valley PaiuteShoshone, along with the Las Vegas Indian Center, a Pan-Indian organization. In 2006, the CGTO tribal groups were 

consulted regarding the proposed Divine Strake test, and work with the CGTO continued on the American Indian 

exhibit at the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas.
For more information, contact:

U.S. Department of Energy

National Nuclear Security Administration

Nevada Site Office

Office of Public Affairs

P.O. Box 98518

Las Vegas, NV 89193-8518

phone: 702-295-3521

fax: 702-295-0154

email: nevada@nv.doe.gov

http://www.nv.doe.gov