SWRHL-99&
REPORT OF OFF-SITE SURVEILLANCE
FOR PROJECT GASBUGGY
March 1967 to June 1968
by
Environmental Surveillance
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Environmental Health Service
February 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 may 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"
includes any employee or contractor of the Commission, 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.
COPY NO 034
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REPORT OF OFF-SITE SURVEILLANCE
FOR PROJECT GASBUGGY
March 1967 to June 1968
by
Environmental Surveillance
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Environmental Health Service
Environmental Control Administration
Bureau of Radiological Health
February 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
The Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory (SWRHL) began
off-site radiological safety operations for Project Gasbuggy in
June, 1967. A census was taken during the following three months
of all people and milk cows within 100 miles of the Gasbuggy site.
All mining and tunneling operations within 50 miles were also
located. As the census information was collected, SWRHL, per-
sonnel distributed printed information, explained the nature of the
experiment, and answered questions regarding their activities.
The Community Relations Program was intensified during later
periods when the SWRHL Project Officer and state health officials
visited local officials in surrounding communities.
The collection of environmental samples to establish background
levels of radioactivity was started in early August, 1967, when
milk and water samples were collected. Vegetation samples for
background information were collected in early December, 1967.
A 35-station air surveillance network began operating on
November 21, 1967- All 35 stations operated through December 13
when the number was reduced to twelve; these operated through
the drill-back period. Milk and water samples were collected
following the shot and the drill-back operations to find if radiation
levels had increased.
The dosimetry program was started in October, 1967. A network
of thermoluminescent dosimeters was established around the site
at an approximate eight-mile radius. The dosimeters were
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exchanged once during the background period, again a few days
prior to the event, and collected following the drill-back operations.
The Medical and Veterinary Officer's activities began in mid-
October; 1967, and continued through the drill-back period. These
activities consisted of visiting federal, state, and local officials
and remaining on standby to handle emergencies that might arise
during the operational period.
The operational period, or period of major monitoring activity,
began in early December, 1967, and lasted until mid-January, 1968.
Approximately 30 people from the SWRHL/ and the health depart-
ments of New Mexico and Colorado were assigned to the project.
At detonation time, the SWRHL, had 33 personnel on location,
including monitoring teams in two aircraft orbiting the site. During
the drill-back period, the SWRHL provided five monitors for sur-
veillance.
No release of radioactivity was detected by monitoring or in the
analysis of samples collected following detonation. This report
presents the activities, data, and conclusions of surveillance
activities during the period March 1, 1967 to June 1, 1968.
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ACKNOW LEDGMENTS
The assistance of the State of New Mexico's Department of Public
Health and the Colorado State Department of Public Health, and
specifically, the following individuals, was greatly appreciated:
New Mexico
Aaron Bond
Kathy Burnham
Burt Tom
Hugh Coleman
Carl Henderson
William Lancaster
Roy McKeag
Don Patterson
Marvin Peters
Tom Proctor
Harold Tso
Aubrey Willard
Colorado
Edward Cruz
Dr. John Emerson
Walter Mykytiuk
Oren Towsley
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT i
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Ui
TABLE OF CONTENTS iv
I. INTRODUCTION l
II. PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION 4
III. PRE-SHOT CENSUS 6
IV. COMMUNITY RELATIONS 8
V. MEDICAL ACTIVITIES 9
VI. VETERINARY ACTIVITIES 10
VII. MONITORING H
Aerial Monitoring 11
Ground Monitoring 12
VIII. DOSIMETRY 14
Dosimeters and Film Badges 14
Human Surveillance 15
IX. ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING 16
Air Sampling 16
Milk Sampling 19
Water Sampling 21
Vegetation Sampling 22
Laboratory Facilities 23
X. NATURAL GAS 25
XL EMERGENCY ACTION PROCEDURES 26
APPENDIX A 28
APPENDIX B
iv
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I. INTRODUCTION
The Project Gasbuggy nuclear explosive of 26 kilotons design
yield was detonated on Sunday, December 10, 1967, at 1230:00
Mountain Standard Time.
The explosive was emplaced at 4240 feet below ground surface,
1770 feet from the west line and 1218 feet from the south line in
Section 36 of Township 29 North, Range 4 West, in Rio Arriba
County, New Mexico about 55 air miles east of the city of
Farmington, New Mexico. The geodetic coordinates are:
Latitude-36e40'40.4" North; and Longitude-107°12'30. 3" West.
The elevation of surface ground zero was 7204 feet above Mean
Sea Level.
The detonation occurred in the Lewis Shale formation of the
San Juan Basin about 40 feet below its contact with the gasbearing
Pictured Cliffs sandstone formation.
Early indications are that the explosive performed satisfactorily.
The Off-Site Radiological Safety Program for Project Gasbuggy
was conducted by the Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
(SWRHL) of the Public Health Service (PHS). SWRHL was re-
sponsible to the Atomic Energy Commission(AEC) Project
Manager for providing the services outlined in Chapter 0524-05,
SOP-NTSO, and particularly for:
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1. Maintaining a comprehensive record of background environ-
mental radioactivity in the off-site area during the Project
Gasbuggy operational period.
2. Documenting the type and extent of any off-site environ-
mental radiological contaimination resulting from the
Project Gasbuggy experiment.
3. Assuring continuous protection of public health and safety
during the operational period by determining potential
exposures and performing suitable protective measures
when directed by the Project Manager.
4. Conducting a continuous program of personal contacts in
a
the surrounding communities to develop and maintain local
confidence that public safety was being guarded throughout
the project period.
5. Reporting off-site area incidents or complaints attributed
to project operations to the Project Manager and assisting
in the investigation of such matters as directed.
