STARTCOMMENTS y It is expected that the results of dose estimates for use of Ineu as a village island will depend to a considerable degree on the assumptions regarding land use and diet. The task of providing additional advice to DOI is further complicated by observing that while we have a chance to correct past inistakes, the problem of limiting exposures in an atoll environment is more difficult than recognized earlier. Though the residency limitations of the return to Bikini Atoll were never well understood by the Bikinians and any understanding they may have had has been further dimmed by time, the fact is that the ALC recommendation to President Johnson for their return to the atoll and the subsequent plans for cleanup and rehabilitation of the atoll, were based primarily upon radiological considerations. First, that the U.&. radiation protection standards for exposures of individuals will be used to determine what is "safe."* Second, that any restrictions to limit exposures be simple and easily wnderstood by the Bikinians, and three, that all involved parties maintain a spirit of cooperation ta achieve the goal of the Bikinians again living in safety on thcir atoll. These parties include the people, their advisors, the Trust Territory Government, and agencies of the Federal Government. In addition, past judgements and recommendations have been based on dose estimates using the average contamination level of lend and food as opposed to "worst case" conditions. We believe this approach is still valid. *Thére is no aocumentation that a numerical balance or tradeoff was made between the benefits of the Bikinians return and the risks of radiation exposure. dicted exposures and safety." As stated in 1968, the pre- "do not offer a significant threat te health In our strict application of Federal radiation standards for a similar decision to return the Enewetakese to their atoll, EPA considered the numerical values of these standards as upper limits. a 30093049