NVO-214
ENEWETAK FACT BOOK
(A RESUME'OF PRE-CLEANUP INFORMATION)
COMPILED BY
WAYNE BLISS
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPILED 1977
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 1982
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
NEVADA OPERATIONS OFFICE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
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DISCLAIMER
"This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of
the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor
any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express
or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or
process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately
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necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favor-
ing by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and
opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those
of the United States Government or any agency thereof."
This report has been reproduced directly from the best available copy.
Available from the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce,
Springfield, Virginia 22161
Price: Printed Copy A10
Microfiche A01
Codes are used for pricing all publications. The code is determined by the number of pages
in the publication. Information pertaining to the pricing codes can be found in the current
issues of the following publications, which are generally available in most libraries: Energy
Research Abstracts (ERA); Government Reports Announcements and Index (GRA and I);
Scientific and Technical Abstract Reports (STAR); and publication NTIS-PR-360, available
from NTIS at the above address.
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NVO-214
ENEWETAK FACT BOOK
(A RESUME'OF PRE-CLEAIMUP INFORMATION)
COMPILED BY WAYNE A. BLISS
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
FOR
ENEWETAK RADIOLOGICAL SUPPORT PROJECT
COMPILED FOR FIELD USE 1977
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 1982
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
NEVADA OPERATIONS OFFICE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
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FOREWORD
In 1977, soon after establishment of the Enewetak Radiological Support Project
(ERSP) to provide radiological advice and assistance to the Defense Nuclear
Agency, it became essential to assemble an "as is" description of the Atoll. We
asked Wayne Bliss, of EPA's Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las
Vegas, Nevada, to take on this important task. Over the ensuing months, Wayne
examined records, files and notebooks and, I often think, his crystal balL He
interviewed many old-timers and became himself a true authority on this tiny
coral atoll which had sustained the multiple impacts of more than a decade of
earth moving, construction and nuclear testing.
The record of Wayne's research became the Enewetak Fact Book. To all of the
ERSP management team and to the DOD planners it became an indispensable
tooL As now published, it becomes a part of the Enewetak history. Wayne Bliss
has our thanks for a most valuable contribution.
Roger Ray
Project Manager
Enewetak Radiological
Support Project
Las Vegas
September 1982
111
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Foreword
Prologue 1
Alice 8
Belle 10
Clara 12
Daisy 14
Edna 16
Flora and Gene 18
Helen and Irene 20
Janet 25
Kate 52
Lucy 54
Mary 56
Nancy 58
Olive 60
Pearl 62
Percy 68
Ruby 70
Sally (also Sally's child) 72
Tilda 88
Ursula 90
Vera 92
Wilma 95
Yvonne, South 98
Yvonne, North 103
Minor Southern Islands 164
David I78
Elmer 18°
Fred I94
Leroy 214
Epilogue 216
Distribution 217
U.S. FWIRONMEN7AL PROTECTION1
LIBRARY
P.O. BOX 9^'7o
I cr \ir(-f<-. M' • ."n'T- ?*.~!TI
L/iO vuur-o, j';
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PROLOGUE
ENEWETAK FACT BOOK
Wayne Bliss
(Written in 1977 - before cleanup)
"Enewetak Fact Book" is a term which has evolved to describe a group of short treatises on the
precleanup condition of the islands in Enewetak Atoll (Figure 1). These assemblages were compiled
in a relatively short time in 1977 and have no formal structure nor have they been reviewed by any
process normally afforded to the briefest technical note. Their purpose is to provide brief guidance
to the radiological history and radiological condition of the islands for use in cleanup of the Atoll,
i.e. cleaning up physical and radiological hazards which resulted from nuclear test operations
conducted there from 1948 through 1958.
The information presented in the Fact Book has been gleaned from numerous sources which include
formal reports, old and new; files, both agency and personal; and many interviews and discussions.
Therefore, some of the information is popular opinion, some is inferential, but most of it can be
substantiated by formal reports and experts from the testing program. The principal report for
determining radiological conditions for cleanup is NVO-140, Enewetak Radiological Survey, Oct.
1973. Many of the figures herein are reproduced directly from that report.
Other important reports are the Engineering Study for a Cleanup Plan (1972), and the
Environmental Impact Statement (1975), both prepared for the Defense Nuclear Agency by Holmes
& Narver, Inc.
Brevity has been a key factor in the composition of this Fact Book as one who must conduct a field
operation cannot efficiently perform while carrying a reference library. Therefore, much of the
information is presented very concisely and on map figures. It is necessary for the user of the Fact
Book to be familiar with the test program at the Enewetak Proving Ground and be able to make
logical inductions or refer to an appropriate reference for more detailed information.
The first nuclear test at the Enewetak Proving Ground was conducted on April 14, 1948 (Greenwich
time). OPERATION CROSSROADS conducted at Bikini Atoll in 1946 consisted of two experiments
to determine the effects of nuclear explosions on military hardware. OPERATION SANDSTONE
conducted at Enewetak in 1948 was the pioneering attempt to scientifically evaluate nuclear
explosion phenomena. All nuclear experiments at Enewetak were weapons related; however, they
included various studies related to understanding the explosion phenomenon and blast effects.
Many additional studies were conducted such as measuring biological exposure and responses,
evaluating detection instruments, comparing nuclear yield determination methods and so on.
A typical operation at Enewetak consisted of facility construction by a contractor (Holmes
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MIDWAY
MARIANAS
.^ISLANDS '•
GUAM.
•WAKE
ENIWET3K ATOLL
%BIKIK
• j'
CAROLINE ISLANDS
BIKINI ATOLL
MARSHALL
• " • ' ISLANDS
KWAJALEIN\ ' >
' GILBERT i
* ISLANDS I
NEW 6UIHEA
SOLOMON
ISLANDS
^
HAWAIIAN
ISLANDS
•JOHNSTON
CANTON ISLAND
CHRISTMAS
t ISLAND
REGIONAL MAP
300 *OO
6ftAPMC SCALE IN NAUTICAL MILES
AIRLINE DISTANCES MAP
NO SCALE
FIGURE la. ENEWETAK ATOLL LOCATION MAPS
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VICINITY MAP
SCALE M FEET
SOUMOlMCS IN FATHOWS
NOTE
ORIGIN OF COMMUTE GfflO STSTEM,
CORAL M-K)0,OOO E-KM.OOO
FIGURE 1b. ENEWETAK ATOLL LOCATION MAPS
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TABLE 1
ENEWETAK PROVING GROUND
Operation/Event Name
SANDSTONE
X-RAY
YOKE
ZEBRA
GREENHOUSE
DOG
EASY
GEORGE
ITEM
IVY
MIKE
KING
CASTLE
NECTAR
REDWING
LACROSSE
YUMA
ERIE
SEMINOLE
BLACKFOOT
KICKAPOO
OSAGE
INCA
Date
(GCT)
4/14/48
4/30/48
5/14/48
4/7/51
4/20/51
5/8/51
5/24/51
10/31/52
11/15/52
5/13/54
5/4/56
5/27/56
5/30/56
6/6/56
6/11/56
6/13/56
6/16/56
6/21/56
Type & Height
(ft) of Burst
Tower 200
Tower 200
Tower 200
Tower 300
Tower 300
Tower 200
Tower 200
Surface
(thermonuclear)
Airdrop, 1500
Barge
Surface
Tower 200
Tower 300
Surface
Tower 200
Tower 300
Airdrop 670
Tower 200
Yield Location
37 KTl Janet, west tip
49 KT Sally, west tip
18 KT Yvonne, north end
Yvonne,. north end
47 KT Janet, west tip
Ruby
Janet, north tip
10.4 MT2 Flora
SOD KT Yvonne, 2000' north
1.69 MT Mike Event Crater
40 KT Yvonne, north end
Sally, west tip
Yvonne, near runway
13.7 KT Irene
Yvonne, middle
Sally, north tip
Yvonne, middle
Pearl
1 KT = Kiloton defines energy equivalent to 1000 tons of TNT.
2 MT = Megaton = 1000 KT.
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TABLE 1 (Continued)
Operation/Event Name
MOHAWK
APACHE
HURON
HARDTACK, PHASE I
CACTUS
BUTTERNUT
KOA
WAHOO
HOLLY
YELLOWWOOD
MAGNOLIA
TOBACCO
ROSE
UMBRELLA
WALNUT
LINDEN
ELDER
OAK
SEQUOIA
DOGWOOD
SCAEVOLA
PISONIA
OLIVE
PINE
QUINCE
FIG
Date
(GCT)
7/2/56
7/8/56
7/21/56
5/5/58
5/11/58
5/12/58
5/16/58
5/20/58
5/26/58
5/26/58
5/30/58
6/2/58
6/8/58
6/14/58
6/18/58
6/27/58
6/28/58
7/1/58
7/5/58
7/14/58
7/17/58
7/22/58
7/26/58
8/6/58
8/18/58
Type & Height
(ft) of Burst
Tower 300
Barge
Barge
Surface
Barge
Surface
Underwater 500
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Underwater 150
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Barge
Surface
Surface
Yield Location
Ruby
Mike Event Crater
Mike Event Crater
18 KT Yvonne, north end
Yvonne, 4000' SW
1.37 MT Gene
James, 1.4 mi S
Yvonne, 2075' SW
Janet, 6000' SW
Yvonne, 3000' SW
Janet, 4000' SW
Yvonne, 4000' SW
Glenn, 1.4 mi N
Janet, 6000' SW
Yvonne, 2000' SW
Janet, 4000' SW
8.9 MT Alice, 3 mi SW
Yvonne, 2000' SW
Janet, 4000' SW
Yvonne, 560' SW
Yvonne, 12000' W
Janet, 4000' SW
Janet, 8500' SW
Yvonne, middle
Yvonne, middle
-5-
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The zero points are located on the appropriate figures in each island report. Where these points
have special impact, the report for that island will speak to that impact. General considerations
which should be related to single shot zero points include:
that shot contaminated debris may remain in the area as rigorous cleanup to prepare for
succeeding shots was not necessary and often cursory cleanup included dozing
contamination into the GZ area, particularly if there was a crater or depression, and
covering the area with 'clean1 soil.
Some considerations for multiple shot points and islands having multiple zero points are:
That GZ areas were scraped, dozed and agitated in preparation for succeeding shots;
new borrow pits were dug and perhaps old ones buried in the engineering process, thus
burying contaminated material;
cable trenches were reexcavated for cable replacement and contaminated material may
have been introduced when the trenches were re-covered (e.g., Janet and Sally);
contaminated soil was covered with clean soil to reduce personnel exposures;
and, useable scientific stations were rehabilitated which may have required earth moving.
These considerations describe actions which are suspected because of experimental designs or the
recollection of persons present at the time. If they were recorded, the records are now lost.
Knowledge of high activity alpha sources appears more complete than gamma and beta sources;
however, field instruments for detecting alpha activity were not well advanced in the
1950's—particularly the early 1950's—and some sources could have escaped notice.
Each island's Fact Book report contains figures which in turn contain much information important
to cleanup. The figures are probably the most useful section of each report. The original copy for
most of the figures comes from the Engineering Study for a Cleanup Plan.1 In some cases
sketches are provided which were drawn from figures dating back to the time of testing or from
1972 aerial photos. To each figure has been added information pertinent to radiological cleanup.
Zero points have been identified. Known or suspected sites where contaminated material is buried
are noted. The maximum exposure rate as measured in 1972 with a Na(Tl)I scintillator survey
instrument held at 1-m height is shown in the approximate location where the reading was taken.
Maximum concentration values for 90Sr, 60Co, 239pu> g^ 137cs are shown for surface to
15-cm soil samples in the area where the sample was collected. Due to the heterogeneity of this
radionuclide mix, these values may not exist coincidentally. Where 239pu concentrations are in
the tens of pCi/g or show unusual trends, sample locations are "shown and numbered as in NVO-140.
Other references to sample locations by number are also as identified in NVO-140. In most cases
the graphical representation of the above four radionuclides for the soil profile at that location is
also shown. Only in a couple of cases is the exposure rate of contaminated material shown, as a
resurvey and classification of debris will be conducted prior to the cleanup operation. In cases
•^Figures in the Cleanup Plan are revisions of topographic maps prepared for the Atomic Energy
Commission by Holmes & Narver in 1959.
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where radio-contaminated debris is suspected but has not been reported elsewhere, this will be
noted on the figure or in the narrative. Additional notes are made for points where a new look for
contamination may be in order such as the drain outfall of the aircraft decontamination facilities
on Fred (Enewetak) or the laboratory buildings on Elmer (Medren). A single line note of the opted
use limits for rehabitation of Enewetak is included on the individual island figures. Of five
proposed cases for rehabitation, Case 3 is considered most practical. In summary Case 3 specifies:
1. Pu cleanup to ERDA2 guidelines on IRENE, PEARL and YVON NE.
2. No restrictions on fishing.
3. All radioactive scrap to be cleaned up from all islands.
4. Physical hazard and obstructive debris cleanup on all islands.
5. Living on southern islands, ALVIN through KEITH.
6. Subsistence agriculture limited to southern islands, plus KATE through WILMA, except that
pandanus and breadfruit are limited to the southern islands.
7. No restrictions on travel except YVONNE pending cleanup.
The individual island figures specify the available uses but must be related to the above. For
example, "Birds, eggs, subsistence and commercial agriculture" as noted for PEARL specifies that
the island will be used only for harvesting wild birds and eggs and growing subsistence foods and
commercial coconuts but excludes growing or using pandanus or breadfruit. Where these plants are
included "unlimited agriculture" will be noted. Where Pu is noted as a Case 3 limit, the
interpretation is that plutonium must be cleaned up to OPLAN 600-77 guidelines.
In the following text, islands are ranked in terms of "total H+l hour exposure rate received," as a
crude effort to estimate the relative amount of fallout deposited on each island. This is a
technique devised by Lynch and Gudiksen, originally published in NVO-140, pp. 81-83. They
normalized early time radiation readings to H+l hour values and summed contributions from all
nuclear tests on the atoll to arrive at a "total H+l hour exposure rate received" value for each
island. The relative rank assigned each island is stated in the discussion for that island.
2Energy Research and Development Administration, formerly Atomic Energy Commission and
later Department of Energy.
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June 16, 1977
Site Name: ALICE
Board of Geo.: BOGALLUA
Marshallese: BOKOLUO
ALICE is the north western most island of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of 22 acres (8.9 hectares).
ALICE was not the site of any nuclear explosions; however, ranks 9th of the Atoll islands in total
H+l hour exposure rate received with 3,383 R/h. ALICE was the site of scientific stations and a
steel mat landing strip. Much of the debris remains.
The maximum exposure rate measured in 1972 (NVO-140) was 170 uR/h at 1 m above the surface in
the eastern interior of the island. Radioactivity in soil is fairly homogenous throughout the island
and generally decreases with depth. The mean and range of observed activities exhibited by the
surface samples for the following radionuclides are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Range
14 - 430
5.6 - 141
239Pu 12 3.9 - 68
60Co 5.9 1.4 - 33
Soil sampling locations 23 and 25 (See Figure 2) near the northern edge of the island do not show a
decrease with depth to the maximum sampled depth of 30 cm. This is likely a result of earth
moving activities in the area of location 25 and wave disturbances in both. The 239pu ieve\ was
less than 10 pCi/g from the surface to 30 cm in each case.
There are no known burials of radiocontaminated materials on ALICE. Scrap material on the island
has been inconclusively classified as uncontaminated within the background levels of the island
with the exception of a wrecked M-boat on the lagoon beach near the east end of the island.
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CASE 3: BIRDS, EGGS, PICNIC
Sr-90: 43OpCi/g
Co-60: 24 pCI/g
Ci-137:141 pCI/g
Pu-239: 68 pCI/g /
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 23
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 25
M BOAT
8 mR/hr
FIGURE 2. SITE ALICE
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123
48
26
10
14
14
7.2
3.1
- 670
- 170
- 130
- 30
June 16, 1977
Site Name: BELLE
Board of Geo.: BOGOMBOGO
MarshaUese: BOKOMBAKO
BELLE is in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of 31 acres (13 hectares). The
island is vegetated from sparsely to very densely.
BELLE was not the site of any nuclear explosions; however, ranks 10th of the Atoll islands in total
H+l hour exposure rate received with 3,382 R/h. BELLE was the site of a few scientific stations
during nuclear test operations.