SWRHL also represented the PHS in its responsibility for surveillance
of radioactive materials in the environment.
Radiological Safety Criteria
The off-site radiological safety criteria for the project were those
established by AEC Standards for Radiation Protection, Appendix
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to Chapter 0524, Section II-A. The criteria recommend the whole
body dose should not exceed 0. 5 rem for any one individual nor
more than 0. 17 rem for any suitable population sample in any
calendar year. The dose is exclusive of exposure to natural
background radiation, medical X-rays, or other types of radiation
therapy. The criteria also recommend the dose to the thyroid
should not exceed 1. 5 rads to any one individual or 0. 5 rad thyroid
dose to the general population.
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II. PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION
Personnel responsible for the off-site radiological safety program
were assigned from SWRHL. Field operations were directed by the
SWRHL Project Officer; overall supervision of SWRHL activities was
assumed by the Acting Director of SWRHL.
Four employees were assigned to New Mexico and Colorado to take
the pre-shot census of people, milk cows, and mines, and were in
the area from mid-June until early September, 1967.
A contract between the PHS and the State of New Mexico provided
laboratory and office space, and a radiochemist and laboratory
technician from June 1, 1967 to January 31, 1968. Radiological
counting facilities were established in the Farmington laboratory.
The SWRHL staff was augmented by ten health officials from
New Mexico*and four from Colorado. In addition, the PHS Region VII
office in Dallas supplied one radiological health representative.
The Medical and Veterinary programs were the responsibility of the
SWRHL Medical and Veterinary Officers assigned to the project.
The New Mexico and Colorado public health personnel who had only
minor experience in radiological health attended a one-week course
(August 21-25, 1967) on "Fundamentals of Radiological Health" at
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The course was taught by personnel of
the SWRHL Technical Training and Reports Program.
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All field personnel attended a two-day training course in monitoring
procedures and project orientation. Following this, they spent six
days in the field learning the location of all off-site residents
within 30 miles of ground zero. Each day a briefing and operations
lecture was held for all field personnel.
Field personnel were assigned as either monitors or zone super-
visors. The function of a monitor was to document levels of
radiation off-site, collect environmental samples off-site, and
assist the zone supervisor. The function of a zone supervisor
was to take on-the-spot responsibility for any emergency action
procedures, as explained later in this report.
A total of 33 personnel assigned to the PHS were in the area on the
day of the event (December 10, 1967). Twenty-two personnel were
in the field (15 monitors, 4 zone supervisors, the Medical and
Veterinary Officers, and a Jicarrilla Apache interpreter was with
one of the monitors). Six aerial monitors (two teams) were in
two aircraft orbiting the site. Two laboratory technicians were on
standby in Farmington and three people were at the Control Point
(the SWRHL Acting Director, the Project Officer, and the Radio
Controller).
The Acting Director of SWRHL was on location for the event as a
member of the AEC Project Manager's Advisory Panel and assumed
local direction of all SWRHL, surveillance activities.
Five monitors, including the Project Officer and the field laboratory
radiochemist, provided monitoring surveillance during the re-drill
period (December 15, 1967 to January 18, 1968).
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III. PRE-SHOT CENSUS
Population census, Grade A dairy locations, and family milk cow
locations were determined within 100 miles of ground zero. In the
area within 50 miles, all individual ranches and dairies were con-
tacted by a SWRHL representative. The individual citizens of a
town within 50 miles were not contacted; instead, the population
for the entire town was estimated and all milk cow owners located.
In the area between 50 and 100 miles, the population was summed
into small geographic areas (for example - an unincorporated area
containing numerous farms and ranches). The population was
estimated for each of these areas and the family milk cows and
Grade A dairies were located. In most cases only a few of the
citizens within these areas were contacted.
The prevailing winds of the Gasbuggy area for most of the year move
in the direction between 45 and 135 . For this reason, the popu-
lation and cow census was extended in this sector to approximately
125 miles and in some cases to 140 miles.
The population and milk cow information was recorded on a Sampling
and Census Form as shown on Table 1 of Appendix A. The informa-
tion was later computer tabulated and presented by counties in the
Gasbuggy Census Directory.
Mine location surveys were conducted to a distance of 50 miles
from ground zero. Six mining or tunneling operations were found;
however, all were more than twenty-five miles from ground zero
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and, therefore, the AEC Project Manager did not direct the SWRHL
to provide any specific surveillance for these underground
operations.
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IV. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The community relations program began with the pre-shot census.
The Project Officer preceded the census takers into each area,
visiting state and local officials to explain SWRHL activities, to
distribute information on the nature of the Gasbuggy experiment
and to solicit aid in collecting census information. As the census
takers collected information from individuals and local officials,
they also handed out printed material and answered questions
regarding the project.
Later in the fall, the Project Officer and a health official from
New Mexico and Colorado visited communities in each respec-
tive state. They spoke with officials in each community within
100 miles of the Gasbuggy site, answered questions, and made
themselves available to answer questions and speak to civic and
social organizations.
Evening talks were given by the Project Officer and movies
shown to the Bayfield Lions Club, Bayfield, Colorado, and the
Bluffview Elementary School PTA, Farmington, New Mexico.
A press release was prepared by SWRHL at the request of the
editor of the Farmington Daily Times. This story was about
SWRHL activities in the area and was released through the AEC.
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V. MEDICAL ACTIVITIES
The SWRHL Medical Advisor contacted local health and medical
authorities in the area including the PHS Indian Health Service on
the Jicarrilla Apache Reservation and the Navajo Reservation.
Arrangements were made with the San Juan County Health Officer,
the Espanola Hospital Administrator, the PHS Medical Officer at
Dulce, the District Health Officer for Rio Arribo County, a
private physician in Parkview, and the Farmington Hospital Ad-
ministrator to use their facilities in the event of any emergencies.
