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At least 181 records · Page 10

Diagnostic assessment of reservoir response to fracturing: a case study from Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site (HFTS) in Midland Basin

Abstract This paper outlines a data collection and diagnostics case study involving multiple horizontal shale wells. We look at well production profiles using rate transient analysis, differences in near wellbore complexity, geologic variations within the area of interest, as well as compositional differences in the rocks based on cores obtained from within the stimulated reservoir. The Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site is a multi-well experiment involving stimulation of unconventional shale wells in the southeastern Midland portion of the Permian Basin. The targeted formations include both the upper as well as the middle Wolfcamp formations, also referred alternatively as Wolfcamp A and Wolfcamp B. Data integration and analysis shared in this paper help us understand the various geologic controls impacting well productivity, particularly the wide variance observed between the Wolfcamp A and Wolfcamp B formations. Rate transient analysis indicates similar system permeabilities for stimulated wells. However, we observe higher effective fracture half-lengths for upper Wolfcamp wells. Using observations from 3D seismic interpretations (such as pad scale faults) as well as petrophysical and image log data, we highlight the substantial differences in stimulation as we move along the well laterals from the heel toward the toe sections. These differences are further reconciled with observations from zones with high data density at the core locations through stimulated rock, as well as independent data such as microseismic emissions. At the test site, Wolfcamp A was found to be relatively quartz rich with significant heterogeneity whereas Wolfcamp B is richer in clay and organic content. This impacts the geomechanical characteristics of the rock mass with much higher natural fracture density in the shallower interval. Thus, the fracture growth is more uniform in the deeper interval and more heterogeneous with branching likely in upper interval. Increased complexity also leads to consistently better productivity from the wells in the shallower interval as demonstrated from RTA results. This case study is unique because it provides valuable insights from actual sampling of the stimulated zones in hydraulically fractured wells and helps understand impact of various factors that contribute toward variability in well production. The findings from this study provides insights into need for optimization of completion designs in the various Wolfcamp landing zones, such as optimization of cluster or fracture spacing in various Wolfcamp intervals. In addition, it provides a useful template for data collection and research direction in future field test sites of similar nature in unconventional reservoirs.

Energy & Fuels↗

Probing properties of the interfacial perimeter sites in TiO x /Au/SiO 2 with 2-propanol decomposition

The decomposition of 2-propanol was studied over SiO2, SiO2 with an overlayer of TiO2 (Ti/SiO2), Au/SiO2, and Au/SiO2 with an overlayer of TiO2 (Ti/[Au/SiO2]) at 170–190 °C. There was no reaction on SiO2. Propene was the only product on Ti/SiO2, and its rate of formation increased proportionally with the Ti content. Acetone was the major product (selectivity 65–99%) on all Au-containing catalysts. Its rate of formation also increased with Ti loading. In addition, small amounts of propene were also formed on Ti/[Au/SiO2] the rate of which increased with Ti loading. Characterization of the catalysts with N2 adsorption, STEM, DR-UV-vis spectroscopy, XPS, XANES and EXAFS suggested that the Ti formed an amorphous TiO2 overlayer on the catalyst. At high Ti loadings (4–5 wt.%), there were patches of thick porous TiO2 layer, and some microdomains of crystalline TiO2 could be detected. Au was present as 1–3 nm nanoparticles on all catalysts, before and after used in reaction. Only Lewis acid sites were detected based on results from pyridine adsorption, and their quantities increased with Ti loading. Based on the comparison of reaction rates, the dependence of the kinetics on 2-propanol partial pressure, the apparent activation energies, and the effect of co-feeding O2 among different catalysts, it was concluded that propene was formed on the TiO2 overlayer, acetone was formed primarily at the Au-TiO2 interfacial perimeter sites, and α-C-H bond breaking preceding acetone formation was more facile on Au at the interfacial site than other surface Au atoms. Implication of these results to the selective acetone formation in the oxidation of propane in the presence of a O2/H2 mixture was discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Versatile Approach for Quantification of Surface Site Fractions using Reaction Kinetics: The Case of CO Oxidation on Supported Ir Single Atoms and Nanoparticles

