Domestic US nuclear testing polluting the pine nut land country
This data was extractedand reformatted from DOL/NV -317Radiological Effluents ReleastedFrom U.S. Continental Tests 1961 - 1992
To Compare Test Maps with Fire Maps:
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Test: ANTLER
Date: 09/15/61 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 1000 PST Depth of Burial: 1,320 ft
Location: NTS U12e.03 Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Tunnel Yield: 2.6 kt
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test
Test Release at R+12Hours, in Curies: 2.1 x 10 5
Isotopes Identified in the Release:131I, 133I, 135I,and 140Ba/140La
Cloud Direction: Northerly overHighway 25, Reed, Diablo, and Warm Springs, Nevada
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:28picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Diablo, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 12.5 mR/h at Twin Springs Ranch, Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:1.4picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air,
34 picocuries of 133 Iper cubic meter of air, and 150 picocuries of 135 Iper cubic meter of air at Diablo, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 1.5 mR/h at 21.1 miles northeast of the junction of Highway6 and Highway 25 (Nevada)
Release Summary: Venting occurredat the tunnel portal at H+2seconds and lasted for an unknown duration. A secondary steam explosionwas observed from eight to ten minutes following the detonation.
References: (A) (C) (E) (F) (G)(H) (AY) (DA) (GA)
Test: FEATHER
Date: 12/22/61 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 0830 PST Depth of Burial:812 ft
Location: NTS U12b.08 Purpose:Weapons Related
Type: Tunnel Yield: 150 tons
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release:Test
Test Release at R+12Hours, in Curies: 3.8 x 10 2
Isotopes Identified in the Release:103Ru,131I, 133I, 135I, 140La,and 141Ce
Cloud Direction: Southwesterlyover Death Valley Junction, California
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:440picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Bettle’s Farm,Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 0.08 mR/h at Death Valley Junction, California
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:290picocuries of 133 I per cubic meter of air and 1,000picocuries of 135 I per cubic meter of air at Bettle’sFarm, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.01 mR/h at 1.5 miles west to one mile south of Death ValleyJunction, California
Release Summary: At H hour, a smallcloud rose from the tunnel portal and vent pipes on top of the mesa andendured for 11 minutes. Monitoring data showed the cloud traveled in astraight path on a heading of 190 degrees, passing just east of Carrara,Nevada. South of Carrara, the path changed to the southeast, passing overDeath Valley Junction and eventually reaching Ash Meadows, Nevada.
References: (A) (C) (E) (F) (G)(H) (AY) (DA) (GC)
Test: PAMPAS
Date: 03/01/62 Sponsor: LASL/UK
Time: 1110 PST Depth of Burial:1,200 ft
Location: NTS U3al Purpose: Joint US-UK
Type: Shaft Yield: 9.5 kt
Release Type of Test/Prompt Particle
Detected: Offsite Release: Samplingand Drillback
Test Release at R+12Hours, in Curies: 2.0 x 10 3
Isotopes Identified in the Release:95Nb, 103Ru, 131I, 133I, 135I, 140La,and 141Ce
Cloud Direction: Northeasterly overHighway 25 (Nevada)
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:1,700picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Penoyer, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 0.22 mR/h at Penoyer, Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:9picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air,
220 picocuries of 133 Iper cubic meter of air, and 350 picocuries of 135 Iper cubic meter of air at Gunderson’s Ranch, Penoyer, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.08 mR/h at 17.7 miles north of Highway 25 in Sand SpringsValley, Nevada
Drillback Release Activity at Timeof Release: Some
Release Summary: A test releaseoccurred from a broken sampling line at zero time and lasted for 20 minutes.The release of radioactivity occurred with winds from the south carryingthe cloud north on about a ten degree trajectory.
Some radiation was detected in the areasurrounding surface ground zero from gaseous
radioactivity released during postshotdrilling.
References: (A) (B) (E) (F) (G)(H) (AY) (DA) (GE)
Test: DANNYBOY
(map)
Date: 03/05/62 Sponsor: DoD/LRLTime: 1015 PST Depth of Burial:110 ft
Location: NTS U18a Purpose: Weapons Effects
Type: Crater Yield: 430 tons
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release:Test/Crater
Test Release at R+12Hours, in Curies: 8.5 x 10 5
Isotopes Identified in the Release:91Sr, 103Ru, 131I, 133I, 135I, 132Te,and 140Ba/140La
Cloud Direction: Northerly overHighway 6, west of Warm Springs, Nevada
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:1,000picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Warm Springs,Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 3.2 mR/h 17.7 miles west of Warm Springs, Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:6.9picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air,
220 picocuries of 133 Iper cubic meter of air, and 350 picocuries of 135 Iper cubic meter of air at Warm Springs, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.02 mR/h at Carver’s Restaurant, Nevada
Release Summary: A persistent cloudwas produced during the blow out crater formation
containing appreciable quantities of radioactivityassociated with particulates. The total release,at the time of release,was 1.4 x 10 10 curies.
