Warren D. Johnson . ~4- to be disposed by removing some of the plutonium from the soil. Whether such reduction is cegnumically sound would depend on the final disposal method and its agssvciated const. Should deep ocean burial be the chosen method, the removal of plutonium from the goil would not be a cost effective action. In recognition of the above points, DNA should plan its cleanup and disposal actions as if no additional guidance from AEC say be forthconing. Any results of a further AEC study to determine the possibility cf reducing the volume of plutonium-contaminated material should Le viewed as on added benefit. Our discussions with staff of the Department of the Interior during the Sept ber 1974 visit to Cnewetak Atoll indicated that a group of people from Uisl.og Atoll will be allewed to return to Japtan Island before cleanup operations begin. In a July 18, 1974 letter to the Department of the Interior, ALC presented its views on the safety cspects of any proposed early return of people to Japtan. We view an early return as a significant step that should be tiraated in the DEIS. Sincerely, ee mes Liverman “ia GeneralManager for ! Biomedical and Environmental Research and Safety Programs Enclosure: Starf Report ec: Council on Environmental Quality, w/encl. (5)