3.4 Stockpile Management

Stockpile management activities include dismantlement, maintenance, surveillance, and repair or replacement of weapons and weapons components in the existing stockpile. In the past, a large Complex provided the capability and capacity to rapidly fix any problems found in the stockpile. One of the primary goals of stockpile management is to rightsize functions to provide an effective and efficient manufacturing capability for the smaller stockpile. The individual stockpile management functions can be grouped into five major categories: weapons A/D, nonnuclear components fabrication, pit fabrication, secondary and case fabrication, and HE fabrication. Both intrusive and nonintrusive modification pit reuse are considered inherent capabilities of pit fabrication and nonintrusive modification pit reuse is always considered to be collocated with A/D. Specific alternatives that would enable DOE to maintain its stockpile management responsibilities are shown in table 3.4-1and are discussed below.

Table 3.4-1.--Stockpile Management Alternatives

Capability1 Y-12 SRS KCP Pantex LANL LLNL SNL NTS
Weapons Assembly/Disassembly2
No Action    X     
Downsize existing capability    X     
Relocate capability         X
Nonnuclear Fabrication
No Action   X X  X 
Downsize existing capability   X      
Relocate capability     X3 X3X3 
Pit Fabrication and Intrusive Modification Pit Reuse 4
No Action 5      XX  
Reestablish capability X   X    
Secondary and Case Fabrication4
No ActionX6         
Downsize existing capabilityX6         
Relocate capability     XX   
High Explosives Fabrication
No Action    X     
Downsize existing capability    X     
Relocate capability      X X  

3.4.1 Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Alternatives

Weapons A/D provides the capability to dismantle retired weapons, assemble nuclear and nonnuclear components into nuclear weapons, perform weapons surveillance, store strategic reserves of nuclear components (pits and secondaries), and recertify and requalify pits. In addition, nonintrusive modification pit reuse capabilities would be collocated with the weapons A/D Facility.

To maintain confidence in the safety and reliability of the stockpile, DOE conducts surveillance operations on a statistically significant number of weapons annually. Surveillance operations consist primarily of disassembly and inspection of stockpile weapons returned to DOE from DOD. Most of these weapons are rebuilt and returned to the stockpile during what is called the "protected period." Extra components are built at the end of the production run to replace components attrited by surveillance testing for a specified protected period established by DOD. When the replacement components are exhausted, the weapon is not rebuilt and the stockpile is reduced.

The nonintrusive modification pit reuse alternative would provide a capability to perform nonintrusive modification of pits for reuse in the stockpile. Nonintrusive modification is modification to the external surfaces and features of a pit. For example, to add safety features such as fire resistant cladding, there is little risk of contamination, and the generation of radioactive waste is very low.

Operation. The weapons A/D process consists of five main functions and nonintrusive modification pit reuse, which are described below.

Weapons Assembly. Weapons assembly is performed to produce a new weapon, rebuild a weapon that has been disassembled for surveillance, repair a weapon, or modify or replace components. The assembly steps for a rebuild are the same as for a new weapon, except that the starting point varies depending on the extent of disassembly.

Complete weapons assembly is accomplished in three stages: nuclear explosive package assembly, mechanical assembly, and final package assembly. Nuclear explosive package assembly entails bonding or mating HE main charge subassemblies to a pit and then enclosing this subassembly in a case along with other components such as the secondary. Mechanical weapons assembly entails placing the nuclear explosive package in a warhead or bomb case, then installing the arming, fusing and firing system; neutron generator; and gas transfer system components. Numerous quality control inspections and tests of electrical and mechanical systems are performed throughout the process. Final package assembly involves installing some additional components and packaging the weapons for shipment.

Weapons Disassembly. Weapons disassembly is similar to the reverse of the assembly process and is performed to dismantle, modify, repair, or evaluate a weapon. The operations conducted for each type of disassembly are similar, but the extent of the disassembly and the procedures used vary. Many of the facilities used for various disassembly and testing operations are the same as facilities used for weapons assembly.

Joint Test Assembly and Post-Mortem . As part of the ongoing stockpile surveillance program, weapons are randomly selected from the stockpile or from new production for conversion into a joint test assembly. The nuclear explosive package is removed and replaced with a mock assembly that includes telemetry components. After flight tests by DOD, joint test assemblies are often recovered and returned to the A/D Facility for post-mortem disassembly and evaluation.

Test Bed Assembly and Disassembly. A test bed is an apparatus used for bench testing weapons systems, subsystems, and components. Testing is generally conducted at Pantex in the Weapons Evaluation Test Laboratory operated by SNL. Test beds are disassembled at the A/D Facility after testing.

Optional Storage of Plutonium and Highly Enriched Uranium Strategic Reserve. Storage of the plutonium strategic reserve could occur at the weapons A/D Facility. If Y-12 is selected as the site for the secondary and case fabrication mission, HEU strategic reserve storage would remain at ORR. If Y-12 is not selected, then the HEU strategic reserve could also be stored at the weapons A/D Facility. The strategic reserve provides pits and secondaries which could be used for replacement in the enduring stockpile or as feedstock for nuclear fabrication. The quantities associated with strategic reserve storage are classified. If the decision is made that strategic reserves will be stored with nonstrategic reserves, then consolidated storage could occur at one of the five sites being considered in the Storage and Disposition of Weapons Usable Fissile Materials Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, rather than at the weapons A/D Facility.

Nonintrusive Modification Pit Reuse . This alternative supports three major operations: pit recertification, pit requalification, and nonintrusive modification. Nonintrusive modification pit reuse includes the operations, inspections, and evaluations that are required to change design features by the addition of shells or other nonnuclear components for the incorporation of fire safety or security improvements. Pits received from strategic reserve storage or weapon disassembly for surveillance or maintenance may be used as feed stock for nonintrusive modification.

The alternatives for A/D are to continue in current facilities at Pantex with only those changes that are currently scheduled and budgeted (No Action), to downsize and consolidate facilities and operations at Pantex, or to relocate operations to NTS.

3.4.1.1 No Action

The No Action alternative for these activities, except nonintrusive modification pit reuse, is presently located at Pantex. Pantex dismantles retired weapons, assembles nuclear and nonnuclear components into nuclear weapons, repairs and modifies weapons, evaluates weapons, and performs nonnuclear testing of nuclear weapons. Current plutonium R&D facilities at LANL and LLNL have limited capability and capacity to perform nonintrusive modification pit reuse.

3.4.1.2 Downsize at Pantex Plant

This alternative would downsize and consolidate facilities and operations including strategic reserve storage at Pantex primarily into Zone 12 (figure 3.4.1.2-1), using existing modern structures. This alternative is described in more detail in appendix section A.3.1.1.

Downsizing of the A/D operation at Pantex would consist of an in-place decrease in facility footprints and relocation into modern, existing facilities, mostly within Zone 12. The facilities primarily used are cells and bays that were specifically designed and constructed for A/D operations. The consolidation of the site would not require modification of these structures, but would require relocation and installation of equipment within them. Support functions would remain within the currently established facilities, some of which are outside Zone 12. No new construction would be required at Pantex; however, relocation and reinstallation of equipment would be required.

The capabilities for nonintrusive modification pit reuse would be established in existing facilities within Zone 12. This would require modification of some of the bays to install glove boxes; redesign of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; and improvement of the fire detection and suppression systems. These facilities would also have the capability to support pit recertification and requalification operations.

