Project Number zu Battelle wy Ts [2 Internal Distrrbution Paciiic Northwest Laboratories Date October 13, 1978 To W. cd. Bair From =R, Q. Gilbert R.° WL Templeton RC Thompson 410097 sabe Subject Draft Letter to Hal Hollister Regarding the Advisory Group Meeting in Denver on October 3-4, 1978 R Following are comments and suggested changes. 1. Planting of Coconuts on Northern Islands of Enewetak a) L. d. Deal's letter to Vice Admiral R. R. Monroe was dated September 2S, not September 9, 1978. b) I think we should indicate the major thrust of L. J. Deal's letter rather than just refer to it. We might consider adding the following quote from Deal's letter: "We do not recommend planting any coconuts on the Northern Islands this planting season." c) The first ‘sentence gives the impression that the present cleanup must be completed before a final decision can be made regarding permissible degree of occupancy. Although this is strictly true, I'm concerned that this will reinforce the apparent tendency for DOE to refrain from making continuing assessments as the cleanup progresses. If I remember correctly, Jack Healy expressed the opinion at the Denver meetings that assessments should be made periodically before the cleanup is finished so that needed data can be collected before the military cleanup crew departs. d) We might consider deleting “which would have unfortunate public relations repercussion." While this statement is true, its inclusion detracts from the primary concern for the health of the island inhabitants. 2. Cleanup Guidance for Subsurface Contamination No mention is made of who is supposed to make situation-specific judgments. By suggesting that in certain situations the OPLAN conditions may be laid aside we have opened Pandora's Box without giving guidance 4-1906-065: (3-713