410125 's, Department of Energy Washington, D.C. 20545 Dr. Chester R. Richmond Associate Director, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Oak Ridge National Laboratory P. 0. Box X Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830 Dear Chet: Reference is made to your note of July 5, 1979, re expressed concern about coconut plantings at Enewetak Atoll. The islands being planted--Enewetak (Fred), Medren (Elmer), Japtan (David) and Ananij (Bruce)--all are located in the southeast sector of the atoll; the first three are identified as inhabitable islands. I am not aware that there has ever been a question raised regarding the use of these islands for coconut plantings. To my knowledge, no coconut seedlings have been transported to or planted on the northern islands (Enjebi, Aomon, etc.), although seedlings are being raised in case the decision is made to do so. A decision on this by the Department of Interior (DOI) is being deferred until the Livermore dose assessment is available. A DOI decision is expected on this early in August; postponement of such a decision to later months escalates the costs significantly. I think that it can reasonably be assumed that the Enewetak people and their Jegal counsel will take the position that the northern islands shsuld be planted. : In summary, the decision to plant coconuts on tha southern islands was made some time ago--in fact it is so stated in the Environmental Impact Statement published in April 1975. No DOI decision has been made to date re the planting of the northern islands pending the LLL assessment. This was confirmed with Mrs. Van Cleve, Director of the Office of Territorial Affairs, DOI. IT trust this clarifies the current situation. BEST COPY AVAILABLE Sincerely, Bo Bruce W. Wachholz, Ph.D. Office of Environment cc: Bair Committee nt renee epiRRen ne one a