Supported metal single atom catalysts have shown unique activity and selectivity for several reactions. Investigating the reaction mechanism on single atom catalysts and unambiguous assignment of the activity and selectivity requires catalysts with exclusively single atoms. However, it is challenging to prepare pure single atom catalysts with conventional impregnation methods, which typically result in a mixture of single atoms and nanoparticles. Here, we show that owing to different reaction mechanisms on single atoms and nanoparticles, reaction kinetics can serve as a surface sensitive characterization technique for quantifying their surface site fractions. As a case study, we use CO oxidation kinetics on Ir/MgAl2O4 to quantify the surface site fractions of single atoms and nanoparticles and the results are consistent with aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure and infrared spectroscopies. Additionally, by carefully choosing the reaction conditions, the activity of single atoms (or nanoparticles) can be made dominant, enabling detection of a small fraction, or allowing a study of their reaction mechanism on a catalyst containing a mixture of single atoms and nanoparticles. These results are general and could be applied to other systems where two types of sites have different reaction mechanisms.

Single atom catalyst, Kinetics, CO oxidation, x-ra↗

Dioxygen Activation Kinetics over Distinct Cu Site Types in Cu-Chabazite Zeolites

Cu-exchanged zeolites activate dioxygen to form active sites for partial methane oxidation (PMO), nitrogen oxide decomposition, and carbon monoxide oxidation. Apparent rates of O 2 activation depend both on the intrinsic kinetics of distinct Cu site types and the distributions of such sites within a given zeolite, which depend on the density and arrangement of the framework Al atoms. In this work, we use hydrothermal synthesis methods to control the arrangement of framework Al sites in chabazite (CHA) zeolites and, in turn, the distinct Cu site types formed. Time-resolved in situ Raman spectroscopy reveals the kinetics of O 2 adsorption and activation within these well-defined Cu-CHA materials and the concomitant structural evolution of copper–oxygen (Cu x O y ) complexes, which are interpreted alongside Cu(I) oxidation kinetics extracted from in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Raman spectra of several plausible Cu x O y species simulated using density functional theory suggest that experimental spectra (λ ex = 532 nm) capture the formation of mono(μ-oxo)dicopper species (ZCuOCuZ). Transient experiments show that the timescales required to form Cu x O y structures that no longer change in Raman spectra correspond to the durations of oxidative treatments that maximize CH 3 OH yields in stoichiometric PMO cycles (approximately 2 h). Yet, these periods extend well beyond the timescales for the complete conversion of the initial Cu(I) intermediates to their Cu(II) states (<0.3 h, reflected in X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy spectra), which demonstrates that Cu x O y complexes continue to evolve structurally following rapid Cu(I) oxidation. The dependence of ZCuOCuZ formation rates on O 2 pressure, H 2 O pressure, and temperature is consistent with a mechanism in which ZCuOH reduces to form ZCu + sites that bind molecular oxygen and form ZCu-O 2 intermediates. Subsequent reaction with proximate ZCu + forms bridging peroxo dicopper complexes that cleave O–O bonds to form ZCuOCuZ in steps facilitated by water. These data and interpretations provide evidence for the chemical processes that link rapid and kinetically irrelevant Cu oxidation steps (frequently probed by XAS and UV–vis spectroscopy) to the relatively slow genesis of reactive Cu complexes that form CH 3 OH during PMO. In doing so, we reveal previously unrecognized complexities in the processes by which Cu ions in zeolites activate O 2 to form active Cu x O y complexes, which underscore the insight afforded by judicious combinations of experimental and theoretical techniques.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Reactivity of a Carbon-Supported Single-Site Molybdenum Dioxo Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis

A single-site molybdenum dioxo catalyst, (O c ) 2 Mo(=O)2@C, was prepared via direct grafting of MoO 2 Cl 2 (dme) (dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) on high-surface-area activated carbon. The physicochemical and chemical properties of this catalyst were fully characterized by N 2 physisorption, ICP-AES/OES, PXRD, STEM, XPS, XAS, temperature-programmed reduction with H 2 (TPR-H 2 ), and temperature-programmed NH 3 desorption (TPD-NH 3 ). The single-site nature of the Mo species is corroborated by XPS and TPR-H2 data, and it exhibits the lowest reported MoO x T max of reduction reported to date, suggesting a highly reactive Mo VI center. (O c ) 2 Mo(=O) 2 @C catalyzes the transesterification of a variety of esters and triglycerides with ethanol, exhibiting high activity at moderate temperatures (60–90 °C) and with negligible deactivation. (O c ) 2 Mo(=O) 2 @C is resistant to water and can be recycled at least three times with no loss of activity. The transesterification reaction is determined experimentally to be first order in [ethanol] and first order in [Mo] with ΔH ‡ = 10.5(8) kcal mol –1 and ΔS ‡ = –32(2) eu. Here, the low energy of activation is consistent with the moderate conditions needed to achieve rapid turnover. This highly active carbon-supported single-site molybdenum dioxo species is thus an efficient, robust, and low-cost catalyst with significant potential for transesterification processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Purple Cupredoxin from Nitrosopumilus maritimus Containing a Mononuclear Type 1 Copper Center with an Open Binding Site

