4.5 Pantex Plant

Pantex was established in 1951 and currently occupies approximately 4,119 ha (10,177 acres) of DOE-owned land near Amarillo, TX. The current DP mission at Pantex is to assemble and disassemble nuclear weapons; perform HE manufacturing; perform weapons repair, modification, and disposal; conduct stockpile evaluation and testing; and provide interim storage for plutonium. Section 3.2.5 provides a description of all the DOE missions and support facilities at Pantex. The location of Pantex is illustrated in figure 4.5-1, and the principal facilities and zones at Pantex are shown in figure 4.5-2.

4.5.1 Description of Alternatives

No Action. Pantex would continue to perform the missions described in section 3.2.5.

Stockpile Management Alternatives. The A/D and the high explosives (HE) fabrication missions could be downsized and consolidated and remain at Pantex. If the A/D mission remains at Pantex, the nonintrusive modification pit reuse mission and the option of storing the strategic reserve of pits could be located there. In addition, if Y-12 does not retain the secondary and case fabrication mission, the storage of the strategic reserve of secondaries could be located at Pantex.

The HE fabrication mission could be phased out at Pantex and transferred to either LANL, LLNL, or both. In the event that the HE fabrication mission was transferred, those facilities associated with this mission would be phased out and Pantex downsized to accommodate just the A/D mission. The nonintrusive modification pit reuse and strategic storage options would also be located at Pantex.

The A/D mission could either stay at Pantex without the HE fabrication mission or it could be phased out at Pantex and transferred to NTS. If the A/D mission was also transferred, then all of the DP missions at Pantex would be phased out and the entire plant could be turned over to EM for disposition.

Stockpile Stewardship Alternatives. There are no stockpile stewardship alternatives that include Pantex.

4.5.2 Affected Environment

4.5.2.1 Land Resources

Pantex is located within Carson County in the Panhandle region of Texas, 27 km (17 mi) east-northeast of downtown Amarillo. Pantex covers 6,466 ha (15,978 acres) of land, of which 4,119 ha (10,177 acres) are owned by the Federal Government, and 2,347 ha (5,800 acres) immediately south of the main plant area are leased from Texas Tech for use as a safety and security buffer zone. DOE-owned land at the plant facility includes 3,683 ha (9,100 acres) in the main plant area and 436 ha (1,077 acres) around Pantex Lake, 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of the main plant area. The undeveloped land at Pantex Lake is held by DOE to retain water rights. All owned and leased buildings on the Pantex site are administered, managed, and controlled by DOE. Generalized land uses at Pantex and in the vicinity are shown in figure 4.5.2.1-1.

Industrial operations at Pantex are currently located on approximately 809 ha (2,000 acres) of DOE-owned property, excluding the Burning Ground, firing sites, and other outlying areas. The Burning Ground and firing sites occupy approximately 198 ha (489 acres).

Texas Tech Agriculture Research operations use DOE-leased land that is not actively used by Pantex operations for agricultural use. Agricultural activities generally consist of dry farming and livestock grazing. A limited amount of crop irrigation occurs. Except for the playas, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) considers these lands prime farmland when irrigated. Texas Tech land also contains four dwelling units located approximately 5 km (3 mi) southwest of the weapons A/D and HE production core.

The land surrounding Pantex is rural private property. The closest offsite residences are approximately 31 m (102 ft) west of the plant boundary along Farm-to-Market Road 683. Most of the surrounding land is prime farmland when irrigated, with the exception of the area northwest of the plant site, which is rangeland. The majority of the surrounding land is cultivated. The packing plant of Iowa Beef Packers, Inc., is the only industrial facility within 3 km (2 mi) of the plant.

Four low-altitude Federal airways used by the Amarillo International Airport for aircraft landings and takeoffs cross or come near Pantex. The runway is located approximately 11 km (7 mi) southwest of the site boundary.

It is anticipated that future residential development in the area will occur toward the southwest, away from the plant. The East Planning Area of the city, which extends to within 3.2 km (2 mi) of the plant site, has historically been one of the slower growing residential areas. Because of the presence of the airport, an important industrial use in this area, the Amarillo Comprehensive Plan encourages compatible use rather than residential use. The largest residential area, located approximately 8 km (5 mi) southwest of the plant boundary, is the site of the former Amarillo Air Force Base housing, which has been converted to rental housing.

Table 4.5.2.2-1.-- Baseline Characteristics for Pantex Plant

4.5.2.2 Site Infrastructure

Section 3.2.5 describes the current missions at Pantex. To support these missions, infrastructure exists as shown in table 4.5.2.2-1.

4.5.2.3 Air Quality

This section describes existing air quality including a review of the meteorology and climatology in the vicinity of Pantex. More detailed discussions of the air quality methodologies, input data, and atmospheric dispersion characteristics are presented in appendix section B.3.5.

Meteorology and Climatology. The climate at Pantex and in the surrounding region is characterized as semi-arid with hot summers and relatively cold winters. The average annual temperature in the Amarillo region is 13.8 °C (56.9 °F); average daily temperatures vary from a mean daily minimum of -5.7 °C (21.8 °F) in January to a mean daily maximum of 32.8 °C (91.1 °F) in July. The annual average precipitation is approximately 49.7 cm (19.6 in). Prevailing wind directions at Pantex are from the south to southwest. The annual average wind speed is 6.0 m/s (13.5 mph) (NOAA 1994c:3).

Ambient Air Quality. Pantex is located within the Amarillo-Lubbock Intrastate AQCR 211, which is currently designated as "attainment" or "unclassified" by EPA (40 CFR 81.344) with respect to the NAAQS for criteria pollutants (40 CFR 50). Appendix table B.3.1-1 lists the NAAQS for these criteria pollutants. These standards have been adopted by the State of Texas (TX ACB 1993a). There are no Prevention of Significant Deterioration (40 CFR 52.21) Class I areas within 100 km (62.1 mi) of Pantex.

