I - -. . 

P 

NVO-410-22 

~ ENVIRONMENTAL 

AT THE NEVADA TEST SITE $iqJuli, 1967 through June, 1968 

REYNOLDS ELECTRICAL & ENGINEERING CO., INC. 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114 

PREPARED FOR THE U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION, 

NEVADA OPERATIONS OFFICE UNDER CONTRACT NO. AT(26-l)-410 
IWO-410-22 

ELNVIRONMEXJTAL R4DIOACTIVITY 

AT THE 

NEVADA TEST SITE 

my 1967 THROUGH&E 1968 

by 

The Staff of 

The Environmental Surveillance 

Group 

ENVIRO?XMZNTAL, SCIENCES DEPARTWIENT 

TECHNI!XL AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION 

REYNOLDS ELExXBICAL AND J3NGINEERING CO., INC. 
hi.-- _ ., 

. : 

__. 

The Environmental Surveillance group of the Radiological Sciences Department 

collected all samp,es, p repared the initial text tind provided technica! guidance during the final preparation of the report. Laboratory analysis was performed by the Department's Laboratory Operations group. The Reports Coordination group prepared the various figures, edited the text, and coordinated 

the final ,preparation of the report. 

iii 
AASTRACT 

This report swnmarizes the data obtained from periodic environmental 

surveys at the Nevada Test Site (WI'S) from July, 1967 through June, 

1968. 

The Environmental Surveillance group performed routine and special 

surveys of the NTS. Samples of potable water were collected for 

laboratory1 analysis from living quarters, administrative facilities, 

and cafeterias. Additionally, samples of water from waste ponds, 

sewage basins, reservoirs, springs, and wells were collected on a 

routine basis to determine ambient levels of radioactivity or any 

changes of radioactivity. Air samples were also routinely collected 

at selected locations throughout NT’S for the same purpose as for water 

samples. Soil and vegetation samples were collected to provide information for assessing trends in the distribution of fallout radioactivity 

levels. 

All environmental samples, except soil and vegetation, were analyzed 

routinely for gross beta radioactivity, and selected samples were 

additionally analyzed for plutonium alpha activity. Soil and vegetation samples were routinely analyzed for gross gamma radioactivity. 

Significant increases or changes in the radioactivity levels of these 

samples were reported to the appropriate field monitoring groups for 

investigation and remedial action. All sample results are permanently 

maintained by the 'Environmental Surveillance group for record purposes 

and for comparison with previous results to determine trends and correlations where feasible. 

V 
Section 

Legai Notice 

Acknowledgements 

List of Figures 

List of Tables 

Introduction 

1 Air Sampling 

2 Water Sampling 

3 Background Radiation Measurements 

4 Soil and Vegetation Sam;?ling 

Appendix 

A Statistical Treatment of Data 

Page 

ii 

iV 

V 

viii 

2 

5 

11 

13 

76 

vii 
LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 

1 NTS Environmental Surveillance Air Sampling 

Locations 

Page 

16 

2 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

from July, 1967 through June, 1968; Air Sampling 19 

3 : Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in NTS 

Environmental Air Sampling Station Locations from 

July, 1967 through June, 1968 21 

4 NTS Environmental Surveillance Potable Water 

Sampling Locations 23 

5 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

in Potable Water Samples from July, 1967 through 

June, 1968 26 

6 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NTS Environmental Potable Water Sampling Locations 

from July, 1967 through June, 1968 28 

NTS Environmental Surveillance Natural Springs 

Sampling Locations 30 

Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

in Natural Springs Water Samples from July, 1967 

through June, 1968 32 

Mean's and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at NTS 

Environmental Natural Springs Sampling Locations from 

July, 1967 through June, 1968 34 

iVI'S Environmental Surveillance Open Reservoirs Sampling 

Locations 36 

Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in 

Open Reservoir Samples from July, 1967 through June, 1968 38 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at JYK3 

Environmental Open Reservoir Sampling Locations from 

July, 1967 through June, 1968 40 

NTS Environmental Surveillance Supply Well Sampling 

l.;lcations 42 

Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in 

Supply Well Samples from July, 1967 through June, 1968 44 
Figure Page 

15 

16 

17 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

‘_._ -. --. 

Means and Ranges of GROSS Beta Radioactivity at 

NTS Environmental Supply Well Sampling Locations 

from July, 1967 through June, 1968 46 

NTS Environmental Surveillance Final Effluent 

Pond Sampling Locations 

NTS Environmental Surveillance Miscellaneous Water 

Sampling Locations 

48 

50 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity from 

July, 1967 through June, 1968; Miscellaneous Water 

Sampling Locations 52 

NTS Environmental Surveillance Ionization Chamber 

Sampling Locations 54 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period July, 1967 through 

April, 1968 for Area 3 (North of Cafeteria); Ionization 

Chambers - Victoreen Model 239 57 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period August, 1967 

through April, 1968 for Area 5 (West of Well 5B); 

Ionization Chambers - Victoreen Model 239 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period, July, 1967 through 

April, 1968 for Area 6 (North of Icehouse); Ionization 

Chambers - Victoreen Model 239 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period July, 1967 through 

April, 1968 for Area 12 (East of Dispensary); Ionization 

Chambers - Victoreen Model 239 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period August, 1967 through 

April, 1968 for Area 18 (Heliport); Ionization,Chambers - 

Victoreen Model 239 

58 

59 

60 

61 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period August, 1967 through 

April, 1968 for Area 20 (South of Dispensary); Ionization 

Chambers - Victoreen Model 239 62 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period July, 1967 through 

Apri, , 1968 for Area 2j.(South of Dispensary); Ionization 

Chambers - Victoreen Model 2% 63 

Weekly Exposure Readings for Period July, 1967 through 

April, 1968 for Area 27 (Security Gate 561); Ionization 

Chambers - Victoreen Model 239 64 

xi 
Figure Page 

?,8 NTS Environmenta? SurTei!?ance Soil and Vegetation 

Sampling Locations 66 

29 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity 

at NT'S Vegetation Samplinp Lcjcatidns from July, 1967 

through June, 1968 68 

30 Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity at 

NTS Vegetation Sampling ilocations from July, 1967 

: through June, 1968 70 

31 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity 

in NT'S Soil Samples from July, 1967 through June, 1968 73 

32 Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity at NTS 

Soil Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 

I 968 75 

xiii 
LIST OF TABLES 

Page 

15 

Table 

1 NT'S Environmental Surveillance Air Sampling 

Station Locations 

Sampling Period Means and Ranges of Gross 

Beta Radioactivity in Environmental Air 

Samples from NTS; July, 1967 through 

June, 1968 

2 

17 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NT'S Environmental Air Sampling Station Locations 

from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

3 

20 

22 

Environmental Surveillance Potable Water Sampling 

Station Locations 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NT'S Environmental Sampling Locations from July, 

1967 through June, 1968 24 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NTS Environmental Potable Water Sampling Station 

Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

6 

?7 

29 

Environmental Surveillance Natural Springs Sampling 

Station Locations 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NTS Environmental Natural Springs S<ampling Station 

Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 31 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NT'S Natural Springs Water Sampling Station Locations 

from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

9 

33 

35 

Environmental Surveillance Open Reservoir Sampling 

Station Locations 

10 

11 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

at Environmental Open Reservoir Sampling Station 

Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 37 

Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NT'S Open Reservoir Water Sampling Station Locations 

from July, I 967 through June, 1968 

12 

39 

41 

Environmental Surveillance Supply Wells Sampling 

Station Locations 

13 

xv 
Table Page 

14 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

in Supply Wells Samples from July, 1967 through June, 

1968 

15 Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at NTS 

Supply Wells Water Sampling Station Locations from 

July, 1967 through June, 1968 

16 Environmental Surveillance Final Effluent Sampling 

Station Locations 

17 Environmental Surveillance Miscellaneous Water 

Sampling Station Locations 

18 Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at 

NTS Miscellaneous Water Sampling Station Locations 

from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

19 Environmental Surveillance Ionization Chamber 

.Sampling Station Locations 

20 Summary of Background Radiation Measurements (mR/day) 

21 Environmental Surveillance Vegetation Sampling Locations 

22 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity 

at NTS Vegetation Sampling Locations from July, 1967 

through June, 1968 

23 Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity at NTS 

Vegetation Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through 

June; 1968 

24 Environmental Surveillance Soil Sampling Locations 71 

25 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity 

in NT'S Soil Samples from July, 1967 through June, 

1968 

26 Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity at NTS 

Soil Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 

1968 

43 

45 

47 

49 

51 

53 

55 

65 

67 

69 

72 

74 

xvii 
INTRODUCTION 

This report contains a summary of the.data obtained concerning 

the radiological conditions in the environment of the Nevada 

Test (NTS), performed under contract to the AEC by the Radiological Sciences Department of the Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc. 

The Environmental Surveillance Group performs routine and special surveys of the NTS. Samples of air and water are collected 

for laboratory analysis from living quarters, administrative 

buildings, and cafeterias. Additionally, samples of water from 

waste ponds, sewage basins, reservoirs, springs, and wells are 

collected on a routine basis to determine normal levels of radioactivity or any change of radioactivity. Air samples are also 

routinely collected at selected locations throughout NTS for the 

same purpose as for water samples. This report also contains a 

summary of the data obtained from the first year's collection 

of soil and vegetation samples from selected locations within 

the J!JTS. 

All environmental samples are analyzed routinely for gross beta 

radioactivity, and selected samples are additionally analyzed 

for plutonium alpha activity. Significant increases or changes 

in the radioactivity levels of these samples are reported to 

the appropriate field monitoring groups for investigation and 

remedial action. All sample results are kept by the Environmental 

Surveillance Group for record purposes and for comparison with 

previous results to determine trends and correlations where feasible. 