The Medical Advisor spoke with various local health officials
including those mentioned above, and local public health nurses
regarding any persons living in a possible evacuation area who
might have been under the direct medical care of a local physician.
After a thorough investigation, the Medical Advisor found one
possible case. He spoke with the person and determined the
circumstances did not warrant a pre-shot evacuation.
The Medical Advisor was in the area from December 2 to 12, 1967,
to make the above contacts and arrangements and to answer
medical questions regarding SWRHL activities asked by local
health officials or citizens. The Medical Advisor encountered
no event-connected medical problems in the Gasbuggy area
following the detonation.
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VI. VETERINARY ACTIVITIES
The Veterinary Officer assigned to the project contacted state and
federal livestock regulatory officials, local practitioners, county
agents and other local agricultural leaders. He provided infor-
mation about the project, answered questions, and asked them to
report any problems •which might arise.
Samples of three deer were collected for background biological in-
formation in an area approximately 20 miles from ground zero.
These samples, collected in the field by the Veterinary Officer
with the aid of a New Mexico State Fish and Game official, were
returned to SWRHL for analysis. Since no venting occurred,
no post-shot game samples were taken.
The Veterinary Officer was in the area from November 29 through
December 12. He was in the field on detonation day and remained
in the area several days following to investigate any livestock
or wildlife damage claims arising from the Gasbuggy experiment;
however, no claims were made.
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VII. MONITORING
Aerial Monitoring
Aerial surveillance, including aerial monitoring and sampling,
was performed by SWRHL for the Gasbuggy event. Two aircraft
were orbiting ground zero at shot time; a U. S. Air Force C-47
with a crew of SWRHL monitors for cloud tracking and monitoring,
and a SWRHL Turbo-Reoch for low altitude monitoring, Hampling,
and tracking of any released radioactivity. A second Turbo-Beech
was available in Las Vegas, Nevada for extended tracking and
sampling. .
After the detonation at 1230 MST, December 10, the Turbo-Beech
made seven low altitude passes at 500 to 1,600 feet over ground
zero from 1236 to 1308 MST; during this time all detection sys-
tems were operating. The primary detection system was a single
channel analyzer-count rate-meter with a 4-inch by 4-inch sodium
iodide crystal detector (operating range 2 to 5, 000 |J.R/hr). Sur-
vey instruments identical to those carried by the ground monitors
were the secondary detection systems. The aircraft was also
equipped with five air sampling systems for collection of particu-
lates, reactive gases, and inert gases; and for size-activity
correlation of the particulate activity. One gas sample was col-
lected over ground zero during the 1302 pass at an altitude of
500 feet. The C-47 circled ground zero on a two mile radius at
11, 000 feet MSL until H+40 minutes. At H+40 minutes a pass was
made at 500 feet above ground zero before returning to the
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Farmington Airport. The Turbo-Beech was released at 1343 MST
and returned to Farmington at 1400, where it remained on standby
for the next 36 hours.
All readings made in both aircraft during the mission were at
background levels. Analysis of the gas sample indicated no fission
products.
Ground Monitoring
Ground monitoring was provided by 15 ground monitors, 4 zone
supervisors, and the Medical and Veterinary Officers. All of
these personnel were equipped with the following equipment:
a. Vehicle with a Net 4 radio.
b. Scintillation Survey Instrument, Baird Atomic Model
NE-148, (range of 0.01 to 3 mR/hr).
c. Geiger Counter Survey Instrument, Eberline E-500B
(range of 0 to 2000 mR/hr).
d. lonization Chamber Survey Instrument, Victoreen
Radector Model AGB-50B-SR (range of 0.05 mR/hr to 50 R/hr).
Each ground monitor was also equipped with milk, water, and vege-
tation sampling equipment, and ten monitors were each equipped
with portable air samplers, and portable gamma exposure rate
recorders. Details of the air samplers are given in the air
sampling section of this report. The exposure rate recorders
consisted of an E-500B instrument connected to a Rustrak strip-
chart recorder. The recorder was battery-powered and the entire
system was completely self-contained in a carrying case. The
air samplers and recorders were designed to be set up and left
running in the field while the monitor carried out monitoring
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duties at other locations.
In addition to the ground monitoring capability described above,
seven personnel with survey instruments -were on standby on shot
day at the airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. These people were
ready, if necessary, to be flown in New Mexico by SWRHL aircraft
and used in outlying areas. They were on standby from shot time
(1230) until approximately 1500 MST.
Ground monitoring performed in the afternoon following the shot
and all ground monitoring performed during the re-drill period
showed no increase of radiation over background levels.
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VIII. DOSIMETRY
Dosimeters and Film Badges
A network of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) and film
badges was established surrounding the Gasbuggy site. The net-
work consisted of 50 stations located at approximately 1-1/2 mile
intervals, along existing roads and highways as shown in Figure 1,
Appendix A.
The background radiation level for the network area was estab-
lished prior to the shot with stations consisting of three dedosed
TLD's set out on October 17, 1967, and exchanged on November 15,
1967, to determine background radiation levels. They were ex-
changed again on December 8, two days before the shot, and
replaced by three dedosed TLD's and two film badges.
TLD's were worn by all PHS field personnel on shot day. In
addition, 120 TLD's were with one field monitor to be used in case
of venting to establish additional networks. These networks would
have been along roads across the cloud effluent path to delineate
the cloud passage pattern and to document exposure levels.
The TLD's used were EG&G Model TL-12 thermoluminescent
CaF2:Mn dosimeters, (sensitivity range of 1 mR to 5,000 R) and
two Du Pont Type 545 film badges (sensitivity range of 30 mR to 3 R).
