SWRHL-94r
OFF-SITE RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY AND
RESIDENT EVACUATION PROGRAM
FOR PROJECT RULISON
(Detonation Phase)
by the
Environmental Surveillance Program
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Public Health Service
Consumer Protection and Environmental Health Service
January 1970
This surveillance performed under a Memorandum of
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
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LEGAL NOTICE
This report was prepared as an account of Government sponsored
work. Neither the United States, nor the Atomic Energy Commission,
nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission:
A. Makes any warranty or representation, expressed or implied,
with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the in-
formation contained in this report, or that the use of any information,
apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report rnay not in-
fringe privately owned rights; or
B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages
resulting from the use of any information, apparatus, method, or pro-
cess disclosed in this report.
As used in the above, "person acting on behalf of the Commission" in-
cludes any employee or contractor of the C ommissj-on, or employee
of such contractor, to the extent that such employee or contractor of
the Commission, or employee of such contractor prepares, dissemin-
ates, or provides access to, any information pursuant to his employ-
ment or contract with the Commission, or his employment with such
contractor.
CQFY NO
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SWRHL-94r
OFF-SITE RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY AND
RESIDENT EVACUATION PROGRAM
FOR PROJECT RULISON
(Detonation Phase)
by the
Environmental Surveillance Program
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Public Health Service
Consumer Protection and Environmental Health Service
Environmental Control Administration
Bureau of Radiological Health
January 1970
This surveillance performed under a Memorandum of
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
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ABSTRACT
Project Rulison is the second jointly-sponsored government-industry
nuclear experiment performed to determine the feasibility of using
nuclear explosives to stimulate production and recovery of natural gas
from low permeability gas-bearing formations. This report presents
the operational procedures and results of the off-site radiological safety
and resident evacuation programs conducted for the detonation phase of
the experiment by the Public Health Service (PHS), Southwestern
Radiological Health Laboratory (SWRHL).
The off-site radiological safety program included operating a system'of
environmental surveillance networks before and after the detonation, and
fielding radiation monitoring teams for the detonation. All surveillance
and monitoring results indicated no changes in environmental radioactivity
levels following the experiment.
Based on predicted ground motion in the vicinity of the test well as a
result of the nuclear explosion, residents within five miles of the test
well were evacuated from the area for several hours on D-day during the
detonation period, and gas and electrical utilities in the area were
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disconnected to minimize fire hazards. PHS representatives remained
in the area with five families who chose to remain at home. Arrange-
ments were made for all residents in the area between five and nine
miles from the test well to be outdoors and away from structures at
detonation time to minimize any possible hazard from falling objects
or structural damage. All evacuation procedures went smoothly, and
no accidents or injuries to residents were reported before or after the
detonation.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT i
LIST OF FIGURES .... v
LIST OF TABLES vi
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. OPERATIONAL GUIDE 4
A. Responsibilities 4
B. Organization 5
C. Criteria 6
III. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES 8
A. Population and Milk Cow Surveys 8
B. Medical Activities 10
C. Ground Motion Evacuation 11
D. Monitoring 15
E. Aerial Monitoring ... 17
F. Veterinarian Activities 18
G. Field Communications 18
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE 20
A. Air Sampling 20
B. Dosimetry 23
C. Milk Sampling 24
D. Water Sampling 25
E. Natural Vegetation Sampling 27
F. Milk Cow Feed Sampling 28
4.
G. Livestock and Wildlife Sampling 29
H. Natural Gas Sampling 29
I. Whole Body Counting 29
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Table of Contents (continued) Page
V. RESULTS " 31
A. Evacuation and Medical Activities 31
B. Radiological Monitoring 34
C. Dosimetry 35
D. Air Sampling 36
E. Water Sampling 37
F. Milk Sampling 38
G. Milk Cow Feed Sampling • 39
H. Natural Vegetation Sampling 39
I. Livestock and Wildlife Sampling 40
J. Natural Gas Sampling 40
VI. SUMMARY 41
REFERENCES 42
APPENDIX A. Analytical Procedures - Technical Services - 62
SWRHL
APPENDIX B. Water Sampling Results 64
APPENDIX C. Milk Sampling Results 68
IV
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Rulison Area Map 43
2. Rulison Population Summary 44
3. 0-5 Mile Population Distribution 45
4. Air Sampling Stations 46
5. Dosimetry Stations . 47
6. Milk Sampling Stations 48
7. Water Sampling Stations 49
8. Test Well Vicinity Sampling Stations 50
9. Natural Vegetation Sampling Locations 51
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1. TLD Network results. 52
2. Gross beta results - Rulison Air Surveillance Network. 53
3. Tritium in atmospheric moisture samples. 54
4. Water sampling results. 55
5. Milk sampling results. 56
6. Milk cow feed results. 57
7. Tritium in natural vegetation (plot samples). 58
8. Natural vegetation results (station samples). 59
9. Strontium-89 and -90 in wildlife. 60
10. Natural gas results. 61
VI
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I. INTRODUCTION
Project Rulison is a joint experiment sponsored by Austral Oil Company
Incorporated, Houston, Texas, the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission
and the Department of the Interior, with the Program Management pro-
vided by CER Geonuclear Corporation of Las Vegas, Nevada, under con-
tract to Austral. Its purpose is to study the economic and technical
feasibility of using underground nuclear explosions to stimulate produc-
tion of natural gas from the low productivity, gas bearing Mesaverde
formation in the Rulison Field.
» •
The nuclear explosive for Project Rulison was detonated successfully at
3:00 p.m. plus 0,1 seconds Mountain Daylight Time, September 10, 1969,
at a depth of 8,425. 5 feet below ground level and was completely contained.
Preliminary results indicate that the Rulison device behaved about as
+ 20
expected; i. e. , with a yield of 40 _ 4 kt. The wellhead of the emplace-
ment well, Hayward 25-95A, is at an elevation of 8, 154 feet above mean
sea level (MSL) and is located 1, 976. 31' east of west line and 1, 813. 19'
north of south line of Section 25, Township 7 South, Range 95 west of 6th
p, m, , Garfield County, Colorado, which corresponds to geodetic coordi-
nates of longitude 107°, 56', 53" West and latitude 39°, 24', 21"N. The
general area and site location are shown in Figure 1.
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Although it was extremely unlikely that a venting of radioactive
material would occur as a result of this detonation, the Public
Health Service (PHS), Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
(SWRHL), conducted an off-site radiological safety and resident
evacuation program for the detonation phase of Project Rulison in
cooperation with the Colorado Department of Health. This report
describes the procedures followed and the information collected in
conducting these programs.
The off-site radiological safety program included operating a system
of environmental surveillance networks in the Project Rulison area,
and fielding radiation monitoring teams in the off-site area for the
detonation. The surveillance networks consisted of a radiation dosim-
etry network, sampling networks for air, milk, water, and vegetation,
and collection of animal tissue and natural gas samples. The surveil-
lance networks were supplemented on detonation day with monitoring
aircraft and ground monitors carrying portable environmental sampling
and monitoring equipment.
Based on predicted ground motion in the vicinity of the test well as a
result of the nuclear explosion, the Director of Nuclear Operations
requested SWRHL to arrange for resident evacuation and other precau-
tions in the area to minimize any possible hazard which might result
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from the ground motion. The evacuation program consisted of evacu-
ating residents and disconnecting power and gas utilities within a five-
mile radius of the test well during the test, and arranging for residents
in the area between five to nine miles from the test well to be outdoors
at a distance of two structure heights from any standing object at the
time of detonation. A uranium and vanadium ore processing mill and
two schools, which were beyond the nine-mile radius, were also evacu-
ated. CER Geonuclear Corporation was responsible for arranging to
have residents in the town of Grand Valley and the community of
Rulison two structure heights from standing objects at detonation time,
in cooperation with SWRHL. evacuation coordinators stationed at these
communities. CER was also responsible for the evacuation of operating
mines within 4Z miles of surface zero.
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II. OPERATIONAL GUIDE
A. Responsibilities
The SWRHL serves as the off-site Radiological Safety Organization for
the AEC in accordance with the AEC-PHS Memorandum of Understanding,
No. SF-54-373, as amended. The off-site areas of responsibility are
beyond the boundaries of the Nevada Test Site and other test locations.
The Project Rulison off-site area was designated by the Atomic Energy
Commission Nevada Operations Office as starting at 600 feet from the
Rulison surface ground zero. Accordingly, the SWRHL was responsi-
ble for conducting an off-site radiological safety and resident evacua-
tion program for Project Rulison. SWRHL responsibilities included:
1. Documenting the radiological situation in the off-site areas
through comprehensive environmental sampling and radiation
monitoring.
2. Assuring continuous protection of public health and safety by
determining potential and past exposures, and implementing pro-
tective measures as directed by the Director of Nuclear
Operations.
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3. Conducting a public contact program in the off-site areas to
assure local residents that all reasonable safeguards were em-
ployed to protect public health and property from test effects.
4. Collecting information regarding incidents which may have
been attributed to the test program.
B. Organization
The Director, SWRHL, served as the Off-site Radiological Safety
Officer, and was responsible for the overall off-site radiological
safety and resident evacuation programs for Project Rulison. Pro-
gram planning and field activities were performed by the SWRHL
Environmental Surveillance Program.
Field and support personnel for the operation were provided by the
PHS, the Colorado Department of Health, several Colorado county
health departments, Utah State Department of Health, and the
University of Wyoming. The distribution of participating personnel
on detonation day from these organizations was as follows:
Organization No. of Personnel
Public Health Service 47
Colorado Department of Health 8
Colorado County Health Departments 7
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Organization No. of Personnel
Utah State Division of Health 3
University of Wyoming 4
University of Wyoming personnel were provided through the Wyoming
State Department of Public Health.