References: (A) (E) (F) (G) (H)(U) (V) (AY) (DA) (GE)
Test: PLATTE
Date: 04/14/62 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 1000 PST Depth of Burial:560 ft
Location: NTS U12k.01 Purpose:Weapons Related
Type: Tunnel Yield: 1.85 kt
Release Type of Test and Test/Prompt
Detected: Offsite Release: Particle Sampling
Test Release at R+12Hours, in Curies: 1.9 x 10 6
Isotopes Identified in the Release:40K, 95Zr/95Nb, 103Ru, 105Ru, 131I, 133I, 135I, 132Te, 140Ba/140La, 141Ce,and 144 Ce
Cloud Direction: Northerly overHighway 25 (Nevada) at a bearing of approximately 20
degrees
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:34,000picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Queen CitySummit, Nevada (unpopulated)
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 47 mR/h at Queen City Summit, Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:3,500picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air, 23,000picocuries of 133 I per cubic meter of air, and 37,000picocuries of 135 I per cubic meter of air at QueenCity Summit, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.10 mR/h at 28.1 miles northeast of
Currant, Nevada
Release Summary: Venting occurredat the tunnel portal, through fissures, and at the sampling hole at H+1.5seconds. The fissures were created on the side of the hill, and radialcracks formed on top of the hill. A persistent cloud was produced containingappreciable quantities of radioactivity associated with particles.
References: (A) (C) (E) (F) (G)(H) (AY) (DA) (GG)
Test: EEL
Date: 05/19/62 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 0800 PDT Depth of Burial:714ft
Location: NTS U9m Purpose: WeaponsRelated
Type: Shaft Yield: 4.5 kt
Release Type of Test/Prompt Particle
Detected: Offsite Release: Sampling
Test Release at R+12Hours, in Curies: 1.9 x 10 6
Isotopes Identified in the Release:95Zr/95Nb, 103Ru, 106Ru,105Rh, 131I, 133I, 135I, 132Te, 140Ba/140La, 141Ce,and 144 Ce
Cloud Direction: Northerly towardsEureka, Nevada
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:3,400picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Currant, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 10 mR/h at 5.9 miles northwest of Queen City Summit, Nevada(unpopulated)
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:5.6picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air, and 23picocuries of 133 I per cubic meter of air at Currant,Nevada, and 26 picocuries of 135 I percubic meterof air at Gunderson’s Ranch, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.02 mR/h at 19 miles west of Ely, Nevada,on Highway 50
Release Summary: Venting, in theform of a geyser, occurred at H+10seconds from satellite hole U9m-2 and continued steadily until H+19minutes, 42 seconds. A similar venting occurred at H+15seconds from satellite hole U9m-3 and lasted until H+21minutes. The venting ceased with crater subsidence.
References: (A) (C) (E) (F) (G)(H) (AY) (CC) (DA) (GH)
Test: DESMOINES
Date: 06/13/62 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 1400 PDT Depth of Burial:660 ft
Location: NTS U12j.01 Purpose:Weapons Related
Type: Tunnel Yield: 2.9 kt
Release Type of Test and Test/Prompt
Detected: Offsite Release: Particle Sampling
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:1.1x 10 7
Isotopes Identified in the Release:103Ru, 106Ru/106Rh, 131I, 133I, 135I, 132Te,and
140 Ba/140La
Cloud Direction: Generally northeasterlyover Queen City Summit, Nevada (unpopulated)
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:15,000picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Queen CitySummit, Nevada, (unpopulated), and 5,900 picocuries of gross beta activityper cubic meter of air at Diablo, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 160 mR/h at Queen City Summit,
Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:1,400picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air, 16,000picocuries of 133 I per cubic meter of air, and 230,000picocuries of 135 I per cubic meter of air at QueenCity Summit, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.6 mR/h at 18.6 miles west of Ely, Nevada, on Highway 50(approximately 163 miles from the detonation site)
Release Summary: Venting beganat H+0.2seconds on top of the hill at surface ground zero, then from the samplinghole on the face of the hill, and finally through the portal. The durationof the release was approximately five minutes. The test vented out of thetunnel mouth with sufficient pressure and flow rate that radioactive debriswas projected entirely across the canyon and deposited on the slope behinda trailer shelter.
The test caused 131 Imilk contamination in the following locations: Adavan, Nevada, 360
picocuries per liter on June 20; Elko,Nevada, 610 picocuries per liter on June 22; and Spokane, Washington, 1,200picocuries per liter on June 20. All measurements were made from samplestaken from fresh milk except those at Spokane that were made from pooledmilk at a pasteurizing plant.
