oversight. It had long been considered that the massive effort which would be required to improve the transuranic condition of Enjebi would be disproportionate to the end result, considering that the levels of suburanics remaining after the cleanup werestill estimated to be excessive for immediate residential use of the island. In 1978, however, as more detailed information became available on the overall scope of the soil removal work, it became apparent that significant improvement of Enjebi was not beyond reach. DNA made the decision to attempt the Enjebi soil cleanup--for if the transuranic condition of the island were not now improved it might never be habitable, even after the passage of several half-lives of the shorter-lived suburanics. Initially an intermediate goal was set, but as the work progressed major innovations were developed in soil measuring, mapping, and removal techniques. The residential criterion for transuranics was met, thereby making possible the eventual resettlement of the dri-Enjebi to their home. Enjebi soil removal was the single most massive effort of the cleanup, and potentially the most significant to the returning people. o During the three-year duration of the radiological cleanup project, four major typhoons and tropical storms hit Enewetak Atoll, causing extensive _ destruction. In particular, two of them did such damage to boats and landing craft that extensive repair and replacement efforts were required, and cleanup work was slowed for many months. One typhoon required complete evacuation of the atoll. In terms of results achieved, the three-year radiological cleanup was a strik- ing success. The Enewetak forces met all cleanup objectives and exceeded many. The following subparagraphs discuss some of the accomplishments: o Over 215,000 cubic yards of uncontaminated debris were removed from islands and reef areas and disposed of at designated dumpsites in the lagoon and in shoreline protection. Before any piece of debris could be touched, it had to be screened by radiation monitors for several types of possible contamination, and then marked as contaminated or uncontaminated. In many cases (e.g., blockhouses and bunkers) extensive demolition of uncontaminated structures was required. For debris in the reef areas, Navy Underwater Demolition Teams often worked in !0 or 20 feet of water clearing sunken landing craft and other objects. Repeated post- cleanup inspections of each of the 40 islands verified them to be completely clear of even the smallest scraps of residual debris from World War [I and the test period. o About 16,000 items of World War I! ordnance (e.g., unexploded artillery projectiles, mortar shells, hand grenades, small arms and ammunition) were located by detectors, dug up, and disposed of by NavyExplosive Ordnance Disposal Teams. . x o Some 6,000 cubic yards of radiologically contaminated debris were identified, transported by landing craft to Runit, and immobilized in concrete in Cactus crater. o All former dumps, crypts, and burial sites for contaminated debris and soil during the test period, to which reference could be found, were excavated and the contents were encapsulated in Cactus crater. One major crypt on Aomon island was so extensive and difficult it required over a year to plan and carry out its excavation. 12