4.8 Sandia National Laboratories

SNL is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM, and maintains facilities in other locations. The facilities discussed in this document refer only to the Albuquerque location, which is adjacent to the city of Albuquerque as shown in figure 4.8-1. The site shown in figure 4.8-2 is approximately 10.5 km (6.5 mi) east of downtown Albuquerque. SNL consists of 1,150 ha (2,842 acres) on Kirtland Air Force Base. An additional 6,072 ha (15,003 acres) are provided to DOE through ingrant land from Kirtland Air Force Base, the State of New Mexico, and the Isleta Pueblo to conduct operations.

4.8.1 Description of Alternatives

There are no facilities at SNL that would be phased out as a result of any of the proposed alternatives discussed in the PEIS.

No Action. SNL would continue to perform the missions described in section 3.2.8.

Stockpile Management Alternatives. The majority of the nonnuclear fabrication mission could be located at SNL. A portion of the nonnuclear fabrication mission would also be shared with LANL and possibly LLNL.

Stockpile Stewardship Alternatives. The proposed NIF could be located at SNL.

4.8.2 Affected Environment

The following sections describe the affected environment at SNL for land resources, air quality, water resources, geology and soils, biotic resources, cultural and paleontological resources, and socioeconomics. In addition, the infrastructure, radiation and hazardous chemical environment, and waste management conditions, at SNL are described.

4.8.2.1 Land Resources

SNL is located approximately 10.5 km (6.5 mi) east of downtown Albuquerque, NM (figure 4.8-1). Generalized land uses at SNL and in the vicinity are shown in figure 4.8.2.1-1. There are no prime farmlands on SNL. The affected environment consists of two technical areas at the northern end of the site, designated Technical Area I and Technical Area II (figure 4.8-2).

Technical Area I is the most intensively developed of the SNL technical areas, containing administrative and support facilities; project engineering, research, and component development activities; neutron generator production; and special laboratories and shops.

The Kirtland Air Force Base cantonment, the most heavily developed area on the base, is adjacent to Technical Area I. U.S. Air Force-accompanied base housing is located west and north of Technical Area I. Various Kirtland Air Force Base facilities and operations, including flight operations, are located west of Technical Area I. U.S. Air Force flight operations are collocated with the civilian commercial aircraft operations of Albuquerque International Airport. The runway and taxiways are owned and managed by the city of Albuquerque (SN USAF 1990a:3.6-1). The airport Accident Potential Zone 1 extends east beyond the runway clear zone to the edge of the Technical Area I boundary, with Accident Potential Zone 2 extending across Technical Area I. Flight operations of the airport are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, which does not use Accident Potential Zones.

The U.S. Air Force granted an exemption for the development of an all new Air Installation Compatible Use Zone study at Kirtland Air Force Base. The base, however, monitors all development in its vicinity to ensure compatibility with base flying missions. The U.S. Air Force Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Land Use Guidelines do not recommend uses within Zone 1 and Zone 2 that are highly labor intensive; that involve explosive, fire, toxic, corrosive, or other hazardous characteristics; or that occupy high-density offices.

Except for vacant land on both sides of Tijeras Canyon east of Technical Area I and some unmanned utility facilities, the land north of SNL is part of the urbanized city of Albuquerque. The urban land use consists of a mixture of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and various supporting public uses. The closest residence to the Kirtland Air Force Base boundary is approximately 6 m (20 ft) to the north. An industrial park is currently being developed immediately east of the Eubank Gate and Technical Area I. Commercial uses are primarily concentrated north of the site along Central Avenue and Gibson Boulevard (SN USAF 1990a:3.6-4-3.6-6). SNL does not contain any public recreation facilities.

4.8.2.2 Site Infrastructure

The site infrastructure characteristics that exist to support the current SNL missions described in section 3.2.8 are summarized in table 4.8.2.2-1.

Table 4.8.2.2-1.--Baseline Characteristics for Sandia National Laboratories

4.8.2.3 Air Quality

The following section describes existing air quality including a review of the meteorology and climatology in the vicinity of SNL. More detailed discussions of the air quality methodologies, input data, and atmospheric dispersion characteristics are presented in appendix section B.3.8.

