Memo to R E Hollingsworth, Et Al, Subject: Cleanup and Rehabilitation of Eniwetok Atoll

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THRU: Julius H. Rubin, Assistant General Manager for Environment and Safety TM GLEANUP AND REHABILITATION OF ENIWETOK ATOLL The purpose of this memorandum is to inform you of the steps to be taken in providing advice and recommendations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of the Interior (DOI) on rehabilitation of Eniwetok Atoll and to establish a schedule for AEC action in this A memorandum dated January 26, 1973, from the AGIMA informed the Commission of activities, history and funding of actions leading to the transfer of Eniwetok Atoll from the DOD to the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands , at the end of 1973. The field portion of the radiological survey at Eniwetok was completed February 14, 1973; the report is to be completed September 1, 1973, and published October 1, “1973. “The radiological survey report wili provide: data on the distribution of radioactivity, including transuranics in the Eniwetok environment; information on the living habits and diet of the Eniwetok people; estimates of internal and external exposures arising from various patterns of rehabitation and land use; and estimates of the effectiveness of actions to reduce exposures to as low as practical. – survey results, as well as information generated by DOD on the location ~f radioa~tive scrap, will permit ihe development of recommendations for cleanup and recommendations on whether and under what conditions the individual islands of the atoll can be made safe for permanent habi-

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In accordance with usual functions, the Division of Operational Safety is undertaking the development of recommendations described above in conjunction with the Divisions of Biomedical and Environmental Research, Environmental Affairs, Military Application, and Waste Management and Transportation. Field office, laboratory, and contractor assistance will be utilized. Federal health and environmental agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, will be consulted. Judgments and recommendations will be limited primarily to radiological considerations and will include: the feasibility of making the Eniwetok Atoll radiation environment safe for return of the native population, including areas immediately adjacent to islands that could be used for food production; cleanup and disposal actions, including specific numerical guidance; specific recommendations on agricultural rehabilitation, land and land use, use of local foods, other dietary considerations, and housing construction, as these will modify the radiological situation and contribute to as low as practicable exposures; and followup requirements and plans. These recommendations will be transmitted to the DOD and DOI. The Atomic Energy Commission plans to assess the radiological situation of the atoll during and following DOD and DOI cleanup and rehabilitation. The Department of Defense is responsible for conducting and for funding cleanup operations but has no funds budgeted for this purpose in fiscal year 1974. It is to be noted that the DOD proposes to conduct the Pacific Cratering Experiments (PACE) prior to cleanup. Reconxnendations for radiological aspects of cleanup and rehabilitation of Eniwetok Atoll are to be developed by November 1, 1973. Upon Commission approval, these recommendations will be transmitted to DOD and DOI. The Division of Military Application will prepare a letter to DOD and DOI informing them of steps AEC plans to follow in developing its recommendations. The Divisions of Biomedical and Environmental Research, Environ-

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mental Affaim, Military Application, Operatioml Safety, and Waste Managemmt and Transportation concur that these actions are essential / for the development of cleanup and habitation recomendatiom for use Division of operational Safety