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SUMMARY OF OPERATIONAL PHASES FOR PROJECT 40 OF
OPERATION HARDTACK
Objectives
To determine, quantitatively and qualitatively, the
presence of radioisotopes in the biota at the test site,
in the northern Marshalls, eastern Carolines, and
other islands as far westward as
the Palaus.
From
these determinations estimates can be made of the
geographical distribution of radioactive contaminants
on land and in the ocean; of the radioactivity in foods
eaten by the natives; of radioactivity in tuna and other
fish of the commercial fisheries;
of the concentration
of specific isotopes by organisms and tissues; of the
biological fate of long-lived isotopes (from pre-test
collections); of the vertical and horizontal distribution
of contaminants in the ocean; and of other relationships. *
Project 40.1 - Pre-test Surveys
Present levels of radiation at Eniwetok and Rongelap Atolls
will be determined by thorough surveys of the two areas.
plants, animals, soil and water are to be
collected and
Samples of
sent to
the
laboratories for evaluation of residual radioactivity.
Time schedule:
Support facility:
February 9 - March 16,
[1958
USS Plumas County, LST 1083
(The Rongelap phase of thig operation will be carried out with
Dr. Robert Conard, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and members of
the medical team for studies on the native health program).
*Letter from Dr. A. H. Seymour, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission,
Division of Biology and Medicine, to Lt. Col. R. I. Schnittke, Division of Military Application, February 19, 1957.
@ehtam.