318
RADIOLOGICAL CLEANUP OF ENEWETAK ATOLL
wy
additional craft could be modified. The only objection was that it woulg
delay achievement of maximum transport capacity until the test Was
complete.
The Director, DNA decided that the CJTG would conductthe test to
determine if the bulk-haul system was practical and if the boats could be
decontaminated without unreasonable difficulty.!0°8 He directed the
independent RSAIT to monitor the test to ensure that there were no
health hazards to boat crews and other personnel involved in the
additional transloading operations.
AOMON CRYPT DECISION
The next issue discussed was what action to take on the contaminated
material burial site on the causeway between Aomon andBijire islands,
commonly known as the Aomon Crypt. Several alternatives were
suggested, including leaving it as it was, or capping it in place with
concrete. These options would permit other uses of the resources which
would be required to excise the estimated {2,000 cubic yards of
contaminated material buried in the crypt. Some conference attendeesfelt
strongly that excision of the crypt should not be attempted.
The Director, DNA pointed out that excision of the crypt was oneOf the
specific tasks identified in the EIS. He recognizedthat, if the decision were
made to excise the crypt, it might become a bottomless sinkhole in which a
significant portion of the available resources would have to be committed.
Nevertheless, he felt that it was unacceptable to create a second holding
place on the atoll for such contaminated soil and debris, particularly when
the crypt was located in the center of the large three-island complex with
great potential value to the people. He felt that to leave it without an
attempt to remove it would not be a reasonable decision. If
unsurmountable problems were encountered after the task was begun, it
still would be possible to refill the crypt with clean rubble and soil and
perhaps seal it with concrete. The Director, DNA reemphasized the need
to approach the cleanup project in a positive manner and to complete as
much as possible with the available resources.
Mr. Ray, DOE-NV, remarked that there were people who had
experience in going into places that are deeper, hotter, and wetter thanthis
particular project; e.g., the drill-back on Amchitka Island. He suggested
that some experts from that operation be called upon to assist the JTG in
determining how to accomplish this task and in obtaining the equipment
designed to do it properly. The Director, DNA agreed that expert advice
should be obtained. He directed that a major effort to excise the Aomon
Cryptbeinitiated as soon as practicable. !09
|