DRAFT
94
7 Apr 89
ADMINISTRATION
CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP
MEDICAL
RADIATION
DP submits a report to Congress, as required by P.L. 100-371, that outlines
DOE’s health and environmental programs for 1989-1991. The programs will
continue at their current level until 1991. In FY 1991 the medical program will
function at its current level until it can be integrated into the Marshall Islands health
care program; the environmental studies will
concluded and no additional field
work will be conducted; and the radiological safety program will be continued only
at a level of basic capability.*”
12 Apr 89
AGREEMENT
RADIATION
P&D Technologies issues to the Rongelap Atoll local government a
recommended phase 2 work plan for a comprehensive and independent radiation
study of the Rongelap Atoll as set forth in P.L 99-239 and the COFA. The report
addresses unresolved health, radiation, and habitability issues raised by the Rongelap
people, such as uncertainty about their heaith; lack of information about radiation
evels throughout the atoll; the issue of plutonium in their bodies; conflicting U.S.
policies about food; uncertainty about the habitability of Rongelap for children;
confusion about the map in the 1982 DOEradiation report; the DOE use of averages
in its reports and studies; confusion about radiation dose guidelines; and uncertainty
about the future economy of Rongelap. It sets forth a work plan focusing on the
preparation of personal medical
files; a baseline health survey; a radiological
survey; a bioassay sampling monitoring, and diet survey; dose assessment; an
economic and environmental study, sociological/cultural support; and recommended
decontamination and resettlement strategies. The plan calls for access to and use of
the DOE data with the DOE assistance and involvement but with control and
‘direction of the study completely independent of the DOE.*”
1 May 89
PLUTONIUM
RADIATION
According to David L. Wheeler, senior health physicist at NV, the DOE uses
the standards developed during the Enewetak cleanupfor transuranics cleanup. This
criteria, the removalof soil with contamination in excess of 400pCi/g, was developed
during the Enewetak cleanup because no authoritative criteria existed.
Consequently,
states Wheeler, there is no reason for the Rongelapese ‘not to return to their island
because the Rongelap Island contamination levels do not exceed EPA guidelines.””
2 May 89
RADIATION
After testimony that raises questions about the habitability of Rongelap, House
Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Morris Udall, Subcomittee on Insular
and International Affairs Chairman Ronald de Lugo, and Rep. George Miller introduce
House Con. Res. 90 calling for a comprehensive survey of radiation and other effects
on Rongelap. The subcommittee plans to examine closely the DOE 1989 report and
other material pertaining to the Rongelapsituation."
S00ue52