-~5 7. At present, the people of Utirik have much fear of the radiation a. Therefore the people of Utirik feel the need to have-someone come out and do a study of Utirik for possible lingering radiation. that came from the bomb: According to measurements made by the Brookhaven team in September 1976, the present radiation levels on Utirik are almost at a level one could expect from natural background radiation. However, a complete radiation survey of Utirik is expected to take place early next year. As soon as the results become available, we will be happy to discuss the results of the survey with the people of Utirik. b. The people of Utirik feel that their arrowroot has been damaged as a result of the radiation. At present the arrowroot stalks measure one foot, whereas before the radiation they measured five feet. With regard to your comment about the reduced size of arrowroot plants on Utirik, we can state that the results of studies of radiation effects on plants would not support radiation exposure as being responsible for a reduction in size of arrowroot or of any other plants growing on Utirik Atoll. Numerous studies of radiation on Utirik show the levels have been too low to result in such effects. I deeply appreciate the support and advice which you have given to ERDA's medical and other scientific and technical teams over the years. I especially appreciate your candor in discussing our relationship with the people and their perceptions of ERDA's programs. If you or the people of Utirik have further questions or desire clarification of any of the matters discussed in this letter, please contact me. Sincerely, James |. Liverman, Director Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research cc: R. Conard, BNL R. Ray, NV Ruth Van Cleve, Dept. of Interior ones JO 119)