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Declassified record · U.S. Department of Energy

Memo to J L Liverman, Subject: Dose Commitment - Bikini Resettlement

Document type
Correspondence
Length
2 pages
Open the original scanArchive record OSTI ID 16366383 · public domain

Document text

Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.

Page 1

for Environment and Safety DOSE COMMITMENT - BIKINI RESETTLEMENT 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. The Trust Territory government asked for advice rcla~ivc- to planning construction of additional houses and community buildings on Bikini Island. . Tentative survey findings were provided to Trust TerriEory officials and to the people of Bikini during August and September 1975. In brief, the conclusions were: 1. With few exceptions, foods grown on Bilcini Island shoulcl not be Bikini Island should not be used for drinking or the above conditions , rcsi.dence on Bikini Island no undue risk, i.twould be prudcn~ and advisable to plan for the permanent resettlement to shift to Eneu Island. A draft report containing revised dose projections for Bikini T.sl.and residents based on all available data to c~ate shows that people li.vi.ng on Bikini Island and eating locally avai.1.able foods will receive whole body radiation doses in the range of 17 to 29 Rem in 30 years and those livinS on Encu about 5 Rem in 30 years. These V’llUCS may bc compared with the current standard 01 5 Rem in 30 years. Furthel-rnore, recent 137Ccsi.un~bocly burdens higher by an order ofresidents shows average

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annual whole body exposure of individuals in the population is being exceeded for these persons from inte~nal 137Cesium alone. We know that people are eating cerkai.n 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 to acceptable levels any return to Bikini Bikini resettlement are adequate to limit exposures A strong case can be made to recommend against Island for the present. Return to lZneu can be standards to be received. We have been asked to prov Affairs, Mrs. Van Cleve, a about June 2. During that acceptable for exposures at or near current de the new DOI Director of Territorial briefing on our Pacific activities on or time , the new Hi~h Commissioner and other officials of the Trust Territory will be in Washington and 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 wcelc of play 23, 1977. Division of Biomedical and