APPENDIX E: RADIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF OPLAN 600-77
This appendix contains an extract of selected passages from FCDNA OPLAN 600-77. This OPLAN
described the concept and provided guidance for the cleanup project at the time it was issued in
April 1977. Although the basic plan was followed in most major respects, some deviations did oceur
when the work was performed to adapt to conditions and problems experienced in the field.
The foregoing pages deseribe the way ERSP actually carried out its assignments. For background
and the historical record, portions of the OPLAN relevant to ERSP are quoted below, although it is
important for the reader to realize some changes were made in the way activities were actually
eonducted.
OPLAN 600-77
The final version of OPLAN 600-77, including the demobilization annex, is about 700 pages in
length. Of this total, only 27 pages deal with radiological aspects of cleanup involving DOE. This
Appendix is reproduced from numerous parts of OPLAN 600-77, with only minor editorial
modifications (or introductory remarks in parentheses) to provide continuity. Where actual practice
differed significantly from OPLAN specifications, a footnote has been added to explain, or just to
note, the difference.
(Figure C~4-1, shown herein as Figure E-1, portrays the overall Enewetak Cleanup Operation
Schedule as envisioned 29 April 1977. Note that the radiation survey was at that time expected to
take 4.5 months. Details of the Mobilization Phase applicable to the ERSP are presented in Figures
E-2 and E-3. The following paragraph outlines the general responsibilities assigned to ERDA/DOE.
The next following paragraph summarizes the removal of contaminated soil, then details of soil
cleanup are presented. Underlined numbers in parentheses preceding each section identify the
location of the text within OPLAN 600-77.)
(3.b.(5)(c) pg. 19) ERDA has established a project manager organization (Enewetak Radiological
Support Project (ERSP)) which will work closely with the JTG Commander and his staff for the
satisfactory accomplishment of radiological cleanup operations. The ERSP will also provide advice
to the Commanderin radiological safety and other radiation related matters. Additionally, ERDA,
through its Pacific Area Support Office, administers the base support contract (H&N). The Task
Organization for the ERDA element is shown in Figure A-6-1 (Figure E-4 herein).
(C.3.a.(2)(¢)) Removal of Contaminated Soil. Before soil removal can begin, the northern islands will
be radiologically surveyed by air and the ERDA field in situ vans supported by the FRST and Army
engineers. The survey party will identify the contaminated soil and physically mark these areas on
the ground. Once these areas have been marked, the engineer team with appropriate equipment can
begin the soil removal. Depth of soil removal cuts will be reeommended by ERDA personnel based
upon detailed cleanup objectives set by the JTG Commander. After the soil has been removed, the
area will be resurveyed and if the surface soil concentration does not meet the objective, another
cut will be made.
This iterative process will continue until the objective has been met.
The
contaminated soil will be placed in dump trucks and covered with tarps for transport to Runit
(Yvonne). Care must be taken by the work force to avoid the contamination of areas designated as
noncontaminated.
Upon final radiological certification by ERDA, engineer equipment will be
utilized to eliminate unusual and uneven soil irregularities in the area.
(Annex C, App. 2, Para 3.) SOIL CLEANUP:
a. General
(1) The identification, collection and removal of Pu contaminated soil will be called "soil
cleanup." An ERDA developed in situ gamma ray measurement and calculation method will be used
to quantify Pu contamination of soil The "in situ method" will also be the primary method used by
ERDA for certification (See Tab E).
(2) The in situ method measures the flux density (the number of gamma rays per unit area
time) of the prominent gamma ray from americium (Am), a radioactive decay product of Pu, at a
point
in
air
above
the
ground.
The
average
E-]
Am
concentration
in
the
soil
at
the