This report presents the data derived from the sampling program 

for the period July, 1967 through June, 1968. 
SECTION 1 

'AIR SAMPLING 

1.1 Introduction 

The Environmental Surveillance group maintains low-volume, 

continuously-operating air samples at 22 permanent locations (Figure 1 and Table 1) situated to provide monitoring of the particulate airborne radioactivity within the 

Nevada Test Site (NTS) boundaries. 

1.2 Description of Equipment 

The sampling equipment used consists of a positive displacement Gast pump that pulls air through a 4" (Whatman 41) 

filter paper mounted in a disposable plastic filter head. A 

dry gas meter is utilized to measure the total volume of 

displaced air over a period of seven days. The total volume 

of air sampled durin 

approximately 1 x IO 3 

a regular seven day sampling period is 

cubic meters. The flow rate of air 

through the filter is maintained at approximately four cubic 

feet per minute. 

1.3 Counting Procedures 

All collected air samples were held in storage for at least 

five days before counting. This time interval allowed the 

naturally occurring radon and thoron daughters to decay to 

insignificant levels. Air samples were analyzed for gross 

alpha and beta using a Beckman WIDE-BETA II gas proportional 

system having an efficiency (the ratio of observed counts to 

known disintegrations) of 30.9% for alpha and 52.4% for beta. 

This system replaces the Nuclear Chicago ULTRASCALER which 

was used previously. Background counts for alpha and beta 

on the WIDE-BETA II system were,determined by counting for 

100 minutes each. A Baird Atomic SPECTROMETER was used for 

determination of gross gamma activity. If the activity for 

gamma was such that the apparent 20 counting error was less 

than 50%, then the sample was transferred to a 400-channel 

gamma-spectrum analyzer to qualitatively determine the contributing radionuclides. 

Sample activity results, reported by the Radiological Measurements Laboratory, were compared with an established "alert 

level". The determination of the alert level is based on the 

concentrations guides of unknown radionuclides in air for a 

period of 168 hours (CG) as outlined in USAEC manual chapter 

0524. The alert level for beta activity has been maintained 

at 1.0 x lO-11 pCi./cc of air after a five day decay period and at 

-2- 
1.0 x 10 

-14 @i/cc for alpha activity. 

Though a sample may exceed this alert level, it does not necessarily mean that the actual CG has been exceeded. Whenever 

a sample does approach or exceed this established guide, more 

intensive sampling and more involved analyses are performed 

to determine if the high concentration is valid. 

1.4 Data Discussion 

The means and ranges of gross beta radioactivity in weekly 

collections of air samples from the 22 permanent locations 

from July, 1967 through June, I968 are tabulated in Table 2 

and plotted in Figure 2. During this fiscal year (July, 1967 

through June, 1968) t wo sample activity values exceeded the 

alert level of 1.0 x IO-" @i/cc in air. During the latter 

week of January 1968, the air sampler located at Area 1 

gravel pit (see Figure 1) recorded a value of 5.15 x IO 51 

pCi/cc. This was attributed to an event conducted in Area 

2 on January 18, 1968. The effluent cloud resulting from 

a slight venting moved in a southwesterly direction, passing 

over the Area 1 sampler and fringing the air sampler at Area 

16 which resulted in the highest recorded reading at the 

latter area 1.25 x IO-l2 @i/cc for the fiscal report period. 

The highest recorded activity value for this report period, 

3.48 x lO-1o pCi/cc, occurred after the BUGGY detonation, a 

Plowshare event, conducted in Area 30 on 3/12/68. This sample 

was collected from the Area 20, dispensary area, (Figure 1) 

for the third week in March, 1968. Also affected by the Buggy 

event was the air sampler located at stake IgC-IO (Figure 1) 

in Area 19 where the reading here was 3.60 x IO-l2 $X/cc, the 

highest recorded value for this location for the fiscal report 

period (see Figure 3). Fluctuation and trend for this fiscal: 

year followed a trend of decrease from July, 1967 until about 

the latter part of September which were periods of reduced 

testing operations. A one magnitude‘increase in activity 

values occurred during the first week in January, 1968 and 

this trend was maintained till the end of the fiscal period 

(Figure 3). This increase in activity values may be correlated 

with fallout from foreign weapons tests. Gamma spectrum analyses 

of pre-filters confirmed the presence of fission products in 

all 22 locations from the test site. 

Figure 3 and Table 3 show the plotted means and ranges for 

each of the mean values of all 22 sampling locations which 

averaged 1.56 x IO-l3 pCi/cc. This value is slightly higher than 

the mean value observed for all air samples collected over two 

previous fiscal periods which averaged 1.02 x IO-'3 @X/cc for 

fiscal year 1967 and 1.37 x IO -13 p,ci/cc for fiscal year 1966.* 

-3- 
The highest observed mean value for a sampling location was 

9.23 x 10 -I3 bCi/cc in Area 1 gravel pit, and the lowest was 

7.60 x lo-l4 @i/cc in Area 11, at Guard Station 293. The 

wide range of values encountered during this sampling period 

are shown in Table 3 and Figure 3. Greater than a factor of 

100 was usually the result of a single high or low value. 

These extreme values did not,drastically affect the mean 

values due to logarithmic transformation of the observed 

activity results. (The statistical treatment of data for 

this report is presented in Appendix A.) 

Detectable alpha activity values for air during this period 

occurred infrequently and at isolated locations. Although 

29% of the total number of air samples collected during 

this report period showed activity levels over background, 

a statistical summary of this data would not be meaningful 

because of the uncertainty associated with results uncorrected 

for self-absorption and the low activity values which result 

in a high relative 20 counting error. 

Routine gamma counting of pre-filters during the period 

commencing January, I968 indicated the presence of short 

lived gamma emitting radionuclides. Gamma spectrum and decay 

analyses of the samples during the period January through 

June, I968 indicated that origin was from,foreign weapons 

testing. Other isolated cases where the presence of short 

lived gamma emitting radionuclides were present were associated with individual test operations. In all cases, the 

presence of gamma-emitting radionuclides, as determined 

qualitatively by spectrum analysis, did not pose a health 

hazard. 

1.5 SLmlmary 

These results indicate, in general, a slight increase in 

mean values since preceding periods. This is attributed to 

the contribution of foreign weapons testing as noted in 

Figure 3 where an increase in activity values occurred in 

January, 1968. 

Results of Environmental Surveillance sampling activity values 

obviously cannot be used in calculating personnel exposure 

doses. They are instead used as an index and in the detection 

of trends, and emphasis is either sustained or shifted to 

other sample types whenever significant changes in levels are 

noted. 

*Staff report, "Environmental Radioactivity at the Nevada 

.‘Test Site, July, 1966 through June, 1967," unpublished report, 

Radiological Sciences Department, Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc., day, 1968. 

-4- 

- 
SECTION 2 

Water Sampling 

2.1 Introduction 

Water samples were collected from selected waste ponds, reservoirs, sewage basins, natural springs, wells, and potable 

water sources, such as cafeterias, swimming pools, etc., on 

a "grab sample" basis. 

2.2 Collection Methods 

Water samples were collected in one liter glass bottles on 

a weekly, monthly, and special basis depending upon the 

potential for radioactive contamination. The potable water 

samples were collected from taps at the point of consumption 

after allowing the water to run for a length of time. All 

industrial reservoir water was collected near the inlet 

points of the reservoirs, while the natural spring water 

samples were "grab" samples obtained by dipping at the surface. 

2.3 Sample Preparation 

All water samples were analyzed for gross beta and tritium 

concentrations. A 15 ml aliquot was first taken from the 

original sample in a 5 dram plastic vial and submitted to 

the counting laboratory to be gamma counted. A 1 ml sample 

was taken for tritium analysis which was performed using 

standard Liquid,scintillation counting techniques. The remaunder of the one-liter sample was evaporated to 15 ml, 

transferred to a two-inch stainless steel planchet, and 

evaporated to dryness under infra-red lamps. A wetting 

agent was added during final evaporation to provide even 

distribution of the sample on the planchet. From the 

preparation lAboratory, the samples were sent to the counting laboratory, and counted for beta. When indicated, oneliter samples of water were submitted for gsmma spectrum 

analysis. 

2.4 Counting Procedures 

All routine environmental water samples were analyzed for 

beta radioactivity by gas proportional counting. The water 

samples were analyzed by a Beckman WIDEBETA system equipped 

with an automatic sample changer. The efficiency, i.e., 

the ratio :)f observed counts to known disintegrations, on the 

WIDEBETA system, was 57% for beta. The average background 

count rate was 1.8 counts per minute for beta. 

The tritiutn analyses were performed using a Packard Tri-Carb 

-5- 
Liquid Scintillation Spectrometer with an efficiency of 

18% and an average background of I 6 counts per minute. 

2.5 Statistical Summary of Results for Water 

2.5.1 Potable Water Samples 

The statistical breakdown for potable water samples 

for fiscal year I968 was based on nine sampling 

locations ,(Table 4 and Figure 4) taken on a weekly 

basis. 

Table 5 and Figure 5 give the means and ranges for 

gross beta activity from July, 1967 through June 

1968. The means ranged from a low of 2. 

pCi/cc recorded on 5/Ig/68 to 1.95 x IO- El 

8 x IO -4 

pCi/cc 

recorded on IO/l 5/67. The maximum value for the 

year was 4.80 x IO-7 pCi/cc recorded March 25, 

1968 at the Area 20 Dispensary. This maximum 

reading recorded for the report period was primarily contributions from the BUGGY event conducted on 3/12/68. Subsequent weekly samples at 

this location showed decreasing results which 

equaled pre-BUGGY ranges of normal activity. The 

average mean for fiscal year 1968 was 6.41 x IO-9 

pCi/cc as compared with 3.77 x IO-9 pCi/cc for 

fiscal year 1967 and 6.29 x IO-9 pCi./cc for fiscal 

year 1966. The current year's value is slightly 

higher than that of last year but is still well 

below the CG level of 1.0 x IO-7 @X/cc. This 

value is based on the exposure guides in USA& 

manual chapter 0524. 