The maximum exposure rate measured in 1972 (NVO-140) was 200 uR/h at 1 m above the surface in
the northern interior of the island (Figure 3). Exposure rates were generally an order of magnitude
higher on the northeast half of the island than on the southwest half. The mean and range of
selected radionuclides in surface soil samples collected from these area types are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
Areas of dense vegetation
9°Sr
137Cs
239pu
60Co
Areas of sparse vegetation
90Sr 44 35 - 130
137Cs 8.6 3.3 - 44
239Pu 11 5.8 - 26
60Co 4.6 2.4 - 9.6
It should be noted that 239pu fn the top 5 cm of sofl at locations 35, 37 and 100 are in excess of
40 pCi/gm; however, decrease rapidly with depth. Specifically the results are:
Location Depth (cm) 239pu (pCi/g)
35 1 62
3.5 200
7.5 140
20 11
37 1 130
3.5 9.3
100 1 220
3.5 56
7.5 9
No radiocontaminant burials are known to have occurred on BELLE and none is suspected. Scrap
material on the island is apparently not contaminated above background — 250 uR/h, surface
contact. The quantity of scrap is small.
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CASE 3: BIRDS, EGGS, PICNIC
GONE
FROM 1972 ~.
PHOTO-
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 37
Co-60: 30PCI/0
ppu-239: 100pCI/g G
1972
SHORELINE
FIGURE 3. SITE BELLE
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June 16, 1977
Site Name: CLARA
Board of Geo.: EYBBIYAE
Marshallese: KIRUNO
CLARA is in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of 7 acres (2.8 hectares).
CLARA was not the site of any nuclear explosions; however, ranks llth of the Atoll islands in total
H+l hour exposure rate received with 3,154 R/h. CLARA was the site of one large and a few lesser
scientific stations during nuclear test operations.
The maximum exposure rate measured in 1972 (NVO-140) was 100 uR/h at 1 m above the surface in
the western midseetion of the island (Figure 4). The mean and range of selected radionuclides from
surface soil samples collected from CLARA are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
65 13 - 310
26 5-6 ~ 13LO
239pu 22 3.5 - 88
60co 6.4 0.91 - 20
No known or suspected burial sites for radioactive materials exist on CLARA. The small quantity
of scrap material to be found on CLARA is apparently not contaminated above the island
background.
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CASE 3: BIRDS, EGGS. PICNIC
C*-137: 1 10pCI/g
Co-60: 2 O pCi/g
Sr-90: 310pCI/g
Pu-239: 8 8 pCI/g
.' LAGOON
n,wi». n.i< !• '.i
DIMNSI NUCIIAI AOINCY
HOMSf.MARVlR.INC.
INIWITOK ATOLl ClIANUP
SITE CLARA
FIGURE 4. SITE CLARA
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June 16, 1977
Site Name:
Board of Geo.:
Marshallese:
DAISY
IJDILBUT
LOUJ
DAISY is in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of 21 acres (8.5 hectares).
Vegetation on the island ranges from sparse on the lagoon side to relatively dense toward the
ocean.
DAISY has no surface ground zeroes; however, ranks 7th of the Atoll islands in total H+l hour
exposure rate received with 3,354 R/h. DAISY is relatively free of physical remains from nuclear
testing.
The maximum exposure rate measured in 1972 (NVO-140) was 140 uR/h at 1 m above the surface in
the western interior of the island in the thicker vegetation (Figure 5). The relative density of
vegetation appears to be proportional to residual radioactivity as shown below.
The mean and range of selected radionuclides in surface sou samples collected from these areas
are:
Radionuelide
Areas of dense vegetation
90Sr
Activity (pCi/g)
Mean
Range
239pu
60Co
Areas of sparse vegetation
90Sr
190
11
41
11
100
3.4
22
6.4
- 380
- 33
- 98
- 26
239Pu
32
3.8
15
0.85
16
0.86 -
3.8 -
0.37 -
120
9.0
33
7.4
Soil results from DAISY follow the premise that density of vegetation will be proportional to the
decrease rate of radionuclides in sofl with depth, i.e., surface levels may be higher in more densely
vegetated areas but the concentrations of radionuclides decreases more rapidly with depth.
No known or suspected burials of radioactive materials exist on DAISY. The small amount of scrap
material there is apparently not contaminated above the island background.
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CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. PICNIC
140uR/hr
Ci-137: 30 pCI/g
: 9OpCI/g
Co-60: 26pCI/fl
1972 /
SHORELINE ' —
FIGURE 5. SITE DAISY
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June 16, 1977
Site Name: EDNA
Other: SANILDEFONSO
MarshaUese: BOKINWOTME
EDNA is little more than a sandbar in the northern portion of the Atoll (Figure 6). Comparison of a
1952 topographic map and the 1972 photo from NVO-140 show that the island has undergone great
physical change.
EDNA has no surface ground zeroes. It ranks 3rd of all the Atoll islands in total H+l hour exposure
rate received with 9,533 R/h.
Of eight locations where soil samples were collected in 1972, the activities were:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
90sr 46 30 - 220
137 CS 4.2 2.7 - 6.4
239pu 18 13 - 24
60Co 0.43 0.33 - 0.63
Radionuclide levels are quite homogenous, horizontally as well as vertically, in the soil which is
likely due to wind and wave action on the small island.
No burial sites, contaminated scrap or structures are known to exist on EDNA.
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CASE 3: BIRDS, EGGS. PICNIC
PU-239
SR-90
CS-137
CO-60
EDNA
FIGURES. SITE EDNA
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June 16,1977
Site Name: FLORA and GENE
Other: ELUGELAB and TEITEIRIPUCCHI
FLORA and GENE have been blown away by nuclear explosives. For their sacrifice, inclusion in
cleanup treatises seems a small tribute.
Prior to OPERATION IVY, GENE through IRENE were four islands in a linear arrangement at the
north end of Enewetak Atoll. During nuclear test operations these islands were connected by
various syterns of causeways, pipelines and cables. Figure 7 shows their original configuration.
FLORA was the site of the MIKE EVENT of OPERATION IVY. MIKE was an experimental
thermonuclear device detonated October 31, 1952, which yielded 10.4 megatons. MIKE cast
FLORA to the winds; however, her location was to be used for many succeeding barge shots.
GENE, the site of one forward area camp, served as a work area through OPERATIONS CASTLE
and REDWING. As a result of the KOA EVENT, May 12, 1958, of OPERATION HARDTACK,
PHASE I, GENE followed FLORA into oblivion. No radiological measurements have been made of
these two areas in recent years. No estimate of cleanup, if any is warranted, has been made other
than that incorporated with IRENE. Pipelines ran from IRENE to both MIKE and KOA and some of
that debris may remain on the reef.
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N
FLORA.GENE
FROM \9UU DATA
FIGURE 7. SITES WHERE FLORA, GENE AND HELEN FORMERLY WERE. RELATIVE TO SITE IRENE
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June 16, 1977
Site Name:
Board of Geo.:
Marshallese:
HELEN and IRENE
BOGEIRIK and BOGON
BOKAIDRIK and BOKEN
The sites HELEN and IRENE are the northernmost islands in Enewetak Atoll. HELEN has been
shown to have an area of 5 acres and IRENE has 40 (a total of 18 hectares). Comparison of H&N
topographic drawings and a 1972 aerial photograph show HELEN as a sandbar extension of IRENE.
Reference to HELEN will include that land area west of E74,000 on Figure 8.
HELEN had no surface ground zeroes; however, the sandbar lies between and near many event
sites. It ranks 5th of the Atoll islands in total H+l hour exposure rate received with 5,277 R/h.
The maximum exposure rate measured in 1972 (NVO-140) was 8 uR/h at 1 m above the surface.
IRENE was the site of the SEMINOLE EVENT executed on June 6, 1956 as part of OPERATION
REDWING. A large water-filled crater remains from that event. IRENE was affected by the MIKE
and KOA thermonuclear events as well as other events conducted in the MIKE CRATER. In
summary, events of direct influence to HELEN and IRENE are:
Operation/Event Name
IVY
CASTLE
REDWING
MIKE
NECTAR
SEMINOLE
APACHE
HURON
HARDTACK, KOA
PHASE I
Date
(GCT)
10/31/52
5/13/54
6/6/56
7/8/56
7/21/56
5/12/58
Location
FLORA
MIKE CRATER
IRENE
MIKE CRATER
MIKE CRATER
GENE
Type
Surface
Barge
Surface
Barge
Barge
Surface
As a result of these and 18 other events, IRENE ranks 4th of the Atoll islands in total H+l hour
exposure rate received with 6,184 R/h.
Extensive construction activities which involved the erection of test structures and the movement
of large amounts of earth as well as blast effects and wave inundation have significantly altered
the physical characteristics of the island. The radiological condition of the island is complex as
NVO-140 shows.
The geographical distributions of the surface activities of radionuclides in soil are relatively
heterogenous. Elevated 239pu> 90sr, and ^Co activities appear immediately east and north
of the SEMINOLE CRATER; however, !37Cs seems to be most abundant within the central
portions of the present land mass. The activities of various radionuelides distributed over the
island to a depth of 15 cm (including the beaches) are:
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Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
90Sr 30 5.9 - 570
137Cs 3.2 0.22 - 41
239Pu 11 2.4 - 280
5.4 0.12 - 520
239pu activities of about 100 pCi/g to depths as much as one meter have been identified for
several areas on the island. These areas are cross-hatched on Figures 9 and 10.
Scrap material and debris are scattered throughout the area of IRENE, both on land and on the
surrounding coral. Because of the extensive activities there during these test operations, more will
be found. For example, a below-grade structure near IVY Station 600 was not surveyed in the
Engineering Study for a Cleanup Plan, but should still be in place. Much of the debris is
contaminated. Differentiation of what is and what is not comtaminated is difficult in the
heterogenous background of the island.
No burial site created specifically for the disposition of radioactive materials is known to exist on
IRENE; however, large amounts of contaminated soil and perhaps debris are suspected to be buried
in the central portion of the island. It is know that throwout from the SEMINOLE EVENT was
bulldozed aside from the crater to IVY Station 200 to provide line-of -sight (LOS) from that station
to the MIKE CRATER. Similar action was probably necessary to construct an LOS pipe from
HARDTACK Station 1410 to the KOA EVENT. Steel pilings from that pipeline are still in place.
-21-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. PICNIC
t H PILINGS FROM t
PIPELINE TO
SITE GENE,
KOA EVENT
25uR/hr
Cs-137: 1.3 pCI/g
Pu-239: 8.1 pCI/g
Co-60: lOpCI/o
8 uR/hr
C«-137: 1.8pCI/o
Pu-239: 7.8 pCI/g
Co-60: 2.OpCI/g~
Sr-90: 3OpCI/g
INSET
BARGE EVENTS IN MIKE CRATER
NECTAR
HURON
APACHE
CiftMt «JM
IMS DMlli« IS * KnUUTKU OF t ItfoeUFHlC
ftf ntrw.0 l Ulll I X 1
FIGURE 8. SITES HELEN AND IRENE, SHEET 1 OF 3
-------
Pf-239 GREATER THAN 100 pCi/g UP TO 1 METRE DEPTH (NVO-140)
BORROW AREA FOR
CAUSEWAV TO FLORA
FOR MIKE EVENT
Co-60: 45pCI/g
Sr-90: 79 pCI/g
Ci-137: 37 pCI/g
Pu-239: 4 8 pCI/g
LINE - SEE SHEET 3
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 27 d
e
CO-60
O Sr-90
O Cf-137
Pu-239
2O 40
0»pth-cm
INIWITOK ATOll CUANUP
SITE HELEN ft IRENE
r» MIII I •* «
FIGURE 9. SITES HELEN AND IRENE, SHEET 2 OF 3
-------
1000-
20 Depth-cm 30
1O Depth-cm 20
?f)ll SAMPLE LCCATION 100
V/
Sr-90:150pCi/g
2SOpCI/g
:520pCI/g
SEMINOLE EVENT
CRATER
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 48
PU-239 GREATER THAN lOOpCi/g UP TO 1 METRE DEPTH (NVO-140)
FIGURE 10. SITES HELEN AND IRENE. SHEET 3 OF 3
-------
August 12, 1977
Site Name: JANET
Board of Geo.: ENGEBI
Marshallese: ENJEBI
JANET is the second largest island in Enewetak Atoll and the largest island in the northern part of
the Atoll. JANET has an area of 290 acres (117 hectares) and is the former residence of the
driEngebi people.
JANET exhibits extensive evidence of the conflict there in World War n and its use as a nuclear
proving ground. With the exceptions of FRED and ELMER, JANET contains the largest amount of
uncontaminated debris from nuclear testing.
Three nuclear detonations occurred on the surface of JANET and seven occurred in the lagoon
nearby as indicated on Figure 11.
Operation/Event Name Date Type & Height Yield
(GCT) (ft) of Burst
SANDSTONE/X-RAY 4/14/48 Tower, 200' 37 KT
GREENHOUSE/EASY 4/20/51 Tower, 300' 47 KT
ITEM 5/24/51 Tower, 200'
HARDTACK I/YELLOWWOOD 5/26/58 Barge
TOBACCO 5/30/58 Barge
WALNUT 6/14/58 Barge
ELDER 6/27/58 Barge
DOGWOOD 7/5/58 Barge
OLIVE 7/22/58 Barge
PINE 7/26/58 Barge
The barge shots were conducted in the lagoon bearing 235° and ranging from 4,000 to 8,508 feet
from HARDTACK Station 1312.
As well as the ground zeros of the three events above, JANET was the site of many instrumented
scientific stations. A large concrete building, GREENHOUSE Station 3.1.1 or the Multi-Building,
and a reinforced concrete bunker, HARDTACK Station 1312, which has 6-foot thick walls, are
among those still standing. The camp area at the southeast side of the island consists mostly of
concrete slabs in various states of deterioration. The compacted coral airstrip is overgrown as is
most of the rest of the island. These features, and various coaxial cable runs, are shown in
Figures 11 through 17 and summarized in Figure 18.
In addition, a High Energy Upper Stage (HEUS) rocket engine was tested on JANET in 1968. The
engine used a fuel containing beryllium. Unfortunately, the engine, after operating normally for a
short time, exhibited uncontrolled burning which resulted in destruction of the engine, spaUing of
the concrete on Station 1312 to which it had been attached, and contamination of the location by
chemical forms of beryllium. The contamination has been effectively removed by decontamination
and erosion such that there should no longer be a beryllium contamination problem on the surface.
Some beryllium may be detected on the interior southwest corner of the structure.
-25-
-------
As a result of fallout from 26 events, JANET ranks 8th of the islands in the Atoll for H+l hour
accumulated exposure rate with 3,501 R/h. The island was sampled extensively during the survey
reported by NVO-140 as shown in Figure 19. The radionuclides in soil measured in all of the
15-cm-deep surface samples (excluding beach samples) closely follow a log normal distribution even
though they were collected throughout the island from areas of widely differing vegetation
densities and after various mechanical actions on the island surface. The standard geometric
deviations were somewhat greater than other islands. Radionuclide concentrations exhibited by
these surface samples were:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
90Sr 44 1.6 - 630
137Cs 16 0.57 - 180
239pu 8.5 0.08 - 170
6<>Co 1.9 0.02 - 33
The geographical distribution of 90Sr, 137Cs, and 239pu> SANDSTONE
experimental islands. Metal fragments within 1000 feet of old zero points were higlU;, - mtaminated
AEC Task Group recommendations were general, and left considerable latitude for field
interpretation. The criteria referred to here were the 40,100 and 400 pCi/gm which were used
during the planning phase. For further discussion, see the Epilogue.
-26-
-------
and were removed by picking up pieces individually and ultimately dumping them at sea of more
likely in the lagoon. Identification of burial in the X-RAY crater should be possible through
excavation using the presence of mixed sand, paving, and concrete as physical evidence and
elevated levels of plutonium as radiological evidence.
The Environmental Impact Statement specifies two plutonium bearing "crypts" on JANET. These
two areas are designated on Figures 11 and 17, one near X-RAY GZ and one near ITEM GZ. These
are more likely land fill burials if they exist. No supportive evidence has been found.
The standard assumption of burial in the zero area applies for GREENHOUSE EASY and ITEM. No
specific burial information for these shots is known nor are other sites specifically designated for
radioactive disposal known to exist on JANET.
Although radioactivity levels in the soil are likely below those requiring remedial action, the
opportunity was present for burial or mixing of contaminated surface soil into underlying soil for
the many coax cable runs used on JANET. Their locations remain apparent as ridges of soil with
more dense vegetation than the surrounding area. Coax runs were as deep as 5 feet below grade.
Cables were excavated and replaced for succeeding operations. It is likely that surface soil was
intermixed when the cables were recovered. Although some salvage efforts have been made, some
buried cables probably remain. Cable burial also required borrowed fill which left borrow pits -
also a convenient receptacle for disposal. It is not known if these were used for disposal; however,
reports as well as interviews indicate that intraoperational cleanup activities occurred and their
methods were often governed by expedience.
