Ci0( . November 3, 1978 BRIEF REVIEW ‘RADIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS a. Backpround In 1945 the decision was made by the President to conduct U.S. nuclear explosives tests in the Northern Marshalls. One hundred sixty-six Bikinians and one hundred thirty-six Fnewetakese were moved from their home atolls. Twenty-three nuclear tests were conducted at Bikini and forty-three at Enewetak between 1946 and 195&. All tests were conducted by a joint military/civilian task force that reported to the Department of Defense and the Atomic Energy Commission. The nuclear detonations left a legacy of contaminated islands and the people of nearby Rongelap and Utirik Atolls were left with both prompt and delayed injuries. Radioactive contamina- . tion in soils and sediments is being taken up by plants and animals used for food. With current cleanup technology, part but not all of this contamination can be removed for disposal. Current Conditions Bikini Responding to an inquiry from the Secretary of Interior as to whether or not the Bikinians could return home, the AEC con- ducted a radiation survey of Bikini Atoll in 1967. A panel of radiation and medical experts was appointed to evaluate the return of the people. Their judgement was that the people could return if certain precautions were taken. These recommended precautions included cleanup of contaminated debris, restrictions on use of land and local foods, and conduct of a followup radiological monitoring program. The first houses and food crops were to be placed on Eneu Island, the second largest (and one of the least contaminated) islands.- The Bikinians later objected and wanted houses on Bikini Island instead where all had land rights and where all would benefit equally. Subsequently, 43 houses were built on Bikini Island and 85,000 coconut trees were planted on Bikini and Emneu Islands. Following cleanup conducted jointly by the Department of Defense and AEC in 1969, and agricultural rehabilitation and housing construction by DOI in the 1970 to 1974 period, a number of families moved to Bikini Island — | ee Prone operrong Be Dee (Celees Lb Deal Box ND Folder Mavsrall\slends My-beta7¥_