“DOE ARCHIVE Dr. Gustafson reported that the radiological resurvey of Bikini Atoll consisted vf taking numerous radiation exposure measurements, and collecting representative samples of the prominent plant and animal species (including fish and birds). Particular efforts were made to sample those items likely to be consumed as food by the returning Bikinians. were used to measure radiation dose rate. Severai Kinds of devices Confirmation of dose rate by more than one instrument increased reliabilit,, and the field y-ray epectrome try provided detailed information on the radionuclide composition of the contamination. The island of Bikini was surveyed most extensively. The former village was located here, and remains the most desirable Location for permanent housing. The beach area, village site, and selected transects across the middie and both ends of the island were surveyed for radiation levels. The dose rate at or near the beaches was lowest due to leaching and wash off of radioactivity. (.v 10uR/hour). Radiation levels were comparable to those found in the U. 5. Higher levels (roughiy swice to three times beach values) were present in the interior (densely overgrown) regions with some hot spots. A sizable area was cleared of vegetation, constant. Other measurements indicated rudioactivity to be present in the vegetation. os material and dose rates remained cssentialiy Hence one may conclude that as the shieiding effect of plant is removed, the dose from ground deposition compensates for the removal of radioactivity in plant material. would be cleared of underbrush; hence, Plowing under, Under habitation, the islands the plant source will be removed. or otherwise burying the tcp iayers (inch or so) of soil