Meteorology and Climatology. The climate at SNL and in the surrounding region is characteristic of a semiarid steppe. The annual average temperature in the area is 13.4 °C (56.2 °F); temperatures vary from an average daily minimum of -5.7 °C (21.7 °F) in January to an average daily maximum of 33.6 °C (92.5 °F) in July. The average annual precipitation is 22.6 cm (8.88 in). The annual average wind speed is 4.0 m/s (9.0 mph) (NOAA 1994c:3).

Ambient Air Quality . SNL is located within the Albuquerque-Mid Rio Grande New Mexico Intrastate AQCR 152. Portions of the AQCR are designated nonattainment for carbon monoxide and total suspended particulates (40 CFR 81.332). The NAAQS and the State of New Mexico ambient air quality standards are given in appendix table B.3.1-1.

The principal sources of criteria air pollutants at SNL are the steam plant and the emergency diesel generator plant (SNL 1994a:5-19,5-20). Other emissions include fugitive particulate emissions from waste-burial activities, other process emissions, vehicular emissions, and temporary emissions from various construction activities. Hazardous/toxic air pollutant emissions at SNL occur from laboratories and miscellaneous operations and consist primarily of hydrogen chloride, methyl chloroform, toluene, and xylene. The emission inventories are included in appendix table B.3.8-1.

Ambient air quality conditions at SNL are shown in table 4.8.2.3-1. Ambient air quality concentrations at SNL are in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations.

Table 4.8.2.3-1.--Comparison of Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations with Most Stringent Applicable Regulations and Guidelines at Sandia National Laboratories, 1994

4.8.2.4 Water Resources

This section describes the surface and groundwater resources at SNL.

Surface Water. SNL is located within Kirtland Air Force Base on the Albuquerque East Mesa. The mesa slopes gently southwest to the Rio Grande, the primary drainage channel for the area. The Rio Grande is located 10 km (6 mi) west of Kirtland Air Force Base and flows north to south. No perennial streams flow through the SNL area. The major surface water feature at SNL is the Arroyo Seco, an intermittent stream that enters the site on the eastern boundary and exits on the northwestern corner. The channel is dry at least 6 months out of the year. Two other primary surface channels at SNL are Tijeras Arroyo and the smaller Arroyo del Coyote (figure 4.8-2). The Arroyo del Coyote joins the Tijeras Arroyo to discharge into the Rio Grande approximately 8 km (5 mi) from the western edge of Kirtland Air Force Base. Both arroyos flow intermittently during spring snowmelt or following thunderstorms. Springs in the eastern mountains provide a perennial flow in the upper reaches of Tijeras Arroyo. Most of this flow evaporates or percolates into the soil before reaching Kirtland Air Force Base.

Tijeras Arroyo separates Technical Areas I, II, and IV from Technical Areas III, V, and the Coyote Test Field. Stormwater runoff is drained from the SNL Technical Areas by a combination of overland flow, natural channels, open drainage ditches, culverts, and storm sewers.

High peak flows of short duration characterize floods in the area. High-intensity summer thunderstorms produce the greatest flows, but flooding is not considered a high probability at SNL. The proposed stockpile stewardship and management activities would be located outside the 100- and 500-year floodplain zones (SNL 1995g:1-7).

SNL contains over 24 km (15 mi) of sewer lines interconnected with those of Kirtland Air Force Base. In 1994, SNL had two categorical pretreatment operations and four general wastewater streams discharging to the city of Albuquerque wastewater treatment plant. Discharges by SNL are regulated by the city of Albuquerque Public Works Department, Liquid Waste Division, under the authority of the city's Sewer Use and Wastewater Control Ordinance. The city's ordinance is approved by EPA in accordance with the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended (SNL 1995g:6-1). Total flow from SNL is estimated to be 757 MLY (200 MGY).

To comply with EPA regulations, the city of Albuquerque has implemented an industrial wastewater pretreatment program. This program requires SNL to obtain permits for wastewater discharges to the city's wastewater treatment plant. These permits specify the required quality of discharges and the frequency of reporting the results of the monitoring (SNL 1995g:6-1). In 1994, SNL did not meet permit limits on four different occasions. Noncompliances were for excursions of lead, nickel, pH, oil, and grease (SNL 1995g:6-5).

SNL has one active permitted discharge plan from the state to discharge stormwater from oil storage tank areas and building basements to two surface impoundments (lagoons) permitted under the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission Regulations as implemented by the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board.

