Cmdr. William F. Wolff -2- following sample types: March 28, 1973 soils, sediments (from lagoon), cores (from lagoon), fish, animals, birds, vegetation, plankton, seawater, algae, air filters. 4. Comments on the total number of samples to be analyzed: g a) / Certain numbers are firm, e.g. 407 Pish samples, 17 plankton samples, 58 seawater samples, 61 air filters, 223 sediment samples, 165 core samples. b) Other numbers are not firmly defined; in particular, the vegetation-animal-bird group is estimated at 450 but should not be considered final until such time as the dissection and sample preparation processes are completed, c) The biggest remaining uncertainty is in the total number of soils to be analyzed, Excluding sediment and core samples, we took in excess of 3,380 soil Samples on the atoll, An examination of priorities and the need to analyze all of these samples is underway and it is anticipated that we will analyze about 2900 soil samples in this phase of the program. I suggest that you use 2900 for your bargraph but indicate that the remaining samples are being held in reserve, I trust that these comments will be of use to you in preparing future reports. Incidentally, it would be quite helpful if you included Roger Ray and me in the distribution of the status reports, Sincerely yours, Dr. W,Eb. Nervik WEN: 5a ec: 2001181 R. Ray (w/Status Report No. 10) Radiochemistry Division Leader