Figure 16 shows a water well north of the runway near its east end. Cleanup calls for removing the
contaminated above-ground structures from the well and plugging the 16-inch casing. This well
should be reconsidered for future use as a sampling source or irrigation source. Also JANET has a
well developed fresh water lens which should not be disturbed any more than necessary during
cleanup. This lens could be an important future resource to the northern Atoll.
-27-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS, EGGS, PICNIC
STANDARD ASSUMPTION OF GZ BURIAL APPLIES
SCATTERED
8RCKEU
iQNCRETE
TOBACCO,ELDER
DOGWOOD,OLSVE
FtGURE 1t. SITE JANET. SHEET 1 OF ?
-------
FIGURE 12. SITE JANET, SHEET 2 OF 7
-------
LAGOON *
FIGURE 13. SITE JANET, SHEET 3 OF 7
-------
/ •/ •£* / L
/ IT! »T»HC*U»» '
INIWI10K ATOll CIIAMU*
SITE JANET
FIGURE 14. SITE JANET, SHEET 4 OF 7
-------
\#fe
F«GURE IS. SITE JANET, SHEET 5 OF 7
-------
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 139
239:l7OpCI/g
I Sr-90: 630pCi/g ')
FIGURE 16. SITE JANET, SHEET 6 OF 7
-------
BURIAL
INDICATED
BY EIS
SOIL SAMPLE
LOCATION 901
SCATTERED
BROKEN
CONCRETE
1. FOR 6CMCKAL N07f» «l *HttT I.
CllfHIC ICUE
• «i m _ mn.
OlfINU NUClfAl ««INCT
HOWBtNMMRMC
INIWITOK ATOll
SITE JANET
Milt T W T
FIGURE 17. SITE JANET, SHEET 7 OF 7
-------
---ROAD
BURIED CABLE
• SOIL PCI/G
^MULTIPLE
BARGE
EVENTS
JANET
FIGURE 18. SITE JANET, PRINCIPAL FEATURES
-------
. •».»!•'
' " '• .;' 17
l;'.'A:^^,l?'*-^«'»'«<'
m.\*-^. ,^1~^ fl^r<*. -
1T26
FIGURE 19. SOIL SAMPLE LOCATIONS
-------
ITEM
100 metres
SOIL PROFILE LOCATIONS
D 0-45 cm
B 0-65 Cm
A 0-125 cm
& 0-185 cm
A) Pu > 40 pCi/g
FIGURE 20. Silt JANET. SOIL PROFILE LOCATIONS
-------
100
_2_ ; _ 1 - - ; 7J :. :. .r .; ;- , ,; ; j : : ; „• i j :JT_J. - • j _i * _ : ; I- i -4 .: j-.: \ . ^ ; .: - " _4- 5"-4-- - - -~~ '--'•'
,-rrA I--:.; -i ; l-?-i" --I j. --; .- 1 : ;-; » 1 -; i-^-r i ^r/livj i r. T.H-j-.{--4'H --fj. H r.-f ^j.-^.-^^r
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 21. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
u
0.001
60 80
Depth — cm
120
FIGURE 22. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
JANET p
LocaHon 136|
U
Q.
0.001
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 23. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
JANET
Lo cot ion 137 £
U
a.
0.001
60 90 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 24. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
u
Q.
• «
ts
60 90 120
Depfh — cm
180
0.001
FIGURE 25. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
u
<
30
60 90 120
Depth — cm
0.01
150
180
FIGURE 26. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
JANET
Location 140 f-f
OJ
U
D-
0.01
180
0.001
FIGURE 27. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
Q_
*«
u
0.001
180
FIGURE 28. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
o>
60 90 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 29. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
CD
U
a.
>
o
20
80
100
120
0.01
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 30. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
JANET
Location 144 '-
o>
u
<
0.001
30
60 90 120
Depth — cm
150
FIGURE 31. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
100
0.001
Depth — cm
FIGURE 32. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIOMUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
.-tt=H _ 137r = =
o Cs r:
O)
0.01
0.001
FIGURE 33. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
0.1
O)
a.
50
60
0.01
Depth — cm
FIGURE 34. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
July 22, 1977
Site Name: KATE
Board of Geo.: MUJINKARIKKU
MarshaUese: MIJIKADREK
KATE is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 16 acres (6.4
hectares). The island contains relatively open, sparsely vegetated areas over a large portion of its
interior and along the lagoon and north sides. The remainder of the island is covered with dense
vegetation.
KATE was used extensively for photographic purposes and effects on test structures during
OPERATION GREENHOUSE (Figure 35). There is a considerable amount of metal debris and
rubble on the island. No surface zeroes were located on KATE. The island ranks 15th of all the
islands in the Atoll with 1,753 R/h accumulated H+l hour exposure rate.
The results of analyses of surface sofl samples as reported in NVO-140 are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
Areas of sparse vegetation
90Sr 67 3.7 - 200
137Cs 24 18 - 37
239Pu 17 8.6 - 50
60Co 2.7 1.6 - 5.8
Areas of dense vegetation
90Sr 11 1.6 - 49
137Cs 4.8 1.8 - 16
239Pu 2.3 0.17 - 14
60Co 0.46 0.03 - 3.5
The depth distribution of activity compares to those obtained from more pristine areas; however,
grading and construction took place on the island during the weapons testing program. Scientific
stations for OPERATION IVY, for example, were constructed after three tower shots on adjoining
JANET.
No known burials of radioactive material exist on KATE. Scrap material has been classified as not
contaminated above the background level of the island.
-52-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. PICNIC, SUBSISTENCE & COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
50O
SOIL SAMPLE
LOCATION 24
22 uR/hr •
C»-137: 32 pCI/fl
-SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 24 taw
JH-SK.
Co-60: b.8 pCI/Q '••"•
*\ Pu-239: 50 pCI/B
Sr-90:20OpCI/g
l If UCOUNta HIT* T*
). m *«TM|» WOW » TflS 3M«iiN CCtS 4
V THIS IS WOW •* ''« **!«
li Bl [-6. t t H »M.Vt» 1WJ,
DlflNtl NUCIIAI AOINCY
O* !•'•«>•*> k < »*»»!
HQUMtSE.NAfMR.INC,
* roil
SITE KATE
FIGURE 35. SITE KATE
-------
July 1977
Site Name: LUCY
Board of Geo.: BILLEE
Marshallese: KIDRINEN
LUCY is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 19 acres (7.9
hectares). The island is covered with dense vegetation except in the southeast quadrant where the
cover is moderate.
This island was instrumented for biomedical studies and sampling during GREENHOUSE and held
some instrumentation for IVY and HARDTACK. Most debris which remains is in small pieces.
LUCY has no surface zeroes. It ranks 14th of all the islands in the Atoll with 1,776 R/h
accumulated H+l hour exposure rate which was contributed by 10 events.
Only a few soil samples were collected from LUCY because of the dense vegetation cover. The
mean and range of activities observed in the surface soil samples (23) collected were:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
90Sr 32 10 - 83
137Cs 11 2.2 - 25
239Pu 7.7 2.4 - 22
1.5 0.26 - 3.8
Profile sampling results indicate that higher concentrations exist in surface samples of less than
the standard 15 cm depth.
The profiles generally reflect a sharp decrease in activity in the top 10 cm (relaxation lengths of
about 5 cm) and a leveling off below this depth (Figure 36). Because of the relatively small number
of soil samples, the data was considered as a single population; however, the isoexposure contours
developed from the aerial survey measurements reflect lower exposure rates over the less dense
vegetation, i.e., the southeast end.
No radioactive material burial sites are known to exist on LUCY. Scrap and debris has not been
classified as contaminated.
-54-
-------
CASE 3 USE:
BIROS. EGGS, PICNIC
SUBSISTENCES COMMERCIAL AGRI
LUCY
Location 103
90
SOIL LOCATION 10
FIGURE 36. SITE LUCY
-------
July 22, 1977
Site Name: MARY
Board of Geo.: BOKONARAPPU
Marshallese: BOKENELAB
MARY is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 12 acres (4.7
hectares). Vegetation on the island ranges from sparse to moderate.
MARY was used for instrumentation during OPERATIONS GREENHOUSE, IVY and HARDTACK
(Figure 37). Structures of poor condition remain from those operations. MARY has no surface
zeroes but ranks 12th of all islands in the Atoll with 2,785 R/h accumulated H+l hour exposure rate.
The distribution of radioactivity is fairly homogeneously distributed throughout the island, with no
significant correlation between activity levels and the degree of vegetation in the vicinity of the
sampling locations. The mean and range of activities observed over the entire island, excluding the
beaches, are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
9°Sr
239pu
Some construction activity occurred on the island during the testing operations which may be
reflected in the dissimilar results of soil profile sample results.
No radioactive material burials are known to exist on MARY.
Mean
29
9.9
8.0
1.5
11
5.6
2.0
Range
- 140
- 26
- 35
0.74 - 4,
-56-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS, EGGS. PICNIC, SUBSISTENCE & COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 24
<•'
'••-./-— .;* B —
•-',•/ •- ""•'-. --W „
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 24
a Sr-90
O Ci-137
O Pu-239
SOIL SAMPLE
LOCATION 23
FIGURE 37. SITE MARY
-------
July 25,1977
Site Name:
Board of Geo.:
Marshallese:
NANCY
YIERI
ELLE
NANCY is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 11 acres (4.5
hectares). The island (Figure 38) is completely covered with dense vegetation.
NANCY has no surface zeroes and ranks 17th of all islands in the Atoll with 1,251 R/h accumulated
H+l hour exposure rate. Seven shots contributed this exposure. The island is reported to be clear
of debris from testing.
The radioactivity is fairly homogenously distributed throughout the island. The activities of
pertinent radionuclides reported in NVO-140 are:
Radionuclide
9°Sr
Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
36 16 - 110
239Pu
12
9.1
1.6
6.0 - 28
2.3 - 28
0.56 -
5.3
The depth distributions of activity as measured in soil profiles display a rapid decrease of activity
immediately below the surface (relaxation lengths of 3-5 cm) for locations sampled in the island's
interior. A beach profile from the western end of the island shows more homogeneity.
Plutoniom-239 was measured to be 42 pCi/g at 7.5 cm in this profile whereas the maximum of the
interior profiles was 35 pCi/g at the surface.
No radioactive material burial sites are known to exist on NANCY.
-58-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. PICNIC
Co-60: 5 . 3 pCI/o
Pu-239: 28 pCI/g
1 t 0 pCI/g
'HIS XMItt IS I «"DDUT1<1I T * rmnWiK
w mfMti«» wms i *ttvi». itt, i» 1^1, »ot T
t.S. 4rOPIf £*»tr CJ»fSI)A *K»,'(>*S. attUJSi
<*S itvisiw! ta/f N^ va ;i »(":*r.*.',u .n» i«t
u*'» c mn: nL»i'< lit Jini'j. IUCUM WICT
MI*»*UAI1llt
NUClIAft AOINCT
HOUVCSE.WJtViR.VC.
INIWITOK ATOIL CLIANUP
SITE NANCY
FIGURE 38. SITE NANCY
-------
July 25, 1977
Site Name: OLIVE
Board of Geo.: AITSU
Marshallese: AEJ
OLIVE is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 40 acres (16
hectares). Vegetation on the island ranges from sparse to dense.
OLIVE has no surface zeroes and ranks 16th of all islands in the Atoll with 1,252 R/h accumulated
H+l hour exposure rate. Twelve events contributed to this exposure. Only one structure, a
recording bunker for OPERATION CASTLE, exists on the island.
Soil sample results for OLIVE have been divided into areas where vegetation was sparse and more
dense. The radionuclide concentrations reported in NVO-140 for these areas are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
Areas of dense vegetation
90Sr 22 4.6 - 70
137Cs 8.5 3.5 - 28
239Pu 7.7 2.2 - 30
60Co 1.5 0.65 - 4.1
Areas of sparse vegetation
90Sr 4.5 2.0 - 11
137Cs 0.16 0.07 - 11
239Pu 2.8 1.9 - 4.1
0.11 0.05 - 0.31
The unusually large difference in the mean values of the two groups of data is probably due to the
fact that samples collected on or near the edge of sparsely vegetated areas reflect the lower
activities on the beach, and that a significant portion of the samples representing the densely
vegetated interior were collected in an area somewhat toward the ocean side. Aerial
measurements show this area had a slightly higher radiation level than the rest of the island. The
depth distributions (Figure 39) obtained within the interior of the island are quite similar with
relaxation lengths of about 5 cm.
No radioactive burials are known to exist on OLIVE.
-60-
-------
-CASE 3^ BIRDS. EGGS. SUBSISTENCE & COMMERCIAL AGRICULTUitt g 100
a
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 24
•J r—.—, \^»—• ^,, W'
^^O -•—-3?
c -O^ •rf---' \
FIGURE 39. SITE OLIVE
-------
Site Name: PEARL
Board of Geo.: RUJIYORU
Marshallese: LUJOR
PEARL is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 54 acres (22
hectares). The island is moderately vegetated.
PEARL was the location of the INCA EVENT of OPERATION REDWING. PEARL ranks 6th of the
islands in the Atoll with 4,329 R/h accumulated H+l hour exposure rate. This exposure was the
result of INCA plus 12 other shots. INCA was conducted on June 21, 1956, and produced heavy
local contamination on the shot island, however, did not delay preparations for the MOHAWK
EVENT on adjoining island RUBY. Four concrete anchor blocks are located on the northwest end
(Figure 40) around the INCA ground zero. Some debris from testing is located toward the
southeast end of the island (Figure 41).
The NVO-140 radiological evaluation was based on soil activities without regard to the degree of
vegetation. That evaluation divided the island data into a hot spot represented by five locations
and the remainder of the island. The mean and range of activities for soil samples from these
samples are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
Hot Spot
9»Sr 62 35 - 140
19 7.4 - 55
2,39pu 51 15 - 530
60co 12 3.6 - 70
Remainder of Island
9"Sr 17 3.2 - 61
137Cs 7.6 1.2 - 34
239Pu n o.85 - 100
60co 4.1 0.49 - 49
NVO-140 shows that the samples which are used to define the "hot spot" are closely grouped and no
samples were collected north toward the ocean beach nor within a hundred meters east or west
(Figure 42).
The depth distributions of these nuclides measured at various locations throughout the island show
relaxation lengths of the order of 5 cm except one location near the southeast end where the soil
activities are more homogenous with depth. The maximum value for 239pu at tnjs location is 24
pCi/g at 7.5 cm in depth. The graphs for the only two profiles with 239pu greater than 40 pCi/g
appear in Figures 43 and 44. Thirteen surface (0-15cm) soil samples showed 239pu
concentrations of greater than 40 pCi/g as may be noted on Figure 42 (NVO-140 Figure BIS.l.i.).
Gamma intensities, hand-held survey as well as aerial 60co> were highest in the area of the
INCA ground zero. Four hundred (400) uR/h was the highest rate recorded using the hand-held
meter measurement method.
No radioactive material burial sites are known to exist on PEARL; however as a surface zero exists
there it may be assumed that some activity took place during post-shot operations which may have
covered radioactivity to prevent personnel exposure or to aid recovery operations.
-62-
-------
\
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 45
Q
ff //' \ J J I / \ r ' ^~~-~^
//mi ^V£W-—• -^
W/J f }tV T .V^-^-.^-'N
//// / © I ( ) \ 5
\l v_^
Pu-239: 89 pCI/g
SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 101 O
/^
,^^\r
•-x-:::^
Pu-239:1 70 pCI/g
-, *'~ —
HOT SPOT (NVO-14O)
Pu-239:530 pCI/g
Sr-90: 140pCI/g
Co-60: 7OpCI/g
C»-137: 73pCI/g
TMI MMI« it t «Maucim or « r
•v ntMu n MUU i MMI, w. » )*», w m
1.1. JllVIK UUKT UBD1SIW- MIIIHU. •UI10K
M *miM WM. KUMM U (UOMK1 KITH IK
MI> ULiuni Htw ra wet WUM WKT
01JM» S**' It 1V1.
•MM !O) t««is M • msaiu«» IIUB
wu M tuts. MIII. in. mm M •KJIMJ
u m ajuatf fut. wun i. acttft* J.J
^-ttr : *"t*-T t_
MT KA>
> V
OiriNM NUCIIAI AOIMCT
HQUBtNAIMILWC.
INIWITOR ATOll CLIANUP
SITE PEARL
FIGURE 40. SITE PEARL, SHEET 1 OF 2
-------
lij
SEE SHEET 1 FOR RADIATION MAXIMA
rx
\ \
v \
i \
Pu-239: lOOpCi/g
V
DIFINil NUCUAK AOINCT
HQUMES t NARVERNC.
