Letter to B Wachholz, Subject: Summary Notes of the December 10, 1980 Meeting on the Marshall Islands Health Plan (Enclsoure: as Stated)

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United States Department of the I&erior.... .. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY j::,’, Office of Health and -..:a..’.. Office of Environment .:.,,.~ Department of Energy .+”..,,, Enclosed for your information is a set of tl@ Summary Notes of the December 10, 1980, meeting on the MaZshall Islands YOU will recall that at the start of the me”~pg I indicated that there would not be any official minutes;.~nd that participants should keep their own record. ~ produced ~hese summary notes for our own working purposes ~ I am sharing them with the other interested agencies. The Notes are not in polished form nor do they attempt to be a{verbatim record but you may find them useful for the record”j~z.-.?4.

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Summary Notes on December 10, 1980 Meeting on Marshalls Health Plan Secretary ‘s Conference Room Roster: See Attachment Some 75 individuals representing various government agencies, the people of the affected atolls, their legal advisors and consultants, Government of the Marshall Islands officials, etc., attended the meeting. The Government of the Marshalls was represented by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Tony DeBrum/ Cabinet Minister Tom Kijener, Senator John Anjain, five additional members of the Nitijela, Dr. Jack Helkena representing the Ministry of Health, and various other government officials. Each of the four named atolls had two official representatives plus legal counsel and other advisors present. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Ruth Van Cleve (TIA) opened the meeting by requesting each delegation or agency head to identify members of the respective groups. She, then, outlined procedure to be followed, i.e.~ 15-20 minute presentatiions of each of the three aspects of the overall plan called for in P.L. 96-205 with appropriate discussion periods to follow each presentation. She announced that written comments would be accepted up to 5:00 p.m. on Assistant Secretary Ruth Clusen of DOE spoke briefly on the two plans prepared for DOI by DOE, i.e., the Education and Information Proposal and the Environmental Monitoring Proposal. She then introduced Dr. Bair of Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Battelle Memorial Institute, who briefly outlined the way in which- the Radiation Education and Information Program plan had been developed. Dr. Carl M. Unrah then explainea the plan using charts and slides. The plan contemplates a program to enable the people of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utirik, and the people of other atolls or islands found to be or have been exposed to radiation from the nuclear tests, to better understand nuclear radiation and its effect. The basic elements of the plan are direct, faceto-face communication with the people of the four affected atolls and others that may be affected. There would be close communication with officials of the Government of the Marshalls as well. Local Marshallese individuals would be trained to carry out the education and information program through training courses both in the Marshalls and the United States. Pretaped radio programs, presented in both Marshallese and English~

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would provide broadcast information about nuclear radiation and its possible effects. There would be systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of the communication process and modifications of the program as necessary. The program would be a continuing one, to reinforce, review and update the information. The estimated cost of the Education and Information Program for the first full year would be $950,000. Details of the plan and continuing costs were outlined in the official Information Proqram Plan” that was distributed to all Discussion on Radiation Education and Information Proposal Mr. Ron Cogswell, TIA, Interior OMB Examiner, asked whether continuing program costs were included. These continuing costs are outlined on pages 23 and 45 of the Education and Information Document. First year costs would be $950,0001 2nd year costs would be $840,000 then dropping to $410/000 for the fifth year. Starting with the 9th year the costs would jump again to $970,000 largely due to the starting again of training teams in the United States and development of special programs. Ms. Elaine Falender, (Covington & Burling, Legal Advisors for the Government of the Marshalls) inquired what the costs would be if the education and information programs were to be extended beyond the four named atolls. Dr. Unrah noted that expansion of the program to cover all of the Marshalls would probably mean a cost that would be approximately 3 times as high, i.e.~ first year costs in the range of $2.3 million. Ms. Falender wondered why the cost should go that high since so many of the items appeared to be fixed costs. Assistant Secretary Clusen stated that additional information on costs for a program to cover all of the Marshalls would be provided later. Litigation Project) inquired whether a determination had been made as to what were the “other affected atolls”. (Note: The MIALP represents the people of Rongelap, Utirik, groups and individuals of various other islands and atolls in the Northern Marshalls.

