ML22340A012
| ML22340A012 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Aerotest |
| Issue date: | 08/11/2011 |
| From: | Ely P EnergySolutions |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| Shared Package | |
| ML22340A004 | List: |
| References | |
| CS-HP-PR-005, Rev 0 | |
| Download: ML22340A012 (1) | |
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ENERGYSOLUTIONS CS-HP-PR-005 Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor California Project No. 313150 Revision 0 Authored By:
Reviewed By:
Approved By:
Prepared for:
Aerotest Operations, Inc.
Prepared by:
EnergySolutions, LLC Commercial Services Division 1009 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 100 Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Steve Croslin, CHP gJn Ju Dater Date 1 Date,
[))New Report D Title Change D Report Revision D Repo1i Rewrite Effective Date Electronic documents, once printed, are uncontrolled and may become outdated.
Rcfor to the intra web or the Document Control authority for the correct revision.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 2 of 54 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION.......................................................................... 5 2.0 FACILITY, DESCRIPTION, PROPOSED ACTIONS, ALTERNATIVES AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS................................................................................. 6 2.1 Facility Description................................................................................................. 6 2.2 Proposed Action and Alternatives.......................................................................... 7 2.3 Administrative Controls.......................................................................................... 9
3.0 DESCRIPTION
OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT........................................ 16 3.1 Man-Made Environment....................................................................................... 16 3.1.1 Radioactive Materials............................................................................... 16 3.1.2 Hazardous Materials................................................................................. 17 3.1.3 Transportation........................................................................................... 19 3.1.4 Cultural and Historical Resources............................................................ 20 3.1.5 Population and Land Use.......................................................................... 20 3.1.6 Noise......................................................................................................... 21 3.1.7 Aesthetics.................................................................................................. 21 3.2 Natural Environment............................................................................................. 21 3.2.1 Topography, Stratigraphy, Geology and Seismology............................... 21 3.2.2 Climate and Air Quality............................................................................ 25 3.2.3 Hydrology................................................................................................. 28 3.2.4 Biology...................................................................................................... 29 3.2.5 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice............................................. 30 4.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES................................................................................................. 42 4.1 Human Health Effects........................................................................................... 42 4.1.1 Hazard Identification................................................................................ 42 4.1.2 Potential Exposures................................................................................... 43 4.1.3 Transportation........................................................................................... 43 4.2 Waste Disposal...................................................................................................... 44 4.2.1 Hazardous Waste...................................................................................... 44 4.2.2 Low-Level Radioactive and Mixed Waste............................................... 44 4.2.3 Non-Hazardous Solid Waste..................................................................... 44 4.3 Noise..................................................................................................................... 45
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 3 of 54 4.4 Seismicity.............................................................................................................. 45 4.5 Air Quality............................................................................................................ 45 4.6 Regulatory Issues.................................................................................................. 45 4.7 Areas Not Affected............................................................................................... 47 4.8 Cumulative Effects................................................................................................ 48 4.9 Alternatives to Proposed Action........................................................................... 49
5.0 REFERENCES
................................................................................................................ 53
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor LIST OF FIGURES CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Figure 2-1: Aero test Operations Site location.............................................................................. 10 Figure 2-2: ARRR Local Area View............................................................................................ 11 Figure 2-3: Aerotest Aerial Image................................................................................................ 12 Figure 2-4: General ARRR Anangement Plan............................................................................. 13 Figure 2-5: Plan layout of ARRR Reactor Building..................................................................... 14 Figure 2-6: Cross Section of ARRR Reactor Building................................................................. 15 Figure 3-1: Principal Roadways of the San Ramon Area............................................................. 31 Figure 3-2: ARRR Local Area View............................................................................................ 32 Figure 3-3: ARRR Site and SUITounding Area Topography........................................................ 33 Figure 3-4: Stratigraphy of ARRR Site Region............................................................................ 34 Figure 3-5: Regional Soil Survey Data......................................................................................... 35 Figure 3-6: San Francisco Regional Ea1ihquake Hazard Map...................................................... 36 Figure 3-7:- Geotechnical Hazards Map..................................................................... 37 Figure 3-8: Contra Costa County Mean Seasonal Isohyets.......................................................... 38 FigUI*e 3-9: SUI-face Water............................................................................................................. 39 Figure 3-10: Special Status Plant Species..................................................................................... 40 FigUI*e 3-11: S ecial Status Wildlife Species................................................................................ 41 Figure 4-1:
Traffic Plans............................................................................... 51 FigUI*e 4-2:
Flood Zone Map......................................................................... 52 LIST OFT ABLES Table 3-1: ListofExpectedRadionuclides................................................................................... 16 Table 3-2: Gelogic Fom1ation Descri tors................................................................................... 23 Table 3-3: Fault Summaiy fo California.................................................................. 24 Table 3-4:-ete orolo ical Summaiy for California.................................................. 25 Table 3-5:
Climate Data............................................................................................ 26 Table 3-6: Am tent Air Monitoring Data (2006-2008)............................................................... 27 Table 4-1: Applicability of Environmental Statutes and Regulations.......................................... 46 Page 4 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 5 of 54 1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION Aerotest Operations has provided Neutron Radiographic (N-Ray) Inspection Services since 1969 using the Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor (ARRR) for the neutron source.
Aerotest Operations, Inc., (Aerotest) is the holder of Facility Operating License No. R-98 which authorizes the possession, use and operation of the ARRR, located in
, California.
Aerotest is a wholly owned subsidiary of OEA Aerospace, Inc., which is wholly owned by OEA, Inc. OEA, Inc., was purchased by Autoliv ASP, Inc., (Autoliv) in 2000. Autoliv is owned by Autoliv, Inc., a Delaware corporation with a Board of Directors and Executive Officers, the majority of whom are non-U.S. citizens. As a result of the purchase, Aerotest became a subsidiary of Autoliv and Autoliv, Inc.
The NRCs position and regulations in 10 CFR 50.38 do not allow issuing a license for a production or utilization facility to an alien or an entity that is owned, controlled, or dominated by foreign interests. There was a good faith effort over several years to sell the facility and transfer the license to a non-foreign entity. This effort failed and Aerotest was forced to close its neutron radiography testing facility in the latter part of 2010. Aerotest plans to submit a request for a possession only license (POL) in 2011. The POL period will continue until all fuel is removed from site, at which time the process for decommissioning and license termination will commence. The TRIGA reactor is currently operated for short periods of time at low power levels in order to maintain operator qualifications. There are no plans to resume regular reactor operations.
Consequently, Aerotest plans to proceed with decommissioning and termination of the associated reactor license after removal of fuel from the site. After fuel removal, Aerotest will file the appropriate decommissioning amendment requests, together with a decommissioning plan with the NRC. As with other facilities of this nature, the ARRR Facility is contaminated with varying small amounts of radioactive material and small amounts of hazardous material.
