INA oe OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY OPERATED BY UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION NUCLEAR DIVISION 410139 CARBIDE POST OFFICE BOX X OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE 37830 September 10, 1979 Dr. Bruce W. Wachholz Policy Analysis Division Office of Environment EV-2]1 Department of Energy Washington, D.C. 20545 Dear Bruce: RE: Draft letter to DOI In my opinion, DOE should be considered about the long-term effects of planting coconuts on the northern islands of Enewetak. Or specifically, why should we encourage or condone the planting of crops whose products are going to be contaminated. We know the coconuts are not suitable to eat in their fresh state, and its questionable that the oil] is free of contamination. We know the coconuts cannot be processed at present commercial facilities, and if a separate facility was constructed to process contaminated coconuts, would they be accepted on the world market? Even more important is, how would the other coconut processors view this type of an operation? In my opinion, DOE and in particular the Office of Environment, should not encourage practices that would enhance the movement of radionuclides to the food chain to man. I do not question the LLL dose estimates (remember that is all they are) with regard to potential dose or possible health hazards; I am concerned, however, that in planting coconuts (or condoning the practice), avenues for further contamination will be opened, resulting in possible excesSive exposures and further criticism of DOE's and USA's policies in the Marshall Islands. Sincerely yours, 0.ap Few C. W. Francis Senior Research Scientist Environmental Sciences Division CWF ssw cc: Marshall Island Committee