Since there was no venting on detonation, the TLD's and film badges
set out December 8 were left in the field through the drill-back
period which began immediately after the shot. The drill-back
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period was completed on January 15, 1968, and the TLD's and
film badges were returned to Las Vegas for analysis.
Table 1 of Appendix B gives the summary of exposures recorded
by each of the 50 TLD stations for each period of exposure. These
values are the averages for each station.
The data from the post-shot period show that no exposures above
background were recorded by the network which encircled the
Gasbuggy site.
Human Surveillance
The whole-body counting facility at SWRHL was available to
monitor SWRHL, personnel exposed to radiation had venting occurred.
The service was available on a 24-hour basis and the facility could
have been used for other than SWRHL personnel if approved by the
AEC Project Manager. A thyroid counting trailer was also on
standby in Las Vegas, Nevada on the day of the event. Had
venting occurred, and the AEC Project Manager so directed, the
trailer would have been directed to any area affected to measure
thyroid burdens.
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IX. ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING
Air Sampling
The Gasbuggy Air Surveillance Network collected daily samples at
35 locations surrounding the Gasbuggy site. Six of these stations
were part of the SWRHL Air Surveillance Network (ASN) and two
were activated ASN standby stations. The remaining 27 stations
were established specifically for this project. The Gasbuggy
network stations are given in Table II of Appendix A and their
locations shown in Figure 2 of Appendix A.
Air sampling stations were equipped with Gelman "Tempest" air
samplers using a Gast Model 1550 positive displacement pump. The
filter system used was a 4-inch diameter Whatman 541 filter fol-
lowed by a 4-inch BM 2306 activated charcoal cartridge.
The Gasbuggy Network began operation on November 27, and con-
tinued through December 13, 1967. Nine of the stations nearest
the site continued operation through the drill-back period to
January 19, 1968. A totc.l of 1120 sets of samples were collected.
The method of analysis for the air samples is described later in
this chapter.
The basic air sampling coverage described could have been sup-
plemented by three additional networks had a release of radioac-
tivity occurred. These networks are the:
a. Radiation Surveillance Network (RSN). Fifty-five permanent
stations located nationwide operate routinely, collecting
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daily samples. These stations use a 4-inch diameter
cellulose BM 2133 dust filter. Samples are presently
analyzed at the PHS Radiation Surveillance Center in
Rockville, Maryland, and the data are available to
SWRHL upon request.
b. Air Surveillance Network (ASN). One hundred and ten
permanent stations located west of the Mississippi
River operate continuously, collecting daily samples
of air particulates. Twenty-six of the stations also
operate daily with charcoal cartridges. All stations
can be activated to use charcoal cartridges, if necessary.
These stations are the AEC's off-site surveillance net-
work for NTS operated by SWRHL, and use Gelman
"Tempest" samplers with a 4-inch diameter Whatman
541 particulate filters followed by a 4-inch BM 2306
charcoal cartridge. Samples were mailed daily to SWRHL
for radioassay. In addition to the permanent stations,
ten standby ASN stations have been established in the
inter-mountain region of the United States. Upon noti-
fication these stations start operation and use equipment
identical to the permanent stations.
c. Utah Cooperative Network. Arrangements have been
made with Dr. Grant Winn, Chief, Industrial Hygiene
Section, Division of Environmental Health, Utah State
Department of Health to obtain samples collected daily
from six of their network stations. The samples are
collected on BM 2133 carbon-impregnated filters, and
upon request to Dr. Winn, the filters can be mailed
daily to the SWRHL for analysis.
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In addition to the above networks, ten monitors stationed in the
off-site area were equipped with portable air samplers. This sam-
pler was a Roots-Connersville Pump (Frame 1702-Series 162)
coupled to a 3 hp Tecumseh propane engine. The sampler pumps
approximately 10 cfm through a 4-inch diameter Whatman 541
filter followed by a 4-inch BM 2306 activated charcoal cartridge.
In the event of a release of radioactivity these samplers would
have been set up by the monitors at locations designated by the
SWRHL Operations Control Center.
All filters and charcoal cartridges were mailed directly to SWRHL
for analysis. The filters were beta counted upon arrival at the
laboratory and again on the fifth and twelfth day after collection.
If the initial beta count indicated an activity concentration of
more than one pCi/m , or if the five-day-count was more than
150 counts above background, the filter was gamma scanned.
The charcoal cartridge was gross gamma counted upon arrival
and if the count was greater than 500 counts per minute, the
filter and cartridge were processed for gamma isotopic analysis.
The analytical results of the filters and cartridges collected for
Gasbuggy were at background levels and were in agreement with
ASN results during the periods of operation. Higher concentrations
detected during the latter part of January, 1968, were a result of
foreign atmospheric testing. A summary of air sampling results
is presented in Table II of Appendix B.
No special air samples were collected by portable air samplers
at any time during the test or the re-drill periods.
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Milk Sampling
The basic milk sampling coverage was provided by the Gasbuggy
Milk Surveillance Network, consisting of 22 stations. Thirteen of
these stations were family milk cows and nine were Grade A
dairies. These stations are listed in Table III, Appendix A and
their locations are shown in Figure 3, Appendix A. Four of the
Grade A dairies sampled are in the Standby Milk Surveillance Net-
work maintained by SWRHL. as part of the NTS off-site surveillance
program.
Samples were collected at each location during the following
periods: July 30 to August 1, 1967; September 4-7, 1967; Oc-
tober 20-25, 1967; and January 19-20, 1968. In addition, five
samples were picked up on December 14, 1967. All samples
were one-gallon samples and were shipped to SWRHL for analysis.
The methods of analysis are covered below. A total of 75 samples
was collected from this network; no other special samples were
collected.
