Planning a!ud Programming
cont
aminated and radiologically activated test debris, (2) locate
aluate any significant radiological hazards which could comy
ev nup activities; and (3) identify sources of direct radiation and
Cein.to-man paths having radiological implications. 35
" The Enewetak Radiological Survey began at Enewetak on 16 Oc
The scop
1972, and final samples were taken on 14 February 1973.36
had
which
ts
tan of the survey were influenced by measuremen
made during the preliminary cursory surveys in 1971 and 1972, by revi
a.
historical records pertaining to nuclear testing at Enewetak Atoll,
comparisons with the 1969 cleanup of Bikini Atoll.
The survey goals were to provide all the data needed for rankin
relative importance of radionuclides and pathways leading to dose a
provide data for guiding the cleanup.3? The major dose patt
considered were: (1) external radiation, and (2) internal radiation
ingestion of terrestrial foods and water, ingestion of marine foods
inhalation ofair.
The survey required a radiological safety plan only for the sar
program on the northern portion of Runit.38 A radiation exclusior
was established there, and completeradiation safety controls (protect
clothing, bioassays, etc.) were in effect continuously. Radiation :
requirements for other areas of the atoll were limited to pers:
dosimeters and checks for external gammaradiation during sam
efforts on northern islands.39 All samples packaged for transpc
Enewetak Island and thenoff the atoll were monitored and determir.
be free from external contamination.
Data for assessing external radiation doses were obtained
dosimeters placed at fixed locations throughout the atoll for exte
periods and from portable radiation survey meters used in rad:
detectors suspended from a helicopter. Measurements were for ga
radiation only. The aerial in situ measurements were considered val
for reducing the possibility of missing any contaminated areas an
increasing efficiency of the survey. Areas identified as ‘‘clean’’ from t
did not require survey from the ground.40 The aerial and gr
measurements were in excellent agreement.4! Key products of the
survey, in addition to gamma radiation measurements, were
resolution photographs of each island and adjacent reef. These pi
useful for orientation of ground surveyors and for displaying results|
final survey report.
There were limited terrestrial foods available for sampling. Alth
coconuts are the staple food of the dri-Enewetak, very few coconut
were growing at Enewetak Atoll. Therefore, only 23 coconut (1
samples were obtained during theinitial survey. An additional six san
including coconut meat and milk, were obtained in July 1973, and
=e