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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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for Environment and Safeky In June 1975, a detailed radiological survey was conducted of the two main islands of Bikini Atoll. This survey was necessary 1. There were no current radiation exposure estimates for Bikini Island residents who were returning in increasing numbers. 2. 71e Trust Territory government asked for advice relative to planning construction of additional houses and community buildings on Bikini Island. Tentative survey findings were provided to Trust Territory officials and to the people of Bikini during August and September 1975. In brief, the conclusions were.: 1. With few exceptions, foods grown on Bikini Island should not be 2. Groundwater on Bikini Island should not bc used for drinking or 3. Although unclcr the above conditions, residence on fii.kiniIsland should present no undue risk, i.twould be prudent and advisable to plan for tile perm~nent resettlement to shi.f~ to Uncu I.slant!. A draft report containi.n: revised dose projections for Bikini Island residents based on all available data to date sho~is that people living on Bikini Island and eatln: locally available foods will receive whole body radiation doses i.n the ranse of 17 LO 29 Rem in 30 years and those living on Encu about 5 RCIIIin 30 years. These values may bc compared with Ehe current standard of 5 Rem in 30 years. Furthermore, recent residents shol.7saverage ‘37Cesi.un~body burdens higher by an order of magnitude than Lhosc seen in 1974. I\ few individuals arc at or above the maximum permissible body burden of 3 pCi which g,ivcs an CXpOSUI-C
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equivalent to the standard of 0.5 Rem/yr. Thus, the standard for annual whole body exposure of individuals in the population is being exceeded for these persons fron internal 137Cesium alone. We know that people are eating certain foods grown on Bikini Island that were to be excluded from their diet and that ERDA’s recommended restrictions of 1975 are not being implemented. The data we now have in hand raises serious questions on whether these past recommendations and restrictions for Bikini resettlement are adequate to limit exposures to acceptable levels. A strong case can be made to recommend against any return to 13iliiniIsland for the present. Return to Eneu can be recommended provided i.t is acceptable for exposures at or near current standards to be received. We have been asked to provide the new DOI Director of Territorial Affairs, Mrs. Van Cleve, a briefing on our Pacific activities on or about June 2. During that time, the new High Commissioner and other officials of the Trust Territory will be in Washington ancl New York for the annual meeting of the U.N. Committee on Trust Territories. Also, Gail Bradshaw has asked to be brought up to date on Pacific matters. We propose to set up a briefing for you and Public Affairs during the week of May 23, 1977. Division of Operational and Division of Biomedical and