Decontamination and Decommissioning (D&D) of the ARRR will eliminate the potential for future inadvertent environmental releases. The goal of the proposed D&D activities is termination of the ARRR TRIGA Reactor Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) License R-80, Docket No. 50-228 and release of the ARRR for "unrestricted use." The term "unrestricted use" means that there will be no future restrictions on the use of the site other than those imposed by the zoning ordinances.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 6 of 54 2.0 FACILITY, DESCRIPTION, PROPOSED ACTIONS, ALTERNATIVES AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS 2.1 Facility Description The property on which the ARRR is situated was designated for construction in 1963. The ARRR was constructed between 1963 and 1964. The ARRR site configuration is shown in, Figure 2-1, Figure 2-2 Error! Reference source not found.and Figure 2-3. The land area is well defined, as there is fence around the facility except for the facility parking lot. The Reactor Building footprint is about 3,200 square feet and has two floor levels, and the total footprint for all buildings is 9,250 square feet. Figure 2-4 provides a layout of the ARRR buildings, Figure 2-5 provides a plan view of the reactor building and Figure 2-6 provides a cross section view of the Reactor Building.
In 1963 Aerotest began construction of a facility to house the TRIGA Reactor, and supporting systems (e.g., Instrumentation and Control Systems, Forced Cooling System, Water Demineralization System, Ventilation/Exhaust System, Radiation Monitoring Systems, etc.).
Following construction and reactor hardware installation, the TRIGA Reactor was brought to initial criticality in July of 1964. The TRIGA was routinely operational from that date until October 15, 2010. The TRIGA is currently operated only for short periods of time at low power levels in order to maintain operator qualifications. Aerotest plans to request that the USNRC issue an amendment to the TRIGA facility license to place the reactor in a Possession-Only-Status. The specific detailed conditions of this status are not known at this time. Some anticipated conditions are listed below.
Current Facility Status It is anticipated that the TRIGA Reactor will be placed in "Possession-Only-Status" (POS),
through an amendment to the USNRC License No. R-98, in 2011. The following conditions are anticipated for POS status:
ARRR utility services required for facility operation and maintenance under POS status conditions will remain active.
Manually actuated and automated fire alarm systems in the ARRR will remain operational.
All building utility services required for facility operation and maintenance are active.
The license-required radiological monitoring and instrumentation systems remain operational.
Existing physical security and material control and accounting plans approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (as may be amended) will continue to be implemented.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 7 of 54 The water demineralization system serving the ARRR is currently operational although the status may change depending on requirements that are implemented in the amended license.
2.2 Proposed Action and Alternatives The Proposed Action and the Alternatives are as follows:
Proposed Action (Modified SAFSTOR) - In safe storage, the Aerotest Reactor would be placed and maintained in a condition that allows it to be safely stored and subsequently decontaminated to a USNRC or state of California level permitting release of the property. This would involve retention of the fuel onsite until the Department of Energy (DOE) is able to take the spent fuel. The DOE has agreed to take the fuel in 2055 at the earliest.
Alternative 1 (DECON) - Decontamination and Decommissioning of the ARRR, including the reactor, followed by license termination and subsequent release of the site for unrestricted use. This is not currently a viable option as there is not a possibility for fuel removal in the near future.
Alternative 2 (ENTOMB) - In entombment, radioactive materials are encased in a structurally long-lived material such as concrete. The entombed structure is appropriately maintained and surveillance is continued until the radioactivity decays to a USNRC or state of California level permitting release of the property. This is not currently a viable option as the fuel must first be removed from the site and there is not a possibility for fuel removal in the near future.
No Action Alternative - A no-action alternative would leave the facility in its current status with the current support staff having to maintain the facility under the existing license conditions. This action would not be allowed without a license transfer to a new facility owner. This action would involve maintaining:
The facility reactor operating license Personnel to support facility maintenance and surveillance Surveillance and maintenance of Reactor Pool Water Level, Purity and pH The Reactor Facility physical security plan The reactor tank still contains fuel and activated hardware with some items reading over an estimated 500 R/hr on contact. The reactor tank does not have a history of leakage.
However keeping the facility in this status over a long period of time may lead to a degradation of the tank. That degradation will require either the repair or the decommissioning of that portion of the facility. Aerotest would incur expenses for maintenance of the facility without making beneficial use of the facility.
The NRC requirement in 10 CFR 50.82(b)(1)(ii) providing for non-power reactor decommissioning without significant delay following permanent shutdown would have to be waived.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 8 of 54 Implementation of the Proposed Action would include retention of the fuel on site until the DOE is able to take the spent fuel. This could probably be accomplished using one of two scenarios, either (1) storing the fuel in the pool where it is currently located or (2) removal of the reactor fuel from the tank to an on-site dry storage location.
The scenario where the fuel is maintained in the pool would likely include the following tasks:
Move some or all of the fuel out of the core to storage racks on the pool floor or on the pool walls.
Continued operation and maintenance of the pool water demineralizer system.
Optional removal of the pool water cooling system including heat exchanger and cooling towers.
Decontamination of any contaminated areas.
Shipment of the low level radioactive waste (LLRW) currently on site or generated as a result of decommissioning activities.
Performance of surveys to confirm the facility status and submission of a request to the USNRC for a Possession Only Status (POS) through an amendment to the USNRC License No. R-98, in 2011.
Daily site monitoring of operations, similar to current site requirements, to ensure systems are performing correctly, and performing maintenance of the facility for continued occupancy.
Existing physical security, radiological control, material control and accounting plans approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (as may be amended) will continue to be implemented.
Once the DOE has taken the fuel off site, a revision of the decommissioning plan would be made, if required.
The facility would be decontaminated and decommissioned, including the performance of Final Status Surveys and release of the subject areas for unrestricted use and termination of the ARRR license.
The scenario where the fuel is removed from the pool to dry storage on site would likely include the following tasks:
Removal of the reactor fuel from the tank to an on-site dry storage location.
Dismantlement, decontamination or packaging as low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) the ARRR Reactor components including the demineralizer system, the cooling system, the bioshield and the operating and control systems, but not the tank.
Decontamination of any contaminated areas.
Shipment of the low level radioactive waste (LLRW) currently on site or generated as a result of decommissioning activities.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 9 of 54 Performance of surveys to confirm the facility status and submission of a request to the USNRC for a Possession Only Status (POS), through an amendment to the USNRC License No. R-98, in 2011.
Existing physical security, radiological control, material control and accounting plans approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (as may be amended) will continue to be implemented.
Once the DOE has taken the fuel off site, a revision of the decommissioning plan would be made, if required The facility would be decontaminated and decommissioned, including the performance of Final Status Surveys and release of the subject areas for unrestricted use and termination of the ARRR license.
2.3 Administrative Controls To minimize the risks of inadvertent exposure, contamination and/or radioactive releases, all decommissioning operations will be implemented in accordance with appropriate technical and administrative controls, including:
Performance of all project work pursuant to approved procedures implementing a USNRC-approved Decommissioning Plan. ARRR will continue to be responsible for assuring and demonstrating compliance with USNRC licenses, as well as other applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations, licenses and/or permits.
Utilization of containment structures, tents, and bags under negative pressure and/or appropriate contamination barriers to isolate operation areas and prevent inadvertent release of contaminants.
Employment of monitored, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems for air ventilation in contaminated work areas.
Maintenance of emergency ventilation, electrical power and supplies, as appropriate.