INIWITOK ATOIL ClIANUP
SITE PEARL
FIGURE 41. SITE PEARL, SHEET 2 OF 2
-------
OCEAN
NVO-14O HOT SPOT
17 10
18
14172.9
f / 4.8
. 03.7 ft- 81 85
1.9 0.88 83*'
"^^ 14 89 i6
6.5
GZ
5.3 !?22,7
LACVOOisl
| PEARL
FIGURE 42. THE AVERAGE 239Pu ACTIVITIES (pCi/gm) IN SOIL SAMPLES COLLECTED TO A DEPTH OF 15 CM
-------
10 20
Depth — cm
FIGURE 43. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1
30
Depth — cm
FIGURE 44. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
July 22, 1977
Site Name: PERCY
Marshallese: TAIWEL
PERCY is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll between LUCY and MARY. It has an
area of about 5 acres (1.9 hectares) and consists of a sandbar supported by coral shoals with little
or no vegetation (Figure 45).
The only structure on the island is an overturned submarine cable terminal box.
Results from soil samples collected at six locations sampled show the following activities:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
9"Sr 13 3.6 - 73
137Cs 0.94 0.12 - 17
239Pu 3.5 1.5 - 23
0.47 0.08 - 2.9
The depth distribution obtained from a single profile indicates that the maximum activity is
situated 3-8 cm below the surface with a rapid decrease from 8-20 cm. Plutonium-239 was
measured to be 90 pCi/g at 7.5 cm in depth.
No radioactive material burials are known to exist on PERCY.
-68-
-------
LAGOON
SAND
N
73 Sr90
17 CS137
SOIL CpCi/g)
23 Pu-239
2.9 Co-60
PERCY
FIGURE 45. SITE PERCY
-------
August 12, 1977
Site Name: RUBY
Board of Geo.: EBERIRU
Marshallese: ELELERON
RUBY was an island located in the northeastern portion of Enewetak Atoll. The original island has
been nearly destroyed as a result of nuclear testing. As a result two small islets exist. The islet
farthest from Site SALLY was identified as RUBY in NVO-140 and the islet at the end of the north
causeway from SALLY was included with SALLY. The Pacific Cratering Experiments (PACE) of
early 1972 contributed to this misnaming perhaps by grading SALLY and filling the area (an old
borrow area) south of the RUBY-SALLY causeway. Figure 46 shows the original land areas of
RUBY and the SALLY-TILDA-URSULA complex.
RUBY was the site of two nuclear events:
Name Date Type & Height
GCT (ft) of Burst
GREENHOUSE, GEORGE 5/8/51 Tower, 200
REDWING, MOHAWK 7/2/56 Tower, 300
GEORGE resulted in a large shallow, water-filled crater on RUBY. MOHAWK was detonated about
450 feet west of the GEORGE zero point and destroyed a major portion of the remaining island.
The remainder of this report will address RUBY as described in NVO-140. Readers acquainted with
the island's history may wish to refer to the Site SALLY report which covers the RUBY islet and
causeway still connected to SALLY.
Fallout from 16 events ranks RUBY 2nd of all islands in the Atoll in H+l hour accumulated
exposure rate received with 10,643 R/h. Most of the land mass receiving this exposure has been
blasted or eroded away.
The islet sampled in the radiological survey (NVO-140) showed radionuclide concentrations in soil
to be:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
9°Sr 12 7.1 - 63
137Cs 1.4 0.71 - 7.2
239pu 7.3 3.0 - 24
60co 0.93 0.29 - 16
In each case the maximum concentration occurred near the lagoon side of the island. The one
profile sampling displayed a homogeneous distribution with depth illustrative of hydraulic
influences on the small land mass. Soil concentrations are below remedial action levels.
Aerial photographs show some debris remains from testing and, although not so identified by
NVO-140, may be contaminated. That report designates RUBY as a burial site because two zero
points existed there. As water now covers these points, burial should not be assumed in the general
sense; however, a shallow water survey may reveal debris which may be contaminated.
-70-
-------
RUBY TO URSULA
OPERATION CASTLE. 1954
FIGURE 46. SITES RUBY TO URSULA
-------
August 12, 1977
Site Name: SALLY (ALSO SALLY'S CHILD)
Board of Geo.: A OMAN
Marshallese: AOMON
Site SALLY is located in the northeastern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 99
acres (40 hectares). SALLY is the northern island of the AOMAN-BIUIRI, or
AOMAN-BIIJ1RI-LOJUA complex as it was known by many during testing operations. SALLY was
connected to RUBY (EBERIRU) and TILDA (BIIJIRI) by causeways as shown in Figure 46. RUBY is
also referred to as Eleleron or Aleleron, a second Marshallese name. The user of this report should
acquaint himself with the preceding report for Site RUBY. The portion of RUBY shown on the
figures from NVO-140 and the topographic drawings used herein, (Figures 47-49) was subject to the
two shots conducted on RUBY, i.e., GREENHOUSE GEORGE and REDWING MOHAWK.
SALLY'S CHILD, included in this report, is a small islet on the reef east of SALLY (Figure 50).
SALLY contains three surface zero points. These plus fallout from 13 other events cause SALLY
to rank 13th of the islands in the Atoll for accumulated H+l hour exposure rate received with 1,981
R/h. The events conducted on SALLY are:
Type & Height
Operation/Event Name Date (GCT) (ft) of Burst Yield
SANDSTONE/YOKE 4/30/48 Tower 200 49 KT
REDWING/ YUMA 5/27/56 Tower 200
KICKAPOO 6/13/56 Tower 300
SALLY was used for various types of instrumentation during other nuclear operations. It was also
one of the sites used for the Pacific Cratering Experiments (PACE) Program in 1972 as evidenced
by the defoliated areas and small craters present. This excavation undoubtedly altered the
radiological conditions on SALLY; however, these activities were concluded prior to the
radiological survey reported in NVO-140. As a result of the PACE, the topographic drawings used
here do not show the appropriate roads, etc. for a large section of the island, nor do the drawings
show the area filled between RUBY and SALLY west of the causeway. From the 1972 aerial photo
in NVO-140, this area was apparently filled to a height greater than high water line and now has an
established beach. Soil movement was approximately as outlined in Figure 50.
The soil survey conducted in 1972 did not include sampling the areas excavated for the PACE.
These excavations included one and perhaps two ground zeros and their associated radioactive
burial sites (standard assumption burial). An exception is the 2 or 3 samples collected from the
beach of the filled area between RUBY and SALLY. The soil results below should therefore be
regarded not as a definitive statement of the radiological conditions of the island, but as an
indication of the activity levels which may be encountered. The radionuclide concentrations
obtained from the samples collected from the undisturbed (by PACE) areas on SALLY and SALLY'S
CHILD were:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
90Sr 8.4 0.87 - 140
3.0 0.03 - 30
239Pu 4.3 0.21 - 130
6°Co 0.54 0.05 - 69
-72-
-------
The highest Pu concentration on SALLY proper was 52 pCi/g near a suspected burial area. The 130
le was collected from the islet
measured on SALLY'S CHILD.
pCi/g sample was collected from the islet originally part of RUBY. Levels as high as 78 pCi/g of
239pu were measti
Correspondingly, the maximum background gamma rate (uR/h) at 1 meter was 10 for SALLY and
SALLY'S CHILD, while 110 was measured on the RUBY islet.
All the maximum activities in the above table were obtained from a single and only location
sampled on the northern tip of SALLY, the RUBY islet. This area should receive special attention
during cleanup surveys to assure representative assessment.
Profile samples collected at Locations 34 and 35 on Figure 51, near GREENHOUSE Stations 12 and
132a«5cb, respectively, indicate increasing activities to a depth of 60 - 150 cm below the surface,
while the distribution at Location 200, a less disturbed area 75 m south of 35, is essentially
homogenous to a depth of 40 cm. These unusual distributions may have resulted from mechanical
mixing of the soil due to construction activities during nuclear testing or the PACE program. Most
likely, the former for Location 34 and the latter for 35. The maximum 239pu encountered was
40 pCi/g at 123 cm depth at Location 35. Location 35 is 20-30 meters south of the YOKE GZ and
the activity there may be associated with YOKE post shot operations. Typically, paving material
around the SANDSTONE GZ's was pushed into the crater and covered. Presence of this paving
would indicate association with the YOKE shot.
The depth distributions measured at the remaining sites (Figures 52-56) throughout SALLY and
SALLY'S CHILD show the more conventional rapid decrease in activity with depth through the first
10 - 20 cm and leveling off in the rate of decrease below 20 cm. A thin surface layer exceeded 40
pCi/g 239Pu at Location 36 and at Location 46 (SALLY'S CHILD).
SALLY contains known plutonium burial sites as indicated on Figures 57-59. SALLY also contains
many possible burial areas, some of which may have been disturbed by the PACE Program. As a
result, cleanup surveys should include a careful assessment of the filled area between SALLY and
RUBY and the western beach of SALLY. In the period between the dates of the enclosed
topographic drawings and the aerial photos of NVO-140, the western beach has moved inland about
15 meters which places YUMA SGZ near the intersection of the beach and the vegetated island.
The most obvious burial is the alpha disposal site located between the manmade and natural
causeways which connect SALLY to Site TILDA, the island adjacent to the south. The site is
marked near its center with a concrete monument which states: "Contains plutonium contaminated
material and sand which is covered with two feet of earth fill." Each corner of the site is marked
by a 6-inch square concrete post. Each post is marked with its coordinates which are also shown on
the center monument. The quantity or activity of radioactive material contained in the burial is
not known.
Two other marked sources are known to occur at the KICKAPOO and YUMA SGZ's. These sources
are not likely burials or crypts by literal translation, but are more likely plutonium contaminated
concrete blocks which have been covered with 3 inches of uncontaminated concrete. Plaques are
affixed to these sources which state: "This three inch thick slab covers plutonium contaminated
concrete debris." Conversely 'it has been said that the "crypts" at KICKAPOO have broken open
and contaminated debris is exposed. Six such structures have been identified - 4 at the YUMA SGZ
and 2 at the KICKAPOO SGZ. From discussions held with test-era participants concerning the
KICKAPOO area, it is apparent that other debris in the area is also contaminated with plutonium.
NVO-140 reports a large suspected burial site which includes the YUMA SGZ and extends north
along the island's edge for over 100 meters. If this burial is found, it may be expected to contain
plutonium. If soil sampling Location 200 is indicative of the burial, the levels are low. Exploration
for definition of this suspected burial should continue from Location 200 to the YUMA SGZ.
-73-
-------
Operational activities during the nuclear test period may have created other burials, and the PACE
fill previously mentioned may be a sort of burial as well. Roll-up of the SANDSTONE Operations
included obliterating the visible effects of bomb damage to an extent which would prohibit
disclosure of classified test information. This included some bulldozing and blasting but no
intentional burial, fii preparation for Operation GREENHOUSE, decontamination of the
SANDSTONE YOKE crater area was accomplished. The area around the crater was scraped, the
material deposited in the crater, and thereafter covered with uncontaminated material. Other
decontamination included removal of the steel stumps and foundation of the YOKE tower and
gathering and dumping all debris remaining on the island. Metal fragments found within 1000 feet
of the old zero point were found to be highly contaminated so were removed by picking up pieces
individually and ultimately dumping them at sea. The standard assumption of burial around a SGZ
can be applied to all three on the island. There were also a number of coaxial cable runs on SALLY
which could have resulted in the burial of surface contamination. The locations of these and some
of their dimensions are included on Figures 47-49. PACE excavations may have erased evidence of
the cable runs shown; however, similar runs were made for the KICKAPOO event.
Preceding the MOHAWK event on adjoining RUBY, cables anchoring the remnants of the towers for
shots KICKAPOO and YUMA were cut and the towers were blown down by the blast from
MOHAWK. The final disposition of the tower material is not known. It may be found near the GZ's
and if so, may be contaminated with plutonium. Logically, the YUMA tower debris would be along
the beach southeast of GZ and the KICKAPOO tower debris would be strewn on the reef east of
that GZ.
-74-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS. EGG, SUBSISTE NCE & COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE (PU)
?u-239:130 pCi/g
Sr-90: 1 4 pCI/g
Cs-137: 30 pCI/g
Co-60: 69 pCI/g
11 0 uR/hr
-RUBY
SALLY-*
iMOHAWK •
4-
.xt
GEORGE
COAX CABLE
5* DEEP 8
'5' ABOVE
WATER LEVEL
•USED AS
BORROW PIT
NOW FILLED
CONTENTS
UNI\NOWN
HCLMfnfMJMHN
__*r._
•MtwiroK ATOU cti«wwr
SITES RUBY ft SALLY
FIGURE 47. SITES RUBY AND SALLY. SHEET 1 OF 5
-------
;:YOKE __...,
SUSPECTED BURIAL YUM'A
NVO-I<»0 '
SURFACE
Pu-239: 66 pCi/g
PLUTONIUM IN
vis CONCRETE SLABS-4
WITH PLAQUES
INIWITOK »TOU CUANUP
SITES RUBY ft SALLY I
••"• ' •" I
FIGURE 48. SITES RUBY AND SALLY, SHEET 2 OF 5
-------
SALLY'S CHILD
Pu-239: 4 4 pCI/g
Co-60: 3.3pCI/g
Ct-137: 20 pd/g
Sr-90: 89 pCI/fl
10uR/hr
FIGURE 49. SITE SALLY, SHEET 3 OF 5
-------
PACE excavation (May, 72)
FIGURE 50. SITE SALLY, PRINCIPAL FEATURES
-------
I
I
KICKAPOQ
9ALIV
5ALLY
*-••
D
_
&
4145.
' • • D.J
* . »» j
• •'
SALLY'S
CHILD
'-/
93310
;?.-••'£>••• • D
' PA.CG
YOMA
V.
•
37 .
i a , •>
(
-17 13
O O.
20
'
•-. ''-'V22
.
Q PROFILE SAMPLES (O-35 cm)
• CORE SAMPLES (15 cm)
•V»£
FIGURE 51. SOIL SAMPLE LOCATIONS
-------
o>
X.
*>
0.001
60 90 120 150 180
DepHi — cm
FIGURE 52. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
-I— : •:•'--. • • • \ . I . : : - j • tr ' • t~J • • ~ •- •
Depth — cm
O)
U
a.
180
FIGURE 53. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
O3
180
0.001
FIGURE 54. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
O)
0.01
Depth — cm
FIGURE 55. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
10
20
40
50
60
30
Depth — cm
FIGURE 56. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
O C £ AN
(GOOD CONDITION
SINGLE STRAND I3APBE.D
WIRE
FIGURE 57. SITE SALLY ALPHA DISPOSAL SITE
-------
OCEAN
PLUTONIUM IN
CONCRETE SLABS
FIGURE 58. SITE SALLY. VICINITY OF KICKAPOO GZ
-------
SCALt l"t Sort
PLUTONIUM I
CONCRETE
SLABS
RE.DWIWG VIIMA
STA. -a YUMA
PLAQUE
GOON
SITE SALLY
FIGURE 59. SITE SALLY, VICINITY OF YUMA GZ
-------
Site Name: TILDA
Board of Geo.: BIIJIRI
Marshallese: BIJIRE
TILDA is located in the northern portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 52 acres (21
hectares). TILDA is vegetated from moderately to densely.
TILDA is the location of numerous structures remaining from nuclear test operations. TILDA was
widely used as it connects by causeways to SALLY and RUBY, both of which were sites of nuclear
tests, and to URSULA, which was a forward area campsite. TILDA has no surface zeroes and ranks
18th of the islands in the Atoll with 774 R/h accumulated H+l hour exposure rate.
The radioactivity that is distributed throughout the island resulted primarily from devices
detonated on SALLY, the adjacent island to the north. The activity is fairly homogeneously
distributed throughout the island; however, a direct correlation may be made with the density of
vegetation present. The island is divided by an airstrip. The area north of the airstrip (Figure 60)
and on the lagoon (west) side of the north-south road is much less densely vegetated than the
remainder of the island. The following activities for soil reflect this difference in vegetation:
Radionuelide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
Areas of dense vegetation
90Sr 27 17 - 54
137Cs 8.4 3.5 - 20
239Pu 7.6 1.4 - 17
60Co 1.2 0.61 - 1.9
Areas of sparse vegetation
90Sr 8.7 2.2 - 47
137Cs 1.0 0.04 - 5.3
239Pu 2.5 1.1 - 34
60Co 0.37 0.21 - 1.7
The mean values vary by factors of nearly three or more between these two areas. This variation
was also observed in the aerial survey measurements. The depth distributions of activity vary
considerably throughout the island. In no case, surface or profile sampling, was the 239pu
concentration greater than 40 pCi/g.
