ENV IRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 

AT THE 

NEVADA TEST SITE 

JULY 1964 THROUGH JUNE 1965 

BY 

GARY B. LEWIS 

MICHAEL A. GLORA 

AND 

ISAMU AOKI . 

RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT 

SITE FACILITIES DIVISION 

REYNOLDS ELECTRICAL 8 ENGINEERING CO., INC. 
NVO-162-18 

ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 

at the 

NEVADA TEST SITE 

JULY 1964 through JUNE 1965 

by 

Gary B, Lewis 

Michael A. Glora 

and 

Isamu Aoki 

Radiological Sciences Department 

Site Facilities Division 

Work performed under Contract AT(29-2)-162 

between 

The United States Atomic Energy Commission 

and 

Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc. 

Mercury, Nevada 

December 1965 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

The Reports and Publications Branch of the Radiological Engineering Section prepared 

the figures and edited the text. Special assistance was provided during the preparation 

and final review of this report by the Technical Advisory Committed of the Radiological 

Sciences Department. 
Table of Contents 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS i 

ABSTRACT iv 

,. 

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1 

CHAPTER 2 METHODS 

2.1 Sample Collection 

2.1.1 Air 

2.1.2 Water 

2.1.3 Soil and Vegetation 

2.1.4 Surface Contamination 

2.2 Sample Preparation 

2.2.1 Air Samples 

2.2.2 Water Samples 

2.2.3 Soil Samples 

2.2.4 Vegetation Samples 

2.3 Counting Procedures 

CHAPTER 3 RESULTS AND DISCIjSSION 

2 

2 

2 

4 

4 

4 

5 

5 

5 

5 

6 

6 

9 

3.1 Statistical Summary of Results 9 

3.2 Air 15 

3.3 Water 17 

3.3.1 Potable Water 17 

3.3.2 Surface Water 18 

3.3.3 Contaminated Waste Ponds 19 

2.4 Soil and Vegetation 20 

CHAPTER 4 CONCLUSION 21 

APPENDIX A ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE SAMPLING A-l 

STATION LOCATIONS 

APPENDIX B SAMPLING PERIOD MEANS AND RANGES OF GROSS B-l 

BETA RADIOACTIVITY IN ENVIRONMENTAL AI+ 

AND WATER SAMPLES FROM NTS JULY 1964 

THROUGH JUNE 1965 

B, 1 Air Samples 

B, 2 Potable Water Samples 

B, 3 Surface Water Samples 

B-l 

B-3 

B-3 

ii 
TABLES 

3.1 Summary of Gross Beta Radioactivity Observed in NTS 

Environmental Air, Water, Soil, and Vegetation Samples 

July 1964 through June 1965 

3.2 Summary of Gross Alpha Radioactivity Observed in NTS 

Environmental Air, Water, Soil, and Vegetation Samples 

July 1964 through June 1965 

14 

14 

FIGURES 

2.1 NTS Environmental Surveillance Sampling Locations 3 

3.1 Frequency Distribution of Gross Beta Radioactivity 10 

in NTS Environmental Air Samples July 1964 through 

June 1965 

3.2 Frequency Distribution of Gross Beta Radioactivity 11 

in NTS Environmental Water Samples February 1965 

through June 1965 

3.3 Frequency Distribution of Gross Beta Radioactivity in 12 

NTS Environmental Soil and Vegetation Samples July 1964 

through June 1965 

3.4 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity in 15 

all NTS Environmental Air Samples July 1964 through June 

1965 

3.5 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 18 

in all NTS Environmental Potable Water Samples February 

1965 through June 1965 

3.6 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 18 

in all NTS Environmental Surface Water Samples 

February 1965 through June 1965 

. . . 

111 
Under contract with the U, S. Atomic Energy Commission, the Environmental Surveillance Branch of the Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc., Radiological Sciences 

Department conducts routine environmental surveys within the boundaries of the Nevada 

Test Site. The results of radiological analyses (gross alpha and beta) of air, water, 

soil, and vegetation samples collected from July 1964 through June 1965 are reported, 

The most significant increase in air sample radioactivity (approximately 10 times the 

average value of 6.6 x 10-7/.Gi/m3) was observed at all sampling stations during the last 

week in October 1964. This occurrence was ascribed to fallout from the atmospheric 

detonation of a nuclear device on the Chinese mainland, 14 October 1964. 

