Between 1946 and 1958, 67 nuclear tests were conducted by the US military on the Enewetak Atoll of the Marshall Islands. The US military persuaded the Marshall Islanders to subject themselves to the tests. The fallout from the tests was toxic and harmful to locals. Several islands are currently uninhabitable due to radiation risks.
The Defense Nuclear Agency was given the task of creating a nuclear debris landfill on Runit Island 1977 and 1980. They piled radioactive debris into a blast crater and covered it with an 18 inch thick concrete dome. Since 1980, there has been no help from the US to maintain the dome. The dome is now cracking and leaking radioactive matter.
The dome was not implemented as a long term solution. The rising sea levels along with the possibility of typhoons were not factored into the design. Without proper care, the dome could meltdown and pollute the entire Pacific Ocean. Locals have named it "The Tomb" because their efforts to maintain it gave them cancer.
The Red Cross along with local government officials are currently working together toward finding a solution to the nuclear debris landfill. A Marshall Island official spoke at a UN climate change meeting in New York. The Marshall Islanders wish to draw attention to the dome. As it is, the entities involved will not be able to implement a long term solution on there own.