The primary emission sources of criteria pollutants at Pantex are the steam plant boilers, the explosives burning operation, and diesel and gasoline engines. Potential emission sources of hazardous/toxic air pollutants include the HE Synthesis Facility, the explosives burning operation, miscellaneous laboratories, and other small operations. With the exception of open burning of HE at the Burning Ground, most stationary points of nonradioactive atmospheric releases are from fume hoods and building exhaust systems with HEPA filters.

Table 4.5.2.3-1 presents the baseline ambient air concentrations for criteria pollutants and other pollutants of concern at Pantex. As shown in the table, baseline concentrations are in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations.

Table 4.5.2.3-1.-- Comparison of Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations wiTD Most Stringent Applicable Regulations and Guidelines at Pantex Plant, 1993

4.5.2.4 Water Resources

This section describes the surface and groundwater resources at Pantex.

Surface Water. There are no streams or rivers at Pantex, and all site water requirements are currently met by groundwater. All surface water drains to playas, natural closed depressions that collect runoff to form ephemeral lakes. There are six playas associated with Pantex. Playas 1 through 3 are located on the main site, Playas 4 and 5 are located south and southwest, respectively, of the main site, and Pantex Lake (the sixth playa) is located approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of the main site (figure 4.5.2.4-1).

Playa 1 receives continuous wastewater discharges from the Pantex Wastewater Treatment Facility. Treated industrial wastewater discharges from buildings, and stormwater runoff are directed to Playas 1, 2, and 4. Playa 3 receives stormwater runoff from the Pantex Burning Ground. Playa 5 has received wastewater from numerous sources other than Pantex. Past Pantex activities included discharge of treated effluents to Pantex Lake. There are also a number of playas adjacent to Pantex that receive drainage from perimeter portions of the site. Playas provide a source of groundwater recharge through infiltration, although the rate of recharge is unknown. A study to determine this infiltration rate is currently being conducted (PX DOE 1996b:4-55).

Because there are no onsite or nearby flowing streams, floodplains exist only in association with the playas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delineated 100- and 500-year floodplains and concluded that the only incidence of flooding would occur at Playa 3. The 500-year flood runoff at Playa 3 would overflow out of the drainage basin creating shallow (less than 30 cm [1 ft]) flooding of the drainage basins for Playas 1 and 2. This limited flooding would not affect the operations of Pantex (PX DOE 1996b:4-57).

Surface Water Quality. Surface water monitoring is conducted at all five playas at the main plant and Pantex Lake as well as at Bushland Playa, an offsite control playa (50 km [30 mi] west of Pantex) used for comparative purposes. Bushland Playa was dry during 1994. With the exception of a June 1994 high water level in Playa 1, due to a rainfall event, the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission's annual wastewater inspection in 1993 and 1994 did not note any deficiencies with permit requirements; however, the plant reported 16 excursions of the pH limitation during 1993. A treatment to adjust the effluent pH was installed in September 1993.

Surface Water Rights and Permits. Pantex submitted an NPDES permit application for industrial discharge on November 5, 1990, and a stormwater discharge permit application in October 1991. EPA classified the playa lakes as jurisdictional wetlands and not "waters of the U.S." and therefore did not issue either permit. EPA requested on February 16, 1994, that Pantex resubmit modified NPDES permit applications for industrial discharge to Playas 1, 2, and 4. The application was submitted to EPA on August 26, 1994. A Notice of Intent to discharge stormwaters associated with nonconstruction industrial activities into Playas 1, 2, 3, and 4 via outfalls 007 through 030 was submitted to EPA on September 30, 1994. A stormwater permit was issued by EPA in February 1995. A draft NPDES industrial discharge permit was issued on December 31, 1994. Comments followed the issuance of the permit, and additional information was requested. A revised draft NPDES permit was issued on August 12, 1995; issuance of a final permit is still pending (PX DOE 1996b:4-61).

Treated domestic and industrial wastewater from Pantex is discharged into Playas 1 and 2 under the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Wastewater No-Discharge Permit No. 02296. This permit was issued on May 19, 1980, and renewed and modified on May 3, 1988. This permit allows wastewater disposal by evaporation and onsite irrigation on Texas Tech University farmland. A modified renewal application was submitted on December 26, 1990. This application was protested, and the existing permit expired on May 6, 1993, without renewal. A settlement was reached on November 6, 1995, between Pantex and the local citizens. Issuance of the final permit is still pending. Until a decision is made by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, the plant continues to operate under the terms and conditions of the expired permit (PX DOE 1996b:4-61).

Water rights in Texas fall under the Doctrine of Prior Appropriations. Under this doctrine, the user who first appropriated water for a beneficial use has priority to use available water supply over a user claiming rights at a later time. Courts also recognize riparian rights legally granted from Spanish-American Agreements. The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission is the administrator for water rights and is the permit-issuing authority.

Groundwater. Pantex is located on the Texas High Plains aquifer system, which is the southernmost extension of a regional aquifer that extends from Texas to South Dakota (PX WDB 1993a:1). The two principal water-bearing units beneath Pantex and adjacent areas are the Ogallala aquifer and the underlying Dockum Group aquifer (PX DOE 1983a). Deep wells in the northeast corner of Pantex, completed at depths of 183 to 259 m (600 to 850 ft) into the Ogallala Formation, have provided the water supply at Pantex for over 40 years. A discontinuous perched aquifer is present at 66 to 88 m (217 to 290 ft) below ground surface; it is best defined under the eastern portion of Pantex, particularly under Zones 11 and 12. The perched groundwater is capable of yielding 2 to 5 gallons per minute, but is not used as a source for drinking water for any plant operations (PX DOE 1996b:4-65).