C. Criteria
The basic criteria for off-site radiological protection-were those con-
tained in Section II-A of the Appendix to the AEC Manual, Chapter 0524.
These are the Radiation Protection Standards for Individuals and Popu-
lation Groups in Uncontrolled Areas, and provide radiation dose
standards for external and internal exposure, as follows:
Based on Based on an Average
Type of Exposure to Exposure to a Suitable
Exposure Individuals Population Sample
Whole body gonads . „ , ,
. 0.5 rem/year 0.17 rem/year
or bone marrow
Thyroid or bone 1. 5 rem/year 0. 5 rem/year
Guidance in preparing the operational safety plans for Project Rulison
included the following criteria:
"The off-site rad safe plans for Project Rulison -will be
based on the assumption that there will be no significant
uncontrolled release of radioactivity off of the controlled
area. The controlled area -will be of such a size and
shape that, in the highly unlikely event there is a sig-
nificant uncontrolled radioactive release, an individual
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located at any point beyond the boundary for two
hours immediately following the onset of this
postulated release would not receive a total radi-
ation dose to the whole body in excess of fifteen
rem or a total radiation dose in excess of
seventy-five rem to the thyroid from iodine ex-
posure. These criteria are provided solely for
the purpose of planning for off-site radiological
safety. Their use in this respect is not intended
to imply that these numbers constitute acceptable
limits for emergency doses to the public under ac-
cident conditions. In the unlikely event that there
is a significant uncontrolled radioactive release,
every reasonable effort will be made to reduce the
exposure. Post event activities for Project Rulison
will be conducted under AEC MC 05Z4, Appendix 0524,
Section 1A, Individuals in Controlled Areas, and
Section IIA, Individuals and Popuilation Groups in
Uncontrolled Areas. "' '
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III. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
A. Population and Milk Cow Surveys
In February 1969, SWRHL conducted a detailed population and milk
cow survey of the area within a twenty-five mile radius of the Project
Rulison test well. The survey was designed to identify the location
and number of residents and milk cows in the area, as well as to
obtain information regarding water supplies, type of milk cow feed,
and other pertinent information about each residence. Each rural
home in the area was visited by a PHS representative who recorded
information on a survey form. General population figures for com-
munities were obtained from various community officials and
residents.
The survey information was stored on magnetic tape for computer
retrieval, and a population and milk cow directory was prepared.
The directory was separated into sections containing information
on human population, population with family milk cows, and popu-
lation with Grade A dairies. The survey information was also used
to produce population distribution maps, such as shown in Figure 2.
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The Project Rulison area is largely rural in nature. The nearest
communities are Rulison at five and one-half miles, and Grand
Valley at six and one-half miles from the test well. The rural
residents live on small farms or acreages and usually have gardens
and orchards. The majority of the residents are employed outside
the immediate area. Approximately one-fourth of the residents op-
erate ranches as their primary source of income.
In addition to the detailed survey to 25 miles, a review of census data
was conducted for a sector between 0 and 180 degrees from the test
well, from 25 to 150 miles from ground zero. Information was col-
lected on community populations and Grade A dairy herd distribution
through the sector.
The information collected during the population and milk cow surveys
was used to plan the environmental surveillance and evacuation pro-
grams for Project Rulison. Environmental surveillance networks
were designed to reflect the geographical coverage according to the
distribution of people and dairy cows. Evacuation procedures were
planned for pre-shot evacuations associated with ground motion pre-
dictions as well as for emergency evacuations in case of a venting of
radioactive material.
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In addition to the survey of the permanent population, an investiga-
tion of the transient population to be expected in the Rulison area
during the detonation period was conducted in February and updated
in July 1969. Hunting seasons and periods of livestock grazing and
tourist traffic were investigated.
B. Medical Activities
Safety measures recommended by the AEC to minimize possible
hazards associated with predicted ground motion from the nuclear
detonation included (1) evacuation of persons from the area within
five miles of the test well, and (Z) evacuation of all buildings within
the area from five to nine miles to a distance of two structure
heights from standing objects at detonation time. To be certain
that all residents in these areas were physically able to follow these
recommendations, an evaluation of medical patients in the area was
conducted.
Surveys to identify medical patients and handicapped residents in
the rural area within nine miles of ground zero were conducted during
April and again in July of 1969 by SWRHL. CER Geonuclear Corpora-
tion personnel were responsible for similar surveys in the communi-
ties of Grand Valley and Rulison in August.
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During August, the SWRHL medical officer visited 40 invalids and
handicapped residents to make a medical evaluation and determine
what special facilities might be required to protect their health and
welfare during the evacuation period.
Thirteen practicing physicians in Grand Junction, Rifle, and Glenwood
Springs were contacted to discuss specific cases and solicit support
for any emergencies arising during Project Rulison activities. Ad-
ministrators of three hospitals in Rifle and Grand Junction were con-
tacted and arrangements made to utilize all three facilities in the
event of emergencies. The physicians decided it was necessary to
hospitalize one chronically ill patient and thought it was advisable to
allow a second patient already hospitalized to remain in the hospital
through D-day. The PHS physician recommended that the first patient
be hospitalized two days early for convenience.
C. Ground Motion Evacuation
Ground motion evacuation personnel arrived in the Project Rulison
area several days prior to the scheduled detonation date to familiar-
ize themselves with the rural homes and the residents to be evacuated.
These personnel were divided into teams, with each team responsible
for evacuation of residences in a specific area. Residents were
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contacted by the team, member responsible for their evacuation, and
the evacuation plan-was explained to the resident. Residents were
subsequently visited daily by the PHS representatives to keep them
informed of the Project schedule and activities „
Evacuation agreement forms were used to arrange evacuation of
residents from the area within five miles of the test well. The
evacuation agreements provided for Austral Oil Company to reimburse
each householder at a given rate per adult per 24-hour period of
evacuation, and a lower rate per family member twelve years of
age or under. One-fourth of the per diem rate was allowed for each
6-hour period, or fraction thereof, away from home. Residents at
five locations chose not to evacuate. Figure 3 shows the location of
each household within the five-mile radius area, and indicates the
number of adults and .children residing in each household.
Residents between five and nine miles from the test well had the
option of either evacuating the area or standing outside and away from
buildings, power lines, and similar structures at the time of the
detonation.
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If evacuation of invalids had become necessary, the operation would
have been arranged and supervised by a PHS medical officer. On
D-day the PHS medical officer was present in the area for this pur-
pose and to administer medical attention to residents if an emergency
arose.
On D-day, roadblocks were established at H-4 hours at the five-
mile area perimeter to assure that no unauthorized persons entered
the evacuation area until persons who were evacuated had returned
to their homes. Roadblocks were coordinated by PHS personnel and
established by members of the Sheriff's posse. Evacuation teams
were then responsible for assuring that the residents within five
miles of ground zero were evacuated or that a PHS representative
was with persons who chose not to evacuate, and that their utilities
were disconnected by H-Z hours.
The disconnection of gas and electrical service at evacuated homes
was recommended by the AEC to minimize the remote possibility of
fire or other damage that might result from gas line or wiring damage
associated with the ground motion. The utility disconnections were
coordinated by CER Geonuclear Corporation and carried out by
utility personnel under contract with Austral Oil Company. PHS per-
sonnel provided liaison for the effort.
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Arrangements were made with groups of residents of the five-to
nine-mile area to meet the respective evacuation teams at con-
venient predesignated locations at H-60 minutes. Each team was
responsible for determining that all residents of the area were
present at the meeting location or otherwise out of their houses,
and for reporting the information to the control point by radio. Each
group stood by at the assigned location with the evacuation team until
after detonation.
D
Two PHS personnel also assisted CER Geonuclear Corporation and
local officials in making arrangements to have residents in the com-
munities of Grand Valley and Rulison clear of structures at detona-
tion time. On D-day, this action was reported to the control point
by radio when completed.
Schools at Grand Valley, Rifle, Rulison and Collbran were dismissed
prior to the detonation so students could reach home before H-hour.
Confirmation that students had been released from school was re-
ported to the control point by a PHS representative in contact with
school administrators.
The Union Carbide uranium-vanadium mill near Rifle, Colorado,
was partially evacuated fifteen minutes before H-hour, through
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coordination with a PHS representative standing by at the mill.
The U. S. Bureau of Mines complex at Anvil Points was evacuated
one hour before H-hour, and the fact was reported by a PHS repre-
sentative to the control point.
Do Monitoring
Radiation monitors were dispatched to the Project Rulison area
four days before the scheduled detonation date to become familiar
•with road systems and populated locations, and gain general knowl-
edge of the area. The monitors were equipped with supplies for col-
lecting environmental samples, one or more scintillators to measure
low level gamma activity in the background to 3 mR/hr range, a
Geiger-Mueller survey instrument (background to 2 R/hr), and a
high range ionization chamber rate meter (background to 50 R/hr).
Monitors also carried portable gamma rate recorders, portable air
samplers, and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) to supple-
ment the permanent environmental surveillance networks in the off-
site area.
Thirteen monitors were assigned to the general areas of Collbran,
Silt, and the "Silt-Collbran Cut-Off" road to become familiar with
populated locations lying in the proposed downwind sector for
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accidentally vented radioactivity. If a release of radioactivity had
occurred, these monitors were prepared to contact the residents
and coordinate their evacuation from the cloud trajectory if it be-
came necessary. Each monitor was familiar with a group of
residences and would have been responsible for evacuating that
group and reporting to the control point.
On D-day, monitors were stationed downwind from the test well at
H-2 hours. Monitor standby locations were adjusted in accordance
•with revised cloud trajectory predictions, and at H-hour, six moni-
tors were stationed at the summit of the Silt-Colbran Cut-Off road,
eight at the Fairview School in the Silt Mesa area, four at McClure
Pass on Colorado State Highway 133, and one at the Ruedi Dam
near Basalt. Two monitors were stationed at Grand Junction for
dispatch to any downwind area in which they might be needed.
