4Q1315 Radiological Aspects of the Bikini Atoll Environment and the Return of the Bikini People The role of the AEC in the cleanup and rehabilitation of Bikini Atoll was to study radiological conditions, to provide criteria for cleanup to the Department of Defense (DOD) and for rehabilitation to Department of the Interior (DOL), and to perform followup radiological surveys. By way of introduction, it should be mentioned that AEC studies of radiological conditions at both Bikini and Enewétak Atolls were begun during the period of test operations and there have been periodic surveys by AEC since that time. A considerable body of information of radiation and radioactivity levels was gathered over the years. Late in 1966, the Secretary of the Interior, responding to an inquiry from the Bikini people, requested that AEC make an evaluation of whether these people could be safely returned to their atoll. It may be helpful to review some of the background for AEC actions at Bikini. Following the request Exom DOL, an evaluation of existing data on radiological conditions at Bikini Atoll was made. The finding was that additional information, primarily on current external radiation levels in the atoll, was needed. An AEC field survey team spent about six weeks at Bikini during the period April-May, 1967, making measurements and collecting soil, plant, fish, and animal samples. The results of the external radiation and soils survey are published in HASL-190 entitled, "External Radiation Levels on Bikini Atoll - May 1967", dated December 1967. provided (Enclosure 1). A copy of that report is