J
uly 1,
1947
R. C. Hill
Louis H. Hempelmann, M.D.
Contaminated Canyons
The question as to whether or not the plutonium
contaminated area in Los Alamos and Pueblo Canyons should
be fenced in has been kicked around for well over six
months. I refer you to previous correspondence on the
subject between Major Geery, Col. Betts and myself, but
will restate the combined positions of the Health
Division and the HI-Group on the need for fences around
contaminated areas. It should be pointed out at this time
that the Health Division has disclaimed all
responsibility for future consequences resulting from the
continued delay in erection of such fences. The facts are
as follows:
Excerpted to save
space
6. Although we do not feel that the contamination
existing in nearby canyons represents a health
hazard, we strongly believe that it presents a
serious morale and medico-legal problem. The
contaminated sewer out- let in Pueblo Canyon is
quite near the school and, though already marked
with signs, it is freely accessible to children and
animals. Periodically, children play in this area
such to the consternation of their families.
Recently Dr. Beller was confronted b about thirty
irate mothers who berated him for not f in
contaminated areas.
7. Legal complications and extremely unfavorable public
relations may come about because of this situation.
It is quite possible that future illnesses or
diseases contracted by a person who has blundered
into a contaminated area my be connected by this
person with his contact with radioactive materials.
Unless we can state categorically that all
contaminated areas have been completely enclosed by
childproof and dog-proof fences, it will be
extremely difficult to convince a jury that the
project was not at fault.
8. The cost of good fencing, although considerable
would undoubtedly be less than that of one or two
successful law suits against the project. In
addition to the monetary aspects of such court
proceedings, the bad public relations which would
result would cause the project inestimable
harm.
LOUIS H. HEMPLEMANN, M.D.
LHH: la
cc: Col. A. W. Betts
Please note that this is a scanned document and is
not the original nor a photocopy of the original
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