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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Ambient airborne radioactivity measurements in the vicinity of the Jackpile open pit uranium mine New Mexico. Technical note (final)

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5600377

This report discusses the results of several radiological surveys conducted in the vicinity of the Jackpile Open Pit Uranium Mine in New Mexico. During June 1976, ambient radon-222 concentrations were measured at eleven locations, seven of which appear to have been at representative background radon levels - averaging 0.50 + or - 0.033 pCi/l. The other four locations had average radon levels in excess of this typical background level; however, the highest measured radon concentration was 2.7 pCi/l. The arithmetic average ambient radon progeny working level obtained indoors at the Laguna Tribal Building appeared to be at a representative background level of 0.0049 + or - 0.00045 WL. The arithmetic average ambient working levels obtained at the Paguate Community Center and the Jackpile Housing were 0.035 + or - 0.0038 and 0.015 + or - 0.0025 WL, respectively. Ambient airborne particulate radioactivity concentrations measured outdoors at Old Laguna appear to be at typical background levels; however, other locations exhibited higher annual average concentrations for the naturally-occurring radionuclides.

Research Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, NV (USA). Office of Radiation Programs; Indian Health Service, San Fidel, NM (USA)
OSTI ID:
5600377
Report Number(s):
PB-292379
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English