If venting had occurred, milk samples would have been collected
from dairy and family cow locations within the actual effluent tra-
jectory indicated by ground monitoring, air sampling, and other
environmental surveillance results. The PHS Operations Control
Center would have determined the actual sampling locations and
the frequency and duration of collection. The locations of all milk
cows were known from the pre-shot census. The time interval
between sample collection and the availability of results would have
been kept to a minimum in the event of a venting. Special sampling
schedules could have been developed for aircraft pickup, where
feasible, and analytical facilities could have been operated on a
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24-hour basis, if necessary. To complement the milk sampling
program, samples of all feed and water used by the milk cows
would have been collected from locations where milk was collected.
The basic milk sampling coverage could have been supplemented
by two additional networks:
a. Standby Milk Surveillance Network. This network of 153
stations in the eleven western states is maintained by
SWRHL and can be requested to supply samples as needed
for a given day or period of days.
b. Pasteurized Milk Network. This nationwide network of
44 stations provides weekly samples. Samples from the
western states are analyzed at SWRHL. The remaining
samples from the network are analyzed at the PHS's
Northeastern and Southeastern Radiological Health Labora-
tories. The Network is operated by the Bureau of Radio-
logical Health. Any station can be activated for a given
period of days.
The analysis of the one-gallon milk samples consisted of two pro-
cedures, gamma counting and radiochemical analysis for strontium.
Upon arrival of the sample at SWRHL, three and one-half liters of
the sample were gamma scanned for 40 minutes. The gamma scan
information was reviewed to determine the analysis procedure and
was processed through a computer program which calculated
values for iodine-131, cesium-137, barium-140, lanthanum-140,
and total potassium based on potassium-40. If necessary, other
combinations of isotopes could have been specified, but no sample
required analysis beyond this routine procedure. The strontium
analysis consisted of passing one liter of the sample through an
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ion-exchange resin column which retained the strontium. The
strontium was then precipitated as a carbonate compound and
counted after weighing and again one week later. The strontium-89
and 90 activity concentrations are determined by solving simultaneous equations.
The results of all milk samples collected before and after the shot
are summarized in Table III, Appendix B. Each sample was sent
directly to SWRHL for analysis. The background samples col-
lected during the October 20-25, 1967 period were not analyzed for
89 90
Sr or Sr. The isotopic concentrations found after the shot
were within the range of the levels found before the shot.
Water Sampling
The basic water sampling coverage was provided by a network of
34 sampling stations. Fifteen sampling locations were within
20 miles of ground zero at open and well water sources and 13 of
the locations were the same as the family milk cow sampling
stations. Six of the network locations were municipal water
systems located approximately 120 miles from ground zero. These
locations are given in Table IV, Appendix A and shown in Figure 4,
Appendix A.
One-gallon samples were collected on the same schedule as the
milk samples and sent to SWRHL. for analysis. Upon arrival at
SWRHL, three and one-half liters of the sample was gamma scanned
for 40 minutes. This information was run through a computer
program which routinely calculates values for the following isotopes:
cerium-praseodymium-144 zirconium-niobium-95
iodine-131 manganese-54
ruthenium- 106 barium-lanthanum- 140
cesium-137 potassium-40
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If it had been determined that additional analysis for other radio-
nuclides was necessary, a different set of isotopes could have been
specified; however, no samples required this. After the gamma
scan, 250 milliliters of the sample were evaporated and the residue
counted for gross alpha and beta. If the activity was greater than
10 pCi/i at time of collection, a strontium analysis was performed.
If the gross alpha was greater than 3 pCi/1, a radium-226 analysis
was done.
The results of the 76 water samples collected before and the 25
collected after the shot are summarized in Table IV, Appendix B.
None of the post-shot samples showed activity greater than back-
ground. Several of the sampling stations located within 20 miles
of ground zero were not sampled post-shot as they were open
water sources and were frozen.
Vegetation Sampling
Thirty-one natural vegetation samples were collected during the
period of October 20-25, 1967, at all Gasbuggy Air Surveillance
Network stations, except Grand Junction, Monticello, Denver,
Rangely, and Carlsbad. The samples were collected to determine
if there was any evidence of fresh fission products on vegetation
in the arpa. Since no activity was found on these samples, no
additional samples were taken before the event. All vegetation
samples were collected and placed in sealed plastic bags and
taken to the Farmington laboratory for analysis. Each bag was
placed directly on a detector crystal and gamma scanned.
Post-shot vegetation samples were not collected since one to four
feet of snow covered the ground in most areas.
22
-------
If venting had occurred, samples of available vegetation would
have been collected and gamma scanned to augment or substantiate
other evidence of the cloud deposition pattern, especially width,
and to serve as an indicator of where milk samples should be
obtained.
Laboratory Facilities
A field laboratory was set up in Farmington under a contract
*
between the BRH and the State of New Mexico. The State of New
Mexico supplied a laboratory and office space, a radiochemist,
and a laboratory technician from June 1, 1967 to January 31, 1968.
The field laboratory was prepared to handle post-shot vegetation
samples, air samples collected by monitors, samples collected by
the SWRHL aircraft sampling systems, and selected milk and
water samples on which immediate isotopic analyses would have
been desired for guiding the sampling program.
All environmental samples were sent or taken either to SWRHL, or
the field laboratory in Farmington, depending on the type of sample.
All milk, water, and network air samples were analyzed at SWRHL.
All vegetation samples were analyzed in Farmington. The field
laboratory was equipped with a TLD reader. The first set and
approximately 85% of the second set of background exposed TLD's
were read in Farmington. The remaining 15% of the second back-
ground set and all the post-shot exposed TLD's were read at SWRHL.
The 15% portion was intended to insure correlation between the TLD
readers in Las Vegas and Farmington.
