“Dr. James L. Liverman
- 5 -
August 17, 1977
Terrestrial disposal on Runit Island with a
eoncrete cover would have the least inmediate
impact on the local marine environment in that
remobilization of the radionuclides from the
soil to the groundwater and eventually to
‘the lagoon is minimized. This method would
maximize potential occupational exposures during
the cleanup operation.
Terrestrial disposal by covering the existing
conteminated areas on Runit with contaminated
soil removed from other islands, but without
concrete cover, was also considered.
This
would reduce the average surface levels of
plutonium on Runit, but might require quarantine.
Both terrestrial disposal methods would allow
retrieval of the plutonium. Both would require
reopening of the EIS.
Other methods for disposal of plutonium were
proposed. One interesting possibility is the
application of mining and milling techniques to
separate plutonium from the soil of Enewetak
Atoll. The reviewers were not aware of this
having been explored. While such a technique
could not be available for application to Enewetak
Atoll, it might be useful at other sites in the
future.
Cc.
Future ERDA Commitments at Enewetak Atoll
According to the Environmental Impact Statement, ERDA
is committed to long-term monitoring the the Enewetak Atoll.
Planning for this responsibility appears to be incomplete.
The reviewers offer the following suggestions:
1.
2.
The environmental monitoring program should be as
inconspicuous as possibleand should be aimed at
estimating radiation doses to the inhabitants of
- the Atoll,
Any activities carried out by individuals other than
the Enewetakese should be conducted only if it is
ascertained that the activity has minimal impact
on the inhabitants.
porE ARCHIVES
9002590