5. CLEANUP AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS 5.1 APPROACH TO PROBLEM The nuclear testing at Enewetak Atoll. of the 1950's hasleft behind it a large numberof adverse environmental’ impacts. Thesd take the form of debris of all kinds - on the inslands, in the lagoons and along the ocean shore - some of which is radioactive. ln addition, some of the soil has been made radioactive causing it to be unsafe for habitations and for planting subsistence or commercial-crops. Purely physical damage . to the environment ranges from abandoned structures used to house test personnel, to the disappearance of two small islunds and the formation of major craters on several others. The objective of the program proposed in this statement is that of removing debris and radioactivity to the extent that the people of Enewetak can return to their ancestral atoll, and can be self sustaining economically and nutritionally. This section is devoted to an analysis of the specific problems associated with these goals and the formulation of equally specific procedures for solving the problems. The approach to the problems requiring solution has been through the following steps: e ' i Identifying the nonradiological and radiological hazards present ‘on the atoll, their biological effects, the evaluation of risks and the protective guidelines proposed by the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), formerly the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). ——_—_—— e -aH- eeme Listing the various methods by which the hazards of radioactive and nonradioactive debris can be reduced to acceptable levels. o e Specifying the diet and agricultural practices which must be observed in order to reduce the radioactivity ingested by the Enewetak people. - e Identifying the distribution of the population around the atoll as a second means of reducing exposure to radioactivity. e Analyzing the available procedures for cleanup and disposal of radioactive materials and other debris. e Synthesizing a number of programs or "cases'! for accomplishing the objectives. 5-1