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studies, radiation dose assessment, and a radiological data bank; and H&N
responsible for general support.‘”'
22 May 85
RADIATION
RELOCATION
Because of a fear of lingering contamination, 327 Rongela
move from
Rongelap to Mejato Island, Kwajalein Atoll. Ray states that radiation levels on
Rongelap pose no health problems. McCrawprotests that the DOE did not correct
the erroneous high exposure prediction for the Rongelapese in the 1982
Marshallese/English booklet. ‘7
20 Jun 85
RADIATION
RELOCATION
Michael Wygant, a Departmentof State statusliaison officer on Saipan; DOE;
and U.S. military officials visit the Rongelapese on Mejato Island. The Rongelapese
express their displeasure with Mejato Island. Although the Rongelapese publicly state
that their new residence is permanent, the U.S. governmentvisitors find indications
that this may not be a permanent move.‘”
22 Jul 85
RADIATION
RELOCATION
ADMINISTRATION
Analyzing the May 1985 Rongelap Atoll evacuation, McCraw traces the
beginning of the situation to the 8-9 December 1982 meeting at Majuro Atoll on the
results of the 1978 survey. At this meeting the Rongelap people were told to make
their own decisions regarding the consumption of food. Next BNL measurements of
whole body exposures in 1982 and 1983 revealed an increase partially caused by the
increased consumptich: of fodd ' frorh’ more: contaminated - islands’ at Rongelap.
McCraw believes 'that“thiS appears to have beert-a profoundly disturbitigexperience
for some Marshallese and an actiori that underminescohfidence ihDOE and in the
United States Govertiment....The.Rongelap pedple ‘followed the advite ‘they were
given, made thé®judgrment’Adt' to accept the risk, and left their atoll." As for the
transfer of the Marshall Islands program to DP, McCraw believes that "DP’s interest
' in the program appears to have primarily the altruistic interests of one person who
wanted to change radiological rules used in the Marshalls, rules that were causing
hardships through the loss of contaminated land. EP’s ignoble interest in transferring
the program to DP was apparently to get rid of a hot potato, and had nothing to
do with Safeguard C.™”
Aug 85
RADIATION
Reflecting a change in the DOEradiation protection policy, William Vaughan
signs a memorandum that states, "It is DOE policy to follow the guidance of the
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) to the fullest
extent practicable..." Previously radiation standards were derived from’federal
requirements recommended by the Federal Radiation Council (FRC) and approved by
the President.‘ _
9004 E3S