Table 6 and Figure 6 give the means and ranges for 

gross beta activity of the nine potable water sample 

locations over the fiscal period 1968. The maximum mean value for a potable water sampli 

8 

g station 

was at the Area 6 'Cafeteria at 1.11 x IO-. @i/cc. 

The wide range observed for the Area 20 Dispensary 

and Area 51 Cafeteria was a .result of a single high 

observed reading. Due to logarithmic transformation 

of data, the means were not drastically affected by 

these unique individual readings. 

With the exception of the potable water sample collected from Area 20 Dispensary on 3/25/68, all water 

samples collected during the year were well below 

the CG recommended guide level. 

-6- 
2.5.2 Natural Springs Water Samples 

The term "natural springs" encompasses most of the 

naturally occurring spring fed pools located 

within the NTS. Although these springs may be used 

infrequently as drinking water by some individuals, 

they are considered as a separate classification 

from potable water sources. In an effort to adequately cover the test site, eight sampling locations 

have been selected (Figure 7 and Table 7). All of 

these stations were sampled once a month. 

Table 8 and Figure 8 show the means and ranges for 

gross beta activity over a twelve month period. 

The means ranged from 7.04 x IO-9 pCi/cc rec.orded 

in May, 1968 to 2.61 x 10B8 pCi/cc recorded in 

September, 1967. The maximum ret rded value for 

this fiscal period was 9.30 x IO- 8 pCi/cc collected 

from Area 12, Gold Meadows Pond in July, 1967. 

This location is not a natural spring in the true 

sense in that most accumulated water is a result 

of runoff. Frequent occurrences of long lived 

radionuclides in collected samples indicates translocation by runoff from a known contaminated area 

on high ground. Th 

6 

average mean for fiscal year 

1968 was 1.61 x IO- pCi/cc as compar d to 1.27 x IO 

-8 

~Ci/cc for fiscal 1967 and 1.02 x IO- 8 @i/cc for 

fiscal year 1966. (Refer to footnote at end of 

Section 1.) 

No natural springs water sample collected during fiscal 

year 1968 exceeded the concentration guide of 1.0 x IO-7 

pCi/cc. The maximum mean and ranges occurred at Gold 

Meadow Pond (Table 9 and Figure 9). This location has 

a maximum potential for contamination due to runoff and 

accumulation, test site originated fallout, and foreign 

weapons tests contamination since it is completely exposed to the atmosphere. 

2.5.3 Open Reservoir Water Samples 

Open reservoirs have been created throughout the NTS 

to furnish a ready supply of water for various industrial purposes. Eleven of these reservoirs have been 

selected as sampling locations (Figure IO and Table 10). 

The reservoir at Area 17, Well 1 which was previously 

sampled, has been eliminated from routine collections 

since the well pump was inoperative throughout this 

fiscal year. 

-7- 
Table 11 and Figure 11 give the means and ranges 

for gross beta activity over the twelve month 

period of fiscal year 1968. The means ranged from 

a low of 5.50 X 10vg $i/cc ret 

of 1967 to a high of 4.06 x IO- 8 

rded in August, 

of 1968. 

vCi/cc in March 

The maximum recorded value for this 

reporting period was 2.71 x 10-6 pCi/cc which was 

collected from Area 20, Well U20a Reservoir during 

the latter half of March 1968. This reservoir 

(see Figure IO) was in the fallout path from the 

BUGGY event conducted in Area 30 on March 12, 1968. 

Two other open reservoirs on routine collection 

I schedules also were exposed to this fallout path, 

Well Ue'lge and Uelggs reservoirs, both in Area lg. 

The former reservoirs recorded 1.04 x IO-7 $i/cc 

and the latter 3.87 x IO-7 pCi/cc. The average 

mean value for fiscal year 1968 was computed at 

x 10-8 pCi/cc which was higher than the mean for 

1.32 

fiscal year 1967 which was 8.00 x 10-g $i/cc. 

With the exception of the three reservoirs mentioned above which were in the fallout path during 

March, 1968 and the Well 4 Reservoir in Area 51 

during July, 1967, (see Figure 12 and Table 12) all 

other open reservoir water samples collected during 

fiscal year I968 were below the CG value of 

1.0 x IO-7 pCi/cc. 

2.5.4 Supply Wells Water Samples 

Thirteen supply wells were sampled on the IVI'S 

during fiscal year 1968 (Figure 13 and Table 13). 

Water from these and other wells throughout the 

Test Site is used for a variety of purposes ranging 

from sanitary water supDly to drilling mud preparation. The criteria for selecting particular wells 

to be sampled was based not only upon their potential use for human comsumption but also upon their 

value as an index for measuring the possible movement of radiation contamination in the aquifer. 

Most of these wells are located in areas where the 

movement of water in the aquifer is from known 

contaminated underground test sites. To date 

no data have been obtained that would indicate 

that the ground water at any well sampling location 

has been significantly affected by movement of 

contamination through the aquifer. 

Table 14 and Figure 14 give the means and ranges 

for gross beta activity over a years' period from 

July, 1967 through June, 1968. Samples for 

-8- 
October, 1967 were lost during laboratory analysis. 

The means of sample activity ranged from a low of 

7.77 x 10-y pCi/cc recorded in April 

high of 1.16 x 10m8 pCi/cc in Januari, 

1968 to a 

1968. The -8 

maximum sample.value for this period was 6.18 x 10 

$X/cc recorded in November, 1967 from Well Ue5c 

in Area 5. The average of all mean values computed 

for fiscal year 1968 was 1.07 x low8 $X/cc, which 

is slightly higher than the mean value 7.26 x IO-9 

pCi/cc recorded in 1967 and 1.02 x 10q8 pCi/cc recopded in fiscal year 1968. 

As mentioned previously, all sample values were well _ 

below any level of concern and did not exceed the 

CG value of 1.0 x IO-7 pCi/cc. 

2.5.5 Final Effluent Water Samples 

Four locations were sampled (Table 16 and Figure 

16), all in NTS living areas, to determine what, 

if any, levels of radioactivity were present in 

sewage . This program of monthly collections was 

terminated in April of 1967 and re-instituted as 

quarterly collections beginning in July, 1967. 

A total of 10 samples were analyzed from these 4 locations during this fiscal period. No tabular presentations were prepared due to the small sample sizes 

from each location. Available data indicates the 

lowest value to be 8.73 x IO-9 @i/cc collected in 

July, 1967 from the Area 23, 

the highest value, 4.92 x IO- 6 

inal effluent pond, and 

pCi/cc from Area 12, 

final effluent pond, collected in January, 1968. All 

other values fell within the ranges mentioned above. 

The average value for all results reported was computed to be 2.17 x 10B8 @/cc. This value is well 

below the CG value of 1.0 x IO-7 pCi/cc, even 

though it is highly unlikely that this water would 

ever be used for sanitary purposes. 

2.5.6 Miscellaneous Water Samples 

There were seven miscellaneous water sampling locations 

sampled during fiscal year 1968. Each location had some 

unique characterization that removed it from the preceding 

groups, and, because of this, each location has been 

treated separately. 

The first two areas to be discussed are the Mercury swimming pool in Area 23 and the Groom Lake swimming pool 

in Area 51. Both pools are unique in that the water 

is constantly being filtered. The swimming pot'! in 

Mercury is open to atmospheric fallout at all times, 

-Y- 
while the Swimmi ng pool at Groom Lake is enclosed, 

but dust from the outside can still be carried in 

and dispersed in the water. 

The next group of related sample locations comprises 

the permanent bodies of contaminated water located 

in Area 12 at Upper and Lower Haines Lake, at the 

Control Point (CP) decontamination pad in Area 6 

and the Laboratory sump in Area 23. The Haines 

Lakes were established as reservoirs for industrial 

water when a water source was exposed during construction of tunnel U12e (E Tunnel). This water 

source became contaminated from a test in E Tunnel 

in 1961 and also again in 1967. The waste pond in 

the CP area was constructed to contain liquid radioactive waste from the decontamdnation operations performed in the area. The Area 23 Laboratory sump is 

a receptacle for all plumbing wastes from the preparations and analyses complexes. The sump is connected 

to a network of underground perforated pipes which 

drains and leaches liquid residue collected in the 

sump. 

Papoose Lake is the only natural drainage basin outside the Test Site which is continually sampled. 

Any contamination which shows up there is the result 

of airborne surface material or atmospheric fallout 

from past atmospheric detonations. 

Table 17 and Figure 17 show the locations of the 

miscellaneous water sampling stations in relation to 

the entire test site. Table 18 and Figure 18 gives 

the means and ranges for all six locations based 

on samples collected once a month over a twelvemonth sampling period except for the CP waste pond. 

This location was sampled on a quarterly basis only. 

The wide ranges noted from the Upper and Lower Haines 

Lake's samples for this fiscal report is a result 

of periods of peak activity when copious water inflow 

tended to dilute contamination levels at the points 

of collection. Though extreme values in ranges are 

encountered, the mean for both lakes is comparable 

to values recorded for the preceding fiscal year. 

Only one sample result was reported for the quarterly 

collection at the Area 6, CP waste pond. This value 

was 3.12 x lo-7 pCi/cc. 

-1 o- 
SECTION j 

dackground Radiation Measurem+&s 

3.1 Introduction 

Background radiation measurements were obtained at weekly 

intervals from eight sample locations, an increase of th:.ee 

more locations over fiscal year, 1967. Samding commenced 

in August, 1967 for the three new additions and all background measurements were te-rminated ic April of 1968. For 

a map of these locations see Figure ?$i. Methods and procedures followed were similar to those icsed in environmental 

surveillance programs at other atomic energy sites. The 

results are similar in that the'rr-iges :c; values observed 

correlate well. 