No radioactive material burial sites are known to exist on TILDA. An alpha disposal site exists
between the manmade and natural causeways which connect TILDA to SALLY. That site is
described in the previous report for Site SALLY. Considerable construction activity has occurred
on TILDA which may have caused burial, mechanical or natural, or low level contamination, e.g.,
coaxial cable burials and the erosion of soil into old borrow pits.
-88-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. SUBSISTENCE & COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
_ ^
^Ci-137: 20 pCI/g
r
FIGURE 60. SITE TILDA
-------
July 28,1977
Site Name: URSULA
Board of Geo.: ROJOA
Marshallese: LOJWA
URSULA is located in the northeast quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 40.5
acres (16.4 hectares). Vegetation on the island ranges from moderate to dense.
URSULA was used as the shot camp site for the AOMON-BIJIRE-LOJWA (SALLY-TILDA-URSULA)
complex and much evidence of testing activities remains (Figure 61). By D+150 days of the cleanup
(approx. November 15, 1977), the island will house the forward base camp for supporting cleanup
teams B and C. URSULA has no surface zeroes, but received fallout from 12 events which rank it
19th in total H+l hour exposure rate received with 651 R/h.
The activities of radionuclides measured in soil (NVO-140) were quite low compared to those
measured on the more northern islands. The mean and range of activities measured in surface
samples collected over the entire island are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
9°Sr 6.8 2.0 - 19
137Cs 1.7 0.13 - 7.8
239Pu 1.3 0.26 - 7.3
60Co 0.31 0.05 - 1.7
Although cleanup shall consist only of removing physical hazards, URSULA has received significant
contamination as a result of testing. The LACROSSE EVENT on YVONNE contaminated the
SALLY-URSULA complex to the extent that roads were scraped to reduce exposure of personnel in
transit to work sites. The H+4 hour exposure rate on URSULA was 8 R/hr. No record of where the
scraped material was disposed of is available. The MOHAWK EVENT on RUBY produced
contamination which delayed recovery operations on the SALLY-URSULA complex for several days.
No radioactive material burial sites are known to exist on URSULA. Decontamination procedures
may have created accumulations of soil which would now show relatively low levels of radioactivity.
Some decontamination facilities will be operated on URSULA in support of cleanup operations.
-90-
-------
CASE 3_: BIRDS. EGGS. SUBSISTENCE & COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
FIGURE 61. SITE URSULA
-------
July 28,1977
Site Name: VERA
Board of Geo.: ARAMBIRU
MarshaUese: ALEMBEL
VERA is located in the northeast portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 38 acres (15
hectares). The island, densely vegetated, is outlined in Figures 62 and 63.
A small amount of debris remains from testing. A scientific station which housed animals for
medical research during OPERATION GREENHOUSE remains and is in poor condition.' VERA has
no surface zeroes and ranks 22nd of all islands in the Atoll with 270 R/h accumulated H+l hour
exposure rate.
The radiological contamination of this island from nuclear weapons tests is relatively minor
(NVO-140). The activities measured in soil are relatively low as follows:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean
6.3
2.0
2.5
0.30
1.
0.
0.
0.
Range
1 -
03 -
60 -
02 -
68
12
25
2.2
239PU
60Co
The highest 239pu values found were 35 pCi/g in thin layers from profile sampling. The depth
distributions of activity in soil show relaxation lengths of 2-5 cm near the northwest beach to 10-15
cm in the island's interior.
No radioactive material burial sites are known to exist on VERA.
-92-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. SUBSISTENCE & COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
A G o a si
SEE SHEET 2 FOR RADIATION MAXIMA
MATCH LIME ~ SEE <3HE&T Q
N
NUCLIAI A9IMCT
HaUCS i HMMKffC
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE VERA
FIGURE 62. SITE VERA, SHEET 1 OF 2
-------
O C 6 A Kl
V \ '.
Pu-239: 2 5 pCI/g \
Ct-137: 12pCI/Q)
Sr-90: 68 pCI/g
Co-60: 2.2pCI/g •
IS? \'- <
MATCH LINE - SEE SHEET I
INIWITOK AIOll
SITE VERA
FIGURE 63. SITE VERA, SHEET 2 OF 2
-------
INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE
-95-
-------
July 28, 1977
Site Names WILMA
Board of Geo.: PDRAI
Marshalleses BILLAE
WILMA is located in the northeast portion of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 16 acres (6.4
hectares). The island is densely vegetated.
Eight scientific stations with a moderate amount of debris remain on WILMA (Figure 64). WILMA
has no surface zeroes and ranks 21st among islands of the Atoll with 294 R/h accumulated H+l hour
exposure rate.
The radiological contamination of the island is similar to neighboring VERA. The following data
were obtained from surface soil samples collected.
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
239Pu
Mean
3.3
1.3
1.1
0.12
Range
0.26 -
0.31 -
0.1 -
0.01 -
13
7.2
5.3
0.7
The profile samples collected at several sites throughout the island display similar depth
distributions with relaxation lengths of 10 - 15 cm. No 239pu concentrations exceeded 8 pCi/g.
No radioactive material burial sites are known to exist on WILMA.
-96-
-------
CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. SUBSISTENCE * COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
-«r>5
£s»s2i=-
Pu-239: 5.3pCVa^
Sr-90: 19 pCI/g
Ct-137:3.8
Co-60: 0. 7pCI/g
tf KML MILS
THIS HWING IS A KHOOLtlH* OF A 10M6WPHIC
MP MKfMED IT MUCS 1 NMNtl. IK. IN 1MT, flM T*
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MD HYJS1WJ W« HOI HUE M UUMDNia NIIH THE
MTU caucTtt put IK i* otrtna *cu« MKIKT
UIMUP Wrtl" !« 1S73,
KUAK (Q) snwu w.«disaojuous inns
UCH U U»S, DCMU, ETC. THES W DtSCHKB
u ME CU«MT KJW, mure I. stniou 1.2
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tma TME cauiiriM *i THE Tift or TV CUMUP
sunn, THIS it SHOW «Tit *M«L n
TMEH n E.C. 11. i* KWN* »
Ml A
•IflNM NUCIIAI AOINCT
mit*n*v*m, »i *•»»>
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE WILMA
FIGURE 64. SITE WILMA
-------
July 5, 1977
Site Name: YVONNE, SOUTH
Board of Geo.: RUNIT
Marshallese: RUNIT
Site YVONNE is reported in two sections. Information in this section applies to the portion of the
island south of the cleanup hotline to be established at Station 1310, REDWING and HARDTACK.
This portion will be called SOUTHERN YVONNE.
YVONNE has an area of 91 acres (37 hectares). Less than half of the island is south of Station 1310.
SOUTHERN YVONNE was the location of one nuclear experiment, ERIE, detonated May 30, 1956,
on a 300-foot tower north of the aircraft runway. The OSAGE event of June 16, 1956, was
airdropped and detonated approximately 670 feet over Station 1310 (Figure 65). Seven barge
events were conducted in the lagoon near YVONNE and five surface shots were executed on
NORTHERN YVONNE.
YVONNE received the most severe radiological dose of any island within the Atoll — 62,849 R/h
accumulated H+l hour exposure rate. The greatest insult occurred to the northern portion.
Radioactivity measured in soil samples collected from SOUTHERN YVONNE (Figures 65-67)
indicate that the geographical distribution of activity within the top 15 cm is rather uniform;
however, somewhat higher values appear preferentially within the area immediately north of the
runway. The geometric mean and the range of selected radionuclides measured within the top
15-cm layer are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
90Sr 1-7 0.09 - 20
137 Cs 0.40 0.02 - 3.6
239pu 3.2 0.02 - 50
60Co 0.64 0.01 - 20
Plutonium is generally homogenous and low-level or decreases quite rapidly with depth with an
exception in the ERIE GZ area. Soil sampling location 61 may have been situated in a highly
disturbed area as explained below.
The ERIE device produced heavy contamination on YVONNE. The behavior of the device was such
that much debris remained in the GZ area. Also ERIE was heavily instrumented to evaluate
weapons effects on missile structures and materials. Six arrays of test specimens were arranged
west of the air zero at 45 degrees from horizontal and below air zero such that the specimens
would impact west of ground zero. Specimens were recovered as far as 450 feet from ground zero
and generally from northwest through southwest and at depths of tq> to five feet. It is reported
that earth was excavated up to six to eight feet deep and that 100,000 cubic yards of earth was
moved in the recovery operations. Not all specimens were recovered; however, should any be found
during cleanup, no significant radiological hazard would be expected. The recovery procedure
involved making 6-inch cuts with a "carry-all" and spreading the earth in 2-inch layers. The earth
was removed from the impact area and spread in a pattern about 300 feet long and three swaths
wide (about 24 feet) northwest of GZ. The soil was piled along the ocean side of the island. The
pile was later returned to the impact area and the area graded (1957). The exact boundaries of the
excavation are unknown and core sampling may be necessary to fix its location. The missile impact
area is noted on Figure 66.
-98-
-------
Other than the two items below, no burials specifically for disposing of radioactive debris are
known to exist on SOUTHERN YVONNE. It may be assumed that debris was buried in the
immediate GZ area during post-shot operations.
A jar containing sand contaminated with high activity plutonium may be found buried at the left
side of the south entrance to Station 1310.
A small (15 x 15-ft) fenced area immediately north of the approach end of the runway may be
found to contain a box which contains some contaminated material. This material includes
activated metal, contaminated sand in a jar, a small disk with high alpha activity and a small disk
with an exposure rate of 100 mR/h. A large portion of the scrap metal and debris between Station
1310 and the runway is contaminated. The highest exposure rate (60 mR/h) reported in NVO-140 is
for the pile of rubble on the reef north of the runway and the ERIE GZ.
Early cleanup operations to occur on SOUTHERN YVONNE should be initiated carefully and with
the knowledge that 40 pCi/g plutonium levels exist in soil near the east end of the proposed hotline,
in the ERIE GZ area, and that any debris, surface or unearthed, may present a radiological hazard.
-99-
-------
NORTHERN'SOUTHERN
_YVONNE ' YVONNE
OSAGE
AIRDROP TARGET
LINDEN 2000*
SEQUOIA 2000*
HOLLY 2075'
BARGE EVENTS
RELATIVE TO
STATION 1310
BUTTERNUT 4000
INIWITOK ATOll ClIANUf
SITE YVONNE
*»•!! t»»
FIGURE 65. SITE YVONNE. SHEET 3 OF 5. SOUTH END
-------
// A,SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION 61
INIWIIOK AtOLl ClIANUP
SITE YVONNE
FIGURE 38. SITE YVONNE, SHEET 4 OF 5
-------
INIWITOK ATOll CUANUP
SITE YVONNE
FIGURE 67. SITE YVONNE. SHEET 5 OF 5
-------
July 18, 1977
Site Name:
Board of Geo.:
Marshallese:
YVONNE, NORTH
RUNIT
RUNIT
Site YVONNE is reported in two sections. Information in this section applies to the portion of the
island north of the cleanup hotline to be established at Station 1310, REDWING and HARDTACK.
This portion will be called NORTHERN YVONNE.
YVONNE has a area of 91 acres (37 hectares). About two-thirds of the island is north of Station
1310 (Figures 68-70).
YVONNE received the most radiological dose of any island within the Atoll — 62,849 R/h
accumulated H+l hour exposure rate. This total results from 24 events. Eleven events with direct
influence on YVONNE are listed below.
Operation/Event Name Date Type & Height
(GOT) (ft) of Burst
SANDSTONE/ZEBRA 5/14/48 Tower 200
GREENHOUSE/DOG 4/7/51 Tower 300
IVY/KING 11/15/52 Airdrop 1500
REDWING/LACROSSE 5/4/56 Surface
ERIE 5/30/56 Tower 300
BLACKFOOT 6/11/56 Tower 200
OSAGE 6/16/56 Airdrop 670
HARDTACK, PHASE I
CACTUS 5/5/58 Surface
SCAEVOLA 7/14/58 - Barge
QUINCE 8/6/58 Surface
FIG 8/18/58 Surface
Yield
18 KT
500KT
40 KT
18 KT
Location
north end
north end
reef,
north of
reef,
north end
near
airstrip
middle,
ocean
side
over
Sta. 1310
north end
560'SW of
1310
middle
middle
Seven additional barge shots were conducted in the lagoon near YVONNE as shown on Figure 70.
This fallout history plus construction and decontamination activities conducted during and after the
testing periods have produced a complex heterogenous radiological situation on the island.
-103-
-------
Events ZEBRA and DOG were typical tower shots for which instrumentation constuction and blast
damage contributed the most disturbance to the island. IVY, KING was detonated 2000 feet north
and 1500 feet above the island and was not a major source of radiological insult. The LACROSSE
event was detonated on a man-made island on the reef at the north end of the island. A very large
array of instrumentation was used which is still evident as rubble on the reef. Large amounts of
fill were used for construction which are now gone. Fallout from LACROSSE traveled northwest
and resulted in significant amounts of contamination on all islands north of YVONNE. The ERIE
event conducted on SOUTHERN YVONNE produced heavy contamination on the shot island.
Bulldozing operations were carried out in the BLACKFOOT tower area to reduce exposures to an
acceptable level for personnel requiring access to this area. BLACKFOOT also produced heavy
contamination on YVONNE but was limited primarily to the shot island and the Mack photo tower
located about 6.5 miles west of YVONNE in the lagoon. The OSAGE event produced no significant
contamination on YVONNE. The CACTUS event created a large crater which remains. The
highest gamma exposure rates from contaminated soil for the Atoll are found on the CACTUS
crater lip. Large piles of ejecta remain as evidence of the physical disturbance resulting from the
shot. The SCAEVOLA event was conducted on a barge 560 feet southwest of Station 1310. Heavy
contamination resulted to the areas near the barge. The barge was towed to sea and sunk following
the event.
Most notable in having created the alpha (plutonium) contamination on YVONNE is the QUINCE
event. QUINCE had no nuclear yield which resulted in the plutonium in the device being spread by
the high explosives. As the zero point was to be used for the following event, radiation controls
and decontamination procedures were effected. A full Radex area was established between
Stations 1310 and 1610 with a checkpoint at the personnel pier. An access road was bladed with a
road grader from the checkpoint to GZ including a 25 x 75-ft parking area on the ocean size of GZ.
Three to five inches of topsoil were removed with a skip loader and transported to the lagoon side
of the island. A sixty-foot square area at GZ was graded to 3-inch depth and the soil transported
to the lagoon disposal site. Contaminated equipment and debris was also disposed of at this site.
Other areas were roped off to prohibit access. The GZ was then used for the FIG shot. FIG
resulted in an elliptical crater 48 feet by 54 feet which was 9.7 feet below grade and had a lip of
3.6 feet above grade. A depression should remain from the crater.
In addition to the above, it has been reported that SANDSTONE roll-up included bulldozing
materials in the vicinity of the blast hut into the lagoon. In preparation for GREENHOUSE,
contamination was pushed into the SANDSTONE ZEBRA crater and covered with clean soil, and (by
private communication), bulldozers and front loaders were used to push the top 6 inches of topsoil
into the ocean — probably onto the reef. A stratum of contaminated soil 65 feet long and three
inches thick has been reported to exist on the ocean side of YVONNE from the QUINCE/FIG GZ
north. This layer was visible during visits in the early 1970's, however, recent visitors report it is
not distinguishable from its surroundings. Excavation may reveal that contaminated soil was
covered by plastic sheeting and clean soil to allow followup work in the area. The plastic was
supposedly used as a barrier to alert persons digging in the area that contamination was present.
Similar attention should be given to any area where plastic covering is encountered in cleanup
operations.
The radiological condition of NORTHERN YVONNE as shown in NVO-140 has been reproduced and
included in Figures 71 to 129. Exposure rates from rubble and scrap have been omitted as a
precleanup resurvey is to be performed for disposal classification. Scrap exposure rates of up to 3
mR/h were measured in 1972. As plutonium is the radionuclide of most interest in cleanup, it will
receive the most attention below. Except for the CACTUS crater area, the activities of 90sr,
137Cs and 60Co seem to be fairly evenly distributed throughout NORTHERN YVONNE.
Generally the $®Sr activities range between one and five pCi/g within the top 50 cm and less
than one pCi/g below this depth. The activities of 137cs and ^Co are similar in magnitude
and usually range between 0.1 and 2 pCi/g. Within the CACTUS crater area, the mean surface
activities of 9«Sr, 137 cs and 6nCo ^g generally an order of magnitude greater than those
measured throughout the remainder of NORTHERN YVONNE. Even though the geographical
distributions of these radionuclides are highly variable (near CACTUS crater), they do show
somewhat similar trends. For instance, if one proceeds outward on the two radials leading from
Location 142 on the crater lip, one encounters an approximate tenfold increase in activity levels
(averaged over 120 cm depth) in the vicinity of Locations 141 - 140 and Locations 143 - 144. These
activities fall off, however, as one proceeds to Locations 139 and 145.