If a venting had occurred, monitors were strategically located to
document cloud passage and residual activity levels, and to take
appropriate action to prevent unnecessary exposure to residents.
Each member of the ground motion evacuation teams also carried
radiation survey instruments to provide monitoring support if the
need arose.
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E. Aerial Monitoring
The PHS aerial monitoring crew arrived in the Project Rulison
area three days before the detonation date to become familiarized
with the terrain in the Rulison vicinity in preparation for a D-day
tracking mission. In addition, several flights over the Battlement
Mesa area were made to check for possible hunters, ranchers, or
other persons in the wilderness area near the test well.
Two PHS aircraft were airborne near the test well site at H-hour.
The first aircraft was equipped to conduct a radioactive cloud track-
ing and sampling mission with a gross gamma detection system and
cloud sampling gear. The second aircraft served as a radio relay
station between the control point and PHS field personnel, and as a
backup aircraft for cloud tracking and sampling.
The gross gamma detection system in the primary aircraft consisted
of a 4- by 4-inch Nal(Tl) crystal detector connected to a single
channel analyzer and count-rate meter. Output from the count-rate
meter was recorded on a strip-chart recorder mounted in the co-
pilot's instrument panel. Cloud sampling apparatus included (1) a
sequential air sampler to collect particulate samples across a cloud,
(2) a mass air sampler to collect an averaging sample of cloud
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particulates and gases utilizing a filter and charcoal bed, (3) an
Anderson impactor particulate sampler, (4) a molecular sieve for
moisture and CO samples, (5) a "grab bag" sampler for inert gas
LJ
samples, and (6) an electrostatic precipitator to collect particulates
for radiochemical analysis.
F. Veterinarian Activities
Prior to the Project Rulison detonation, approximately 35 veteri-
narians in western Colorado and the Denver area were contacted by
SWRHL and Colorado Department of Health veterinarians. The
basic program and schedule for Project Rulison were reviewed for
them, and questions regarding possible project effects on livestock
and wildlife were answered. A SWRHL veterinarian was dispatched
to the Rulison area at D-7 days with a mobile laboratory in prepara-
tion for the investigation of any complaints relative to livestock and
wildlife following the detonation.
G. Field Communications
A two-way radio network provided communication between the con-
trol point, the SWRHL field office in Grand Junction, the SWRHL air-
craft, and project vehicles in the Rulison area. SWRHL provided a
separate radio relay system in its tracking aircraft for communi-
cation with four evacuation teams who were not equipped with the
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primary network radios. The SWRHL aircraft also provided an
emergency relay service for communications between the control
point and field personnel during temporary failure of the primary
radio network immediately after the detonation.
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IV. ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE
Environmental surveillance activities for Project Rulison were con-
ducted prior to the detonation to document the background radiological
levels in the off-site environment, and continued after the detonation
to monitor any changes in environmental radioactivity. All PHS
environmental samples were returned to SWRHL by parcel post or
government vehicle for analysis. If it had been indicated, samples
could have been returned by PHS aircraft. Analytical procedures and
types of analyses for samples are described in Appendix A.
The Colorado Department of Health also established and operated
environmental surveillance networks in coordination with the SWRHL
program,, The results of the Colorado program are reported in a
separate document by the Department of Health.
A. Air Sampling
1. Rulison Air Surveillance Network
Stations utilizing the Gelman-Tempest air sampler with .a
particulate filter and a charcoal cartridge were established
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at the populated locations and communities listed below and
shown in Figure 4.
DeBeque Silt Gunnison
Grand Valley Glenwood Springs Paonia
Rulison Montrose Bond
Rifle Carbondale Vega Reservoir
Mesa Leadville Silt Mesa
Beginning at D-3 weeks, 24-hour particulate samples were col-
lected daily through D+2 weeks at all stations, and through .
D+3 weeks at the first stations listed. Charcoal cartridge sam-
ples were collected from D-4 days to D+7 days at all stations,
and through D+2 weeks at the first six stations.
2. Air Surveillance Network (ASN)
Air Surveillance Network stations (part of the 103-station per-
manent SWRHL network in the western states) are located at
Durango, Grand Junction, Denver, Rangley and Pueblo, Colorado.
All except the Pueblo station were operated on a daily basis in
support of Project Rulison. Data from other stations in this net-
work would have been examined if a venting had occurred.
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3. Portable Air Sampling
Monitors were equipped with battery powered and propane
powered portable air samplers on D-day to supplement the
network stations as required. These samplers were equipped
to collect particulate and charcoal cartridge samples, and would
have been placed at ranches or along roads to intercept a radio-
active cloud had venting occurred.
4. Radiation Alert Network
Air sampling results from the national Radiation Alert Network
(RAN) operated by the PHS were also available to SWRHL. Field
estimates of beta activity on daily particulate samples are reported
to PHS headquarters in Maryland, and selected filters are counted
and analyzed further by laboratory techniques, if required.
5. Atmospheric Moisture Sampling
Several days prior to the detonation, atmospheric moisture
samples were collected by both molecular sieve and "freeze -
out" sampling systems at several locations near the Project
Rulison test well. These samples were collected to establish a
background for tritium in the air environment. Post-event samples
will be collected as the evaluation phase of Project Rulison pro-
gresses, and separate reports will be prepared on these results.
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B. Dosimetry
Eight thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) stations were established
in an array from 5 to 10 miles from the test well, and twelve TLD
stations were established at the following surveillance stations
(Figures 5 and 8):
Grand Junction Mesa
Paonia Vega Reservoir Area
Carbondale Silt Mesa area
Glenwood Springs Silt
Rifle Grand Valley
DeBeque Rulison
Each TLD station was equipped with three EG&G TL-12 the rmolumi -
nescent CaF^tMn dosimeters, which have a sensitivity range from
5 mR to 5000 R when placed in the field for three-week to four-week
exposure periods. Background data were collected for three-week
and four-week periods in April and August, respectively. The dosim-
eters were exchanged several days prior to the detonation to monitor
any radioactive release and document post-event exposure levels.
The TLD network was terminated at D+8 weeks.
Additional TLD's were issued to all personnel participating in the
field operation for personal dosimeters, and monitoring team
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•personnel carried TLD's for issue to off-site residents and for other
placement as deemed necessary. Since no radioactive release oc-
curred, none of these TLD's was placed or issued.
C. Milk Sampling
1. Rulison Milk Sampling Stations
A Rulison Milk Sampling Network consisting of the fifteen
stations shown in Figure 6 was established in the Rulison area.
The sampling stations represented five Grade-A producers, and
ten family milk cow stations, as listed below:
#Alex C. Urquhart Dairy, Rifle
#Rock N Pines Dairy, Glenwood Springs
*Glenn Taylor Dairy, Molina (near Collbran)
#C. W. Young Dairy, Collbran
*Rupert W. Wasson Dairy, Mesa
William C. Earley Ranch, Collbran
Arthur Linn Ranch, Collbran
Clifford Hill Ranch, Collbran
Don Burtard Ranch, Rulison
Felix Sefcovic Ranch, Rulison
Billy Lee Smith Ranch, Rulison
Rufus Raley Ranch, Silt
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Don Jacket Ranch, Silt
Emil Lopez Ranch, Silt
Mrs. George Currier Ranch, Molina
*Grade-A producer.
Milk samples were collected at D-5 months, D-2 weeks, D+3 days
and D+8 weeks. If venting had occurred, sampling would have
been continued and expanded as necessary.
2. Stand-by Milk Sampling Stations
SWRHL Stand-by Milk Surveillance stations in Colorado, part
of a network covering all states west of the Mississippi River,
would have been activated if a venting had occurred. Stand-by
stations in Colorado are located at:
Craig Rocky Ford
Fort Collins Colorado Springs
Glenwood Springs Durango
Grand Junction Monte Vista
Delta Alamos a
Salida
D. Water Sampling
The Rulison Water Sampling Network is shown in Figure 7, and con-
sisted of the following water sampling stations:
25
-------
1. Twelve municipal supplies within 25 miles of surface ground
zero plus municipal supplies at Glenwood Springs, Carbondale,
Paonia, Cedaredge, and Redstone.
2. Two private wells in the Morrisania Mesa area.
3. Two private wells in the Holmes Mesa area.
4. Two private wells in the Monument Mesa area.
5. Two springs in the Morrisania Mesa area, and two springs
in the Holmes Mesa area.
6. Four Reservoirs:
Vega Reservoir near Collbran.
Harvey Gap Reservoir, 6 miles north of Silt,
Beaver Lake on Grand Mesa.
Jumbo Lake on Grand Mesa,
7. Eight streams:
Battlement Creek, 1 mile south of Morrisania Community Hall.
Battlement Creek, at the test well near the USGS gauging sta-
tion above Morrisania Mesa.
Plateau Creek, 1 mile south of Collbran.
Cache Creek, at intersection with Holmes Mesa Road.
Wallace Creek, at Wallace Creek School.
Parachute Creek, beneath the bridge in Grand Valley.
26
-------
Buzzard Creek, 6-1/4 miles east and 1/2 mile north of
Collbran.
Mamm Creek at Rifle Airport.
West Divide Creek at Fairview School.
8. A special test well on Battlement Creek near the USGS
gauging station above Morrisania Mesa.
Water samples from the network stations were collected at
D-5 months, D-2 weeks, and at D + 2 months. Assorted
samples were also collected from other locations when a re-
quest for a radioactivity analysis was made. These usually
involved local residents requesting their water supply be
sampled for radioactivity content. If a venting had occurred,
network stations and other locations would have been sampled
on a regular basis as long as deemed necessary.