3.2 Measurement Methods 

Background measurements were Jbtained casing Victoreen Model 

239 indirect reading ionization r'hambers. Five of these 

chambers were located in a small semi-protective enclosure 

at each location. The locations chosen were in NTS living 

areas. This particular model instrument has an effective 

range of O-IO mR. 

As a back-up for the ionization cl-itiLYJ,ZYs 9 standard XL'3 film 

dosimeters were also included in eac3 smple location. It 

is possible that, should a test, vent. hi& levels of radioactivity would be encountered bey:!_;d -,he range of tile ionization chambers. Therefore, a higher range dose-mea-lu5 ng 

device was necessary. 

3.3 Analysis Procedures 

The ionization chambers were collected on 2 weekly basis and 

read on a Victoreen Minom+-ier II reader. Corrections were 

made for background and for drift (non-radiation induced 

discharge of the chambers;. Two sets nf chambers were involved, one set being used at the sa:mp;l.e locations for measurements and another set ful'_y chaz'ged store:: ir the aboratory. Each week these sets were exchan;s2z the fresh sei 

being recharged and a record kep? sl the amoL~pL of "&ift" 

while stored in the laboratory. L ;s;8ecis11y designed shock 

proof box was used to transport the chambers to mirimize 

accidental discharge due tc: mecLaxi-::1 shock. 

-I?- 
since they probably were the result of shock or other 

malfunctions and not representative measurements. 

3.4 Measurement Results 

The statistical breakdown for the background measurements 

for fiscal year 1968 was based on eight sample locations 

on a weekly basis (Table 19 and Figure 19). Individual 

sample location results are plotted in Figures 20 through 

27. Results are tabulated in Table 20. 

The results presented in Table 20 reflect a reasonably 

stable ambient background for each of the sampling locations. Unusual fluctuations of the results were attributable to (1) foreign weapons tests, (2).NTS tests which 

vented, or (3) NRDS reactor runs which contributed measurable airborne contamination in solme instances. 

Evaluation of these results indicates that no significant 

radiation hazard existed in the vicinity of the ion chamber 

locations during fiscal year 1968. With the exception of 

two separate and known instances of atmospheric venting 

which contributed to positive readings above the normal 

range of values encountered (Figures 23 and 25), all 

other readings throughout the fiscal year averaged less 

than 1.0 mR/day. 

-12- 

,_ -. _. - _. 

- --‘- --.. 

._ . _~ _~...___ _-,. r. .-- _ ,, 
SECTION 4 

SOIL AND TiESETATION SAMPLING 

4.1 Introduction 

Soil and vegetation samples were coll~ec'ted fron? sixteen sampling locations throughout the Nevada Test Site. Both types 

of samples were obtained in close proximity to each other to 

permit correlation of future data res&ts. 

4.2 Sampling Method 

Attempts at sampling soil and vegetation ?ZT~ Seen made locally and elsewhere in previous years wit:: rather disappointing results. Particularly in the case of Tregetation 

sampling, typical problems concerned the absence of 1 ->megeniety in choice of species selected, lack of suf.ficit f attention to sampling topography, and !-eel-r of consideration of the 

most advantageous biological character.istics Siren selecting 

species of plants for sam@ng. 

The sampling procedures used by the Environmental Surveillance 

group reflect a concerted attem$ 5 overo_ome the problems 

outlined previously. Sampling loci.::F,-,zs ;,-r-rc ,,< _^. chosen to reflect 

a stable soil surface, i.e., a topog:~a;Pzi.caLly a?oropriate area 

having a minimum amount of channeling effects due-to canyons, 

sand-eddy formations, etc. Soil scrz>les consisted of a series 

of cylindrical cores 1 cm in depth and aggregating approximately 

100 grams. 

Vegetation samples consisted of four species commonly available 

on the NTS on a year round basis--sagebrush, blackbrush, winter 

fat, and creosote. A number of considerations were taken into 

account when selecting species such as availability, leaf type, 

leaf density, and structure. Owing to the type of vegetation 

selected and the sparse rainfall encountered in a desert environment, uptake of radionuclides was minimized and the data 

reflect essentially fallout deposii;i,c;r. S.-&Z.cient vegetation 

was c'>l!ected per sample to yield al~;:roxi~a;;ely 100 grams 'of 

leaf material. The vegetation was gIlaced i-n a heavy paper sack, 

taped shut, and allowed to dry. !Xter the leaves had become 

sufficiently brittle, they could be shaken loose from the stems 

and ground I+ t.; form a compact sem~.:le mass. 

Since tP:is was the first year I-' '-p:- n I, enienta?;isn 01 tcnis program 

based (In new sampling concepts. -;:.I zzte cardlot be correlated 

with any previlus data to observe any trends. It is expeeted 

that a technical paper ~$11 be fort+oming U.,YCrl_-~.ng r, ->L- T 2 3 . more cPxmpletely the newly implemented sampling Lezhniques. 
4.3 

4.4 

4.4.1 

4.4.2 

Counting Procedures 

Both soil and vegetation samples received gamma spectrum 

analyses and gross gamma analyses. The samples were leached 

according to standard laboratory procedures and evaporated 

on counting planchets. A Baird Atomic SPECTROMETER was 

used for determination of gross gamma activity. If the 

activity was such that.the apparent 20 counting error was 

less than 5078, then the sample was transferred to a 400 

channel gamma-spectrum analyzer to quantitatively determine 

the contributing radionuclides. 

Data Discussion 

Tables 21, 24 and Figure 28 give the sampling locations 

for soil and vegetation samples respectively. The means 

and ranges of gross gamma activity in monthly collections 

of soil samples and vegetation samples from July, 1967 

through June, 1968 are tabulated in Tables 22, and 25 and 

plotted in Figures 29, and 30 respectively. 

Soil Sampling Data 

Mean values of 

!5 

ross gamma activity in surface soil ranged 

from 1.16 x IO- pCi/gm on 2/68 to a maximum of 1.75 x 10 

-5 

pci/gm on 3/68. The observed mean values exhibit a rather 

close grouping for the entire year. The highest recorded 

value was 1.26 x 10-4 pCi/gm obtained from the Area 5 old 

fallout station during the month of December, 1967. 

Vegetation Sampling Data 

Mean values of gross gamma activity deposited on vegetation 

exhibited considerably more variability than the results 

from soil sampling. Mean values ranged from 5.45 x 10B6 

$i/gm dry weight recorded in July, 1967 to a maximum of 

3.09 x 10-5 pCi/'gm in March, 1968. The average value of 

the monthly means was I.23 x IO-5 pCi/gm. This compares 

favorably with the observed mean value for soil samples. 

The highest recorded value was 5.82 x IO-3 pCi/gm dry 

weight in March, 1968 from Area 19, Stake 19F-13. This 

location was in the fallout pattern from the BUGGY event 

conducted on March 12, I 968 in Area TO. 

The mean values increased gradually to a peak in January, 

1968 probably due to the effects of foreign weapon testing. 

A gradual decline to "pre-weapon effects" values then 

occurred. 

-14- 
6 

9 

10 

11 

12 

16 

18 

19 

20 

23 

27 

28 

51 

TABLE 1 

NTS ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE 

AJR SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

SAMPLE STATION LOCATION 

MAP CODE 

FOR FIGURE 1 

Gravel Pit la 

Camp Compound 2a 

North of Cafeteria 3a 

East of Well 5E! Reservoir 5a 

Guard Station 250 5b 

Aid Station 6a 

Well 3 Complex 6b 

9-300 Bunker 9a 

Guard Station 700 10a 

Guard Station 293 Ila 

Changehouse 12a 

Tunnel Site Maintenance 16a 

East of Cafeteria 18a 

North of Cafeteria 18b 

Echo Peak 1%. 

Stake 19C-IO 19b 

West of Aid Station 20a 

Building 214 23a 

Health & Safety Building Rooftop 23 

West of Dispensary 27a 

Project HENRE 28a 

East of Cafeteria 51a 

-15- 
P 

A 

51 

----r--m--“- ze51a I I 

-- 

i 

30' 

‘1 

f 

29 I 

olla 

4 

IO Miles 

Fig. 1 NTS Environmental Surveillance Air Sampling Locations 

-16 
TABLE 2 

SAMPLING PERIOD bff?.ANS A&L? RmGES OF 

GROSS BETA -RkDiOACTIVIT41 IN EiWIRONM,3:L 

AIR SbXPLES FROfi5 NTS 

JULY, 1967 T;ZKXJGH J-UNE, :g58 

07/09/67 

07/16/67 

07/23/67 

07/30/67 

08/06/67 

08/13/67 

08/20/67 

08/27/67 

09/03/67 

09/1%'67 

w/17/67 

09/24/67 

io/o1/67 

10/08/67 

W15/67 

10/22/67 

W29/67 

11/05/67 

u/12/67 

W9/'67 

u/26/67 

12/03/67 

12/i o/67 

W7/67 

12/24/67 

12/31/67 

01/07/68 

01/14/67 

01/21,/67 

01/28/67 

02/04/68 

32/1+8 

02/v 167 

02/25/t7 

03/m/68 

03/ww 

03/17/67 

-?7- 
TABLE 2 (Contd) 

(Values in terms of pCi/cc) 

DATE 

(Week ending) 

F'&NGE 

MAXIMUM J!JTINIMuM 

03/'24/68 4.62 x IO -13 

03/31/68 -13 

04/q/68 2.27 x IO-13 04/14/68 3.97 2.45 x IO 1o43 

04/a/68 2.84 x Id3 

04/28/68 2.86 x 

05/05/68 4.00 x IO;:: 10 05/12/68 3.60 x IO -13 

05/w/68 3.89 x IO -73 

05/26/68 3.56 x IO -13 

06/02/68 3.44 x IO -13 

o6/og/68 06/16/68 2.8635 x x IO::; 

06/23/68 10m13 

06/30/68 ;-$f; . g-13 

-18- 
1x10‘ 

1x10- 

4 

u 

a 

1x10-1 

i967--’ ‘--. 

