411473 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 a cedalelaNs3-fedahobh Dr. Martin B. Biles, Director Division of Operational Safety U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Washington, D.C. Dear Dr. 20545 —CoNscuen LECGeastaviat+5 Ye 1918- JoR4 7 ; Polit 7 ee ee Biles: | , Thank you for your May 2 letter and the opportunity to comment on the April 19 draft of the "Report by the AEC Task Group on, Recommendations for Cleanup and Rehabilitation of Enewetak Atoll." This draft contains many improvements over the February 1, 1974, draft and we appreciate the consideration given to our earlier comments. In general we can accept (1) the radiation protection cri- teria as listed on page 5, and (2) the recommendations as-listed on pages 24-30 for the specific activity related to the cleanup and rehabilitation of Enewetak Atoll on an interim use basis. EPA is developing a program to address cleanup guides for land restoration and such guides may impact on the above conclusions. It is our understanding that the DoD in cooperation with AEC and DOT will implement the final recommendations in the cleanup operations. We would like to emphasize the point that the cleanup criteria are considered as upper limits or guidance to DoD and the resultant radiation doses to the Enewetak people should be kept to the minimum practicable level. As we mentioned in our February 28 letter to Mr. Tommy McCraw: It should be understood and stated that any proposed guidelines or numerical values for the dose limits are only preliminary guidance and that a cost-benefit analysis must be undertaken to determine whether the projected doses are really as low as readily achievable and practical before proceeding with tne relocation project. On the basis of such analysis it may be prudent to lower dose guidelines for this operation. It is also our understanding that DoD will thoroughly discuss this~ matter in its draft EIS on this activity. ah