During the la-month period reported, no prolonged hazardous conditions were detected, 

nor did there appear to be any significant general increase in environmental contamination levels. 

iv 
Chapter 1 

INTRODUCTION 

The Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Co. , Inc., Radiological Sciences Department 

routinely surveys, samples, and documents radiological conditions in the environment 

at the Nevada Test Site (NTS), 

Once each week, members of the Environmental Surveillance Branch survey radiation 

levels in working and living areas with portable instruments. Surface swipes are taken 

and samples of air and potable water are collected for laboratory analysis. In addition, 

once each month, samples of industrial and natural surface water, soil, and vegetation 

are collected from the above areas and also from other locations such as reservoirs, 

springs, and waste ponds. Environmental samples are analyzed routinely for gross 

alpha and beta radioactivity to detect any significant increase and to document normal 

levels of radioactivity in the environment at the NTS, 

This report presents the data derived from this sampling program for the period July 

1964 through June 1965. 
Chapter 2 

METHODS 

2.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION 

Samples were collected routinely at the locations shown in Figure 2.1. A detailed 

description of sampling frequency and the sampling station locations is given in 

Appendix A. 

2.1.1 Air 

During most of the report period, airborne radioactive particles were collected on 

8-inch by lo-inch glass fibre filters (Celman Type E) with an airflow provided by 

centrifugal-vane air pumps. Volume sampling rates were maintained at approximately 

4 cubic feet per minute (cfm). The actual rate was estimated by averaging measurements made at the beginning and the end of each sampling period with a calibrated 

rotometer. 

During the final months of the report period, a gradual changeover to a new type of air 

sampler with a $-inch diameter paper filter (Whatman #41) was initiated. Air flow was 

provided by positive displacement air pumps and was measured by in-line total volume 

gas meters, The sampling rates of these samplers were maintained at approximately 

3 cfm, 

The volume of air sampled during the regular ‘I-day,sampling interval was approximately 

1 x IO3 cubic meters (m3). 

Immediately after removal from the sampler, each filter was placed in a glassine envelope 

2 
\ 

\ 

\ 

MILES 

US HlGHWAY 95 

Figure 2.1 NTS Environmental Surveillance Sampling Locations 
for transportation to the laboratory, 

2.1.2 Water 

One-liter water samples were collected in polyethylene bottles. Potable water was 

collected from taps at the point of consumption after allowing the water to flow for 

several minutes. Industrial and natural surface waters were sampled at the surface 

by means of a dipper or by submerging the sample bottle below the surface. All 

sample bottles were decontaminated before reuse. 

2.1.3 Soil and Vegetation 

Soil and vegetation samples were collected concurrently. Vegetation samples were 

collected from the top portions of the dominant perennial shrubs found at each station. 

Soil samples were taken from a 64-square inch area of clear ground to a depth of l/4 

inch, Both sample types were taken to the laboratory in sealed, one-quart “ice cream” 

cartons. 

2.1.4 Surface Contamination 

Though surface swipes are merely an aid to monitoring, and the results of swipe counts 

are not included in this report, the collection method is described here. An area of 

approximately one square foot was wiped with one side of a 2-inch Whatman 41 filter 

paper, The swipe was monitored immediately with portable instruments (Eberline 

Model PAC-3G and Model E500B) for alpha and beta/gamma radioactivity, Three separate spots within one location (office, shop, etc. ) were checked. The swipes were 

then forwarded to the laboratory for more accurate determination of gross alpha and 

4 
beta contamination. 

. 

In addition, a low range gamma instrument (Precision Model 111 Scintillator) was used 

to determine approximate “background” radiation levels and to aid in locating possible 

contamination, The instrument was modified to allow calibration of the low range 

(O-O, 025 mR/hr). 

