Nevada Test Site

Click on the map to see information about that area NTS Area Map - Where is: Central Nevada Test Area & Project Shoal site ? Area 13 ? Area 21 ? Area 24 ? Area 28 ? Area 51 ?

Area 11 — This area, which is split among the Nuclear Test and Reserved Zones, occupies 67 km2 (26 mi2) along the eastern border of the NTS.

Four atmospheric plutonium-dispersal safety tests were conducted in the northern portion of Area 11 in 1954 and 1956 in what is now known as Plutonium Valley. One of these safety tests went partially critical thus creating some fission products which contribute to the plutonium surface contaminations, Area 11 continues to be used on an intermittent basis for realistic drills in radiological monitoring and sampling operations.

In addition to the aboveground safety tests, five underground nuclear weapons effects tests were carried out in Area 11 between the spring of 1966 and early 1971. No full scale atmospheric tests were ever conducted in Area 11

There are a number of technical facilities that remain in Area 11 that are essentially no longer used, some of which are being maintained by DOE in a varying state of readiness should there be a future requirement or need to use these facilities.

An explosive ordnance disposal site is located in the southern portion of Area 11. This is a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permitted treatment unit. The site consists of a detonation pit surrounded by an earthen pad, approximately 8 m (25 ft) by 30 m (100 ft), and supplemental equipment, which includes a bunker, electrical shot box, and electrical wire. Typically, up to six detonations of 45 kilograms (kg) (100 pounds [lb]) or less of explosives are conducted annually.

Total number of Nuclear Tests 57 and Detonations 71 as having occured in Area 11, according to United States Nuclear Tests July 1945 through September 1992 DOE/NV--209-REV 15 December 2000 which may view here, but the document only lists the following tests as having occured in Area 11, other are tests are listed by hole or shaft number and am still working on updating this list.