NEVADA TEST SITE
Numbered Areas 16 - 24
Area 16 - This area, within the Nuclear or High Explosive Test Zone, occupies 73 km2 (28 mi2) in the west-central portion of the NTS. No atmospheric tests have ever been conducted at this location. Area 16 was established in 1961 for the DoD's exclusive use in support of a complicated nuclear effects experiment that required a tunnel location in an isolated area away from other active weapons test areas. From mid-1962 through mid-1971, six underground nuclear weapons effects tests (all in the same tunnel complex) were conducted at this location. Currently, the DoD uses this area for high-explosives research and development in support of programs involving the detonation of conventional or prototype explosives and munitions.
Area 17 - This area, within the Reserved Zone, occupies 80 km2 (31 mi2) in the north-central portion of the NTS. This area has been used primarily as a buffer between other testing activities. No atmospheric tests or experimental activities of programmatic consequence have been conducted in Area 17.
Area 18 - This area, within the Reserved Zone, occupies 231 km2 (89 mi2) in the northwest quadrant of the NTS. The inactive Pahute airstrip is located in the east-central portion of the area. When in operational status, the airstrip was primarily used for shipment of supplies and equipment for Pahute Mesa test operations. Area 18 was the site of five nuclear weapons tests: four were conducted in mid-1962 and one underground test was conducted in 1964. Two of these were atmospheric tests, two were cratering experiments, and one was a stemmed underground nuclear test. In 1964, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory used the area for a Plowshare-sponsored test using chemical high explosives to investigate the potential use of nuclear explosives for ditch digging in dense hard rock.
Area 19 - This area, within the Nuclear Test Zone, occupies 388 km2 (150 mi2) in the northwest corner of the NTS. Area 19 was developed for high-yield underground nuclear tests. No atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted in Area 19. From the mid-1960s through 1992, a total of 35 underground nuclear tests were conducted.
Area 20 - This area, within the Nuclear Test Zone, occupies 259 km2 (100 mi2) and is in the extreme northwest corner of the NTS. Area 20, like Area 19, was developed in the mid-1960s as a suitable location for high-yield underground nuclear tests. No atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted in Area 20. Three underground nuclear tests in the megaton and greater yield range were carried out on Pahute Mesa between 1966 and 1976. These tests were the well-publicized Boxcar, Benham, and Handley events. From the mid-1960s through 1992, a total of 46 contained, underground nuclear tests were conducted in Area 20. All of these Pahute Mesa tests have consisted of single nuclear devices being detonated in drilled emplacement holes. In addition to weapons development tests, one nuclear test detection experiment and three Plowshare tests were conducted on Pahute Mesa. The Plowshare tests in Area 20 included the nuclear cratering experiments Palanquin, Cabriolet, and Schooner. Palanquin, detonated in the spring of 1965, was the first nuclear test on Pahute Mesa.
Area 21 - There is no Area 21 on the NTS.
Area 22 - This area, within the Reserved Zone, occupies 83 km2 (32 mi2) in the southeastern corner of the NTS and serves as the main entrance area. Before 1958, this area included Camp Desert Rock, a Sixth Army installation used for housing troops taking part in military exercises at the NTS. After 1958, the camp was essentially removed, with the exception of the Desert Rock Airport. In 1969, the runway was extended to a length of 2,286 m (7,500 ft). The airport currently is open, but provides no services.
Area 23 - This area, within the Reserved Zone, occupies 13 km2 (5 mi2) in the southeastern portion of the NTS and is the location of the largest operational support complex. Mercury was established in 1951 and serves as the main administrative and industrial support center at the NTS. Permanent structures and services include housing and feeding, laboratory, maintenance, communication and support facilities, computer facilities, warehouses, storage yards, motor pools, and administrative offices. Mercury is located approximately 8 km (5 mi) from U.S. Highway 95. The Area 23 Class II sanitary landfill, located just west of Mercury, is open to receive all types of nonhazardous solid waste. Wastes are compacted and covered to form layers. The Area 23 landfill receives approximately 830 tons of solid waste annually. The landfill is an open, rectangular pit with steep, nearly vertical sides. The current capacity of the landfill is approximately 4.5 x 105 cubic meters (m3) (5.9 x 105 cubic yards [yd³]).
Area 24 - There is no Area 24 on the NTS. However, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas are sometimes referred to as Area 24.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
