nuclear-news

U.S. Department of Energy sending helicopters to measure radiation levels

UF flyovers part of DOE radiation study http://www.gainesville.com/news/20180508/uf-flyovers-part-of-doe-radiation-study

The flyovers are part of a research project measuring baseline levels of radiation in the environment.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration says the public shouldn’t be alarmed by a low-flying helicopter near the University of Florida.

It’s a part of a routine procedure, officials say.

According to a Department of Energy press release, the public might see a twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter flying at about 150 feet or higher around UF and in Gainesville until early Wednesday evening.

The helicopter is operated by the Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measuring System from Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and is equipped with radiation-sensing technology.

The manned helicopter will fly in a grid pattern over the area at about 80 miles per hour, the release says.

The flyovers are part of a research project measuring baseline levels of radiation in the environment.

May 9, 2018 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | radiation, USA