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Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.
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Frank Cluff, Safety Advisory Group, NV DISPOSAL OF XRAP MATERIAL AT BIKINI ATOLL t In response to your request for consideration of proper disposal of cont:uninatedscrnp material for the Bikini cleanup operation, the Soilowing is provided: Dackgr0und - Past surveys and particularly the 1967 survey identified :inumber of locntions among the islands of Bikini Atoll having quantities of scrap mntc~rialcont:lininginduced radioactivity. Such scrap locations December, 1967. These locations, which are on islands near former testing sites, m:iybe identified its: (a) the Aomen-Iroij complex in the north-central part of'the atoll, (b) the island of Nam and the blilsted tlunkc>rjust west of N,nmand Bravo Crater in tnc northwest part of the
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The Ad Hoc Committee established by ARC to evaluate the radiological hazards of resettlement of the Bikini Atoll recommended a number of measures one of which was that "Radioactive scrap should be removed from the islands adjacent to former shot sites." In discussions on the need for such removal it was pointed out that this material is scrap metal containing induced radioactivity and that natives collect and find use for all such materials. The scrap is in the form of metal embedded in concrete, chunks of metal lying on top of the surface, and scraps of metal mixed with the top layers of sand and soil. It is not expected that removal of the scrap containing induced radioactivity will make any great reduction in radiation levels on the near test islands since there are quantities of radionuclides, primarily 6oCo and 137Cs, in the top layers of sand and soil of these islands. It was concluded that some radiation exposure could be avoided through removal of contaminated scrap metal such that it would be unavailable to native collectors. Objectives - FoXLowing the August 1968 trip to Bikini, a report on the visit was prepared by ARC staff containing an attachment addressing the question of purpose and objective for scrap removal at Bikini Atoll. Recommendations :Lthrough 4 of this statement, known as Attachment 6.to that trip report, appear to be a proper assessment of what is needed. This Attachment 6 is provided for your use.
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Scrap Disposal 0‘:Ideally, and if cost, time, end mea+power were unlimited, dispos&of scrap metal containing induced radioactivity in the very deep ocean outside the reef would be preferred. More realistically there are a number of factors to be considered: The location of channels in the reef through which boats loaded with scrap must pass is such that disposal outside the reef for scrap locations in t$e northern portion of the atoll will envolve a 25 to 30 mile round hip. Disposal of metal, which will sink to the 200 feet deep inside the lagoon will make to the natives -as in deeper water outside bottom, in water 175 to the scrap as unavailable The lagoon flov in the area of test locations already contains a total quantity of scrap in excess of that found on land. In fact, the added quaqtity from the land -areaswould be a very small fraction of this total,: Disposal insidi the reef will make scrap removal operations less weather and wind dependent since trips into open water and possibly into rough seas would not be needed. In this regard, operations inside the reef should be safer for bodts and crews. With these factors in mind it is suggested that t.hefollowing guidelines
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Disposal Of metal scrap depth of about 200 feet available to the native containing radioactivity .inwater having a or greater will make these material6 unpopulation. This depth is approximately equivalent to she deepest part6 of the lagoon. A di6po6s.lsite for each of the several island area6 containing the scrap may be chosen, and a record of position should be remoyed at the inside the reef, marked for easy location, made and included in final reports. Marker6 end of cleanup operations. Considering the possibility of future salvage of ships, metal scrap containing induced radioactivity is not to be placed within the' prohibited 6rea located in the east end of the lagoon (refer to H. 0. Except when collected by thO6e authorized to do 60, no sample6 of metal6 contain&g induced radioactivity are to be retained or transported from Bikini Atoll. Scrap containing no induced radioactivity such a6 tower6 and other material6 from Bikini and Eneu require6 no special precautions for disposal. It has been suggested that dumping in some location within the lagoon may provide additional cover and thereby improve fishing. Obviously, these materials should not be dumped into any channel through the reef or in any other place where they would be a hazard
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On the near test i$ands containing scrap with induced radioactivity there me also quangities of scrap showing no elevated radiation levels. Such materials srel‘.intermixedand radiation measurements on these islands will reflect the presence of an overall elevated gamma level from radionuclides in the soil. Therefore, it is suggested that all meta:Ldebris should be removed from these near test islands while the job of cleanup of contaminated sc?ap is being done. This will avoid much decision-making on whether this or *hat item requires disposal. Consideration of disposition of undamaged or lightly damaged bunkers in item 3 of Attachment 6 takes into account their radiological status and possible utility. There is the additional.peed to obtain Trust Territory concurrence that reflects desires of the natdves....: Finally, it is realPzed that the distribution of scrap found on these near tests islands extends into the shallow water shore areas and on into the deeper parts of the lagoon and ocean. It is suggested that location and removal of thisiunderwater metal scrap is generally not feasible and that any problem with such material is best handled by followup surveys as suggested in item 5_of Attachment 6. It is not intended that item 5 will apply to the cleanup phase of recovery and rehabilitation ofBikini Atoll. Rather,,this is in the nature of a safeguard to be conducted as a part of followup studies.
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me above suggestions fnlietbe qualifU?b in that ttheyere based upon what is known ab&t contaminated scrap in Bikini Atoll a6 determined from swxey team observations during the 1967 visit. Nuclear Explosives Environmental Division of Operational Safety