Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “siting”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19

Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 567: Miscellaneous Soil Sites - Nevada National Security Site, Nevada with ROTC 1

This Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report presents information supporting the closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 567: Miscellaneous Soil Sites, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada. The purpose of this Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report is to provide justification and documentation supporting the recommendation that no further corrective action is needed for CAU 567 based on the implementation of the corrective actions. The corrective actions implemented at CAU 567 were developed based on an evaluation of analytical data from the CAI, the assumed presence of COCs at specific locations, and the detailed and comparative analysis of the CAAs. The CAAs were selected on technical merit focusing on performance, reliability, feasibility, safety, and cost. The implemented corrective actions meet all requirements for the technical components evaluated. The CAAs meet all applicable federal and state regulations for closure of the site. Based on the implementation of these corrective actions, the DOE, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office provides the following recommendations: • No further corrective actions are necessary for CAU 567. • The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection issue a Notice of Completion to the DOE, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office for closure of CAU 567. • CAU 567 be moved from Appendix III to Appendix IV of the FFACO.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Nevada National Security Site 2014 Data Report: Groundwater Monitoring Program Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site

This report is a compilation of the groundwater sampling results from the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site (RWMS) at the Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada. Groundwater samples from the aquifer immediately below the Area 5 RWMS have been collected and analyzed and static water levels have been measured in this aquifer since 1993. This report updates these data to include the 2014 results. Analysis results for leachate contaminants collected from the mixed-waste cell at the Area 5 RWMS (Cell 18) are also included. During 2014, groundwater samples were collected and static water levels were measured at three wells surrounding the Area 5 RWMS. Groundwater samples were collected at wells UE5PW-1, UE5PW-2, and UE5PW-3 on March 11 and August 12, 2014, and static water levels were measured at each of these wells on March 10, June 2, August 11, and October 14, 2014. Groundwater samples were analyzed for the following indicators of contamination: pH, specific conductance, total organic carbon, total organic halides, and tritium. General water chemistry (cations and anions) was also measured. Results from samples collected in 2014 are within the limits established by agreement with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for each analyte. The data from the shallow aquifer indicate that there has been no measurable impact to the uppermost aquifer from the Area 5 RWMS, and there were no significant changes in measured groundwater parameters compared to previous years. Leachate from above the primary liner of Cell 18 drains into a sump and is collected in a tank at the ground surface. Cell 18 began receiving waste in January 2011. Samples were collected from the tank when the leachate volume approached the 3,000-gallon tank capacity. Leachate samples have been collected 16 times since January 2011. During 2014, samples were collected on February 25, March 5, May 20, August 12, September 16, November 11, and December 16. Each leachate sample was analyzed for toxicity characteristic contaminants and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Beginning with the sample from July 31, 2013, pH and specific conductance were also measured. Leachate analysis results show no evidence of contamination. Results for toxicity characteristic contaminants are all below regulatory levels and analysis quantification limits. No quantifiable PCB levels were detected in any sample. Results for pH and specific conductance are also within expected ranges. After analysis, leachate was pumped from the collection tank and used in Cell 18 for dust control. The report contains an updated cumulative chronology for the Area 5 RWMS Groundwater Monitoring Program and a brief description of the site hydrogeology.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

2012 Update to the Site Discharge Pollution Prevention Plan, Rev. 1: Sandia/Mortandad Watershed Receiving Waters: Sandia Canyon, Cañada del Buey, Mortandad Canyon, and Ten-Site Canyon (Vol. 2)