E. Natural Vegetation Sampling
Vegetation samples were collected in July 1969, from 12 sampling
plots in the vicinity of the test well, as shown in Figure 8. Twenty-
seven samples from each plot were collected, and analyzed to deter-
mine the background values for tritium. Perennial species were
selected at nine stations in order to sample vegetation that was cap-
able of radionuclide uptake through active transpiration during most
27
-------
of the year. The species collected included Arfemesia tridentata
(big sagebrush), Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir), and Pseudotsuga
menziesii (Douglas fir). The same species could not be collected at
each plot due to limited accessibility and limited distribution of the
species in the area. Subalpine fir and Douglas fir, though different
species, have similar leaf morphology. Alfalfa samples were col-
lected at the other two stations.
Samples of fruit were collected at two locations on Morrisania Mesa
and Holmes Mesa. Only Bing cherries were ripe at this time, so
samples of these and immature apples, pears, and apricots were
collected from orchards in the area.
Sagebrush and native grass samples were also collected for other
radionuclide background determinations at D-l week at the eight
TLD stations between five and ten miles from the test well, at six
locations along the Silt-Collbran Cut-Off road, and 11 stations between
Redstone and Paonia, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.
F. Milk Cow Feed Sampling
Milk cow feed samples were collected from the fifteen milk sampling
stations at D-l week at the same time milk samples were collected.
Samples were collected which were representative of the type of
28
-------
feed being used by lactating animals at the time of collection. Sam-
ples consisted of native grass and hay, legume hay, and grass pas-
ture. No post-event feed samples were collected.
G. Livestock and Wildlife Sampling
The Colorado Game and Fish Department and the Western Meat
Packers, Inc. , assisted in obtaining samples of beef cattle thyroids
and thyroid, muscle, abomasum and abomasum contents of deer in
the Project Rulison area. Several samples were collected in this
manner and were shipped to SWRHL for analysis.
H. Natural Gas Surveillance
Natural gas samples were collected from five gas wells in the vicinity
of the Rulison test well to obtain background information, and post-
event samples were collected from two wells on D+Z days (Figure 8).
Additional post-event samples will be collected from the experimental
wellhead and gas wells in the vicinity of the test well as the evaluation
phase of Project Rulison progresses. Separate reports will be pre-
pared on these results.
I. Whole Body Counting
The whole body counting facility at SWRHL was available on a 24-hour
basis to scan field personnel or residents of the area who may have
29
-------
been exposed to internal contaminants. If this had been deemed
necessary, bio-assay samples from each individual would have
been collected and analyzed for radionuclides. The Colorado
Department of Health whole body counting facility in Denver was
also on stand-by to provide similar support. Since no radioactive
venting occurred, neither facility was used for Project Rulison.
30
-------
V. RESULTS
A. Evacuation and Medical Activities
On detonation day, there were 140 people residing at 42 homes in
the area within five miles of the test well. Five households, con-
sisting of 10 persons, chose not to evacuate the area so they could
attend to farm duties. PHS representatives were stationed with them
at their respective residences on D-day and arranged to have them
outdoors at the time of detonation to minimize any possible hazard
from ground motion. In addition to the permanent residents, there
was one deer hunting camp which was inhabited in the five-mile area.
Eighteen hunters, two guides and two camp attendants resided on a
temporary basis at this camp, but evacuated to a ranch near Collbran
on D-day. With the exception of the 10 residents who remained at
their homes, all residents left the area by H-2 hours. All gas and
power services were disconnected by H-2 hours.
Beginning at H + 1-1/2 hours, the residents in the five-mile radius
area were escorted to their homes by PHS and utility personnel.
The utility services were reconnected and a full inspection of each
household was made to check for gas leaks and electrical problems.
31
-------
All residents who had planned on returning home on D-day were home
by Z100 hours and their utility services were restored by 2300 hours. '
In the area of 5 to 9 miles from the site, residents were outside
their homes and two structure heights away from standing objects by
H-15 minutes. PHS personnel stood by with these people from
H-l hour through H-hour. After the detonation, these residents
returned to their homes and PHS personnel revisited them to assure
that all had returned safely and had encountered no problems at
their residence as a result of the detonation.
Two PHS personnel also assisted CER Geonuclear Corporation repre-
sentatives and local officials in making arrangements to have resi-
dents in Grand Valley and Rulison clear of structures at detonation
time. At H-35 minutes, this action was completed and reported to ,
the control point. These residents began re-entering their homes
several minutes after the detonation.
On D-day, the PHS medical officer revisited two residents in Grand
Valley who had previously been contacted so their current medical
status could be determined,, In addition to this, he visited a medical
patient in the Rulison area who had not been previously identified.
The resident was found to be ill and required assistance in situating
32
-------
herself comfortably out of doors until after the detonation. A
Sheriff's deputy remained with her until after the detonation and assis-
ted her in returning to her house. No other medical problems were
encountered.
As planned by school officials, schools at Grand Valley, Rifle and
Collbran were dismissed prior to the detonation so the students
could return home prior to H-hour. Confirmation of school evacuation
was reported to the control point by H-45 minutes by a PHS represen-
tative in contact with school administrators.
Partial evacuation of the Union Carbide uranium-vanadium mill
near Rifle was carried out in coordination with a PHS representative
by H-15 minute So In addition to the mill, the U0 S. Bureau of Mines
complex at Anvil Points was evacuated one hour prior to H-hour.
The Union Carbide and Anvil Points personnel returned to their
work several minutes after the detonation.
On D+l day, each rural home within nine miles of the test well was
visited by the PHS representatives who had evacuated that home to
check on problems or questions that may have arisen. All residents
returned home safely by D+2 days, and in general, the residents
reported that damage to their homes from ground motion was slight
33
-------
and less than expected. There were no accidents, injuries, or
health problems observed by or reported to the PHS prior to or
after the Project Rulison detonation.
B. Radiological Monitoring
1. Ground Monitoring
Several days before D-day, monitors collected background
gross gamma measurements at various locations in the poten-
tial downwind sector with Geiger-Mueller survey instruments.
Background levels of 0.01 and 0.02 mR/hr were observed at
all locations in the sector.
On D-day, monitors were stationed in the downwind trajectory
expected for the existing meteorological conditions. Monitor
stand-by locations were adjusted in accordance with current
cloud trajectory predictions, and at H-hour six monitors were
stationed at the summit on the Silt-Collb ran Cut-Off road,
eight at the Fairview School in the Silt Mesa area, four at
McClure Pass on Colorado State Highway 133, one at the Ruedi
Dam near Basalt, and two were in Grand Junction for dispatch
to Gunnison or Glenwood Springs, as needed. The monitors re-
mained on station until H+4 hours, and observed only background
readings on survey instruments during that period.
34
-------
2. Aerial Monitoring
Two PHS aircraft were airborne on station near the test site
at H-hour. Following the detonation, the primary sampling
aircraft conducted low level passes over the test well at
H-f 19 minutes and H+50 minutes. No gamma activity above
background levels was detected on either pass, therefore no
samples were collected.
After H-hour the second aircraft served as a communication
relay system for PHS field personnel when the primary radio
network failed temporarily after the detonation. The aircraft
remained in the area until H+2 hours. No samples were col-
lected with this aircraft.
C. Dosimetry
Background data collected from the Rulison dosimetry network in
April and August had an average value for the whole network of
0.24 mR/day. The network average for the post-event period was
0.29 mR/day. The exposure rates for the two periods are listed
in Table 1.
Past experience with TLD background measurements in the PHS
Nevada dosimetry network has shown that monthly exposure rates
35
-------
have an average coefficient of variation of about 60%.^' Thus, the
20% difference between the pre-event and post-event network averages
for the Rulison network is not unusual. Factors contributing to the
variation in measured exposure include inherent system error,
changes in natural background rates, and the amount of transit time
to and from the laboratory compared to the total exposure period.
The TLiD's issued to all PHS field personnel also indicated no exposures
above background levels during the D-day monitoring activities.
D. Air Sampling
Gross beta results for the particulate filters collected at Rulison Air
Surveillance Network stations are summarized in Table 2. There was
no significant difference between pre-event and post-event average
activity levels. Daily charcoal cartridge samples collected from
D-l week through D+2 weeks were gamma scanned, and contained no
radionuclides above the minimum detectable activity (0. 1 pCi/mr for
single isotopes). Gross beta results on daily filters showed no increase
above background levels following the detonation.
The pre-event and post-event averages of gross beta activity concen-
trations were similar to the gross beta concentration ranges measured
for the months of August and September by the SWRHL Air Surveillance
36
-------
Network operated throughout the western United States. The ranges
in the monthly average gross beta concentration at all 103 stations
were 0. 2 to 0. 8 pCi/rn^ and 0. 2 to 0. 4 pCi/m^ for August and
September, respectively. The Rulison network average for all
stations was 0.4 pCi/m^ in August, and 0. 3 pCi/m^ in September.
A series of atmospheric moisture samples was collected in the
vicinity of the test -well on September 1 and 2 to establish background
levels for tritium. All results, except for one sample collected by
aircraft over the test well, were below the minimum, detectable
activity, as shown in Table 3. The minimum detectable activity for
standard conditions, i. e. , 5 ml of water and a 100-minute count time,
is 0.4 pCi/ml. The minimum detectable activity for the samples re-
ported in Table 3 varies because the volume of water collected on
several samples was less than 5 ml. All samples were counted for
100 minutes. Post-event atmospheric moisture samples were not
collected.
E. Water Sampling
Water sampling results are given in Appendix B and summarized in
Table 4. No significant differences in radioactivity levels are
apparent between pre-event and post-event samples. Gross alpha
and gross beta radioactivity in pre-event water samples was generally
37
-------
higher than concentrations observed in raw surface waters sampled
throughout the nation and analyzed by the Federal "Water Pollution
Control Administration (FWPCA). The concentration ranges from
post-event Rulison samples were similar to the national ranges. The
monthly averages from the most current reports ' ' were 0 to 49 pCi/1
for gross alpha and 2 to 113 pCi/1 for gross beta.
