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Politics & Government

Copter Flying Low Over King County Collecting Data

Base level for radiation levels would be compared to higher levels in case of an emergency.

A helicopter flying over Enumclaw and other areas of King County is gathering radiological readings July 11-28.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measurement System will collect baseline levels of radioactive materials, a Department of Health news release says.

The helicopter's equipment can detect the presence of radioactive materials. The baseline would be used in the event of an emergency to compare radioactive contamination to the normal levels found during this study.

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The Department of Health of Radiation Protection is overseeing the project, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The helicopter will fly a grid pattern spaced about 600 feet apart at an altitude of 300 feet, flying at 70 mph.

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Questions and answers

Why is there a helicopter flying low over my neighborhood?

The state Department of Health asked for federal support to measure the background levels of radiation in sections of King and Pierce counties. This information will give us a radiation baseline. The low altitude provides a more accurate measurement of background radiation.

What is a radiological or radiation baseline and why is it needed?

 A radiation baseline tells us how much background radiation is currently found in an area. This baseline would be used to compare against measurements taken after a radiation emergency occurs. It helps state and local officials quickly determine where potential health effects may exist and to warn people in the affected area.

What kind of radioactive material do you expect to find, and what are the sources?

We expect to detect natural radioactive material. We may also find evidence that licensed radioactive material users are doing work in approved locations such as medical centers and road construction. If we find radiation levels above expected background, or that are not from our approved licensees, we'll investigate the source.

Did the nuclear reactor damage in Japan lead to this project?

 This project isn't related to the disaster in Japan. It began in September 2009, well before the earthquake in Fukushima. The helicopter flyover is part of a multi-phase project to improve our state readiness to respond to radiation emergencies. We don't expect to pick up any radiation from Japan because levels are so low.

If you find something that can cause health problems, will you tell us, and if so, how?

We will tell the public if we find radioactive material that can cause health problems. The notification would be sent to the news media, and posted on the websites of state and local health and emergency management agencies.

If you find a lot of radiation in a location, will it be cleaned up?

We do not expect to see any areas emitting harmful levels of radiation. If we do find areas that may be harmful, action will be taken to protect the public. Environmental cleanup decisions and activities are made in coordination with the state Department of Ecology, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and local officials.

Questions or comments can be sent to the Washington State Department of Health.  Call the Office of Radiation Protection at 360-236-3300. Or for information on the U.S. Department of Energy's Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measuring System call 702-295-1755.

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