Runit (Yvonne) Cleanup and Crater Containment
conclusions were later validated by an on-site inspe
representatives of the Army Chief of Engineers, who conclude
placement of metallic debris in some cap sections was ‘‘not detr
the adequacy of the concrete dome cap to provide the erosion
‘ntended.’’!3! Approximately 30-40 cubic yards of debris were
in this manner, in and underthe cap sections.
As the USAE mobilized moreofits forces to complete polic
debris on the ocean reef, the seasonal recession of the beache
more and more debris, much of it proving to be red when mo.
the FRST.It was concluded from aerial and surface reconnaissan
more red debris was being found than could be accommoda!
dome. !32.133 It was at this point that Field Command and HQ
heard that red debris was actually going into the cap sections. 7
was directed to cease all such debris encapsulation in the cap se
was advised that further guidance would be provided on the me
used for disposal.
POD was consulted and sent a representative to the atoll to
problem. After on-site conferences with the JTG and USAE,
was made to add a small extension to the containmentfacility on
side (Figure 8-50).!34 This antechamber wasto be constructed ¢
the keywall with the same design specifications as the existing fz
contaminated debris would be placed in the antechamberand ct
clean concrete slurry. An 18-inch cap would be placed on the cha
the dome cap construction.
The 7 September 1979 Field Commandproposal to DNA was
for execution on 17 September 1979, and the JTG tasked the
construct the antechamber. Work began on 19 September on a
foot addition at the keywall (Figure 8-51). Aside from problems
the water table, the work was completed without mishap.
sweeps of Runit and its reefs yielded approximately 120 cubi
contaminated debris, which were disposedof in the extension be
sealed and capped. 135
As the winter equinox approached, the beaches continued
Two monthsafter all capping operations were completed, more
exposed which, based on percentages in the previous Runit d
could be expected to contain a substantial amount of cor
material. The first indications were passed to Field Command t
on 17 November 1979 in a report on seven pieces of red deb
CJTG recommended several alternative methods of dis
requested disposition instructions. While awaiting disposition in
the stockpile of red debris continued to grow. By | Decembe
cubic yards had accumulated. After considering proposals to sea
in drums and ship them to Johnston Island, leave them in plac