ns
Soil Cleanup Operatio
as occur in nuclear explosions. The AEC Task Group had recommel

lifestyle for Enewetak which would limit residence to southern islan
would permit coconut agriculture in the northeast.>? Utilizing NV
data and methodology, the estimated doses to individuals would

more than 30 percent of the AEC’s recommendations.>3 The methoc
used by Dr. Bramlitt differed in several respects from the methoc
used in the previous estimates.

First, the Bramlitt estimates considered that each Enewetak |

would obtain subsistence coconuts from specific northeastislands,
than from the entire group of northeast islands. Thus, those pe
having agriculture rights limited to a more highly contaminated nor
island were predicted to receive a higher dose than if some of

coconuts came from the lowercontaminated islands. Second, the Br
estimates assumed coconut consumption to be much greater
previously estimated. The increase in consumption was based

statements from individuals living at Ujelang, and it made allowanc
other pathways involving coconuts for which there were no radiol

data; e.g.. fermented coconut sap, skin lotions, cooking oils, and
consumed from animals raised on coconuts. Additionally, the re

discovered higher radiation levels among the people of Bikini Atol

attributed to larger amounts of coconut in their diet than had
previously estimated.>4 Third, the Bramlitt estimates used Bikin
made available after publication of NVO-140. The Bikini data pre
greater uptake of radionuclides by coconuts.
:

Dr. Bramlitt’s draft study recommended: (I) evaluating the imp

not planting coconuts on northeast islands; (2) collecting addition
on fission products at Enewetak while support forces were availab!
reevaluating the diet assumed for the dri-Enewetak after cleanup; a1
reassessing the dose for the postcleanup use of Enewetak Atoll.
The Director, DNA wasbriefed on the dose estimate study on 2
1978. The draft study then was distributed on 27 July 1978 to
(Headquarters and NV), members of the Enewetak Advisory Grour

Committee), and the Armed Forces Radiobiological Research In:

with a request for expeditious review, since the study indicate
changes might be desirable in the cleanupor rehabilitation program

underway.
Based in part on the new data from measurements ofthe Bikini|
and the recent experience of having to relocate them from Bikini
DOE recommended to DOI that coconut trees not be planted
northern islands of Enewetak Atoll. It is possible that Dr. Bramlitt’

estimate, raising much the same type of question, reinforced the DO
thinking. While this staff view hadlittle effect on the DOD cleanup
it had the potential to exert a significant effect on the DOI rehabil

ee

(e

Select target paragraph3