R. E. Hollingsworth
fay 1972
“37
Enroute returning fron the Eniwetck visit, NV
representatives while at Kwajalein learned of
certain disquicting results of the survey
which had just been completed. Preliminary
Laboratory analysis hud confirmed the presence
on Runit Island of pieces of either plutoniun
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 eppropriate 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 Eniwetok will be
undertaken in the reasonably near future and that the AEC
willhave
an essential and vital role in the planningandexecution of that
action. Jt wouldappear that the Commission's role
Lewould
¥
be
the__
provisionof technical support;_ advice and assiseeincetowhatever_
agencyis assignedOverallresponsibility.
Pendingsuch sssigntent
itseems_clearthat the AEC has an obligotion to adviseand assis
‘from|a radiological standpoint _any_ agencywich. is pursuing a
legitimate activity at _Emiwetok. NV. requires direction as to the
“extent to which.‘this. office shoulda continue to take the initiative’
“in this regard.
=
eB eet A rt
perpen
iith a date certain established for the return of Enivetok to the
Trust Territory, the time available for planning a cleanuv has now
been fixed and is running. Beforea coordinated plan_can be
developed, responsibilityfor. the-plan and.for_its ‘executionmust
be assigned. In addition, afar more. comprehensive survey ©ofthe
toll mus
ist be“accomplished. No assignment of responsibility for
‘such | a survey has yet beenmade. Presumably a large part ofthe
rehabilitation effort (includingcleanup ) will ocevr after the
transfer to the Trust
seen highly desirable
cleanup fgrecd before
them leter. Included
Territory Administration. However, it would
to have the nature, scope and details of the
the transfer rather than to have to nepotiate
in these agreements should be & coamon under
aT ee
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standing ot cleanun standards and criteria.