Application of ALARA principles by emphasizing radiation protection for workers and the general public, employing personnel and area dosimetry, using personal protective equipment and clothing, and conducting work through approved Radiological Work Permits. The term "ALARA" means as low as is reasonably achievable, taking into account the state of technology and the economics of improvements in relation to the benefits to public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations. ARRR Health Physics staff will have the authority to stop any operations that they believe may involve unusual, unnecessary or excessive radiological risk to the worker, the public or the environment.
Maintenance of security access control to the work site and facility to restrict unauthorized individuals from the work area.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 10 of 54 Figure 2-1: Aerotest Operations Site location
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 11 of 54 Figure 2-2: ARRR Local Area View
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 12 of 54 Figure 2-3: Aerotest Aerial Image
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 13 of 54 Figure 2-4: General ARRR Arrangement Plan
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Figure 2-5: Plan layout of ARRR Reactor Building CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Page 14 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 15 of 54 Figure 2-6: Cross Section of ARRR Reactor Building
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 16 of 54
3.0 DESCRIPTION
OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Man-Made Environment 3.1.1 Radioactive Materials The public is continuously exposed to radiation from natural sources, primarily from: cosmic radiation, external radiation from natural radioactive material in the earth and global fallout, and internal radiation from natural radioactive materials taken into the body via air, water, and food.
The public receives and accepts the risks associated with radiation exposures from medical X-rays, nuclear medicine procedures and consumer products. On average, a member of the public in the United States receives approximately 310 mrem/yr from natural sources of radiation; approximately 300 mrem/yr from medical procedures; and approximately 10 mrem/yr from consumer products, for a total of about 620 mrem/yr (Ref. 5-1).
Residual radioactive contamination resulting from past reactor operations is contained within the ARRR Facility, which is continuously monitored. Existing monitoring data, historical information, and current surveys indicate that building contamination is comprised of low levels of fission and activation products. The radionuclides listed in Table 3-1 potentially exist in the ARRR Facility.
Radioactive atoms undergo spontaneous nuclear transformations and release excess energy in the form of ionizing radiation. Such transformations are referred to as radioactive decay. As a result of the radioactive decay process, one element is transformed into another; the newly formed element, called a decay product, will possess physical and chemical properties different from those of its parent, and may also be radioactive. A radioactive species of a particular element is referred to as a radionuclide or radioisotope. Radiation emitted by radioactive substances can transfer sufficient localized energy to atoms to remove electrons from the electric field of their nucleus (ionization). In living tissue this energy transfer can destroy cellular constituents and produce electrically charged molecules (i.e., free radicals). Extensive biological damage can lead to adverse health effects (Ref. 5-2). The adverse biological reactions associated with ionizing radiation, and hence with radioactive materials, are skin injury, cancer, genetic mutation and birth defects (Ref. 5-3).
Table 3-1: List of Expected Radionuclides Nuclide Half-Life (yr)
Decay Mode 3H 12.28 14C 5730 54Mn 0.86 55Fe 2.73 57Co 0.74 58Co 0.19 60Co 5.27 59Ni 76000 63Ni 100 65Zn 0.67
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 17 of 54 Nuclide Half-Life (yr)
Decay Mode 90Sr 29.1 94Nb 20000 99Tc 213000 109Cd 1.27
113Sn 0.32
124Sb 0.16 125Sb 2.76 129I 15,700,000 134Cs 2.07 137Cs 30.17 144Ce 0.78 152Eu 13.48
-, +,
154Eu 8.8 155Eu 4.96 210Pb 22.26 230Th 77,000.
Symbols/Abbreviations:
= Alpha, - = Beta, + = Positron, = Electron Capture The radionuclide half-life values and decay mode information used above are taken from Ref. 5-4.
The list of expected radionuclides provided above is based on the assumption that operations of the ARRR has resulted in the neutron activation of reactor core components and other integral hardware or structural members which were situated adjacent to, or in close proximity to, the reactor core during operations. Specific items, which are considered to have been exposed to neutron activation, include materials composed of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, graphite, lead, concrete and possibly others.
Major types of ionizing radiation include alpha particles, beta, and gamma or X-ray radiation.
Alpha particles expend their energy in short distances and will not usually penetrate the outer layer of skin. Alpha particles represent a significant hazard only when taken into the body, where their energy is completely absorbed by small volumes of tissues. Beta particles constitute external hazards if the radiation is within a few centimeters of exposed skin surfaces and if the beta energy is greater than 70 keV. Internally, beta particles deposit much less energy to small volumes of tissue and, consequently, inflict much less damage than alpha particles. Gamma radiation is of the most concern as an external hazard because gamma radiation is very penetrating.
3.1.2 Hazardous Materials Based on preliminary surveys and inspections of the subject work areas, the specific hazardous materials of concern in terms of potential exposure to project workers, on-site ARRR employees
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 18 of 54 and off-site persons are elemental lead, non-friable asbestos, solvents, film developers, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
3.1.2.1 Elemental Lead The predominant hazardous material in ARRR, in terms of mass, is elemental lead (used primarily in various radiation shielding applications). Most lead contained in the facility consists of solid, non-dispersible bricks, fittings, liners and weights. Lead is a cumulative poison.
Increasing amounts can build up in the body eventually reaching a point where symptoms and disability occur. The effects of exposure to lead dust through inhalation and ingestion may not develop quickly. Symptoms may include decreased physical fitness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache, aching bones and muscles, constipation, abdominal pains and decreased appetite.
Lead can also cause irritation to the skin and eyes. These effects are reported to be reversible if exposure ceases. Systemic effects are possible if a long-term exposure occurs and birth defects have been reported.
3.1.2.2 Asbestos Asbestos is present in ARRR construction materials (e.g., floor tiles, roofing material). Asbestos is not a hazard unless it is "friable," that is in powder or fiber form. Inhalation of the fibers can cause asbestosis and lung cancer. Gastrointestinal cancer can be caused by ingestion. Asbestos in the ARRR will be removed, if required, by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.
3.1.2.3 Solvents Three solvents (acetone, methanol, and ethanol) were used in small amounts to remove adhesive from the aluminum trays used for the neutron radiography process.
Acetone is hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, and of inhalation. It is slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator). The substance is toxic to central nervous system (CNS). The substance may be toxic to kidneys, the reproductive system, liver, skin. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.
Methanol may be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed, the vapor is harmful. It is flammable as a liquid and vapor. It is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation and may cause central nervous system depression. It cannot be made non-poisonous. The target organs include eyes, nervous system, and optic nerves.
Ethanol is flammable as a liquid and a vapor. It may cause central nervous system depression. It causes severe eye irritation, it causes respiratory tract irritation and moderate skin irritation. This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in humans. Ethanol may cause liver, kidney and heart damage. The target organs include kidneys, heart, central nervous system and liver.
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor 3.1.2.4 Film Developer CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Kodak Industrex developer and fixer were used in fihn processing. There is a contractor who removes the used fihn processing chemicals at the Aerotest facility. The developer and fixer may contain Ammonium thiosulphate, Ammonium bisulphite, Sodium bisulphite, Sodium tetraborate, Sulphuric acid and Aluminum sulphate. Some of these chemicals can cause skin and eye iITitation and bums, may be hannful if absorbed through skin or swallowed and the dried product residue can act as a reducing agent. They have maximum NFP A Hazard Ratings of 3 for Health, 1 for Flammability, and 0 for Instability.