Construction. There would be no new construction anticipated at Pantex for this alternative. The A/D mission would be consolidated primarily into Zone 12 with some supporting operations in Zones 13, 15, and 16. Figure 3.4.1.2-2 shows the weapons A/D site plan for Zone 12 and the facilities included in the proposed downsized and consolidated A/D mission at Pantex. Strategic reserve storage would be in Zone 12 for both plutonium and HEU. The nonintrusive modification pit reuse alternative would require modification of four bays in Building 12-104. The capability to perform recertification, requalification, and nonintrusive modification pit reuse activities currently exists at Pantex except for processes that are needed for pit tube replacement, welding on the pit, and inspection of internal pit surfaces. The existing capabilities would be upgraded and relocated within Building 12-116.

Building 12-116 is a new building that was constructed in accordance with the requirements for a safety class (Category 2) vault-type nuclear facility. This facility would support consolidation of the activities that involve processing of components that contain special nuclear material. Recertification, requalification, and reuse activities would use almost the entire facility.

Building 12-104 is a new building that was also constructed in accordance with the requirements for a safety class (Category 2) nuclear explosives A/D Facility. To fulfill the pit reuse mission, one module (four bays) of the building would be modified to meet nonreactor nuclear facility requirements. These requirements include improvements to the fire detection and suppression system; a capture system for fire water runoff; the addition of control, change out, and decontamination areas; security improvements to provide facility control; and complete redesign of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to provide the progressive negative pressure scenario required for containment of radionuclide contamination. Three of the four bays would be fitted with pit reuse process equipment to provide the minimum capability required to support recertification, requalification, and nonintrusive modification activities. The fourth bay would be available for installation of additional equipment if workload requirements increase. The pit reuse facility would have the capability to support all recertification, requalification, and nonintrusive modification pit reuse activities. Table 3.4.1.2-1 shows building modification construction requirements for downsizing and consolidating into existing facilities.

Table 3.4.1.2-1.-- Pantex Plant Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)609
Peak electrical demand (MWe)4
Concrete (m3)840
Steel (t)15
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)28,800
Industrial gases 7 (m3) 600
Water (L)1,400,000
Land (ha)NA 8
Employment
Total employment (worker years)99
Peak employment (workers)67
Construction period (years) 3



Table 3.4.1.2-2.-- Pantex Plant Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)43,000
Peak electrical demand (MWe)10
Liquid fuel (L)740,000
Natural gas 9 (m3) 7,150,000
Water (L)196,000,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 10
Employment (Workers)1,890 11

Operation. Operation requirements for surge operation of the downsized/consolidated weapons A/D facilities are shown in table 3.4.1.2-2.

Process Support Systems. Process support systems include systems, equipment, and procedures that support the weapons A/D processes. The process support systems are described in more detail in appendix section A.3.1.1.

Waste Management. Pantex's existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes generated at Pantex facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing Pantex waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the Pantex A/D alternative is shown in table 3.4.1.2-3.

Table 3.4.1.2-3.-- Pantex Plant Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Facility Waste Volumes

Category

Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m3)

Annual Volume
Generated from
Surge Operations
(m3)

Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m3)

Low-Level
LiquidNone0.06None
SolidNone21 12 10 13
Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNone0.060.06
SolidNone

MinimalMinimal
Hazardous
LiquidNone22
Solid0.250.050.05
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid315141,000141,000
Solid5 14 340170 15
Nonhazardous (Other)
LiquidIncluded in sanitaryIncluded in sanitary Included in sanitary
Solid Included in sanitary Included in sanitaryIncluded in sanitary

3.4.1.3 Relocate to Nevada Test Site

This alternative is based on the use of the current Device Assembly Facility and balance of plant infrastructure available and required to maintain the capability for underground nuclear testing. The alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.1.2. Additional new construction would be required and would be designed and sized to meet the specific needs of the reduced program and enhanced safety and environmental objectives.

Construction. This alternative would require modification of existing facilities and new construction. Nonintrusive modification pit reuse would require construction of a new pit reuse facility as an adjunct to the existing Device Assembly Facility. Equipment for the facility would be purchased or transferred from existing Complex facilities. The new facility would be classified as a nonreactor nuclear facility. Though new construction would be required, the existing NTS infrastructure would be sufficient to support the facility.

The facility would be placed in the backfill area north of the Device Assembly Facility, with a specific location to be developed in conjunction with the A/D effort. The current Device Assembly Facility would be used for a secure shipping and receiving station with no additional construction requirements.

A site map of the proposed A/D plant is shown in figure 3.4.1.3-1. This map shows the overall plant, including associated support facilities, the plant protected area, and limited area. A site plan of the material access area is shown in figure 3.4.1.3-2. The size, number, and arrangement of the plant building and support areas are conceptual and can change as design progresses. The site plans are included to convey general layout information only.

The existing Device Assembly Facility would form the cornerstone of the A/D plant, but additional facilities to handle the workload, pit reuse, and strategic storage (if appropriate) would have to be added. All plant facilities located within the material access area either occupy existing buildings inside the Device Assembly Facility or are located in hardened new construction connected to the Device Assembly Facility. All plant facilities located within the limited area, at the plant site (adjacent to the Device Assembly Facility), would require new construction. Approximately 11 percent of this construction is needed to support the option of storing strategic reserves of nuclear components (pits and secondaries). Table 3.4.1.3-1 shows construction requirements for the NTS weapons A/D alternative.

Table 3.4.1.3-1.-- Nevada Test Site Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)38,000
Peak electrical demand (MWe)5
Concrete (m3)75,000
Steel (t)16,300
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)3,030,000
Industrial gases 16 (m3) 65,100
Water (L)98,400,000
Land (ha)3.2 17
Employment
Total employment (worker years)2,768
Peak employment (workers)662
Construction period (years) 6



Table 3.4.1.3-2.- Nevada Test Site Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh) 45,000
Peak electrical demand (MWe) 7
Gasoline and diesel fuel (L) 432,000
Natural gas18(m3) 3,680,000
Water (L) 98,400,000
Plant Footprint 4.319
Employment (Workers) 1,09320

Operation. Operating requirements for surge operation of the NTS weapons A/D Facility are shown in table 3.4.1.3-2. The water usage at NTS is somewhat lower than at Pantex since Pantex has a larger plant population and uses more water for supporting operations such as steam heat.

Waste Management. NTS's existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes generated at NTS facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing NTS waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the NTS A/D alternative is shown in table 3.4.1.3-3.



Table 3.4.1.3-3.-Nevada Test Site Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Facility Waste Volumes

Category Annual Average Volume Generated from Construction (m3) Annual Volume Generated from Surge Operations (m3) Annual Volume Effluent From Surge Operations (m3)
Low-Level
Liquid None 0.06 None
Solid None 30 21 15 22
Mixed Low-Level
Liquid None None None
Solid None 2 2
Hazardous
Liquid None 6 6
Solid 5 0.05 0.05
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid 6,670 53,000 53,000
Solid 260 23 100 50 24
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid Included in sanitary Included in sanitary Included in sanitary
Solid Included in sanitary Included in sanitary Included in sanitary

3.4.2 Nonnuclear Fabrication Alternatives

Nonnuclear fabrication consists of the following general functions:

The nonnuclear components alternatives provide for the nonnuclear fabrication missions currently residing at KCP. Production requirements for nonuclear components, in terms of factory and field retrofits to weapons, are shown in table 3.1.1.2-1

The alternatives considered for nonnuclear fabrication included downsizing and consolidating existing facilities at KCP, or closing KCP and sharing nonuclear fabrication functions among SNL, LANL, and/or LLNL. These alternatives are discussed below.

3.4.2.1 No Action

The No Action alternative facilities for these activities are presently located at KCP, SNL, and LANL. KCP manufactures nonuclear weapons components and conducts surveillance testing on, and makes repairs to, nonuclear weapons components. SNL conducts system engineering of nuclear weapons, designs and develops nonuclear components, conducts field and laboratory nonnuclear testing, manufactures some nonnuclear weapons components, and provides safety and reliability assessments of the stockpile. LANL also manufactures a few nonnuclear weapons components and conducts surveillance on certain nonuclear weapons components.

