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UNITED STATES
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
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NEVADA OPERATIONS OFFICE
P.O. BOX 14100
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 69114
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CONFIRMED
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Major General E. B. Giller, USAF
Assistant General Manager for Military Application, HQ
BIKINI/ENIWETOK RADIOLOGICAL SURVEYS
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APTHORITY: DOE/SA-20
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This acknowledges your 22 July letter advising that weapons program funds are
not to be used for Bikini and Eniwetok radiologic surveys and cleanup activities.
As discussed in advance with you, we did participate last week in an Air
Force Weapons Laboratory recon of Eniwetok preliminary to their conducting
a cratering program there; however, all of our costs were reimbursable except
the Program 18 salary and travel of the one NVOO participant.
We have previously expressed our concerns relative to the Bikini situation,
but feel you should be apprised of what we learned at the recent Eniwetok
reconnaissance.
This involved a quick look at seven shot islands, including
a general radiation survey of each entire island. Most measurements were
taken at the ground surface. Substantial quantities of activated metal
debris were discovered at radiation levels of up to 35 mr/hr on contact.
Using a PAC-1S survey instrument we found in addition what appears to be a
significant plutonium contamination along one stretch of beach.
This area
1s subject to erosion into the ocean from rain and probably high tide action.
Evaluation of the possible hazard presented by this area of contamination
must await analysis of soil samples.
A number of craters were surveyed, and the highest gross gamma exposure rates
encountered ranged up to l mr/hr.
Of all the locations examined, the highest
measurements of gamma, plutonium and scrap metal counts exist on the island
of Yvonne (Runit), which has been used by Kentron (the maintenance
contractor) and the Coast Guard for recreation purposes.
Soil and water
samples were taken from several of the islands, and results will be avail-
able for evaluation within the next six weeks. It is of significance however
that we found areas on several of the islands which would be considered controlled areas based on present NTS criteria.
This situation at Yvonne was discussed informally with the Kentron site
Manager, who indicated that the area would be placed off limits to Kentron
personnel, However it may be appropriate that AEC/Headquarters formally contact the DOT (Coast Guard) and DOD (Kentron) to apprise them of these prelim
inary findings and suggest suitable precautionary measures. Department of
the Interior (Trust Territories) should probably also be notified when th
situation becomes better understood.
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