Open lagoon or open ocean disposal of excavated soils can also affect the ecology of pelagic and coral reef ecosystems via smothering, burial, loss of light and other factors. Furthermore, the sediment plumes from disposal operations can move down current and disrupt adjacent productive ecosystems. As noted previously, bagging of soil prior to disposal or disposal into confined bomb craters offers ways to reduce or eliminate significant impacts. Preliminary observations at Bravo and other large craters indicate coral reef and fish recovery has been very low since the cessation of testing nearly 30 years ago. Thus, disposal of soil in these craters has the advantage of confining impacts to reef environments heavily degraded and unrecovered from previous stresses. The elimination of dredging and causeway construction as part of the cleanup options would reduce considerably the overall effect of the entire program on marine ecosystems. H. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES. Although Bikini and Eneu Islands were extensively disturbed in the past, it is possible that archaeological sites may stil] exist there, in the absence of previous archaeological study at the atoll. Alternatives involving disturbance of soil or groundcover has the potential to affect significant unrecorded archaeological sites. Known important cultural sites such as the cemetery should be flagged and fenced during construction to avoid any damage. Historically significant bunkers, buildings, monuments, etc., can also be identified and protected. Since little information on the archaeology of Bikini exists in the literature, surveys would be required for Bikini and other islands where beach, soil, and vegetation removal or disturbance are contemplated. Impacts to historically significant shipwrecks and the sacred patch reef in Bikini lagoon are not expected from the cleanup operations as contemplated at this time. 1. SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS. Evaluation of the socioeconomic consequences of the cleanup can only be superficially examined at this time. The major beneficial social effect of the rehabilitation of Bikini soils would be facilitating the safe and earlier resettlenent of the atoll by the Bikini islanders. However, there would also be other socioeconomic effects, depending upon which alternative cleanup option is pursued. Implementation of resettlement with dietary controls or phased resettlement would allow an earlier return of the islanders compared to the other alternatives. Delayed resettlement, on the other hand, would place Bikini Island off limits to the islanders for 80 years. Phased resettlement involving an initial resettlement of islanders to Eneu Island may require leases, real estate agreements, or other arrangements to allow Bikini islanders to live on Eneu who do not own land on Eneu. Alternatives that do not hasten the return of the islanders to Bikini Island wil be unpopular or unacceptable to them. Since they will be the beneficiaries of a cleanup program, it is logical that the views of the islanders be given great weight prior to the decision on the scope of the cleanup. The alternative involving extension of Bikini Island along the seaward side would destroy a large section of a sandy beach that may be important to the Bikinians. If the beach is of recreational, cultural, or aesthetic value, a new beach can be designed and reestablished on the seaward side, as a part of the Bikini [sland extension plan. I000148 E-15