Key Facts
- ✓ Approximately 50,000 drums of radioactive waste were dumped near the Farallones Islands.
- ✓ The dumping occurred between 1946 and 1970.
- ✓ Waste originated from Stanford University and the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard.
- ✓ The US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Navy conducted the disposal operations.
- ✓ The dump site is located approximately 30 miles west of the Farallones.
Quick Summary
Documents from the USGS reveal that approximately 50,000 drums of radioactive waste were dumped in the ocean near the Farallones Islands between 1946 and 1970. The waste material originated from medical, industrial, and research facilities located at the Stanford University campus and the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard.
The drums contained items such as contaminated laboratory debris, protective clothing, and syringes. The dumping operations were conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Navy. The specific location of the dump site is approximately 30 miles west of the Farallones. The USGS has published a fact sheet regarding this historical activity, noting that the area is currently monitored.
Historical Dumping Operations
Between 1946 and 1970, a significant volume of low-level radioactive waste was disposed of in the Pacific Ocean. The disposal site is located roughly 30 miles west of the Farallones Islands. The waste originated from various sources, primarily medical and research institutions.
The material disposed of included contaminated items from Stanford University and the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard. Specific items listed in the documentation include:
- Contaminated laboratory debris
- Protective clothing
- Syringes and other medical equipment
The disposal operations were managed by federal agencies. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Navy were responsible for the transport and dumping of the drums. The practice ceased in 1970.
Composition of the Waste
The waste drums contained low-level radioactive materials. These materials were byproducts of medical treatments, industrial processes, and university research activities. The levels of radioactivity were considered low compared to high-level nuclear waste, but the volume was substantial.
The physical contents of the drums consisted largely of solid debris. This included items that had come into contact with radioactive isotopes, such as lab equipment and personal protective gear. The disposal method involved placing these items into steel drums and dropping them into deep water.
Current Status and Monitoring
The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has published a fact sheet detailing the history and location of the dump site. The agency continues to monitor the area to assess the environmental impact. The deep water environment of the Pacific Ocean was chosen to minimize the risk of the waste reaching the shoreline or shallow waters.
While the drums were designed to corrode over time, the specific environmental effects are still a matter of study. The remote location of the site, approximately 30 miles offshore, helps isolate the area. The USGS report provides a factual overview of the events that transpired during the 24-year disposal period.