F. Milk Sampling
The results of two background milk sampling surveys and two post-
event sampling surveys are given in Appendix C and summarized in
Table 5. The concentrations of iodine-131, strontium-89, strontium-90,
and cesium-137 in these samples were within the ranges in concentra-
tions reported for these same radionuclides by the Pasteurized Milk
Network (PMN). This network of approximately 62 stations collects .
weekly milk samples from selected milksheds representing major
milk production and consumption areas throughout the nation. The
ranges of the monthly average concentrations for all network stations
during the six-month period March through August, 1969, were 5 to
27 pCi/1 for strontium-89, 2 to 19 pCi/1 for strontium-90, and
10 to 79 pCi/1 for cesium-!37o^4^ All PMN results for iodine-131
were below minimum detectable levels (10 pCi/1), and no analyses for
tritium were made.
38
-------
G. Milk Cow Feed Sampling
Samples of hay and native grasses representative of milk cow feed
were collected prior to the event to establish background levels.
Small concentrations of zirconium-95 were found in all of these
samples by gamma spectral analysis. This was attributed to world-
wide fallout and considered as part of the background. Table 6 gives
the concentrations of zirconium-95 found in samples from various
locations. No post-shot feed samples were collected.
H. Natural Vegetation Sampling
The mean tritium concentrations in natural vegetation and fruit
samples collected in the Rulison area in July 1969 are given in
Table 7. Gamma scan results for individual samples of sagebrush
and native grass collected at 25 stations in the potential downwind
sector at D-l week are given in Table 8. The small amount of
zirconium-95 found in these samples was considered due to normal
background activity associated with world-wide fallout. No post-
event vegetation samples were collected since no release of radio-
activity occurred.
39
-------
I. Livestock and Wildlife Sampling
Beef cattle thyroid samples collected at Grand Junction slaughter
houses on D-8 days for background analysis were gamma-scanned,
and contained no activity above detectable limits. Six steers were
sampled from Carbondale, Silt, and DeBeque, Colorado.
Muscle and thyroid samples from five deer were gamma-scanned for
background data. Abomasum tissue and abomasum contents from
one of the deer were also gamma-scanned. The deer were killed
in late August by hunters or road vehicles. No gamma-emitting
nuclides above minimum detectable activities were observed in any
of the samples. Strontium-89 and -90 analysis results for the various
samples are given in Table 9» No post-event livestock or wildlife
samples were collected.
J. Natural Gas Sampling
Analytical results for background and post-event natural gas samples
collected from wells in the Rulison area are given in Table 10. The
post-event sample from the Section 8 well was not representative of
formation gas. The post-event sample from the Federal Z8-0 well
indicated no change in radon-222 concentrations in the gas following
the detonation.
40
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VI. SUMMARY
The SWRHL off-site environmental surveillance program conducted
for Project Rulison indicated no radioactivity was released to the
environment from the underground nuclear detonation. A dosimetry
network and air, milk and water sampling networks operated prior to
and following the detonation showed no changes in environmental radio-
activity levels. Aerial and ground monitoring with portable radiation
survey instruments on the day of the detonation also showed no radio-
activity above background levels.
The SWRHL resident evacuation program, conducted to minimize any
possible hazard associated with ground motion produced by the
detonation, was successfully carried out. The area within five miles
of the test well was evacuated (except for five families who remained
in the area with PHS representatives), and residents in the area from
five to nine miles of the test well moved outdoors during the deto-
nation. There -were no accidents, injuries, or health problems
observed by or reported to the PHS prior to or after the Project
Rulison detonation.
41
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REFERENCES
1. TWX from John So Kelly, AEG, DPNE, to Robert E. Miller,
AEC, NVOO, dated March 17, 1969.
2. Fitzsimmons, C. K., William Horn, Environmental Monitoring
with Thermoluminescent Dosimeters. SWRHL-58r (Las Vegas,
Nevada: DHEW, PHS, CPEHS, 1969). p. 17.
3. Radiological Health Data and Reports. Public Health Service,
Consumer Protection and Environmental Health Service, Dept.
of Health, Education and Welfare. Vol. 10, nos. 3, 4, 7, Sand
9. March, April, July, August and September, 1969.
4. Radiological Health Data and Reports, Public Health Service,
Consumer Protection and Environmental Health Service, Dept. of
Health, Education and Welfare. Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington D. C. Z0402.
(referenced milk results are scheduled for publication).
42
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Rangely
Meeker
. Rio Blanco
Bond
Grand
Junction
Rulison
Grand Valley
DeBeque
Rifle
Newcastle ) 6
24
>>.... ^—
Silt ~\Glenwood Springs
Rulison »
Test Well /' Carbondale
Collbran \
Mesa
i Redstone
->{ 133
Aspen
iLeadville
28E
24
Cedaredge
Paonia
Scale of Miles
10 20
Montrose
30
Gunnison
50'
Salida
Figure 1. Rulison Area Map
-------
Rulison Population Summary
000 Adults
000 Children
'Blank Sectors Indicate No Population
Figure 2. Rulison Population Summary
44
-------
Rulison '
Permanent Residence
(adults/children)
Figure 3. O—5 Mile Population Distribution
-------
Meeker
Fruita
Grand Jet.
Rifle
Rulison
Grand Valley
DeBeque
Newcastle ) 6
!>••
Silt ^fi Glenwood Springs
®Test Welly
'% Carbondale,
— . V
m Vega Reservoir
133
Collbran
Mesa
Orchard City
Delta
Paonia
Scale of Miles
10 20 30
, Montrose
Rulison Air Surveillance
Network Station
Air Surveillance
Network(ASN)Station
Redstone
Crested Butte
Gunnison
Salida
Figure 4.Air Sampling Stations
-------
Meeker'
^99
I Bond
Newcastle . } «
Rifled * * '
Rulison
H*"^ *\ >-^-"
[Silt \Glenwood Springs
Grand Valley
DeBeque
* VA/ M ^ CarbondaleTA
est Well / I
A . I
Fruita
1
Grand Jet.
--^ \
Collbran \
[133
[Redstone
Mesa
Orchard City
Delta'
Scale of Miles
10
20 i30
AThermoluminescent Dosimeter
Stations
Crested Butte
Paonia
Gunnison
'50
)550\
i Leadville
24'
^t
Buena Vista
Sal id a
Figure 5. Dosimetry Stations
-------
Meeker
799
, Bond
Rulison
Grand Valley
i
A '
•A
.Glenwood
Springs
DeBeque
Fruita
Grand Jet.
Scale of Miles
10
20
AA
$Test Well /'
Collbran
Mesa1
Orchard City
Delta
30
O Grade A Dairy
A Family Milk Cows
D Standby Milk Stations
\ Carbondale
x~
133
55OV
Redstone
Leadville
Paonia
Crested Butte
Figure 6. Milk Sampling Stations
-------
Meekerr"
799
i Bond
Newcastle
Rifle
Rulison
'Grand Valley ^
a
Silt]
.. 1
a '
00
,oa
\Glenwood
Springs
(j)Test Well/ Carbondale
DeBeque
Fruita
Grand Jet.
Collbran
• Mesa
Redstone
Leadville
Cedaredge
Crested Butte
(24
*-\
Buena Vista •
Orchard City
Paonia
Scale of Miles
fGunnison
10
20 30
OPrivate Supply(well or spring)
A Municipal Supply
Q Reservoir or Stream
Salida
50
Figure 7. Water Sampling Stations
-------
o
Ul
o
Grand Valley
Scale of Miles
A Natural Vegetation Plots
D TLD Stations
O Atmospheric Moisture Stations
• Gas Well Sampling Stations
Figure 8 . Test Well Vicinity Sampling Stations
-------
Meeker
799
Bond
Fruita
Grand Jet.
N
Rifle
Silt
Newcastle
Rulison
Grand Valley
DeBeque
^^ v
\.GIenwood
.Springs
©Test
Well
,<4
^ X
Collbran
Carbondale,
•12
133
Mesa
Orchard City
Delta
Scale of Miles
•10
20 30
! Natural Vegetation
Sampling Locations
H7
'Redstone
• 16
24,
23.
22
21
Lead vi lie
i20
Crested Butte
124
^~~\
Buena Vista
Paonia
25
Gunnison
50
Figure 9. Natural Vegetation Sampling Locations
-------
Table 1. -TLD Network results.
a
OLcltlOn lOCctLlOTl
1 (182°, 7 mi)
2 (136°, 8 mi)
3 (90°, 13 mi)
4 (80°, 10 mi)
5 (20°, 4 mi)
6 (330°, 3 mi)
7 (295°, 5 mi)
8 (245°, 6 mi)
Collbran
Paonia
Mesa
Glenwood Springs
Carbondale
Grand Valley
Rifle
Silt
Rulison
Grand Junction
Silt Mesa
0
DeBeque
Average Exposure
(mR/day)
Pre-event Post-event
0.35
0. 30
0. 21
0. 23
0. 27
0. 25
0.24
0.25
0. 23
0. 13
0. 19
0.23
0.22
0. 18
0.24
0. 24
0. 24
0.25
0. 25
0.24
b
Lost
0.27
0.33
0. 30
0. 24
0.25
0. 30
0.26
0.29
0. 27
0. 26
Lost
0. 37
0.24
0.28
0.34
0.40
0.28
0.27
0.32
Azimuth and distance from the test well given for stations 1 through
8. Station numbers correspond to locations shown in Figure 8.
"Lost" indicates TLD's were not retrieved due to vandalism or
station inaccessibility at the end of the exposure period.