Two historical industrial activity areas are associated with S001, S-SMA-0.25: Sites 03-013(a) and 03-052(f). Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 03-013(a) is a 1500-ft-long corrugated metal pipe (CMP) storm drain that served building 03-0038. The storm drain ran underground around building 03-0038, east along the south side of the Otowi Building (building 03-0261) and connected to four other storm drains before daylighting 100 ft east of the Otowi Building where it became an open concrete- and rock-lined ditch. The open drain continued past transportable office buildings (buildings 03-1616 and 03-1617) and passed beneath streets and sidewalks to a point northeast of the Oppenheimer Study Center (building 03-0207) where it discharged to the SWMU 03-052(f) outfall before draining into Sandia Canyon. Most of the CMP associated with SWMU 03-013(a) was removed in 2004 to accommodate the construction of the National Security Science Building (03-1400) and a new parking structure (03-1402) east of the Otowi Building. The CMP was managed as nonhazardous/nonradioactive industrial waste. Inspection of the drainline trench showed no evidence of a release from the drainpipe. A new storm drainline was installed west of SWMU 03-052(f) to manage storm water runoff from the new parking structure. The new storm drain discharges to SWMU 03-052(f). Potential contaminants associated with industrial materials historically managed at this Site are metals and petroleum products. SWMU 03-052(f) is a formerly permitted outfall (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] 03A023) that received wastewater from floor drains [Area of Concern (AOC) 03-013(b)], sinks, water fountains, and a storm drain [SWMU 03-013(a)], which served building 03-0038 until 1987 when the drains in building 03-0038 were rerouted to the Technical Area 03 (TA-03) sanitary sewer system. Stoddard solvents, dry acid, and caustic materials from the maintenance shop were discarded through sinks and floor drains to this outfall. Spent paint solvents and cutting oils contaminated with machined beryllium particles may also have been released to the floor drains during the 1960s and 1970s. In addition, cooling water for welding torches was discharged directly to the drains. The first spill was approximately 200 gal. of a water-waste oil mixture that was discharged when an automatic compressor blowdown mechanism failed. A second spill from a ruptured air-compressor oil line resulted in the release of approximately 1 qt of compressor oil to the drain. This spill produced an oily sheen on the surface of the water at the SWMU 03-052(f) outfall. A third spill occurred when approximately 15 gal. of diesel fuel was released from a ruptured truck fuel line into the utilities construction trench between buildings 03-1793 and 03-1794. On the same day, a clay sewer pipe in the utility trench broke, releasing approximately 2000 gal. of wastewater into the excavation. A sump was used to remove the wastewater from the excavation, and the wastewater was discharged to SWMU 03-052(f). The diesel-contaminated asphalt and soil were removed and disposed of. Runoff from parking lots and the surrounding areas also discharges to the outfall. Outfall 03A023 was removed from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit on July 11, 1997. Potential contaminants associated with industrial materials historically managed at this Site are volatile organic solvents, petroleum products, and metals included in discharges from the maintenance contractor’s shop in building 03-38 and three reported petroleum hydrocarbon spills.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Radionuclide Inventory and Waste Site Selection Process.

The updated Hanford Site Composite Analysis will provide an all-pathways dose projection to a hypothetical future member of the public from all planned low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities and potential contributions from all other projected end-state sources of radioactive material left at Hanford following site closure. Its primary purpose is to support the decision-making process of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under DOE O 435.1-1, Radioactive Waste Management (DOE, 2001), related to managing low-level waste disposal facilities at the Hanford Site.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Report on Rare Plant Monitoring and Restoration at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Experimental Test Site (Site 300) 2015 through 2017

This report describes rare plant monitoring and restoration activities conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) Experimental Test Site (Site 300) in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Section A describes monitoring and field activities conducted at Site 300 native and experimental populations and the Carnegie Canyon native population of the State and federally-endangered plant, Amsinckia grandiflora (the large - flowered fiddleneck) .

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

UNREVIEWED DISPOSAL QUESTION EVALUATION: Development of Inventory Screening Limits for the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This Unreviewed Disposal Question Evaluation estimates the inventory of specific radionuclides that represent negligible risk for the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site on the Nevada National Security Site. Radionuclides exceeding these screening limits are candidates for entry into the performance assessment and composite analysis model. Screening limits are developed for an expanded list of radionuclides. The screening limits are estimated as the total site inventory that would cause a receptor to receive 1/1000th of the 0.1 milliseivert (mSv) air pathway or 0.25 mSv all-pathways performance objectives. The receptor is assumed to be exposed to undiluted waste for a period of one year.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Multiyear Analysis of the Fate and Transport of Contaminated Soils at Plutonium Valley and the Smoky Site, Nevada National Security Site

Desert Research Institute (DRI) has collected approximately 10 years of atmospheric and hydrologic data at Plutonium Valley and the Smoky Site on the Nevada National Security Site to identify the potential for radionuclide-contaminated soils to be transported via wind and water. Plutonium preferentially binds to finer soil particles (Shinn et al., 1993; Miller et al., 2015), which can be transported through erosion processes. Data collected by DRI are used to determine the mechanisms and thresholds that result in the transport of radionuclide-contaminated soils, and climate model projections are used to understand how these mechanisms may change in the future. This work will help identify the parameters and threshold conditions that should be incorporated into post-closure monitoring plans for these and other Soils Corrective Action Unit (CAU) sites.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Nevada National Security Site Demonstration Reactor Siting and Capability Study

The study’s purpose is to identify suitable testbeds within the NNSS for the demonstration of advanced and emerging reactor technologies. These testbeds are envisioned to be existing structures, facilities, or sites that may be suitable for advanced reactor demonstrations, advanced reactor fuel fabrication, or other experimental support for advanced reactor demonstrations. This study examines siting alternatives at NNSS with the objective of identifying locations for near term ARD projects. Included in the outcomes is an evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative factors that must be addressed for each site if selected to host an ARD sponsored demonstration.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management 2024 Annual Site Inspection and Monitoring Report for Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Title I Disposal Sites