The Ogallala aquifer beneath Pantex has not been classified by EPA; however, it is the only source of drinking water at Pantex. Depth to water in the Ogallala aquifer ranges from 104 m (341 ft) at the southern boundary of Pantex to 140 m (459 ft) at the northern boundary. The saturated thickness of the Ogallala Formation ranges from 15 m (49.2 ft) to more than 120 m (394 ft) and in some areas is capable of producing yields in excess of 4,000 L per minute (1,050 gal per minute). Estimates of annual recharge rates to the Ogallala aquifer vary from 0.02 to 4.1 cm/yr (0.0079 to 1.6 in/yr) (PX DOE 1996b:4-69) based on earlier studies that investigated slow regional infiltration of precipitation and recent studies that explored percolation of water through playa lakes and leakage from the Dockum Group aquifer into the Ogallala aquifer (PX WDB 1993a:2).

The withdrawal of water from the Ogallala aquifer continues to exceed recharge, causing water levels to decline in the Pantex area at a rate of approximately 0.6 to 2 m/yr (1.97 to 6.56 ft/yr). From 1980 to 1990, the city of Amarillo well field north of Pantex experienced up to 20 m (60 ft) of water-level decline, causing a depression in the groundwater surface northeast of Pantex (PX WDB 1993a:11). In 1990, the recoverable volume of water in storage and available for use in the Ogallala aquifer was estimated at 5.15x10¹⁴ L (1.36x10¹⁴ gal) (PX DOE 1996b:4-71). Figure 4.5.2.4-1 shows the groundwater surface of the Ogallala aquifer beneath Pantex.

Groundwater Quality. Pantex's groundwater monitoring program includes monitoring wells and onsite Ogallala production wells distributed throughout the facility. Wells located in the vicinity of the plant are shown in figure 4.5.2.4-1. Groundwater samples collected from the wells are analyzed for a standard suite of parameters and constituents, including volatile organics, semi-volatile organics, pesticides, herbicides, trace metals, radionuclides (gross alpha and gross beta), and field parameters (total dissolved solids and pH). Limited metal concentrations have been found in some of the groundwater samples from the wells monitoring the Ogallala aquifer, including iron which was above the drinking water regulation.

Table 4.5.2.4-1 shows the most recent groundwater analytical data from the Ogallala aquifer. Past groundwater samples from the perched zone have been found to contain a variety of constituents that are either above background levels or drinking water standards or are not naturally occurring. These include 1,2-dichloroethane; chromium; iron; total dissolved solids; and trichloroethane. Table 4.5.2.4-2 shows the groundwater quality from three wells completed in the perched zone.

Groundwater Availability, Use, and Rights. Five production wells in the northeast corner of Pantex serve the plant's industrial and potable water needs. During the 1994 water year, the plant pumped 836 million L (221 million gal) of water from the Ogallala aquifer, while the city of Amarillo pumped 23,900 million L (6,320 million gal) from its Carson County well field located immediately north and northeast of the plant (PX DOE 1996b:4-77). The capacity of Pantex well field is approximately 1,990 MLY (526 MGY). Pantex Lake, located adjacent to the Amarillo water-well field, is available for drilling additional water wells if needed for future Pantex operations.

Groundwater is controlled by the individual landowner in Texas. The Texas Department of Health and the Texas Water Development Board are the two state agencies with major involvement in groundwater fact finding, data gathering, and analysis. Local groundwater management is the responsibility of local jurisdictions through Groundwater Management Districts. The Pantex facility is located in Panhandle Groundwater District 3, which has the authority to require permits and limit the quantity of water pumped. Presently, the Panhandle Groundwater District does not limit the quantity of water pumped.

Table 4.5.2.4-1.-- Groundwater Quality Monitoring of TDe Ogallala Aquifer Wells at Pantex Plant, 1994

Table 4.5.2.4-2.-- Groundwater Quality Monitoring of TDe Perched Zone Wells at Pantex Plant, 1994

4.5.2.5 Geology and Soils

Geology. Pantex is located on the southern High Plains of the Texas panhandle. The topography at Pantex consists of flat to gently rolling plains. There are no unique landforms, and the only distinctive features are playas that are spaced more or less uniformly over the site. The playas are about 500 to 1,000 m (1,640 to 3,280 ft) across with clay bottoms and depths to 9 m (30 ft).

The site itself is underlain by the Blackwater Draw Formation. At Pantex this geologic formation consists of a sequence of buried soils with an upper unit of mostly silt, clay, and caliche and a 12- to 23-m (40- to 75-ft) thick lower unit of silty sand with caliche. The Ogallala Formation, one of two principal water-bearing units beneath Pantex and adjacent areas, underlies the Blackwater Draw Formation.

The plant is located at the edge of a large Permian fault block, but there is no indication of faulting in the immediate area in the last 250 million years. Pantex lies on the boundary between seismic Zones 0 and 1 (figure A.1-1). Since 1906, only nine earthquakes of Richter magnitude 3.0 or greater have been recorded in the more seismically active Amarillo Uplift region 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Pantex. Seismicity in the Palo Duro Basin and at Pantex is low. There is no volcanic hazard at Pantex (DOE 1995i:4-298).

In the High Plains area, salt dissolution in Permian formations is an active process which can lead to sinkholes and fractures. Such surficial expressions have not been identified in Carson County, where Pantex is located. Sinkholes and fractures have been identified, however, in adjacent Armstrong County to the south and Hutchinson County to the north (PX DOE 1996b:4-29, 4-31).

