[Federal Register: November 16, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 220)]
[Notices]
[Page 67139-67142]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16no04-37]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
the Proposed Consolidation of Nuclear Operations Related to Production
of Radioisotope Power Systems
AGENCY: Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of Intent.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) announces its intent to prepare
an environmental impact statement (EIS), pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, for the proposed consolidation
of nuclear activities related to production of radioisotope power
systems (RPS) required for Government national security and space
exploration missions at a single, highly secure DOE site. Currently,
DOE's ongoing RPS-related production operations are located at three
DOE sites in Idaho, New Mexico and Tennessee, requiring the transport
of radioactive material that could be avoided by consolidation of these
activities at a single site. The proposed consolidation of these
operations, which includes production, purification, and encapsulation
of plutonium-238 (Pu-238), would be consistent with DOE's approach on
consolidating nuclear materials, increasing the security of nuclear
materials, and reducing risks associated with transportation of nuclear
materials. The EIS will analyze all reasonable alternatives for the
consolidation of the RPS operations as well as the No Action
alternative.
DATES: DOE invites public comments on the proposed scope of this EIS.
The public scoping period begins with the publication of this notice
and concludes on January 31, 2005. DOE invites the general public,
Native American Tribes, State and local governments, other Federal
agencies, DOE stakeholders, and
[[Page 67140]]
other interested parties to comment on the scope of this EIS. To ensure
that comments are considered in the preparation of the EIS, the
comments should be transmitted or postmarked by January 31, 2005. Late
comments will be considered to the extent practicable.
DOE will conduct seven public scoping meetings in Idaho Falls, Twin
Falls, and Fort Hall, Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Los Alamos, New
Mexico; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Washington, DC. During the scoping
meetings, DOE will provide information on the proposed consolidation
project and receive oral and written comments on the scope of the EIS,
including those regarding reasonable alternatives and environmental
issues that DOE should consider. The location, date, and time for these
public meetings are as follows:
Idaho Falls, ID: Monday, December 6, 2004, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the
Shilo Inn, Riverview Room, 780 Lindsay Blvd., Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Jackson, WY: Tuesday, December 7, 2004, from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Jackson
Hole Middle School, Commons Room, 1230 South Park Loop Road, Jackson,
WY 83001
Fort Hall, ID: Wednesday, December 8, 2004, from7-9:30 p.m. at the Fort
Hall Tribal Business Center, Tribal Council Chambers, Pima Drive (I-15,
Exit 80), Fort Hall Town Site, Fort Hall, ID 83203
Twin Falls, ID: Thursday, December 9, 2004, from 7-9:30 p.m. at the
Shilo Inn, Twin Falls B Meeting Room, 1586 Blue Lake Blvd., Twin Falls,
ID 83301
Los Alamos, NM: Monday, December 13, 2004, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Los
Alamos Golf Course, Golf Course Main Room, 4250 Diamond Drive, Los
Alamos, NM 87544
Oak Ridge, TN: Wednesday, December 15, 2004, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the
Oak Ridge Comfort Inn, Magnolia Conference Room, 433 S. Rutgers Ave.,
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Washington, DC: Friday, December 17, 2004, from 1-3:30 p.m. at the
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20001
ADDRESSES: Comments or suggestions on the scope for the EIS, questions
concerning the proposed action, requests to participate at the public
scoping meetings, requests for special arrangements that would enable
participation at the scoping meetings (e.g., an interpreter for the
hearing impaired), and requests to be placed on the EIS distribution
list may be directed to: Timothy A. Frazier, Document Manager, NE-50/
Germantown Building, Office of Space and Defense Power Systems, Office
of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, U.S. Department of Energy,
1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-1290, telephone
301-903-9420, or submitted via e-mail to
ConsolidationEIS@nuclear.energy.gov. You may also leave a message at
(800) 919-3716, or send a fax to (800) 919-3765. Comments may also be
submitted to DOE via the RPS EIS Web site at ConsolidationEIS.doe.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information on the DOE
NEPA process, please contact: Carol Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA
Policy and Compliance, Office of Environment, Safety and Health, U.S.
Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20585, 202-586-4600, or leave a message at 1-800-472-2756.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The RPS is a unique technology for missions that require a long-
term, unattended source of heat and/or electrical power for use in
harsh and remote environments--such as deep-space. The Pu-238 in these
units serves as the source for generating heat and electricity. The
heat source can be used directly to warm critical spacecraft
components.
Currently, DOE plans to produce RPS in support of Government
national security and space exploration missions at three
geographically separate and distant DOE sites: the Oak Ridge National
Laboratory (ORNL), Tennessee; Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL),
New Mexico; and the Idaho Site, Idaho. DOE proposes to consolidate all
nuclear activities of the existing and future RPS production operations
at a single, highly secure DOE site. This consolidation would be
consistent with DOE's approach on consolidating nuclear materials,
increasing the security of nuclear materials, and reducing risks
associated with the transportation of nuclear materials.
The nuclear infrastructure required to produce RPS is comprised of
three major components: (1) The production of Pu-238; (2) the
purification and encapsulation of Pu-238 into a fuel form; and (3) the
assembly, testing, and delivery of the RPS to the Federal users. The
three major components of the existing infrastructure, including their
current status, are briefly described below:
Production of Pu-238: The Pu-238 production process consists of the
fabrication of neptunium-237 (Np-237) targets, irradiation of the
targets in a suitable irradiation facility, and the recovery of Pu-238
from the irradiated targets through chemical processing. In the past,
Pu-238 was produced at DOE's Savannah River Site (SRS), using reactors
that are no longer operating. After SRS stopped producing Pu-238, DOE
satisfied its Pu-238 requirement by using DOE's available inventory in
storage at LANL. This inventory was augmented by Pu-238 purchased from
Russia for use in space missions. DOE analyzed the need for
reestablishment of Pu-238 production capability in the Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement for Accomplishing Expanded Civilian
Nuclear Energy Research and Development and Isotope Production Missions
in the United States, Including the Role of the Fast Flux Test Facility
(NI PEIS) (DOE/EIS-0310), issued in December 2000. On the basis of the
analysis in the NI PEIS, DOE issued a Record of Decision (ROD) (66 FR
7877, January 26, 2001) to reestablish Pu-238 production capability at
ORNL using the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC) for
the fabrication of targets and extraction of Pu-238 from the irradiated
targets. The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) located at the Idaho National
Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (also referred to as the Idaho
Site), supplemented by the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) located at
ORNL, would be used in the irradiation of targets, and the irradiated
targets would be returned to REDC/ORNL for extraction of Pu-238. This
decision, however, has not yet been implemented and the DOE has
expended no resources to establish the Pu-238 production at the Oak
Ridge Site.
Np-237, the feed material for fabrication of targets for Pu-238
production, had been stored at the SRS where Pu-238 was historically
produced. In the NI PEIS ROD, DOE decided to transfer this material to
ORNL since the Pu-238 capability was planned to be reestablished there.
However, Np-237 is a special nuclear material and, after the events of
September 11, 2001, it required a higher level of security than could
be reasonably provided at REDC/ORNL. Therefore, DOE amended the ROD for
the NI PEIS to change the storage location for Np-237 from ORNL to the
Idaho Site (69 FR 50180, August 13, 2004). Np-237, in the form of an
oxide, will be shipped from SRS to the Idaho Site beginning in FY 2005
(and ending
[[Page 67141]]
in FY 2006) for storage until needed for Pu-238 production.
Purification and Encapsulation of Pu-238: Pu-238 is purified and
encapsulated in a metal capsule and welded closed. These fuel capsules
are used as a heat source in the RPS. The purification and
encapsulation work is currently conducted within the Technical Area-55
(TA-55) complex at LANL. The finished Pu-238 fuel capsules are shipped
from LANL for assembly of the RPS at the Idaho Site.
Assembly and Test Operations: From the early 1980s until late-2002,
DOE conducted its assembly and test operations for the RPS at the Mound
Site in Miamisburg, Ohio. Increased security requirements and concerns
resulting from the attacks on September 11, 2001, led DOE to transfer
these operations to the Idaho Site to provide enhanced security in a
cost effective manner at a highly secure DOE site. The environmental
impacts of the transfer from the Mound Site to the Idaho Site were
assessed in an Environmental Assessment (DOE/EA-1343). A Finding of No
Significant Impact was signed by DOE on August 30, 2002, and the
transfer of the assembly and testing capability was initiated. The
first RPS will be assembled and tested at the Idaho Site by September
2005 in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's
(NASA) planned mission to survey the planet Pluto.
