No abstract

The contaminated waste pit near Technical Area 21 was investigated to determine if waterborne radioactive contaminants had migrated from the pit into the adjacent soil and tuff. Thirteen test holes, ranging in depth from 25 to 50 feet, were drilled through the soil into the underlying tuff in the vicinity of the waste pit. No holes were drilled through the base of the pit as only the surface of the pit and adjacent land is considered for commercial use. The distribution of moisture in the soil and tuff penetrated by the test holes was determined by a neutron-scattering moisture probe. Samples of drill cuttings of the soil and tuff were analyzed for gross alpha and gross beta-gamma radioactivities, and plutonium and uranium.The moisture content of the tuff adjacent to the test holes indicated that the tuff was not saturated. Radiochemical analyses of soil and tuff indicated no radioactive contamination.