Cleanup of Johnston Atoll Missile Launch Facility.
Abstract
In July 1962, when a missile failed to lift off from the launch pad, a nuclear test device was intentionally detonated to prevent any nuclear yield. In 1980, a long-range program was developed to remove the contaminated material from the test site. In 1984, funds became available to transport the contaminated material to a Federal radioactive-waste disposal site. The waste disposal project involved the dismantling of structures remaining on the site, decontaminating several concrete pads, determining the level of contamination on the debris, preparing and packaging the debris for shipment, and transporting the contaminated material to an authorized waste disposal site. Because the operation involved sea and land transport of a large volume of plutonium-contaminated material, it had the potential of becoming controversial. However, in-depth planning and extensive coordination with appropriate agencies enabled the operation to proceed without incident. This report addresses the planning process, cleanup options considered, instrumentation and measurement techniques, and personnel radiation safety practices. Included are a brief background of the situation, a summary of the planning phase and regulatory guidelines, detailed description of the operation, and discuss of some of the unique circumstances and relevant problems encountered during this project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA192991
Entities
People
- B. E. Vesper
- E. T. Bramlitt
- M. Dooley
- T. H. Mohaupt
Organizations
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute