C*\ UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION Cc. ot 9 Fee WASHINGTON, D.C. 20545 Aug 101972 Captain Gay Whe Chairman Schlesinger carrson Sere pp Commissioner Ramey Commissioner Larson Commissioner Doub Commissioner Ray THRU: Cin Gm inte.C0 , Cur hactiever Major Fava * Major Cotner 1 FicaneFe General Manager pur. Little ove woten/ AEC-DOD SURVEY AT ENIWETOK ATOLLA/\) Q. CQeno AUG 11 1972 During the period July 26, 1972, to August 2, 1972, a joint AEC-DOD team visited Eniwetok Atoll to conduct a survey of those portions of Runit Island which are to be used for a PACE cratering experiment. A thorough radiolcsical survey was made of that portion of the island which will be disturbed by this experiment. Soil samples were taken in the expected crater area. In addition, a survey for plutonium particles was made along the access road and 22 locations were identified as potential sites for plutonium debris. The results of this survey will be used to determine the precautions required for conducting the PACE experiment as planned, or the necessity for relocating the experiment scheduled for Runit Island. Along the ocean reef of Runit there is a very large quantity of scrap metal debris covered with water to various depths depending on the tide. This debris resulted from the tests on Runit. Some of it was blown onto the reef by these tests. Some was pushed onto the reef during cleanup operations in preparation for other tests. Much of the debris is metal scrap remaining from the complex diagnostic experiments conducted during the LACROSSE event, which was a surface burst. A spot check of one pile indicated that the debris is contaminated to levels that would require removal in a subsequent cleanup operation. Experience with similar scrap at Bikini suggests that materials blown onto the reef will also be contaminated. ' It is expected that the quarantine on Runit will remain in effect until AEC and DOD have reached agreement on the plans and precautions that are needed. The PACE staff is drafting a report, for AEC consideration, of the survey and remedial actions necessary to continue the PACE experiment on Runit. US DOE ARCHIVES - 826 U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY Collection Box ‘ ’ S Folder_&adadog wal . Sur vey ;