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UNITED STATES
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
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20545
JUN 1
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1972
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CDR Richter
Chairman Schlesinger
Commissioner Ramey
Commissioner Johnson
Major Fava
Major Cotner
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Commissioner Larson
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Comnissioner Doub
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General Mana
ENIWETOK
An AEC survey team visited Eniwetok Atoll during May 11-17, 1972,
to conduct a preliminary radiological survey toward developing a
more detailed survey program to be conducted this fall in anticipation
of decontaminating and rehabilitating the Atoll prior to return to its
original owners. Simultaneous with the AEC survey team visit, the
Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) was making preparations for a series of
high explosive cratering experiments.
Complex radiological conditions exist on Runit Island (Yvonne), Eniwetok
Atoll, due to several nuclear devices exploded on Runit from 1951
through 1958 and subsequent earth and debris moving activities. The
historical records of operations on Runit contain some contradictions
with respect to radioactive waste disposal, although several alpha waste
burial grounds are known to exist in the Atoll.
}&
.3
The AEC's preliminary radiological survey has located a plutonium bearing sand layer outcropping on the ocean side of the Runit mid-island
area and,
similarly, the apparent existence of plutonium fragments and
grains on the Island surface. The areas containing these surface plutonium contaminations are not yet clearly delineated but appear to be
extensive. Further, contaminated scrap metal debris is located throughout the Island.
$ On May 17, Mr. Roger Ray, Assistant Menager for Operations, NV, arrived
at Eniwetok with a group of Eniwetokese council members and their
lawyer, being escorted by Trust Territory officials. The AEC survey
team briefed Mr. Ray on their findings and their concern about the
possibility of high alpha contamination on Runit Island. Mr. Ray then
briefed a team of arriving workers from Scripps Institute and DNA's
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