Mononuclear cupredoxin proteins usually contain a coordinately saturated type 1 copper (T1Cu) center and function exclusively as electron carriers. Here we report a cupredoxin isolated from the nitrifying archaeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus SCM1, called Nmar1307, that contains a T1Cu center with an open binding site containing water. It displays a deep purple color due to strong absorptions around 413 nm (1880 M –1 cm –1 ) and 558 nm (2290 M –1 cm –1 ) in the UV–vis electronic spectrum. EPR studies suggest the protein contains two Cu(II) species of nearly equal population, one nearly axial, with hyperfine constant A∥ = 98 × 10 –4 cm –1 , and another more rhombic, with a smaller A∥ value of 69 × 10 –4 cm –1 . The X-ray crystal structure at 1.6 Å resolution confirms that it contains a Cu atom coordinated by two His and one Cys in a trigonal plane, with an axial H2O at 2.25 Å. Both UV–vis absorption and EPR spectroscopic studies suggest that the Nmar1307 can oxidize NO to nitrite, an activity that is attributable to the high reduction potential (354 mV vs SHE) of the copper site. These results suggest that mononuclear cupredoxins can have a wide range of structural features, including an open binding site containing water, making this class of proteins even more versatile.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

X-ray emission spectroscopy: an effective route to extract site occupation of cations

Cation site occupation is an important determinant of materials properties, especially in a complex system with multiple cations such as in ternary spinels. In this work, we show that XES provides not only the site occupation information as EXAFS, but also additional information on the oxidation states of the cations at each site. Additionally, we show that XES is a superior and a far more accurate method than EXAFS.

Bhargava, Anuj↗

The distribution alloying elements in alnico 8 and 9 magnets: Site preference of ternary Ti, Fe, Co, and Ni additions in DO{sub 3} Fe{sub 3}Al, Co{sub 3}Al, and Ni{sub 3}Al based intermetallic phases

Recently, interest in alnico magnetic alloys has been rekindled due to their potential to substitute for rare-earth based permanent magnets provided modest improvements in their coercivity can be achieved without loss of saturation magnetization. Recent experimental studies have indicated that atomic and magnetic structure of the two phases (one AlNi-based, the other FeCo-based) that comprise these spinodally decomposed alloy is not as simple as previously thought. A key issue that arises is the distribution of Fe, Co, and Ti within the AlNi-based matrix phase. In this paper, we report the results of first-principles calculations of the site preference of ternary alloying additions in DO{sub 3} Fe{sub 3}Al, Co{sub 3}Al, and Ni{sub 3}Al alloys, as models for the aluminide phase. For compound compositions that are Al rich, which correspond to experimental situation, Ti and Fe are found to occupy the α sites, while Co and Ni prefer the γ sites of the DO{sub 3} lattice. An important finding is that the magnetic moments of transition metals in Fe{sub 3}Al and Co{sub 3}Al are ordered ferromagnetically, whereas the Ni{sub 3}Al were found to be nonmagnetic unless the Fe or Co is added as a ternary element.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Site occupancy and magnetic properties of Al-substituted M-type strontium hexaferrite