*BRH-Bureau of Radiological Health
23
-------
The radiochemist in the field laboratory performed all pre-shot
radioassays for radon in the natural gas sampling program. The
remaining pre-shot and all post-shot gas analysis was done at
SWRHL.
24
-------
X. NATURAL GAS
The PHS provided surveillance of radioactivity in the natural gas
produced in the area surrounding the Gasbuggy site. This program
consisted of an analysis for fresh fission products and natural
radionuclides of the natural gas collected pre-shot and post-shot
from all the wells and the gathering system located within five
miles of ground zero. This gathering system was severed and
capped prior to the shot so no gas from these wells could enter the
El Paso Natural Gas System following the shot. This gathering
system remains capped and out of production. Fifteen samples
were analyzed before the detonation to determine background
radioactivity levels and 31 samples were analyzed after the de-
tonation to check for increased levels of radiation. In addition to
the samples collected within five miles of ground zero, 12 samples
were collected at more distant locations within the El Paso Natural
Gas Company's system. All samples were analyzed for radio-
isotopes of xenon and krypton, and the nuclides of radon-222,
carbon-14, and tritium. The analysis of the gas samples showed
no evidence of fresh fission products in any sample. Background
levels of radon-222 were found in all samples.
25
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XI. EMERGENCY ACTION PROCEDURES
No pre-shot evacuation was scheduled; however, a program was
set up to handle emergencies resulting from a venting of radioactive materials.
The SWRHL, personnel were prepared to handle possible pre-shot
and post-shot evacuations. The actual plan for any pre-shot
evacuation would have been drawn up by AEC Project Operations
and implemented by the SWRHL, field personnel as required by
the AEC.
Emergency action procedures, for planning purposes, were
divided into three phases. Phase I was pre-shot notification of
officials in surrounding communities. Phase II was to be the
implementation of emergency procedures. Phase III was to be
the notification of any evacuees to return to their homes.
The pre-shot preparations included SWRHL, contact of local
officials and arrangements for suppliers of various goods and
services. The personal contacts were made by the SWRHL Project
Officer as part of the Community Relations Program. Various
officials contacted in local communities including Mayors, Chiefs
of Police, Health Officials, and other responsible officials, were
told of possible hazards including type, degree, and location.
Emphasis was made that any such emergency was extremely
unlikely. All officials pledged their support to the extent neces-
sary. Contacts were made with suppliers in the area including
bus lines, motels, rental agencies, and laundries to ascertain the
availability of equipment and supplies which might be needed.
26
-------
All SWRHL personnel were briefed on procedures which might be
followed if required during Phases II and III. No emergency action
by the SWRHL was necessary, although additional personnel were
available from the SWRHL had they been required.
27
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APPENDIX A
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Table I Sampling and Census Form 29
Table II Gasbuggy Air Surveillance Network 30
Table III Gasbuggy Milk Surveillance Network 32
Table IV, Gasbuggy Water Surveillance Network 34
Figure 1 Thermoluminescent dosimeter and film badge
stations 36
Figure 2 Gasbuggy Air Surveillance Network 37
Figure 3 Gasbuggy Milk Surveillance Network 38
Figure 4 Gasbuggy Water Surveillance Network 39
Figure 5 Surveillance Stations Gasbuggy Production Tests
Nov. 1968 - July 1969 40
28
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Append ix A - Table I ,
(PRINT ALL INFORMATION)
Code
Sampling and Census Form
ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM
Phone
Power Supply: Pub. Utility_
Lat. Long.
Generator
Ranch
Nearest Town
Grade A B F G P
Power Available PHS? Yes
County
State
No
Name of Resident (s)
Mailing Address
Locating Address
Length of Residence_
Yrs.
POPULATION
ADULTS (over 18)
Male
Female
CHILDREN
(No Names -
Indicate sex
by F or M)
DATE BIRTH
Mo/Yr
X X X X
X X X X
MILK CON-
SUMED/DAY
TOTAL RESIDENTS PART TIME j
Yr. Rd.
Ft. Time
From
To
li
V
No. Milk Cows
; Breed
_G/D Milk Shipped_
Dairy
Pickup Days: EOD, D, 0 . Time:
AM
PM
(City, State)
No. Acres List Field Crops (Types & Acres) Alfalfa (
); Corn (
Type Ranch: Cattle, Sheep, Other Garden: Yes No
); Grass Hay ( )
Small Grain (
); Sorghum (
); Other (
FEED
Hay
Pasture
Green Chop
Grain
Silage
Other
HOW STORED
PRO.
X X
UNPR.
X X
7. OF'
DIET
TYPE
FEED
DATES
OF USAGE
From
To
LOG.
SPECIFY OTHER
SOURCE (s)
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
DATES
USED
From
X X
X X
X X
To
X X
X X
X X
WATER SUPPLY
Domestic
Crops
Livestock
WELL
MUNICIPAL
SURFACE
OPEN
COVERED
OTHER
(Identify)
Remarks:
Date
(ESO-1)
Collected by
29
-------
Appendix A
Table II Gasbuggy Air Surveillance Network
_ Approximate
Station . ^, ,
_, azimuth from
Code No.
LrZ,
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
442
443
444
445
446
086
0-50 miles(10 stations)
Pagosa Springs, Colorado*
Dulce, New Mexico*
Chama, New Mexico*
Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico*
Canjilon, New Mexico*
Coyote, New Mexico*
Cuba, New Mexico*
EPNG Lindreth Plant, New Mexico*
Allison, Colorado*
Gobernador, New Mexico*
50-100 miles(12 stations)
Del Norte, Colorado
Alamosa, Colorado
Romeo, Colorado
Tres Piedras, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Newcomb, New Mexico
Farmington, New Mexico*
Cortez, Colorado
Durango, Colorado**
30
15
35
70
90
105
135
165
200
330
280
35
50
65
95
100
115
135
135
255
275
300
320
Approximate
distance
from GZ
42
22
43
38
47
50
48
27
28
9
84
93
77
70
95
72
76
100
89
55
89
55
-------
Table II Gasbuggy Air Surveillance Network(continued)
Station
Code No.
