R. E. Hollingsworth
May 1972
-3-
Enroute returning fron the Fniwetck visit, HV
representatives while et Kvajalein 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 leas
specific Headquarters direction although they have been discussed
from time to time with the staff.
However, at the present time it
seems eppropriate 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 Eniwetoxwill be
undertaken in the reasonably near future and that the AECwillhave
an_ essential and vital role in the vlanning and execution of that
action.
It would anpear that the Commission's role wouldbe_the—
provision ¢of technical
support, adviceand assistance to whatever
agency
is _assignedoverallresponsibility, "Pending such assignment
_it
it seems<clear that.theAEC hasanobligationtoadviseand assist
“from a radiological.standpointan
anyagencywhichis“pursuing a
legitimate activityat Eniwetok.. _WVrequires direction as_tothe
oe, Fa
leet
ee
‘in this, regard. _
v7
Oe maeee ee i
3th a date certein established for the return of Enivetok to the
Trust Territory, the time available for planning a cleanup hasnow
been fixed and is running. Beforeacoordinatedplancanbe
developed,responsibility_forthe-plan and.for_ its execution
amust
be assigned.— In addition, a.far morecomprehensive “surveyoF the
Atollmus+ be“accomplished._“No assignmentof responsibility‘for .
schasurveyhasyetbeenmade. Presumably a largepart ofthe
rehabilitation effort (incluéing 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.