Dayton Sites

Department of Energy Sites
Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP)
The Dayton Sites

Dayton, Ohio

In the1940's, The Manhattan Engineering District contracted Monsanto Chemical Company to investigate the chemistry and metallurgy of the element, polonium. Polonium was used as a part of the neutron source for atomic weapons. Monsanto set up operations in Dayton, Ohio, known as the Dayton Project. The Dayton Project consisted of four units and a warehouse. The Warehouse was used to store bio-assay samples. Unit I conducted spectrographic and X-ray work until 1949. Unit II was another government project not related to atomic energy. Unit III was used as a laboratory for research into the extraction and purification polonium. Unit IV was used as part of Monsanto’s atomic energy research and development program until Mound Laboratory was complete in 1949.

In mid 1997 Unit III was discussed with city officials and current property owners. Public comments were also solicited. At the conclusion of this dialogue it was determined that a radiological survey and soil sampling needed to be conducted at Unit III.

The results of soil samples collected by the Ohio EPA in 1997, indicated elevated concentrations of polonium-210 near the Unit III site. These results lead to additional sampling in 1998 at Unit III and Unit IV. Based on these results, Ohio Department of Health (ODH) determined there is no immediate health risk at either site.

The two sites were recommended for inclusion into the FUSRAP program by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for further assessment. In late 1999 the two sites were added to the FUSRAP program which is managed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Later, Dayton Unit I and the Dayton Warehouse were also recommended for inclusion into the FUSRAP program. See the links below for more information on the individual sites comprising the Dayton Project.

Dayton Unit I: Beginning in 1943, Monsanto used Unit 1 facilties at 1515 Nicholas Rd. to organize the polonium project and recruit personnel.	Dayton Unit III: Monsanto leased a property at 1601 West First Street in Dayton from the Dayton Board of Education. It was referred to as Unit III of Monsanto's Central Research Department (Bonebrake Theological Seminary).
Dayton Unit IV: The Corps of Engineers had leased Runnymede Playhouse for use by the project. This site, referred to as Unit IV, was used by Monsanto for part of its atomic energy research and development program until Mound laboratory was completed in 1949.	Dayton Warehouse: The Warehouse is located at 601 East Third Street in Dayton, OH. Operations included the analysis of environmental monitoring samples, bioassay samples, and preliminary biological studies on the effect of polonium on laboratory animals.

Procedures for Public Records Request and File Reviews:

http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/facts/records.pdf