remias Continental Tests: Nevada Proving Grounds As early as 1947, LASL had proposed that AEC activate a continental test site. It was recognized, however, that continental operations would pose difficult problems, in-- cluding protection of sensitive information, public safety, and public reaction. It was determined that Operation Sandstone would be held overseas and the question of a continental site was postponed, More frequent tests became essential during 1949 and 1950. LASL required testing at a rate which could not be satisfied overseas. A related test preliminary to Operation Greenhouse was required in 1950 and, with the outbreak of Korean hostilities, LASL re- newed its request for a continental site. Studies and site surveys had continued throughout 1948-1950. It was generally agreed that continental tests would be economical of time, manpower, and money. It was finally agreed that, under feasible controls, tests of devices of limited yield could be held with adequate assurance of public safety. Abandonment of Pacific Proving Grounds was never considered, although the possibility that the over- seas area might be closed by the international situation was a factor considered. jected continental site was to be in addition to the overseas test site. The pro- On November 14, 1950, a memorandum from the National Security Council to the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Com- mission, notified them that the President had directed the Commission, with the assist- ance of the Department of Defense, to survey suitable continental sites and to recommend one for early development and use. Five possible areas had been surveyed and the results were re-evaluated: The Alamogordo- White Sands Guided Missile Range in New Mexico. The Dugway Proving Ground, Wendover Bombing Range in Utah. The Tonopah-Las Vegas Bombing and Aerial Gunnery Range in Nevada. An area in Nevada about 50 miles wide, and extending from Fallon to Eureka, The Pimlico Sound, Camp Lejeune Area, in North Carolina. Selection of these possible sites followed elimination of sites in Canada and Alaska; sites along the northeastern coast; and other sites along the southeastern seaboard. Sites in the arid west seemed desirable because they were sufficiently remote from population, and had sufficient surrounding uninhabited areas to allow conduct of nuclear tests with adequate public safety. Only the Las Vegas area met the criteria for a continental test site: ready accessibility to Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and Sandia Laboratory by land and air, good communications, adequate radiological safety for small off-site population, satisfactory weather, reasonably regular topography, prospects of economy of preparation and operation, and sufficient real estate. A 09 wis & On December 13, 1950, the Chairman, AEC, submitted recommendationsforuse of the Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range as an atomic continental test site to a Special mun. ss een 7