Soils. Pantex is underlain by soils of the Pullman-Randall association. These soils are typically deep, very low permeability clay loams and clays. Pullman soils underlie most of the plant area, but Randall soils occur in the vicinity of the playas and depressions. Areas of Estacado, Lofton, and Pep clay loams are found in sloping areas surrounding playa bottoms (PX DOE 1995d:5-3). Water and wind erosion and shrink-swell potential are moderate to severe for most of the soil units (PX USDA 1962a:1,2; PX USDA 1980a:31,32). However, the soils are acceptable for standard construction techniques. DOE-leased land at Pantex that is used for agricultural purposes by Texas Tech is considered prime farmland when irrigated (DOE 1995i:4-282).

4.5.2.6 Biotic Resources

The following section describes biotic resources at Pantex including terrestrial resources, wetlands, aquatic resources, and threatened and endangered species. A list of threatened and endangered species that may be found on or in the vicinity of Pantex is presented in appendix C.

Terrestrial Resources. Pantex is located within a treeless portion of the High Plains that is classified as mixed prairie. The primary vegetation of the High Plains includes short-grasses (buffalo-grass [Buchloe dactyloides] and blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis]) and mid-grasses (little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium], sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula], and western wheatgrass [Agropyron smithii]) (PX DOE 1991a:2). Approximately 23 percent of the site, including land leased from Texas Tech University, has been developed. Much of the remainder of the site has been disturbed by past agricultural practices and is being managed as native and improved pasture, or is being cultivated by the university or its tenant farmers (PX DOE 1983a:3-20,3-23). Small areas of relatively undisturbed vegetation exist around playas. Some protection for native habitat is also provided at Pantex where plant operations preclude agricultural activities. Vegetation within these areas consists primarily of grasses and herbs, although barrel cactus (Ferocactus sp.) is also present (PX DOE 1995d;5-3, 5-4). Plant communities on the site have not been mapped. A total of 229 plant species has been identified at Pantex (PX DOE 1993c:2).

Terrestrial wildlife species identified on Pantex include 7 amphibians, 8 reptiles, 43 birds, and 19 mammals (PX DOE 1994c:4-5; PX DOE 1994d:7-11). Common animal species known to exist in the vicinity of Pantex include the upland chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata), common bullsnake (Piturophis melanoleucus), western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), and black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus). Among the game animals existing onsite are cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.), scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) , mourning dove, and numerous waterfowl species (PX DOE 1994b:2,3; PX DOE 1994d:8,11). Hunting is not permitted at Pantex. Common raptors on Pantex include the Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). Carnivores present include the American badger (Taxidea taxus) and coyote (Canis latrans). A variety of migratory birds has been found at Pantex. Migratory birds and their nests and eggs, are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Eagles are similarly protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Wetlands. Wetlands at Pantex are associated with the five playa basins existing on the site and Pantex Lake (also a playa), located approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of the site. The National Wetland Inventory map identifies Playas 1 through 5 and part of Pantex Lake as wetlands. Playas 1, 2, and 3 are classified by the USFWS as palustrine (nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, and emergent vegetation) systems. The larger Playas, 4 and 5, and Pantex Lake are classified as lacustrine (lakes, ponds, and other enclosed open waters at least 8 ha [20 acres] in extent and not dominated by trees, shrubs, or emergent vegetation) systems. Playas 1, 2, and 4 currently receive treated industrial discharges and stormwater runoff, while Playa 3 receives only stormwater runoff. Playa 5 and the Pantex Lake do not receive site discharges. National Wetland Inventory maps identify a number of smaller palustrine wetlands, approximately 4 ha (10 acres) or less, located on the western and southwestern parts of Pantex in areas that are largely grazed or farmed. Situated along the Central Flyway Migratory Route, the Pantex playas are important to migratory birds and provide valuable habitat for nesting and wintering birds, as well.

Aquatic Resources. Aquatic habitat at Pantex is limited to four ephemeral playas, one permanent playa, and several ditches. Although the playas and ditches located on the Pantex site proper may provide habitat for amphibians and macroinvertebrates, they do not support any fish populations. However, a small pond associated with Pantex Lake does support a small population of minnows (Cyprinidae) (PX DOE 1996b:4-139).

Threatened and Endangered Species. Ten Federal- or state-listed threatened, endangered, and other special status species may be found on and in the vicinity of Pantex (appendix table C-3). Five of these species have records of occurrence on the site, four of which are Federal- and/or state-listed as threatened or endangered. The Federal-listed bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a winter resident that has been observed foraging at playas on the site each year, while the whooping crane (Grus americana) is considered a very infrequent migrant, last observed in 1990. The state-listed Texas horned-lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) resides on site, while the white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi) may forage at site playas. The Federal candidate swift fox (Vulpes velox ) has also been observed onsite. No critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, as defined in the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 17.11; 50 CFR 17.12), exists on Pantex.

