[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 22, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-28889] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: November 22, 1994] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Impact Statement; Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility, Los Alamos National Laboratory AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The United States Department of Energy (DOE) provides notice of its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the DARHT facility at its Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, New Mexico. The EIS will be prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality NEPA Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500- 1508), and the DOE NEPA Regulations (10 CFR Part 1021). The EIS will analyze the impacts of completing construction and operating the DARHT facility at LANL, and reasonable alternatives. With this Notice, DOE initiates a public comment period to solicit suggestions on the scope of analysis for this EIS. DOE also extends an invitation to attend public scoping meetings in Los Alamos and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and to provide suggestions for public participation opportunities for this NEPA review. DATES: Written comments on the scope of the EIS are invited from the public. To ensure consideration, comments should be postmarked by Tuesday, January 10, 1995. Comments sent after that date will be considered to the fullest extent practicable. Public scoping meetings will be held as follows: Wednesday, December 7, 1994, Los Alamos, 1:00 pm-4:30 pm, and 6:30 pm9:00 pm, Hilltop House, 400 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos, New Mexico. Thursday, December 8, 1994, Santa Fe, 1:00 pm-4:30 pm, and 6:30 pm-9:00 pm, Sweeney Center, 201 West Marcy Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The meetings will use a workshop format to facilitate dialogue among DOE, LANL, and the public and will provide an opportunity for individuals to provide written or oral statements. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the scope of the DARHT EIS, or other matters regarding this environmental review, should be addressed to: Ms. Diana Webb, NEPA Compliance Officer, Los Alamos Area Office, Department of Energy, 528 35th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544, Attn: DARHT EIS. Ms. Webb may be contacted by phone at (505) 665-6353, facsimile (505) 665-4872. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information on the DOE NEPA process, please contact: Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Oversight, EH-25, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20585. Ms. Borgstrom may be contacted by leaving a message at (800) 472-2756 or by calling (202) 586-4600. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action One of the most urgent and difficult technical tasks facing the DOE is to assess the effects of aging on the weapons that remain in the nation's nuclear stockpile, and to ensure the continuing safety of those weapons. Because the President has decided not to build any new nuclear weapons for the foreseeable future, but instead to continue to rely upon a smaller stockpile of existing but aging weapons as a nuclear deterrent, DOE must ensure that the weapons remaining in the stockpile are safe, secure and reliable. Under the Atomic Energy Act, this mission rests with DOE and essentially requires DOE to certify that the weapons will not accidentally detonate during storage and handling, that the weapons would thwart any attempts for unauthorized use, and that they would function as designed in the event of authorized use. To fulfill this mission, DOE needs to collect diagnostic information regarding the condition of the weapons which remain in the enduring stockpile. Some of these weapons are approaching the end of their design life, and DOE is not certain how they may be affected by the aging process. One important type of information that is currently lacking concerns the three-dimensional condition of the various internal components of aging weapons. These are often shielded by thick and dense materials. Multiple view hydrodynamic testing (experiments to look at the flow of adjacent materials as they are driven by high explosives) and dynamic testing (experiments to study other effects of high explosives), combined with computer modeling, provide the only means of obtaining this data in the absence of nuclear testing. The President has endorsed hydrodynamic testing as the preferred means of conducting experiments in support of stockpile stewardship and maintenance. Hydrodynamic testing has become more important since the United States moratorium on nuclear testing was extended. A future Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, moreover, would foreclose the acquisition of additional performance and safety data through nuclear testing. Proposed Action DARHT would be a specialized high energy X-ray machine that would take three-dimensional, sequential and high-resolution X-ray pictures of the dynamic behavior of dense materials that are being shocked and compressed by high explosives. DARHT would be used to evaluate the nonnuclear behavior of nuclear weapons components and would provide the nation with a significantly improved diagnostic capability to evaluate and assess the safety and reliability of the existing nuclear weapons stockpile. DARHT would consist of an existing support lab, a new firing site, and the necessary infrastructure, all located at Technical Area 15 at LANL. DARHT would be used to detonate high explosives, and to use very high-speed, tightly-focused radiographic (X-ray) photography to determine the motions (dynamic experiments) or flow (hydrodynamic tests) of the explosive-driven materials. Two X-ray