Frenchman Flat

[4] Tests to determine building damage by nuclear blasts have left remains at the site that are of historical interest.

A carbonate aquifer makes Area 5 not well suited to underground testing, so there were fewer detonations carried out.

[5] The Nonproliferation Test and Evaluation Complex (NPTEC), formerly called the Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Spill Center, is located on Frenchman Flat in Area 5, a natural geological basin.

It provides a secure test-bed, calibrated release systems, weather data, ground truth instrumentation, and logistics in field verification and validation of technology.

Hazardous residues from these tests continue to provide a realistic environment for safety training, radiological monitoring, sampling instruction and first-responder drills.

Frenchman Flat spans Area 5 and Area 11 (pink). [ 1 ]
The dry lake of Frenchman Flat
Aerial view of the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site
HAZMAT Spill Center wind tunnel in operation.