Downsize at Kansas City Plant

The downsized nonuclear fabrication alternative consists of three major factories designed around electronic, mechanical, and engineered materilas product lines; procuring some components from outside sources; and reducing the KCP footprint fo DP activities to 167,000 square meters (m2) (1.8 million square feet [ft2 ]) from the current 297,000 m2 (3.2 million ft2 ). This alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.6.1.

Construction. This alternative consists of downsizing and consolidating existing facilities and would require facility modification but no new construction. Currently, KCP occupies approximately 297,000 m2 (3.2 million ft2 ) contained in three buildings: the Main Manufacturing Building, the Manufacturing Support Building, and the Technology Transfer Center (figure 3.4.2.2-1). The downsized and consolidated KCP would reduce the size of the plant to approximately 167,000 m2 (1.8 million ft2) for DP activities. The Technology Transfer Center and Manufacturing Support Building facilities would be totally vacated of DP activities. All operations and support functions required for the nonnuclear fabrication mission would be accomplished within the reduced floor space of the Main Manufacturing Building. Vacated floor space would be returned to the General Services Administration or retained for Work for Others use, if appropriate. The downsized KCP facility would consist of the following major factories and product-oriented departments: Electronics Factory, Mechanical Factory, Engineered Materials Factory, Joint Test Assembly and Special Electronic Assembly Department, Reservoir Fabrication and Assembly Department, and Transportation Safeguards Department.


Facilities modification to establish the downsized and consolidated KCP configuration would take approximately 4 years. During this time, major interior building modification would occur. Table 3.4.2.2-1 shows construction requirements for the KCP nonnuclear fabrication alternative.

Table 3.4.2.2-1.-- Kansas City Plant Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)Minimal
Peak electrical demand (MWe)Minimal
Concrete (m3)286
Steel (t)220
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)Minimal
Industrial gases 25 (m3) Minimal
Water (L)Minimal
Land (ha)NA 26
Employment
Total employment (worker years)459
Peak employment (workers)187
Construction period (years) 4

Operation. The operation of the downsized and consolidated KCP is based on current KCP facilities and missions, downsized and reorganized for efficiency into several modules and product departments.

Electronics Factory. Existing separate departments for electronics products would be combined into the electronics factory and would be designed around three common process modules: microelectronics, interconnects, and final assembly.

Mechanical Factory. KCP has already implemented a process-based approach for most mechanical technologies. The alternative would achieve substantial downsizing in processing areas to maximize efficiency and cost savings. The mechanical factory would be organized around three process modules: mechanical assembly, mechanical welding, and sheet metal and special processing.

Engineered Materials Factory. This factory would manufacture products that depend on special materials (foams, polymers, and composites) for unique performance or functional characteristics. These products include cushions, desiccants, getters, and composite cases. The engineered materials factory would consist of four generic processing modules (machining, pressing, molding, and compounding), one assembly module, and the Polymer Production Facility. The processing and assembly areas would be consolidated, but the Polymer Production Facility would remain unchanged. The facility is a stand-alone facility that produces materials not available from commercial industry. The consolidation of facilities for the engineered materials factory would reduce floor space requirements for these operations by approximately 50 percent.

Joint Test Assembly and Special Electronics Assembly. Even though these products are electronic assemblies similar to the products fabricated in the electronics factory, they would be built in separate areas because of their unique production and security requirements. These production operations would be combined into one organizational unit. This would provide savings in indirect support, yet allow the unique operations practices and security considerations to be maintained.

Reservoir Fabrication and Assembly. Reservoir production, a relatively new responsibility at KCP, was transferred from the Rocky Flats Plant through the previously authorized nonnuclear consolidation program. The new reservoir production area is correctly sized to support the ongoing workload associated with limited-life component exchanges and would not be changed for this alternative.

Transportation Safeguards. Trailer production and escort vehicle modification would continue to be managed and operated as a separate unit. Floor space requirements would be reduced by relocation of the escort vehicle modification operations so they would be contiguous with the trailer operations.

Table 3.4.2.2-2 shows the KCP Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility annual surge operating requirements.

Table 3.4.2.2-2.-- Kansas City Plant Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)225,000
Peak electrical demand (MWe)30
Liquid fuel (L)None
Natural gas 27 (m3) 18,900,000
Water (L)1,340,000,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 28
Employment (Workers) 2,928 29

Waste Management. The KCP waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All wastes generated at KCP facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workload would not require significant modification of the existing KCP waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the KCP nonnuclear fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.2.2-3.



Table 3.4.2.2-3.-Kansas City Plant Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category Annual Average Volume Generated from Construction (m3) Annual Volume Generated from Surge Operations (m3) Annual Volume Effluent From Surge Operations (m3)
Low-Level30
Liquid None None None
Solid None None None
Mixed Low-Level30
Liquid None None None
Solid None None None
Hazardous
Liquid None 60 60
Solid 786 61 61
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid None 570,000 570,000
Solid 745 310 310
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid None 223,900 223,900
Solid None 11,500 11,500

3.4.2.3 Relocate to Los Alamos National Laboratory

Historically, LANL has maintained a prototyping capability in support of R&D for nearly all of the components in nuclear weapons that are designed at LANL. The basis for this alternative would be to use the existing infrastructure at LANL to provide for production requirements of the Complex. Figures 3.4.2.3-1 through (graphic not available) 3.4.2.3-5 show the technical areas (TAs) involved and the detailed facility layout for key project TAs. Nonnuclear fabrication missions considered for transfer to LANL fall into the following categories: plastics, detonator inert components, and pilot plant; and reservoirs and valves. The LANL nonnuclear fabrication alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.6.2.

[Figure 3.4.2.3-2] [Figure 3.4.2.3-3] [Figure 3.4.2.3-4]

Construction

Plastics, Detonator Inert Components, and Pilot Plant. In the areas of plastics production and high energy detonator inert components, existing facilities contain nearly all required processing equipment and facilities to provide for the production mission. LANL facilities currently used for plastics processing and polymer synthesis activities include the Weapons Plastics and Adhesives Facility at TA-16, the Detonator Production Facility at TA-22, Reservoir and Valve Production at TA-3, and a Polymer Synthesis, Processing, and Characterization Facility at TA-35. Additional floor space is available at TA-16 for production and two bays are available in the DX-16 Pilot Processing Facility for large-scale pilot processes. The following facilities, with the specified installations/upgrades, would be used for nonnuclear production activities at LANL: plastics production would be located in TA-16, Buildings 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 307; detonator inert components would be manufactured in TA-22, Building 91; and large-scale pilot plant polymer synthesis would occur in TA-16, Building 340. Electrical system upgrades and the installation of new and/or transferred equipment would be required in most of these facilities. Small-scale pilot plant polymer synthesis operations and mold storage, which require no installations or upgrades, would be located in TA-35, Building 213, and TA-16, Building 332, respectively.

Reservoirs and Valves. The basis for the reservoir alternative is to construct a Boost System Production Facility and establish a nuclear-grade material mission. The alternative would dedicate 2,300 m2 (25,000 ft2 ) in TA-3, Building SM-39 (Main Shops) for boost system production and the nuclear grade materials mission. Building modification activities would include removal of existing machine tools and replacement with new or transferred machine tools. No other upgrades would be necessary. The proposed installations and modifications would occur over a 2-year period.

Table 3.4.2.3-1 shows construction requirements to install 50 pieces of equipment and to upgrade electrical systems for the LANL nonnuclear fabrication alternative.