This report, in fulfillment of a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license requirement, presents the results of long-term surveillance and maintenance activities conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) in 2024. These activities occurred at the 19 uranium mill tailings disposal sites established under Title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) and verify that the UMTRCA Title I disposal sites remain in compliance with license requirements and Long-Term Surveillance Plans (LTSPs). Individual chapters for each site are available on the LM public website at https://energy.gov/lm/sites/lm-sites.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Innovative Biomonitoring and Remediation of Heavy Metals Using Phytotechnologies at the Savannah River Site (SRS) Coal Combustion Product (CCP) Impoundment Sites

The Savannah River Site (SRS) contains legacy coal combustion product (CCP) impoundments that are impacted by elevated concentrations of heavy metals and radionuclides, posing long-term risks to soil health, ecosystem functioning, and environmental sustainability. Traditional environmental monitoring approaches rely primarily on chemical analyses to quantify contaminant concentrations but often provide limited information regarding biological responses or ecosystem recovery. This project addressed these limitations by integrating environmental chemistry, microbial ecology, artificial intelligence (AI), and bioremediation into a comprehensive framework for environmental diagnostics and restoration of contaminated soils. The overarching goal of this collaborative project between Florida A&M University (FAMU) and the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) was to develop innovative biomonitoring and remediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated CCP impoundment sites at the Savannah River Site. Specifically, the project sought to (i) characterize heavy metal contamination, (ii) determine microbial responses to contamination, (iii) isolate indigenous heavy metal-resistant microorganisms for remediation applications, (iv) develop a microbial ecological health index using machine learning, and (v) optimize fungal-mediated bioremediation using artificial intelligence.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Long-term measurements of ice nucleating particles at Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) sites worldwide

Ice nucleating particles (INPs) play a critical role in cloud microphysics and precipitation formation, yet long-term, spatially extensive observational datasets remain limited. Here, we present one of the most comprehensive publicly available datasets of immersion-mode INP concentrations using a single analytical method, generated through the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility. INP filter samples have been collected across a broad range of environments – including agricultural plains, Arctic coastlines, high-elevation mountain sites, marine regions, and urban areas – via fixed observatories, mobile facility deployments, and vertically-resolved tethered balloon system operations. We describe the standardized processing and quality assurance pipeline, from filter collection and processing using the Ice Nucleation Spectrometer to final data products archived on the ARM Data Discovery portal. The dataset includes both total INP concentrations and selectively treated samples, allowing for classification of biological, organic, and inorganic INP types. It features a continuous 5-year record of INP measurements from a central U.S. site, with data collection still ongoing. Seasonal and site-specific differences in INP concentrations are illustrated through intercomparisons at −10 and −20 °C, revealing distinct regional sources and atmospheric drivers. We also outline mechanisms for researchers to access existing data, request additional sample analyses, and propose future field campaigns involving ARM INP measurements. This dataset supports a wide range of scientific applications, from observational and mechanistic studies to model development, and provides critical constraints on aerosol-cloud interactions across diverse atmospheric regimes (Creamean et al., 2024, 2020b; https://doi.org/10.5439/1770816).

Creamean, Jessie M. [Colorado State Univ., Fort Co↗

Source apportionment of aerosols at the White River IMPROVE site near the SAIL site

This data set contains source apportionment results at the White River IMPROVE site (39.1536, -106.8209), which is about 30 km north of the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) Campaign site. The IMPROVE network (Malm et al. 1994) collected 24-hour aerosol filter samples every three days over several decades at this site. Chemical concentrations in the PM2.5 fraction of 19 elements (Al, As, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Si, Ti, V, and Zn), along with nitrate, sulfate, elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), and calculated coarse mass concentrations (PM10−PM2.5 mass concentrations), from 2014 to 2023, were used as input for the PMF analysis. PMF was performed using EPA PMF 5.0 (Norris et al. 2014). A five-factor solution was chosen as the optimal solution. These factors were identified as coarse dust, fine dust, biomass burning, sulfate-dominated, and nitrate-dominated sources. This data set is useful for understanding aerosol sources and their long-term variability near this region.

biomass burning↗

Subsystem design package for the on-site monitor at solar heating and cooling sites

The on-site monitor is a portable device which can be easily connected to a Site Data Acquisition Subsystem to allow readouts of realtime sensor data in voltage or engineering units at instrumented solar heating and cooling sites. The design package consists of the performance specification, performance requirements cross reference, and the acceptance test procedure.

