- 18 FRC, ICRP, and NCRP have all taken the position that there can be
different guides with different numerical values for different circum-

stances.

This is one reason why it is difficult for standards agencies

to develop standards applicable to a broad range of circumstances.
This is also why such guidance is often developed on an Ad Hoc basis.

The Task Group 40-400 pCi/g and the 1 pCi/g cited by Dr. Martell are
both examples of Ad Hoc guides for plutonium in soil developed for a
completely different purpose and for very different conditions.
in both guides are considerations of what may be feasible.
both is the assumption that neither is absolutely safe.

Inherent

Inherent in

Neither of

the guides should be considered as standards,

It is not feasible to plan operations such as Enewetak cleanup on
the basis of what may be learned in the future that would warrant
changing standards.

Likewise, application of current Federal Regulations

containing basic radiation protection philosophy, practice, and

standards cannot be too much influenced by a contrary State Health
Department "interim standard" devised for a unique set of circumstances.
Assuming that basic standards can be met, it is reasonable to assume
~

that the guide selected for each set of circumstances involving pro-

tection of people from radiation exposure would be the lowest level
within the standard that is feasible, a level that is attainable without inordinate difficulties.

This is the idea behind the "lowest

practicable" concept.
From a radiation exposure consideration,

there is in fact little

choice in the level of procection that can be provided the Enewetak
people,

The choices for cleanup degree at Enewetak are limited in one

Select target paragraph3