Chapter 3—Containing Underground Nuclear Explosions « 39

Figure 3-3—Minimum Shot Separation for Tunnel Tests
Rainier Mesa
Tunnel tests are typically
overburied. Collapse chimneys
do not usually extend to surface.

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Diagram to approximate scale
Scale illustration of the minimum separation distance (2 combined cavity radii pius 100 feet) for

horizontal tunnel tests. Tunnel tests are typically overburied. Collapse chimneys do not usually extend
to the surface.
SOURCE: Office of Technology Assessment, 1989

Evaluation Charter, remains specifically defined as

follows:!”

1. evaluate, as an independent organization reporting to the Manager of Nevada Operations,
the containment design of each proposed
nuclear test;
2. assure that all relevant data available for

proper evaluation are considered;

3. advise the manager of Nevada Operations of
the technical adequacy of such design from the
viewpoint of containment, thus providing the
manager a basis on which to request detonation authority; and
'7Containment Evaluation Charter, June 1, 1986, Section II.

4. maintain a historical record of each evaluation
and of the data, proceedings, and discussions
pertaining thereto.
Although the CEP is charged with rendering a
judgment as to the adequacy of the design of the
containment, the panel does not vote. Each member
provides his independent judgmentas to the prospect of containment, usually addressing his own area
of expertise but free to commenton any aspectof the
test. The Chairman is in charge of summarizing
these statements in a recommendation to the manager on whether to proceed with the test. based only
on the containment aspects. Containment Evaluation Panel guidelines instruct members to maketheir
judgmentsin such a way that:

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