In summary, the current RPS production capability and
infrastructure resides at or was planned to reside within the DOE
complex at the following different locations:
Np-237, used in preparation of targets as the feed
material for Pu-238 production, was to be transferred and stored at the
Idaho Site (amendment to the NI PEIS ROD).
The production capability was planned to be located at
ORNL (NI PEIS ROD) where the targets would be fabricated in REDC,
irradiated at ATR in Idaho (supplemented by HFIR in Oak Ridge) and then
processed in REDC to recover Pu-238. Pu-238 was then to have been
transported to LANL.
Pu-238 was to be purified and encapsulated in TA-55 at
LANL and transported to the Idaho Site.
RPS assembly and test operations was to be conducted at
the Idaho Site.
Purpose and Need for Agency Action
As described above, RPS production infrastructure exists at or is
planned for DOE sites in three locations: ORNL, LANL, and the Idaho
Site. Consolidation of these operations at a single site would
significantly increase security of the nuclear material while reducing
risks associated with the transport of radioactive material.
Proposed Action
DOE proposes to consolidate all Pu-238 operations at a single,
highly secure site within its complex. These operations include the
production of Pu-238, purification and encapsulation of Pu-238, and the
assembly and testing of the RPS.
Preliminary Alternatives
Consistent with NEPA implementation requirements, the EIS will
assess the range of reasonable alternatives regarding DOE's need to
consolidate nuclear operations related to RPS. DOE has identified the
following two alternatives for the proposed RPS Production
Consolidation Project.
A. No Action Alternative: Under the No Action Alternative, DOE
would continue the RPS production operations as explained above. The
operations would consist of: (1) Np-237 storage at the Idaho Site and
shipments to ORNL as needed for target fabrication; (2) Pu-238
production at ORNL using HFIR and ATR (Idaho) for irradiation and
processing in REDC located at ORNL; (3) Pu-238 purification and
encapsulation in TA-55 facility at LANL; and (4) RPS assembly and test
operations at the Idaho Site.
B. Consolidation of Nuclear Operations Related to Production of RPS
at the Idaho Site, the Preferred Alternative: Under this alternative,
DOE would consolidate all activities related to RPS production within
the secure area at the Idaho Site. New construction for the Pu-238
production, purification, and encapsulation part of the infrastructure
would be required due to the very limited capability of existing
facilities in the secure area. No new construction would be required
for the assembly and test operations that are already being located in
the secure area at the Idaho Site. As previously stated, the
consolidation of the RPS production infrastructure would include the
following activities: (1) Np-237 would be stored at the Idaho Site as
already decided; (2) Pu-238 production capability (including Np-237
target fabrication and processing) would be established at the Idaho
Site with ATR serving as the primary irradiation facility, and HFIR
would be used only as a back-up facility if necessary; (3) Pu-238
operations carried out at the TA-55 complex at LANL would be
transferred to the Idaho Site; and (4) the existing facility, the Space
and Security Power Systems Facility, at the Idaho Site would continue
to be established and maintained for RPS assembly and test operations
as already planned. This area of the Idaho Site where RPS nuclear
operations are proposed to be consolidated is a highly secure location
within the DOE complex.
C. Other Reasonable Alternatives: Any other reasonable alternatives
identified through the scoping process will be evaluated as
appropriate.
DOE considered whether consolidation at another site is reasonable.
The proposed consolidation is not achievable at LANL since there is no
operating reactor at the site for irradiation of targets.
Consolidation at ORNL would not allow the DOE to meet its
programmatic need. Because the reactor at ORNL, HFIR, is a dedicated
facility for projects related to basic energy sciences and isotope
production, use of this reactor for the RPS program would only be on an
``as available'' basis and could not be guaranteed. Consolidation at
ORNL, therefore, could only partially meet the programmatic objective.
Also, as analyzed in the NI PEIS, irradiation of targets in HFIR would
be limited due to reactor design and could not produce enough Pu-238 to
meet programmatic objectives.