447
508
449
450
451
041
452
453
088
076
505
109
042
100-180 miles(9 stations)
Saguache, Colorado
Pueblo, Colorado #
Walsenburg, Colorado
Raton, New Mexico
Las Vegas, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico**
Grants, New Mexico
Gallup, New Mexico
Monticello, Utah**
Additional ASN Stations
Denver, Colorado**
Grand Junction, Colorado^
Rangely, Colorado**
Carlsbad, New Mexico**
Approximate
azimuth from
GZ
35
50
65
85
130
165
210
230
310
30
325
330
150
Approximate
distance
from GZ
114
182
180
157
122
115
113
118
125
246
185
250
390
* These stations remain in the field on standby. All other new stations
were picked up in early May. 1968.
** Established ASN stations
# Standby ASN Stations
GZ - ground zero
31
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Appendix A
Table III Gasbuggy Milk Surveillance Network
Location _ c. ..
Town Station
Code No.
Family Milk Cows 0-50 miles (8 stations)
05-007-029 Pagosa Springs Raymond Brown Ranch
30-039-319 Dulce Erie Pettingill Ranch
30-039-144 Chama Carl F. Black Ranch
30-039-173 Tierra Amarilla Tony Manzanes Ranch
30-039-226 Coyote Diego A. Chacon Ranch
30-039-211 Abiquiu Monastery of Christ of
the Desert
30-043-007 Regina Ray Carr Ranch
05-067-229 Allison Valley View Ranch
Family Milk Cows 50-100 miles (5 stations)
05-105-054 Del Norte Henry Paulson Ranch
05-021-022 Romeo Edwin Christensen Ranch
30-055-118 Tres Piedras Mary Mayo Ranch
30-039-288 Ojo Caliente Claude Lowery Ranch
30-043-073 Bernalillo Mountain View Farm
Grade A Dairies (9 stations)
05-003-211 Alamosa Alamosa Milk Company
05-071-212 Trinidad Petramala Dairy
30-049-007 Nambe Ranch de Los Lagunos
30-043-069 Bernalillo Ridge Dairy
30-001-004 Albuquerque Mcllhaney's Dairy
32
-------
Table III Gasbuggy Milk Surveillance Network (continued)
Location „ _^ ^.
_ , -T Town Station
Code No.
Grade A Dairies (9 stations) (continued)
30-061-003 Los Lunas Jones Dairy
30-061-004 Belen Jareles Dairy
30-045-101 Farmington Creamland Dairies
05-067-209 Durango Clover Rich Dairy
33
-------
Appendix A
Table IV Gasbuggy Water Surveillance Network
Location _
_ . . Town Station
Code No.
Stations 0-20 miles (15 stations)
30-039-125 Carson National Forest Fred M. Bixler Ranch
30-039-320 Dulce Dulce Lake
30-039-311 E. Jicarilla Reservation Well and Pond #1
30-039-312 E. Jicarilla Reservation Pond #2
30-039-313 El Vado El Vado Reservation
30-039-314 Central Jicarilla Reservation Well and Pond #3
30-039-315 Carson National Forest Laguna Seca
30-039-316 Carson National Forest Aqua Bonita Spring
30-039-013 Gobernador Arnold Ranch
30-039-035 EPNG Camp Largo Water Supply
30-045-315 Archuleta Navajo Reservoir
30-039-002 Gobernador-Blanco John Pettus Ranch
30-039-340A Gobernador Gobernador School
30-039-317 Carson National Forest Pond #4
30-039-318 Carson National Forest Bubbling Spring
Stations 20-50 miles - all were milk cow stations (8 stations)
05-007-029 Pagosa Springs Raymond Brown Ranch
30-039-319 Dulce Dulce Water Supply
30-039-144 Chama Carl F. Black Ranch
30-039-173 Tierra Amarilla Tony Manzanes Ranch
30-039-226 Coyote Diego A. Chacon Ranch
30-039-211 Abiquiu Monastery of Christ of the
Desert
30-043-007 Regina Ray Carr Ranch
34
-------
Table IV Gasbuggy Water Serveillance Network(continued)
Location
Code No.
Town
Station
Stations 20-50 miles - all were milk cow stations (8 stations )(continued)
Allison Valley View Ranch
05-067-229
05-105-054
05-021-022
30-055-118
30-039-288
30-043-073
05-003-065
30-055-123
30-049-026
30-001-014
30-045-514
05-067-349
Stations 50-100 miles - all were milk cow stations (5 stations)
Del Norte Henry Paulson Ranch
Romeo Edwin Christensen Ranch
Tres Piedras Mary Mayo Ranch
Ojo Caliente Claude Lowery Ranch
Bernalillo Mountain View Farm
City Water Supplies (6 stations)
Alamosa
Taos
Santa Fe
Albuquerque
Farmington
Durango
City Water Supply
City Water Supply
City Water Supply
City Water Supply
City Water Supply
City Water Supply
35
-------
GOBERNADOR CAMP. ,
1U
18
OQ
c
GASBUGGY
THERMOLUMINESCENT
DOSIMETER STATIONS
1-50 PERIOD 1 & 2 STATIONS (PRE-SHOT AND POST-SHOT)
51-69 PERIOD 3 (GB-2R REDRILL)
EACH STATION CONTAINED 3 TIP'S
-------
Pagosa Springs
CARSON; ou
NAT'L
FOREST | J
Gobernador
Taos
X
Ojo Caliente
GASBUGGY
AIR SURVEILLANCE NETWORK
STATIONS NOT SHOWN
^Denver, Colorado
wRangely Colorado
[vGrand Junction, Colorado
^Carlsbad. New Mexico
AIR SAMPLING STATIONS. LONG TERM
AIR SAMPLING STATIONS
ESTABLISHED A S N STATIONS
STANDBY A S N STATIONS
-------
CARSON ! Duke
NAT'L !