52
-------
.Table 2. Gross beta results - Rulison Air Surveillance Network^
Number of samples
Station location
Mesa
Gunnison
Montrose
Paonia
Vega Reservoir
Grand Valley
Rifle
Rulison
Silt
Bond
Leadville
Glenwood Springs
Carbondale
Silt Mesa
DeBeque
Pre-shot
30
30
29
29
29
30
28
30
30
9
30
23
30
30
24
Post-shot
21
16
16
14
18
21
21
22
21
16
15
9
15
15
20
Number of
Samples above MDAa
Pre-shot
20
17
15
16
16
22
18
22
25
5
18
9
19
21
18
Post-shot
9
5
7
10
4
16
15
19
15
7
8
5
7
8
14
Average activity above MDA (pCi/m )
Pre- shot
Ave.
0. 3
0. 3
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0. 3
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
Max.
0.6
0. 6
0. 7
0. 6
1. 5
0. 7
0.6
0.8
0. 8
0. 5
0. 6
0.6
0. 8
0. 6
0.6
Min.
0.2
0. 2
0. 2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0. 1
Post-shot
Ave.
0. 3
0. 5
0. 3
0. 3
0.3
0.2
0.2
0. 3
0. 3
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.4
0. 3
0.3
Max.
0. 8
0.8
0. 5
1. 1
0.5
0.4
0.6
0.8
1. 0
0.6
0.9
0. 7 .
1. 0
0.8
0.6
Min.
0. 2
0. 2
0. 2
0. 1
0.2
0. 1
0. 1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0. 1
0.2
0. 1
0.2
aMDA; Minimum detectable activity: Net activity where the 95% confidence level error is less than 25% of
the net activity. (Average MDA approximately 0. 13 pCi/m-5).
Average, maximum and minimum values are for those samples with activity above the MDA. Samples
with results below the MDA were omitted.
-------
Table 3. Tritium in atmospheric moisture samples.
Ul
Sampling location
(azimuth, distance)
Aircraft over test well
11,500' MSL
Station No. 1
(324°, 2. 5 mi)
Station No. 1
(324°, 2.5 mi)
Station No. 1
(324°, 2.5 mi)
Station No. 2
(164°, 0. 5 mi)
Station No. 2
(164°, 0. 5 mi)
Station No. 3
(57°, 19 mi)
Station No. 4
Collection Air Water
Sample Type Date/ Time Volume Volume
(liters) (ml)
Molecular 9/2/69 4800 28
Sieve 1320
Freeze-out ^J^9 732 2.9
Molecular 9/1/69
Sieve 1030
9/1/69
Freeze -out . 810 2. 5
Freeze -out 19 en 771 201
Molecular 9/1/69 , ,, ,, ^ ,-, -,
1440 0. 7
Sieve 1250
Freeze-out i^nn 1244 3.0
9/1/69
Freeze-out , „ , ,. 694 2.0
Tritium concentration '
(pCi/ml H20) (pCi/m3 Air)c
0.74 4
< 2 < 8
-'< 2 ..< 4
< 2 < 7
« 3 < 8
.':< 9 •:: < 5
... < 2 < 5
/_< 3 <-< 10
(44 , 13 mi)
a Azimuth and distance from the test well. Station numbers correspond to locations shown in Figure 9.
Sampling periods were approximately one hour.
c
Ambient conditions.
-------
Table 4. Water sampling results.
Number of samples Concentration above
Type of Number of Samples above MDA MDA (pCi/1)
Activity Pre-shot Post-shot Pre-shot
Gross beta 86 37 69
Gross alpha 86 37 49
Tritium 23 14 15
Post-shot Pre-shot Post-shot
Avg Max Min -Avg Max Min
33 15 200 2 7 19 2
23 13 123 2 5 17 2
8 940 1500 560 730 920 440
(j\ MDA; Minimum detectable activity, as given in Appendix A.
Average, maximum and minimum values are for those samples -with activity above the MDA. Samples
with results below the MDA were omitted.
-------
Table 5. Milk sampling results.
Ul
Nuclide
131I
137Cs
89Q
Sr
9°Sr
3H
Number of samples Average activity above
Number of Samples above MDA MDA (pCi/1)
Pre-shot Post-shot Pre-shot Post-shot Pre-shot Post-shot
Avg Max Min Avg Max Min
33 26 0 0
33 26 6 8 15 20 10 12 20 10
32 15 12 6 795 795
32 15 31 15 6 11 2 6 11 2
4.7 4 6 990 1400 540 700 1400 410
'MDA; Minimum detectable activity, as given in Appendix A.
'Average, maximum and minimum values are for those samples with activity above the MDA. Samples
with results below the MDA were omitted.
-------
Table 6. Milk cow feed results.
Location
Collbran, Colorado
C. W. Young Dairy
Wm. C. Earley Ranch
Arthur Linn Ranch
Clifford Hill Ranch
Glenwood Springs, Colo.
Type of Feed
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
95
Zr (pCi/kg wet
94
390
260
480
weight)
Rock N Pines Dairy
Mesa, Colorado
Legume hay
Rupert W. Wasson Dairy Native grass
Molina, Colorado
Glenn Taylor Dairy
Native hay
Mrs. Geo. Currier Ranch Native grass
Rifle, Colorado
AlexC. Urquhart Dairy
Rulison, Colorado
Donald Burtard Ranch
Felix Sefcovic Ranch
Billie Lee Smith Ranch
Silt, Colorado
Rufus Raley Ranch
Don Jacket Ranch
Emil Lopez Ranch
Legume hay
Pasture grass
Pasture grass
Native hay
Native hay
Native hay
Native grass
270
520
230
380
290
130
440
880
320
160
370
57
-------
Table 7. Tritium in natural vegetation (plot samples).
Plot location
Plot No. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Plot Nos. 8
and 12
3 b
Mean H Concentration
Type of Vegetation (pCi/1) (pCi/kg wet weight)
Subalpine Fir 1780 + 520 850 + 520
Subalpine Fir
Douglas Fir
Big Sagebrush
Alfalfa
Big Sagebrush
Big Sagebrush
Alfalfa
Big Sagebrush
Big Sagebrush
Big Sagebrush
Fruit0
1560 +_ 740
1680 +_ 1280
1140+ 600
1200 + 490
1240 + 720
2700 + 2950
1190 +_ 460
1390 + 650
2300 + 1700
1300 H- 480
1430 + 700
910+ 690
1610 +_ 1680
1130+ 750
1810+ 750
1280 +_ 840
1520 +_ 1490
920 +_ 330
1610 +_ 730
2280 + 1190
880 + 540
7600 + 5250
Plot numbers correspond to locations shown in Figure 8.
Mean concentration of 27 samples from each plot(except for plot
No. 12).
'Apples, pears, and apricots from vicinity of plot No. 8, and cherries
from plot No. 12. All fruits combined for analysis.
58
-------
Table 8. Natural vegetation r^»,ulfev(s.tation sarnples)
nc
Station
Station
n
11
n
"
n
"
n
n
n
"
ii
"
n
n
1 1
n
n
n
11
"
n
n
"
n
a
Location
No. 1
" 2
" 3
" 4
" 5
11 6
" 7
" 8
11 9
" 10
11
11 12
11 13
" 14
" 15
" 16
,, 17
" 18
" 19
11 20
" 21
" 22
" 23
11 24
" 25
Type of Vegetation
Sagebrush
Sagebrush
Sagebrush
Sagebrush
Sagebrush
Sagebrush
Sagebrush
Sagebrush
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
Native grass
Sagebrush
Native grass
Native grass
Sagebrush
Native grass
Native grass
Sagebrush
Native grass
Native grass
95
Zr (pCi/kg wet weight)
140
81
74
290
450
360
620
70
b
-------
Table 9. Strontium-89 and -90 in wildlife.
Sample description
Fawn, road killed 8/27/69, 3 miles south
of Mesa, Colorado.
Bone hock (pCi/kg)
(pCi/gm ash)
Two year old buck, hunter killed 8/17/69 on
Uncompahgre Plateau west of Delta, Colo.
Bone hock (pCi/kg)
(pCi/gm ash)
Four year old buck, hunter killed 8/29/69,
21 miles south of Carbondale, Colo.
Bone hock (pCi/kg)
(pCi/gm ash)
Five year old buck, hunter killed 8/19/69
near Hubbard Creek.
Bone hock (pCi/kg)
(pCi/gm ash)
Yearling buck, hunter killed 8/16/69
in the Dike Creek Hightower area.
Bone hock (pCi/kg)
(pCi/gm ash)
89
Sr
90
1563
6.9
1633
5.4
1288
3. 7
1138
3.4
3366
10
Sr
881
3.9
1725
5.7
2698
7. 7
2131
6.4
2020
6.0
60
-------
Table 10. Natural gas results.
Well location
(azimuth, distance)
Section 14
(331°, 2.7 mi)
Federal 28-0
(272°, 2.8 mi)
Federal A-29-95
(271°, 3. 7 mi)
Section 8
(34°, 4. 1 mi)
Federal 3-94
(35°, 6.2 mi)
Date
Collected
5/1/69
5/1/69
9/6/69
9/12/69
9/6/69
9/6/69
9/12/69
5/1/69
9/6/69
222^
Rn
l.lb
36
29
29
45
26
1.1"
34
27
3H 14C - 13ix,
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
(pCi/1)
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
No ch
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
e mi s t
ND
ND
», 85Kr
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ry
ND
ND
Azimuth and distance from test well. Well locations shown in
Figure 8.
A non-producing well, and the sample collected was not repre-
sentative of formation gas.
ND - No activity above a minimum detectable activity(see Appendix A).
61
-------
APPENDIX A - Analytical Procedures - Technical Services - SWRHL
Sample, type
Ai r filter
a) Glass -fiber
b) Charcoal
Milk
Water
Analys is
Beta
Gamma
Gamma
Gamma
Sr
90
Sr
Gamma
Alpha
Beta
89C
Sr
90
Sr
Instrumentation
Low background
Wide beta I
Gamma spectro-
me te r
Gamma spectro-
meter
Gamma spectro-
mete r
Low background
Wide beta II
Low background
Wide beta II
Gamma spectro-
mete r
Wide beta II
Wide beta II
Wide beta II
Wide beta II
Count
Length
2 min.