4.5.2.7 Cultural and Paleontological Resources

Prehistoric Resources. Archaeological surveys at Pantex have systematically covered approximately one-half of the facility. To date, 63 prehistoric sites have been recorded on DOE and Texas Tech University property. Prehistoric site types identified at Pantex include small temporary campsites and limited activity locations characterized by surface scatters of artifacts. Some of the sites contain heat-altered rock that suggests food processing. Consistent with a Pantex prehistoric site location model, these prehistoric campsites tend to be clustered near the Pantex playa drainages. In this model, prehistoric sites would be located only within 0.4 km (0.25 mi) of playas or their drainages. Of 22 prehistoric sites tested, only one, a late prehistoric bison kill site north of Pantex Lake, has been determined potentially eligible for the NRHP. To date, no activity is planned that would affect this potentially significant site. Other identified sites are thought to be ineligible based on their lack of contextual integrity. A cultural resources management plan is being developed for Pantex. Implementation of this plan is scheduled for 1997. An interim programmatic agreement is in place to ensure regulatory compliance, and potential adverse impacts are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Historic Resources. The Pantex facility was originally constructed in 1942 as a World War II bomb-loading plant on land claimed from local farmers. Remains of eight of these farmsteads have been recorded as historic archaeological sites; these sites have minimal integrity and are highly unlikely to be eligible for the NRHP.

The entire Pantex site has been surveyed for World War II-era structures and foundations, and all such properties have been systematically recorded. The Texas SHPO has listed 45 of these structures as potentially eligible for the NRHP. The Cold War historic context has not yet been fully defined for Pantex. When completed, it is probable that a number of plant structures will be determined NRHP eligible.

Native American Resources. Native Americans known to have traditional interests in Pantex include the Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma, the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma, the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, the Caddo Tribe of Oklahoma, the Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma, and the Fort Sill Apache Tribe. DOE is performing a historic treaties search and a public outreach program to involve Native American stakeholders in decisionmaking related to the use of plant land and the protection of cultural resources. Traditional cultural properties have not been identified at Pantex, but the remains of temporary historic campsites and hunting locations are possible.

Paleontological Resources. The surficial geology of the Pantex area consists of silts, clays, and sands of the Blackwater Draw Formation. In other areas of the High Plains, this formation contains Late Pleistocene vertebrate remains, including bison, camel, horse, mammoth, and mastodon, with occasional and significant evidence of their use by early humans. Evidence of woolly mammoths has been found north of Pantex near the Canadian River.

4.5.2.8 Socioeconomics

Socioeconomic characteristics addressed at Pantex include employment, regional economy, population, housing, and public finance. Statistics for employment and regional economy are presented for the regional economic area that encompasses 32 counties surrounding Pantex in Texas and New Mexico. Statistics for population, housing, and public finance are presented for the ROI, a four-county area in which approximately 96 percent of all Pantex employees reside: Armstrong County (1 percent), Carson County (11 percent), Potter County (34 percent), and Randall County (50 percent). Site employment at Pantex totalled 3,555 in 1994 and is projected to decrease to 1,644 by 2005. Figure 4.5.2.8-1 presents a map of the counties and selected cities composing the Pantex regional economic area and ROI. Supporting data are shown in appendix D.

Regional Economy Characteristics. Selected employment and regional economy statistics for the Pantex regional economic area are summarized in figure 4.5.2.8-2 (not available electronically). The civilian labor force in the regional economic area grew approximately 9 percent between 1980 and 1990 (about 1 percent annually). Total employment in the region was 219,504 in 1994. In 1994, unemployment in the regional economic area was 4.8 percent, significantly lower than 6.4 and 6.3 percent unemployment in Texas and New Mexico, respectively. The 1993 per capita income in the regional economic area was $19,310, approximately 1.5 percent higher than the per capita income in Texas ($19,023) and 19 percent higher than New Mexico's per capita income of $16,346.

As shown in figure 4.5.2.8-2 (not available electronically), the Pantex regional economic area, Texas, and New Mexico have similar employment patterns. The service sector accounts for the largest share of total employment in both Texas and New Mexico (28 percent in both states), as well as in the region (22 percent). Manufacturing, however, accounts for a greater share of employment in Texas (11 percent) than in the region (9 percent) or New Mexico (6 percent).

Population and Housing. The ROI population, which totalled 200,052 in 1992, increased by approximately 10 percent (less than 1 percent annually) between 1980 and 1992, less than half the growth rate of Texas during the same period. Furthermore, population growth was uneven among the ROI counties; Randall County grew about 22 percent (an annual rate of almost 2 percent) while the populations of Carson and Armstrong Counties decreased slightly.

Increases in the number of housing units averaged approximately 1 percent annually in the ROI from 1980 to 1990, less than the almost 3 percent annual increase for Texas. Within the ROI, the number of housing units increased at a rate of almost 3 percent in Randall County, while the number of units decreased slightly in both Carson and Potter Counties. Homeowner and rental vacancy rates in the Pantex ROI in 1990 were comparable to those in Texas. Population and housing statistics for the ROI are summarized in figure 4.5.2.8-3.

Public Finance. Financial characteristics of the local jurisdictions in the Pantex ROI that are most likely to be affected by the proposed action are presented in this section. The data reflect total revenues and expenditures of each jurisdiction's general fund, special revenue funds, and, as applicable, debt service, capital project, and expendable trust funds. School district boundaries may or may not coincide with county or city boundaries, but the districts are presented under the county where they primarily provide services. Major revenue and expenditure fund categories for counties, cities, and school districts are presented in appendix tables D.2.3-6 and D.2.3-7. Figure 4.5.2.8-4 (not available electronically) summarizes local governments' revenues and expenditures. Fund balances, which are dollars carried over from previous years, are not included in figure 4.5.2.8-4 (not available electronically). All jurisdictions assessed had positive fund balances.

4.5.2.9 Radiation and Hazardous Chemical Environment

The following section provides a description of the radiation and hazardous chemical environment at Pantex. Also included are discussions of health effects studies, emergency preparedness considerations, and a brief accident history.

Radiation Environment. Major sources of background radiation exposure to individuals in the vicinity of Pantex are shown in table 4.5.2.9-1. All annual doses to individuals from background radiation are expected to remain constant over time. The incremental total dose to the population would result only from changes in the size of the population. Background radiation doses are unrelated to Pantex operations.

