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HOLMES AND NARVER, INC.
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Engineers --Constructors
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628 So. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles 17
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U. S. Atomic Energy Commission
Contract No. AT-(29-2)-20
Mr. Joe B. Sanders
Assistant Director, Test Division
U. S. Atomic Energy Commission
30 January 1957
P. 0. Box 5400
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject:
TAONGI ATOLL - CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
Dear Mr. Sanders:
Purpose. This report covers the requirements for the construction of scientific
and support facilities for an operation in Taongi Atoll. As a basis for this report
@& maximand minimum requirement has been assumed. The maximum scope contemplates
the construction of stations similar to Castle Stations 1210, 1342, 1550, Station 70
(Nan) with a 300 foot tower, the mooring of five scientific barges within the lagoon
and the provision of camp and other support facilities. The minimm scope of work
assumed was the construction of a station similar to Station 7O (Nan), a 300 foot
tower, the mooring of five barges within the lagoon and a minimumof camp and other
support facilities.
Accessibility of Taongi. There is no safe passage into the Atoll in its present
state for landing craft. The study and appraisal of the construction requirements
and the cost estimates have been predicated on being able to provide the needed
access. From a study of charts, photographs and other information available it
appears feasible to initially land equipment and materials on the southwestern reef
at low tide. Wheeled or tractored vehicles might be landed at this point and then
moved to dry land during the hours of low tide. From this initial undertaking we
expect to construct operating islands along the route for the storage of equipment
during periods unfavorable for working on the reef. The feasibility of the above
approach can only be determined by an on-site survey. This survey would also
determine the best location for an entrance channel which we propose to construct.
Such a survey could also determine whether a suitable anchorage for supporting
vessels exists to seaward of the Atoll.
Camp Facilities. It is proposed to first establish a beachhead camp from which
our activities might be expanded. The site location of the camps will be determined
during the on-site preliminary survey that is expected will be made. It will be
necessary to subsist and sustain the first group of construction personnel on the
supporting vessel until the beachhead camp can be established. A 200-man camp
of standard design (similar to Fox camp of Redwing) is proposed for maximum requirements.
For the minimm requirements we contemplate either a 100-man camp
eshore or a barge type barrack for both messing and housing. The costs provided
hereinafter for camp facilities to support the minimum scope of work have been
estimated to be the same for ashore or afloat operations. The camp facilities
will be so planned that they may be expanded on an "as ne
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