3.1.2.5 Mercury Mercmy is nonnally used in a large variety of electi*ical switches, which would classify these switches as hazardous waste. Because the switches are sealed, switches in a radiological controlled area can n01mally be surveyed for contamination and free released and not managed as mixed waste. Mercmy exists in three fonns: elemental mercury, inorganic mercmy compounds (primarily mercuric chloride), and organic mercmy compounds (primarily methyl mercmy). Metallic mercmy is used in electrical switches. The major systems impacted by hmnan inhalation of elemental mercmy are the kidneys and central nervous system (CNS).
Acute exposure to high levels of elemental mercmy in humans results in CNS effects, such as fremors, iITitability, insomnia, memo1y loss, neuromuscular changes, headaches, slowed senso1y and motor nerve function, and reduction in cognitive function. Gastrointestinal effects and respirat01y effects, such as chest pains, dyspnea, cough, puhnona1y function impaiiment, and interstitial pneumonitis have also been noted from human inhalation exposure to elemental mercmy.
3.1.2.6 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Inspections noted some potentially PCB-contaii1ing materials. Due to the age, fluorescent light ballasts probably contain PCBs and should be treated as PCB waste. Fluorescent lights in radiologically conti*olled areas can n01mally be surveyed for contamination and free released.
PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until then* manufacture was banned in 1979. PCBs have been demonsti*ated to cause cancer, as well as a variety of other adverse health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
3.1.3 Transportation The principal roadways in the-area are illustI*at~
3-1. The urban principal aii erials ai*e I-680 that runs ne~nd south through-- and it intersects California 24 to the north and I-580 to the south. Access to the site from I-680 is vi a local arterial sti*eet to-a collector street and a two
~
street. These roads ai*e ~
ay system that provi es access to t e ARRR from all directions.
Page 19 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 20 of 54 There is paved parking in front of the facility and inside the security fence there is additional paved parking.
3.1.4 Cultural and Historical Resources No significant archeological or cultural resources have been found in surveys of the ARRR site.
The National Register of Historic Places does not list ARRR as a historical structure or site.
ARRR decommissioning will have no impact on cultural and historic resources as the ARRR building is basically a nondescript warehouse and with other similar structures in the area, the appearance of the area will be only slightly changed by its removal.
3.1.5 Population and Land Use Residential areas are found to the east and north at approximately 200 feet and 325 feet respectively and business districts to the north, south and west at approximately 150 feet, 125 feet and 225 feet respectively. The California Department of Finance estimated the population of to be 63,176 in 2009. Within a 1/2-mile radius of ARRR, there are department stores, hotels, restaurants, banks, an automobile dealer, Pacific Gas and Electric research laboratory, a membership warehouse, the
, the Conference Center and the Country Club as well as general residential areas.
Surrounding land uses are shown graphically on Figure 3-2.
Nearby human populations include:
Employees and patrons of Integrated Security Professionals, Inc, located about 125 feet to the west; Employees and patrons of Materials, located about 150 feet to the north west; Employees and visitors of Contra Costa Republican party, located about 150 feet to the north; Employees and patrons of Diablo Motors, located about 465 feet to the southwest; Employees and patrons of Pacific Gas and Electric Research Laboratory (the Mini Epcot), located about 285 feet to the south; Employees and patrons of Pacific Gas and Electric Research Laboratory, located about 670 feet to the south; I-680 located to the southwest; Condominium residences in
, beginning at about 670 feet to the west; Townhome and Condominium residences on
, beginning at about 340 feet to the north and; Condominium residences on and
, beginning at about 270 feet to the east.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 21 of 54 3.1.6 Noise Nearby vehicular traffic and building, heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment generate the ambient noise environment.
3.1.7 Aesthetics ARRR is located at the end of Fostoria Way, which currently ends in a cul-de-sac. ARRR is a low building visible from all directions.
3.2 Natural Environment 3.2.1 Topography, Stratigraphy, Geology and Seismology 3.2.1.1 Topography The ARRR is located in the Valley about miles east of San Francisco and miles east of Oakland. It is separated from the East Bay urban complex by a series of ridges and hills up to 1,600 feet high. The site's ground surfaces slope gently to the southwest. The topography of the surrounding area slopes gently downward to the north and to the south as shown in Figure 3-3.
3.2.1.2 Stratigraphy Bedrock formations in Contra Costa County are divided into six Assemblages with a unique stratigraphic sequence bounded by faults. The distinction may be either the presence of rock types not present in other Assemblages (e.g. the diatomite (Tdi) in Assemblage III) or a different stratigraphic relationship among similar rock units (e.g. The Domingene Formation (Td) is depositional on Cretaceous rocks in Assemblage V, but is underlain by other Tertiary rocks (Tm, Tmz) in Assemblage VI). The stratigraphic differences between Assemblages are almost certainly due to angular unconformities and changes in depositional environment in one or more large depositional basins. The significant differences in the stratigraphy of different Assemblages, originally separated but now in close proximity, denotes the juxtaposition of different basins or parts of basins by large offsets along the faults that bound them (as much as hundreds of kilometers, see below).
The Great Valley Sequence is depositionally linked to the Coast Range Ophiolite. Although the contact between the two is a fault everywhere in County, elsewhere in California (as close as County) the lowest part of the Great Valley Sequence (the Knoxville Formation) is clearly deposited on the ophiolite.
The Franciscan Complex presumably underlies all of County. It was emplaced below the Coast Range Ophiolite by accretionary faulting during Cretaceous time, so the contact between the Franciscan and Coast Range Ophiolite and the overlying Great Valley Sequence is everywhere faulted. This fault is known as the Coast Range fault.
Two types of Tertiary intrusive rocks occur in County, both of which intrude the strata of Assemblage V. In the
, the Markley Formation is intruded by plugs and I
I
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 22 of 54 dikes of Pliocene basalt. East of
, the Great Valley Sequence rocks are intruded by fine grained, quartz bearing rhyolite stocks, dikes, and sills of late Miocene age. The relationship of these hypabyssal intrusives is unknown. Although they occur only in the rocks of Assemblage V, these rocks are not included in the Assemblage because of their intrusive nature.
The stratigraphy of was provided by USGS Information Services (Ref. 5-6).
Figure 3-4 illustrates the stratigraphy of area located in the southwest corner of County. The geologic data descriptors on the map are described in Table 3-2.