Table 4.5.2.9-1.-- Sources of Radiation Exposure to Individuals in the Vicinity, Unrelated to Pantex Plant Operations

Releases of radionuclides to the environment from Pantex operations provide another source of radiation exposure to people in the vicinity of Pantex. The radionuclides and quantities released from Pantex operations in 1994 are listed in the 1994 Environmental Report for Pantex Plant (DOE/AL/65030-9506). The doses to the public resulting from these releases are given in table 4.5.2.9-2. These doses fall within radiological limits (DOE Order 5400.5) and are small in comparison to background radiation. The releases listed in the 1994 report were used in the development of the reference environment (No Action) radiological releases at Pantex in 2005 (section 4.5.3.9).

Based on a dose-to-risk conversion factor of 500 cancer deaths per 1 million person-rem (5x10^-4 fatal cancer per person-rem) to the public (appendix E), the fatal cancer risk to the maximally exposed member of the public due to radiological releases from Pantex operations in 1994 is estimated to be approximately 2.9x10-11. That is, the estimated probability of this person dying of cancer at some point in the future from radiation exposure associated with 1 year of Pantex operations is less than 3 chances in 100 billion. (Note that it takes several to many years from the time of exposure to radiation for a cancer to manifest itself.)

Based on the same conversion factor, 7.0x10^-8 excess fatal cancersare projected in the population living within 80 km (50 mi) of Pantex from normal operation in 1994. To place this number into perspective, it can be compared with the number of fatal cancers expected in this population from all causes. The 1990 mortality rate associated with cancer for the U.S. population was 0.2 percent per year (Almanac 1993a:839). Based on this mortality rate, the number of fatal cancers from all causes expected to occur during 1994 in the population living within 80 km (50 mi) of Pantex was 550. This number of expected fatal cancers is much higher than the estimated 7.0x10^-8 fatal cancers that could result from Pantex operations in 1994.

Table 4.5.2.9-2.-- Doses to the General Public from Normal Operation at Pantex Plant, 1994 (Committed Effective Dose Equivalent)

Table 4.5.2.9-3.-- Doses to the Onsite Worker from Normal Operation at Pantex Plant, 1994

Workers at Pantex receive the same dose as the general public from background radiation, but also receive an additional dose from working in the facilities. Table 4.5.2.9-3 includes the average, maximum, and total occupational doses to Pantex workers from operations in 1994. These doses fall within radiological limits (10 CFR 835). Based on a dose-to-risk conversion factor of 400 fatal cancers per 1 million person-rem (4x10^-4 fatal cancers per person-rem) among workers (appendix E), the number of excess fatal cancers to Pantex workers from operations in 1994 is estimated to be 0.012.

A more detailed presentation of the radiation environment, including background exposures and radiological releases and doses, is presented in the Pantex Plant Site Report for Calendar Year 1994. In addition, the concentrations of radioactivity in various environmental media (e.g., air, water, and soil) in the onsite and offsite site regions are presented in the same reference. Pantex operations contribute only small amounts of radioactivity to all these media.

Chemical Environment. The background chemical environment important to human health consists of the atmosphere, which may contain hazardous chemicals that can be inhaled; drinking water, which may contain hazardous chemicals that can be ingested; and other environmental media with which people may come in contact (e.g., soil through direct contact or via the food pathway). The baseline data for assessing potential health impacts from the chemical environment are those presented in sections 4.5.2.3 and 4.5.2.4.

Adverse health impacts to the public can be minimized through administrative and design controls to decrease hazardous chemical releases to the environment and to achieve compliance with permit requirements. The effectiveness of these controls is verified through the use of monitoring information and inspection of mitigation measures. Health impacts to the public may occur during normal operation at Pantex via inhalation of air containing hazardous chemicals released to the atmosphere by Pantex operations. Risks to the public health from ingestion of contaminated drinking water or by direct exposure are also potential pathways.

Baseline air emission concentrations for hazardous air pollutants and their applicable standards are presented in section 4.5.2.3. These concentrations are estimates of the highest existing offsite concentrations and represent the highest concentrations to which members of the public could be exposed. All annual concentrations are compared with applicable guidelines and regulations. Information about estimating health impacts from hazardous/toxic chemicals is presented in appendix E.

Exposure pathways to Pantex workers during normal operation may include inhaling the workplace atmosphere, drinking Pantex potable water, and possible other contact with hazardous materials associated with particular work assignments. The potential for health impacts varies from facility to facility and from worker to worker, and available information is not sufficient to allow a meaningful estimation and summation of these impacts. However, workers are protected from hazards specific to the workplace through appropriate training, protective equipment, monitoring, and management controls. Pantex workers are also protected by adherence to OSHA and EPA occupational standards that limit workplace atmospheric and drinking water concentrations of potentially hazardous chemicals. Appropriate monitoring, which reflects the frequency and amounts of chemicals utilized in the operating processes, ensures that these standards are not exceeded. Additionally, DOE requirements ensure that conditions in the workplace are as free as possible from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause illness or physical harm. Therefore, worker health conditions at Pantex are expected to be substantially better than required by standards.

Health Effects Studies. Only one mortality study and one cancer incidence epidemiological study of the general population in communities surrounding Pantex has been performed, and only one study of workers has been done. Significant increases in prostate cancer mortalities among males in Potter and Randall Counties and leukemia mortalities among Carson County males were observed between 1981 and 1992. The analysis on excess cancer incidence found no statistically significant excesses in males. Workers were reported to show a nonstatistically significant excess of brain cancer and leukemia in the one study conducted, but the small number of cases could be attributed to chance alone. For a more detailed description of the studies reviewed and the findings, refer to appendix section E.4.5.

