146
RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP OF ENEWETAK ATOLL
the repair project began. The centersection of the 3,000 feet of runway wag
replaced, depressed areas werefilled, a seal coat was applied, and airfield
markings were painted on the new surfaces. The repairs were highly
satisfactory with the exception of the markings. Within 4 months,thepaint
was peeling in large flakes. This condition caused growing concern until
DNA, in October 1976, had the markings repainted by its base suppor
contractor.!3.!4 After these rehabilitation and repair efforts, the runway
handled heavytraffic, including C-5 cargoaircraft, for the durationofthe
cleanup project.
Other Enewetak Camp rehabilitation work which was accomplished by
POD contractors in 1975 and 1976 included: rehabilitation of the electrical
distribution system; repair of water storage tanks; and repair ofthe salt
water pumpstation.!5 These projects were beyond the capability of the
MATSCO base support work force. It appeared that, although POD
charged an overheadfee for its services, it would cost less to use POD’s
contractors to design and execute the work than to augment MATSCO’s
capability. These projects took more time and money than the
Commander, Field Command had anticipated; however, they vastly
improved the essential support systems that would be needed throughout
the entire project, and they provided Field Commandvaluable experience
regarding the engineering problems, the logistical difficulties, and the high
cost of working on the remote atoll of Enewetak.
CHANGE OF CONCEPTS AND CONTRACTORS: 1975 - 1977
The original concept was for the Corps of Engineers to include base
camp rehabilitation, maintenance and operation in the contract for cleanup
of the atoll. This concept had to be changed, however, based upon the |
Congressional decision to make maximum use of military manpowerto
accomplish and support the cleanup project. While much of the
rehabilitation, operations, and maintenance work could be performed by
military personnel, a number of jobs remained for which the military
services were not manned, since they were normally performed bycivil
service or contract labor. These would have to be performed by a base
support contractor at Enewetak Atoll. The existing MATSCOcontract was
suitable only for caretaker operations. A new contract was required to
upgrade the Enewetak Camp from caretaker status and to provide base
support during the cleanup project. Field Command attempted to develop
a new contract with sufficiently detailed specifications for competitive bid,
but which also was broad enoughto allow for the unidentifiable exigencies
which were sure to occur during the project.!§ It was a very difficult task,
and there was considerable doubt that a satisfactory contract could be
developed and awarded in time to support the project.
a
a.