10 min.
10 min.
40 min.
50 min.
50 min.
40 min.
50 min.
50 min.
50 min.
50 min.
Analytical Procedures
Gross activity at time of count. Repeated counts
for extrapolation to estimate activity at end of
collection time.
8x8 matrix solution. Selected isotopes speci-
fied in equations' solution.
Gross count with warning limit set at 300 CPM
above background over 0-2 MeV energy range.
Isotopic analysis by 8x8 matrix solution.
Isotopic analysis by 8x8 matrix solution.
Chemical separation by ion-exchange method.
Separated sample counted successively; ac-
tivity calculated by simultaneous equation
solution.
Isotopic analysis by 8x8 matrix solution.
Sample dried, gross activity calculated.
Chemical separation by ion-exchange.
Separated sample counted successively; ac-
tivity calculated by solution of simultaneous
4V1L 1111 I lull 11
Detectable
Activity
Net counts exceed 4 times
2-sigma counting error.
0. 1 pCi/m single
0. 1 pCi/m single
10 pCi/i 131i
1 S7
10 pCi/1 Cs
10 pCi/1 14°Ba-La
5 PCi/l
2 pCi/1
10 pCi/1
2 pCi/1
2 pCi/1
5 pCi/1
2 pCi/1
isotope
isotope
Feed
H Liquid scintil- 100 min.
lator
Gamma Gamma spectro- 10-20
meter min.
equations.
Sample prepared by distillation. Counted in 400 pCi/1
liquid scintillation counter.
Isotopic analysis by 8x8 matrix solution. 50 pCi/kgm
in sample/isotope.
50- 100 pCi total
in sample/isotope.
If masking occurs
(presence of other
isotopes) detect-
able limit will
vary.
Strontium-89 and
-90 analysis dic-
tated by presence
of 131I, or 140Ba-
La. (>20 pCi/1).
Strontium-89 and
-90 analysis dic-
tated by presence
of 131!or 14°Ba-
La. (>20 pCi/1).
-------
APPENDIX A (continued)
Sample, type Analysis
tali on
Air
a ) Grab
Gamma
Xenon and
k ry pton
Beta
Instrumentation
Gamma spectro-
mete r
Glass envelope
Geiger counter
Count
Length
Analytical Procedures
10 min. Gross activity calculated. Qualitative analysis.
Minimum
Detectable
Activity
30 min. Inert gases separated from air sample and beta 100 pCi total sample
counted. Xenon and krypton activity concentra-
tion is calculated.
Notes
Quantitation only
within order of
magnitude for se-
lect isotopes.
0. 3 m usual sam-
ple si ze.
b) Molecular sieve
1. Ambient
2. Cryogenic
14
C Liquid scintilla-
tion counter
14
C Liquid scintilla-
tion counter
c) Freeze-out
Natural gas
Xenon and Glass envelope
krypton Geiger counter
H Liquid scintilla-
tion counter
100 min. Water and CO? removed from sieve and col-
^- -5
lected. Water analyzed for JH and CC>2 for
'^C by liquid scintillation counting.
100 min. Water, CO-> and noble gases removed from
sieve, separated and collected. Water ana-
lyzed for SH and CO2 for 14C by liquid
scintillation.
Xenon and krypton fractions beta counted in
glass envelope Geiger counter.
100 min. Air passed over cold trap to freeze out
moisture. Water analyzed for tritium.
Rn
Rn-alpha scin- 60 min. Rn-direct transfer to alpha scintillation cell
dilation counting and counting.
H &
14
C Liquid scintilla- 100 min.
tion counting
Xe & Kr Glass envelope 30 min.
Geiger counter
Gas is combusted and noble gases, water, and
CO2 are separated.
3H 0. 4 PCi/mia H2O
14 3
C 6 pCi/m air
H 0. 4 PCi/mia H2O
C 6 pCi/m air
Xe & Kr 100 pCi
total sample.
3H 0.4 pCi/mia H2O
Rn-0. 04 pCi/1
20 pCi/l(*4C)
1 pCi/l( H)
100 pCi total sample
100 pCi total sample
Based on a mini-
mum of 5 mis
moisture.
1. 5-4. 0 m usual
sample size.
3-6 liters per min.
sampling rate.
Sample size varies.
100 ml alpha
scintillation cell.
About 4- 1 burned.
About 12-1
burned.
Descriptions can be found in Document NV-28, USAEC Publication, Revised 1968.
Detailed procedures are presented "SWRHL Analytical Procedures Manual," SWRHL.
Instrumentation Description: a) Gamma spectrometer; 4r'x4" Nal (Tl) detector, 200 channels calibrated at 10 key (channel detector enclosed in a steel box with
6" thick walls, with lead, cadmium and copper lining. )
b) Wide beta I, pure methane gas flow, 4" hemispherical detector with anti-coincidence guard ring and automatic sample changer
with 60-sample capacity.
c) Wide beta II, pure methane gas flow, 2" hemispherical detector with anti-coincidence guard ring and automatic sample
changer with 80-sample capacity.
d) Liquid scintillation counter. Ambient temperature.
NOTE: Detectable limit for ^^C in air (Air b) based on assumption of 0. 03% CO2 in air.
Reference a: 1-8x10 pCi/m air depending on relative humidity in anticipated range.
-------
APPENDIX B
Location
Carbondale, Colorado
Phillips 66 Station
Phillips 66 Station
Phillips 66 Station
Cedaredge, Colorado
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Collbran, Colorado
Buzzard Creek
Buzzard Creek
Buzzard Creek
D Bar J Cafe
D Bar J Cafe
D Bar J Cafe
Arthur Linn Ranch
Plateau Creek
Plateau Creek
Plateau Creek
Vega Reservoir Resort
Vega Reservoir Resort
Vega Reservoir Resort
Vega Reservoir Resort
Wallace Deer Camp
Wm. H. Wallace Ranch
DeBeque, Colorado
Sinclair Station
Sinclair Station
Sinclair Station
Glenwood Springs, Colo.
Phillips 66 Station
Phillips 66 Station
Phillips 66 Station
Grand Mesa, Colorado
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake
Jumbo Lake
Jumbo Lake
Jumbo Lake
- Water sampling results.
Source
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Stream
Stream
Stream
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Stream
Stream
Stream
Rsvr
Rsvr
Rsvr
Rsvr
Stream
Spring
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Lake
Date
Collected
04/21/69
08/30/69
11/05/69
04/21/69
08/26/69
11/04/69
04/22/69
08/26/69
11/05/69
04/22/69
08/27/69
11/05/69
08/27/69
04/22/69
08/26/69
11/05/69
04/22/69
08/26/69
09/01/69
11/05/69
09/03/69
11/05/69
04/21/69
08/29/69
11/04/69
04/21/69
08/30/69
11/05/69
04/21/69
08/26/69
11/04/69
04/21/69
08/26/69
11/04/69
Gross
alpha
pCi/1
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
13
2
3
5
6
3
7
6
6
4
3
3
<2
<2
<2
2
3
2
<2
<2
2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
4
Gross
beta
pCi/1
<2
<2
<2
8
2
2
24
5
10
10
6
8
5
11
11
8
8
10
2
7
3
4
6
6
8
2
<2
2
37
2
<2
60
4
4
"3H
pCi/1
1200
880
1100
590
600
64
-------
APPENDIX B (continued)
Location
Grand Valley, Colorado
H. W. Arnett Ranch
Battlement Creek
Battlement Creek
Battlement Creek
Battlement Creek
Battlement Cr. (above
test well)
Battlement Cr. (above
test well)
Battlement Reservoir
Dan Duplice Ranch
Dan Duplice Ranch
Dan Duplice Ranch
Edward Forshee Ranch
Edward Forshee Ranch
Edward Forshee Ranch
Parachute Creek
Parachute Creek
Parachute Creek
Sinclair Service Station
Sinclair Service Station
Sinclair Service Station
Test Well
Test Well
Wallace Creek
Wallace Creek
Wallace Creek
Marie Zediker
Marie Zediker
Marie Zediker
Mesa, Colorado
Post Office
Post Office
Post Office
Molina, Colorado
Mercantile Store
Mercantile Store
Mercantile Store
Source
Tap
Stream
Stream
Stream
Stream
Stream
Stream
Rsvr
Well
Well
Well
Spring
Spring
Spring
Stream
Stream
Stream
Tap
Tap
Tap
Well
Well
Stream
Stream
Stream
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Well
Well
Well
Date
Collected
04/23/69
04/22/69
07/21/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
07/21/69
11/17/69
07/21/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
04/21/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
04/21/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
08/25/69
11/17/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
04/21/69
08/26/69
11/04/69
04/21/69
08/26/69
11/05/69
Gross
alpha
pCi/1
4
5
<2
< 2
< 2
< 2
3
< 2
8
4
<2
30
6
5
73
5
2
7
6
6
<2
2
6
<2
5
11
6
6
<2
5
5
10
3
6
Gross
beta
pCi/1
< 2
9
2
4
5
3
4
12
4
5
8
7
3
19
110
10
8
<2
3
3
6
6
7
5
10
4
9
15
2
5
4
7
10
9
3H
pCi/1
<400
950
1500
740
1300
830
1200
<400
<400
<400
<400
630
<400
800
920
<400
<400
65
-------
APPENDIX B (continued)
Location
New Castle, Colorado
Texaco Service Station
Texaco Service Station
Texaco Service Station
Paonia, Colorado
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Plateau City, Colorado
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Redstone, Colorado
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Conoco Station
Rifle, Colorado
Mamm Creek
Mamm Creek
Mamm Creek
Texaco Station
Texaco Station
Texaco Station
Rio Blanco, Colorado
Phillips 66 Station
Phillips 66 Station
Phillips 66 Station
Rulison, Colorado
Donald Burtard Ranch
Cache Creek
Cache Creek
Cache Creek
Eames Orchards
Eames Orchards
Eames Orchards
Eames Orchards
Lee L. Hayward Ranch
Lee L. Hayward Ranch
Lee L. Hayward Ranch
Source
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Well
Well
Well
Tap
Tap
Tap
Stream
Stream
Stream
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap
Stream
Stream
Stream
Stream
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Well
Well
Well
66
Date
Collected
04/21/69
08/30/69
11/05/69
04/21/69
08/26/69
11/04/69
04/22/69
08/26/69
11/05/69
04/21/69
08/30/69
11/05/69
04/22/69
08/29/69
11/05/69
04/21/69
08/29/69
11/05/69
04/21/69
08/29/69
11/05/69
08/31/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
04/22/69
08/20/69
08/29/69
11/05/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
Gross
alpha
pCi/1
2
2
2
<2
<2
<2
12
9
17
< 2
< 2
<2
123
6
12
3
<2
3
< 2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
<2
19
7
10
Gross
beta
pCi/1
< 2
< 2
4
< 2
<2
<2
12
14
16
5
< 2
2
200
18
15
< 2
< 2
3
2
< 2
<2
<2
8
6
5
2
4
5
4
<2
4
7
3H
pCi/1
<400
600
440
1100
560
710
<400
<400
-------
APPENDIX B (continued)
Location
Source
Date
Collected
Gross
alpha
pCi/1
Gross
beta
pCi/1
3H
pCi/1
Rulison, Colorado(continued)
Walt Lemen Farm
Ernest R. Schwab
Ernest R. Schwab
Billie Lee Smith Ranch
Billie Lee Smith Ranch
Billie Lee Smith Ranch
Felix S.Sefcovic Ranch
Felix S. Sefcovic Ranch
Felix S. Sefcovic Ranch
Felix S. Sefcovic Ranch
Felix S. Sefcovic Ranch
Silt, Colorado
Larry Antonelli
Harvey Gap Reservoir
Harvey Gap Reservoir
Harvey Gap Reservoir
Don Jackett Ranch
Fred Pferdesteller Rn.
