E. oz gsworth
May 1972
Enroute returning from the Eniwetok visit, NV
representatives while et Kwajalein learned of
certain disquieting results of the survey |
which had just been completed. Preliminary
laboratory anelysis had confirmed the presence
on Ronit 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 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 will have
_an_essentialandvital role in the planning and execution of that
action. Jt wouldappear that the Commission's rolewouldbe. the—
_provision of technical support,¢advice andassistancetowhatever
aeeOR
agencyis assigned6verall
|responsibility.
ei ee
Pendingsuchaesigngent,
2bSseems_ clear, that the AEC has an obligation to adviseand assis
{
~7
v
“from a radiological standpoint, any3agency1which is “pursuing a ae
legitimate activity at Eniwetok. NV_requires direction as to the
“extent to which.“thisoffice“should continue to,take ‘the “initiative”
“in this regard.
__——
Od
With a date certain established for the return of Eniwetok to the
Trust Territory, the time available for planning a cleanup has now
been fixed and is running.
Beforea_ coordinated plan.can _be
Geveloped, responsibility.forthe-plan and_for_its execution
m
must
be“assigned. In addition, afar more, comprehensive surveyof
or ‘the
Atollnist”‘be“accomplished. No assignment, of responsibilityfor .
‘stich a_survey|has. yet”been. made. 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.
(em
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