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.™ I004%35943