machines at right angles to each other (dual-axis lines of sight) would be powered by two 16 million electron volt (MeV) electron accelerators, each housed in a building about 225 feet long. By using two machines, DARHT would be able to provide three-dimensional, sequential information on occurrences within millionths of a second during a test. The accelerators' small beam size would allow DARHT to provide a very high- quality resolution of the radiographic image. This resolution is necessary to resolve the fine details of the material flowing in these experiments. DARHT experiments would variously involve radioactive materials (primarily depleted uranium), beryllium and other hazardous materials, and other metals. Additionally, experiments involving plutonium contained in steel vessels may be conducted. DARHT would not test materials that could result in nuclear yield, or a nuclear detonation. Experiments at DARHT would be expected to result in metal fragments and other airborne debris being deposited up to 750 meters from the open- air explosives testing (standard operating procedures would require the evacuation of this area before any experiments were conducted). In addition to testing the nonnuclear behavior of nuclear weapons components, DARHT would be used to evaluate conventional weapons systems, explosives-driven materials for non-weapons uses, and high- velocity impact phenomena. The facility would also be used to support non-proliferation and counter-proliferation efforts, such as experiments intended to disable a terrorist-designed or proliferant- designed nuclear weapon. Although DARHT could be used to collect information relevant to the design of new weapons, no new weapons are anticipated to be designed in the foreseeable future. Design of DARHT began in the early 1980's. Memoranda to File, describing the environmental impacts of constructing and operating DARHT, were completed in 1983 and 1987. DARHT construction began in 1988 with the Radiographic Support Laboratory, which was completed in 1990. The Radiographic Support Laboratory is currently being used to support the development of the accelerator equipment that is planned to be used in DARHT. In May 1994, DOE began construction of the Hydrodynamic Firing Site. Approximately 20 percent of the Hydrodynamic Firing Site construction work (e.g., site preparation, foundation pouring) has been completed. Current schedules call for the Hydrodynamic Firing Site construction to be completed, and the first X- ray machine to be operating, in 1997 at a cost of approximately $86 million, and the second X-ray machine, if approved, would begin operation in 2000. The total estimated project cost of DARHT in its final two-axis configuration is $124 million; to date, approximately $44 million has been spent or obligated on the project. In response to public concern, the DOE has decided to prepare this EIS at this time to allow for a full dialogue between DOE and the State, tribes, other agencies and the general public regarding the environmental impacts of completing and operating DARHT, and the impacts of other alternatives. The EIS will also assist in ensuring that appropriate mitigation measures are developed if DARHT is completed and put into operation. Construction and related work on the facility will continue during the preparation of the EIS. Proposed Alternatives DOE has tentatively identified the following alternatives for analysis in the EIS and seeks public comment on their adequacy, inclusiveness, and reasonableness: (1) Proposed action Under this alternative, DOE would complete construction and operate the DARHT facility as currently planned. This alternative would provide a state-of-the-art diagnostic capability for ensuring the safety, security and reliability of the aging nuclear weapons stockpile. If DARHT becomes operational, operation of the Pulsed High Energy Radiation Machine Emitting X-Rays (PHERMEX) facility, an existing facility at LANL also located at Technical Area 15, near the DARHT site, will be phased out. (2) No Action (status quo) Alternative Under this alternative, DARHT would not be completed and DOE would continue to operate the Pulsed High Energy Radiation Machine Emitting X-Rays and the Flash X-Ray facility at the Department's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site 300 located near Livermore, California. The Pulsed High Energy Radiation Machine Emitting X-Rays, a single-axis radiographic facility, was built in the mid-1960's and has been used continuously since that time. It uses a pulsed power accelerator to power the X-ray machine, and does not have the small beam size (tight focus) planned for DARHT, thereby precluding the high- resolution images that DARHT would provide. Flash X-Ray, also a single- axis radiographic facility, was built in 1982 and has been used continuously since that time. It uses a linear induction accelerator to power the X-ray machine and also does not have the small beam size planned for DARHT. (3) Containment Alternative Under this alternative, DOE would modify the construction and/or operation of DARHT to contain some or all airborne emissions of fragments or other debris. Under one approach, the X-ray pictures would be taken through the walls of a containment vessel. Another approach would be to construct a building to enclose and contain the explosive experiments; X-ray pictures would be taken within the containment building. These two approaches may be considered separately or together, for some tests or for all tests. (4) Institutional Control Alternative Under this alternative, DOE would complete and operate DARHT, but would limit use of the facility to exclude any applications involving experiments with plutonium. (5) Single-Axis Alternative Under this alternative DOE would complete construction of the Hydrodynamic Firing Site but