2,2 SAMPLE PREPARATION 

\ 

2,2.1 Air Samples 

Air sample filters were held for at least five days before being analyzed to permit the 

decay of radon and thoron daughters to insignificant levels, 

2.2.2 Water Samples 

One-liter water samples were evaporated to 15 ml, transferred to 2-inch stainless 

steel planchets, and evaporated to dryness under i&a-red lamps. A wetting agent was 

added during final evaporation to provide an even distribution of the sample on the planchet, 

2.2. 3 Soil Samples 

Soil samples were passed through a 60-mesh screen (0.25 mm aperture), weighed, and 

then dried for 24 hours. After drying, the samples were reweighed. A 5-gram subsample 

was removed from each sample and leached for a 2-hour period in 8N HN03. Following 

leaching, the residue was washed in deionized water. The wash water was added to the 

leachate, and this solution was evaporated to dryness on a 2-inch stainless steel planchet. 

5 
2.2.4 Vegetation Samples 

Vegetation samples were weighed and then dried for approximately 24 hours at 105’ C. 

The total dry weight was obtained, The leaves were shaken off and separated from stem 

fragments by passi ng ‘them through a 3-mesh (6.73 mm) screen, and the dry “leaf weight” 

was recorded, The leaf portion of each sample was ashed at 500’ C, and a one gram 

subsample of the ash was leached and evaporated in the same manner as described for 

soil samples, 

2.3 COUNTING PROCEDURES 

All routine environmental samples were analyzed for gross alpha and beta radioactivity 

by gas proportional counting, Air samples were analyzed with a Nuclear Chicago ULTRASCALER system having a g-inch by lo-inch detection chamber to accommodate the 8-inch 

by lo-inch filters. All other samples were analyzed with a Beckman WIDEBETA system 

equipped with an automatic sample changer, The efficiencies (ratio of observed counts 

to known disintegrations) and average background count rates of these two systems, and 

the counting time intervals used were as follows: 

Ultrascaler Widebeta 

Efficiency, percent o! 22 26 

P 51 50 

Background, counts/m& a! 1.5 0,04 

P 560 lo6 

Count intervals, min, 

Background 

Sample 

100 

20 

40 

100 

10 

5 
The radioactivity of a sample (x) was computed as follows: 

xc 

Rs - % 

ABC 

where 

Rs = 

% 

= 

A = 

B = 

c = 

gross count rate of sample, c/m 

background count rate, c/m 

efficiency, c/d, decimal 

2.22 d/m-pCi, or 2.22 x IO6 d/m&i 

subsample amount, m3, 1, erg 

The percent counting error at the 2-sigma confidence level (% E2g ) for each value 

of 5 was computed as follows: 

100~ R % [ 1 l/2 

%Ezc = -t-” + - 

Rs-% s 52 

where 

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

ts = sample count interval, minutes 

53 

= background count interval, minutes 

The value of x was arbitrarily considered statistically significant, that is, greater than 

- 

the background, if the net count rate of the sample was greater than two times the net 

count rate for which the 2-sigma error was 100 percent. Non-significant values, equal 

to or less than this “detection limit”, were recorded as zeros for subsequent statistical 

calculations. 
The detection limit was computed as follows: 

D, L, = 

where 

d = net count rate for which the 2-sigma error is 100% = E2, , c/m 

The approximate detection limits for the different sample types, assuming uniform 

sample dimensions and analysis parameters, are as follows: 

Sample Type units 

Air @i/m3 

Water pCi/l 

soil W/g, by 

Vegetation pCi/g, ash 

Detection Limits 

Gross Alpha Gross Beta 

2.9 10 

-9 

x 1.6 x lO-8 

1.5 x loo 2.8 x 10’ 

3.0 x 10 

-1 

5.7 x 10 

-1 

1.5 x loo 2.8 x 10’ 
Chapter 3 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

3.1 STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF RESULTS 

The frequency distributions of results for the different sample types are shown in 

Figures 3.1 through 3.3. In each case, the distribution is skewed to the right which 

indicates that the populations sampled do not fit the normal, or Gaussian, model. 

These populations more closely approximate a log-normal distribution model. 

The variances and, consequently, the estimated confidence interval for the means of 

these sample populations were reduced by a factor of approximately two through the 

use of the logarithmic transformation. 