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for the people of Enewetak) stated that in his opinion, in general, the Education and Information plan was a good one. There was attention to practical realities. He thought though that there should be provision built into any plan for continuous participation by the people of the named atolls. He also wondered how the Education and Information program would be coordinated with the medical and environmental monitoring program. Such coordination was essential in his Dr. Unrah agreed that coordination was essential and that there would be continuous contact with the Government of the Marshall Islands. Mr. Mitchell stressed that he was concerned with “participation of the people of the four named atolls” not with MIG. Possibly local “Advisory Committees” or Community Boards of Education could be established. He also asked how transportation would be provided for the program. Dr. Unrah indicated that there were a variety of transportation aspects, all of which might be utilized, i.e.~ regular field trip service, charter of local shipping, seaplane chartering, use of regular MIG air service. Mr. Mitchell queried whether the current Brookhaven Medical program was able to operate using Marshalls public transportation. Dr. Vic Bond, Brookhaven Laboratory, stated that Brookhaven has a chartered vessel that is also shared by the environmental monitoring groups at times. It has not been able to rely on local public transportation. Dr. Bair stated that local transportation would be a key to any successful program and any contractor would have to put provision of adequate transportation at top of the list. Mr. Jeff Jefferson of MIATLP asked whether the program would cover all aspects of radiation, i.e.f controversial issues as well as ordinary issues? He wanted to know also who would select the Dr. Unrah stated that it was anticipated that the program would cover all aspects of radiation problems and that the local magistrates or island councils would assist in selecting the trainees working with the designated contractor. Mr. Richard Gerry of MIATLP asked whether DOE would be in charge of implementing the proposal. Assistant Secretary Ruth Clusen pointed out that under the current law, P.L. 96-205, the Department of Interior is in charge of the implementation” Mr. J. Weisgallr Legal Advisor for the people of Bikini? asked whether the two booklets prepared for the Enewetak and Bikini Dose and Risk Assessment meetings had been reviewed with the respective groups of peoplef i.e., Enewetakese and Bikinians as their usefullness. Dr. Unrah stated that this had not been done as yet but certainly would be part of any evaluation program. Mr. Weisgall stated that in his opinion it would

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make sense to have such an evaluation done at the start of the program. Follow-up meetings with the people of Bikini and Enewetak might provide direct feedback useful to a new program. Mr. Richard Gerry, MIATLP, noted that in the Health Plan the medical aspects of radiation are minimized, yet the Education and Information Program was developed around premise of danger from radiation. Mrs. Van Clever TIA, stated that eventually the three proposals wouldbe integrated but that there had not been time to do prior to the December Mr. Gerry, MIATLP, queried as to wht.ther there would be training provided to residents and provision of “education and information” programs to residents who have moved away from their home atolls. Mr. T. Mitchell, MLSC, stated that education of the Marshall Islands Government and its officials on radiation effects is equally important. He cited an endless stream of horror stories that emanate from the Government of the Marshalls with respect to radiation effects in the Marshalls as a result of the testing program. Former Secretary Anton DeBrum thanked Mr. Mitchell for his belief that the Government of Marshalls officials are capable of being educated. He had no other comments on Mr. Mitchell’s assertion of horror stories emanating from the Government of the Marshalls. Mr. DeBrum criticized DOE and its Education and Information contractor for not consulting initially with designated MIG officials. The DOE and Contractor team visit had come at a time when certain key MIG officials were at the Kona Status talks. MIG had requested a postponement of visit until the key officials were back in the Marshalls but DOE and contract team had ignored that request and had gone ahead and met with other MIG officials. Mr. Debrum also stated that the presentation again provided a sense of deju vu. The Northern Marshalls Radiological Survey results were.still awaited. Two years had gone by and Doe still had not released the results. He pointed out that the Government of the Marshalls does not beleive that radiation effects are restricted to the four named atolls. MIG believes that radiation is elsewhere in the Marshalls. The government cannot understand why DOE keeps stalling with respect to releasing results of the Northern Marshalls With respect to one aspect of the Education and Information Plan, he noted that the College of Micronesia was slated to play an essential role. He wished to state that, to date, the Government of the Marshalls has not taken a firm position on the role of the College of Micronesia in the Marshalls and therefore, he could not say that this aspect would be supported or could be followed. He commented on the difficulties of transportation in an area as widespread as the Marshalls and noted that the Government of the Marshalls has tried to give Bikini and Enewetak transportation