Accident History. There have been no plutonium-dispersing detonation accidents during nuclear weapons operations at Pantex. In 1989, during a weapon disassembly and retirement operation, a release of tritium in the assembly cell occurred. As a result, four workers received negligible doses and a fifth worker received a dose of 1.4 mrem.

Emergency Preparedness. Each DOE site has established an emergency management program that would be activated in the event of an accident. This program has been developed and maintained to ensure adequate response to accident conditions and to provide response efforts for accidents not specifically considered. The emergency management program incorporates activities associated with planning, preparedness, and response.

Pantex has an emergency management plan, with guidance on implementation provided by a series of Emergency Preparedness Procedures manuals, to protect life and property within the facility, the health and welfare of surrounding areas, and the defense interests of the Nation during any credible emergency situation. Formal mutual assistance agreements have been made with Federal, State of Texas, and local governments. Federal agreements include Interagency Agreements with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for security-based events requiring its efforts, Veteran's Administration for maintenance of an Emergency Radiation Treatment Facility, LLNL for plume modeling information and data from the Atmospheric Release Advisory Center, and the U.S. Army for Explosives Ordnance Disposal. The DOE/State of Texas Agreement-in-Principle contains both DOE and State activities to mutually improve and integrate both Pantex and State of Texas emergency preparedness programs for potential Pantex-generated emergencies. Memoranda of Understanding among the city of Amarillo, Carson County, and Randall County are in place for mutual assistance and aid in the event of a Pantex-generated emergency. Under accident conditions, an emergency coordinating team of DOE and Pantex contractor management personnel would initiate the Pantex Emergency Plan and coordinate all onsite actions.

If offsite areas could be affected, the Texas Department of Public Safety would be notified immediately, and would make emergency announcements to the public and local governmental agencies in accordance with Annex R of the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan. Pantex has radiological assistance teams with a total of 46 personnel who are equipped and trained to respond to an accident involving radioactive contamination either onsite or offsite.

In addition, the Joint Nuclear Accident Coordination Center in Albuquerque, NM, can be called upon should the need arise. This would mobilize radiation emergency response teams from DOE, DOD, and other participating Federal agencies.

4.5.2.10 Waste Management

This section outlines the major environmental regulatory structure and ongoing waste management activities for Pantex. A more detailed discussion of the ongoing waste management operation is provided in appendix section H.2.4 .

DOE is working with Federal and state regulatory authorities to address compliance and cleanup obligations arising from its past operations at Pantex. The activities DOE is engaged in to bring its operations into full regulatory compliance are set forth in negotiated agreements that contain schedules for achieving compliance with applicable requirements and financial penalties. These agreements have been reviewed to assure the proposed actions are allowable under the terms of these agreements.

EPA Region 6 on July 29, 1991, proposed Pantex for listing on the NPL of Superfund cleanup sites. Independent evaluations questioned this proposed listing and DOE dissented on the proposal. In September 1991, DOE submitted to EPA its technical comments regarding the proposed listing. EPA placed Pantex on the NPL on May 31, 1994. The DOE Amarillo Area office is currently negotiating a tri-party Federal Facility Agreement with the EPA and the State of Texas. Currently all environmental restoration activities are conducted in compliance with an RCRA permit issued in April 1991. Environmental restoration activities are expected to be completed in 2000.

Pantex's waste management goals are to avoid waste generation or minimize the volume of waste generated to the extent that is technologically and economically practicable, reduce the hazard of waste through substitution or process modification, minimize contamination of existing or proposed real property and facilities, minimize exposure and associated risks to human health and the environment to as low as reasonably achievable levels, and ensure safe, efficient, and compliant long-term management of all wastes. Pantex manages four broad waste categories: low-level, mixed, hazardous, and nonhazardous. Pantex does not generate or manage spent nuclear fuel or HLW. Pantex does not generate TRU waste as a result of normal operation. In the unlikely event that any TRU waste is generated, it would be stabilized and packaged in an appropriate container until shipment to a DOE-approved storage site. A discussion of the waste management operations associated with the remaining categories follows.

Low-Level Waste. LLW generated at Pantex consists of radioactive waste materials associated with weapons A/D, such as protective clothing, cleaning materials, filters, and other similar materials. In 1994, Pantex generated 33 m³ (8,720 gal) of liquid and 122 m³ (160 yd3) of solid LLW (PX 1995a:2). Liquid LLW is being stored onsite awaiting a treatment process. Compactible wastes are processed at Pantex's Solid Waste Compaction Facility and staged along with the noncompactible wastes for shipment to a DOE-approved disposal site and/or a commercial vendor. Pantex's LLW is currently shipped to NTS for disposal.

Mixed Low-Level Waste. Mixed LLW is generated during various production, maintenance, modification, and dismantlement functions. For 1994, Pantex generated approximately 1 m³ (264 gal) of liquid and 15 m³ (20 yd3) of solid mixed LLW (PX 1995a:2). These wastes consist primarily of small quantities of material such as radioactively contaminated solvents and wipes contaminated by organic solvents and radioactive scrap metal. Mixed LLW is currently stored onsite in RCRA-permitted facilities. Pantex has received exemptions to DOE Order 5820.2A, Radioactive Waste Management for mixed waste shipments to two RCRA-permitted commercial facilities. Pantex developed the Pantex Plant Compliance Plan to provide mixed waste treatment capability for all mixed waste streams in accordance with the Federal Facility Compliance Act of 1992. This plan was approved by the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission and adopted through an Agreed Order on September 27, 1995. The Agreed Order signed by the State of Texas on October 2, 1995, requires implementation of this plan.

