DOE ARCHIVES : " . Conmissioners -2- For comparison, the average value for 239Py background in air in the U.S. during 1968 was 0.4 X 107*pCi/m?. The maximun permissible concentration for the general public for 239s249Py in air is 2 X 1072pCi/m3. Average levels of 239s240Py in soil from undisturbed areas ajiong clearec rows on Bikini showing the highest gama levels ranged from 65 to 37 pCi/o dry. Levels in dis- turbed soil in the same areas were lower by a factorof two to three. Levels of 2399240—y in soil on Eneu ranged from 0.71 to 35 pCi/g dry. The summary report also contains a comparison of results of analysis of fish, lobster, clams, coconut crabs, birds, coconuts, and pandanus collected in 1967 with those collected in 1969 (the 1967 results were used by the Ad Hoc Committee established by AEC to consider whether the Bikini people could return home). The determinations of radionuclide content for the 1969 samples canpare favorably with those for the 1967 samples. The Ad Hoc Committee's recommendations for certain simple measures to minimize exposure are supported by these findings. As to the current status of rehabilitation of Bikini Atoll (requested at Commission Information Meeting 1096, January 21, 1971), the following was obtained through the Pacific Support Office in Honolulu on February 4, 1971: Trust Territory officials report that 40 houses are currently financed for construction at Bikini Island with completion due in 1972. Components for these houses are being prefabricated at Majuro Atoll but none have yet been shipped to Bikini for assembly. Planting of coconut trees was reported on schedule and going well. Planting on the second largest island on the Atoll has been completed. Planting on Bikini should be completed later this year. There are 23 male workers on the Atoli but no wives or dependents. the Truk Islands. There are two wonen from By letter of January 14, 1971 (copy enclosed) to AEC‘s Manager, Honolulu, the High Commissioner, Trust Territcries, requested permission to plant coconut trees on the Peter-Cboe (Aerokoj} complex along the