References: (A) (C) (E) (F) (G)(H) (M) (AY) (DA) (GI)
Test: SEDAN
map
Date: 07/06/62 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 1000 PDT Depth of Burial: 635 ft
Location: NTS U10h Purpose: Plowshare
Type: Crater Yield: 104 kt
Release Type of
Detected: Offsite Release: Test/Crater
Test Release at R+12Hours, in Curies: 1.5 x 10 7
Isotopes Identified in the Release:7Be, 24Na, 56Mn, 103Ru, 131I, 132I,133I, 135I, 132Te, 140Ba/140La, 181W, 187W, 188W,and tracers
Cloud Direction: Northeasterly
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:13,000picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Diablo, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 324 mR/h at Diablo, Nevada, and
1,960 mR/h near Queen City Summit, Nevada(unpopulated)
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:3,700picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air, 13,000picocuries of 133 I per cubic meter of air, and 60,000picocuries of 135 I per cubic meter of air at Diablo,Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.7 mR/h near McGill, Nevada (north of Ely)
Release Summary: A persistent cloudcontaining appreciable quantities of radioactivity,
including particulates, was produced duringthe cratering process. Fallout was documented to a distance of approximately200 statute miles downwind.
The significant contributors to the gammaexposure rate at H+24hours were fission products, 187 W, and 24Na.Approximately 42% of the gamma exposure rate at H+24hours was the result of fission products, 55% was from 187W,2% was from 24 Na, and less than 1% was from 181W, 188W, 7Be, 56Mn,and tracers.
References: (A) (C) (E) (F) (G)(H) (AR) (DD)
Test: JOHNNIEBOY
Date: 07/11/62 Sponsor: DoD
Time: 0945 PDT Depth of Burial:23 in
Location: NTS Area 18 Purpose:Weapons Effects
Type: Crater Yield: 500 tons
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release:Test/Crater
Test Release: Atmospheric
Isotopes Identified in the Release:131I, 133I, 135I, 132Te,and 140Ba/140La
Cloud Direction: Northerly; subsequentlydivided into two portions
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:23,000picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of air at Twin SpringsRanch, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 3.0 mR/h near the Rattlesnake
Maintenance Station, Nevada, by groundmonitoring; 3.8 mR/h on a recording radiation monitor at Twin Springs Ranch,Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:500picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air,
920 picocuries of 133 I,per cubic meter of air, and 2,300 picocuries of 135 Iper cubic meter of air at Twin Springs, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 3.0 mR/h at 11 miles northeast of Lockes, Nevada
Release Summary: A persistent cloudcontaining appreciable quantities of radioactivity,
including particulates, was produced duringthe cratering process.
Detonation of this test resulted in theformation of a radioactive cloud that moved north from the test site. Thiscloud split into two portions. The lower portion traveled slightly westof north to the area of Highway 6 between Tonopah and Warm Springs, Nevada,then traveled east of north after assuming a width of 25-30 miles; thehigher portion, above 11,000 ft mean sea level (MSL), traveled east ofnorth.
References: (A) (E) (F) (AR) (GK)
Test: SMALL BOY
(map)
Date: 07/14/62 Sponsor: DoD
Time: 1130 PDT Depth of Burial: 10 ft above ground
Location: NTS Area 5 Purpose: Weapons Effects
Type: Tower Yield: Low
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test/Surface
Test Release: Atmospheric
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 95Zr/95 Nb, 103 Ru, 131 I, 132 Te, and 140 Ba/140 La
Cloud Direction: Northeasterly
Maximum Activity Detected in AirOffsite: 140,000 picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic
meter of air at Elko, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 14 mR/h at 13 miles south of Alamo,
Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:1,100 picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air at
Caliente, Nevada, and 3,500 picocuriesof 131 I per liter in milk at Caliente, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.02 mR/h at seven miles south of Parowan,
Utah, on Highway 143
Release Summary: This test resulted inthe formation of a radioactive cloud that moved east
from surface ground zero and crossed Highway93 south of Alamo, Nevada. During the night of
July 14 and the morning of July 15, thecloud moved further east into Utah, and it reached such
low levels that it was detected only insmall segments by ground monitoring.
References: (A) (E) (F) (AR) (GL)
Test: BANDICOOT
Date: 10/19/62 Sponsor: LASL
Time: 1100 PDT Depth of Burial: 800 ft
Location: NTS U3bj Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: 12.5 kt
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:3.0 x 10 6
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 95Zr/95 Nb, 103 Ru, 131 I, 133 I, 135 I, 132 Te, and 140 Ba/140 La
Cloud Direction: Northerly for the lowerpart of the cloud; south southwesterly for the upper
portion of the cloud
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:52,000 picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic
meter of air at Death Valley Junction,California
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: Greater than 20 mR/h on Highway 95,
seven miles west of the Mercury Junction(Nevada)*
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:310 picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air, and
2,500 picocuries of 135 I per cubic meterof air at Lathrop Wells, Nevada; maximum 131 I level in
milk, 160 picocuries per liter on October23, 1962, at Springdale, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: 0.01 mR/h at 14.5 miles south of Shoshone,
California
Release Summary: At H+5 seconds a persistentcloud was produced containing appreciable
quantities of radioactivity associatedwith particulates. This test venting, that lasted for five
minutes, was from a ground fault nearthe surface ground zero area.