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Presentation of Environmental Monitoring, Research and Dose This plan was prepared by the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory of University of California for DOE on behalf of DOI. A brief outline of the plan was presented to the group by Dr. Noshki~h~f LLL. All participants were provided with copies of the plan. proposal contemplates for each of the four named atolls the carrying out of comprehensive surveys and analyses of the radiological status of the atolls at appropriate intervals, no less frequently than once every five years; the development of an updated radiation dose assessment; and an estimate of risk associated with predicted human exposure. The Environmental Monitoring, Research, and Bose Assessment Program Plan would utilize results of past and current DOE research programs in the Marshalls, but would also require new and direct monitoring of samples of locally-produced foods, soil sample collection, groundwater and cistern water sample collection, dietary and consumption habits, and Gamma measurements. Additionally, research would need to be conducted over a wide variety of areas, such as radionuclide products, and radiological dose assessment and risk analysis. The estimated cost of the additional program for the full year would be $1,140,000 if it were carried out in conjunction with the on-going DOE Marshall Islands program. The cost would increase to an estimated $4~170,000 for the first Year if the program were conducted by individuals or organizations that functioned independently of the current DOE Marshall Island programs. Cost estimates are given on pages 51 and 52 of the Discussion on Environmental Monitoring, etc.r Proposal Mr. Gerry, MIALP, again asked about the relationship to “other affected atolls” in the Marshalls. How is it intended to find out if the scope of the program can be extended? Does the proposal have any plans to go beyond the 4 atolls. Mr. Mitchell asked what groups the MIALP group represented. Mr. Gerry stated his group represented the people of Rongelap, Utirikt Wotje, Ailuk, Likiep, people in other parts of the Marshalls including some of the people of Enewetak. Dr. Noshkin, then, explained that the plan as presented was built around the four named atolls. Mr. Jefferson, MIALP, asked whether DOE would run the monitoring program. Dr. Noshkin stated that the law-gave DOI the implementation responsibility. He could not comment on what DOI might do in the future to carry out this aspect. Mr. Jefferson, MIALP, commented that his group had strong feelings about possible contractors for any future monitoring work and would like to have a later opportunity to state them.

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Mrs. Van Cleve, TIA, indicated that DOI is pre@ired to receive comments on this aspect. ....:> Mr. Jonathan Weisgall, Legal Advisor for the people of Bikini, asked whether written comments presented by the-various groups to DOI could be shared by all. ,...-.,. Mr. Gerry, MIALP, said that his group would be.~illing to provide copies of comments to any group present. .,.,... Van Cleve, TIA, commented that if the or~ator could do this that would be fine and would they indica~jdistribution on the original sent to DOI. DOI, though, would ~:prepared to provide copies if needed. -y.:. Mr. T. Mitchell, Enewetak Counsel, asked whethey any Federal Agency comments would also be circulated. Mrs:2;Van Cleve stated that if any agency comments were received wi~the week, they could be made available. .;.”s:%~> Plan. He believes it goes the full distance, it covers the four named atolls, and provides for future research.jf He had two observations. The first involved the develo-,t of standards for Dose Assessment comparison. How are the s3ijkndardsgoing to be developed? If question of standards are t@e Part of ‘he plan and would be developed by contractor, th~~~itchell would want to be involved. ‘.=....,,.....- Dr. Noshkin commented that the reference to st~”dards in the proposal was meant to refer to acceptable U.S.~~ederal standards. Mr. Mitchell, then stressed that he sees a ned.for the involvement of the local people (the four atolls) in @.e monitorin9 program. The research, the visits, the samPli._ ~ be explained carefully. Dr. Noshkin agreed th~ this was an important aspect and anticipated that prior tp~.+he start of every monitoring visit? a preliminary briefing~~”ession would be held with the local people. %?i Mr. Mitchell, Enewetak, raised the question of~.~~ransportation and communication support for the monitoring gi~ram. HOW would Dr. Noshkin pointed out that a special vessel ~uld be needed. The current DOE program has a chartered vessel~;-.-.-,’“..-.... Mr. Mitchell asked if there were a dedicated vessel, would there Dr. Noshkin commented that the new program would call for 5 months use. Possibly the Education program might u~,,.2 months. This could leave up to 5 months free, but this was.=.’guess at this‘;+:,

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Dr. Bruce Wachholz of DOE stated that it was premature to try to predict vessel use for various components at this time. Actual needs of each aspects are …