Surface Water Quality. As a part of the annual surface water monitoring program, samples are obtained from stations upstream and downstream of SNL in the Rio Grande and from Coyote Springs. The upstream station on the Rio Grande is at Corrales Bridge, and the downstream station is at the Isleta Indian Reservation, considerably downstream of the influent point of Tijeras Arroyo. Stormwater flowing into Tijeras Arroyo is the only significant surface water flow into the Rio Grande from the site. Stormwater monitoring is conducted twice a year at SNL. Rio Grande water samples are analyzed for gross alpha, gross beta, total uranium, and tritium. Results from the 1994 annual monitoring are presented in table 4.8.2.4-1. Concentrations of radionuclides in surface waters in 1994 did not exceed applicable standards. No nonradiological monitoring is conducted in Tijeras Arroyo or in the Rio Grande.

Groundwater . SNL lies within the north-south trending Albuquerque basin. The principal aquifer of the Albuquerque basin is the Valley Fill aquifer. The Valley Fill consists of unconsolidated and semiconsolidated sands, gravels, silts, and clays that vary in thickness from a few meters adjacent to the mountain ranges to over 6,400 m (21,000 ft) at a point 8 km (5 mi) southwest of the Kirtland Air Force Base airfield. The Valley Fill aquifer is considered a Class IIa aquifer, having a current source of drinking water and waters having other beneficial uses.

The regional water table is separated by a fault complex that divides the area into a deep region on the west side of the complex and a shallower region on the east side. The depth to groundwater ranges from 15 m to 30 m (49 ft to 98 ft) on the east side of the fault complex and from 116 m (380 ft) to 153 m (500 ft) on the west side (SNL 1995g:1-5). Based on available data, the apparent direction of groundwater flow west of the fault complex is generally to the north and northwest. The direction of groundwater flow east of the fault complex typically is west toward the fault system.

Sources of recharge to the aquifer include precipitation, snowmelt along the margins of the basin, underflow from adjacent areas such as the Hagen Basin, and seepage from streams, canal drains, surface reservoirs, and applied crop irrigation water.

Table 4.8.2.4-1.--Surface Water Quality Monitoring of the Rio Grande at Sandia National Laboratories, 1994

Groundwater Quality . Groundwater monitoring at SNL has been conducted since 1985. Overall, the groundwater in this region has been classified as a calcium bicarbonate chemical type with a pH ranging from 6.08 to 8.84 and an alkalinity range of 0.40 to 49 mg/L. The east side wells are characterized by lower pH than the west side wells. Currently, no monitoring wells are in the proposed project area. The closest well, located approximately 0.4 km (0.25 mi) southeast of the area, had an August 1990 depth-to-water reading of 152 m (499 ft).

The chemical waste landfill has been identified as a source of groundwater contamination. In 1994, concentrations of nickel and chromium were found above the water quality criteria established by the New Mexico Water Quality Regulations in the groundwater at the chemical waste landfill. No Target Analyte Metals or radionuclides were detected above background levels in groundwater samples collected in 1994. The groundwater contamination areas are not located near buildings that house proposed DP activities.

Groundwater Availability, Use, and Rights . SNL uses approximately 1,387 MLY (366 MGY) of water. Thirty percent of the water used at SNL is purchased from the city of Albuquerque, and the rest is pumped from Kirtland Air Force Base wells.

The city of Albuquerque has annual consumptive water rights of 27,300 MLY (7,210 MGY). The city receives a 50-percent return flow credit for sanitary wastewater discharged to the Rio Grande. In addition, the city of Albuquerque also has 56,800 MLY (15,000 MGY) consumptive water rights to the San Juan/Chama Diversion.

Kirtland Air Force Base has groundwater rights of 7,900 MLY (2,090 MGY). It also has the option of purchasing 10 percent of its water from the city of Albuquerque. Currently, it is operating at a 50-percent capacity.

Groundwater rights in New Mexico are traditionally associated with the appropriation doctrine. In this system, all water is declared to be public and subject to appropriation on the basis "first in time, first in right" principle (VDL 1990a:725). Control of well use is regulated by permits.

4.8.2.5 Geology and Soils

Geology. SNL lies on a sequence of sedimentary, igneous, and Precambrian basement rocks. The northern and western sections rest on Miocene to Quaternary gravels, sands, silts, and clays deposited in the basin formed by uplift of the mountains to the east. The eastern portion of SNL is primarily underlain by Precambrian rocks.