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Table 3-2: Gelogic Fonnation Descriptors Value Definition Qu Surficial deposits, undivided (Pleistocene and Holocene)
Tbe E member ofWa1mer (1978) - Briones Fo1mation (Miocene)
Tbg G member of Wagner (1978) - Briones Fo1mation (Miocene)
Tbr Briones Fo1mation (Miocene)
Tc Cierbo Sandstone (Miocene)
CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Tgvt Green Valley and Tassajara F01mations of Conduit (1938), undivided (Miocene and Pliocene)
Tn Nerolv Sandstone (Miocene)
Tro Rodeo Shale, Hambre Sandstone, Tice Shale, and Oursan Sandstone, undivided (Miocene)
Tus Unnamed sedimenta1y and volcanic rocks (Miocene and Pliocene) 3.2.1.3 Geology Geology is the science that deals with the histo1y of the ea11h as recorded in rocks. The geological info1mation for the area is sUlillilarized below (Ref. 5-7).
is located within the California Coast Ranges geomo1p hic province. In general the geologic structure and topography of the -
Valley are characteristic of the San Francisco Bay Area. The region is gener~d by northwest-trending ridg~
s that generally parallel the geologic stmctures, including the major fault systems. -
Valley fill include~-aged alluv~
proximately 300 feet thickness. The valley is drained by both-and South-creeks that are actively cutting into the alluvial surface soils.
The-valley is surrounded by the East Bay Hills. The hills were fo1med from younger rocks, uplifted between the Hayward and Calaveras fault zones. The-area is underlain by Te1tia1y (about 2 to 62 million years ago) marine and non-marine sedimentaiy rocks. Sandstone bedrock crops out locally on ridge crests and underlies upper hill slopes at shallow depths.
Soils within the general area consist of clays and loams. Diablo Clay, Clear Lake Clay, Botella Clay Loam, Alo Clay, Cropley Clay, Los Osos Clay Loain, Conejo Clay Loain, and Pescadero Clay Loam are among the most common soils found in the general area. Properties of the soils vaiy, with well-drained clay soils and the clay loains being moderate or poorly drained. In addition, clay soils often exhibit substantial shrink-swell potential, endemic of expansive soils.
The site is on the bOlmdaiy of two soil types based on soil smvey data provided by in the U.S.
Depai1ment of Agriculture. The two types of soil indicated are DdE (Diablo Clay, 15 to 30 percent slopes) and Cc (Clear Lake Clay) (Ref. 5-8).
Figure 3-5 displays soil smvey data for the ai*ea ai*olmd-Page 23 of 54
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor 3.2.1.4 Seismology CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 The ARRR is located in the -
Valley which is smTounded by the East Bay Hills. The hills were fo1med from younger rocks, uplifted between the Hayward and Calaveras fault zones.
The-area is underlain by Te1iia1y (approximately 2 million to 62 million years ago) marine and non-marine sedimentaiy rocks. Sandstone bedrock crops out locally on ridge crests and underlies upper hill slopes at shallow depths.
There are several active faults in the immediate and smTounding areas that could affect the ai*ea. The neai*est major active fault is the Calaveras Fault, which lies pai*allel to and just
~- Valley Boulevai*d. The California Legislatme has established an Alquist-Priolo Eatihquake Fault Zone along the Calaveras Fault, requiring detailed studies of rnptme hazai*ds prior to constrnction. The seismic activity, along with the approximate distance and direction of all known mapped active faults with the potential to affect_
, is summarized in Table 3-3 (Ref. 5-7).
Table 3-3: Fault Summaiy for-California Distance from Riiiito Slip Rate Maximum Movement Fault/Fault Zone -
(miles)
(inches/year)
Magnitude Calaveras I
Southwest 0.24 6.8 Concord-Green Valley I
North 0.24 6.9 Hayward I
Southwest 0.35 7.1 Greenville I
Northeast 0.08 6.9 Great Valley I
No1theast 0.06 6.7 San Andreas I
Southwest 0.94 7.9 Monte Vista-Shannon I
Southwest 0.02 6.5 Rodgers Creek I
Northwest 0.35 7.0 San Gregorio I
Southwest 0.2 7.3 West Napa I
Northwest 0.04 6.5 Sargent I
South 0.12 6.8 O1tigalita I
Southeast 0.04 6.9 Point Rayes I
Northwest 0.01 6.8 The San Francisco Bay ai*ea experiences relatively frequent ea1i hquakes as illustrated in the ea1ihquake hazard map shown in Figme 3-6 (Ref. 5-8). The region in which the ARRR is located has experienced relatively frequent eatihquakes. The neai*est known fault, the Calaveras Page 24 of 54
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Fault, is about!
miles from the site as can be estimated from the -
Geoteclmical Hazards Map s own in Figure 3-7 (Ref. 5-7).
There is a high level of ea1thquake activity and intensity in this area, but considering the below grade reinforced constmction of the reactor tank, that the fuel will be removed from the core and stored in racks or diy, ea1thquake activity is not considered to present a danger to the facility.
3.2.2 Climate and Air Quality 3.2.2.1 Meteorology is characterized by a Meditenanean climate, with mild winters and wann summers.
Temperatures range from an average low of 36.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) in Januaiy to an average high of 89. 0°F in July. Average rainfall is approximately 14 inches.
Table 3-4 sl1Illll1ai*izes local meteorology, as measured at Livermore Municipal Aiipo1t, which is aboutl air miles southwest of the ARRR site (Ref. 5-7).
Table 3-4: Meteorological Summa1y for-California Temperature (0F)
Month Precipitation (inches)
Average Minimum Average Maximum Janua1y 36.6 56.7 3.00 Febma1y 39.4 61.2 2.48 March 41.2 65.3 2.14 April 43.5 70.5 0.99 May 47.6 76.4 0.44 Jm1e 51.6 83.1 0.1 July 54.2 89.0 0.02 August 54.0 88.2 0.04 September 52.4 85.8 0.22 October 47.6 77.8 0.64 November 41.0 66.4 1.56 December 37.0 57.5 2.57 Annual Average 45.5 73.2 14.21 Notes:
Measurements taken at Livem1ore Municipal Airport, the nearest weather station to the ARRR (10.1 miles).
Period of Record: January 1, 1903 through August 31, 2009 Source: Western Regional Climate Center, 2010.
Page 25 of 54
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 The Contra Costa County data indicates an estimated annual rainfall of 20.5 inches as indicated in Figure 3-8 relative to approximately 14 inches at the Live1more Municipal Aiip o1i (Ref. 5-10).
3.2.2.2 Local Winds and Dispersion Data The wind speeds in the and valleys rank as some of the lowest in the Bay Area. For example, in the middle of the
, the District station in repo1is annual average wind speeds of 4.7 mph, an in the middle of the Valley repo1is annual avera-wind s eeds of 5.0 mp. However, winds can pick U() m t e afternoon near the town of because it is located at the eastern end ofthe-oap. Through this gap, po uted air from cities near the bay is able to travel across to the valley during the summer months (Ref. 5-7).
Pollution potential is relatively high in these valleys. On winter evenings, light winds combined with surface-based inversions and te1rnin that restricts air flow can cause pollutant levels to build up. -
valley can experience high pollution concentrations due to motor vehicle emi~missions from fireplaces and wood stoves. In the summer months, ozone and ozone precursors are often transpo1ied into the valleys from both the central basin and the Central Valley (Ref. 5-7).
3.2.2.3 Precipitation Table 3-5 presents a summa1y of monthly averages for temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. These a~mbined from 20 years of data from a nearby CIMIS station number 65 located in_
, CA.