Sinclair Service Station
Sinclair Service Station
Sinclair Service Station
West Divide Creek
West Divide Creek
West Divide Creek
Well
Well
Well
Well
Well
Well
Well
Well
Well
Spring
Spring
Well
Rsvr
Rsvr
Rsvr
Well
Well
Tap
Tap
Tap
Stream
Stream
Stream
08/28/69
04/22/69
08/29/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
04/22/69
08/28/69
11/04/69
08/28/69
08/28/69
05/01/69
04/22/69
08/29/69
11/06/69
08/29/69
09/01/69
04/21/69
08/29/69
11/5/69
04/22/69
08/29/69
11/05/69
9
2
2
13
<2
2
<2
<2
3
77
<2
5
7
5
<2
8
19
3
< 2
2
83
5
5
8
5
3
4
3
5
< 2
3
19
141
< 2
3
3
6
5
4
5
3
5
7
72
13
10
560
<400
750
<400
<400
750
1200
Separate water supplies.
67
-------
APPENDIX C - Milk sampling results.
Location
Collbran, Colorado
Wm C. Earley Ranch
Clifford Hill Ranch
Arthur Linn Ranch
C. W. Young Dairy
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Rock N Pines Dairy
Collection
Date
04/23/69
08/28/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/22/69
08/26/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/23/69
08/27/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/23/69
08/26/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/24/69
08/30/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
Isotopic concentration (pCi/1)
131 137 89- 90 3
I Cs Sr Sr H
<10 20 9
< 10 <10 8
< 10 <10 9
<10 20 No
< 10 < 10 <5
< 10 <10 <5
< 10 <10 <5
< 1 0 < 1 0 No
< 10 < 10 7
< 10 <10 <5
< 10 < 10 <5
<10 10 No
< 10 < 10 <5
<10 <10 9
< 10 <10 <5
<10 <10 No
< 1 0 < 1 0 <5
<10 10 5
< 10 <10 <5
<10 <10 No
11
9
7
chemistry
7
3
4
chemistry
11
5 1400
7 660
chem. 730
3
9
7
chemistry
4
2
2
chemistry
Grand Junction, Colorado
Clynn's Crescent Graff
Western Colo. Milk Producers
(Grand Junction, Fruita,
Clifton, Lona, & Mack
production areas)
Western Colo. Milk Producers
(Collbran, Mesa &
Moline production areas)
Mesa, Colorado
Rupert W. Wasson Dairy
Molina, Colorado
Mrs. Geo. Currier Ranch
08/14/69 <10 <10 <5
08/14/69 <10 <10 <5
08/14/69 <10
04/22/69 <10
08/27/69 <10
09/13/69 <10
04/22/69 <10
08/26/69 <10
09/13/69 <10
<10 <5
<10 <5
<10 6
10 <5
3
4
3
<5 5
6 7
6 7 1400
68
-------
APPENDIX C (continued)
Location
Molina, Color ado (continued)
Mrs. Geo. Currier Ranch
Glenn Taylor
Rifle, Colorado
Alex C. Urquhart Dairy
Rulison, Colorado
Donald Burtard Ranch
Felix Sefcovic Ranch
Billie Lee Smith
Silt, Colorado
Don Jackett Ranch
Emil Lopez Ranch
Rufus Raley Ranch
Collection
Date
11/05/69
04/22/69
08/26/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/24/69
08/29/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/23/69
08/31/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/22/69
08/29/69
09/13/69
11/05/69
04/23/69
08/28/69
09/12/69
11/05/69
04/23/69
08/29/69
09/13/69
04/23/69
08/30/69
09/13/69
04/23/69
08/29/69
09/13/69
Isotopic concentration (pCi/1)
131 137 89_ 90 3
I Cs Sr Sr H
<10 <10 No chemistry
<10 <10 <5 5
<10 20 5 9
<10 10 <5 5
<10 10 No chemistry
<10 <10 <5 <2
<10 <10 <5 2
<10 10 <5 4
<10 <10 No chemistry
<10 <10 <5 7
<10 <10 6 6 720
<10 <10 8 5 490
<100 < 100 No chem. 470
<10 <10 <5 6
<10 20 7 8
<10 10 9 H
<100 < 100 No chemistry
<10 <10 <5 6
<10 <10 <5 5 540
<10 <10 <5 4 410
< 10 20 No chem. < 400
<10 <10 <5 4
<10 10 <5 8 1300
<100 <100 5 4
< 10 < 10 6 5
<10 <10 No chemistry
<10 <10 <5 4
<10 10 <5 5
<10 <10 5 8
<10 <10 5 6
69
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SUMMARY
Off-Site Radiological Safety and
Resident Evacuation Program
for Project Rulison
(Detonation Phase)
Project Rulison is the second jointly-sponsored government-industry
nuclear experiment performed to determine the feasibility of using
nuclear explosives to stimulate production and recovery of natural
gas from low permeability gas-bearing formations. Although it was
extremely unlikely that a venting of radioactive material would occur
as a result of the detonation, the Public Health Service (PHS), South-
western Radiological Health Laboratory (SWRHL), conducted an off-site
radiological safety program for the detonation phase of the experiment.
In cooperation with the CER Geonuclear Corporation, the PHS also
arranged for resident evacuation and other precautions in the area
to minimize any possible hazard which might result from ground motion
produced by the detonation.
The off-site radiological safety program included operating a system
of environmental surveillance networks in the Project Rulison area,
and fielding radiation monitoring teams in the off-site area for the
detonation. The surveillance networks consisted of a radiation dosim-
etry network, sampling networks for air, milk, water, and vegetation,
and collection of milk cow feed, animal tissue and natural gas samples.
The surveillance networks were supplemented on detonation day with
monitoring aircraft and ground monitors carrying portable environmental
sampling and monitoring equipment.
The basic criteria for off-site radiological protection were those con-
tained in Section II-A of the Appendix to the AEC Manual, Chapter 0524.
These are the Radiation Protection Standards for Individuals and Popu-
lation Groups in Uncontrolled areas, and provide radiation dose
standards for external and internal exposure, as follows:
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Type of
Exposure
Whole body gonads
or bone marrow
Thyroid or bone
Based on
Exposure to
Individuals
0.5 rem/year
1.5 rem/year
Based on an Average
Exposure to a Suitable
Population Sample
0.17 rem/year
0.5 rem/year
The off-site environmental surveillance program indicated no radio-
activity was released to the environment from the detonation. The
dosimetry network and air, milk and water sampling networks were
operated prior to and following the detonation and showed no changes
in environmental radioactivity levels. Aerial monitoring over the
test well and ground monitoring in the off-site area with portable
radiation survey instruments on the day of the detonation also showed
no radioactivity above background levels.
Based on predicted ground motion in the vicinity of the test well as
a result of the nuclear explosion, residents within five miles of the
test well were evacuated from the area for several hours on D-day
during the detonation period, and gas and electrical utilities in the
area were disconnected to minimize fire hazards. PHS representatives
remained in the area with five families who chose to remain at home.
Arrangements were made for all residents in the area between five and
nine miles from the test well to be outdoors and away from structures
at detonation time to minimize any possible hazard from falling objects
or structural damage. CER Geonuclear Corporation was responsible for
arranging to have residents in the town of Grand Valley and the com-
munity of Rulison two structure heights from standing objects at
detonation time, in cooperation with SWRHL evacuation coordinators
stationed at these communities. A uranium and vanadium ore processing
mill and two schools, which were beyond the nine-mile radius, were also
evacuated.
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The resident evacuation program was successfully carried out with no
accidents, injuries, or health problems observed by or reported to
the PHS prior to or after the Project Rulison detonation.
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