SNL is located in seismic Zone 2 (figure A.1-1). The eastern portion of SNL is cut by the Tijeras, Hubble Springs, Sandia, and Manzano faults. The facility is situated in a region of high seismic activity but low magnitude and intensity (SN ERDA 1977a:82). Available records indicate that more than 1,100 earthquakes have occurred during the past 127 years. Intensities have been as high as a modified Mercalli intensity of VII. However, during the past century, only three earthquakes have caused damage at Albuquerque, which is located approximately 10.5 km (6.5 mi) from SNL.

Possible geological concerns include potential ground shaking and rupturing associated with regional seismic activity and the faults intersecting on the site. Statistical studies indicate that a nondamaging earthquake of modified Mercalli intensity less than III may be expected every 2 years, with a damaging event every 100 years. The potential for damage from volcanic activity is small (DOE 1995cc:4-112).

Soils. SNL is located on soils of the Bluepoint-Kokan, Madurez-Wink, Tijeras-Embudo, Kolob-Rock outcrop, and the Seis-Orthids associations (SN USDA 1977a:31,32,41,42). The Bluepoint-Kokan soils are excessively drained, sandy, and gravelly. The Madurez-Wink soils are well-drained and loamy. The Tijeras-Embudo soils are well-drained, loamy, and gravelly. The Kolob-Rock outcrop association in the eastern portion of SNL includes deep, moderately to very steep, well-drained, loamy, and stony soils, and basalt, sandstone, and limestone rock outcrops. The Seis-Orthids association includes shallow to moderately deep soils on level to very steep slopes that are well-drained, very cobbly, stony and very stony, and loamy.

The hazard of blowing soils on the terraces and pediments is severe. Future water erosion hazards are moderate on the alluvial fans, foothills, and highlands. No soils are classified prime farmland at SNL. The soils at SNL are acceptable for standard construction techniques.

4.8.2.6 Biotic Resources

The following section describes biotic resources at SNL 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 SNL is presented in appendix C.

Terrestrial Resources. SNL is located at the juncture of four major North American physiographic and biotic provinces: the Great Basin, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Chihuahuan Desert. The biotic communities of the area exhibit influences from each of these provinces, with the Great Basin influence generally dominating. SNL occupies about 1,150 ha (2,842 acres) within the larger Kirtland Air Force Base which totals 21,319 ha (52,700 acres). Approximately 39 percent of SNL-controlled land is developed. Vegetation of the area can be classified into four major plant communities: pinyon pine-juniper, grassland, riparian woodland, and riparian scrubland. The pinyon pine-juniper and grassland communities dominate the area, while the riparian woodland and riparian scrubland are limited to the surface drainage courses of canyons and arroyos, respectively (SNL 1992c:5-1). In total, 379 species have been identified that exist or could exist within the area (SNL 1990a:27-37).

At least 10 amphibian, 46 reptile, 124 bird, and 68 mammal species exist, or could exist, in the area of SNL (SNL 1990a:14,16,17,19-22,24-26). Common species include the short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglassi), prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), and black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus). A number of game animals are found on SNL; however, hunting is not permitted. Raptors, such as the Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and carnivores, such as the coyote (Canis latrans) and bobcat (Lynx rufus), are ecologically important groups on the site. A variety of migratory birds has been found at SNL. 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. National Wetland Inventory maps of SNL have not been prepared nor have site wetlands been delineated. Springs exist at Lurance Canyon, Sol se Mate, and the outlet of Coyote Canyon. Sole se Mate Spring has a small area of permanent water below it that supports wetland plants such as cattails (Typha spp.) and rushes (Juncus spp.). A swampy area exists at Coyote Springs that supports wetland vegetation (SN ERDA 1977a: 94-95). These springs can be considered an important source of water for wildlife.

Aquatic Resources. Potential aquatic resources found on SNL include Arroyo del Coyote and Tijeras Arroyo (located in the west and central portions of the site, respectively). The Rio Grande River is located about 10 km (6.2 mi) west of the site. There are no continuously flowing streams on the site. Site arroyos flow intermittently during heavy thundershowers (SNL 1994a:1-7). The arroyos do not support any permanent fish population.