Operation

Plastics, Detonator Inert Components, and Pilot Plant. LANL currently has process equipment and capabilities in place to support much of this mission. Additional processing capability would be transferred from KCP in the areas of polyurethane foam dispensing, intensive mixing, extruding and leaching of cellular silicone, flame spraying, and parylene coating. The proposed plastics production activities would use equipment such as mixers, extruders, roll mills, presses, coaters, screeners, testing equipment, and quality assurance equipment. For pilot plant operations, additional processing capability would be required for large-scale processing of up to 379 liters (L) (100 gallons [gal]). The proposed pilot plant production activities would use reactor vessels, mixer heaters, pulverizers, and solvent recovery equipment during operation. All detonator flat cable processing capability is currently available; however, upgraded equipment would be used to better meet production requirements. Detonator inert component manufacture and assembly operations would use several types of equipment including drills, cleaners, etchers, strippers, developers, scanners, laminators, presses, lasers, and welders.

Table 3.4.2.3-1.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (kWh)105
Peak electrical demand (kWe)3.8
Concrete (m3)None
Steel (t)None
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)None
Industrial gases 31 (m3) None
Water (L)9,500
Land (ha)NA 32
Employment
Total employment (worker years)12
Peak employment (workers)6
Construction period (years) 2

Reservoirs and Valves. Process equipment and capabilities exist at LANL to support small-scale reservoir and valve production. Operation activities would consist of metal machining, inspection, packaging, and storage functions. Typical production equipment would include lathes, mills, drills, grinders, welders, and inspections/testing equipment. Table 3.4.2.3-2 shows the LANL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility surge operating requirements.

Waste Management. The LANL existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous and nonhazardous wastes generated at LANL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workload would not require significant modification of the existing LANL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the LANL nonuclear fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.2.3-3.

Table 3.4.2.3-2- Los Alamos National Laboratory Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh) 525
Peak electrical demand (MWe) 0.23
Liquid fuel (L) None
Natural gas33(m3) 340
Water (L) 48,300,00
Plant Footprint NA 34
Employment (Workers) 315 35



Table 3.4.2.3-3.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category

Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction (m3)

Annual Volume
Generated from
Surge Operations 36 (m3)

Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations (m3)

Hazardous
LiquidNone 11 11
SolidNone 0.11 0.11
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
LiquidNone 568 566 37
Solid

None

10 6 38
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid 5 39 25 40 None

Solid

0.04 3 41 None

3.4.2.4 Relocate to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

This alternative calls for LLNL to provide support for nuclear system plastic components. The LLNL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility would provide the plastic components and polymers currently produced at KCP. These products include filled and unfilled molded parts; syntactic, rigid, and flexible foam parts; composite structures and specialty polymers currently produced at the KCP pilot plant. All processes would be identical to those currently used at KCP, except for the scaling down of the cellular silicone process and one polymer synthesis process.

This alternative would build on LLNL's established plastics fabrication mission. Over half of the equipment to be used is currently operational at LLNL. The laboratory has used this equipment to provide components for prototypes, underground test devices, and hydrotest devices to the weapons program, and numerous other components to other DOE programs. As a result of this established mission, LLNL has developed a site infrastructure that would support this alternative at the Livermore Site (figure 3.4.2.4-1). All facilities meet the current Federal and state environment, safety, and health requirements. The LLNL nonnuclear fabrication alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.6.3.

Construction. The LLNL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility would consist of 15 departments with facilities located primarily in Building B231 and 4 other buildings nearby. No new facility construction is required. Modification efforts would essentially consist of a small to moderate expansion within existing facilities. The fabrication, including polymer synthesis, would be confined to a consolidated area consisting of five adjacent buildings as shown in figure 3.4.2.4-2. Table 3.4.2.4-1 shows construction requirements for the LLNL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.2.4-1.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh) 21
Peak electrical demand (MWe) 0.05
Concrete (m3) 7.6
Steel (t) 7.3
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L) 19,900
Industrial gases 42 (m3) 7.5
Water (L) 79,500
Land (ha) NA 43
Employment
Total employment (worker years) 19
Peak employment (workers) 6
Construction period (years) 5

Operation. The operation of the LLNL nonnuclear fabrication mission includes production or procurement of plastic components, polymers, and composite parts. The processes and products included in the LLNL nonnuclear fabrication alternative are transfer molded parts, compression molded parts, injection molded parts, machined plastic parts, silicone cushions (all types), syntactic components, filled polymers, and polymer synthesis. Table 3.4.2.4-2 shows the surge operating requirement for the LLNL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.2.4-2.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh) 108
Peak electrical demand (MWe) 0.095
Gasoline and diesel fuel (L)None
Natural gas 44 (m3) 28,900
Water (L) 3,790,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 45
Employment (Workers) 114 46

Waste Management. LLNL's existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous and nonhazardous wastes generated at LLNL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing LLNL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the LLNL nonnuclear fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.2.4-3.

Table 3.4.2.4-3.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m3)
Annual Volume
Generated from
Surge Operations 47
(m3)
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m3)
Hazardous
Liquid 0.08 7 48 3 49
Solid 0.15 None 0.2
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid 36 5,770 50 5,770 51
Solid 0.9 127 52 64 53
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid 76 Included in sanitary Included in sanitary
Solid 10 Included in sanitary Included in sanitary

3.4.2.5 Relocate to Sandia National Laboratories

This alternative would transfer the majority of current KCP missions to the Albuquerque, NM facility of SNL, except for nuclear system plastic components that would go to either LANL or LLNL, and high energy detonator inert components that would go to LANL. In addition, there is the option of moving the reservoir mission to either SNL or LANL.

Only major assemblies or those components requiring special security considerations would be planned for in-house fabrication. SNL production would consist primarily of assembly of procured piece parts. The technologies that have been traditionally retained in-house at KCP, but under this alternative would be produced commercially, include the following: printed wiring boards, interconnect/junction boxes, lasers and electro-optics, interconnect cables, and molded plastic parts. Additionally, SNL would outsource metal machining, hybrid microcircuit substrates, and sheet metal forming. A more detailed discussion of this alternative is provided in appendix section A.3.6.4.

Construction. This alternative would require construction of a new stand-alone production site at SNL, directly east of Technical Area I (figure 3.4.2.5-1). The alternative includes six new buildings and renovation or minor modifications to some existing buildings. The site would have four new production facilities, an office structure, and a central utilities building, all surrounded by a security fence with guards. The facility plot plan is shown in figure 3.4.2.5-2.

The new site would be independent of the existing Technical Area I, but would be connected to the area's utility network. The new construction would total approximately 58,060 m2(625,000 ft2), which would be located on 9 ha (22 acres) of available land. In addition to renovation projects, some existing buildings would undergo minor modifications to accept the new workload. These minor modifications would yield an additional 5,110 m2(55,000 ft2) of work space.

The new or modified facilities are Office Facility; Distribution Center Facility, Electronic Assembly Facility, Mechanical Assembly Facility, Special Products Facility, Central Utility Building, and modifications to existing buildings (820, 860, 894, 905, 913, and others). Table 3.4.2.5-1 shows construction requirements for the SNL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility.

Operation. The nonnuclear fabrication alternative at SNL would operate processes and manufacturing functions similar to those of KCP. Manufacturing activities would be designed to fabricate the numerous electrical and mechanical components of nuclear weapons not proposed to be secured commercially. Fabrication activities would involve a precision machine shop with forges, presses, ovens, other metal-forming and metal-treating equipment, mechanical assembly areas, and clean rooms. Table 3.4.2.5-2 shows the surge operating requirements for the SNL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.2.5-1.-- Sandia National Laboratories Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource 
Electrical energy (MWh)46.8
Peak electrical demand (MWe)2.5
Concrete (m3)12,800
Steel (t)5,440
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)2,600,000
Industrial gases 54 (m3) NA
Water (L)2,200,000
Land (ha)9
Employment 
Total employment (worker years)781
Peak employment (workers)379
Construction period (years) 3



Table 3.4.2.5-2.-- Sandia National Laboratories Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)39,700
Peak electrical demand (MWe)6.2
Gasoline and diesel fuel (L)None
Natural gas 55 (m 3) 3,270,000
Water (L)893,000,000
Plant Footprint (ha)9
Employment (Workers)1,160

Waste Management. The SNL existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous and nonhazardous wastes generated and any radioactive or mixed wastes generated under upset conditions at SNL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workload would not require significant modification of the existing SNL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the SNL Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility is shown in table 3.4.2.5-3.