-104-
-------
As explained above, the complexity of the radiological conditions on NORTHERN YVONNE was
produced by several nuclear events; most notable of these being QUINCE. Radiation surveys reveal
that the area is heterogenously contaminated with 239pu particles of various sizes up to
milligram-size pieces of plutonium metal. The area wherein these hot spots have been found is
shown on the enclosed figures. Hot spots found in the area were isolated using a FIDLER survey
instrument which can react to attenuated high energy gamma rays as well as gamma rays from
241 Am which exists with plutonium. Thus, the "hot spots" found on YVONNE are local
concentrations of radioactivity which, because of the history of the area, are probably, but not
certainly, plutonium.
The soil sampling plan of the Enewetak Radiological Survey (NVO-140) is shown in Figures 71 and
79. The corresponding graphs present the radionuclide concentrations measured in the soil profile
at each location. The plutonium profile data have been plotted in Figures 121-129, wherein the
profiles represent a section either across the island or through a portion of its length with the
locations presented in Figures 118-120. A significant portion of the activity is situated along the
ocean side of the island between Locations 104 and 117. Within this area, the activities generally
exceed 100 pCi/g to depths of 30 cm or more. These relatively high contamination levels appear to
penetrate furthest inland along the Location 112 - 116 cross section, as evidenced by activity levels
of greater than 100 pCi/g to depths of 50 cm at Location 113 and 10 cm at Location 114.
Elevated 239pu activities are also observed to a lesser extent along the lagoon side of the
island. Activities exceeding 100 pCi/g were measured to depths of 20 cm within a narrow strip
situated along Locations 111, 116, 120 and 125. An additional area of interest may be noted at
depths of 60-90 cm beneath the surface within the island's interior. A strip, estimated to be as
much as 100 - 200 feet wide, may be delineated at Location 110 and intersecting Locations 114 and
115. The 239pu activities generally exceed 10 pCi/g within the strip, with an observed maximum
value of 70 pCi/g.
The 239pu activities measured in the samples collected along the line running up the center of
the island to the CACTUS crater are significantly lower than those measured within the QUINCE
area. For instance, activities exceeding 100 pCi/g were measured only on the surface at Location
134. Except for minor variations, the 239pu activities range from 5 to 30 pCi/g within the top
30 cm between Locations 132 and 142. Slightly higher activities, however, were measured at
Locations 143, 144 and 146, along the CACTUS crater-to-lagoon cross section, where activities
ranged between 10 and 150 pCi/g.
These data have been interpreted at the 40 pCi/g concentration level and included on Figures
118-120.
Author's Note;
The above discussions conflict with information given in the section describing the events
conducted on YVONNE. Formal reports specify that contaminated material was moved toward
the lagoon. Informal sources as well as the above radiological survey information indicate that
seaward transport may have also occurred.
The only alternative is that the deep plutonium on the ocean side is a result of device material
or mechanical disturbance from the FIG shot — suggestions of little credibility. The elevated
levels of plutonium on the lagoon side would reflect the soil transport from the QUINCE GZ.
(end author's note)
In general, not only did YVONNE receive the highest exposure of any island in the Atoll, but
YVONNE was the site of the most shots and therefore the most physical alteration. It has been
said that probably all of YVONNE was at one time or another excavated to within a couple of feet
of the water level. As a further example, it can be seen in postshot damage reports that prior to
the HARDTACK OPERATION, Station 1310 was protected by a seawall and an earthen cover. By
the end of HARDTACK, the seawall was nearly gone and most of the earthen cover was missing.
This is illustrative of the effects which will be evident throughout cleanup.
-105-
-------
KING EVENT
1500' Airdrop
--96O'
LACROSSE EVENT
CACTUS EVEN
OCEAN
»•' *
A A SUSPECTED
T T BURIAL OF
DOG EVENT ZEBRA EVENT CONTAMINATED
DEBRIS
KNOWN Pu
1, lllli UMHlHG IS » dPtOWiCllOt I *
, m, in
S. AlWlt LKMY COWI^IW. UOIUOHS
O tvisiwi w*vi BILN nut iii «.co«a*a MIIH t«
utwtM i«t uftts nuc.au MUK.I
DfFINSf NUClIAft AGINCY
INIWITOK ATOll CUANUP
SITE YVONNE
FIGURE 68, SITE YVONNE, SHEET 1 OH 5
-------
SCATTERED RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
*- QUINCE-FIG RADEX AREA
FIGURE 69. SITE YVONNE. SHEET 2 OF 5
-------
EXPOSED PLUTONIUM"*
NORTHERN'SOUTHERN
YVONNE ' YVONNE
I
— QUINCE-FIG RAOEX AREA-* {
OSAGE \ I
AIRDROP TARGET \ "iK$Sf?'•"""-"
'\ T
PLUTONIUM BURIAL
LINDEN 2000'
SEQUOIA 2000'
HOLLY 2075'
BARGE EVENTS
RELATIVE TO
STATION 1310
MAGNOLIA 3000'
^ *. — — *
BUTTERNUT 1000
INIWITOK ATOlt
SITE YVONNE
»•» i»> min i ** 4
FIGURE 70. SITE YVONNE. SHEET 3 OF 5, NORTH END
-------
* TV : >-r«r'
\ -.•? ,* VsS-.'J*^
CACTUS I
r*
- . • ¥
».
."*, .
100 METRES ' •
I i . .-'.' i
Q PROFILE
LE SAMPJ^J£0..120 cm) .. *,$&&?. / 4.
^ -^yi^j -, >• i* ' • /• . ' »
^J^'V*^ 'J-'^t- ' "' *»K ' «• ' *^' '
-
-------
100
YVONNE
Location 140 !
0.001
40 60 80
Depth — cm
120
FIGURE 72. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
100
YVONNE
Location 141
a.
•«
"o
0.01
20
40 60 80
Depth — cm
100
FIGURE 73. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 142
80
100
120
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 74. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 143 I
01
20 40 60 80 100 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 75. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 144 Hi
80
100
120
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 76. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
TOO
YVONNE
Location 145
o>
U
a.
0.001
40 60 80 100 120
Depth —cm
FIGURE 77. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 146
40 60 80
Depth — cm
100
120
FIGURE 78. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
fgf " ••- ^v
•:; !
" 1 ' 1
' • •« .: :
'. •:• '•',•'•':••;,•
w • '
D PROFILE SAMPLES (O-120 cm)
FlGUHfc 79. SOIL SAMPLE LOCATIONS
-------
00
U
a.
o
20
40 60
Depth — cm
80
100
120
0.001
FIGURE 80. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIOIMUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
TOO
YVONNE
Location 102
0.001
100
120
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 81. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 103
0)
20
40 60 80
Depth — cm
TOO
120
0.001
FIGURE 82. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 104
-^^•y^—SL^ ~^=:^ -4- z.1—'-
-~-^^r~- ^g^T-—.'if-*—=?=;---
^i5MG^?3^
20
0.01
120
40 60 80
Depth — cm
FIGURE 83. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
_ YVONNE
-~pi Location 105
0.01
>
•*-
U
40 60
Depth — cm
120
0.001
FIGURE 84. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIOIMUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
^}-^M-:^^^ TOO
YVONNE
Location 106
137.- ==
Cs "
0.01
u
0
20
40 60 80
Depth — cm
120
0.001
FIGURE 85. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
0.001
60
Depth — cm
80
100
120
FIGURE 86. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 108
40 60 80
Depth — cm
FIGURE 87. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 109
(J
a.
o
0.001
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 88. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
f YVONNE Fjj
Location 110 FT^
40 60 80 100 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 89. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 111
0.01
100
120
60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 90. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
10,000
1,000
60 90 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 91. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 113
{--T±H--t±t-t--r-HH d
r -f-H—l -HiH-r H-H-HH
100
120
60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 92. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIOES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE |
4 Location 114 -1-
0001
FIGURE 93. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
0.001
60 80 100 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 94. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
10,000
t- YVONNE
Location 116
60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 95. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
10,000
1000
YVONNE
Location 117
90
Depth — cm
FIGURE 96. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
10,000
1000
YVONNE
L Location 118
a>
U
120
0.001
FIGURE 97. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIOIMUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
EE YVONNE
Location 119
U
a.
0.001
60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 98. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 120
40 60
Depth — cm
TOO
120
FIGURE 99. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 121
FIGURE 100. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 122
u
<
40 60 80 100 120"01
Depth — cm
FIGURE 101. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 123
60
80
TOO
120
Depth
cm
FIGURE 102. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
F Location 124 P
O)
tdO.OOl
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 103. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
TOO
10
u
Q.
40 60 80
Depth — cm
FIGURE 104. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 126
o>
U
a.
0.01
0.001
40 60 80 100 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 105. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 128
0 20 40 60 80 100
Depth — cm
FIGURE 106. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
,100
YVONNE
Location 129
20
100
120
0.001
40 60 80
Depth — cm
FIGURE 107. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
100
„ 90C ii
o Sr 5;
YVONNE £
Location 130
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 108. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 131
100
rt mo. 001
120
40 60
Depfh — cm
FIGURE 109. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 132
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 110. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 133
0.001
40 60 80 100 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 111. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIOIMUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
20
120
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 112. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 135
40 60
Depth — cm
TOO
120
0.001
FIGURE 113. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
100
0
20
TOO
120
40 60
Depth — cm
FIGURE 114. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Location 137
o>
u
JO. 001
40 60 80
Depth — cm
FIGURE 115. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
YVONNE
Local-ion 138
I?
u
Q.
t>
0.001
20
100
120
40 60 80
Depth — cm
FIGURE 116. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIONUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
1000
YVONNE
Location 139
0.1
U
a.
u
<
0.01
40 60 80 TOO 120
Depth — cm
FIGURE 117. ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED RADIOIMUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL DEPTH
-------
PLUTONIUM INFORMATION
MATCH LINE SEE INSET
CACTUS CRATER
OCEAN
PLUTONIUM GREATER THAN
40 pCix-g FOR DEPTH (cm)
SHOWN
1. THIS UHWIK IS » HWtOIXCfllH OF * JVOOUfHK
ttf PUMmO W HOUtS I MM*. INC. 1* 1W, FQ» THE
u.s. AWIC f*Kr caw six*. «CIN*S, IEUTIMS
*M irvuroNi HIK «t* wx IN jKiMAwa vim nc
MM cntucuo uinmc m ixrvw. MUCUM uuci
CltVHIP SUIViy IN W1,
HIADQUAITII*
DlFINiE NUCLIAt AOINCY
i. MUHIM ('.>: snvou *«t m Ntsacuwots trots
SUCH « suss. KMIS, etc, r«s <* atsc»/Kt
K DC CUMUP ftM, WLtfE I, SfailM ),?
INIWITOK ATOLL CLEANUP
SITE YVONNE
FIGURE 118. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM DATA, SHEET 1 OF 5
-------
PLUTONIUM INFORMATION
PLUTONIUM GREATER THAN
40 pCi-ig FOR DEPTH (cm)
SHOWN
FIGURE 119. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM DATA. SHEET 2 OF 5
-------
PLUTONIUM INFORMATION
^BLACKFOOT ,
GZ | o
O
FIG. 124
PLUTONIUM GREATER THAN
40 pCi g FOR DEPTH (cm)
SHOWN
PVK akNtKAL. M0TB4 4»h 4
DIIINM HUCUAt AOINCT
HOUBtUUMKNC.
INIWITOK AIOll CUANUP
SITE YVONNE
Mill I W I
FIGURE 120, SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM DATA, SHEET 3 OF 6
-------
104
Ocean
105 106
Profile location number
FIGURE 121. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
07FO- -1
0..3J
0_.03
OJ01
0^02
0.01
oToi
0.007
0.02
OJJ
0.04
0.01
0703
0.005
0.005
0.06
0.01
107
Lagoon
108
Ocean
109 110
Profile locaHon number
FIGURE 122. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
111
Lagoon
-------
Ocean
114
Profile location number
FIGURE 123. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
117
Ocean
118
120
119
Profile location number
FIGURE 124. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
121
Lagoon
-------
122
Ocean
123
124
Profile location number
125
3^0- TO
126
Lagoon
FIGURE 125. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
Depth —
cm
0.06
0^03
0.002
OJD1
0.007
0702
I
128
Ocean
0.005
0.003
0.001
0.001
129 130
Profile location number
FIGURE 126. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
0.37
oTo?
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I
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131
Lagoon
-------
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FIGURE 127. SITE YVONNE. PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
142
10
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Profile location number
135
134
133
132
FIGURE 128. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
-------
142
CACTUS Crater
Profile location number
FIGURE 129. SITE YVONNE, PLUTONIUM PROFILE DATA
-------
August 1, 1977
MINOR SOUTHERN ISLANDS
Site Name: SAM, TOM, URIAH, VAN, ALVIN, BRUCE, CLYDE, REX, WALT, GLENN,
HENRY, IRWIN, JAMES, KEITH.
These islands are located in the southeast and southwest quadrants of Enewetak Atoll. They are
grouped together for reporting because of their similar relatively low-level radiological conditions.
Figures 130-139 are included for the islands BRUCE, GLENN, HENRY, IRWIN, JAMES, KEITH,
REX and WALT.
Most of the islands in this group are small - some only 100 to 250 meters from end to end — with
very sparse to dense vegetation. For the group, the mean and range of activities obtained from the
15-cm-deep surface soil samples, including those collected on the beaches, are:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
9°Sr 0.52 0.03 - 3.9
137Cs 0.14 0.004 - 1.8
239Pu 0.07 0.004 - 1.1
60Co 0.06 0.007 - 63
The distributions of these radionuclides with depth display similar characteristics throughout these
islands. In areas of dense vegetation, the activities within the top 20 cm decrease relatively slowly
— relaxation lengths of about 8 cm. Profiles collected in open or sparsely vegetated areas
exhibited essentially homogeneous distributions.
Debris remaining on these islands is not contaminated.
Information given below is specific to the island named.
Site Name: SAM
Marshallese: BOKO
SAM is the nearest island south of YVONNE and has an area of 0.9 acres (0.4 hectares). The island
is about 100 meters long and has a few scattered plants. SAM was not used as a scientific site
during nuclear testing and is free of debris. The background gamma exposure rate was 1 uR/h in
1972. The mean surface soil sample concentrations of radionuclides was 239pu = o.09 pCi/g,
9°Sr = 0.72 pCi/g, 137Cs = 0.36 pCi/g, and 60co = 0.04 pCi/g.
Site Name: TOM
Marshallese: MUNJOR
TOM is adjacent to SAM south of YVONNE and has an area of about 1.8 acres (0.7 hectare). The
island was not used for scientific purposes during the test program. Vegetation covers most of the
land area in thick clusters. No test related debris exists on TOM. The background gamma exposure
rate was 1 uR/h in 1972. The mean surface soil concentrations obtained were: 239pu = g.08
pCi/g, 9°Sr = 0.72 pCi/g, 137Cs = 0.32 pCi/g, and 6<>Co = 0.04 pCi/g.
-164-
-------
Site Name: URIAH
Marshallese: INEDRAL
URIAH is located on the eastern side of Enewetak AtoU and has an area of about 3.8 acres (1.6
hectares). There is no record of the island being used as a scientific site during nuclear testing.
Remains of two structures exist in poor repair, a navigational beacon and a submarine cable
terminal box. The island is densely vegetated except for a few small areas. The background
gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was 1 uR/h. The mean surface soil concentrations of
radionuclides were: 239Pu = 0>08 pci/g, 90Sr = 0.45 pCi/g, 137Cs = 0.11 pCi/g, and 60Co
= 0.15 pCi/g.
Site Name: VAN
VAN is located on the east side of Enewetak AtoU and has an area of 6.6 acres (2.7 hectares).
Records show that the island was not used for scientific purposes during test operations. Dense
vegetation completely covers the island to the edge of the beaches. A large steel buoy in
deteriorated condition was located at the southern tip of the island in 1972. The background
gamma exposure rate for the island was 1 uR/h. The mean surface soil concentrations of
radionuclides were: 239Pu = 0>08 pci/g, 90Sr = 0.41 pCi/g, 137Cs = 0.14 pCi/g, and 60Co
= 0.09 pCi/g.
Site Name: ALVIN
Marshallese: JINEDROL
ALVIN is a small island located in the southeast quadrant of the Atoll. ALVIN has an area of about
2.2 acres (0.9 hectares) and dense vegetation covers most of the island. The island was not used as
a scientific site during testing. The background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was
luR/h. The mean surface soil concentrations of radionuclides were: 239pu = Q.OS pCi/g, ^Sr
= 0.44 pCi/g, !37Cs = 0.11 pCi/g, and 60Co = 0.68 pCi/g.
