Read Me File For Plate IV and Associated GIS Layers*:
Modified Airborne Radiometric Map of Popenoe (1964), U.S. Geological Survey GP-358
(This read me file written by: Jonathan Kim, Vermont Geological Survey, August 2002)

Required Files:
700+cps.dbf, 700+cps.shp, 700+cps.shx
500-700cps.dbf, 500-700cps.shp, 500-700cps.shx
100-300cps.dbf, 100-300cps.shp, 100-300cps.shx
300-500cps.dbf, 300-500cps.shp, 300-500cps.shx
unsurveyed.dbf, unsurveyed.shp, unsurveyed.shx

        The 5 data layers listed above were derived from the U.S.G.S. Aeroradioactivity Map of Popenoe (1964). The divisions (in counts per second (cps)) used correspond to those delineated by Popenoe (1964) in the text of the map and do not correspond directly to the divisions contoured on the map (100-300cps=exceptionally low; 300-500cps=medium low; ~500-700 medium high; 700+cps=high). If any part of the range of counts per second for a polygon on the map fell within the divisions described above, then the polygon was assigned to this division. The unsurveyed.shp coverage shows the areas that were not surveyed by the Popenoe (1964) investigation. This data was scanned from the 1:250,000 scale Popenoe (1964) paper map in the Vermont Geological Survey archives. The data was scanned into a tiff file using a Titan Scanner and Truinfo software, georectified using ERDAS Imagine, and digitized in Arcview 3.2a.

        In order to make the data layers display correctly using GIS software, the above order of layers must be used.

Geodetic Information NAD 83 Vermont Stateplane coordinates (Zone 5526) in meters

Reference:
Popenoe, P., 1964, Aeroradioactivity of parts of east-central New York and west-Central New England, U.S. Geological Survey Geophysical Investigations Map GP-358, scale- 1:250,000.

This coverage was digitized from original 1:250,000 scale maps and data and, therefore, use at this scale is recommended. Accuracy may diminish when enlarged beyond this scale.

The only way to determine with certainty if groundwater from a particular well has elevated radionuclide levels is to have the water tested by a certified lab. The Vermont Department of Health recommends that all private well owners test their wells for naturally-occurring alpha radiation every 5 years http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/ph_lab/water_test.aspx#two. This map should not be used as a replacement for detailed, site-specific studies by competent technical personnel.

This map (and the other eight maps in this series) displays geological and geophysical data compiled from surveys conducted at various times over several decades. The information used in preparing the map(s) represents the best data possessed by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources at the time of production. The data is subject to revision at any time and the map user should contact the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to determine whether there have been any changes in the data on which the map was based.

Although every effort has been made to faithfully portray the information from the surveys, the Agency of Natural Resources cannot vouch for the accuracy of the data on which the map(s) was based. No warranty as to the accuracy or the usefulness of the data on the map(s) is expressed or implied.

*GIS Data available from Vermont Geological Survey, 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, Vermont 05671, 802/241-3608, marjorie.gale@state.vt.us