Thread: Test shows Oregon coast radiation levels are normal

Test shows Oregon coast radiation levels are normal

No abnormalities in recent quarterly test

Apr. 3, 2014 11:47 AM

Scientists from OSU and BLM agents inspect a massive dock with Japanese lettering that washed ashore on Agate Beach in 2012. / AP

Written by
Tracy Loew
Statesman Journal

See the results of Oregon’s radiation monitoring at http://1.usa.gov/1jVBzR3.

The most recent tests for Fukushima radiation along Oregon’s coast show nothing unusual.

Oregon state park rangers have taken quarterly samples of sand and surf water at three locations along the coast since April 2012, when debris from the 2011 Japan tsunami began washing ashore.

Radiation from the resulting Fukushima nuclear meltdown likely will reach the West Coast this month, scientists say, although at very low levels that won’t harm humans or the environment.

That’s raised interest in the results of Oregon’s quarterly tests, which so far have found nothing above normal background levels.

Neither Washington nor California regularly test for Fukushima radiation.

Results of the most recent tests, taken in mid-February, were first delayed by some lab equipment enhancements, Oregon Health Authority spokesman Jonathan Modie said in early March. They were expected by March 15.

Another delay “was due to updating our computer software and awaiting training,” Modie said.
The results were posted late Tuesday and showed that radiation in all tests was below “minimum detectable activity” level.

The next quarterly collection date is May 13.

tloew@statesmanjournal.com, (503) 399-6779 or follow at Twitter.com/SJWatchdog

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/arti...ext%7CNews%7Cp

http://www.alipac.us/f19/fukushima-r...l-fake-295406/