We use first-principles total-energy calculations based on density functional theory to study the site occupancy and magnetic properties of Al-substituted M-type strontium hexaferrite SrFe{sub 12−x}Al{sub x}O{sub 19} with x = 0.5 and x = 1.0. We find that the non-magnetic Al{sup 3+} ions preferentially replace Fe{sup 3+} ions at two of the majority spin sites, 2a and 12k, eliminating their positive contribution to the total magnetization causing the saturation magnetization M{sub s} to be reduced as Al concentration x is increased. Our formation probability analysis further provides the explanation for increased magnetic anisotropy field when the fraction of Al is increased. Although Al{sup 3+} ions preferentially occupy the 2a sites at a low temperature, the occupation probability of the 12k site increases with the rise of the temperature. At a typical annealing temperature (>700 °C) Al{sup 3+} ions are much more likely to occupy the 12k site than the 2a site. Although this causes the magnetocrystalline anisotropy K{sub 1} to be reduced slightly, the reduction in M{sub s} is much more significant. Their combined effect causes the anisotropy field H{sub a} to increase as the fraction of Al is increased, consistent with recent experimental measurements.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Site preference and magnetic properties of Ga/In-substituted strontium hexaferrite: An ab initio study

The first-principles density functional theory has been used to study Ga/In-substituted strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19). Based on the calculation of the substitution energy of Ga and In in SrFe12O19 and the formation probability analysis, we conclude that in SrFe12−xGaxO19 the substituted Ga atoms prefer to occupy the 12k, 2a, and 4f1 sites, while In atoms in SrFe12−xInxO19 occupy the 12k, 4f2, and 4f1 sites. We used the site occupation probabilities to calculate the magnetic properties of the substituted SrFe12O19. It was found that as the fraction of Ga atoms in SrFe12−xGaxO19 increases, the saturation magnetization (Ms) as well as magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) decrease, while the anisotropy field (Ha) increases. In the case of SrFe12−xInxO19, Ms, MAE, and Ha decrease with an increase of the concentration of In atoms.

Dixit, Vivek (ORCID:000000029178217X)↗

Optimization under Uncertainty of Site-Specific Turbine Configurations: Preprint

Uncertainty affects many aspects of wind energy plant performance and cost. In this study, we explore opportunities for site-specific turbine configuration optimization that accounts for uncertainty in the wind resource. As a demonstration, a simple empirical model for wind plant cost of energy is used in an optimization under uncertainty to examine how different risk appetites affect the optimal selection of a turbine configuration for sites of different wind resource profiles. If there is unusually high uncertainty in the site wind resource, the optimal turbine configuration diverges from the deterministic case and a generally more conservative design is obtained with increasing risk aversion on the part of the designer.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

ADAR activation by inducing a syn conformation at guanosine adjacent to an editing site

Abstract ADARs (adenosine deaminases acting on RNA) can be directed to sites in the transcriptome by complementary guide strands allowing for the correction of disease-causing mutations at the RNA level. However, ADARs show bias against editing adenosines with a guanosine 5′ nearest neighbor (5′-GA sites), limiting the scope of this approach. Earlier studies suggested this effect arises from a clash in the RNA minor groove involving the 2-amino group of the guanosine adjacent to an editing site. Here we show that nucleosides capable of pairing with guanosine in a syn conformation enhance editing for 5′-GA sites. We describe the crystal structure of a fragment of human ADAR2 bound to RNA bearing a G:G pair adjacent to an editing site. The two guanosines form a Gsyn:Ganti pair solving the steric problem by flipping the 2-amino group of the guanosine adjacent to the editing site into the major groove. Also, duplexes with 2′-deoxyadenosine and 3-deaza-2′-deoxyadenosine displayed increased editing efficiency, suggesting the formation of a Gsyn:AH+anti pair. This was supported by X-ray crystallography of an ADAR complex with RNA bearing a G:3-deaza dA pair. This study shows how non-Watson–Crick pairing in duplex RNA can facilitate ADAR editing enabling the design of next generation guide strands for therapeutic RNA editing.

Doherty, Erin E.↗

Data for "Discovery, Characterization, and Application of Chromosomal Integration Sites in the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus"

Sulfolobus islandicus , an emerging archaeal model organism, offers unique advantages for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology applications owing to its ability to thrive in extreme environments. Although several genetic tools have been established for this organism, the lack of well-characterized chromosomal integration sites has limited its potential as a cellular factory. Here, we systematically identified and characterized 13 artificial CRISPR RNAs targeting eight integration sites in S. islandicus using the CRISPR-COPIES pipeline and a multi-omics-informed computational workflow. We leveraged the endogenous CRISPR-Cas system to integrate the reporter gene lacS and validated heterologous expression through a β-galactosidase assay, revealing significant positional effects. As a proof of concept, we utilized these sites to genetically manipulate lipid ether composition by overexpressing glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) ring synthase B (GrsB). This study expands the genetic toolbox for S. islandicus and advances its potential as a robust platform for archaeal synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology.