This transformation is made by treating the logarithms of observed values as normally 

distributed random variables. The true mean of a population of such variables is 

estimated, then, by 

z = log-l ( Zlog xi 2 

N + % 

> 

and the confidence limits for this mean are calculated from 

log-‘(log x + ts/N l/2 ) 

where 

x = 

i 

observed value 

N = number of observations 

S2 = variance of log values 

t = lStudentts” t-value for the confidence level (95.0%) 

9 
I 

A3N3n03W 39WlN3383d 

10 
POTABLE WATER SAMPLES 

s lb 15 25 

Xi PlCOCURlES PER LITER 

ACCUM. *A FREQUENCY OF ALL VALUES J 20 

SURFACE WATER SAMPLES 

rb 20 25 

Xi PlCOCURlES PER LITER 

ACCUM. */* FREQUENCY OF ALL VALUES )24 = II 

Figure 3.2 Frequency Distributions of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

in NTS Environmental Water Samples from February 

1965 through June 1965 

11 
SOIL SAMPLES 

I I 

I 

0. 

lb 20 25 

Xi PlCOCURlES PER GRAM 

ACCUM. */* FREC’UENCY OF ALL VALUES )24= 2.8 

260 300 400 5004 

Xi PlCOCURlES PER GRAM ASH 

ACCUM. y. FREQUENCY OF ALL VALUES )520=3.0 

Figure 3.3 Frequency Distributions of Gross Beta Radioactivity in NTS 

Environmental Soil and Vegetation Samples from July 1964 

through June 1965 

12 
The parameters estimated, as shown above, for the population of gross beta radioactivity 

in each sample type are shown in Table 3.1. In addition, the frequencies of occurrence 

of detectable beta radioactivity, the maxima for all sample types, and the modes for air 

and water are listed. The mode, a useful statistic for evaluating skewed distributions, 

indicates the value, or interval of values, which was observed most frequently, 

Except in the case of soil samples, gross alpha radioactivity was detected infrequently, 

and then only at unrelated locations and times. For this reason, and because of the 

high degree of uncertainty associated with alpha results uncorrected for mass absorption, 

a statistical summary of this data would not be meaningful. Therefore, only the frequency of occurrence and the maxima of detectable alpha values are reported for each 

sample type in Table 3.2, 
Table 3.1 

SUMMARY OF GROSS BETA RADIOACTIVITY 

OBSERVED IN NTS ENVIRONMENTAL AIR, WATER, SOIL, AND 

VEGETATION SAMPLES 

JULY 1964 THROUGH JUNE 1965 

Sample Air Water 

Population (Filter 

B 

Potable Surface(a) yD?y) 

Vegetation 

(Ash) 

Parameter j.K?i/m pCi/l pCi/g pCi/g 

n/N(b) 509/509 180/185 63/66 150/150 150/150 

Mean 6,6 x 10 

-7 

5.6 10 8.8 1.7 x lo2 

-7 

Upper 7,2x10 6.2 13 10 1.9 x lo2 

95% c. I.4 

Lower 6.0x10 

-7 

5.2 8.3 7.8 l.5x102 

Mode 2-3x 10 

-7 

4-6 4-6 4-12 0.8 - 1,2x lo2 

Maximum 9.1x 10 -7 47 90 73 9.9x102 

Table 3.2 

SUMMARY OF GROSS ALPHA RADIOACTIVITY 

OBSERVED IN NTS ENVIRONMENTAL AIR, WATER, SOIL, AND 

VEGETATION SAMPLES 

JULY 1964 THROUGH JUNE 1965 

Sample Air Water Vegetation 

Population (Filter.\ Potable Surface(a) YZ-Iy) (Ash) 

Parameter pCi/m 3 pCi/l pCi/g pCi/g 

n/N(b) 258/509 22/185 4/66 36/150 17/150 

Maximum 1.0 x 10 

-6 

1.5 3.5 0.89 9.9 

(a)Except contaminated waste ponds 

(b)Frequency of occurrence of detectable radioactivity = no. of samples with 

detectable radioactivity/total no. of samples analyzed. 

14 
3.2 AIR 

The means and ranges of gross beta radioactivity in weekly collect’ions of air samples 

from 11 to 14 sample stations are tabulated in Appendix B, 1 and plotted in Figure 3.4, 

Figure 3.4 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

in all NTS Environmental Air Samples from July 1964 

through June 1965 

15 
These data extend those reported for the previous period, January 1964 through June 

1964, * For that period, the “normal” level of beta radioactivity in air samples was 

given the value of 10 

-6 

jKi/m3. 

