DRAFT
35
situation at Enewetak and that at Bikini and the need for a radiological survey of
_ Enewetak.”*
26 Mar 72
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
Micronesian P.L. 4C-33 creates from the Micronesianlegislature a Special Joint
Committee Concerning Rongelap and Utirik. The committee is responsible for
investigating the effects of radiation on the people of Rongelap and Utirik Atolls, and
is charged with securing medical assistance and compensation for those injured from
radiation exposure. Olympio T. Borja, Marianas senator, is chairman. Other
committee, members are Representatives Hans Williander of Truk and Timothy Olkeriil
of Palau.
18 Apr 72
AGREEMENT
High Commissioner Edward E. Johnston and U.S. Ambassador Franklin Haydn
Williams, of the DOI, announce that the U.S. government is prepared to release
Enewetak Atoll to the T.T. at the end of 1973. The announcement acknowledges the
necessity of survey, cleanup, and rehabilitation procedures such as those done on
Bikini.
Parry, Japtan, and Aniyaanii are to receive first priority in ceanup and
rehabilitation.
The DOD, with technical support of the AEC, is to conduct the
cleanup. The U.S. plans research and developmenttests on the atoll that should be
completed by the end of 1973.”
May 72
CONTRACTOR
RADIATION
A survey is conducted on Bikini Atoll following planting of coconuts on Bikini
and Eneu Islands and the start of house construction on Bikini. The survey covers
air,
plant,
soil,
and
animal
sampling and
external
radiation
measurements.
Radionuclide levels are found to be decreasing slowly. The team is led by the
University of Washington, with participation by scientists from the EPA, the Western
Environmental Research Laboratory (WERL), and the AEC.”
10-24 May 72
RADIATION
,
A survey team of AEC, DOD, and EPA personnel visits Enewetak Atoll to
determine the nature and extent of the necessary cleanup and a cost estimate. The
team finds a significant radiological hazard existing on six islands: Bogallus, Engebi,
Aomon, Biijiri, Runit, and Parry. Results of the survey lead to a cost estimate of as
much as $40 million and a conclusion that Runit Island and perhaps Enjebi may be
so contaminated that it may not be "economically feasible to make them safe for
human use.”
11-17 May 72
PLUTONIUM
RADIATION
An AEC team conducts a preliminary radiological survey and locates surface
plutonium contamination on Runit Island. This includes plutonium-bearing sand layer
outcropping on the oceanside of the mid-island area, plutonium fragments and grains
on the island surface, and contaminated scrap metal throughout the island.™
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