LM staff installed six aerial-survey quality-control monuments at the Falls City, Texas, Disposal Site in early February. The monuments are installed at various LM sites and are essential for maintaining survey control and provide a geographically consistent point of reference for ensuring the quality of future terrestrial and aerial surveys. 

The monuments consist of a 3-foot-long smooth-finished concrete slab, about 6 inches thick, centered on a National Geodetic Survey type stainless steel rod. The size, shape, and smoothness ensure good visibility during aerial surveys. 

Using drones in the daytime, LM conducts aerial surveys to collect imagery and accurate topographic-elevation data on each site’s surface conditions. A baseline aerial survey is planned at the Falls City disposal site in 2024.

LM Site Manager Charlee Boger emphasized the importance of these monuments and their significance in data collection during aerial surveys. 

“These monuments are important for the long-term stewardship of the site,” said Boger. “Utilization of these monuments during baseline and future aerial surveys ensures LM can monitor any surface level changes that may occur. They are very important to assess the precision and accuracy of the data.”

The Falls City disposal site is the location of a former uranium ore-processing facility in Karnes County, Texas, about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio. LM, in accordance with the site’s Long-Term Surveillance Plan, inspects the site annually, monitors groundwater as a best management practice, controls vegetation, and performs site maintenance as necessary.

For more information on the Falls City disposal site, visit: /lm/falls-city-texas-disposal-site.

Original source can be found here.