Table 3.4.2.5-3.-- Sandia National Laboratories Nonnuclear Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m3)
Annual Volume
Generated
from Surge Operations 56
(m3)
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m3)
Low-Level 57
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneNoneNone
Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneNoneNone
Hazardous
Liquid0.111515
Solid231717
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid6,160 58 291,470291,470 59
Solid2367,8803,940 60
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid383 61 Included in sanitaryIncluded in sanitary
Solid 5Included in sanitary Included in sanitary

3.4.3 Pit Fabrication and Intrusive Modification Pit Reuse Alternatives

This capability, hereafter referred to as pit fabrication, includes all activities necessary to fabricate new pits, to modify the internal features of existing pits (intrusive modification), and to recertify or requalify pits. Processes for fabrication of replacement pits and modification of existing pits may involve handling, storing, and shipping HEU components. It is assumed that HEU components for assembly into replacement pits will be fabricated at Y-12 and shipped to LANL. Uranium components removed from pits that are to be replaced would be processed to remove residual plutonium, packaged, and shipped to Y-12.

For the base case analysis, workload requirements are assumed to be at a level necessary to maintain competence and to replace components destroyed during surveillance testing. This base case production rate is approximately 20 pits per year. In order to ensure that DOE is able to support the national security mission, equipment would be installed to provide the capability to fabricate one each of every pit type in the post-2005 stockpile. This concept is called capability-based capacity. Operating this array of equipment 5 days per week, on a single shift, provides an annual capacity of approximately 50 pits of, at most, 2 different types.

There are two alternative sites for pit fabrication: SRS and LANL. Nonintrusive modification pit reuse, which is an inherent capability of the pit fabrication facility, includes the processes and systems necessary to make modifications to the external features of a pit, if necessary, and to recertify the pit for reuse in a weapon.

3.4.3.1 No Action

Under the No Action alternative, DOE would continue to use existing R&D capabilities at LANL and LLNL. LANL maintains a limited capability to fabricate plutonium components using its Plutonium Research and Development Facility and performs surveillance operations on plutonium components returned from the stockpile. In addition, less extensive capabilities would continue at LLNL to support material and process technology development. Under No Action, DOE would not have the capability to perform pit fabrication to meet the requirements described in section 3.1 for the base case.

3.4.3.2 Reestablish at Los Alamos National Laboratory

This alternative would reconfigure the Plutonium Facility at LANL to fulfill the pit fabrication mission and the intrusive modification pit reuse mission. Pit manufacturing would consist of the following functions: pit fabrication, plutonium processing, waste processing, analytical chemistry, physical vapor deposition coatings, and storage. A more detailed discussion of this alternative is provided in appendix section A.3.3.1.

Construction. This alternative would locate pit manufacturing in existing facilities within five technical areas (TAs -55, -3, -8, -50, and -54). (graphic not available) Figure 3.4.3.2-1 shows the LANL TAs. The pit fabrication/modification and plutonium processing activities would be located in the existing Plutonium Facility (PF-4), which is situated within the controlled access area of TA-55. The 300 Area of PF-4 would be used to fabricate plutonium components and to assemble those components into pits. Existing equipment would be retained as much as possible, but some equipment would be upgraded to production quality. Other TAs would provide waste processing, analytical chemistry, and other support functions. Figure 3.4.3.2-2 shows the plot plan for the pit fabrication/modification and plutonium processing facilities in TA-55. Table 3.4.3.2-1 shows construction requirements for the LANL Pit Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.3.2-1.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Pit Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)Minimal
Peak electrical demand (MWe)Minimal
Concrete (m3)Minimal
Steel (t)Minimal
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)Minimal
Industrial gases 62 (m3) Minimal
Water (L)Minimal
Land (ha)NA 63
Employment
Total employment (worker years)216
Peak employment (workers)138
Construction period (years) 3

Operation. This alternative would consolidate the pit fabrication and modification processes, receiving pits from offsite and shipping new or rebuilt pits to the Weapons Assembly Facility. The pits received from offsite would be routed to a disassembly area. The plutonium metal from disassembled pits would be purified before transfer to the fabrication area. Residues generated in the disassembly/metal purification areas would primarily consist of chloride salts, crucibles, and chloride-contaminated scrap. The bulk of the residual plutonium would be purified and converted to plutonium metal in the chloride recovery area. Recovered plutonium metal would also be sent to the fabrication area. During fabrication, plutonium metal would be cast into the desired near-net shape and machined to the final shape with desired tolerances. The finished components would be assembled with other nonplutonium materials into the new pit component. These new pits would be sent to the Weapons Assembly Facility. During the casting and machining operations, a number of residues would be generated that require processing and would subsequently undergo nitrate aqueous recovery operations. In nitrate aqueous recovery, the residues are purified and converted to oxide for return to the reduction operations. Solid and liquid wastes from processing areas would be routed to waste management facilities for processing into a disposable waste form. Analytical laboratories provide chemical analyses of plutonium metal, oxides, solutions, and wastes. Table 3.4.3.2-2 shows the surge operating requirements for the LANL Pit Fabrication and Intrusive Modification Pit Reuse Facility.

Table 3.4.3.2-2.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Pit Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)5,480
Peak electrical demand (MWe)0.7
Liquid fuel (L)None
Natural gas 64 (m3) 30,900
Water (L)30,200,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 65
Employment (Workers) 628 66

Waste Management. The existing LANL waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, radioactive, and mixed waste generated at LANL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state regulation. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modifications of the existing LANL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the LANL Pit Fabrication Facility is shown in table 3.4.3.2-3.

Table 3.4.3.2-3.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Pit Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes (80 Pits Per Year)

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m3)
Annual Volume
Generated from
Surge Operation
(m3)
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operation
(m3 )
Transuranic
LiquidNone5None
Solid6 67 4360
Mixed Transuranic
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNone22
Low-Level
LiquidNone15None
Solid12 68 386393
Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneNoneNone
Hazardous
Liquid0.0622
Solid51NoneNone
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
LiquidNone12,300 69 12,300
SolidNone552 70 552
Nonhazardous (Other)
LiquidNoneIncluded in sanitary Included in sanitary
Solid 26 71 Included in sanitaryIncluded in sanitary

3.4.3.3 Reestablish at Savannah River Site

This alternative would establish a pit fabrication and reuse facility at SRS within existing hardened facilities, but with new equipment and systems. The facility would fulfill the replacement pit fabrication mission and the intrusive and nonintrusive modification pit reuse missions. This alternative would consolidate all pit fabrication and modification processes, receiving pits from offsite and shipping new or rebuilt pits off site to the Weapons Assembly Facility. Nonnuclear pit components would be manufactured at other DOE sites and shipped to SRS for assembly into pits. The receiving, handling, and disposition of surplus plutonium could also be consolidated with the plutonium processing facilities. A more detailed discussion of this alternative is provided in appendix section A.3.3.2.

Construction. Facilities are available at the SRS separation areas, F-Area, and H-Area, which could house, in hardened structures, all the process functions required for the manufacture of plutonium pits (figure 3.4.3.3-1). Pit fabrication would be located in Building 232-H, and plutonium processing would be located in the F-Canyon facilities.