Several of the sample periods shown in Figure 3.4 exhibit a very wide range of values 

(greater than a factor of 10). In all cases, this was the result of a single high or low 

value and affected the mean relatively little. 

All air samples collected during the last week in October 1964 were significantly more 

radioactive than those collected during other sampling periods. There were no releases 

of radioactive effluents on-site during this sampling period. Gamma spectrum and 

decay analyses of these samples showed that this additional radioactivity was due to 

the presence of fresh fission.products whose age indicated that their origin was the 

atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device on the Chinese mainland,, 14 October 1964. 

There was a slight but noticeable increase in gross alpha activity for these samples. 

The beta-to-alpha ratio was approximately 1OO:l. That this was widespread fallout was 

indicated also by the relatively narrow range of values, 

In general, prolonged decreases in airborne radioactivity corresponded closely with 

periods of reduced testing operations. The obvious increase in airborne contaminants, 

extending from the last week in May through the middle of June, coincided with a period 

of intensive testing at the NTS and the NRDS, 

*Glora, M, A, _ and B, L, Brown “Environmental Surveillance, January-June 1964: 

A Semiannual Report”. NVO-162-16, Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Co. , Inc., 

Radiological Sciences Department. August 1964. 

16 
However, it should be noted that the levels of airborne radioactivity reported here fall 

generally within the range of values for other locations during the same period as published in Radiological Health Data * Furthermore, the major temporal fluctuations in -L 

airborne radioactivity at the NTS, that is, a minimum in January and a maximum in 

May (excepting the Chinese fallout episode), closely resemble the pattern of seasonal 

variation of widespread fallout generally related to meteorological periods. 

3.3 WATER 

The detection limit for analyses of water samples collected prior to February 1965 

was in excess of the MPC values because the sample size was small (5Oml). In February, sampling and preparation procedures described above were instituted which reduced the detection limits by a few orders of magnitude. The results of analyses prior 

to this date indicate only that MPC values were not seriously exceeded, and do not 

constitute a body of quantitative data. Therefore, only those results (excepting contaminated waste ponds) obtained after February 1965 are reported here. 

3.3.1 Potable Water 

The means and ranges of gross beta radioactivity in weekly collections of potable water 

from all locations sampled are tabulated in Appendix B, 2 and shown in Figure 3.5, Mean 

values ranged between 3.7 and 10 pCi/l. The maximum values were below the maximum 

permissible concentration of unidentified radionuclides (MPCU) in water for individuals 

in controlled areas (300 pCi/l = 3 x 10-7/.Gi/cc) as given in the footnotes to Annex 1 of the 

*Published monthly by the U, S, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public 

Health Service, Division of Radiological Health. 

17 
Appendix, Chapter 0524, AEC Manual. 

POTABLE WATER SAMPLES 

100 I I I 

,------’ 

I I 

t I I I I 1 

I1 I I I I ---B-B- 

’ FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 

1965 

SURFACE WATER SAMPLES 

. 

