7.
There were discussions of techniques for taking profile samples centered
primarily on advantages of backhoe versus auger,
During the Erie test area
investigation 40 sample sites were completed in about 10 days using the
backhoe.
This was accomplished in spite of the delay imposed by operating
in anti-centasination ciothing as required by rad-safe procedures.
It was
concluded that the backhoe was probably faster and provided more precise
sampling.
8.
The chair requested participants to address the northern half of Runit as
three distinct areas, the cactus crater area, a central area, and the Fig/Quince
area, and what sampling should apply to each.
The consensus was that the
€actus area, showing high levels of subsurface contamination should be treated
as is the Fig/Quince area, i.e,, one-half distance yes-no sampling in the
vicinity of locations showing high subsurface contamination.. The background
history of the central area provides no reason to suspect high subsurface
contamination in that area,
Therefore, sampling in this area should be limited
to a few confirmatory samples sites in areas not covered by the available data.
(This probably amounts to something on the order of 20 sites or less.)
9,
The ejecta (lip) of cactus €rater presents a special problem.
Past history
and available data tend to indicate that there may be high subsurface contami
nation below the pre detonation surface level,
the ejecta.
This level is now buried under
This condition lead to a brief explanation of the cratering
operation and the possible extent of the area to be covered by the entombment.
Consensus was that this area should be considered after a better knowledge of
the extent of the area to be covered is gained,
If the area is to be covered
by cement/soil mixture no further sampling is needed.
If it is not to be
covered, then sampling should be done to confirm presence or absence of
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