Building 232-H is primarily a hardened facility that is used for tritium processing and handling operations that are being relocated to the Replacement Tritium Facility. Adequate space would be available for the Pit Fabrication Facility following removal of some existing equipment and piping systems. New equipment and systems would be required for the Pit Fabrication Facility.

F-Canyon facilities have adequate noncontaminated hardened areas to house the plutonium processing functions. The Plutonium Storage Facility and the New Special Recovery Facility, which have never been started up, would be used in addition to a third level F-Canyon building production space that has been decontaminated. Many of the unused glove boxes in these facilities could be used as is or with minor modifications. Table 3.4.3.3-1 shows construction requirements, and figure 3.4.3.3-2 provides a site plan for the SRS Pit Fabrication and Intrusive Modification Pit Reuse Facility.

Table 3.4.3.3-1.-- Savannah River Site Pit Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)15
Peak electrical demand (MWe)0.37
Concrete (m3 )1,600
Steel (t)249
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)175,000
Industrial gases 72 (m3)3,780
Water (L)30,000,000
Land (ha)NA 73
Employment
Total employment (worker years)801
Peak employment (workers)288
Construction period (years) 5

Operation. Table 3.4.3.3-2 shows the surge operating requirements for the SRS Pit Fabrication and Intrusive Modification Pit Reuse Facility. Specific processes required for pit fabrication are discussed in appendix section A.3.3.2.

Table 3.4.3.3-2.-- Savannah River Site Pit Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)9,700
Peak electrical demand (MWe)1.6
Liquid fuel (L)28,400
Natural gas 74 (m3) None
Water (L)46,200,000
Coal (t)1,090
Plant Footprint (m3)NA 75
Employment (Workers) 813

Pit disassembly, plutonium purification, and residue processing would be performed in existing hardened facilities in the F-Area. These facilities include New Special Recovery, which is equipped to dissolve and purify plutonium, a new reduction (metal preparation) facility in Building 221-F, and the Plutonium Storage Facility. Existing facilities in the F-Area are sized for a large yearly throughput (2 to 5 metric tons [t] [2.2 to 5.5 short tons {tons}]), if required. Also available onsite is the Defense Waste Processing Facility, which would be used for disposal of americium that is a byproduct of plutonium purification. Analytical laboratories in the F-Canyon Area are available to support process control requirements. These facilities in F-Area are operated by the DOE Environmental Management Program.

The plutonium fabrication process in Building 232-H would be an abbreviated version of the process used by the Rocky Flats Plant. Though there are several pit types, the process for each pit type is basically the same. The process consists of casting parts to the near-net shape, machining the surfaces of the casting to achieve the final shape, and performing tests on the completed parts to ensure suitability. After this inspection, the plutonium components are cleaned and assembled with the nonnuclear components to be built into the pit and then welded together into one unit. With the plutonium encapsulated, it may then be safely removed from the glove box, certified, and stored or shipped offsite, as needed.

Nonnuclear components used in the new pits would be received from offsite. After inspection, these parts would be stored in Building 704-55H until needed for either newly fabricated or reused pits.

For the nonintrusive modification pit reuse function, the pit is not disassembled. The entire pit is received through the weapons retirement/disassembly process. The pit is then cleaned, inspected and, if necessary, the exterior of the pit is modified. No plutonium is exposed in the nonintrusive modification pit reuse function.

Waste Management. The existing SRS waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, radioactive, and mixed waste generated at SRS facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modifications of the existing SRS waste management infrastructure. The plutonium recovery process would generate a liquid transuranic (TRU) waste that SRS would manage as a high-specific activity waste. This waste would be managed in accordance with the SRS HLW management plan and would result in HLW glass logs and LLW saltstone. Radiographic inspection would generate a low-specific activity waste stream that would include development chemicals such as silver. This stream would be treated as mixed LLW. Waste generation for construction and operation of the SRS Pit Fabrication Facility is shown in table 3.4.3.3-3.

Table 3.4.3.3-3.-- Savannah River Site Pit Fabrication Waste Volumes (120 Pits Per Year)

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated f
rom Construction
(m3)
Annual Volume
Generated from
Surge Operations
(m3)
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m3)
Transuranic

LiquidNone28 76 None
SolidNone129 77 129b

Mixed Transuranic

LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNone11

11

Low-Level
LiquidNone80 78 None
SolidNone88 79 34

Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneNoneNone
Hazardous
Liquid<0.01

<1

None
Solid 8 80 None<0.01 81
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid3,02046,16046,140 82
Solid231,4501,580

Nonhazardous (Other)
LiquidNoneNoneNone
Solid 500 83 1,450 84None

3.4.4 Secondary and Case Fabrication Alternatives

The secondary and case fabrication mission includes all activities to support fabrication, surveillance, inspection, and testing of secondaries and components. Functional capabilities for these services include operations to physically and chemically process, machine, inspect, assemble, and disassemble secondary and case materials. Materials include depleted uranium, enriched uranium, uranium alloys, isotopically enriched lithium hydride and lithium deuteride, and other materials. The concept of capability-based capacity discussed in section 3.4.3 applies to this section. Alternative sites considered for stockpile management secondary activities are ORR, LANL, and LLNL.

When comparing data between site alternatives, it is important to note that there are differences in the facility designs. The Y-12 alternative includes all the necessary support facilities to conduct the missions, not just the production and storage facilities. The LANL and LLNL alternatives only consider the incremental changes for operating the production facilities. The actual production footprint size of each alternative is almost identical; however, the production capacities vary between site alternatives. For example, base case, multiple-shift capacities at Y-12 and LANL are about 150 units, whereas at LLNL the equivalent production capability would be about 50 units. This creates significant differences in some of the data.

3.4.4.1 No Action

Under No Action, ORR would continue secondary and case fabrication. Y-12 maintains the capability to produce and assemble uranium and lithium components, to recover uranium and lithium materials from the component fabrication process and disassembled weapons, and to produce secondaries, cases, and related nonnuclear weapons components.

3.4.4.2 Downsize at Oak Ridge Reservation

This alternative would be based on downsizing the existing secondary and case fabrication facilities at Y-12 (figure 3.4.4.2-1) consistent with future requirements. The downsized facilities would only require approximately 14 percent of the existing Y-12 floor space for the DP mission, while EM missions would assume the majority of the remaining area. The Y-12 secondary and case fabrication facilities would be divided into the following four factories:

This alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.2.1.

Construction . This alternative consists of five principal production buildings, one shared production facility, and a number of office, utility, and changehouse facilities. Buildings 9204-2 and 9201-5W would be placed in cold standby for potential activation should unforeseen capacity needs arise. Re-activation of these buildings would require separate NEPA evaluation. Figure 3.4.4.2-2 shows the location of the Y-12 secondary and case fabrication facilities. There would be no new facility construction at Y-12 to support the secondary and case fabrication mission. Modifications to the existing buildings would be required for implementation of the alternate secondary and case fabrication mission and to upgrade the buildings to meet natural phenomena requirements. The modifications would be as follows:

Table 3.4.4.2-1 - Y-12 Plant Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh) 2.7
Peak electrical demand (MWe) 0.2
Concrete (m3) 100
Steel (t) 20
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L) 10,000
Industrial gases(m3)85 300
Water (L) 2,000,000
Land (ha) NA86
Employment87
Total employment (worker years) 72
Peak employment (workers) 14
Construction period (years) 6


Operation. Table 3.4.4.2-2 shows the surge operating requirements for the Y-12 Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.4.2-2.-- Y-12 Plant Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility
Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)118,000
Peak electrical demand (MWe)19
Liquid fuel (L)250,000
Natural gas 88 (m3)17,000,000
Water (L)1,510,000,000
Coal (t)500
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 89
Employment (Workers)4,508 90

Waste Management. The ORR existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes generated at Y-12 facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing ORR waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the Y-12 secondary and case fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.4.2-3.

