DRAFT 99 4 May 89 CONTRACTOR MEDICAL PLUTONIUM Wheeler visits BNL to discuss the urine analysis for plufnium content of Marshall Island samples. Recently BNL has sent samples to the University of Utah for a comparison study between laboratories.*” 1 Jun 89 RADIATION According to DOE Secretary James Watkins, at his request thle NAS establishes to provide independentscientific advice to the DOE. The committee on the status of its epidemiology program, the creation of epidemiological data repository, the development of protocols fdr will advise DOE comprehensive the use of this on this date a standing Committee on Radiation Epidemiological repository, and the granting of independent research proposals.™ rch Programs 5 Jun 89 CONTRACTOR MEDICAL PLUTONIUM RADIATION All of the Rongelap and Utirik urine samples, except one,itaken by BNL in May 1989 show plutonium at background levels.” 10 Jul 89 CONTRACTOR MEDICAL PLUTONIUM In the report, "The Radiological Dose From Pu at Rongelap §land,” William L Robison, Casper Sun, and Charles B. Meinhold state that the estimated committed dose equivalent from plutonium at Rongelap Island is very similar for both the environmental and urine analyses. BNL and LLNL agree on the pitonium dose on Rongelap Island.” 10 Jul - 12 Aug 89 CONTRACTOR MEDICAL PLUTONIUM The BNL conducts whole body counting and urine sampling of Enewetak, Medrin, Rongelap, and Utirik people. The eight team members cbilect 976 whole body counting records to reconfirm the radiological safety of the Matshallese and 209 urine samples to monitor the Marshallese uptake of plutonium. Preqhutions are taken . during this mission to ensure the minimum amount of contamination of the samples because of the probability of contamination of the 1981-1984] samples during handling. 2 Aug 89 ADMINISTRATION In testimony before the Senate Committee on Governmegtal Affairs DOE Secretary James D. Watkins announces the establishment of a [special advisory committee to conduct an independent evaluation of DOE epidemidlogicalactivities. Watkins expects the committee also to provide guidance on ructuring and