- - 

- - 

~~~~ 

- - 

- I - 

I I I 

I I I I 

FE6 MAR APR MAY JUN 

1965 

Figure 3.5 Weekly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

in all NTS Environmental Potable Water Samples from 

February through June 1965 

Figure 3.6 Monthly Means and Ranges of Gross Beta Radioactivity 

in all NTS Environmental Surface Water Samples from 

February through June 1965 

3, 3.2 Surface Water 

The means and ranges of gross beta radioactivity in monthly collections of surface 

water from all locations sampled, excepting contaminated waste ponds, are listed in 

Appendix B, 3 and plotted in Figure 3.6, Mean values ranged from 6.2 to 14 pCi/l, 

and the maximum value observed was 90 pCi/l. 

18 
It should be noted that the frequency distribution for surface water values is different 

from that for potable water (Figure 3.2) such that, while the modes are the same, 

surface water has a secondary mode and more high values than potable water. 

Included in the population of surface water values are results of samples from four 

sources not fitting the term “surface water” precisely. These are the samples taken 

directly from Well J-12 and Well 3 and those from the two swimming pools. With 

the exception of the Mercury swimming pool, these sources are not exposed directly to 

atmospheric fallout. As a further complication, the swimming pools are filtered 

continuaIly. Future reports will present separate summaries for such distinct sources. 

3.3.3 Contaminated Waste Ponds 

Permanent bodies of contaminated water are located at the Control Point (CP) ‘decontamination area and at the Haines Lakes in Area 12. The waste pond at the CP area was 

constructed to contain liquid radioactive waste from the decontamination operations performed in the area. The Haines Lakes were established as reservoirs for industrial 

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

The water source became contaminated during a test in E tunnel in 1961 and has continued to discharge contaminated seepage water. Like the CP waste pond, these reservoirs are controlled radiation zones. 

The higher levels of activity detected in these waters permit the reporting of contamination levels for the period from July 1964 through June 1965. The arithmetic means 

and the ranges are as follows: 

19 
Location 

No. of 

Samples 

Alpha Beta 

(PCi/l) (pCi/l) 

Mean Range Mean Range 

CP Waste Pond 7 None detected 1200 360-2500 

Haines Lakes 

Upper 

Lower 

9 1.9 1.2 - 2.5 4900 1700-8100 

9 1.9 1.5 - 2.2 4500 1100-8000 

3.4 SOIL AND VEGETATION 

The frequency distributions of soil and vegetation sample populations, like that for 

surface water, appear to be somewhat multimodal. This would indicate the presence 

of two or more subpopulations (for each sample type), each with its own set of parameters. Such subpopulations may be related to either temporal or spatial variations. 

Analysis of the variance of these data should reveal the relative significance of time 

and space factors and isolate the component subpopulations. The results of such 

analysis will be included in a subsequent report. 

It has been noted that soil type, pH and chemical make-up have a profound effect on the 

uptake of elements by vegetation. * Studies underway at present indicate that certain 