Table 3-5: San Ramon Climate Data Monthly Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temperature (°F) 47 51 54 58 63 68 72 72 70 64 53 47 Precipitation (in) 4.4 4.2 3.3 1.8 0.6 0.1 0
0 0.2 1
2.3 3.1 Evapotranspiration 0.82 1.47 2.92 4.4 5.57 6.66 7.4 6.35 4.73 3.34 1.54 1.01 (in) 3.2.2.4 Air Quality In the Bay Area, as in the entire state of California, a ce1iain amount of air pollution comes from stationary industrial sources, such as refineries and power plants. But a greater percentage of hannful air emissions come from cars and tlucks, constrnction equipment, and other mobile sources. California has more cars per household (1.8) than any other state, along with a thriving business economy and a continually expanding population. All of these factors conti*ibute to the state and regional air quality challenges.
Airborne pollutant concentrations are measured throughout California at air quality monitoring sites. The California An* Resources Board (~rates a statewide network of monitors.
The air quality monitoring station closest to -
is located in-on La Mesa Page 26 of 54
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Drive, approximatelylmiles to the south-southwest. The only pollutant measured at this station is ozone. The nearest monitoring station measuring ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide is located in-on Rincon Avenue, approximately-miles east-southeast of the-
. Table 3-6 summarizes 2006 to 2008 published momtoring data.
The data shows that federal ozone standards were exceeded on multiple days at the Live1more air monitoring station and two days in 2006 and one day in 2008 at the Hayward station. The state I-hour standard for ozone was exceeded in year 2006 and 2008 at the Hayward station, and the state standard for PM10 (inhalable Pruticulate Matter) was exceeded during a 24-hour period and as an annual average in 2006 and 2007. PM2.s (fine Pruticulate Matter) standru*ds were exceeded on 9 days during 2006 and 2007 and on two days during 2008. The data shows that no exceedances of state or federal standru*ds for cru*bon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide were observed during this three-year period (Ref. 5-7).
Table 3-6: Ambient Air Monitoring Data (2006-2008)
Air Pollutant. Averae:in!! Time (Units) 2006 2007 2008 Ozone (Livermore)
Max 1 Hour (ppm) 0.127 0.120 0.141 Davs > State Standard (0.09 oom) 13 2
5 Max 8 Hour (ppm) 0.101 0.091 0.110 Days > State Standard (0.07 ppm) 15 3
8 Days > National Standard (0.08 ppm) 10 2
6 Ozone <Hayward)
Max 1 Hour (ppm) 0.101 0.075 0.114 Days > State Standard (0.09 ppm) 2 0
1 Max 8 Hour (ppm) 0.071 0.065 0.087 Days > State Standard (0.07 ppm) 1 0
3 Days > National Standard (0.08 oom) 0 0
1 Particulate Matter (PM10) (Livermore)
Mean ( 112:/mj) 21.8 19.8 18.9 24 Hour (µg/mj) 69.2 74.8 46.8 Days > State Standard (50 ~tg/m3) 3 2
0 Days > National Standard (150 ~tg/m3) 0 0
0 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) (Livermore)
Mean (µg/m3) 11.1 9.0 10.1 24 Hour (µ.g/m3) 50.8 54.9 52.7 Days > National Standard (35 ~tg/m3) 9 9
2 Carbon Monoxide (Livermore)
Max 8 Hour (ppm) 1.79 1.83 1.43 Days > State Standard (9.0 ppm) 0 0
0 Days > National Standard (9 ppm) 0 0
0 Nitro2en dioxide (Livermore)
Mean (ppm) 0.014 0.013 0.013 Max 1 Hour (ppm) 0.064 0.052 0.058 Days > State Standard (0.25 ppm) 0 0
0 Abbreviations:
> = exceed ppm = parts per million
~1g/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter max = maxmmm Mean = Annual Arithmetic Mean State Standard = Califomia Ambient Air Quality Standard National Standard = National Ambient Air Oualitv Standard Page 27 of 54
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor 3.2.3 Hydrology CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 The ARRR site is in the Upper South-Creek Watershed, which is part of the Upper Watershed, which is in tum part of the South County Watershed. The Upper Creek Watershed has a drainage area of 13.1 square miles. The valley floor
, the western-most area of the watershed, is highly urbanized and continues urbanization of the Interstate 680 coITidor from the to the n01th, to the to the south. Surface water of th Cree 1s channelized and often times mns underground to accommodate residential and commercial development areas (Ref. 5-7).
The following are general characteristics of the Upper (Ref. 5-7):
- Sub-Watershed Size - 8,357 acres
- Elevation of Headwaters - 1739 feet
- Total Length of Channels - 26.2 miles
- Longest Channel Reach-4.7 miles Creek Sub-Watershed
- Major Water Bodies: Watson Canyon Creek, Big Canyon Creek, Coyote Creek, Oak Creek, and NoITis Creek.
3.2.3.1 Groundwater Groundwater for the site is located in the-Valley Groundwater Basin as described by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Basin Plan Report. The Basin has limited existing municipal, domestic, and agricultural water supply use according to the RWQCB's Basin Plan Repo1t. Similar to the Basin Plan Report, the Depaitment of Water Resources published Bulletin 118 in 2003. Bulletin 118 details the groundwater basins throughout California. According to Bulletin 118, there are no historical records of groundwater elevations in the San Ramon Valley Groundwater Basin (Ref. 5-11).
The study for the-City Center Project (Ref. 5-11) for a site aboutl mile south of the ARRR indicated that groundwater was approximately 11 feet below the surface.
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is the local water pmveyor providing potable water to the residents and businesses in this region, including the developed p01tions of the subject prope1ty.
3.2.3.2 Surface Water Page 28 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 29 of 54 joins
, which discharges into near (Ref. 5-7). There is a drainage ditch located just past the site boundary to the north of the facility.
Figure 3-9 shows surface water near the ARRR site (Ref. 5-8).
3.2.4 Biology 3.2.4.1 Vegetation Vegetation on the ARRR site includes a very limited amount of turf grass with ornamental trees and shrubs. No rare or endangered species are present. Low growing shrubs are the predominant landscape type. The existing landscape design can generally be characterized as formal rows of shrubs paralleling walkways.
3.2.4.2 Regional Wetlands Storm water run-off from the ARRR site flows into the ditch at the north side of the site that eventually flows into Creek. There are no wetlands located on or within the vicinity of the site based on a review of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Wetlands Inventory.
3.2.4.3 Wildlife The site does not support a wildlife population because of its small size, the highly developed nature of this site, and lack of cover. The area surrounding the site supports a small population of migratory songbirds, insects, and rodents. The ditch and Creek are expected to support aquatic organisms such as frogs, salamanders, newts, and insect larvae.
3.2.4.4 Endangered or Threatened Federal or State Species Four special-status plant species have been recorded as occurring within the Planning Area boundaries. These species include Congdons tar plant, Diablo helianthella, Mt.
Diablo buckwheat, and San Joaquin spearscale. None of these species has been noted to occur at the ARRR site as indicated in Figure 3-10 (Ref. 5-11).
Fifteen special-status wildlife species have been recorded as occurring within the Planning Area boundaries. These species include:
Alameda Whip Snake Ferruginous Hawk American Badger Golden Eagle California Horned Lark Northern Harrier California Linderiella Prairie Falcon California Red-Legged Frog Tricolored Blackbird California Tiger Salamander Western Pond Turtle San Joaquin Kit Fox White-Tailed Kite Burrowing Owl None of these species has been noted to occur at the ARRR site as indicated in Figure 3-11 (Ref.