J AI’4 MAK ArK MAY JUNE 

1968 

Fig. 2 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity from 

July, 1967 through June, ?968; Air Sampling 

-19- 
TABLE 3 

MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTIVITY 

AT NTS ENVIRONMENTAL AIR SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of bCi/cc) 

STATION NUMBER RANGE 

AND LOCATION MAxIm MINIMUM 

1. 

;: 

4. 

5. 

6. 

2 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

I.7 * 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

Area 1 Gravel Pit 

Area 2 Compound 

Area 3 North of Cafeteria 

Area 5 East of Well 5B 

Area 5 Gate 250 Guard 

Station 

Area 6 CP-2 Complex 

Area 6 Well 3 Complex 

Area 9 g-300 Bunker 

Area 10 Gate 700 Bunker 

Area 11 Gate 293 Guard 

Station 

Area 12 Changehouse 

Area I 6 'Tunnel Site 

Maintenance 

Area 18 East of Cafeteria 

Area 18 Airstrip 

Area 19 Echo Peak 

Area 19 Stake 19-C-10 

Area 20 Dispensary 

Area 23 Old Mouse House 

Area 23 H&S Rooftop 

Area 27 Dispensary 

Area 28 HENRE Site 

Area 51 East of Cafeteria 

9.23 x 

1.06 x 

10m13 -13 

IO 

;:A; 

; 

ii-13 -11 3.03 x 

3.52 x 

10s15 -4

IO 

8.58 x IO -14 

10 -13 

5.07 x -15 

1.15 x 7.49 x 

lQ3 -13 

IO 

gig2 x 10m14 

1.06 x IO 

1.16 x -13 

10.~~~ IO 

7.43 x 10 -13 

9.62 x -l3 

l.lo x IO-13 

4.87 x IO:;; 

3.31 2-c 

1.43 x 10 7.12 x 

1.05 x 10 -13 I.19 

10e12 iom12 

x 10 

7.60 x IO -14 6.26 x 

1.04 

ioe12 -13 

x 10 -13 1.17 x IO 

1.43 x 10 -13 1.25 x 10 -12 

8:84 ;*0’4’ ;x

-13 

;;-I3 

9.87 x IO:;; IO 

1.41 x 10 -13 

l-O5 x -13 

3.16 x IO-13 IO 

;'A; . ," ;;-I31 

9.05 x 

8.74 x 

1o-l3 -13 

IO 

6.43 x IO -13 

3.60 x IO -12 

3.48 x IO 

;I0 

-12 

;*g ; g-12 

6:86 x lo1.77 x lo-l2 

1.16 x IO -13 9.00 x lo-l3 8.73 x IO -15 

4.67 x 10 -14 1.28 x 

2.20 

ioIl 14 

x 10m14 

2*31 x IO-15 7.92 x IO 

-15 5.30 x 10m15 

9.97 x 10 

8.10 x IO -15 

g.o1 x 

8.58 x 

IO-15 

IO 

9.27 x -15 

8.32 x 10s15 IO 

I .g8 x 

1.17 

IO;;; 

x 

4.98 x 

4.98 

10m14 1om14 

x IO 

1.04 x lol4 

-2o- 
1x10-1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

. 

- 

- 

- 

8 

/ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 x10-1 - 

- 

- 

I 

1x1o-'4 - 

I 

I 

8 10 11 12 'i 14 15 

SAMPLE STATION NUMBER 

Fig. 3 Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in Vi5 Environmentc?l 

Air Sampling Station Locations from July, 1967 ti~-~ug~: Jme, 1968 
TABLE 4 

ENVIRONMENT&L SURVEILLANCE 

POTABLE WATER SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

12, 

SAMPLING STATION LOCATION 

MAP CODE 

FOR FIGURE 4 

2 Men's Rest Room 2a 

3 Cafeteria 3a 

6 Cafeteria 6a 

12 Cafeteria 12a 

18 Fire Station 18a 

20 Dispensary 20a 

23 Cafeteria 23a 

27 Cafeteria 27a 

51 Cafeteria 51a 

-22- 
‘\ \ 

\ ! 

1 19 

-0 -0 

RAINER 

MESA L --- / 

I 

. I I 1 CONTROL7J, : I 

1 ‘L---i/ - -1 

= 

I 

1 4 

0 5 IO Miles 

Fig. 4 NTS Environmental Surveillance Potable Water Sampling Locations 

I> 2 
MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTMTY 

AT NTS E!NVIRONMENTAL POTABLE WATER SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of p/X/cc) 

DATE RANGE 

(Week end'ing MAXIMUM MINIMUM 

w/W67 

07/16/67 

07/23/67 

07/30/67 

08/06/67 

08/13/67 

08/20/67 

08/27/67 

WW67 

WlW67 

w/17/67 

WW67 

1o/o1/67 

10/08/67 

lWl5/67 

10/22/67 

1 o/W@ 

11/05/67 

u/12/67 

11 /I g/67 

11/26/67 

12/03/67 

12/1 o/67 

12/17/67 

12/24/67 

12/31/67 

01/07/68 

01/14/68 

01/21/68 

0~/28/68 

02/04/68 

02/11/68 

02/l 8/68 

02/25/68 

03/03/68 

03/10/68 

03/17/68 

03/24/68 

03/31/68 

3.34 613x 10 -10;; 

3-95 x 10 

3.88 x IO 

5.6225 x IO 10:; 

5.36 x IO -9 

3.57 x 10 

9.66 x IO 

6.43 x IO -9 

7.18 x 

1.14 

IO 1; 

1.74 x 10-8 

I.55 x lo-8 

1 .g5 x 10 

7.63 x IO 

6.64 x IO 

6.24 x IO -9 

6.09 x IO 

5.79 x 10 

4.30 x 10 

4.30 x 10 

1.03 x 10 

8.08 x 10 

6.00 x IO 1.17 x 10 -8 

6.32 x IO 

6.99 x IO 

5.16 x IO 

5.98 x IO 

4.07 x IO 

7.49 x IO 

5.35 x 10 

6.25 x IO 

7.11 x 

7.03 x 101; 

5.22 x IO-' 

6.94 x 

9.92 x IO:; 10 

-24- 

8.50 x IO 

8.81 x IO 

2.06 x -8 IO _ 

8.92 x 

2.18 

IO:; 

1.14 x X lo-8 

1.85 X 10m8 

I:33 x 

1.36 

lo-8 

X 10-8 

I.35 x 

I.25 

lo-8 IO-8 

x 

1.3 

ioe8 

1.34 x 10-8 

1.10 x 10-8 

1.34 x 10m8 

2.87 x 10-8 IO 

4.80 x IO -7 

2.32 x 

I.89 x 

2.27 x 

2.59 x 

2-39 x 

1.76 x 

2.40 x 

1.84 x 

3.35 x 

2.38 x 

2.:; x 

. X 

1.34 x 

1.26 x 

1.64 x 

4.61 x 

z x . 

2.11 : 

3.02 x 

j.90 x 

2.27 x 

3.54 x 

3.61 x 

E? x X 

3168 x 

2.36 x 

2.43 x 

3.43 x 

2.09 x 

4.17 x 

2.98 x 

2.60 x 

3.53 x 

4.25 x 

2.20 x 

2.76 x 

2.82 x 

: : , -.-. _.-- c-,-I ----.__,. _, 
TABLE 5 (Contd) 

(Values in terms of pCi/cc) 

DATE RANGE 

(Week ending) J!U.XIMUM MINIMUM 

04/07/68 

04/14/68 

04/21'/68 

04/28/68 

o6jogj68 

06/16/68 

06/23/68 

06/30/68 

5.57 x 10 -9 

8.13 x IO 

5.03 x IO 

1; 

4.11 x 

4.95 x 

101; 

10 

4.91 x 

2.88 x 

10;; 

IO _ 

4.01 x 

6.25 x 

101; 

IO 

3.42 x 

1.08 

10 1; 

x 

1.26 

10-8 

x IO 

4.84 x IO-' 

6.70 x IO 

3.22 x 10 I\.02 x 10 -8 

6.27 ‘X IO-~ 

8.86 x 

1.31 

10;; 

x IO 

6.69 x IO 

1.70 x IO 

3.69 x IO 

1; 

2.28 x 

2.09 x 

10;; 

10 

2.92 x 

1.42 x 

101; 

lo _ 

1.31 x lo-y 

I .8g x IO-' 

2.23 x lo;,” 

1.44 x 10 - 

9.98 x IO 

8.46 x IO 

1; 

1.65 x IO-~ 

-25- 
1x10-, 

1x10- 

1x10’ 

t 

u 

t 

1x10 -’ 

d I 

I 

i AUG SEPT NOV 

1967 

i 

. 

I- 

. 

, 

. 

I 

c 

. 

‘I 

MAR APR 

1968 

co 

,i & 

. 

4 

I 

MAY J UNE 

Fig. 5 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in Potable 

Water Samples from July, 1967 through June, 1968 
TABLE 6 

MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTIVITY 

IN Kt-3 J3WbIRONMENTAL POTABLE WATER SAMPLICNG S'l!A'liTOX LOCATIdNS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of kCi/cc) 

STATION NUMBER RANGE 

AND LOCATION MA!IMuM MTNIMUM 

1 . Area 2 Men's Room 

2. Area 3 Cafeteria 

3. Area 6 Cafeteria 

4. Area 12 Cafeteria 

5. Area 18 Fire Station 

6. Area 20 Dispensary 

7. Area 23 Cafeteria 

8. Area 27 Cafeteria 

9. Area 51 Cafeteria 

4.66 x 2.10 x 

9.28 x IO;; IO -8 3.25 x 10;; IO 

1.11 x IO 

IO -9 

3.27 x IO 

4.33 x 

IO -9 

2.27 x IO 

4.14 x 

5.59 x 10 -9 

1.31 x IO 

2.09 ‘x IO 

5.65 x IO 1.84 x IO 

5.75 x 10 1.78 x IO 

7.18 x IO -9 2.76 x IO-' 

-27- 
1x10’ 

ti 

\ 

0 

zi 

1x10-E 

1x1o-s 

T 

t 

-- --- 

SAMPLE STATION NUMBER 

Fig. 6 Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at NTS Environmental 

Potable Water Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 
5 

12 

15 

16 

TABLE 7 

ENV'IROIQIEIVIAL SURVEILLANCE 

~TuR./$L SPRINGS SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

SAMPLE STATION LOCATION 

MAP CODE 

FOR FIGURE 7 

Cane Springs 5a 

Capt. Jack Spring 

White Rock Spring . 

