ey R. E. Hollingsworth May 1972 -3- Enroute returning from the Eniwetok visit, NV representatives while at Kwajalein learned of certain disquieting results of the survey which had just been completed. Preliminary laboratory analysis had confirmed the presence on Runit Island of pieces of either plutonium metal or of another metal heavily contaminated with plutonium. A recommendation was therefore originated on Kwajalein addressed to the host agency (USAF SAMTEC) recommending that Runit be quarantined until appropriate radiological control actions could be taken. For the most part the above actions have been taken without at least specific Headquarters direction although they have been discussed from time to time with the staff. However, at the present time it seems appropriate to seek policy direction and to recommend certain Washington level actions. Most fundamentally, there appears to be no question that a cleanup and rehabilitation of Eniwetok will be undertaken in the reasonably near future and that the AECwillhave an_essential and vital role in the planning and execution of that ction, It would appear that the Commission's role wouldbe.the—. _provision ¢of technical support, advice and assistance to whatever agency is_assignedOverall responsibility, Pending such assignment, it seems.clear.that the AEC has anobligationtoadvise. and assist from a ‘radiological.standpointanyagencywhichis“pursuing a “Tepitimateactivity at Eniwetok. NV requires.direction _as_to the extent|towhichth this office should. continue to,‘takethe ‘initiative’ “in this“regard. pamecitbense. peranaaes ith a date certain established for the return of Eniwetok to the Trust Territory, the time available for planning a cleanup hasnow been fixed and is running. Before a coordinated plancanbe developed,responsibility.forthe-plan and.for its_executionmust be assigned. In addition, a4far morecomprehensive survey ofthe Atoll“mustbeaccomplished.1No assignment, of responsibilityfo ‘for | ‘sucha“surveyhasyet.beenmade. Presumably a large partofthe ~ rehabilitation effort (including cleanup) will occur after the transfer to the Trust Territory Administration. However, it would seem highly desirable to have the nature, scope and details of the cleanup agreed before the transfer rather than to have to negotiate them leter. Included in these agreements should be a common understanding of cleanup standards and criteria.