Is the ground at Nevada test site still contaminated due to nuclear fallout?

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) is a large outdoor area north of Las Vegas that was previously used by the United States government for testing nuclear weapons. Testing began in 1951, and the last nuclear test at NTS was conducted in 1992. The NTS covers approximately 1,350 square miles (3,500 square kilometers). Most nuclear tests at the site were conducted in underground cavities, and some were conducted in the atmosphere.

The legacy of nuclear testing at the NTS includes significant environmental contamination and residual radioactive materials in the soil, water, and air. The contamination has created environmental and public health challenges. However, the extent and severity of the contamination and its potential impacts vary across the test site, depending on the type and location of nuclear tests conducted in different areas.

Efforts have been made to address the contamination at the NTS, including:

- Safety and environmental monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of the environment and groundwater is conducted to track contamination levels and assess potential health risks.

- Cleanup and remediation activities: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which oversees the NTS, has implemented various cleanup projects to address contaminated areas and facilities. These efforts involve the removal and safe disposal of radioactive materials, as well as remediation measures to control the spread of contamination.

- Public access restrictions: Access to the NTS is highly restricted and controlled to limit potential exposure to radioactive materials.

While environmental contamination at the NTS remains, the DOE and regulatory agencies work to manage and mitigate risks, prioritize cleanup efforts, and monitor the site to ensure the safety of human health and the environment over the long term.