128.
RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP OF ENEWETAK ATOL;
and minimize the volumeof soil excised. Possible disadvantages werethe
limited soil depth which the system would survey and the possibility tha
this new approach might not be acceptable to EPA and other concerneg
agencies. A prototype in situ detector was undergoing tests atthe site of
the Hamilton event on the Nevada Test Site, and it was anticipated tha
ERDA would approvethe system for use at Enewetak.301
The Radiological Cleanup Plan was revised again on 16 July 1976, but it
left some basic questions relative to radiological cleanup criteria stjj)
unanswered. Field Commandasked for HQ DNA assistancein obtaining
definitive answers from ERDA as soon as possible.302.303 Detailed criteria
and guidance were required to complete a Radiological Cleanup Appendix
to the CONPLAN304 andto develop estimates of work requirements upon
which to base resource needs. The situation was complicated by two
factors: (1) ERDA Headquarters in Washington had not formally assigneg
ERDA-NVthe responsibility for furnishing radiological support; and (2)
MILCON funds were limited.
The DNA-ERDA agreement stipulated that ERDA would provide
technical and scientific advice and assistance on radiological activities
associated with cleanup, including, but not limited to:
a. Advice and assistance on the preparation of the radiological cleanup
plan and the radiological safety program.
,
b. Interface with other Federal agencies concerning radiological matters.
c. Provision of on-atoll ERDA representation.
d. Performance of radiological support, to include: (1) Day-to-dayfield
monitoring, dosimetry, and record keeping for health and safety. (2)
Radiological classification of material for removal, disposal, or reuse.
(3) Certification, on an island-by-island basis. (4) Establishment,
operation, and maintenance of a field laboratory.
Item d of these ERDA commitments was contingent on reimbursement
from DNA. In view of the $20 million ceiling which had been set by
Congress and its charge to useall available economy measures, DNA’s
reimbursement to ERDA would of necessity be limited to the $1.5 million
which had beenestimated earlier. A compromise was reached wherebythe
military services would provide for radiological safety and theclassification
of debris and ERDA would only provide for classification of soil and
managementofthe radiological laboratory.
Field Command and ERDA-NV representatives conferred on 28-29
October 1976 to define the responsibilities of ERDA contractors and
military personnel. To reduce project costs further, it was agreed that
military technicians would assist in the ERDA contractor laboratory, in
driving the in situ vans, and in maintaining and repairing radiation
detectors and other equipment. ERDA-NV representatives advised that
their radiological support would not be available in April 1977, as was