5-11).
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 30 of 54 3.2.5 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice The socioeconomic environment of the ARRR consists of a well-established, diverse, middle-income community. Several corporate parks operating under the name '
provide a healthy tax base for the city and tenants include Chevron Corporation (formerly ChevronTexaco) which is headquartered in
, as well as AT&T, whose West Coast operation is headquartered in
. United Parcel Service has a regional distribution center in The setting is attractive, with the hills alongside a lengthy valley. The road system is adequate with both interstate highways and secondary roads. ARRR operations constitute a very small percentage of the areas economy.
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Page 31 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 32 of 54 Figure 3-2: ARRR Local Area View
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 33 of 54 Figure 3-3: ARRR Site and Surrounding Area Topography
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 34 of 54 Figure 3-4: Stratigraphy of ARRR Site Region
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 35 of 54 Figure 3-5: Regional Soil Survey Data
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Figure 3-6: San Francisco Regional Earthquake Hazard Map CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Page 36 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 37 of 54 Figure 3-7:
Geotechnical Hazards Map
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 38 of 54 Figure 3-8: Contra Costa County Mean Seasonal Isohyets
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 39 of 54 Figure 3-9: Surface Water
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Figure 3-10: Special Status Plant Species CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Page 40 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 41 of 54 Figure 3-11: Special Status Wildlife Species
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 42 of 54 4.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES This section discusses the potential direct and cumulative effects of the proposed action on human health and the environment.
4.1 Human Health Effects Types of exposures that could lead to human health effects considered in this report are worker and off-site exposures to hazardous or radioactive materials during decommissioning activities or potential accidents on site, or during a transportation accident off site (involving hazardous or radioactive waste removal). This section identifies and discusses potential hazards that may affect workers on site or members of the public off site during normal or routine ARRR Decommissioning activities. Impacts of the hazards relative to human health and safety are summarized in Section 4.1.2.
4.1.1 Hazard Identification During the site characterization and ongoing during the decommissioning, site workers will be taking readings and measurements of any contamination using direct reading instruments and sampling techniques. The key hazards during this work include external radiation, inhalation of hazardous or radioactive materials, or dermal contact with those materials during decontamination, dismantling, packaging and disposal of reactor and ancillary equipment, the ARRR structures, and contaminated soil.
Generally, the Decommissioning steps described in the Decommissioning Plan could involve the hazards as itemized below:
4.1.1.1 Hazards Hazards include:
External radiation for workers working around radioactively-contaminated equipment and materials.
Dermal contact with both radioactive and hazardous materials.
Inhalation of hazardous or radioactive materials.
Possible confined spaces in tents, bags, small rooms or other enclosures with associated oxygen content and asphyxiant concerns.
Heavy equipment movement dangers.
Note: No flammables or explosive materials are expected to be present.
4.1.1.2 Controls For workers, project procedures and conformance with ARRR licenses and regulatory requirements include but are not limited to:
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 43 of 54 Radiological Work Permits and Hazardous Work Authorization procedures, as required; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120 requirements for PPE, air monitoring, work zone controls, medical surveillance and bioassay program, personnel training, emergency response, and health and safety plan; personal dosimetry per 10 CFR 20; confined space entry procedures per 29 CFR 1910.146; removal of contaminants in air by HEPA filter; removal of contaminants in air by dust filter.
4.1.2 Potential Exposures The collective dose equivalent estimate to workers for the entire Decommissioning project is about 3.8 person-rem. The decommissioning tasks will take approximately 6 months. Total person hours involving radiological exposure is estimated to be 12,000 hours0 days <br />0 hours <br />0 weeks <br />0 months <br />.
The potential exposures to the public as a result of decommissioning activities and radioactive waste shipments are estimated to be negligible. This is consistent with the estimate given for the "reference research reactor" in the "Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities" (NUREG-0586) (Ref. 5-5). The estimated dose to the public during decommissioning (DECON) and truck transport transportation of radioactive waste from the "reference research reactor" as given in the Final Generic Impact Statement is "negligible (less than 0.1 person-rem)."
The anticipated potential exposures to the public after license termination are also negligible.
The site will have been released to unrestricted use, with all areas having been remediated to levels not to exceed the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) provided screening values provided in NUREG-1727, NMSS Decommissioning Standard Review Plan (Ref. 5-13) or NUREG-1757 Vol. 1, Consolidated NMSS Decommissioning Guidance Decommissioning Process for Materials Licenses (Ref. 5-14).
4.1.3 Transportation The primary project impacts to the environment due to transportation could occur when shipments of waste travel from the site. Transportation would be conducted in accordance with applicable US Department of Transportation (DOT), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and USNRC regulations. During such transport, hazardous and radioactive materials would be effectively packaged to prevent significant radiation external to the truck. Thus, the primary impacts are accident risk and emissions/noise from the trucks themselves.
The city of has a Residential Traffic Calming (RTC) program that outlines a variety of traffic calming measures to improve the quality of life in local residential neighborhoods.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 44 of 54 The decommissioning of the ARR will have little impact on the area and little change in truck traffic. Truck shipments of concern consist of hazardous waste and radioactive waste leaving the site. During ARRR Decommissioning activities, short-term transportation effects would include employee and contractor trips, which occur under existing conditions, and fewer than 16 truck trips for hazardous and radiological waste transfer. Traffic, circulation and parking effects are expected to be minor due to the small increase in on-site personnel and trips and the short duration of this action, and would not significantly impact the surrounding roadways.
Large trucks routinely deliver to adjacent businesses and the slight increase in traffic volume will not be noticeable and there will be no increase in noise levels. The site is located on main traffic routes as indicated on the planning map shown in Figure 4-1.
4.2 Waste Disposal 4.2.1 Hazardous Waste Small amounts of solid and liquid hazardous waste from ARRR decommissioning activities would be accumulated and after accumulation for up to 90 days, a licensed contractor would transfer the waste to authorized off-site commercial treatment and disposal facilities or recyclers.
The Hazardous waste will be included as part of the regular shipments made by the Aerotest Operations contractor.
4.2.2 Low-Level Radioactive and Mixed Waste Low-level radioactive waste, including any contaminated soil, would be packaged in accordance with waste processor or disposal site Waste Acceptance Criteria. Liquid waste is filtered or solidified and solid waste is compacted, whenever possible, in accordance with the appropriate regulations prior to disposal. The waste for disposal would be shipped to the Clive Utah disposal site or other licensed disposal facility. Any waste to be processed prior to disposal would be shipped to a licensed waste processor.
Low-level radioactive waste generated during the ARRR Decommissioning is expected to consist of one (1) shipment (approximately 120 ft3) of irradiated hardware requiring a Type B shipping cask and three (3) truck shipments (approximately 3,000 ft3) of "strong tight" containers to the Clive Utah disposal facility.
Mixed waste on site or generated during the ARRR Decommissioning is expected to consist of activated/contaminated lead from the Beam Tube and other shielding in the beam area and other miscellaneous activated materials. Disposal of these wastes is included in the waste shipments above.