Threatened and Endangered Species. The 18 Federal- and state-listed threatened, endangered, and other special status species that could be found on or in the vicinity of SNL are listed in appendix table C-6. No Federal-listed threatened or endangered species are known to exist on SNL. However, potential breeding habitat exists on SNL for the Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), and the Federal-candidate mountain plover (Charadrius montanus). The only special status species known to exist onsite is the state-threatened gray vireo (Vireo vicinior) (SNL 1992c:5-10,5-11). No critical habitat, as defined in the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12), exists on SNL.

4.8.2.7 Cultural and Paleontological Resources

Prehistoric Resources. The prehistoric chronology for the SNL area consists of three broad time periods: Paleo-Indian (10,000 to 5,500 B.C.), Archaic (5,500 B.C. to A.D. 1), and Anasazi (A.D. 1 to 1600) (SN NPS 1988a:132). All DOE-owned properties under SNL control have been surveyed or assessed for cultural resources (SNL 1993c:1-6). All five Technical Areas have been intensively surveyed; no prehistoric sites were recorded. However, because techniques and procedures varied greatly between projects in these areas, most surveys prior to 1985 are not considered adequate, and buried sites or archaeological remains may exist. Prehistoric site types may include pueblos, pithouse villages, rockshelters, hunting blinds, agricultural terraces, quarries, lithic and ceramic scatters, and hearths. Similar sites have been found at nearby locations. A systematic walkover survey was completed at the proposed site locations and no cultural resources were identified.

Historic Resources. Historic resources identified in the vicinity of SNL are associated with early mining, ranching and sheepherding activities, commercial ventures, or transportation routes. All five DOE Technical Areas have been intensively inventoried for resources; two historic sites were recorded. These sites were small historic trash scatters and are not eligible for the NRHP. Twenty-three historic resources have been recorded on DOE-owned or -controlled lands outside of the five Technical Areas, and about 65 percent are considered eligible or potentially eligible for the NRHP.

SNL was established in 1945 as the Z Division of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Technical Area I originally consisted of temporary World War II structures and wooden framed buildings; more permanent buildings were constructed in 1948. Construction in Technical Area II was initiated in 1948, including two buildings (Buildings 904 and 907) used to assemble the first hydrogen bomb. Test facilities were developed in Technical Area III from 1954 through 1960 (SNL 1993c:2-12,2-13). Numerous buildings and structures in Technical Areas I, II, and III were built between 1945 and 1960; most are associated with the AEC, and, as such, may be considered NRHP eligible. Buildings in Technical Areas III, IV, and V may also qualify for eligibility for the NRHP when they are 50 years old. The New Mexico SHPO has requested that buildings in these areas be evaluated at that time. Buildings 904 and 907 may be considered potentially NRHP eligible because of their association with the assembly of the first hydrogen bomb.

Native American Resources. Native Americans with concerns in this area include the Sandia Pueblo, north of Albuquerque, and the Isleta Pueblo, south of Kirtland Air Force Base (SNL 1993c:1-9). Native American resources on SNL/DOE-controlled lands may consist of prehistoric sites with ceremonial features such as kivas, village shrines, petroglyphs, or burials; all of these site types or features would be of concern to local groups. Consultation with the Isleta and Sandia Pueblos has been initiated by DOE for this project, and no Native American cultural resources have been identified within SNL, including the proposed NIF location.

Paleontological Resources. The geology at SNL consists of sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Uppermost is a sequence of gravel, sand, silt, clay, and caliche. Underneath are sedimentary rocks, and, beneath them, Precambrian rocks. Some fossils have been discovered near SNL. These fossils include vertebrate remains 5 to 8 km (3 to 5 mi) west-northwest of Technical Area III, and an ankle bone from an extinct Pleistocene camel and two teeth from a horse on the south side of Tijeras Arroyo. A fossilized horse skull and some hare teeth were recovered near the mouth of Tijeras Arroyo. These fossils may have been transported to their site of discovery. However, it is possible fossils are present at SNL beneath the alluvial fan deposits from the Sandia Mountains.

4.8.2.8 Socioeconomics

Socioeconomic characteristics addressed at SNL include employment and local economy, population and housing, and public finance. Statistics for employment and local economy are based on the regional economic area that encompasses nine counties around SNL located in Arizona and New Mexico. Statistics for population and housing, and public finance are presented for the ROI, a three-county area in which 97 percent of all SNL employees (7,341 persons in 1993) reside: Bernalillo County (88.0 percent), Valencia County (4.5 percent), and Sandoval County (4.5 percent) in New Mexico (appendix table D.1-7). Figure 4.8.2.8-1presents a map of the counties and selected cities composing the SNL regional economic area and ROI. Supporting data is presented in appendix D.