The radioactive cloud split into two portions.The lower portion of the cloud traveled in a
north-northeasterly direction to Area9 where it remained stagnant, then moved slowly across
Flat Top Mesa and north to the Area 12Compound. The cloud dispersed in the valleys north of
the Nevada Test Site. No exposures topeople were detected.
The upper portion of the cloud traveledin a southerly direction and traversed a course over
Camp Mercury, Cactus Springs, Indian Springs,Lathrop Wells and Highway 95 (Nevada). Upon
crossing Highway 95, the cloud was ninemiles wide, diffusing rapidly, and proceeding
southwest, passing over the Los Angeles,California area.
References: (A) (C) (E) (G) (H) (AR) (DB)(GO)
______________________________
*Upper limit of measuring instrument.
Test: DOUBLETRACKS (map)
Date: 05/15/63 Sponsor: Joint US-UK
Time: 0255 PDT Depth of Burial: Not Applicable
Location: NAFR Purpose: Storage-Transportation
Type: Surface Yield: Zero
Release Type of
Detected: Offsite Release: Test/PlutoniumDispersal
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:Unknown
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:Estimated 12.1 disintegrations per minute per
cubic meter (alpha) at Scotty’s Junction,Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite:No offsite gamma radiation was
detected.
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:Non-nuclear experiment, no iodine was produced.
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite:Alpha activity detected on air samplers at
Beatty, Nevada and Scotty’s Junction,Nevada
Release Summary: This test was part ofOperation Roller Coaster. Four storage and
transportation tests on the NAFR wereconducted as Operation Roller Coaster during May and
June 1963.
DOUBLE TRACKS was a non-nuclear experimentthat took place on Stonewall Flats at
0255 hours on May 15, 1963. The purposeof this test was to determine data on debris
scattering. To accomplish this purpose,conventional high explosives were used to scatter an
alpha-emitting isotope into the atmosphere.
Filters from air samplers taken at populatedlocations indicated a maximum concentration of
12.1 disintegrations per minute/cubicmeter at Scotty’s Junction, Nevada. (The air sample with
this highest reading was from an air samplerwith a burned out motor, and the total air flow had
to be estimated.) A filter from a samplerrun from 1245 hours May 14 to 1300 hours on May 15
in Beatty, Nevada, showed 11.3 disintegrationsper minute per cubic meter. Other filters from
populated locations showed concentrationsabove the 0.04 disintegrations per minute per cubic
meter background level.
References: (E) (AZ) (DE) (GP)
Test:CLEAN SLATE I
Date: 05/25/63 Sponsor: Joint US-UK
Time: 0417 PDT Depth of Burial: Not Applicable
Location: NAFR Purpose: Storage-Transportation
Type: Surface Yield: Zero
Release Type of
Detected: Offsite Release: Test/Plutonium Dispersal
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:Unknown
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:0.32 disintegrations per minute per cubic meter
(alpha) at Lathrop Wells, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite:No offsite gamma radiation was
detected.
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:Non-nuclear experiment, no iodine was produced.
Release Summary: The test was part ofOperation Roller Coaster. Four storage and
transportation tests on the NAFR wereconducted as Operation Roller Coaster during May and
June 1963.At 0417 hours on May 25, 1963,CLEAN SLATE I, a conventional high explosive device with a
plutonium-239 component, was detonatedat Cactus Flats, Nevada. The purpose of this
experiment was to determine data on theextent and concentration of alpha-emitting debris
scattering from a conventional high-explosivedevice equipped with one or more alpha-emitting
components.
Due to fluctuating wind patterns, airfilters from populated areas northeast and southeast of
surface ground zero showed small concentrationsof alpha-emitting material with a maximum
activity of 0.32 disintegrations per minuteper cubic meter of air at Lathrop Wells, Nevada.
Filters from populated areas (includingHiko, Lund, Mesquite, Pioche, Tonopah, Warm Springs,
Las Vegas, Furnace Creek, and LathropWells) showed small concentrations of contaminated
material.
References: (E) (AZ) (DE) (GQ)
Test: CLEANSLATE II
Date: 05/31/63 Sponsor: Joint US-UK
Time: 0347 PDT Depth of Burial: Not Applicable
Location: NAFR Purpose: Storage-Transportation
Type: Surface Yield: Zero
Release Type of
Detected: Onsite Only Release: Test/PlutoniumDispersal
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:Unknown
Release Summary: This test was part ofOperation Roller Coaster. Four storage and
transportation tests on the NAFR wereconducted as Operation Roller Coaster during May and
June 1963.CLEAN SLATE II, the third non-nuclearexperiment of Operation Roller Coaster, was carried
out on Cactus Flats, Nevada, at 0347 hours,May 31, 1963. The purpose of this detonation was
to determine data on the extent and concentrationof debris scattering from a conventional
high-explosive device equipped with oneor more alpha-emitting isotope components.