Gold Meadows 

12a 

12b 

12c 

Oak Spring 

Tub Spring 

John's Spring 

15a 

l5b 

i5c 

Tippipah Spring 16a 
A 

rr -em 

51 

I I CONTROL 

I I POINT 41 v I I 

4 

IO Miles 

Fig. 7 NTS Environmental Surveillance Natural Springs Sampling Locations 

-3o- 
TABLE 8 

MEANS ANJI RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTMTY 

AT NTS ENVIRONMENTAL NATURAL SPRINGS SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY,. 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of pCi/cc) 

DATE RANGE 

(Monthly) 

07/67 

08/67 

09/67 

lo/67 

W67 

12/67 

01/68 

02j68 

03P 

04/68 

05/68 

06/68 

6.33 x 10 -9 

5.28 x IO 

1.48 x IO 

1; 

5.00 x IO -9 

6.28 x IO 

1.46 x IO 

1; 

5.35 x 10 

5.98 x IO 

s; 

7.08 x IO 

2.93 x IO 

1; 

2.15 x low9 

7.31 x IO -9 

-3l- 
A&%.& . .._ _ .‘... -^r 

I’. 

. 

1x10’ 

JL JG I 

1967 

-. 

I 

- 

- 

- 

CT 1 

N( 

- 

3V DEC 

- I - 

-- 

-~ 

, 

1 

AP 

1968 

.B MAR 

- 

- 

- 

‘R MAt JUN 

Fig. a Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in Natural 

Springs Water Samples from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

-32- 
TABLE 9 

MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTIKITY 

AT NTS JUPURAL SPRINGS WATER SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of @i/cc) 

STATION NUMBER RANGE 

AND; LOCATION MAXIMUM JXCNIMUM 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2 . 

87: 

Area 5 Cane Spring 

Area i2 White Rock 

Spring 

Area 12 

Spring 

Area 12 

Spring 

Area 15 

Area 15 

Area 15 

Area 16 

Captain Jack 

Gold Meadows 

Oak Spring 

Tub Spring 

John's Spring 

Tippipah Spring 

1.17 x IO -8 

3.12 x IO 

-8 5.28 x IO -9 

2.67 x IO 

-8 2.15 x 10 -9 9.78 x IO -9 

9.82 x IO-~ 

4.72 x IO 

1.08 x IO 

8.44 x 

1.71 

10;; 

x 

1.41 x 10-8 10 

-33- 

3.56 x IO 

-8 5.35 x IO -9 

3.46 x IO -8 

6.28 x IO -9 

4.53 x IO -9 

5.98 x IO -9 

2.93 x IO-' 
1x10‘ 

1x10-; 

Fig. 9 Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at NTS Environmental 

Natural Springs Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

-34- 
TABLE 10 

ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE 

OPEN RESERVOIR SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

SAMPLING STATION LOCATION 

M&P CODE 

FOR FIGURE 

2 Well 2 Reservoir 2a 

3 Well "A" Reservoir 3a 

5 Well 5jB'Reservoir 

Well Ue5c Reservoir 

6 Well Cl Reservoir 6a 

15 Well Uel5d Reservoir 15a 

18 Camp 17 Reservoir 18a 

19 Well Uelge Reservoir 

Well Uelggs Reservoir 

19a 

19b 

20 Well U20a Reservoir 20a 

51 Well 4 Reservoir 5la 
PAHI. 

161.-t 

I 

6 ( 

0 5 IO Miles 

. 

Fig. 10 N!l!S Environmental Surveillance Open Reservoirs Sampling Locations 

ii 
TABLE 11 

MONTHLY MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTIVITY 

AT ENVIR0NIQWW.L OPEN REXERVOIR SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH m, 1968 

(Values in terms of pCi/cc) 

DATE 

(Monthly) 

RANGE 

MAXIIVIUM MCNIMUM 

07/67 

OW7 

09/67 

'O/67 

I'/67 

12/67 

01/68 

02/68 

03/@ 

04/68 

05/68 

06/68 

I.19 x IO 

-8 

5.50 x 10 

-37- 

3.05 x IO -Y 

1.13 x IO -9 

1.53 x lo-9 

2.66 x IO? 

1.77 x 10-z 

5.32 x IO -Y 

2.86 x 

3.23 x 101; IO 

7.91 x IO -9 

5.23 x IO -9 

4.83 x 

8.03 x 10:; IO 
J I ; ! 7 

1967 

. R r DEC JAN I IR 

1968 

R I 

Fig. 11 Mbnthly Mea& and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in Open 

Reservoir Samples from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

, 

, 

-38- 
TAB@ 12 

I'@XNS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTl-Vl-TY 

AT NTS OPEN RESERVOIR WATER SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 B 

(Values in terms of @X/cc) 

STATION NUMBER RANGE 

AND LOCATION MAXIMUM MI1. 

2. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

IO. 

11. 

Area 2 Well 2 Reservoir 8.91 x 10 -9 

Area 3 Well "A" Reservoir I .26 x IO -8 

Area 5 Well. 5B Reservoir 1.13 x IO -8 

Area 5 Well Ue5c 

Reservoir 8.51 x IO -9 

Area 6 Well Cl 

Reservoir 9.46 x IO -9 

Area 15 Well Uel5d 

Reservoir 1.65 x IO-~ 

Area 18 Camp 17 

Reservoir 6.53 x IO -9 

Area 19 Well Uelge 

Reservoir 8.24 x IO -9 

Area 19 Well Uelggs Reservoir 1.21 x 10 -8 

Area 20 Well U20a 

Reservoir 1.6~ x IO 

-8 

Area 51 Well #4 

Reservoir 3.54 x IO -8 

-39- 

1.40 x 10 -8 

4.49 x 10 -8 

2.03 x IO 

-8 

1.08 x IO -8 

1 .g9 x IO -8 

2.83 x IO -8 

1.45 x IO -8 

1.04 x IO -7 

3.87 x IO -7 

2.71 x 10 -6 

1.08 x IO -7 

4.25 x 10 -9 

7.47 x 10 -9 

1.13 x IO -9 

5.23 x IO -9 

4.63 x IO -9 

5.32 x IO -9 

2.61 x IO -9 

2.12 x 10 -9 

1.77 x 10-9 

1.53 x 10-9 

2.13 x IO -8 
1x1o’7 

8 \ 

‘6 

=L 

1x1o-c 

1 x10-! 

SAMPLE STATION NUMBER 

_- 

Fig. 12 Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at NTS Environmental 

Open Rese.rvoir Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

-4o- 
TABLE 13 

3 

5 

6 

15 

19 

20 

22 

51 

ETJVIRONbBT\PTAL SURVEILL,ANCE 

SUPPLY WELLS SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

SAMPLING STATION LOCATION 

MAP CODE 

FOR FIGUREJ 13 

Well A 33. 

Well 5A 

Well 5B 

Well 5C 

Well Ue5c 

Well Cl 6a 

Well Uel5d 15a 

Well Uelggs 

Well Uelge 

Well U20a 20a 

Army Well #I 

Well 3 

Well 4 

51a 

51b 

-4l- 
PAW \ 

Y 

I *Oa : 

\ 3n I \ 

I 

.51a 

Tb 

}--+'-- \ .5dl/ 

I 

c a 

0 5 IO Miles 

Fig. 13 NTS Environmental Surveillance Supply Well Sampling Location3 
TABLE 14 

MONTHLY MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTIVITY 

IN SUPPLY WELLS SAMPLES 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

DATE 

(Monthly) 

(Values in terms of @X/cc) 

RANGE 

MAXIMUM MINIMUM 

07/67 

gg:: 

1 o/67 

1 l/67 

12/67 

I 01 /a 

02/68 

03j68 

04/68 

05/68 

c6/68 

8.88 x 10:; 

8.94 x IO 

1.02 x IO 

-8 

DATA 

9.35 x 10 

1.16 x IO 

1 .Ol x 10-f: 

8.81 x IO 

8.35 x IO 

1; 

7.77 x 10 

8.95 x IO 

1; 

9.27 x 10 -9 

3.63 x IO -8 

2.26 x IO 

2.29 x 10 

1; 

NOT ,, 

1.70 x 10-9 

4.73 267x x IO 101; 

AVAILABLE 

1.90 x IO 

2.42 x IO 

2.54 x lO-9 

2.11 x 10-B 

1.63 x 101; 

1.36 x IO 

2.80 x IO-~ 

4.20 x 1O-9 

-43- 
1x10" 

1x10" 

1x10- 

‘T ( 

1967 

:T NOV DEC JAN FEB I R 1 

1968 

- 

-- 

Fig. 14 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Radioactivity in Supply Well 

Samples from July, 1967 through 'June, 1968 

-44- 
TABLE 15 

MEAnrS AND WGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTIVITY 

AT NT'S SUPPLY WELLS WATER SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, I 967 TW~OUGH JUNE, I 968 

(Values in terms of $X/cc) 

STATION NUI63ER RANGE 

ANC~LOCATION MAXIMUM MINIMUM 

1. Area 3 Well A 5.38 -9 x IO 

g: Area 5 Well 5AB 5.25 4.95 

-9 

x. 10 -9 4. Area 

5 5C 

Well 3.38 x IOs9 

5. Area 5 Well Ue5C 4.74 x 10 -9 

6. Area 6 Well Cl 6.02 x IO -9 

7. Area 15 Well Uel5d 5.65 x IO -9 

8. Area 19 Well Uelggs 2.11 x 

9. Area 19 Well Uel9e 1.36 x 

10:; 

