A major problem still confronted the Paving Board, that of transporting and unloading Bitumuls at the Jobsite. As a first step, a comparative cost estimate was compiled for handling of the material by bulk in tankers or in drums. This study revealed that based on 3-1/3, 55 gallon drums occupying 40 cubic feet of space, the bulk shipment would result in a considerable saving. Included in the cost of bulk shipment was the cost of purchase, transportation, and erection of three 10,000 barrel storage tanks, one to be provided for each of the test sites; and even with this item included, the bulk transportation and handling showed an estimated saving of approximately five cents per gallon over transportation in drums. In view of the savings to be effected, bulk shipment was adopted, contingent upon the development of a feasible method of handling Bitumls at the Jobsite. After conferences with a representative of the Bitumul supplier and after cost analysis of six different methods of unloading Bitumls from off-shore tankers, it was decided to unload from ocean going tanker into a steel barge which was available at the Jobsite, by using the tanker's pumps and then moving the barge closer in shore, anchoring it and using a 6 inch pipe with Victraulic couplings(Army “invasion type"). A gear pump was located on the barge, designed for high viscosity liquids, which pumped the Bituwmls into shore tanks. It might be noted here that an attempt was made to utilize as Bitumul storage at the Atoll, a floating dry-dock section which had previously been used as a storage tank. During the filling of this auxiliary storage facility a leak developed which could not be plugged and the section sank with a loss of. epproximately fifty thousand gallons of Bitumuls. On June 1, 1950, the final estimate of Bitumuls to meet all Project requirements then known was prepared which indicated that 1,705,900 gallons would be needed. The distribution was as follows: Roadway paving 263,800 gallons Roadway dust palliative 26,800 Test area paving 1,061,250 Airstrips 153,100 Dust palliative for scientific stations 45.850 1,550,800 10 per cent for contingencies 355,100 Total 1,705,900 gallons PAVING OF ROADS, AREAS, AND AIRSTRIPS In ascordance with criteria as to areas to be paved, and the find- ings of the Paving Board. estimates were made of the required paving for the Project. (Table 5,22=1 shows these eatimates. ) 5-289