Preliminary Identification of Environmental Issues
The issues listed below have been tentatively identified for
analysis in the EIS. This list is presented to facilitate public
comment on the scope of the EIS. It is not intended to be all-inclusive
or to predetermine the potential impacts of any of the alternatives.
DOE seeks public comments on the adequacy and completeness of the
following issues:
Potential impacts on ecosystems, including air quality,
surface, and groundwater quality, and plants and animals.
Potential health and safety impacts to on-site workers and
to the public resulting from operations including reasonably
foreseeable accidents.
Potential health and safety, environmental, and other
impacts related to the transport of radioactive materials to the
consolidation location.
Considerations related to the generation, treatment,
storage, and disposal of wastes including the potential acceptability
of waste at appropriate disposal facilities.
Potential cumulative impacts of Pu-238 mission operations,
including relevant impacts from other past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable activities at the consolidation site.
Potential impacts on cultural resources.
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Potential socioeconomic impacts including any
disproportionate impacts on minority and low-income populations.
Pollution prevention and waste minimization opportunities.
Related NEPA Documentation
NEPA documents that have been prepared for activities related to
the proposed action include, but are not limited to, the following:
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for
Accomplishing Expanded Civilian Nuclear Energy Research and Development
and Isotope Production Missions in the United States including the Role
of the Fast Flux Test Facility (DOE/EIS-0310) (December 2000); and
Environmental Assessment for Consolidation of Heat Source/
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (HS/RTG) Assembly and Testing
Operations (DOE/EA-1343) (August 2002).
These NEPA documents (DOE/EIS-0310) and (DOE/EA-1343) are available
on the DOE NEPA Web site at http://www.eh.doe.gov/nepa.
Public Reading Rooms
Documents referenced in this NOI and other related information are
available at DOE-Idaho Operations Office Public Reading Room, 1776
Science Center Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (telephone 208-526-0271)
and U.S. Department of Energy, Freedom of Information Reading Room,
Forrestal Building, Room 1E-190,1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0117 (telephone 202-586-3142). As mentioned above,
DOE's NEPA documents, including this NOI, are available at the DOE NEPA
Web site (http://www.eh.doe.gov/nepa) and the RPS EIS Web site
ConsolidationEIS.doe.gov.
Public Involvement Opportunities
DOE seeks public involvement in the preparation of the EIS and
solicits public comments on its scope and content as well as
participation at the public scoping meetings in Idaho, Wyoming, New
Mexico, Tennessee, and Washington, DC. DOE personnel will be available
at the scoping meetings to explain the proposed project and answer
questions. DOE will designate a neutral facilitator for the scoping
meetings. During the first hour of each meeting, attendees may
register, view displays, and discuss issues and concerns informally
with DOE representatives. Following registration and the informal
session, there will be a formal presentation and a period for
questions, answers, and comments. To ensure that all persons wishing to
express their comments are given an opportunity, a five-minute limit
may be applied for each person; however, public officials and
representatives of groups would be allotted ten minutes each. DOE
encourages those presenting comments orally to also submit written
comments, if possible.
Comment cards will be available at the meetings for those who
prefer to submit their comments in writing. Participants may be asked
clarifying questions to ensure that DOE representatives fully
understand the comments and suggestions.
NEPA Process
The EIS for the proposed consolidation of nuclear operations
related to the production of RPS will be prepared pursuant to the NEPA
of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality's Regulations for
Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-
1508), and DOE NEPA Implementing Procedures (10 CFR Part 1021). A 45-
day comment period on the draft EIS is planned, during which public
hearings will be held to receive comments. The draft EIS is scheduled
to be issued in late spring 2005. Availability of the draft EIS, the
dates of the public comment period, and information about the public
hearings will be announced in the Federal Register and in local news
media when the draft EIS is distributed. The final EIS is scheduled to
be issued in late 2005. No sooner than 30 days after the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's notice of availability of the final
EIS is published in the Federal Register, DOE may issue its ROD.
Issued in Washington, DC on November 10, 2004.
John Spitaleri Shaw,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 04-25406 Filed 11-15-04; 8:45 am]
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