Site Name: BRUCE
Marshallese: ANANIJ
BRUCE is in the southeast quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 25 acres (10
hectares). There are remains of scientific installations on the island as well as a helicopter landing
mat. The island is covered with dense vegetation. The background gamma exposure rate measured
in 1972 was 1 uR/h. The mean surface soil concentrations of radionuclides were: 239pu = 0,09
pCi/g, 90Sr = 0.59 pCi/g, 137Cs = 0.40 pCi/g, and 6(>Co = 0.12 pCi/g.
SITE NAME: CLYDE
MARSHALLESE: JINIMI
CLYDE is also in the southeast quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and is the adjacent island north of
DAVID (JAPTAN). CLYDE has an area of about 3 acres (1.2 hectares) and is sparsely vegetated.
The island was not used for scientific purposes during testing and no debris is present. The
background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was 1 jiR/h. The mean concentrations of
radionuclides in surface soil were: 239Pu = 0.06 pCi/g, 90Sr - 0.23 pCi/g, 1
-------
Site Name: REX
Marshallese: JEDROL
REX is located about a mile west of DAVID north of the deep entrance to the lagoon. REX has an
area of about 5.3 acres (2.2 hectares). Vegetation ranges from sparse to dense. The island has
been used as an explosives storage facility. A quantity of dynamite was reported in 1972 to be in
an igloo at the northern end of the island. The remains of numerous other structures are present.
The background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was 1 uR/h. The mean surface soil
concentrations of radionuclides were: 239pu = Q.04 pCi/g, 90Sr = 0.51 pCi/g, 137cs = 0.51
pCi/g, and 60Co = 0.09 pCi/g.
Site Name: WALT
Marshallese: BOKANDRETOK
WALT is located near the north end of FRED (ENEWETAK). WALT has an area of less than one acre
(about 0.3 hectares) and is densely vegetated. During nuclear testing, the island contained a
navigational beacon, generator, transmitter and two-man accommodations. Debris remains from
these facilities. The background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was 1 uR/h. The mean
surface soil concentrations of radionuclides were: 239pu - g.04 pCi/g, 90Sr = 0.41 pCi/g,
137 Cs = 0.15 pCi/g, and 6nCo = 1.04 pCi/g.
Site Name: GLENN
Marshallese: IKUREN
GLENN is located in the southwest quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 41 acres
(17 hectares). GLENN is the first island west of the wide passage through the reef to the lagoon.
The island consists of two islets connected by a high ridge in the reef. The two land areas are
densely overgrown.
The island was used as a photo station and location for other scientific instrumentation during
nuclear testing. There are some derelict marine craft on the lagoon side of the island as well as a
large quantity of miscellaneous debris scattered over the island — principally on the west end of
the eastern islet. The UMBRELLA EVENT was detonated on June 8, 1958, 150 feet underwater
about 1.4 miles north of the west tip of the island.
The background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was IpH/h. The mean surface soil
concentrations of radionuclides were: 239pu = g.ll pCi/g, 9°Sr = 1.4 pCi/g, W?Cs = 0.60
pCi/g, and 60co = 0.21 pCi/g.
Site Name: HENRY
Marshallese: MUT
HENRY is located in the southwest quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 40 acres
(16 hectares). The island is heavily overgrown with dense vegetation. During the nuclear test
program, HENRY was used for various scientific purposes and a moderate amount of debris
remains. The background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was 1 uR/h. Mean
concentrations of radionuclides in surface soil samples were: 239pu - p.14 pCi/g, 90Sr = 0.75
pCi/g, 137Cs = o.25 pCi/g, and 60Co = 4.3 pCi/g. (Figure B.49.1.n in NVO140 shows a 6°Co
value of 63 pCi/g for one sample. The mean ^Co value excluding the 63 pCi/g is 0.07 pCi/g.)
-166-
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Site Name: IRWIN
Marshallese: BOKEN
IRWIN is located in the southwest quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 29 acres (12
hectares). The dry land area is covered with dense vegetation. A nominal amount of debris
remains from scientific measurements made on the island during the HARDTACK OPERATION.
The background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was 1 uR/h. The average concentrations of
radionuclides in surface soil samples were: 239pu = 0.14 pCi/g, 90Sr = 0.65 pCi/g, 137Cs =
0.12 pCi/g, and 60Co = 0.62 pCi/g.
Site Name: JAMES
Marshallese: RIBEWON
JAMES is located in the southwest quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 19 acres
(7.6 hectares). The island is densely vegetated. JAMES was used as a scientific site for
OPERATION HARDTACK. Some debris remains on the island as well as three derelict marine
craft rest on the ocean beach.
The WAHOO EVENT of OPERATION HARDTACK was detonated on May 16,1958, 500 feet underwater
1.4 miles south of JAMES.
The background gamma exposure rate measured in 1972 was 1 - 5uR/h. The mean concentrations
of radionucldes in soil were: 239pu = 9.08 pCi/g, 90gr = 0.59 pCi/g, *37Cs = o.09pCi/g, and
60Co = 6.5 pCi/g. (The mean 60Co value contains a datum of 46 pCi/g, ten times the next
lower value. Excluding this point the mean becomes 0.87 pCi/g.)
Site Name: KEITH
Marshallese: KIDRENEN
KEITH is located in the southwest quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 24 acres
(9.8 hectares). The island was used as a meteorological station during OPERATION HARDTACK.
The island is heavily vegetated including coconut and pandanus. The background gamma exposure
rate measured in 1972 was 1-2 uR/h.
The mean concentrations of radionuclides measured in surface soil samples were: 239pu = o.ll
pCi/g, 90sr = 0.88 pCi/g, 137Cs = 0.28 pCi/g, and 6(>Co = 0.17 pCi/g.
-167-
-------
CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
L^ Pu-239:0.22pCI/8t
Sr-90: 1.8pCI/g ~J
\J i \ ^-Vvf^ •'
,'K/jV^ f r 'V^/r T t1
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FIGURE 130. SITE BRUCE
-------
CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
FIGURE 131 SITE GLENN. SHEET 1 OF 2
-------
>--^Sr-90: 3.9 pCI/g .
.-Co-BOO.ZSpCI/g
•(riNII MUCIIAI AOIMCV
HOIniS t MUMK Ni ~
FIGURE 132. SITE GLENN. SHEET 2 OF 2
-------
CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
FIGURE 133. SITE HENRY. SHEET 1 OF 2
-------
FIGURE 134. SITE HENRY. SHEET 2 OF 2
-------
CASE 3 :.. UNLIMITED USE_
@n>Bt»nm»i^
Co-60: 6.5pCl/g
Sr-90: 1.6 pCI/g
Sr-90: 1.6 pCI/g
C»-137Q4 7 pCI/g
flHH NWCLIAI AMMCT
SfsaioiS"
MOU CIIMHf
(ITC IKWIN
FIGURE 13S. SITE IRWIN
-------
LAG O O N
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THIS MWItt IS A KNODUCUOM Of It lORKMMIt
W MCMftD W MOUCS I MMtt. IHC. II 19H, FM THC
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\
Pu-239:0.16pCI/g
C*-137:0.22pCI/g
NUCilAI AtlMCY
HOLMES i.NAHWRMC
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SITE JAMES
Milt t •» I
FIGURE 136. SITE JAMES
-------
CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
\
\
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MMWITMI AfOU CilANW
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FIGURE 137. SITE KEITH
-------
CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
LAGOON
Co-60:0.36pCI/g
Pu-239:0.06pC!/g
Sr-90: 1.6pCI/g
A G O O N
iws MNI« )i i nrwouiiai or *
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SITE REX
FIGURE 138. SITE REX
-------
CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
Pu-239O.O6pCI/g
Ct-137O.26pCI/g
Co-60:O.O5pCI/g
THIS OWNING IS ft KnWJCIlON OF ft WMIAFWC
IT HCLAS i wmR. INC. n IKI. FM TW
u.{. MORIC EKKr tomutm. ueuioNS. OEUTIVS
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SITE WALT
FIGURE 139. SITE WALT
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August 25, 1977
Site Name: DAVID
Board of Geo.: MUTI
Marshallese: JAPTAN
DAVID is located in the southeast quadrant of Enewetak Atoll adjacent to the Deep Entrance. It
has a land area of about 79 acres (32 hectares). Coconut trees remain from a nineteenth century
German plantation and numerous installations remain from U. S. operations. (Figure 140) The
island was first used by the U. S. to house animals used in nuclear test effects research. During
OPERATION CASTLE, DAVID was the site of an electromagnetic diagnostic station. Later, during
OPERATION REDWING, it became the radio receiver site for the Atoll with a 20-man permanent
camp. Following the termination of nuclear testing at Enewetak, the Atoll became a down-range
target area for the Navy's Pacific Missile Range and the Air Force Western Test Range. A 3000
square-foot concrete building was constructed to house the Missile Impact Locating System —
Building 2182. DAVID was also used as a recreational area during nuclear test operations.
Some 50 - 75 Enewetak people returned to DAVID in March 1977 and currently reside there.
The radiological condition of DAVID is good. The accumulated H+l hour gamma exposure rate
contributed by three nuclear tests is 1 R/h. The maximum gamma exposure rate measured in 1972
was 5 uR/h. The mean and range of values for the prevalent radionuclides in surface soil samples
were:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
9°Sr 0.55 0.08 - 2.6
137Cs 0.39 0.03 - 1.0
239Pu 0.05 0.004 - 0.23
60Co 0.03 0.009 - 0.14
No zero points, radioactive material burials, or other radiological hazards are known to exist on
DAVID. Cleanup activities will include removal of physical hazards and structures as specified in
the Engineering Plan.
-178-
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CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
MOTES: 1. THIS DMH1UG IS It KPKHHJCtlW OF It WSTEI PUU
Hf WtPMED IY HOUtS I MMI. INC, 1H UOVUU*
1%I FM THE U.PMTKHT OF IK All FOKE. UOITUNS.
OUITIOUS *HD REVISIONS HAVE It-EM WK IN KOKDUCE
M1TH THE MU COUICTU) DUIIW 1* DEFENSE NUUIAt
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THKUH (J) UE ON msaLUttOtS l!t« SUCh IS
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1. TIC VEGETATION SHQt* OH THIS DMHIW DOES IDT
DEFLECT THE COHDIIKW AT THE TIK OF THE CLEMt*
SUMY. THIS is SHOW a* THE. AUUH *
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FIGURE 140. SITE DAVID
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August 25, 1977
Site Name: ELMER
Board of Geo.: PARRY
Marshallese: MADRIN or MEDREK
ELMER is located in the southeast quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 200 acres
{81 hectares).
ELMER was the support island used by the AEG and the scientific groups during the nuclear testing
program. At its peak, it held facilities to house, feed and generally support up to 3000 people.
Figure 141 is the Plot Plan of facilities at the end of testing. Some of the facilities have been
removed, but many remain as indicated in the detail drawings in Figures 142-152. Almost half of
the noncontaminated metal debris and concrete rubble on the Atoll is located on ELMER.
Along with DAVID and FRED, ELMER is one of the three islands which have been selected as
residential sites by the Enewetak people.
ELMER has no surface zero points and accumulated H+l hour exposure rates from 5 events resulted
in a total of 2.6 R/h exposure to the island. The highest exposure rate measured with a hand-held
survey instrument in 1972 was 7 uR/h. This reading was perhaps influenced by a Co source, and if
so would indicate that 2 uR/h is the maximum background exposure rate. The concentrations of
radionuclides in surface soil samples were measured to be:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
90sr 0.77 0.02 - 5.1
137Cs 0.32 0.01 - 1.2
239Pu 0.22 0.008 - 5.5
60Co 0.06 0.01 - 0.88
The higher values in this table were influenced by the decontamination area shown in Figure 145.
This area was used for all manners of decontamination including heavy machinery and materials
shipped from Bikini Atoll. During periods of high use, the ball field north of the decon pad was also
used to store contaminated materials. The ball field was not extensively sampled according to
NVO-140. The ball field as well as the decon area are shown on Figure 145. It has been verbally
reported that some contaminated pipe exists in the decon area. Further, it would be advisable to
check the drain outfall from this area for residual contamination. Various cleaning agents were
used in the decontamination which may have suspended contamination for removal. These agents
may have become ineffective when mixed with the seawater and resulted in a local concentration
of contamination near the drain outfall. Similar examination of the facilities used for storage and
decontamination for CASTLE and REDWING may be in order (see Figures 148 and 150).
Reportedly, there are some hemispherical objects near the north end of the island which showed 80
uR/h and 0.5 mR/h radiation levels with scintillation and GM survey meters. Specific
identification or locations have not been noted.
Similarly, some old shielding in the laboratory building showed 400 uR/h and 0.3 mRad/h, some
fiberglass material in the chillhouse showed 2-3 uR/h, and 4 uR/h was measured in the IBM
building. The first warrants removal as contaminated material. The other locations should be
checked to assure that no overlooked sources or contaminated areas exist. A 60 Co source was
found on ELMER but has since been disposed of at the Nevada Test Site.
-180-
-------
NVO-140 shows two areas on ELMER with elevated radiation levels as measured by the aerial
survey. The Task Group Recommendations suggest that these may be shallow burials. Based on the
reports and opinions researched for this material, these areas are not burials but may be areas of
higher residual fallout. During fallout periods and thereafter, water washing as well as rain was
used to remove fallout from the immediate work and residential areas. Various designs of gutters
and runoff catchments were used to aid fallout removal. An example case would be the fallout
from the TEWA SHOT on Bikini which resulted in a 1.2 Rad exposure to ELMER. The fallout
occurred over a period of several hours.
An incident occurred on ELMER which involved a ruptured foil containing plutonium. All materials
contaminated were either successfully decontaminated or poured in concrete and buried at sea.
-181-
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CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
INIWITOK ATOU CUANUF
PLOT PLAN-SITE ELMER
FIGURE 141. SITE ELMER, PLOT PLAN
-------
1. IHII MWMt IS * WIWKnai Of * Mill* HM
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SUMY, THIS IS SHOW W M N.RI«l PtrtTOGWM
IWJ IY t. (. t G. 1.1 JOVUKI 1977,
DIFINSI NUCLIAI AOINCT
HQUVKS £• NARVER.MC
INIWITOK ATOLL CLIANUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 142. SITE ELMER, SHEET 1 OF 11
-------
.(I."'
OCEAN
-it ,-
'CROSSROADS AVENUE
""*«»«• ."' •*
DIFINII NUClCAt
HOMES tNWrtR.INC.
INIWITOK ArOll ClIAMUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 143. SITE ELMER, SHEET 2OF 11
-------
ALAMOS LANE
"^.
"•*—' Itll
- LABORATORY
BUILDINGS
ro« UNCHAL NOTE! til IHCE
DATA PROCESSING
'(IBM)
INIWITOK ATOU UIANUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 144. SITE ELMER. SHEET 3 OF 11
-------
, -r
0 C
Pu-239: 5,5pCI/g
Sr-90; 5,1 pCI/g
Cs-137: \.2pC[/g
Co-6fcQ.88pCI/g
SOME '
STORAGE OF
EQUIP. AWAITING
DECON •:
HOMES S, JVWWFUNCr
INIWIIQK *IOll tllAHUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 145. s
-------
LI01NO
intT,«a COMCMTI it.**
IKtTtwl H0»0 O* M«|Dm*
FOR QCNEHAL NOTCS 9EC IHEfT
DIMNSI NUCLIAR AOINCT
HQUCS t NAm/iamc.
INIWITOK ATOIL CLIANUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 146. SITE ELMER. SHEET 5 OF 11
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HUCLIAI AOINCT
HOUKStNMIVEIlNC.
INIWITOK ATOll CUANUf
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 147. SITE ELMER. SHEET 6 OF 11
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ju
I
LJ
IJ
£>*^j • lit 1Mb COMM'I U*»
-000Q0000
'H000Q000
000000000
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£-\*' *• '^ '
-^ Explosive Storog*
;'T* ' 1073
Explosive
Storage
•-• -1973,
TRINITY AVENUE
VEHICAL DECONTAMINATION
BUILDING WAS HERE
CCNERAI. NOTCS sci
DIFINII NUCIIAR AOINCY
HOIMESt. NARVIK.INI.
INIWITOK ATOLl ClIANUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 148. SITE ELMER, SHEET 7 OF 11
-------
<§} t«*
LAGOON
•000 KU M M
HtltlM MtCMfT
(KOTMW OVIMC
KHI 0CNCKAL MOTH HI IHCCT I
NUCLIAK AO1NCT
HOUCS&NWVEHMC.