IO 

10. Area 20 Well U20a 2.80 x IO -9 

11. Area 22 Army Well #1 3.36 x IO -9 

12. Area 51 Well #3 3.08 x IO 

13. Area 51 Well #4 1.25 x IO 

-45- 
1 x10” 

k! \ 

G 

a 

_ 1ido1x10 

f 

-- 

- 

8 

-- 

SAMPLE STATION NUMBER 

- c 

Fig. 15 Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity at NTS Environmental 

Supply Well Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

-46- 
TABLE 16 

ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE 

FINAL EFFLUENT SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

SAMPLING STATION LOCATION 

MAP CODE 

FOR FIGURE 16 

Final Effluent Pond 

12 Final Effluent Pond 12a 

23 : Final Effluent Pond 23a 

51 Final Effluent Pond 51a 

-47- 

, .*- .* 7-qm.F 
rc 

I 

l 5la 

I 

Ir 5: -0 b MERCURY 

0 5 IO Miles 

Fig. 16 NTS Environmental Surveillance Final Effluent Pond Sampling Locations 

-LA- 
TABLE 17 

ENVIRONM3Nl'AL SURVEILLANCE 

MTSCELI.,ANEtOUS WATER SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

MAP CODE 

SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS FOR FIGURE 

12 Upper Haines Lake 

Lower Haines Lake 

12a 

12b 

23 Swimming Pool 

Laboratory Smp 

23a 

23 

51 Swimming Pool 

Papoose Lake 

5la 

51b 

6 Decontamination Runoff Pond 6a 

-49- 
l 5la 

e5lb 

51 

MERCURY 

I 

I 

0 

I 

IO Miles 

Fig. 17 NTS Edronmental Surveillance Miscellaneous Water Sampling Locations 

-5o- 
TABLE 18 

MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTrVTTY 

AT NTS MISCELLANEOUS WATER SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of pCi/cc) 

STATION NUMBER RAXGE 

AND,LOCATION MAxI%'IIJM mNIMuM 

1. 

2. 

2: 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Area 12 

Lake 

Area 12 

Lake 

Area 23 

Area 51 

Area 51 

Area 6, 

Area 23 

Upper Haines 

Lower Haines 

Swimming Pool 

Swimming Pool 

Papoose Lake 

Decon Pond 

Laboratory Sump 

1.76 x IO -6 2.45 x IO -4 3.69 x IO -9 

2.38 x IO -4 1.64 x IO -8 

5.35 x '10 

1.77 x IO 

3.33 x 101; 

5.69 x IO 

1.52 x IO -7 4.10 x lo-8 

DATA 

13 -8 

NOT AVAILABLE 

2.47 x 2.10 x 10 -7 1.70 x IO -9 

-5l- 
1x1o-5 

1X10'" 

1x10-' 

1x10" 

1 2 3 4 7 

SAMPLE STAT ION NUMBER 

Fig. la Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity from July, 1967 through 

June, 1968; mscellaneous Water Sampling Locations 

-52- 

----T 

I 

--- + 

i / I6t---#d+--? 

i \ 

P 

IO Miles 

Fig. 19 NTS Environmental Surveillance Ionization Chamber Sampling LOCatiOllS 

-54- 
~\oLnco~~~~~oococ--in~oo~o\Ln~~ N 

,i=t=d-=t4- u--l;fd-=I- Ln;f=tA-‘;f=i- Lna- Mu3);f=kd- !n 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

00000000000000000000000 

Lnlnln=f 

r-o-al~Lnoc-~a3n~T-a3T\a3=l-~ 

Lnd- Ln=f=i-A-d- inln=t Lna- ina- R =?=I-* 

o\cnu3ooo\a3o\conc-~ 

Ln=Yu3\D=t=l- Ln;t Ln 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

00000000007-00000000000000000000 

A 

A- 

\OLn~oO\D~C-rC\M~~LnCOLnC--LnC--Ln(ULn\0C--C--oOCOLn\0MCO~ 

lnLnLn=t~~=i-zl-;f=YfEi-;t~~zf=f Lnci-=i-=k=f=t Lnu2 nlnLn=e Ln 

. . . . . . . . . . . ..a................. 

0000000000000000000000000000000 

MCdinOOJir\ T-~ul-nln~a3~MLn~o3choO 

d-zi-;;fLni-3 I lAiDninLnd-a-~~\DnlnlALAu-lLn 

. . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

dddooo 0000000000000000 
AQ~u’u’a3~~--choJ0co0 

fn=J-ZtGJ-A-u’LA=t ulu-l=i-u2 

. . . . . . . . . 

Lna003~0\L)c-cn=f0~r-~’ 

dddodoooooooo 

u-ln=3-zhd- u-lLnLn=I- Ln=T 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 

(30 

0000000000000 

cnnnr 0lo.l M-7 MlnO 

~LA4-ln=tLnLnlAlAlnzt~ln 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 

0000000000000 

-56- 
i 

0 

4 

0 

- 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

8 

0 

8 

l 

0 

I 

I 

8 

0 

0 

w -. 

0 

8 

0 

,I 

‘ 

-L 

L 

-; 

; 

I 

. 

-; 

t 

-C 

4 

c 

" 

" 

L1 

I- 

-> 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

0 

8 

* 

8 

0 

-58- 
0 

l 

0 

-5% 
. 

I I 

-6o- 

-62- 

_ 

. - . . 

.’ 
t 0 

0 

0 

1 

Ei 

U 

0 
-64- 
TABLE 21 

ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE 

VEGETATION SAMPLING LOCATIONS 

2 

5 

11 

12 

14 

75 

16 

18 

19 

20 

23 

28 

29 

51 

SAMPLE STATION LOCATION SPECIE 

Orange Road Stake 63-64 

Old Fallout Station 

Stake 11 W-4 c 

Campsite 

ESSA Station 

Saddle Mtn. Road Barricade 

N.E. of USPHS Farm 

Campsite 

Stake 18 B-16 

Stake 19 F-13 

Stake 20 L-12 

Pistol Range Road 

Pan Am Stake 152 

Project HENRE Site 

Shoshone Mountain Barricade 

South of Groom Lake 

CODE EXPIANATION FOR SPECIE: 

(a) SAGEBRUSH - Artemesia ~JJ. 

(b) BLACKBRUSH - Coleogyne ramossisima 

(c) WINTERFAT - Eurotia Ianata 

(d) CREOSOTE - Larrea divaricata 

MAP CODE 

FOR FIGURE 28 

b 

d 

2a 

5a 

Ila 

a 12a 

a 12b 

a 

b 

0 

a 

14a 

15a 

16a 

I8a 

a 

a 

19a 

20a 

b 23a 

d 

d 

28a 

28b 

a 29a 

C 51a 

-65- 
Y I \ KAINCK 

MESA L / I 

I 

I4 29 

-- -- 

b14a 

I 14 

16 Me. 

I 

c 4 

0 5 IO Miles 

Fig. 28 NTS Environmental Surveillance Soil and Vegetation Sampling Locations 

-66- 
TABLE 22 

MONTHLY MEXNS AND RAJ!JGES OF GROSS GAMMA WIOACTIVITY 

AT NTS VEGETATION SAMPLING LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of pCi/gm) 

DATE RANGE 

(Monthly) MA.xIM.uM mfJIMuM 

07/67 

08/67 

09/67 

lo/67 

~'67 

12/67 

01j68 

02/68 

a/68 

04/68 

05)68 

06/68 

5.45 x IO 

5.74 x IO 

6.08 x 10 

8.42 x IO 

6.88 x IO 

7.61 x IO 

4.01 x 

2.24 x 

101; 

10 

3.09 x IO 

1.57 x IO 

1.09 x IO 

1.10 x IO 

1.36 x IO -5 2.83 x 

2.43 x 2.33 x 

1.81 x 

IO :g 

IO 

IO;:-6 

1.83 x IO {I;; ; ii-6 

1.49 x 10 1; 4.03 x 10 -6 

4.90 1.61 x x IO 1012 3.77 x 10 

IO :; 

9.59 x 10 1: 

4.42 x lo 9.70 x IO -6 

5.82 x 8.45 x 

3.29 x 10 7.17 

IO 1; 

x 10 8.85 x IO 4.00 x 

9.85 IO 4.32 

10-6 -6 

x x IO 

-67- 
JUL AUti 3tr I ULI IUUV UtL JHIU TLP IVIHK HFK IVIHI JUIY 

1967 1968 

Fig. 29 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity at NT'S 

Vegetation Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

-68- 

_ 

._ i 
liii- . . _ , 

TABLE 23 

MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS GAMMA RADIOACTMTY 

AT N'TS VEGETATION SAMPLING LOCATIONS 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of pCi/gm) 

STATION NUMBER RANGE 

AND LOCATION MLiixIMuM MIm 

1. Area 2 Orange Road 

Stake 63-64 1.24 x ICI-~ 

2. Area 5 Old Fallout 

Station 7.77 x IO 

-6 

4. 3. Area 112 Stake 11 W-4 1.47 x 

Campsite 

1.42 x IO 10:; 

5. Area 12 ESSA Station 1.01 x 10 -5 

6. Area 14 Saddle Mtn. 

Road Barricade 1.41 x IO -5 

7. Area 15 

Farm 

8. Area 16 

9. Area 18 

10. Area 19 

11. Area 20 

12. Area 23 

13. Area 2e 

14. Area 28 

Site 

15. Area 29 

16. Area 51 

Lake 

N.E. of USPHS 8.86 x IO -6 

Campsite 1.17 x 

Stake 18 B-16 1.26 x 

10 1; 

10 

Stake 19 F-13 3.03 x 

Stake 20 L-12 1.66 x 

10 1; 

10-6 

Pistol Range Rd. 7.50 x 10B6 

Pan Am Stake I52 6.45 x 10 

Project HENRE 

8.47 x IO 

Shoshone Mtn. 8.27 x IO 

1; 

South of Groom 

1.23 x 10 -5 

9.85 x IO -5 

1.15 x 10 

6.87 x IO 

1.07 x IO 

i; 

6.47 x IO -5 

4.90 x IO -4 

3.15 x 3.72 x 10 $ IO 

1.24 x 10 

5.82 x 

9.97 x 

IO 1; 

10 

2.10 x 10 -5 

1.84 x IO-~ 

1.55 IO 

-4 

x 

3.31 x 10 -5 

4.18 x IO -5 

3.96 x IO -6 

4.60 x 

7.03 

104 -6 

x 10 4.62 x IO -6 

2.33 x 10 

-6 

3.74 x 10 -6 

4.11 x 

4.66 

10 1; 

x 

3.63 

104 

x IO 4.57 x 10 -6 

5.24 x 10 

3.81 x IO 

1; 

2.83 x IO -6 

3.00 x 10 

-6. 

