Dr. James L. Liverman - 5- August 17, 1977 Terrestrial disposal on RunitIsland with a ecncrete cover would have the least irmedtate impact on the local marine environment in that remobilization of the radionuclides from the soil to the groundwater and eventually to the lagoon is minimized. This method would muximize potential occupational exposures during the cleanup operation. Terrestrial disposal by covering the existing contaminated areas on Runit with contaminated soil removed from other islands, but without concrete cover, was also considered. This would reduce the average surface leveis of plutonium on Runit, but might require quarantine. Both terrestrial disposal methods would allow retrieval of the plutonium. Both would require reopening of the EIS. Other methods for disposal of plutonium were proposed. One interesting possibility is the application of mining and milling techniques to separate plutonium from the soil of Enewetak Atoll. The reviewers were not aware of this having been explored. While such a technique could not be available for application to Enewetak Atoll], it might be useful at other sites in the future. Cc. Future ERDA Commitments at Fnewetak Atoll According to the Environmental Impact Statement, ERDA is committed to long-term monitoring the the Enewetak Atoll. Planning for this responsibility appears to be incomplete. The reviewers offer the following suggestions: 1. The environmental monitoring program should be as inconspicuous as possibie end shovid be aimed at estimating radiation doses to the inhabitants of the Atoll. 2. Any activities carried out by individuals other than the Encweteroes chould be conducted only if it is