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conducting the tests including many long delays until weather
conditions were favorable.
The permissible sectors and distances
around NTS for deposition of relatively heavy fallout are limited,
thus requiring a continuation of strict criteria in the timing
of the detonations.
The use of higher towers, surfaced areas
around ground zero, and the possible use of balloons for suspending the nuclear devices as well as other methods of detonation
under consideration, should assist in reducing the fallout outside
the Nevada Test Site.
5.
Unlike accumulation of doses by small increments (as in
an atomic energy installation)
providing opportunity for preventive
action as established limits are approached,
the occurrence of
fallout on a community can be a quanta event and once it has
occurred certain exposures will ensue unless rather drastic action
such as evacuation is taken.
Therefore,
operational requirements
would indicate a relatively large radiation exposure guide for a
Single year.
The criterion of 3.9 roentgens per year has been in
effect, widely reported by the Atomic Energy Commission and used
in educational programs with the people around the NTS.
Therefore,
in the absence of any compelling reason to the contrary, it is’
recommended that this criterion be retained.
As with the criterion
of 10 roentgens in 10 years, it should be made clear that 3.9
roentgens per year is an operational puide, and exposures somewhat
in excess of this should not be construed as being hazardous,
6,
The method of estimating the gamma doses shall be
according to AEC 141/15 (as possibly amended, following re~
evaluation of the relevant data), radiological safety criteria and
procedures for protecting the public during weapons testing at the
Nevada Test Site,
-5-
Appendix "a"