INIWITOK ATO11
SITE ELMER
Wtll I W II
FIGURE 149. SITE ELMER. SHEET 8 OF 11
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CRYOGENICS
LABS
CONTAMINATED
MATERIAL
STORAGE AREA
Operation Castle
PERSONNEL
DECON
RADSAFE BUILDING
Operation Rod wing
*G
o o
UtIWO
_ CZ3 <• -o f»*ttu« -, i.,i.,M(
ErJ • r. '»t COMIIM t,4* . wxio •
GENtAAL MOTE) ICC SHEET
DIFINSI NUCIIAR AOINCT
WAtHIMVION, • C. lll«l _
HOMtSlNARVER.INC.
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 150. SITE ELMER. SHEET 9 OF 11
-------
LAB
with old shielding
150 "
ASSEMBLY
BUILDING
LAGOON
ITIH6 Mil DOWN OU<
EHAL NOTES SEE SHEET I
DiriNSI NUCtIA* AOINCT
HOMES INARVIR. INC
INIWITOK ATOtL CtlANUf
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 151, SITE ELMER, SHEET 10 OF 11
-------
FQR GENE"*!. MOTES SEC SHEET
DIFINSI NUCIIAI AOINCT
HOMtSfcNARVtR.INC.
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE ELMER
FIGURE 152. SITE ELMER, SHEET 11 OF 11
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August 29, 1977
Site Name: FRED
Board of Geo.t ENIWETOK
Marshallese: ENEWETAK
FRED is located in the southeast quadrant of Enewetak Atoll and has an area of about 322 acres
(130 hectares). FRED is the largest island in the Atoll. It was the support base for the military
segment of the nuclear test operations as well as support island for the Pacific Missile Range and
the Air Force Western Test Range following nuclear testing. It has been selected as a residential
island for the returning Enewetak people and will be the main support base for cleanup operations.
Many structures are present on FRED, including an airport capable of handling large jet aircraft.
Figure 153 is the Plot Plan of facilities at the end of testing. Details appear in Figures 154 through
171.
FRED has no zero points and radiation levels are low on the island. Accumulated H+l hour
exposure from 4 nuclear events on the Proving Ground totalled 2.6 R/h. The maximum 1 meter
exposure rates measured in 1972 were 1 uR/h. Radionuclide concentrations in surface soil samples
were measured to be:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean Range
9°Sr 0.61 0.16 - 1.5
137Cs 0.25 0.02 - 2.1
239Pu 0.08 0.02 - 0.31
60Co 0.04 0.02 - .15
During the buildup, roll-back and interoperational periods of nuclear testing, FRED was the site of
numerous construction programs. These may have altered radiation distributions on the island,
however, the levels were low and may not be detectable at this time. One example is currently
known as Parking Apron 2 at the airport (2400 feet from the approach end of runway 6). It is
suspected that this area may have been used for aircraft decontamination during OPERATION
CASTLE (based on aerial photo). If so, this area was altered prior to OPERATION HARDTACK
when the runway was refurbished and lengthened on both ends. The areas routinely used for
aircraft decontamination are labeled on Figures 167 and 168. The larger of the two concrete pads
was constructed early in the testing program and the second was added later — for REDWING or
HARDTACK. As suggested for SITE ELMER, the drains and drain outfalls from these areas should
be rechecked to assure no accumulation of radioactivity remains from decontamination activities.
Other references have been found which refer to decon areas on FRED; one was called Decon Area
117. The location of these areas were not given. Due to the low radiation levels measured on the
island, these are not of great concern. They also may be the same locations as the aircraft decon
pads mentioned above.
Cleanup activities on FRED will involve only physical hazards unless the above areas or resurvey
indicates otherwise.
-194-
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CASE 3: UNLIMITED USE
IS
16
17
IB
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
INIWITOK ATOll CUANUP
PLOT PLAN - SITE FRED
FIGURE 153. SITE FRED, PLOT PLAN
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£**"3 • <*»«& COKfttU U*l . •000 »OU 0* ««ff
i» i! M •or'cuiliTr0 i .." "• MI««W '» «»»••'"• " »>~"
6 Mi* (iuittiot, (TIL cm
^- JW >0 f.(V«"0«
_KJ *' uiwo*
'^— rn.;;"j'r;,r..1,t"
1. IhlS DRW1* IS A RtPIWDOCn* OF A Kttltfi fU\
nw rsiPntD BY HDUts t hUffls, inc. IN («w«t«
i%8, ma IHI mPARmni w im AIR FO«U.
ftUliniUNS, UlUMOHi AND UVISIftlS HtVt WLIl n*Dt
IN itCDSJlWlIi With IHL l!*U CCH.UCUD LURIKG li*.
WflfSl NUULAR HUWIY CliAitlf SIRVH )!l l'J/2.
,, ^..Jyu-1 ,; ^".H'li •'- 1 1 VI1 J'.JilllJliS (ft ^
• ,(.-. .'.„ M.'.-'J. LIbHIS. . 't.. l^M Wl uSCB1'.t.
"- t> j-lss,
•-'.«' f
••:'-;V I
r;;::^ f
. . . ,» . :"|
Jll
Ojruif tfi/r»rian oaoi'f tftammitr as 'Hi KKIIMI »tft*("r
tfio* *f*tr iff* mtrrt fv*mts atc*l*tl '
OiriNM NUCLIAt AOINCT
W«I»|«*!0|> • t 1«la»
HOMES t \AtMR.INf
., ,. *r
INIWITOK ATOIL ClIANUP
ir< ,.r,SITE FRED
FIGURE 154. SITE FRED, SHEET 1 OF 18
-------
MIA»«WAtTIM
DIFINSi NUCLIAR AOINCY
HOMES tNAmER.INC.
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 155. SITE FRED. SHEET 2 OF 18
-------
* GENCftAL WOT13 SEE SHEET I
F#
or CLIANUF DH>anc
DIMNSI NUCllAt AOINCY
WAfNIMCtON. • ( >•>•»
HQUMESi. NABM R INC.
INIWITOK AIOll CttANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 156. SITE FRED SHEET 3 OF 18
-------
Sr-90: 1.3pCi/g,.
n MNEMAL NOTES SE[ SHfET
•
NIAPQUAIflll
DIFINSI NUCLIAR AOiNCT
HOUCSI.NARVIR.INC.
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE FRED
IMIlt 4 Of w
FIGURE 157. SITE FRED, SHEET 4 OF 18
-------
INIWHOK ATOll CIEANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 158. SITE FRED. SHEET 5 OF 18
-------
fOII 61WIUL HOTCI Ml ttWIT
WOOD "Di I M «uir
:KI«TIM TO K UTH tut in •
'tM V|M'*''(M
> I'M K.t-MfO- lO'l
Mil 01 •*••!.i .1,1
ss;
C MMMLMMIHIH
IXCHIIW '
Dill Nil NUCIIA* ASINCT
HOURS KNMMEKMC
INIWITOK AIOU
SITE FRED
INIff « •• M
FIGURE 159. SITE FRED. SHEET 6 OF 18
-------
IKIIWITOK ATOU CliANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 160. SITE FRED. SHEET 7 OF 18
-------
aS*.
tHM «M CM.VMT
TIM M CtN.*f "T
MKW IMM
T*MMWl*TIM tmiO
WOT f UMfNM
DiriNil NUCLIAR AOINCY
INIWITOK ATOLL CLIANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 161. SITE FRED, SHEET 8 OF 18
-------
CCWEHAL NOTES SEC SHEET
f OM*A?IO«t • 400 M*H
*•!• mi imi*
MMDOUAITIIt
DtFINSI NUCUAI AOINCY
INIWITOK ATOll ClIANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 162. SITE FRED. SHEET 9 OF 18
-------
FOH GENERAL NOTES SEE SHEET
CARGQ.
PIER
INIWITOK ATOLL CLIANUP
SITE FRF.D
INM1 IO Of I
FIGURE 163. SITE FRED. SHEET 10 OF 18
-------
INIWITOK ATOLl CUANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 164 SITE FRED, SHEET 11 OF 18
-------
INIWITOK ATOLl CLEANUP
SITE FRED
Mill It Of It
FIGURE 165. SITE FRED, SHEET 12 OF 18
-------
.
*** WOT tUMTMM
jLJ^ "*«" tuwTiwi
4k TMMCM WfMUTtM
DIMNSI NUCLIAI MINCV
HDUCStNMMUNC
INIWITOK AfOll ClIANUr
SITE FRED
FIGURE 166. SITE FRED. SHEET 13 OF 18
-------
v ^-DECON SHOWER
7,o-.-,,,,.-»» ' \ ' Operation Redwing
"*'"•'"" . v
'DRONE '• x
DECON DRAIN OUTFALLS
/ \ R ad wing
f faiicn'f \ •*
A . DICO«T*MlH*rT< imtl 14 •» »
FIGURE 167. SITE FRED, SHEET 14 OF IB
-------
POSSIBLE
AIRCRAFT DECON AREA
Operation Cast!*
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE FRED
FIGURE 168. SITE FRED, SHEET 15 OF 18
-------
FOM MM*AL MOTCt Ml tWIT
NIAMIMITIU
DIMNU NUCLIAI AOINCT
HUMES tNAIIVER.NC
INIWITOK AIOll
SITE FRED
FIGURE 169. SITE FRED, SHEET 16 OF 18
-------
FIGURE 170. SITE FRED. SHEET 17 OF 18
-------
NUCIIAI AOINCT
HQUCS6NANVIR.M:.
INIWITOK ATOll CLIANUP
SITE FRED
APIU i*n (nut w o* is
FIGURE 171 SITF FRED SHEET 18OF 18
-------
August 12,1977
Site Name: LEROY
Board of Geo.: RIGILI
Marshallese: BIKEN
LEROY is the western-most island of Enewetak Atoll. It is situated north of the Southwest
Passage and has an area of about 13.6 acres (5.5 hectares). The entire island is overgrown with
brush, trees and some coconut palms except for some clearings on the lagoon side. LEROY was
used during three of the nuclear test operations for scientific purposes including fallout collection.
LEROY has no surface zeroes. It received fallout from 13 events, which ranks it 23rd of the
islands in the Atoll for accumulated H+l hour exposure rate received with 235 R/h. This is
reflected by the background gamma exposure rates and son samples collected there for the
radiological survey in 1972. The maximum 1-m exposure rate was 8 uR/h in the area indicated on
Figure 172. Furthermore, the island's dense vegetation probably tends to inhibit dilution of the
radioactivity by environmental processes.
The activities obtained from the 15-cm deep surface soil samples were:
Radionuclide Activity (pCi/g)
Mean
11
3.2
0.63
0.58
Rang
1.6 -
0.5 -
0.02 -
0.04 -
[6
34
10
2.0
5.0
239Pu
6°Co
These mean activities are about ten times greater than those observed on the other islands in the
southern part of the Atoll. The depth distributions of activity measured at three locations within
the interior of the island exhibit very gradual decreases in activity with depth. Relaxation lengths
of 10 cm or greater are typical.
No radioactive material burials are known to exist on LEROY.
-214-
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CASE 3: BIRDS. EGGS. PICNIC
O C E A M
©
COMtMTI COLUMN
OpCI/g
O O Kl
1. THIS MMIM IS I KPWOLCTIOH OF A TOWMPH1C
w MJMU IT HOUCS i MKI, INC. IN IKI, NX THE
U.S. if OH 1C tWKt KWISSIW. AOD1TIOJS, DUET UK
MD KVISIDUS MVt KBIIWC IU UCJMMHCE HITH M
MM COILECTU DURIMC T* KFEJISE NUCLEM «tKT
CLUWCP SltlKT III 1972.
2. ICIMON (O) STHOLS Ut ON HISUIUWDUS ITWS
SUM AS SLAIS, KMIS. CK. HICSl UK DtSCIICCD
lit TIC cu«t* ruw, wmi i, SICTIOI 1.1
I. THE yittlMIOM SMOM W THIS DUMIK Wi «T
Wfllcr It* COMIflW *T THE Ut OF t* CUMNJP
UIHET. THIS IS SHOW ON TIC HKIAl, PMOTOGUPHS
THEN If E.fi. 1 G. IH BWttl 1972.
NIAMVMT1U
NUC1IAI A«INCT
INIWITOK ATOll ClIANUf
SITE LEROY
Milt I •* I
FIGURE 172. SITE LEROY
-------
EPILOGUE
ENEWETAK FACT BOOK
WAYNE A. BLISS
The Fact Book has undergone minor editing for final printing. No changes were made other than
format and grammar. The Fact Book was prepared prior to cleanup to be used as an informative
guide. That premise has not changed nor has it been compromised by this editing.
The following information is included to expand or clarify the Fact Book. As the cleanup
proceeded, discoveries were made, new questions asked, and the Fact Book questioned. This author
and others responded to each incident to develop the best possible information base to assure
cleanup.
As mentioned by footnote in the text, the AEC Task Group recommended criteria were, by design,
general in nature. Soil concentrations in the range of 40-400 pCi Pu/gm were to be treated on a
case-by-case basis. In OPLAN 600-77, an intermediate level of 100 pCi/gm was used to define a
Condition B which might be applicable to an agricultural island. This served for planning purposes
and for the development of methodology. The Enewetak Advisory (Bair) Committee came forth, on
April 28, 1978, with its recommended levels of 40, 80, and 160 pCi/gm (total transuranium
elements) for residence, agricultural and food gathering islands, respectively. Thenceforth these
levels were used as guidance for cleanup decisions and certification.
The Fact Book treatment of YVONNE mentioned a jar of highly contaminated sand buried near the
door to HARDTACK Station 1310. The mention was made based on the personal recall of a visitor
there in 1971 and 1972. Investigation during cleanup showed the supposed burial area to be
underlain with concrete. The mention was in error and the jar found in the 15 x 15-ft. wire
enclosure is most probably the same as the one supposedly buried.
The Fact Book did not specify the land areas of sites FLORA and GENE which were destroyed by
nuclear testing. Holmes & Narver has estimated that FLORA had an area of about 35 acres (14
hectares) and GENE had an area of about 23 acres (9.4 hectares).
During a precleanup radiation survey on ELMER, an area near coordinates N49,200 and E132,400
was found to have higher than expected levels of 60co in soil. Although of no great hazard, this
area had not been previously identified. No reason for its existence was found.
Rumor of a plutonium incident on ELMER resulting in onsite burial arose during cleanup.
Investigation concluded that the incident rumored was the same as the plutonium foil incident
mentioned in the Fact Book and that no onsite burial occurred.
-216-
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DISTRIBUTION LIST
DOE/HQ, Washington, D.C.
L. Joe Deal, EP
Tommy McCraw, EP (2)
Bruce Wachnolz, EP
Helen McCammon, ER
Maj. Gen. W. W. Hoover, OMA (2)
Gordon Facer, OMA
DOE/ NV, Las Vegas. NV
Hoger Kay, DPO
Paul Dunaway, HPD
Bruce Church, HPD
Ernest Campbell, NSD
Paul Mudra, OSD
John Stewart, OSD
Don Martin, OSH
Dave Miller, OP A
Technical Library (3)
DOE. PASO, Honolulu, HI
William Stanley (2)
Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
Office of Territorial and International Affairs
LLNL, Livermore, CA
William Robison (3)
Victor Noshkin
H. Wade Patterson
Technical Information Dept.
LANL, Los Alamos, NM
John Hopkins
John Malik
Harry Jordan
Report Library
SNL, Albuquerque, NM
George C. Tucker, Jr.
Mel Merritt, Org. 1151
University of Hawaii
Philip Helfrich, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
Patrick Colin, MPRL, Enewetak (3)
Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY
Research Library
-217-
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DOE Environmental Measurements Laboratory, NY, NY
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN
Technical Information Center (42)
Central Research Library
EPA/ EMSL, Las Vegas. NV
Glen Schweitzer
Charles Costa
Wayne Bliss (2)
Eberline Inst. Co., Santa Fe, NM
Al Doles
Desert Research Institute c/o DOE, Las Vegas
Forrest Miller
EG&G, Inc., Las Vegas, NV
W. John Tipton
Battelle, PNL, Richland, WA
William Bair
Defense Nuclear Agency
Director, DNA, Washington, D.C.
Commander, FC/DNA, Albuquerque, NM (2)
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
Janet McCoy, High Commissioner, Saipan
Republic of the Marshall Islands
President Amata Kabua
Chief Secretary Oscar DeBrum (3)
Council of the People of Enewetak
Magistrate Hertes John
Micronesian Legal Services Corp., Saipan
Thomas Mattson, Esq.
ESI, Anchorage, AK
William E. Ogle
Holmes & Narver, Inc.
Earl Gilmore, Albuquerque, NM
Bert Friesen, Orange, CA (2)
-218-
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