Source record↗

Fall Protection Procedures for Sealing Bulk Waste Shipments by Rail Cars at Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) Sites - 13509

Rail-cars loaded with radioactive materials must be closed and fastened to comply with United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements before they shipped. Securing waste shipments in a manner that meets these regulations typically results in the use of a sealable rail-car liner. Workers accessing the tops of the 2.74 m high rail-cars to seal and inspect liners for compliance prior to shipment may be exposed to a fall hazard. Relatively recent revisions to the Fall Protection requirements in the Safety and Health Requirements Manual (EM385-1-1, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) have necessitated modifications to the fall protection systems previously employed for rail-car loading at Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) sites. In response these projects have developed site-specific procedures to protect workers and maintain compliance with the improved fall protection regulations. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Entrapped Single Tungstate Site in Zeolite for Cooperative Catalysis of Olefin Metathesis with Brønsted Acid Site

Industrial olefin metathesis catalysts generally suffer from low reaction rates and require harsh reaction conditions for moderate activities. This is due to their inability to prevent metathesis active sites (MAS) from aggregation and their intrinsic poor adsorption and activation of olefin molecules. Here, isolated tungstate species as single molecular MAS is immobilized inside zeolite pores by Bronsted acid sites (BAS) on the inner surface. It is demonstrated for the first time that unoccupied BAS in atomic proximity to MAS enhance olefin adsorption and greatly facilitate the formation of metallocycle intermediates in a stereospecific manner. Thus, effective cooperative catalysis takes place over the BAS-MAS pair. In consequence, for the cross-metathesis of ethene and trans-2-butene to propene, under the same mild reaction conditions, the propene production rate over WOx/USY is ca. 7,300 times that over the industrial WO3/SiO2 based catalyst. A propene yield up to 79% (80% selectivity) without observable deactivation was obtained over WOx/USY for a wide range of reaction conditions.

Brønsted acid sites↗

Nevada National Security Site 2011 Data Report: Groundwater Monitoring Program Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site

This report is a compilation of the groundwater sampling results from the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site (RWMS). The data have been collected since 1993 and include calendar year 2011 results. During 2011, groundwater samples were collected and static water levels were measured at the three pilot wells surrounding the Area 5 RWMS. Samples were collected at UE5PW-1 on March 8, August 2, August 24, and October 19, 2011; at UE5PW-2 on March 8, August 2, August 23, and October 19, 2011; and at UE5PW-3 on March 8, August 2, August 23, and October 19, 2011. Static water levels were measured at each of the three pilot wells on March 1, June 7, August 1, and October 17, 2011. Groundwater samples were analyzed for the following indicators of contamination: pH, specific conductance, total organic carbon, total organic halides, and tritium. Indicators of general water chemistry (cations and anions) were also measured. Initial total organic carbon and total organic halides results for samples collected in August 2011 were above previous measurements and, in some cases, above the established investigation limits. However, after field sample pumps and tubing were disinfected with Clorox solution, the results returned to normal levels. Final results from samples collected in 2011 were within the limits established by agreement with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for each analyte. These data indicate that there has been no measurable impact to the uppermost aquifer from the Area 5 RWMS. There were no significant changes in measured groundwater parameters compared to previous years. The report contains an updated cumulative chronology for the Area 5 RWMS Groundwater Monitoring Program and a brief description of the site hydrogeology.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report for Corrective Action Unit 576: Miscellaneous Radiological Sites and Debris Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Revision 0 with ROTCs 1-2

This Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report presents information supporting the closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 576: Miscellaneous Radiological Sites and Debris, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada. This document complies with the requirements of the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO) that was agreed to by the State of Nevada; U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Management (EM); U.S. Department of Defense; and DOE, Legacy Management. The purpose of this Corrective Action Decision Document/Closure Report is to provide justification and documentation supporting the recommendation that no further corrective action is needed for CAU 576 based on the implementation of the corrective actions listed in the document.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Special Analysis for the Disposal of U.S. Department of Energy High Activity Cesium Sources Waste Stream at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This special analysis (SA) evaluates whether the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) High Activity Cesium (Cs) Sources waste stream (BCLADOEOSRPCS, Revision 0) is suitable for shallow land burial (SLB) at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site (RWMS) on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Disposal of the LLNL DOE High Activity Cs Sources waste meets all U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Manual DOE M 435.1-1, “Radioactive Waste Management Manual,” Chapter IV, Section P performance objectives (DOE 1999). The LLNL DOE High Activity Cs Sources waste stream is recommended for acceptance with the conditions that 1) the total waste stream cesium-137 ( 137 Cs) activity be limited to 1.7E16 becquerel (Bq) and 2) the waste be disposed greater than 4.4 meters (m) (14 feet [ft], 5 inches [in.]) below existing grade.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