Hazardous Waste. Pantex received an RCRA Part B hazardous waste permit from EPA and the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission on April 25, 1991. This permit authorizes Pantex to manage hazardous and industrial solid wastes listed in the permit. The permit also requires Pantex to notify the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission of the discovery of any release of hazardous waste or hazardous constituents that may have occurred from any solid waste management unit. The hazardous waste permit specifically excluded the 17 RCRA units at the HE Burning Ground that are currently operated under interim status with a written grant of authority for air emissions from the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission. Pantex has submitted a request to the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission for an RCRA Part B permit modification to add these units at the Burning Ground. A decision on this modification has not been reached.

Most of the hazardous waste generated by Pantex results from HE operations; however, electroplating and photographic and various other operations also generate additional hazardous waste streams. In 1994, Pantex generated 16 m³ (4,230 gal) of solvent-contaminated wastewater, explosives-contaminated wastewater, and spent organic solvents contaminated with explosives. Solid hazardous wastes included approximately 177 m³ (232 yd³) of RCRA-regulated and 8 m³ (10 yd³) of TSCA-regulated wastes (PX 1995a:2). HE, HE support material, HE-contaminated materials, and HE-contaminated solid wastes are burned under controlled conditions at Pantex's Burning Ground. Ash, debris, and residue resulting from this burning are transported offsite for approved disposal at a commercial RCRA-permitted facility. All other hazardous waste generated at Pantex, including various chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, and other hazardous constituents, are manifested and shipped offsite by DOT-certified transporters for recycling or disposal at a commercial RCRA-permitted facility.

Nonhazardous Waste. Nonhazardous solid and liquid sanitary wastes are generated at Pantex. An estimated 476,000 m³ (125,700,000 gal) of sewage wastewater and 4,190 m³ (1,107,000 gal) of other wastewater was generated in 1994 (PX 1995a:2). Sewage and some pretreated industrial wastewater are treated by the sanitary sewage wastewater treatment system. The liquid effluent from the system is discharged into a playa, where it then either evaporates or filtrates into the ground. Liquid industrial waste is also treated in a tank system that removes metals from plating solutions and then neutralizes this solution. The effluent from this process is discharged to a playa, which is permitted by the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission. Stormwater discharges are regulated by a NPDES permit. A proposed upgrade to the sanitary wastewater sewer treatment system would permit all industrial wastewater and sewage to be treated at one location.

Nonhazardous solid waste generated onsite consists primarily of paper, cardboard, construction waste, and cafeteria waste. For 1994, Pantex generated approximately 824,400 kg (1,817,500 lb) of solid sanitary waste (PX 1995a:2). Seventy percent of the solid sanitary waste was disposed of at the City of Amarillo Landfill. The remainder was shipped offsite to other treatment/disposal facilities. In addition, 47,400 m³ (62,000 yd³) of construction debris were generated (PX 1995a:2). Only construction wastes are disposed of onsite. Prior to late 1989, sanitary waste was disposed of onsite. Since then, sanitary waste has been transported to the City of Amarillo Landfill for disposal. Waste asbestos is sent to an offsite permitted landfill.

1 System capacity is 201,480 MWh/yr.

2 System capacity is 22.5 MWe.

3 System capacity is 289,000,000 m3 /yr.

4 System capacity is 68,040 kg/hr. PX 1996e:1; PX DOE 1995g; PX DOE 1996b.

5 Federal standard.

6 No monitoring data available; baseline concentration assumed less than applicable standard.

7 State standard. The effects screening levels are used in evaluation of hazardous and other toxic compounds.

8 1-hour predicted concentrations were used for 30-minute standard.

9 No standard. Source: 40 CFR 50; PX DOE 1996b; TX ACB 1987a; TX NRCC 1992a; TX NRCC 1995a.

10 For comparison only.

11 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR 141).

12 Proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation; Radionuclides (56 FR 33050).

13 DOE Derived Concentration Guides for water (DOE Order 5400.5). Number used is 4 percent of Derived Concentration Guides.

14 National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR 143). NA - not applicable; <MDA indicates the results were less than the minimum detectable activity of the radionuclide counting system; parentheses () indicate standard deviation from the mean. If no parentheses are given for the radionuclide, then a mean could not be be calculated. PX DOE 1995d.

15 For comparison only, except for those parameters with the Texas State water quality criteria.

16 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR 141).

17 Proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation; Radionuclides (56 FR 33050).

18 DOE Derived Concentration Guides for water (DOE Order 5400.5). Number used is 4 percent of Derived Concentration Guides.

19 National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR 143). NA - not applicable; <MDA indicates the results were been that the minimum detectable activity of the radionuclide counting system; parentheses ( ) indicate standard deviation from the mean, if no parentheses are given for the radionuclide, then a mean could not be be calculated. PX DOE 1995d.

20 PX DOE 1995d.

21 NCRP 1987a. Value for radon is an average for the United States.

22 The standards for individuals are given in DOE Order 5400.5. As discussed in that order, the 10 mrem/yr limit from airborne emissions is required by the CAA, the 4 mrem/yr limit is required by the SDWA , and the total dose of 100 mrem/yr is the limit from all pathways combined. The 100 person-rem value for the population is given in proposed
10 CFR 834 (58 FR 16268).

23 In 1994, this population was approximately 275,000.

24 Obtained by dividing the population dose by the number of people living within 80 km (50 mi) of the site. Source: PX DOE 1995d.

25 10 CFR 835. DOE's goal is to maintain radiological exposure as low as reasonably achievable.

26 PX DOE 1995d. The number of badged workers in
1994 was approximately 2,980.