Air filter results from 31 permanent stationssurrounding the test area indicated that any material
released from CLEAN SLATE II was confinedto the Cactus Flats location.
References: (E) (AZ) (DE) (GR)
Test: YUBA
Date: 06/05/63 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 1000 PDT Depth of Burial: 795 ft
Location: NTS U12b.10 Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Tunnel Yield: 3.1 kt
Release Offsite Type of Test/Prompt Particle
Detected: (Drillback Only) Release: Samplingand Drillback
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:1.1 x 10 2
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 88Kr, 131 I, 133 I, 135 I, 135 Xe, and 138 Cs
Drillback Release Activity at Time ofRelease, in Curies: 7.2 x 10 4
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 131I, 133 I, 135 I, 133 Xe, and 135 Xe
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:No fresh fission products were detected.
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite:No radiation intensities above
background levels were measured.
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:No iodine was detected.
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite:Two miles offsite at Lathrop Wells, Nevada
(detected from the drillback release)
Release Summary: A test release occurredfrom the Rad-chem pipe.
A drillback release from a postshot drillhole occurred on June 7, 1963, and lasted for 100 hours.
References: (C) (E) (G) (H) (AR) (DB)(GS)
Test: CLEANSLATE III
Date: 06/09/63 Sponsor: Joint US-UK
Time: 0330 PDT Depth of Burial: Not Applicable
Location: NAFR Purpose: Storage-Transportation
Type: Surface Yield: Zero
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test/Plutonium Dispersal
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:Unknown
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:Not above background; a maximum of
1.64 x 10 -13 microcuries per cubic centimeterwas measured on the Test Range Complex.
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite:No offsite gamma radiation was
detected.
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:Non-nuclear experiment, no iodine was produced.
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite:47.8 + 1.5 disintegrations per minute per
square foot of 239, 240 Pu on afilm collector at Springdale, Utah
Release Summary: This test was part ofOperation Roller Coaster. Four storage and
transportation tests on the NAFR wereconducted as Operation Roller Coaster during May and
June 1963.
At 0330 hours on June 9, 1963, the CLEANSLATE III test was conducted at Cactus Flats,
Nevada. The purpose of this test was todetermine data on the extent and concentration of
alpha-emitting debris scattering froma conventional high-explosive device with one or more
radioactive components. This was the fourthand last test of the Roller Coaster series.
Careful ground monitoring to the southeastand southwest of surface ground zero failed to show
any readings above background levels.The area was monitored after heavy morning and
afternoon rains on June 9, 1963.
References: (E) (AZ) (DE) (GT)
References: (B) (E) (H) (AS)
Detonation: SARDINE* (simultaneous withBARRACUDA, separate holes)
Date: 12/04/63 Sponsor: LASL
Time: 0838 PST Depth of Burial: 860 ft
Location: NTS U3ch Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: Low
Release Type of
Detected: Onsite Only Release: Test andDrillback
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:3.0 x 10 1
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 131I, 133 I, 135 I, and 133 Xe
Drillback Release Activity at Time ofRelease, in Curies: Less than or equal to 9.0 x 10 -2
iodines in curies: less than or equalto 9.0 x 10 -2
Release Summary: A test release from thesurface ground zero area occurred at H+12 minutes
and lasted for 100 minutes.
References: (B) (E) (H) (AS)
__________________________
Test: EAGLE
Date: 12/12/63 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 0802 PST Depth of Burial: 540 ft
Location: NTS U9av Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: 5.3 kt
Release Type of
Detected: Offsite Release: Test and Drillback
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:7.6 x 10 2
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 89Sr, 91 Sr, 92 Sr, 99 Mo, 103 Ru,132 I, 133 I, 134 I, 135 I, 132 Te,
135 Xe, 138 Cs, and 140 Ba/140 La
Cloud Direction: Southwesterlyover Death Valley and Central Southern California, about
140 miles beyond the point of release
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:24 picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic
meter of air at Death Valley Junction,CaliforniaMaximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: No readings abovebackground levels were recorded.
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:10 picocuries of 135 I per cubic meter of air, and
35 picocuries of 133 I per cubic meterof air at Death Valley Junction, California.
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: Isotopic activity was detected in air samples
only as far as Death Valley Junction,California.
Drillback Release Activity at Timeof Release, in Curies: Less than 2.0 x 10 2
133 Xe and 135 Xe in curies: less than2.0 x 10 2
131 I, 133 I, and 135 I in curies: lessthan 1.0 x 10 -1
Release Summary: Venting occurred fromthe line-of-site (LOS) pipe at H+30 seconds and
lasted for three minutes.