Table 3.4.4.2-3.-- Y-12 Plant Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m3 )
Annual Volume Generated from
Surge Operations
(m3 )
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m3 )
Low-Level
LiquidNone320

None
Solid8

1,120 91 570 92
Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNone3,400

3,400

Solid1

92 93 92

Hazardous
LiquidNoneIncluded in mixed

Included in mixed

Solid2

Included in mixed

Included in mixed

Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid27

320,000

319,400 94
Solid30 95 13,500 967,670 97
Nonhazardous (Other)
LiquidIncluded in sanitary

Included in sanitary

Included in sanitary

Solid 2

10,000 98 Included in sanitary

3.4.4.3 Relocate to Los Alamos National Laboratory

This alternative would establish a secondary and case fabrication capability using the processes proven at Y-12 and would use facilities in 11 existing buildings. The LANL Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility operations would fall into the following four categories:

This alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.2.2.

Construction. Secondary and case fabrication at LANL would utilize existing facilities within the boundaries of TAs -3, -8, -50, -55, and -54. Facilities within each of these TAs include the TA-3 Sigma complex (Buildings SM-35, SM-66, and SM-141), the TA-3 Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Building (Building SM-29), the TA-3 Main Machine Shop (Buildings SM-39 and SM-102), the TA-8 Nondestructive Evaluation Facility (Buildings 22 and 23), the TA-55 Nuclear Material Storage Facility for overflow capacity, the TA-50 Liquid Radioactive Waste Management Facility, and the TA-54 Solid Radioactive Waste Management Area. These areas are shown in figure 3.4.4.3-1.

Figure 3.4.4.3-2 shows the major structures located in TA-3. The buildings shown on this plot plan for use in stockpile stewardship and management operations are SM-29, SM-35, SM-39, SM-66, SM-102, and SM-141. Modifications would be required for the following facilities:

Modification to the LANL facilities to perform the stockpile management secondary and case fabrication mission would require approximately 7 years for design, construction, mission transfer, and operational startup. Table 3.4.4.3-1 shows construction requirements for the LANL Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.4.3-1.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)4,130
Peak electrical demand (MWe)0.75
Concrete (m3)245
Steel (t)54
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)22,700
Industrial gases 99 (m3) 11,500
Water (L)4,160,000
Land (ha)NA 100
Employment
Total employment (worker years)205
Peak employment (workers)55
Construction period (years) 4

Operation. Table 3.4.4.2-2 shows the surge operating requirements for the LANL Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.4.3-2.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)36,000
Peak electrical demand (MWe)5
Liquid fuel (L)100,000
Natural gas 101 (m3) None
Water (L)55,000,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 102
Employment (Workers) 523 103



Table 3.4.4.3-3.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m3)
Annual Volume Generated from
Surge Operations
(m3)
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m3)
Low-Level
Liquid None 192 None
Solid 134 690 349 104
Mixed Low-Level
Liquid None 30 30
Solid 10 108 108
Hazardous
Liquid None 60 60
Solid 37 216 216
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid 890 20,240 20,370
Solid 120 1,160 639 105
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid Included in sanitary None None
Solid 10 106 3,000 3,000

Waste Management. The LANL existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes generated at LANL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing LANL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the LANL secondary and case fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.4.3-3.

3.4.4.4 Relocate to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

This alternative would establish a secondary and case fabrication capability using the processes proven at Y-12, and would use facilities in existing buildings. The LLNL Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility operations are the same as those described in section 3.4.4.3. This alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.2.3.

Construction. Manufacturing and assembly of the secondaries and cases would take place at the Livermore Site (figure 3.4.4.4-1) in the buildings shown on the LLNL site plan, figure 3.4.4.4-2. The secondary and case fabrication facilities at LLNL would principally involve the following buildings with minor modifications:

In addition, the secondary and case fabrication functions would share facilities in several buildings with other LLNL programs for sample test activities. While this alternative would not require new building construction, it would require some modifications and building renovations, and the construction of a 167 m 2 (1,800 ft2 ) steel frame covered space within the Superblock protected area to house the enriched uranium inventory. Table 3.4.4.4-1 shows construction requirements for the LLNL Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.4.4-1.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)3,500
Peak electrical demand (MWe)0.4
Concrete (m3)612
Steel (t)73
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)908,000
Industrial gases 107 (m3) 142
Water (L)8,710,000
Land (ha)NA 108
Employment
Total employment (worker years)330
Peak employment (workers)130
Construction period (years) 3

Operation. Table 3.4.4.4-2 shows the surge operating requirements for the LLNL Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.4.4-2.- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)15,000
Peak electrical demand (MWe)2.0
Liquid fuel (L)85,200
Natural gas 109 (m3) 566,000
Water (L)194,000,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 110
Employment (Workers)760 111

Waste Management. The LLNL existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes generated at LLNL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workload would not require significant modifications to the existing LLNL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the LLNL secondary and case fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.4.4-3.

Table 3.4.4.4-3.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Secondary and Case Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average Volume Generated from Construction (m3)
Annual Volume Generated from
Surge Operations
(m3)
Annual Volume Effluent from Surge Operations (m3)
Low-Level
Liquid None 105 None
Solid 5 370 304
Mixed Low-Level
Liquid None 550 550
Solid None 12 12
Hazardous
Liquid 11 540 540
Solid 41 18 18
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid 5,050 102,000 102,000
Solid 2,820 4,320 4,320
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid Included in sanitary Included in sanitary Included in sanitary
Solid 255 3,200 112 None

3.4.5 High Explosives Fabrication Alternatives

The HE fabrication mission is described in two functional areas: HE main charge fabrication and small HE component fabrication. Capabilities required include manufacturing process development, formulation, synthesis, main charge manufacturing (pressing, machining, subassembly, receiving/storage, quality assurance, and disposition), and energetic component manufacture. The HE fabrication mission supports the production aspect of stockpile management and also supports HE surveillance and some stockpile stewardship activities.

3.4.5.1 No Action

Under No Action, Pantex would continue, in its current configuration, the fabrication and surveillance of HE components for nuclear weapons. LANL and LLNL would continue to perform weapons HE R&D, surveillance, and HE safety studies.

3.4.5.2 Downsize at Pantex Plant

The Pantex HE fabrication alternative would downsize and consolidate current HE operations and facilities. This alternative would be considered only in conjunction with maintaining the weapons A/D mission at Pantex. Although there is no requirement for collocation of weapons A/D and HE fabrication, it would not be practical to maintain Pantex operations solely for HE fabrication. This alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.5.1.

Construction. Figures 3.4.5.2-1, 3.4.5.2-2, and 3.4.5.2-3 show Zones 11 and 12 and the existing facilities within these zones that are part of the HE fabrication proposal. Only minor modifications to existing facilities within Zones 11 and 12 would be required. The Pantex HE fabrication alternative would use existing buildings and facilities within Zones 4, 11, 12, FS-11, FS-22, FS-24, and the Burning Ground. Table 3.4.5.2-1 shows construction requirements for the Pantex HE Fabrication Facility.

Operation. The HE fabrication process comprises HE main charge fabrication, small HE component fabrication, HE formulation and synthesis, and HE testing and characterization. Processes used include isostatic pressing, machining, mechanical punch and die pressing, laser welding, explosive-extrusion, mechanical assembly, dimensional checking, and a variety of testing methodologies. There would be no change in processes or operations for HE fabrication from existing Pantex operations. Table 3.4.5.2-2 shows the annual Pantex HE Fabrication Facility surge operating requirements.

