G UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20545 April 13, 1970 R. E. Hollingsworth, GM THRU: John A. Erlewine, AGMO PROPOSED SURVEY OF PLUTONIUM IN SOILS AND IN AIR AT BIKINI ATOLL Enclosed for your information is a staff paper on the need for additional radiological monitoring at Bikini Atoll. The higher levels of plutonium-239 and plutonium-240 reported for Bikini soil at two locations have been stibstantiated by additional analyses. However, analyses of samples from four other locations on Bikini show lower levels (from 1.3 to 39 pCi/g). Comparable field data for Rocky Flats and Palomares and comparison of measured concentrations in air with Concentration Guides indicates no cause for considering plutonium to be of health concern through the inhalation pathway at Bikini Atoll. Staff propose to augment present data by conducting another field trip to Bikini Atoll to collect both additional soil samples and samples of airborne particulates. . ee Ls so eo : The time for planning the survey and for coordinating plans with Trust Territory officials is minimal if the trip is to be conducted before the rainy season which begins about mid June. Draft reports containing results of the 1969 survey have been submitted to AEC for review and disposition. The staff proposes that the same NV contractors (SWRHL and University of Washington) par- ticipate in the 1970 survey and that results obtained from these further studies be incorporated in the draft reports prior to publication. The 1970 survey would provide a more comprehensive picture of radiological health aspects related to plutonium and confirm present determinations that these are negligible. a oe ser The proposed 1970 survey could also indicate possible need for examination of plutonium situations at other atolls such as Rongelap and “, ctOOlarunk. CONFPLRMED TO BE AOTHORLTY: UNCLASSIFIED DOE/SA-20 BY B.R. SCUMIDT, DATE: : Ged uh9/4o —~7 i Enclosure: Marth B. - Biles. Biles, D Direc arti Division of Operational Safety A ‘fF / Staff Report on Bikini Atoll - 2.7 (rpreneneieniiial Naf?