A drillback release occurred from theventilation system at 1300 hours on December 15, 1963,
and lasted for 83 hours.
References: (C) (D) (E) (G) (H) (Z) (AS)(GU) (JQ)
Test: OCONTO
Date: 01/23/64 Sponsor: LRLTime: 0800 PST Depth of Burial: 868 ft
Location: NTS U9ay Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: 10.5 kt
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Drillback
Drillback Release Activity at Time ofRelease, in Curies: 3.0 x 10 4
133 Xe in curies: 9.9 x 10 3
135 Xe in curies: 2.1 x 10 4
131 I in curies: 1.0 x 10 -3
133 I in curies: 5.0 x 10 -4
Cloud Direction: Northerly
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:No gross beta activities were above normal levels.
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite:No readings were above background
levels. (Detected by aerial monitoringonly).
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:No iodine was detected.
Maximum Distance Radiation DetectedOffsite: Radioactivity from redrilling was detected
by aerial monitoring to Hancock Summit,Nevada.
Release Summary: A drillback release occurredfrom the ventilation system at 2200 hours on
January 24, 1964, and lasted for 26 hours.Radioactivity was detected offsite by aerial
monitoring only.
References: (C) (E) (H) (AS) (GV) (JS)
Test: PIKE
Date: 03/13/64 Sponsor: LASL
Time: 0802 PST Depth of Burial: 374 ft
Location: NTS U3cy Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: Less than 20 kt
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies:1.2 x 10 5
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 131I, 133 I, and 135 I
Cloud Direction: Southeasterly over CactusSprings and Las Vegas, Nevada, and over
California and Arizona the next day
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite:76,000 picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic
meter of air five miles west of CactusSprings, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate DetectedOffsite: 5.9 mR/h at Cactus Springs, Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite:1,000 picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air,
36,000 picocuries of 133 I per cubic meterof air, and 510 picocuries of 135 I per cubic meter of air
at Cactus Springs, Nevada; maximum concentrationof 131 I in commercial milk, 80 picocuries
per liter at Yuma, Arizona, and Winterhaven,California
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite:0.03 mR/h at 17.8 miles southeast of the
junction of Boulder Highway and SaharaAvenue, Las Vegas, Nevada
Release Summary: An test release fromground fractures occurred at H+10 seconds and lasted
for approximately one minute. Fresh fissionproducts were detected as far as 341 miles from
surface ground zero.
References: (B) (D) (E) (G) (H) (P) (Z)(AS) (DF) (DG) (FA) (JU)
Test: ALVA
Date: 08/19/64 Sponsor: LRLTime: 0900 PDT Depth of Burial: 545 ft
Location: NTS U2j Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: 4.4 kt
Release Type of Detected:Offsite Release: Test and Drillback
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 6.1 x 10 3
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 56 Mn, 131 I, 132 I, 133 I, 134I, 135 I, 133 Xe, 135 Xe, and 138 Cs
Cloud Direction: Northerly
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: No fresh fission productswere detected.
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: No radiation intensitiesabove
background levels were measured.
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: No iodine detected wasattributable to this test.
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: Detected offsiteby aircraft only, near
St. George, Utah
Drillback Release Activity at Time of Release, in Curies: 3.0 x 102
133 Xe in curies: 3.0 x 10 2
135 Xe in curies: 2.5 x 10 -1
131 I in curies: 4.1 x 10 -2
133 I in curies: 5.5 x 10 -2
Release Summary: A test release from the LOS pipe and shaft occurredat H time and lasted for
3.5 days. The release of radioactivity was detected offsite by aircraftonly.
A drillback release occurred from the drilling rig at 2200 hours onAugust 22, 1964, and lasted
for 5.4 days.
References: (C) (E) (H) (Z) (AT) (DH) (EC) (GW) (KE) (MA)
Detonation: DRILL (SOURCE-LOWER)
(simultaneous with DRILL [TARGET-UPPER], same hole)
Date: 12/05/64 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 1315 PST Depth of Burial: 722 ft
Location: NTS U2ai Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: 3.4 kt
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test and Drillback
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 6.1 x 10 4
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 56 Mn, 87 Kr, 88 Kr, 88 Rb, 131I, 133 I, 135 I, 132 Te, 133 Xe,
133m Xe, 135 Xe, 138 Xe, 137 Cs, 138 Cs, and 142 La
Cloud Direction: Southerly; east of Lathrop Wells, Nevada
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: 0.62 picocuries ofgross beta activity per cubic
meter of air at Death Valley Junction, California, and 1.6 picocuriesof 135 Xe per cubic meter of
air at Lathrop Wells, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: 0.20 mR/h on Highway95, five miles
east of Lathrop Wells, Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: 1.1 picocuries of 131I per cubic meter of air at
Shoshone, California; 300 picocuries of 131 I per kilogram, 300 picocuriesof 133 I per kilogram,
and 60 picocuries of 132 I per kilogram were measured in vegetationsamples five miles east of
Lathrop Wells, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: 0.01 mR/h at 17miles south of Lathrop
Wells, Nevada, on Highway 29
Drillback Release Activity at Time of Release, in Curies: 4.2 x 102
133 Xe in curies: 4.1 x 10 2
133m Xe in curies: 5.3
131 I in curies: less than 1.0
133 I in curies: less than 1.0
Release Summary: Test releases occurred from the crater at H+20 minutes,lasting for
9.5 hours and at H+10 hours, lasting for 5.4 days. An EG&G NATSplane traced the effluent
south over the Mojave Desert east of Barstow, California, towards Yuma,Arizona.
