Dr. James L. Liverman -5- August 17, 1977 Terrestrial disposal on Runit Island with a concrete cover would have the least immediate 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. TM.s method would maximize potential occupational exposures during the cleanup operation. . , i 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 levels of plutonium on Runit, but might require quarantine. Both terrestrial disposal methods would allow retrievalof 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 nut aware cf 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. C. Future ERDA Commitments at Enewetak Atoll According to the Environmental Impact Statement, ERDA is committed to long-term monitoring che 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 possible and should be aimed at estimating radiation doses to the inhabitants of the Atoll. 2. Any activities carried out by individuals other than the Enewetakese should be conducted only if it is ascertained that the activity has minimal impact on the inhabitants.