isotopes are effectively concentrated by the indigenous vegetation. If this proves to be 

the case, the entire soil-vegetation sampling program should be reevaluated with a 

view towards individual isotopic analyses rather than gross alpha and beta analysis, 

*Cannon, H. L. “The Distribution of Prennial Shrubs on Basin Sediments of the Nevada 

Test Site and Vicinity; A Preliminary Report. ” United States Department of the Interior, 

Geological Survey; Technical Letter, Special Projects - 13; August 5, 1964. 

20 
Chapter 4 

CONCLUSION 

Evaluation of environmental surveillance data collected at the NTS and NRDS from 

July 1964 through June 1965 indicate that the environmental exposure of test site 

personnel to radioactive contamination outside of controlled areas was within recommended limits. While it was possible to detect, in some cases, increased env-ironmental burdens of radionuclides, these were generally of a low level. The greatest 

single increase noted, a ten-fold increase in the gross beta activity of air samples 

during the last week in October 1964, was caused by fallout from the atmospheric 

detonation of a nuclear device on the Chinese mainland 14 October 1964. 

21 
Area Station Location 

2 Well 2 reservoir 

3 Cafeteria 

Well 3A reservoir 

5 Well 5B 

Well 5B reservoir 

Gate 250 

Cane Spring 

Well 5B reservoir 

Nye Canyon barricade 

6 Cafeteria 

Dispensary 

CP-2 contaminated waste pond 

Camp 6 compound 

Well C reservoir 

Well 3b reservoir 

9 Dispensary 

Ice house 

Stake 9B-36 

10 Gate 700 

12 Wash north of motor pool 

Upper Haines Lake 

Lower Haines Lake 

Gold Meadows barricade 

Cafeteria 

White Rock Spring 

15 USPHS farm reservoir 

16 Cattle pond 

Dispensary 

Tippipah Spring 

18 Camp 17 cafeteria 

Camp 17 dispensary 

Camp 17 reservoir 

Well 8 

Appendix A 

ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 

Sample Typeta) 

SW 

A, PW 

SW 

A 

SW, s, v 

A 

SW, s, v 

SW, s, v 

f4 v 

PW 

A 

SW 

s9 v 

SW 

SW 

A, PW 

PW 

s, v 

A 

S 

SW 

SW 

s, v 

A, PW 

SW, s, v 

i-1 

SW, s, v 

SW, s, v 

A 

SW 

A 

PW 

SW, s, v 

SW, s, v 

Frequency (b) 

MO 

wk 

MO 

wk 

MO 

wk 

MO 

MO 

MO 

wk 

wk 

MO 

MO 

MO 

MO 

wk 

MO 

MO 

wk 

MO 

MO 

MO 

MO 

wk 

MO 

MO 

MO 

wk 

MO 

wk 

wk 

MO 

MO 
Area Station Location 

19 Stake 19C-32 

20 Dispensary 

Stake 2OL-3 

Stake 2OJ-51 

Stake 20A-108 

23 Bldg. 214 

Cafeteria 

Swimming pool 

25 LASL H-8 facility 

Cafeteria . 

CP water tower 

Well J-12 

Fortymile Canyon (stake 833) 

27 Dispensary 

Cafeteria 

51 Dispensary 

Cafeteria 

Swimming pool 

Well 3 

Papoose Lake (North end) 

Groom Lake runoff pond 

Sample Type(a) 

s, v 

Frequency @) 

MO 

A, PW, S, V wk 

s, v MO 

s, v MO 

s, v MO 

A 

PW 

SW, s, v 

A 

PW 

SW, s, v 

SW 

SW, s, v 

A 

PW 

A 

PW 

SW 

SW 

SW, s, v 

SW, s, v 

MO 

wk 

MO 

MO 

MO 

wk 

wk 

wk 

MO 

MO 

MO 

MO 

., :. 

(a)A=air, SW=surface water, PW=potable water, S=soil, V=vegetation 

(b)Wk=weekly, Mo=monthly 

A-2 
Appendix B 

SAMPLINGPERIODMEANSANDRANGESOF 

GROSSBETARADIOACTIVITYINENVtRONMENTAL 

AIRANDWATERSAMPLESFROMNTS 

JULY1964 THROUGHJUNE 1965 

B.1 Air Samples (Values in terms ofjtCi/m3) 

Date 

(Week ending) Mean' 

Range 

Maximum Minimum 

7/11/64 

7/18/64 

7/25/64 

8/l/64 

8/8/64 