FOREST !
GASBUGGY
MILK SURVEILLANCE NETWORK
-------
"J
(-1 •
QTQ
CARSON i Dulce
NAT'L FOREST
i. ! AjDulce Lake
Navajo Res.* Pond i*Bixler Rn
UAL. _>* „-.... i
Tierra
#2 f^ Amanlla
Bubbling Springi" i /
% «rAqua Bonita/J"Ei vado
Laguna Secajkjj / i
Taos
B Oio Caliente
Abiquiu
GASBUGGY
WATER SURVEILLANCE NETWORK
-------
f i ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE SAMPLES
O SNOW SAMPLES
I—1$ SOIL AND VEGETATION SAMPLES
JT DRAINAGE WINDS
2 miles
SURVEILLANCE STATIONS
GASBUGGY PRODUCTION TESTS
NOV. 1968-JULY 1969
FIGURES
40
-------
APPENDIX B
SUMMARY OF GASBUGGY SAMPLING RESULTS
Table I Gasbuggy TLD Exposure Summary 41
Table II Gasbuggy Air Surveillance Network Summary of
Beta Activity 42
Table III Gasbuggy Milk Analysis Results Summary 43
Table IV Gasbuggy Water Analysis Results Summary 44
-------
Appendix B - Table I - Gasbuggy TL.D Exposure Summary
Period
Range of Station
Averages
(min) (max)
Average of
Station
Averages
October 17. 1967 to
November 15, 1967
0. 23 to 0. 64 mR/day
November 15, 1967 to
r> K Q in/-, 0.25 to 0.50 mR/day
December 8, 1967
Decembers, 1967 to „ „„ n rn _.,
T ic in^o °-29 to 0.50 mR/day
January 15, 1968
0. 34 mR/day
0. 37 mR/day
0. 37 mR/day
41
-------
ro
Appendix B - Table II - Gasbuggy Air Surveillance Network Summary of Beta Activities
1
Number of
Stations
Period Operating
Number of
Samples
Taken
Number of
Samples
Above
Detectable
Limits
f
\ Range
(pCi/m3)
(min) (max)
Average of
Samples
Above
Detectable
Limits
(pCi/m3)
Average of
All
Samples
(pCi/m3)
Pre-shot
11/27/67 to
12/09/67
Post-shot
35
404
80
0.1
1.3
0.2
ND
12/10/67 to
12/24/67
12/25/67 to
1/19/68
Selected ASN
12/25/67 to
1/19/68
35 or 123 240
12 or 254 371
Stations
5 105
27 0.1 0.3
336 0.1 7.8
63 0.1 9.5
0. 1 ND
1.0 0.9
0.8 0.5
Gamma scan results are not presented in summary form in this appendix. Gamma analysis results,
none of which showed activities above background, are available from SWRHL.
2 33
ND - Nondetectable. Detectable limit: Beta 0. 1 pCi/m , based on 300 m and 2 minute counting time.
12/10/67 to 12/13/67 35 stations operated. 12/13/67 to 12/24/67 12 stations operated.
4
1/12/67 to 1/11/68 12 stations Operated. 1/11/68 to 1/19/68 25 stations operated.
Selected ASN Stations: Station Station No.
Minneapolis
Berkeley
Seattle
Phoenix
New Orleans
65
49
50
43
92
These scattered stations were selected to
show the increased activity was widespread.
-------
Appendix B - Table III - Gasbuggy Milk Analysis Results Summary
Number of Number of Range Average of
Isotope Samples Samples above (pCi/1) samples above Average of
Analyzed Detectable (min) (max) detectable all samples
Limit limit (pCi/1)
(pCi/1)
Pre-shot
131I 52 0 - -
1 37
Cs 52 6 10 34 20
89Sr 30 455 5
9°Sr 30 29 3 18 6
Post-shot
131I 23 0 - -
137Cs 23 1 16 16 16
89Sr 20 255 5
90
Sr 20 18 28 5
ND
ND
ND
6
ND
ND
ND
4
ND - Nondetectable
Detectable limits:
131
137
I 10 pCi/1 - based on 3500 ml sample counted for 40 minutes.
Cs 10 pCi/1 - based on 3500 ml sample counted for 40 minutes,
89
90
Sr 5 pCi/1 - based on 1 liter sample counted for 50 minutes.
Sr 2 pCi/1 - based on 1 liter sample counted for 50 minutes.
43
-------
Appendix B - Table IV - Gasbuggy Water Analysis Results Summary'iF
Activity
Pre-shot
Beta
Alpha
Post-shot
Beta
Alpha
Number of
Samples
Counted
76
76
25
25
Number of
Samples above
Detectable
Limit
52
25
14
7
•
Range(pCi/l)
(min) (max)
2
1
2
1
40
23
29
16
Average of
Samples above
Detectable '
Limit (pCi/1)
8
4
9
3
Average
of .all
Samples
(pCi/1)
5
1
5
1
*Results of gamma scans of all water samples were negative.
Detectable limits:
Beta - 2 pCi/1 - based on 250 ml sample counted for 50 minutes
Alpha - 1 pCi/1 - based on 250 ml sample counted for 50 minutes
44
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