SSD/CTR: WMD-PPI-K-035-05 (CCR) Exit cable on technical

UNCLAS ALMATY 000171 SIPDIS DTRA for M. West, M. Sullivan (CTP) State for EUR/PRA, VC/SM, NP/PTR, AC/SNI NSC for M.A. Hayward EUCOM J5-N for Col. Airis, DTRA LNO SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA PARM KZ ECONOMIC DTRO WMD SUBJECT: SSD/CTR: WMD-PPI-K-035-05 (CCR) Exit cable on technical discussions regarding implementation of the WMDIE-K-1 Project, November 28-December 7, 2005 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Project Manager, Mr. John Booker, and delegation participated in site visit and discussed programmatic issues for the Weapons of Mass Destruction Infrastructure Elimination (WMDIE-K-1) Project pursuant to referenced cables. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) Objectives/Agenda The purpose of the trip was to witness the closing of the right side of the engineering structure and to discuss the status of reporting requirements and payment issues. ¶3. (SBU) Actions Performed Conducted a site visit from November 30 - December 4 and witnessed the following: Right Side: The entry way to the right portal has been completely opened and access to an acceptable workspace has been achieved. Expectations are that the collapse of the structure should occur early the week of December 19. A plug will then be constructed just in front of the collapse and will be designed to prevent access from around the sides, floor, and ceiling of the plug. All work is expected to be completed by December 20. It should be noted that there is no evidence of radioactive contamination anywhere in the structure. Monitors found a crawl space that may have led to the left side. This crawl space shows on all diagrams provided by Russian officials. If so, it must connect to an uncontaminated portion as there was no evidence of contamination migration. It should also be noted that there was a slight air flow into the tunnel and that the ceiling of the tunnel was wet. This air flow could be due to air migrating through the fractures in the rock. Left Side: The construction of the platform over the left side to support the drilling equipment is partially complete. The team witnessed a high explosive detonation of large boulders preventing the construction equipment from enlarging the platform. Work is progressing satisfactorily with no major problems expected. The largest uncertainty is associated with estimates of the locations of the objects in the structure. Temporary protective structures will be erected on the platform that will allow operations to be conducted even during inclement weather. Much of the required inert materials are already on site with more expected so there should be no curtailment of operations due to lack of gravel or sand. Cement has not been delivered to the site. Overall assessment is that the work is progressing in accordance with the work plan, no radioactive contamination has been found, and the right side should be completed by the end of December. Project manager advised the chief engineer to submit weekly reports on time and in the prescribed format. The PM also briefed incoming PM/DTRO-A Chief Ms. Laura Smiley on all aspects of the project including DFAS contacts, payment authorization, etc. ¶4. (U) Unresolved Issues/Concerns None ¶5. (U) Resolution NA ¶6. (U) DTRA POC is Ms. Laura Smiley, Chief, DTRO-A, voice: 7-3272- 504-976, email Smileyla@state.gov.