A drillback release from the drilling rig occurred at 1500 hours onDecember 14, 1964, and
lasted for 1.6 days.
References: (C) (E) (H) (Z) (AT) (DI) (ED) (KI) (KJ) (UA)
Test: PARROT
Date: 12/16/64 Sponsor: LASL
Time: 1200 PST Depth of Burial: 591 ft
Location: NTS U3dk Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: 1.3 kt
Release Type ofDetected: Offsite Release: Test
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 2.3 x 10 5
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 85m Kr, 131 I, 133 I, 135 I, 135Xe, 138 Xe, and 138 Cs
Cloud Direction: Northerly over Highway 25 (Nevada)
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: 74 picocuries of grossbeta activity per cubic
meter of air at 12 miles northwest of Hancock Summit, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: 0.14 mR/h alongHighway 25
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: 0.6 picocuries of 131I per cubic meter at
Warm Springs Ranch, Nevada, and 6.6 picocuries of 133 I per cubic meterof air at Indian
Springs, Nevada
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: 0.015 mR/h at 22miles south of Sunnyside,
Nevada, on Sunnyside Road
Release Summary: The PARROT test released radioactive effluentthat was characterized by an
initial burst followed by a continuous leaking of a relatively smallamount of activity. The test
release started at H+10 minutes and lasted for approximately eightdays. The mechanism of this
release was later found to be a crack in the LOS pipe below the surface.The release was
approximately 45% 138 Cs, 45% 85m Kr, and 10% 135 Xe (with traces ofiodines).
References: (B) (D) (E) (G) (H) (Z) (AT) (EE) (EF) (FB) (GX) (GY) (KJ)(L3) (MB)
Test: SULKY
Date: 12/18/64 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 1135 PST Depth of Burial: 90 ft
Location: NTS U18d Purpose: Plowshare
Type: Shaft Yield: 92 tons
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 1.3 x 10 5
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 85m Kr, 87 Kr, 88 Kr, 89Sr, 91 Sr, 91 Y, 131 I, 132 I, 133 I, 134 I,
135 I, 133 Xe, 135 Xe, 138 Xe, 138 Cs, 139 Ba, and 140 Ba
Cloud Direction: Northerly, between Clark Station and Nyala, Nevada
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: No fresh fission productswere detected in air
samples.
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: 0.06 mR/h at Nyala,Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: No iodines were detectedin air, milk, or water
samples.
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: 0.02 mR/h on Highway6, 19 miles west of
Lockes, Nevada
Release Summary: The planned test release occurred from the surfaceground zero area at
H+1 second and lasted for 35 days.
References: (C) (E) (G) (H) (AT) (DJ) (GY)
Test: ALPACA
Date: 02/12/65 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 0710 PST Depth of Burial: 737 ft
Location: NTS U2a Purpose: Weapons Related
Type: Shaft Yield: 330 tons
Release Type of
Detected: Offsite Release: Test
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 4.0 x 10 4
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 89 Kr, 89 Sr, 89 Rb, 131 I, 133I, 135 I, 133 Xe, 135 Xe, 137 Xe,
138 Xe, 137 Cs, and 138 Cs
Cloud Direction: Southerly direction to Highway 95 (Nevada)
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: 19 picocuries of grossbeta activity per cubic
meter of air at Barstow, California
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: 0.01 mR/h at thejunction of Highway
95 and the Mercury turnoff
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: No iodines were detectedin air, milk, or vegetation
samples.
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: Readings were atbackground levels;
0.004 mR/h at Johnnie’s Mine, Nevada
Test: PALANQUIN
Date: 04/14/65 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 0514 PST Depth of Burial: 280 ft
Location: NTS U20k Purpose: Plowshare
Type: Crater Yield: 4.3 kt
Release Type of
Detected: Offsite Release: Test/Crater
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 1.1 x 10 7
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 91 Sr, 91m Y, 95 Zr/95 Nb,97 Zr/97 Nb, 99 Mo, 99 Tc, 131 I, 133 I,
135 I, 135 Xe, and 140 Ba/140 La
Cloud Direction: Northerly to Pine Creek Ranch, Nevada
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: 23,000 picocuries of grossbeta activity per cubic
meter of air at Clark Station, Nevada (populated site); highest concentrationin an unpopulated
site, 87,000 picocuries of gross beta activity per cubic meter of airat Highway 6, eight miles east
of the Tonopah Test Range Road
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: 3 mR/h at StoneCabin Ranch, Nevada
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: 32,000 picocuries of135 I per cubic meter of air,
16,000 picocuries of 133 I per cubic meter of air, and 4,100 picocuriesof 131 I per cubic meter of
air at Clark Station, Nevada (populated site); highest concentrationin an unpopulated site,
12,000 picocuries of 131 I per cubic meter of air, 65,000 picocuriesof 133 I per cubic meter of air
and 160,000 picocuries of 135 I per cubic meter of air at Highway 6,eight miles east of the
Tonopah Test Range Road; highest 131 I concentration in milk, 11,000picocuries per liter at
Martin Ranch near Eureka, Nevada; no children present
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: 0.03 mR/h at Council,Idaho
Release Summary: The planned test release occurred at the surface groundzero area at H hour
and lasted for one minute.
References: (C) (E) (H) (M) (AT) (DK) (GY) (KS)
Test: TEE
Date: 05/07/65 Sponsor: LRL
Time: 0847 PDT Depth of Burial: 624 ft
Location: NTS U2ab Purpose: Weapons Effects
Type: Shaft Yield: 7 kt
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test and Drillback
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 1.6 x 10 3
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 24 Na, 87 Kr, 88 Kr, 91 Kr, 91Sr, 122 Sb, 124 Sb, 131 I, 133 I , 135 I,
132 I/132 Te, 133 Xe, 135 Xe, 139 Xe, 140 Xe, 138 Cs, 139 Ba, and 140Ba
Cloud Direction: Southerly to Highway 95 (Nevada)
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: 28 picocuries of grossbeta activity per cubic
meter of air at four miles east of the junction of Highway 95 and Mercuryturnoff.
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: 0.05 mR/h at fourmiles east of the
Mercury turnoff on Highway 95
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: None was detected inair samples. Iodine-133 was
detected on sage brush near the junction of Highway 95 and Mercuryturnoff.
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: 0.05 mR/h at 14miles south of the Mercury
turnoff on Highway 95
Drillback Release Activity at Time of Release, in Curies: 2.0x 10 1
133 Xe in curies: 9.1
133m Xe in curies: 3.6 x 10 -1
135 Xe in curies: 1.1 x 10 1
133 I in curies: low levels
Release Summary: Test releases occurred from the LOS pipe atsurface ground zero at
H+1.2 minutes, lasting for six minutes and from the surface groundzero area at H+8 minutes,
lasting for 107 hours.
A drillback release from the ventilation system occurred at 1400 hourson May 9, 1965, and
lasted for three hours.
References: (C) (D) (E) (H) (P) (Z) (AT) (EG) (FC) (GY) (HA) (KV)
Test: DILUTED WATERS
Date: 06/16/65 Sponsor: DoD/LRL
Time: 0930 PDT Depth of Burial: 625 ft
Location: NTS U5b Purpose: Weapons Effects
Type: Shaft Yield: Less than 20 kt
Release Type of Detected: Offsite Release: Test
Test Release at R+12 Hours, in Curies: 3.0 x 10 4
Isotopes Identified in the Release: 99 Mo, 103 Ru, 105Ru, 131 I, 133 I, 134 I, 135 I, 132 Te, 135 Xe,
138 Cs, 139 Ba, 140 Ba/140 La, 141 Ce, and kryptons
Cloud Direction: Northeasterly to Highway 25
Maximum Activity Detected in Air Offsite: 7.6 picocuriesof gross beta activity per cubic
meter of air at Nyala, Nevada
Maximum Gamma Exposure Rate Detected Offsite: 0.02 mR/hjust off the Test Range
Complex
Maximum Iodine Level Detected Offsite: 130 picocuriesof 131 I per liter in milk at
Duckwater, Nevada; probably not attributable to this test as no short-livediodines were found*
Maximum Distance Radiation Detected Offsite: 0.02 mR/hjust off the Test Range Complex
Release Summary: Venting occurred at zero time until H+20 minutes dueto a stemming
failure. There was a gross fission product release.
References: (C) (D) (E) (H) (K) (L) (P) (Z) (AT) (EW) (GY) (HB) (HC)(ME)
______________________________
*Two tests occurred prior to the DILUTED WATERS test that were probablyresponsible for the
131 I found in milk samples collected for DILUTED WATERS. One testwas the detonation of
a nuclear device on the Chinese mainland on May 14, 1965, and the otherwas a test of a
nuclear rocket engine at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station onMay 20, 1965. The iodine
isotopes found in milk samples subsequent to the DILUTED WATERS testwere probably the
result of the three tests, and it is not possible to assess the exactcontribution from any one
source.
