Low-flying helicopters may be visible in areas west of downtown Boston through the weekend, according to the National Nuclear Security Administration.
The federal agency is seeking to measure naturally-occurring background radiation to establish baseline levels, as part of a security and emergency preparedness plan for Monday’s Boston Marathon, according to a statement from the agency.
A twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter equipped with the radiation sensing technology will fly over areas at 150 feet, or higher, at about 80 miles per hour. Flyovers will occur during the day, said the statement.
The helicopter began surveying Thursday and are to continue until Sunday, said the statement.
The NNSA seeks to make the public aware of these flights so they are not alarmed, said the statement.
The establishment of background radiation is done so that if radiation is detected during the Marathon, authorities can distinguish between normal levels and possible terrorist activity.
Story and comments/reaction: http://www.bostonglobe.com