would operate only a single axis of DARHT with one accelerator. This alternative would provide an improved technical capability over present accelerators with a single view (i.e., the Pulsed High Energy Radiation Machine Emitting X-Rays and Flash X-Ray). (6) Upgrade Alternative Under this alternative DOE would upgrade the present Pulsed High Energy Radiation Machine Emitting X-Rays capability with the new technology developed for DARHT. DOE does not intend, in this EIS, to analyze alternatives or issues beyond the construction and operation of DARHT that relate to the nation's nuclear weapons policies, the DOE mission of stockpile stewardship and management, the need for hydrodynamic testing or dynamic testing that are part of the stockpile stewardship and management program, the mission of LANL, or continued operation of other facilities at LANL. To the extent that these matters are under the purview of DOE, they will be considered in the Programmatic EIS on Stockpile Stewardship and Management or the LANL Sitewide EIS, as discussed below in the section on related NEPA reviews. Proposed Issues The EIS will identify and analyze the direct, indirect and cumulative effects resulting from the completion and operation of DARHT. DOE has tentatively identified the following environmental and socioeconomic issues for consideration in the EIS and seeks public comment on the adequacy and inclusiveness of these issues:Natural ecosystems, including air quality, surface and groundwater quality, and plants and animals. Cultural resources, including archeological sites, historic resources, other facilities and infrastructure at LANL, and actual and potential uses of the site including Native American cultural, traditional and religious uses; DOE has previously identified Native American archeological sites in the vicinity of DARHT and has conducted mitigating activities. Economic impacts, including those from constructing, equipping and operating DARHT. Socioeconomic impacts, including any disproportionately high and adverse impacts on minority and low income populations. Health and safety impacts to on-site workers, other LANL personnel, local communities and tribes, and the general population of northern New Mexico. Other construction and operational impacts, such as transportation of people and materials. Waste management considerations, including the eventual decontamination and decommissioning of the facility after the end of its useful life (approximately 30 years). Health and safety, environmental, and other impacts related to the transport, storage and use of hazardous and radioactive materials and generation of X-ray radiation. Other relevant issues identified by DOE or the State, tribes, other agencies, or the public through this scoping process. Related NEPA Reviews The Department is currently preparing to undertake two related NEPA reviews. The planned LANL Sitewide EIS (59 FR 40889, August 10, 1994) will consider the cumulative impacts of operations and planned activities foreseen within the next 5 to 10 years. The planned Stockpile Stewardship and Management Programmatic EIS (59 FR 54175, October 28, 1994) will evaluate activities required to maintain a high level of confidence in the safety, reliability, and performance of nuclear weapons in the absence of nuclear testing, and to be prepared to test weapons if so directed by the President. Classified Material The Department will review classified material while preparing this EIS. Within the limits of classification, DOE will provide to the public as much information as possible. If DOE needs to generate classified material to explain the purpose and need, use, materials, or impacts from this project, that material will be segregated into a classified appendix. Public Involvement Opportunities DOE will develop a stakeholder involvement plan to guide the public review aspects of this EIS. To assist with developing the stakeholder involvement plan, DOE requests suggestions by the public on how this EIS process should be conducted, including suggestions regarding the type, format and conduct of public involvement opportunities. Through this Notice, DOE formally invites the State, tribes, other government agencies and the public to comment on the scope of the EIS. DOE will offer informational briefings to tribal governments, local (county and municipal) governments, and the State of New Mexico. A second formal opportunity for comment will be provided after DOE issues the draft EIS, expected in mid-1995. Public hearings will be held in conjunction with that comment period. DOE will inform the State, tribes, local governments, other agencies and the general public of its final decisions at the time the Record of Decision is issued, expected in October 1995. In addition to formal opportunities for comment, any person may submit comments at any time during the NEPA review process; however, to ensure that comments are considered at specific points in the NEPA review, and to best assist DOE, the public is encouraged to comment during the formally established comment periods. Copies of DARHT design and other background documents, written comments, records of public meetings, and other materials related to the development and analyses of the EIS have been and are being placed in the Los Alamos National Laboratory Community Reading Room, 1450 Central Avenue, Suite 101, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544. For information on the availability of specific documents and hours of operation, please contact the reading room at (505)665-2127 or (800)543-2342. Signed in Washington, D.C., this 18 day of November 1994, for the United States Department of Energy. Tara O'Toole, Assistant Secretary, Environment, Safety and Health. [FR Doc. 94-28889 Filed 11-18-94; 11:46 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P