8/15/64 

8/22/64 

8/29/64 

9/5 /64 

g/12/64 

g/19/64 

g/26/64 

10/3/64 

lo/lo/64 

10/17/64 

. 10/24/64 

10/31/64 

11/7/64 

11/14/64 

11/21/64 

11/28/64 

12/5/64 

12/12/64 

12/19/64 

12/26/64 

l/2/65 

l/9/65 

l/16/65 

l/23/65 

l/30/65 

2/6/65 

2/13/65 

2120165 

-6 

1.4x10m7 

3.6x10 

4.8 ~10'~ 

3.0 x1o-7 

1.8 x 1O-7 

1.6 ~10'~ 

2.2 x10-7 

6.1~10'~ 

6.8 xSO-~ 

(a) 

2.7 x10-7 

5.8 x~O-~ 

7.8 ~10'~ 

7.2 x10-7 

2.6 ~10'~ 

3.5 x10-7 

5.7 x 10-6 

4.2 x10-7 

4.7 x1o-7 

3.0 x1o-7 

3.7 x1o-7 

2.5 x1o-7 

2.0 x10-7 

1.5 x10-7 

4.3x10-7 

(a) -8 

3,3x10 

64 -7 

1.3x10 

3.9 x10-7 

5.2 x 10'7 

6.6 x 1O-7 

7.6 x 1O-7 

(max,) 

-6 

3.4x10s7 

5.1x 10 

7.8 ~10'~ 

1.4x10-6 

3.3 x1o-7 

2.1 x10-7 

3.8 ~10'~ 

1.4x10-6 

7.8 x~O-~ 

(a) _ 

3.2 x 10"' 

6.5 x~O-~ 

9,4x 1o-7 

2.2 x10-6 

3.3 x lo-'/ 

5.1x10-7 

9.1x10-6 

6.0 ~10'~ 

6.5 x~O-~ 

6.5 x~O-~ 

4.8 ~10'~ 

4.3x10-7 

2.6 x~O-~ 

3.4x10-7 

7.5 x 1o-7 

(a) 

4.9 x10 

43 

(a) 

3.9 x10 

-7 

5.8 ~10'~ 

7.3x10-7 

3.0 x1o-6 

3.0 x1o-6 

9.8x10 

-7 

2.6 x~O-~ 

2.6 ~10'~ 

1.7 x10-7 

1.7 x10-f 

1.2 x lo-.' 

1.2 x10-7 

3.8 ~10'~ 

5.7 x1o-7 

(a) 

1.9 x 1o-7 

4.6 ~10'~ 

2.4x10-7 

1.4 x 10'7 

1.5 x 10'7 

2:o x10-7 

4.9 x 1o-6 

2.5 x10-7 

2.6 x~O-~ 

1.9 x10-7 

2.4x1o-7 

7:1x 10-8 

7.1x10-8 

5.6 x10-8 

3.2 x lo-'( 

(a) -8 

2,2x10 

fa) -8 

8.7 x10 

2.7 x10-7 

3.8 x~O-~ 

4,1x10-7 

2.0 x1o-7 

B-l 
AL..-. . . -5 . 

. . 

Date 

(Week ending) Mean 

Range 

Maximum Minimum 

2/27/65 

3/6/65 

3/13/65 

3/20/65 

3/27/65 

4/3/65 

4/10/65 

4/17/65 

4/24/65 

5/l/65 

5/8/65 

5/15/65 

5/22/65 

5/29/65 

6/5/65 

6/12/65 

6/19/65 

6/26/65 

4.2 

-7 

5.8 

X10D7 

7.9 

x 10m7 

x 1oe7 

3.4x10e7 

6.5 

4.9 

x 10m7 

2.2 

x10a7 

2.5 

x10s7 

x 1om7 

5.4x10m7 

.7,3x 1oe7 

7.1x10e7 

7.6 

8.3 

x 10m7 

3.0 

x 10e6 

1.9 

X10w6 

1.7 

x 10m6 

1.0 

X10e6 

1.0 

x 10m6 

x10 

8.2 

-7 

9.6 

x10m7 

9.1 

x10e7 

5.6 

x 1oe7, 

8.3 

x 10m7 

6.9 

x 10e7 

x10m7 

5.0 x10m7 

4.3X10B6 

1.1x1o-6 

1.3 

1.2 

X10m6 

1.0 

X10m6 

2.7 

X10e6 

7.6 

X10e6 

2.8 

x10m6 

2.7 

x.10m6 

6.9 

X10m6 

3.1 

x10D6 

x10 

5.8 

-8 

3.0 

x 10B7 

6.3 

X10B7 

3.7 

x 10e8 

4.2 

x 1o-,7 

x 10B7 

2.1x lOa 

9.4x10 

1.3x 10:; 

1.3X10w7' 

2.8 

209 

x10B7 

x w7 

3.3x10e7 

6.1 

1.3 

x 10m6 

x 10B6 

lo3 x 10e6 

1.2 

1.5 

X10m8 

x10e7 

5.1x10 

(a)No samples taken 

B-2 
B. 2 Potable Water Samples (Values in terms of pCi/l) 

Date 

(Week ending) Mean Maximum 

Range , 

Minimum 

216165 6.4 13 

2/13/65 3.7 6.0 

2120165 507 8.0 

2127 165 5.4 11 

316165 9.0 36 

3/l 3165 5.3 10 

3120165 6.0 11 

3127 165 5.2 7.2 

413165 10 47 

4110165 7.2 12 

4/17/65 40 5 10 

4124165 (a) (a) 

5/l/65 40 2 7.4 

5 18165 5.3 905 

5 115 165 8*6 12 

5122165 3.9 7.9 

5129165 5.4 7.8 

615165 8.8 19 

6112165 4.7 18 

6119165 4.7 10 

6126165 6.6 9.2 

2.1 

2.3 

;“L (b) 

. . 

2.3 

2.3 

2.6 

30 7 

4.7 

;“L (b) 

. 0 

a 

yL (b) 

2:5 . 

5.6 

1.9 

3.1 

3.3 

2.0 

;“L (b) 

. . 

(a)No samples taken 

(b)Detection Limit 

B, 3 Surface Water Samples (Values in Terms of pCi/l) 

Date Range 

( Month Minimum 

2165 8.7 52 D, L, (a) 

3165 14 90 3.5 

4165 13 50 3.8 

5165 6.2 11 

6165 11 47 

(a)Detection Limit 

B-3