Regional Economy Characteristics. Selected employment and regional economy statistics for the SNL regional economic area are summarized in figure 4.8.2.8-2 (not available electronically). The civilian labor force in the regional economic area increased from 279,186 in 1980 to 344,309 in 1990. This is an increase of 23 percent (annual average increase of 2.3 percent). The 1994 unemployment rate in the regional economic area was 5.7, which was less than 1 percent lower than the rates in Arizona and New Mexico. The region's per capita income of $17,003 in 1993 was approximately 4 percent greater than New Mexico's per capita income of $16,346 and 6 percent lower than Arizona's per capita income of $18,085.

In 1993, as shown in figure 4.8.2.8-2 (not available electronically, the percentage of total employment involving the private sector activity of retail trade in the regional economic area (18 percent) was comparable to the economies of Arizona and New Mexico. Service activities in the region (31 percent of the total employment) were also comparable to Arizona and New Mexico. Manufacturing was similar in both the regional economic area (7 percent) and New Mexico, but represented a 2-percent larger share of total employment in Arizona.

Population and Housing. Between 1980 and 1992, the ROI population grew from 515,614 to 616,346. This is an increase of 19.5 percent (annual average increase of 1.6 percent). Within the ROI, Sandoval County experienced the largest increase at 97.7 percent, while Valencia County's population decreased by 21.0 percent. This decrease was due to the formation of Cibola County that was created entirely from the western portion of Valencia County shortly after the 1980 census. If the 1992 Cibola County population was added to Valencia's, the result would be an 18-percent increase from 1980 to 1992.

Between 1980 and 1990, housing units increased from 196,765 to 241,683. This is a 22.8-percent increase (annual average increase of 2.3 percent), which is similar to the percent increase for New Mexico. The total number of housing units estimated for 1992 is 244,900. The 1990 homeowner vacancy rate in the ROI was 1.8 percent. The rental vacancy rate for the ROI counties was 10.2 percent. Population and housing trends are summarized in figure 4.8.2.8-3.

Public Finance. Financial characteristics of the local jurisdictions in the SNL 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.2.3-12 and D.2.3-13. Figure 4.8.2.8-4 summarizes 1994 local governments' revenues and expenditures. Fund balances, which are dollars carried over from previous years, are not included in figure 4.8.2.8-4. All jurisdictions assessed had positive fund balances.

4.8.2.9 Radiation and Hazardous Chemical Environment

The following section provides a description of the radiation and hazardous chemical environment at SNL. 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 SNL are shown in table 4.8.2.9-1. 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 SNL operations.

Table 4.8.2.9-1.--Sources of Radiation Exposure to Individuals in the Vicinity, Unrelated to Sandia National Laboratories Operations

Releases of radionuclides to the environment from SNL operations provide another source of radiation exposure to people in the vicinity. The radionuclides and quantities released from operations in 1993 are listed in the 1993 Site Environmental Report Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico (SAND94-1293). The doses to the public resulting from these releases are given in table 4.8.2.9-2. These doses fall within radiological limits (DOE Order 5400.5) and are small in comparison to background radiation. The releases listed in the 1993 report were used in the development of the reference environment (No Action) radiological releases at SNL in 2005 (section 4.8.3.9).

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 SNL operations in 1993 was estimated to be approximately 8.0x10-10 . 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 operations is less than 1 in 1 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, 1.4x10-5 excess fatal cancers are projected in the population living within 80 km (50 mi) of SNL from normal operation in 1993. 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 1993 in the population living within 80 km (50 mi) of SNL is 1,156. This number of expected fatal cancers is much higher than the estimated 1.4x10-5 fatal cancers that could result from SNL operations in 1993.

Table 4.8.2.9-2.--Doses to the General Public from Normal Operation at Sandia National Laboratories, 1993 (Committed Effective Dose Equivalent)

Workers at SNL receive the same dose as the general public from background radiation, but also receive an additional dose from working in the facilities. Table 4.8.2.9-3 includes the average, maximum, and total occupational doses to workers from operations in 1992. 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 SNL workers from operations in 1992 is estimated to be 4.4x10^-3 .

