DRAFT
67
environmental protection, safety, and emergency preparedness, signs the
recommendation for transfer of these two EP programs to DP and another EP
program, radiological surveys and certification, to the assistant secretary for nuclear
energy. Among the arguments cited against the Marshall Islands program transferin
an unsigned attachment to Vaughan’s 29 October memorandum to DOESecretary
Edwards are: DP has limited headquarters medical, health, or environmental expert
staff to direct the program, and “historically, EP has retained management of the
program because of its perceived expertise." In that same document proponents of
that transfer contend that the Marshall Islands program is primarily operational and
related to past weapon testing, a major DP activity; that NV manages thelogistical
support in the Pacific for DP; and that EP handling represents a conflict with the EP
oversight role.‘
Nov 82
MEDICAL
RADIATION
1978
The DOEissues Melelen
(The Meaning
That
Were
Radiation llo Ailin ko Ituion Ilo Majol, ko
of Radiation for Those
Surveyed
in 1
Atolls in the Northern Part
Rar Etali i!
of the Marshall
to the Marshallese to explain the results of the
1978 measurements for Rongelap, Utirik, Taka, Rongerik, Ailinginae, Likiep, Ailuk,
Jemo, Mejit, Wotho, and Ujelang Atolls. According to Tommy McCraw, the 400
mRem/yr exposure rate "on page 39° appears to be an erroneous value not supported
by whole-body monitoring. McCraw says that "the value should be less than 100
mRem/year," provided the food restriction remains effective.‘”
8-9 Dec 82
CONTRACTOR
MEDICAL
RADIATION
DOE representatives and contractors from the PNL and LLNL meet with
Matshalt‘ Islanders at Majuro to explain the 1978 radiological survey. NoT. T.
representative. attends. Roger Ray serves as the DOE spokesman, and Tommy
McCraw attends as an observer.
The Marshallese ask whyonly certain islands were
included in: the survey;which areas‘ are’safé: with respect’to health;’and‘ how the
radiationaffects: people'shealth: Accofdiigto McCraw,the Marshalleésé/English book
was' “well' received)" and Ray was effectivein réspondingtothe’
ose and findings
of the survey. Nevertheless, McCraw ts upset because "some of the Marshallese at
the meeting appeared surprised, confused, and skeptical of Roger's statements that
food from Enjebi Island and from the northern islands at Rongelap could be eaten
with certain qualifications, and that the people should make up their own judgments
based upon cancerrisk estimates and upon the need for food.” McCraw regards Ray’s
advice as incompatible with the DOE policy of adhering to federal and international
‘%e
radiation protection standards and giving DOE-coordinated radiological advice and
9004829
assistance to the DO! and the T.T. high commissioner. According to McCraw, Ray's
statements on the consumption of Enjebi and northern islands food were not
coordinated within the DOE. McCraw considers this episode a continuation of a
difference of opinion between DOE headquarters safety staff and NV that started
when NV becameinvolved in the Enewetak cleanup.““
,