Runit (Yvonne) Cleanup and Crater Containment

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The other FRST tasks for characterization of Runit were a complete

survey of contaminated debris, with assistance by the U.S. Navy Water
peach Cleanup Team (WBCT), and collection of subsurface soil samples
from trenches dug by the USAE. These tasks were completed on schedule.

However, the full DOE-ERSP precleanup radiological characterization of
Runit requested by Field Command could not be completed at this time

due to other priority tasks.

RUNIT SITE PREPARATION
Preparation of work sites andfacilities on Runit for support of crater

containment operations began in June 1977, using designs developed by
the 20th Engineer Brigade based on the crater containment concepts of

POD. Figure 8-12 showsthe location of Runit facilities.

At DNA’sdirection, the troops from Company A, USAE,were required
to wear full anti-contamination (anti-C) protection including full suit,
mask, boots, and gloves, when they began framing the administrative
building on the southern end of Runit. Subsequently, based on additional
radiological data and recommendations by a special radiological survey
team from Field Command, this requirement was revoked for southern
Runit on [5 July 1977. Meanwhile, in keeping with the high priority given
rad safe measures, the USAE crew wearing full anti-C protection in 90-

degree heat and 90 percent humidity, had completely framed and roofed
the structure.37 Other facilities, including a decontamination building,

latrine, and concrete boat ramps, were prefabricated at Enewetak Camp

and transported by boatfor installation at Runit.

By 7 August 1977, construction of the operations, maintenance, and

food service facilities on southern Runit were complete. A gate house,
shower room, and decontamination pad were constructed at the hotline
between the contaminated (northern) and the noncontaminated

(southern) portions of the island (Figure 8-13). In September1977, a part

of the old runway was converted to a helicopter pad (Figure 8-14).

Site preparation on northern Runit had to await completion of the DOE-

ERSP in situ soil survey of that area. The Joint Task Group (TG)

proceeded with that work which had to be accomplished to support
cleanup operations and wouldleast affect results of the in situ survey. By !5
November 1977, the concrete ramps were in place to debark trucks with
contaminated material on northern Runit. Completion of the
contaminated debris and soil stockpile sites and the road connecting them

to the ramp area was delayed until 18 December 1977 (Figure 8-15).

Meanwhile, stockpiling of debris had begun.38

Before crater containment operations could begin, concrete batch plant

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