Table 4.8.2.9-3.--Doses to the Onsite Worker from Normal Operation at Sandia National Laboratories, 1992

A more detailed presentation of the radiation environment, including background exposures and radiological releases and doses, is presented in 1993 Site Environmental Report Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico (SAND 94-1293). In addition, the concentrations of radioactivity in various environmental media (e.g., air, water, and soil) in the onsite and offsite regions are presented in the same reference.

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., surface waters during swimming and 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 4.8.2.3 and 4.8.2.4.

Adverse health impacts to the public can be minimized through administrative and design controls that decrease hazardous chemical releases to the environment and achieve compliance with permit requirements (e.g., air emissions and NPDES 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 SNL via inhalation of air containing hazardous chemicals released to the atmosphere by operations. Risks to 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 4.8.2.3. 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 chemicals is presented in appendix E.

Exposure pathways to SNL workers during normal operation may include inhaling the workplace atmosphere, drinking SNL 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. SNL 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 amount of chemicals utilized in the operation 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 SNL are expected to be substantially better than required by the standards.

Health Effects Studies. There are no known epidemiological studies that have been conducted which examine the impact of SNL on the health of the surrounding communities.

Broadwell and others reported on 25 workers currently or formerly involved in the manufacture of hybrid microcircuits (AJIM 1995a:677-698). Clinical narratives and retrospective exposure assessments in the study group suggested chronic low-level exposure to solvents, with intermittent acute excursions. Solvent exposures linked to a clinical syndrome were intermittent, and symptoms were reversible after cessation of what were reported as "high-level" exposures. Several exposed workers showed clinical evidence of an acquired toxic encephalopathy supporting an association between long-term solvent exposure and depressed mood, with increased somatic symptoms. Attention to engineering controls, chemical fume hood ventilation, work practices, safety training, and personal protective gear was markedly improved when the lab was moved in the fall of 1990. For a more detailed description of the studies and the findings, refer to appendix section E.4.8.

Accident History. A review of the recent SNL annual environmental and accident reports indicates that there have been no significant adverse impacts to workers, the public, or the environment. This review was performed to provide an indication of the site's accident history. The period of review, from 1986 to 1990, was a time during which plant operations were much higher than in previous years and also higher than what is anticipated for the future.

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.

4.8.2.10 Waste Management

This section outlines the major environmental regulatory structure and ongoing waste management activities for the Albuquerque location of SNL. A more detailed discussion of the ongoing waste management operation is provided in appendix section H.2.7.

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

SNL is not on the NPL for sites requiring environmental restoration in accordance with CERCLA and Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The assessment of environmental contamination at SNL began formally in 1984, when DOE started to identify, assess, and remediate potentially hazardous waste sites in response to CERCLA. This program identified 117 sites with potential contamination. A similar investigation was conducted by EPA in 1987. These programs ultimately defined a working inventory of potential "solid waste management units." Current investigations are intended to determine the nature and extent of hazardous and radioactive contamination and to restore any sites where such materials pose a threat to human health or the environment. It is assumed that remediation at all sites will be completed by 2011.

SNL has a Waste Minimization and Pollution Awareness Plan to document projections for present and future waste generation rates. This program tracks the amount of waste generated at the site and encourages the use of waste reduction methods. In the future, it will assess opportunities for preventing pollution from priority waste streams, increasing recycling efforts, and ensuring the procurement of recycled products.

SNL manages a small quantity of spent nuclear fuel and five broad waste categories: TRU, low-level, mixed, hazardous, and nonhazardous. Because there is no spent nuclear fuel or TRU waste associated with any of the proposed activities at SNL, there is no discussion in this PEIS of spent nuclear fuel or TRU waste generation and management at SNL. A discussion of the waste management operations associated with low-level, mixed, hazardous, and nonhazardous wastes follows.

Low-Level Waste. In 1994, SNL generated approximately 0.9 m3 (241 gal) of liquid and 53 m3 (70 yd³ ) of solid LLW (SNL 1995f:7). SNL generates LLW in both technical and remote test areas as a result of R&D activities. Most of the LLW consists of contaminated equipment and combustible decontamination materials and cleanup debris. All generated LLW is temporarily stored at generator sites or aboveground in transportation containers at the Technical Area III disposal site. All LLW packages are currently onsite pending approval of transport by commercial carriers to NTS for disposal.

