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After obtaining cost estimates for logistics support from the DOD and

the technical program from ERDA, the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) determined that the survey would be conducted, and funds for

reimbursement of DOD's logistics support were included in a DOI FY 78
supplement.

DOE was directed to absorb the technical program costs.

Although the U.N. Trust Territory Agreement with the U.S. is expected
to end soon, it is clear that the U.S. will continue to have a vital
national interest in the northern Marshalls.

Resettlement of Bikini

Island has suffered a setback due to radiation exposures significantly
exceeding acceptable standards, and the conditional nature under which
Enewetak is being resettled, and the need to continue following the
health of the Rongelapese, will require radiological monitoring of these
people and their environment for the foreseeable future.

The aerial

survey will be a major part of a standardized data base which will provide
information needed for evaluating any future claims for damage or injury.
It will contribute to the future monitoring program planned for Bikini,

Enewetak, and Rongelap atolls.
In addition to Enewetak, Bikini, and Rongelap Atolls, there are eleven other
atolls or single islands that received intermediate range fallout from one
or more of the megaton range tests.

A number of these atolls are presently

inhabited while others are used for food collection.

During nuclear test

operations, there was a limited monitoring program that did not provide
anywhere near the coverage that can be obtained with the current aerial

survey technology and instrumentation.

In addition, there is little or

no data on possible plutonium contamination outside of Bikini and Enewetak
Atolls,

The proposed aerial survey uses the same equipment and procedures which

were successfully employed at Enewetak Atoll in 1972-1973.

As documented

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