Table 3.4.5.2-1.-- Pantex Plant High Explosives Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)257
Peak electrical demand (MWe)2
Concrete (m3)356
Steel (t)6
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)12,200
Industrial gases 113 (m3) 258
Water (L)644,000
Land (ha)NA 114
Employment
Total employment (worker years)46
Peak employment (workers)29
Construction period (years) 3



Table 3.4.5.2-2.-- Pantex Plant High Explosives Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)3,250
Peak electrical demand (MWe)1
Liquid fuel (L)55,600
Natural gas 115 (m 3 )

500,000
Water (L)12,500,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 116
Employment (Workers] 37 117

Waste Management. The existing Pantex waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, nonhazardous, and a minimal quantity of radioactive waste generated at Pantex facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing Pantex waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the Pantex HE fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.5.2-3.

Table 3.4.5.2-3.-- Pantex Plant High Explosives Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m 3 )
Annual Volume
Generated from
Surge Operations
(m 3 )
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m 3 )
Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneMinimalMinimal
Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneNoneNone
Hazardous
LiquidNone0.230.23
Solid0.063030
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid1467,1207,120
SolidNone178 118
Nonhazardous (Other)

Liquid Included in sanitary NoneNone
Solid 2 119 Included in sanitary Included in sanitary

3.4.5.3 Relocate to Los Alamos National Laboratory

This alternative would transfer HE operations to LANL from Pantex during a 2-year transition period, during which Pantex would continue to support the stockpile. This alternative would use existing LANL R&D facilities, which have sufficient capacity to accommodate the required workload. This alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.5.2. The option to share the HE mission with LLNL is bounded by this analysis and is not discussed further.

Construction. LANL HE fabrication process capability is already established. HE fabrication and storage functions would be supported in existing facilities at LANL TAs -9, -16, and -37 (figure 3.4.5.3-1). Since LANL HE plant facilities already exist and have sufficient capacity for stockpile management requirements, no new building construction and no significant modifications would be required. As indicated in table 3.4.5.3-1, there would be minimal resource requirements other than personnel for modification and transition, and no waste would be generated. Figure 3.4.5.3-2 shows the existing major HE fabrication facilities at TA-16. Additional TAs would provide production support and testing functions.

Operation. The HE fabrication alternative at LANL would operate in the same manner as current HE fabrication processes and operations. HE processing facilities at LANL were designed and built for production-scale operations and were operated as production facilities for many years. The current baseline production technologies in use at Pantex would be used at LANL. HE processing at LANL includes HE storage; HE synthesis; HE formulations, pressing, machining, assembly, and subassembly of HE devices; quality assurance activities; and HE disposal. Operations would also continue to provide environmental, safety, and performance testing of HE and HE assemblies. Table 3.4.5.3-2 shows the annual LANL HE Fabrication Facility surge operating requirements.

Table 3.4.5.3-1.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory High Explosives Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)Minimal
Peak electrical demand (MWe)Minimal
Concrete (m 3)Minimal
Steel (t)Minimal
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L)Minimal
Industrial gases 120 (m 3 ) Minimal
Water (L)Minimal
Land (ha)NA 121
Employment
Total employment (worker years) 77
Peak employment (workers) 46
Construction period (years) 2



Table 3.4.5.3-2.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory High Explosives Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)5,600
Peak electrical demand (MWe)1
Liquid fuel (L)94,600
Natural gas 122 (m 3 ) 3,650,000
Water (L)13,000,000
Plant Footprint (ha)NA 123
Employment (Workers) 200 124

Waste Management . The existing LANL waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, nonhazardous, and a minimal quantity of radioactive waste generated at LANL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing LANL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the LANL HE fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.5.3-3.

Table 3.4.5.3-3.-- Los Alamos National Laboratory High Explosives Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average
Volume Generated
from Construction
(m 3 )
Annual Volume
Generated from
Surge Operations
(m 3 )
Annual Volume
Effluent from
Surge Operations
(m 3 )
Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneMinimalMinimal
Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneNoneNone
Hazardous
LiquidNone4 125 4
SolidNone1313
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
LiquidNone5,9005,880 126
SolidNone Included in liquid 17
Nonhazardous (Other)
LiquidNone6,930 127 6,930
Solid None2828

3.4.5.4 Relocate to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The LLNL HE fabrication alternative would transfer HE fabrication activities from Pantex over a 2-year transition period, during which Pantex would continue to support the stockpile. The LLNL HE Fabrication Facility would consist of the HE technology functional area with four main functions: HE main charge fabrication, small HE component fabrication, HE formulation and synthesis, and HE testing and characterization. This alternative would use existing R&D facilities, with some minor enhancements and modifications. The LLNL HE fabrication alternative is discussed in more detail in appendix section A.3.5.3. The option to share the HE mission with LANL is bounded by this analysis and is not discussed further.

Construction. The LLNL HE fabrication alternative would require construction of 1 new facility and would use 23 existing buildings, 66 existing magazines, and various utilities and services at Site 300 (figure 3.4.5.4-1). The one new facility would be for storage of HE. This building would have 11,350 kg (25,000 lb) of conventional HE bulk and parts storage for a 116 m2 (1,250 ft2 ) staging capacity. Table 3.4.5.4-1 shows construction requirements for the LLNL HE Fabrication Facility.

Table 3.4.5.4-1.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory High Explosives Fabrication Facility Construction Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Material/Resource
Electrical energy (MWh) 15
Peak electrical demand (MWe) 0.2
Concrete (m 3 ) 190
Steel (t) 15
Gasoline, diesel, and lube oil (L) 9,500
Industrial gases 128 (m 3 ) 3
Water (L) 1,230,000
Land (ha) 0.8
Employment
Total employment (worker years) 19
Peak employment (workers) 19
Construction period (years) 1

Operation. The LLNL HE fabrication alternative activities would continue using the same facilities, processes, and operations as the existing HE manufacturing conducted at the site. The current baseline technologies in use at Pantex would be used at LLNL. The production and fabrication of the HE components and materials mission would be accommodated by an incremental increase in the workload currently supported by the HE technology at LLNL. The HE processing at LLNL includes storage, synthesis, formulation, pressing, machining, assembly, and subassembly of HE devices; quality assurance activities; and HE disposal. LLNL operations would also continue to provide environmental, safety, and performance testing of HE and HE assemblies. Table 3.4.5.4-2 shows the annual LLNL HE Fabrication Facility surge operating requirements.

Table 3.4.5.4-2.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory High Explosives Fabrication Facility Surge Operation Annual Requirements

Requirement
Consumption
Resource
Electrical energy (MWh)4,300
Peak electrical demand (MWe)1
Liquid fuel (L)53,100
Natural gas 129 (m 3 ) None
Water (L)58,200,000
Plant Footprint (ha)0.8 130
Employment (Workers) 232131

Waste Management. The LLNL existing waste management infrastructure can be applied to manage and treat all anticipated waste streams from this alternative. All hazardous, nonhazardous, and a minimal quantity of radioactive waste generated at LLNL facilities would be managed in accordance with all applicable Federal and state waste regulations. The wastes anticipated from the estimated workloads would not require significant modification of the existing LLNL waste management infrastructure. Waste generation for construction and operation of the LLNL HE fabrication alternative is shown in table 3.4.5.4-3.

Table 3.4.5.4-3.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory High Explosives Fabrication Facility Waste Volumes

Category
Annual Average Volume Generated from Construction
(m3)
Annual Volume Generated Surge Operations
(m3)
Annual Volume Effluent from Surge Operations
(m3)
Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneMinimalMinimal
Mixed Low-Level
LiquidNoneNoneNone
SolidNoneNoneNone
Hazardous
Liquid133
Solid25454
Nonhazardous (Sanitary)
Liquid4547,2707,250 132
Solid116955 133
Nonhazardous (Other)
Liquid946568566
Solid 8 134<