AI/ML↗

Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 547: Miscellaneous Contaminated Waste Sites, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada

This Closure Report (CR) presents information supporting closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 547, Miscellaneous Contaminated Waste Sites, and provides documentation supporting the completed corrective actions and confirmation that closure objectives for CAU 547 were met. This CR complies with the requirements of the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO) that was agreed to by the State of Nevada; the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Management; the U.S. Department of Defense; and DOE, Legacy Management (FFACO, 1996 as amended). CAU 547 consists of the following three Corrective Action Sites (CASs), located in Areas 2, 3, and 9 of the Nevada National Security Site: (1) CAS 02-37-02, Gas Sampling Assembly; (2) CAS 03-99-19, Gas Sampling Assembly; AND (3) CAS 09-99-06, Gas Sampling Assembly Closure activities began in August 2011 and were completed in June 2012. Activities were conducted according to the Corrective Action Decision Document/Corrective Action Plan (CADD/CAP) for CAU 547 (U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office [NNSA/NSO], 2011). The recommended corrective action for the three CASs in CAU 547 was closure in place with administrative controls. The following closure activities were performed: (1) Open holes were filled with concrete; (2) Steel casings were placed over vertical expansion joints and filled with cement; (3) Engineered soil covers were constructed over piping and exposed sections of the gas sampling system components; (4) Fencing, monuments, Jersey barriers, radiological postings, and use restriction (UR) warning signs were installed around the perimeters of the sites; (5) Housekeeping debris was picked up from around the sites and disposed; and (6) Radiological surveys were performed to confirm final radiological postings. UR documentation is included in Appendix D. The post-closure plan was presented in detail in the CADD/CAP for CAU 547 and is included as Appendix F of this report. The requirements are summarized in Section 5.2 of this report. The proposed post-closure requirements consist of visual inspections to determine the condition of postings and radiological surveys to verify contamination has not migrated. NNSA/NSO requests the following: (1) A Notice of Completion from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to NNSA/NSO for closure of CAU 547; and (2) The transfer of CAU 547 from Appendix III to Appendix IV, Closed Corrective Action Units, of the FFACO.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Special Analysis of the Area 3 Radioactive Waste Management Site at the Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This report describes the methods and results of a special analysis (SA) of the Area 3 Radioactive Waste Management Site (RWMS) on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The purpose of the SA is to determine if the approved performance assessment (PA) and composite analysis (CA) (Shott et al., 2001) remain valid. The Area 3 RWMS PA and CA were prepared as a single document and received conditional approval on October 6, 1999. A conditional Disposal Authorization Statement (DAS) for the Area 3 RWMS was issued on October 20, 1999. Since preparation of the approved PA and CA, new information and additional environmental monitoring data have been used to update the PA and CA. At the same time, continual advancements in computer processors and software have allowed improvement to the PA and CA models. Annual reviews of the PA and CA required by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Order DOE O 435.1 have documented multiple changes occurring since preparation of the PA and CA. Potentially important changes include: Development of a new and improved baseline PA and CA model implemented in the probabilistic GoldSim simulation platform. A significant increase in the waste inventory disposed at the site. Revision and updating of model parameters based on additional years of site monitoring data and new research and development results. Although changes have occurred, many important PA/CA issues remain unchanged, including the site conceptual model, important features, events, and processes, and the points of compliance. The SA is performed to document the current status of the PA/CA model and to quantitatively assess the impact of cumulative changes on the PA and CA results. The results of the SA are used to assess the validity of the approved PA/CA and make a determination if revision of the PA or CA is necessary. The SA was performed using the Area 3 RWMS, version 2.102, GoldSim model, the current baseline PA/CA model. Comparison of the maximum SA results with the PA performance objectives indicates that there continues to be a reasonable expectation of compliance. The resident exposure scenario was evaluated for compliance with the air pathway and all-pathways annual total effective dose (TED) performance objectives. The maximum mean air pathway TED, 7E-6 millisievert (mSv) at 1,000 years (y) has decreased relative to the approved PA and is significantly less than the 0.1 mSv limit. The maximum mean all-pathways annual TED, 7E-5 mSv at 1,000 y has increased but remains a small fraction of the 0.25 mSv limit. The SA maximum mean radon-222 (222Rn) flux density, 0.03 becquerel per square meter per second (Bq m-2 s-1), has increased relative to the PA results but is significantly less than the 0.74 Bq m-2 s-1 limit. The SA results continue to support a conclusion that the disposed waste inventory is protective of intruders and groundwater resources. The maximum mean intruder TED, 0.01 mSv for an acute construction scenario at the U-3ah/at disposal unit, was less than the 5 mSv performance measure. Site monitoring data and research results continue to support a conclusion that a groundwater pathway will not exist within the 1,000 y compliance period. Projected releases to the environment are a small fraction of the performance objectives. Cost-effective options for reducing releases further are unlikely to exist. Therefore, releases from the Area 3 RWMS are judged to be as low as reasonably achievable. Comparison of the maximum CA result with the 0.3 mSv CA dose constraint indicates that no action is required to reduce the dose from the Area 3 RWMS and all interacting sources of residual radioactive contamination. The SA maximum mean CA annual TED, 0.02 mSv at 1,000 y, has increased from the approved CA result but remains less than 10% of the dose constraint. The CA TED continues to be due predominantly to inhalation of plutonium-239 resuspended from soils contaminated by nuclear weapons tests conducted near the Area 3 RWMS. The SA results estimated with the Area 3 RWMS version 2.102 model indicate that changes to the PA and CA do not significantly alter the PA/CA results or conclusions. Although increases occur for the all-pathways annual TED, the 222Rn flux density, and the CA annual TED, all PA and CA results are a small fraction of the performance objectives or dose constraints. The same conclusion was reached for the approved PA and CA. The SA results continue to support a conclusion that there is a reasonable expectation of meeting all performance objectives and the CA dose constraint. There is no need to revise the DAS at this time. The SA results support a conclusion that the Area 3 RWMS PA and CA remain valid, and revision is not necessary at this time.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Monitoring Soil Erosion of a Burn Site in the Central Basin and Range Ecoregion: Final Report on Measurements at the Gleason Fire Site, Nevada