Mixed Low-Level Waste. In 1994, SNL generated approximately 0.007 m³ (2 gal) of liquid and 1.9 m³ (2.5 yd³) of solid mixed LLW (SNL 1995f:7). Mixed waste includes radioactively contaminated oils and solvents and radioactively contaminated or activated lead, or other heavy metals. Other mixed waste may be generated as a result of weapons tests. The 557-m² (666-yd²) Radioactive and Mixed Waste Management Facility will have a centralized packaging and storage function for LLW and mixed waste. Mixed waste will be stored at the facility until accepted for disposal at NTS once it is permitted. Processing at the Radioactive and Mixed Waste Management Facility will include activities required to comply with the waste acceptance criteria and Federal regulations. Pursuant to the Federal Facility Compliance Act, SNL developed a site treatment plan for mixed wastes at SNL. The site treatment plan is intended to bring SNL into compliance with Land Disposal Restrictions storage prohibitions under the New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act and RCRA. On March 31, 1995, DOE submitted its proposed site treatment plan to the New Mexico Environment Department for review, public comment, and approval. On October 6, 1995, a Compliance Order was issued by the State of New Mexico requiring SNL to comply with the site treatment plan for the treatment of mixed wastes at SNL. The Compliance Plan Volume of the site treatment plan provides overall schedules for achieving compliance with the land disposal restrictions storage and treatment requirements, a schedule for the submittal of applications for permits, construction of treatment facilities, technology development, offsite transportation for treatment, and the treatment of mixed wastes in full compliance with the New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act and RCRA. An annual update to the site treatment plan is required.

Hazardous Waste. In 1994, SNL generated approximately 342 m³ (90,530 gal) of liquid, and 81.9 t (90.3 tons) of RCRA-regulated and 647 t (713 tons) of state-regulated solid hazardous wastes (SNL 1995f:7). Hazardous/toxic chemical waste is generated at SNL by the numerous R&D activities conducted throughout the facilities. The Hazardous Waste Management Facility can store 265 m3 (70,000 gal) of liquid and solid hazardous wastes at one time. There are no active onsite disposal facilities for hazardous/toxic wastes at SNL. All RCRA-regulated wastes are packaged, manifested, and shipped offsite by DOT-registered transporters for disposal at RCRA-permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.

Nonhazardous Waste. For 1994, SNL generated approximately 75,700 m³ (19,998,000 gal) of liquid sanitary and industrial wastewater (SNL 1995b:1). SNL contains over 24 km (15 mi) of sewer lines interconnected with those of Kirtland Air Force Base. Pretreated industrial wastewater effluent and sanitary sewage are discharged to the city of Albuquerque sewer system in compliance with NPDES permit discharge limits. In 1994, SNL generated approximately 13,600 t (14,990 tons) of solid sanitary waste (SNL 1995f:7). Solid sanitary waste is collected and taken to the Albuquerque sanitary landfill on a regular basis.

1 Value based on 1990 data.
Source: SNL 1995b:1.

2 State and city/county standard.

3 Federal standard.

4 No monitoring data available, baseline concentrations assumed less than applicable standard.

5 State standard.

6 No standard.Source: 40 CFR 50; NM EIB 1995a; NM EIB 1996a; SNL 1995b:1.

7 For comparison only.

8 Samples were collected from station 11 located on the Rio Grande at the Isleta Pueblo down gradient of SNL. Samples are collected biannually: in May and August.

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

10 Proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, Radionuclides (56 FR 33050).

11 DOE's Derived Concentration Guides for water (DOE Order 5400.5). Values are based on a committed effective dose equivalent of 100 mrem per year; however, because the drinking water maximum contaminant level is based on 4 mrem per year, the number listed is 4 percent of the Derived Concentration Guides.NA - not applicable.Source: SNL 1995g.

12 SNL 1994a.

13 NCRP 1987a.

14 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).

15 In 1993, this population was approximately 578,000.

16 Obtained by dividing the population dose by the number of people living within 80 km (50 mi) of the site.
Source: SNL 1994a.

17 10 CFR 835. DOE's goal is to maintain radiological exposure as low as reasonably achievable.

18 DOE 1993n:7. The number of badged workers in 1992 was approximately 3,420.