3.74 x 10 -6 

4.07 x IO -6 

-69- 
1x10- 

1 2 3 4 5 \) I 

SAMPLE 

;TAT:ON ~ktB;li IL 13 1* IP IU 

Mg. 30 Means and Ranges of Gross Gsrr~na Radioactivity at NTS Vegetation 

Sampling Locations from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

-7o- 
2. 

5 

11 I 

12 

14 

15 

16 

18 

19 

20 

23 

28 

29 

51 

. ., ^ 

TABLIZ 24 

ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE 

SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS 

SAMPLE STATION LOCATION 

MAP CODE 

FOR FIGURE 28 

Orange Road Stake 63-64 2a 

Old Fallout Station 5a 

Stake 11 W-4 Ila 

Campsite 12a 

ESSA Station, 12b 

Saddle Mtn. Road Barricade 14a 

N.E. of USPHS Farm 15a 

Campsite 16a 

Stake 18 B-16 I8a 

Stake 19 F-13 19a 

Stake 20 L-12 20a 

Pistol Range Road 23a 

Pan Am Stake 152 28a 

Project HENRE Site 28b 

Shoshone Mtn. Barricade 29a 

South of Groom Lake 51a 

-71- 
TABLE 25 

MONTHLY MFUNS AND RANGES OF GROSS GAMMA RADIOACTIVITY 

IN NTS SOIL SAMPLES 

FROM JULY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

-- 

(Values in terms of pCi/m) 

--m 

DATE 

(Monthly) 

RANGE 

-- 

MINTMUM 

07/67 1.3 x IO -5 

08/67 .I.40 x IO 

09/67 1.28 x IO 

lo/67 I .72 x 1.0 -5 

W67 1.39 x 

12/67 1.56 x 10:; IO 

01/68 1.21 x 10 -5 

02/68 1.16 x IO 

03/68 1.75 x 10 

04/68 1.47 x 10 

05/68 1.66 x 10 

06/68 1.46 x IO-~ 

-72- 
JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEE MAR APR MAY- JUN 

1967 1968 

Fig. 31 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity in NTS 

Soil Samples from July, 1967 through June, 1968 

-73- 
TABLE 26 

MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS GAMMA RADIOACTIVITY 

AT NTS SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS 

FROM JITLY, 1967 THROUGH JUNE, 1968 

(Values in terms of pCi/gm) 

STATIOY NUMBER RANGE 

AND LOCATION MINIMlJIvi 

1: 

2. 

Z’ 

5: 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

Area 2 Orange Road 

Stake 63-64 1.78 x IO -5 

Area 5 Old Fallout 

Station 3.53 x 10 -5 

Area 11 Stake 11 W-4 1.34 x 10 

Area 12 Campsite 1.51 x 10 

1; 

Area 12 ESSA Station 3.32 x 10 -5 

Area 14 Saddle Mtn. Rd. 1.17 x IO -5 

Area 15 N.E. of USPHS 

Farm 3.14 x IO -5 

Area 16 Campsite 1.08 x IO -5 

Area 18 Stake 18 B-16 

Area 19 Stake 19 F-13 

1.69 x IO;; 

2.35 x 10 

Area 20 Stake 20 L-12 -5 1.14 x 10-6 

Area 23 Pistol Range Rd. 3.62 x 10-6 

Area 28 Pan Am Stake I52 7.05 x IO 

Area 28 Project HENRE -6 

Site 9.25 x 10 

Area 29 Shoshone Mtn. 1.20 x 10 -5 

Area 51 South of Groom 

Lake 1.15 x 10 -5 

-74- 

5.30 x IO -5 

1.26 x IO -4 

1.60 x IO -5 

3.40 x 10 -5 

5.03 x 10 -5 

1.51 x 10 -5 

9.13 x 

3.10 x 

10 1; 

3.38 x 

1os5 

IO 

8.32 x 

i 32 x 

IO 1; 

5.45 x io& 10 

9.27 10 -6 x 

1.15 x 10 -5 

1.34 x 10 -5 

1.51 x IO -5 

6.68 x 10 

-6 

6.06 x 10 -6 

1.03 x 

9.93 

10;; 

x 10 

1.85 x 

8.41 x 10-2 IO 

- 

1.37 x 

7.71 

10;; 

x 10 

1.18 x IO -5 

1.03 x 

2.45 x 

1.85 

1012-6 

X 

3.55 

IO-6 

x 10 

6.29 x IO -6 

9.64 x IO -6 

9.08 x IO -6 
- 

- 

- 

- 

, 

- 

13 1 

- 

- 

I 

-7 

. 

I 3 

- 

- 

i 

7 

I I 

Ii - 

- 

- 

- 

16 

i-- - 

i 

8 

- 

b 

L 

6 i 

12 ! 

SAMPLE STATION NUMBER 

Pig. 32 Meam ozd Ranges of Gross Gamma Radioactivity at TITS Soil Sampling 

Locations fron <:"dy9 1967 through June, 1968 

-75- 
APPENDIX A 

STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA 

A. 1 Geometric Mean 

The frequency distribution of radioactivity results for air 

and water samples indicated a positive skew, a degree of 

distortion from symmetry of a normal curve. This type of 

asymmetrical distribution is caused by the extremes in the 

higher values distorting the curve towards the right. 

The data must therefore be handled by logarithmic transformation to obtain normality, and treated as normally distributed random variables. 

Hence, an estimate 

calculated by: 

x 

of the true mean of a sample type is 

= log -1 

1 

Ciog Xi + 5 

N 2 1 

where: X, = observed value 

I 

N = number of observations 

S2 = variance of log value 

Though the geometric mean is not widely known and is 

relatively tedious to compute, its relative advantage is 

that it is a more typical average than the arithmetic 

mean since it is less affected,by extremes. 

A. 2 Radioactivity of a Sample 

The radioactivity of a sample (X) is indicated in the 

equation: 

x= Rs - % 

A BC 

where: Rs = gross count rate of sample, c/m 

Rb = background count rate, c/m 

A = counting efficiency for a particular 

counter (cpm/dpm) 

B = conversion factor (2.22 dpm / pCi or 

2.22 x IO@ dpm / pci) 

C = subsample amount, cc, liter, or gram 

-76- 
The associated percent counting error at the 2-sigma confidence level ($E20) for each radioactivity value (X) was: 

where: Z = 2, the number of standard deviations for the confidence interval (95.4%) 

TS 

= sample count interval, minutes 

Tb 

= background count interval, minutes 

The radioactivity of a sample was considered statistically 

significant if the net count rate of the sample was greater 

than the detection limit, i.e., two times the net count for 

which the 2-sigma error was 100 percent. 

The detection limit was computed by formula: 

233 

DL = 

AB C 

TS 

where: d = net count rate for which the 2-sigma 

error is 100. 

Any activity value which was equal to or less than the detection limit was recorded as zero. 
DISTRIBUTION LISTING 

M. B. Biles, Director 

DOS, AEC/HQ 

C. D. Broyles 

Sandia Laboratories 

Albuquerque, NM 

F. C. Gilbert, Acting AGM/MA/HQ 

George E. Tucker 

Sandia Laboratories 

Albuquerque, NM 

J. L. Liverman, Director 

DBER, AEC/HQ 

USAEC, DMA/HQ ' C. I. Browne, LASL 

Los Alamos, NM 

USAEC, TIC 

Oak Ridge, Tennessee (2) 3. E. Carothers, LLL 

Livermore, CA 

M. E. Gates, Manager 

AECINV J. E. Dummer, LASL 

Los Alamos, NM 

Roger Ray, AM/Operations 

AEC/NV (2) K. M. Oswald, LLL 

Mercury, NV 

R. H. Thalgott, Actg. AM/SSE 

AECINV H. F. Mueller, NOAA/ARL 

Las Vegas, NV 

D. G. Jackson, Director 

OIS, AEC/NV Technical Library, Field Command 

Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM 

E. M. Douthett, Acting Director 

Environmental Effects Division 

AECINV 

Dr. D. S. Barth, EPA/NERC 

Las Vegas, NV 

T. H. Blankenship, Director 

Security Division, AX/NV 

.D. W. Hendricks, EPA/NERC 

Las Vegas, NV 

R. R. Loux, TIB/OIS 

AEC/NV 

Librarian, EPA-NERC 

Las Vegas, NV 

P. J. Mudra, Director 

Operations Support Division 

AEC/NV (4) 

Librarian, EG&G 

Las Vegas, NV (2) 

REECo Classification Officer 

D. T. Schueler, Jr., Director Mercury, NV 

NTSSO 

Technical Library, REECo 

Librarian, AEcm (2) Mercury, NV (2) 

Environmental Sciences, REECo 

Mercury, NV (10) 

-78-