BASE LINE ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION LEVELS-INCLUDING MORATORIUM AND POST- MORATORIUM VALUES--ON THE FORT KNOX RESERVATION

An environmental radioactivity study was conducted for the first time on the Fort Knox Reservation for the purpose of establishing base line radiation levels. Comparisons of radiation levels during and after the nuclear moratorium (Jan 1960 - Jan 1963) are reported. Air samples were collected in the laboratory area during the normal work week, whereas water, silt, and soil samples were routinely collected at monthly intervals from strategic locations. Description of sampling procedures and radioactivity measuring techniques are included. Activity measurements on the Reservation show that radiation levels are influenced by world-wide nuclear detonations. Low and relatively steady levels are correlated with the moratorium, while fluctuating but increasing values accompanied the resumption of the nuclear testing programs.