The increase in wildfires in arid and semi-arid parts of Nevada and elsewhere in the southwestern United States has implications for post-closure management and long-term stewardship for Soil Corrective Action Units (CAUs) on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for which the Nevada Field Office of the United States Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration has responsibility. For many CAUs and Corrective Action Sites, where closure-in-place alternatives are now being implemented or considered, there is a chance that these sites could burn over at some time while they still pose a risk to the environment or human health, given the long half lives of some of the radionuclide contaminants. This study was initiated to examine the effects and duration of wildfire on wind and water erodibility on sites analogous to those that exist on the NNSS. The data analyzed herein were gathered at the prescribed Gleason Fire site near Ely, Nevada, a site comparable to the northern portion of the NNSS.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

UNREVIEWED COMPOSITE ANALYSIS QUESTION EVALUATION: Update of Composite Analysis Sources Potentially Interacting with the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This unreviewed composite analysis question evaluation (UCAQE) assesses the impacts of the FFACO corrective actions on the Area 5 RWMS CA and the need to revise or update the CA Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO). The FFACO, a legal agreement among the NNSA/NFO, the state of Nevada, and the U.S. Department of Defense, establishes a process to identify, characterize, and implement corrective actions for historical sites on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) contaminated with hazardous or radioactive materials. Review of FFACO corrective actions involving sources of residual radioactive contamination potentially interacting with the Area 5 RWMS indicates that no significant changes affecting CA results and conclusions have occurred. Doses from the Area 5 RWMS, Industrial Sites, and Soils sites are a small fraction of the 0.3 mSv CA dose constraint, and significant interactions with releases from the Area 5 RWMS are unlikely. Doses from FFACO CASs, including UGTA sites, can be controlled by FFACO URs and institutional controls that have been implemented since the CA was prepared. As the interactions between the Area 5 RWMS and the FFACO CASs are negligible, the sites can be managed independently. The Area 5 RWMS CA reached the same conclusions about the interaction of the Area 5 RWMS with other sources of residual contamination. Therefore, there is no need to revise or update the Area 5 RWMS CA.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