Radiation Data From Aerial Radiological Survey In Washington State May Be Classified For National Security Purposes

Photo of the Bell Helicopter that will perform the aerial survey.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measurement System, overseen by The Department Of Homeland Security, will be used during aerial radiation readings in Washington State that may be classified for national security purposes.

A helicopter will be flying through both King and Pierce Counties carrying the radiation detection equipment that can record gamma radiation readings. If the readings are normal they could be used as baseline levels in the event of a future emergency.

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

The results will be provided to local agencies from the surveyed area by year-end. Some of the data may be withheld for national security purposes.

Interestingly enough, this aerial radiological survey is taking place just as the real extent of the damage at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan has become public.

Local governments officials have claimed that the survey was planned since 2009 and is not a direct response to Fukushima. Regardless whether or not it was scheduled a few years back, it seems, considering the Fukushima disaster, that it would be more important than ever to make the data 100% available to the public. Speculation as to whether or not this is to establish baseline levels, search for missing nukes, detect high level radiation levels possibly from Japan, or simply a normal operation continues as the local government openly admits to possible classification of the data.

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