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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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ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION NEVADA OPERATIONS OFFICE LAS VEGAS. NEVADA 69114 Assistant General Mana:ger for Hilitary Application, HQ This acknowledges your 22 July letter advising that weapons program fund6 are not to be used for Bikini and Eniwctok radiologfc surveys and cleanup activiAs discussed in advance with you, we did participate last week in an-Air Force Weapons Laboratory recon of Eniwetok prelfminary to their conducting a cratering program there; however,all of our costs were reimbursable except the Program 18 salary and travel of the one NV00 participant, We have previously expressed our concerns relative to the Bikini situation, but feel you 6hould be apprised of what we learned at the recent Enlwetok reconnaissance. This involved a quick look at seven shot islands, including a general radiation survey of each entire Island. Most measurements were taken at the ground surface0 Substantial quantities of activated metal debris were discovered at radiation levels of up to 35 mr/hr on contact. Using a PAC-1S survey instrument we found in addition what appears to be a eignificant plutonium contamination along one stretch of beach. This area is subject to erosion Into the ocean from ra;tnand probably high tide action. Evaluation of the possible hazard presented by thir area of contamination must await analysis of soil samples. A number of craters were surveyed, and the highest gross gamma exposure rates‘) encountered ranged up to 1 mr/hr. Of all the locations examined, the highest ! measurements of gamma, plutonium and scrap metal counts exist on the island of Yvonne (Runit), which has been used by Kentron (the maintenance contractor) and the Coast Guard for recreation purposes. Soil and water samples were taken from eeveral of the islands, and results will be available for evaluation within the next six weeks: It is of significance however thnt we found areas on several of the island6 which would be considered controlled areas based on present NTS criteria. This situation at Yvonne was discussed info_reallywith the Kentron sfte manager, who indicated that the are-a would be placed off limits t6 Kentron personnel, Bowever it may be appropriate that AEC/Headquarters formally contact the DOT (Coast Guard) and DOD (Kentron) to apprise them of these preliminary findings and suggest suitable precautionary measures. Department of the Interior (Trust TerritOzieS) should probably also be notffied when the
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As a result of our recent dlncurolonr, I do appreciate your pobltlon relative to the funding of th1.B type of activity. This doer not however alter my conviction that the AE.Chas a responsibility momeuhtre within the agency to conduct rome level of- rurvelllance at both locatlonm. Suggcrttd scope of work for a Bikini effort hae bttn developed in conjunction vlth DOS, and f.r attached for your reference, Alro included 10 a progrtrr report am to rehabilitation work at Bikini through ml&June, which lndicater to us a need for addltlonal radiological work before reoccupation proceeds too much I acknowledge your direction not to use weapons funds on this work and am lssulng lnstructloru to this effect. We had been planning to do a radlologlcal survey of the two aieas soon after Cannlkln, and I vould still recommend that this be done through NV00 contractor resources if some acceptable funding arrangement can be concluded, I would appreciate yo'ur further advice on the long-range problem and asslstante in arranging for possible funding alternatives. As noted above F. K. Plttman, USAEC, Division of Waste Management and Tranaportatlon, HQ
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Follow-up program of rurvalllaacc and‘rtudy’of the radfation environment at Bikini (Ref: DOS 15taff proposal of December 1970) Among the objactives of the program, the foI&wing are of Determination of shielding provided by housing under construction. Determination of baea-line body burdens of certain radionuclldes when Determination of sctyl diet and radionuclide content of same. (This diet:FB likely to require a supplement for calcium, which should Determination of level6 of key radionuclides in food crops grown in Determination of daily activities by age and sex0 Air sampling under occupancy condition6. Sampling of water supplies (wells and cisterns). Determination of body burdens of key radionuclides as resident8 come into equilibrium with their diet. There are also requirements with longer range objective6 which are also Study of movement of radionuclides through soils. Monitoring of radiation levels on other island in the atoll presently Study of radionuclide content of coconuts from trees now being planted and of pandanus yet to be planred. Study of radionuclide content of product6 obtained from coconuts, the use of these product6 outside the atoll, and pathway6 to man for radionuclides in these products. DOE: ARCHI.V~ Monitoring of radionuclide content of salt water and sediment in Bikini
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Status report on reoccupation .of Bikini,Atoll by native populations. (Summarized frm June 211,1971 mag from Mstrict Administrator, (1) 40 dwellhg~ me under construction in Bikini Island, using aggregate from Peter-Oboe, sand from B%klni Island, other materials from old (2) 62 Marshallese are nov living on Dikfni Atoll, 24 on Bikini Island and (3) Fifty Thousand coc:on&s, 200 pandanus and some breadfruit have been planted, and plans;call for many more of all of these plus other edible plants. Arrowroot from pre-test period is present in good quantity and will be part of the food supply when the people return. (4) Drinking water is used on Bikfni from the roof tops and frm concrete cisterns built by H6rNat close of clecinupprogram.