4.2.3 Non-Hazardous Solid Waste Bulk waste that is not hazardous and not expected to be radioactive may be shipped to an off-site licensed processing facility for surveying and disposal. Some of this waste may also be surveyed and released at ARRR for disposal at a local licensed disposal facility (landfill).
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 45 of 54 4.3 Noise During Aerotest TRIGA Reactor Decommissioning activities, noise will be generated indoors by equipment, such as jackhammers, scabblers and concrete saws. Backhoes and other heavy equipment could also be used for short time periods for outdoor remediation activities.
On-site workers will be outfitted with ear protection devices as required by the project health and safety plan. The closest residential area is behind a berm approximately 250 feet east of the site.
Noise from ARRR Decommissioning activities would be limited to normal work hours and would not impact off-site residences.
4.4 Seismicity ARRR Decommissioning activities would involve the removal of surface contamination, minor concrete surface removal in some areas, demolition of the demineralizer shed and the heat exchanger shed, but no structural dismantlement activities for major structures.
Decommissioning activities would not increase the risk to ARRR workers during a seismic event.
4.5 Air Quality Several Decommissioning related activities could minimally impact air quality due to both mobile and stationary source emissions. A small increase in the amount of mobile source emissions, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, could be released from contractors trucks and cars. Due to the temporary nature and small number of truck trips, mobile source emissions would be low.
Stationary source emissions that could occur during decontamination and solid remediation are expected to be negligible. Any releases from decontamination would occur within ARRR.
Hazardous materials would be located inside the building. Standard asbestos abatement procedures implemented by a contractor licensed by the state of California will be used to remove any asbestos.
Site workers would be protected during decontamination activities through air monitoring and the use of PPE and respirators when required.
The proposed action would only be a temporary potential source of air emissions. Negligible amounts of mobile sources, stationary sources, and soil remediation emissions would be produced and would not affect regional attainment standards.
4.6 Regulatory Issues Table 4-1 discusses the applicability of various state and federal regulations for the proposed action.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 46 of 54 Table 4-1: Applicability of Environmental Statutes and Regulations Statute/Regulation Evaluation Applicability National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The evaluation for potential environmental impacts are contained in the document Yes Endangered Species Act No critical habitats exist in the affected area, and no adverse impacts to threatened or endangered species are expected to result from the proposed action No Floodplain/Wetlands Regulations The proposed action is not located within a wetland or in a floodplain.
No Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act The proposed action does not modify or impact fish and wildlife in any way or modify any bodies of water more than 10 acres in surface area.
No Farmland Protection Policy Act The proposed action does not affect prime or unique farmlands.
No National Historic Preservation Act There are no historical sites or areas in the location of the proposed action.
No American Indian Religious Freedom Act The proposed action does not interfere with the right of Native Americans to exercise their traditional freedom.
No Wild and Scenic Rivers Act The proposed action does not involve waterways designated as wild and scenic rivers.
No Resource and Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA)
The proposed action may include the generation, packaging and transportation of mixed and hazardous waste.
Yes Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Any required release reporting would be performed in compliance with CERCLA requirements.
Yes Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
The proposed action is not involved in the distribution, use or disposal of any insecticides, fungicides or rodenticides.
No Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA)
Asbestos may be encountered during D&D operations that would be properly packaged and disposed of in accordance with TSCA.
Yes Clean Air Act (CAA)
Asbestos may be encountered during the project that will be contained in enclosed spaces, properly packaged and disposed of. Other air emissions would be below warning levels.
Yes Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act The proposed action is not expected to affect surface water bodies or water supplies.
No Noise Control Act Noise levels that could adversely affect workers and staff will be mitigated by providing ear protection for workers and relocation of staff to areas away from the activities. No impact to the public is expected from the noise.
No Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA)
The proposed action will require shipment of radioactive materials, hazardous materials and mixed wastes. All waste will be packaged and shipped in appropriate containers and disposed of at licensed facilities.
Yes
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 47 of 54 Statute/Regulation Evaluation Applicability National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS)
The EPA has stated that NESHAPS are applicable to NRC licensed facilities. Compliance with emission standard would be demonstrated.
Yes Atomic Energy Act License required. Compliance with environmental and worker protection standard.
Yes California Department of Health, Radiologic Health Branch License required by the State of California for several radioactive materials independent of the reactor. License 2010-07 issued.
Yes California Department of Health, Radiologic Health Branch Proposed decommissioning of State of California License 2010-07 must comply with Title 17 California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 5, Sub Chapter 4, Section 30256, Vacating Installations: Records and Notice. The time needed for the Department to complete the review of a specific license for decommissioning and termination now takes from six to twelve months.
Yes California Department of Health, Radiologic Health Branch Transportation of radioactive material would require compliance Title 17 California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 5, Sub Chapter 4, Section 30373 Transportation Regulations.
Yes California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)
Proposed action must comply with worker safety regulations.
Yes 4.7 Areas Not Affected The proposed action would not affect the following areas:
Population and Land Use - The proposed action would not result in a change to business activities going on in the area. Future use of the ARRR site is expected to result in the addition of a new or expanded business in this area of Cultural Resources - There are no cultural resources on the ARRR site.
Aesthetics - The proposed action would only be visible in the immediate vicinity of ARRR.
Aerotest is visible from adjacent buildings to the south, west and north. However the externally visible activities will occur at the traffic circle at the end of This is not a through street and has limited non-commercial traffic. Temporary Decommissioning activities will be compatible with continuing development of the surrounding areas.
Biology - There are no known sensitive or endangered species on the ARRR site as discussed previously in section 3.2.4.4.
Hydrology - The site elevation is not in a wetland, nor is it in a 100-year flood plain as shown in Figure 4-2.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 48 of 54 4.8 Cumulative Effects No significant cumulative effects are expected from the proposed action, as discussed below:
Human Health - The total radiation dose estimated for decommissioning workers is 3.8 person-rem for the entire project evolution. This estimate will be achieved by utilizing ALARA practices including planning of work activities, utilization of engineered safeguards, and minimization of exposure times. The decommissioning will be conducted under a Radiation Work Permit system using written procedures to ensure proper planning, training, and evaluation of potential risks. It should be noted that a total dose of 3.8 person-rem is consistent with collective exposures reported in Figure 17 of Decommissioning Techniques for Research Reactors (Ref 5-15). This figure reported collective exposures during research reactor decommissioning relative to reactor power. These collective exposures ranged from 3 person-rem to 15 person-rem for reactor power ranging from 1 to 3 MW. The average was near 3 person-rem and is less than the 3.8 person-rem anticipated for the ARRR decommissioning.
The radiation doses to members of the general public, as a result of decommissioning activities described in the ARRR Decommissioning Plan, are expected to be negligible. The dominant internal exposure pathway for members of the public is inhalation. The potential for dose to the public is estimated to be negligible as access to the area surrounding the facility is restricted and decontamination activities with potential for airborne activity will be conducted utilizing engineered safeguards such as HEPA-equipped enclosures. In addition, temporary barriers with a HEPA filter system will be utilized during activities that have the potential to generate airborne radioactivity. Potential airborne radioactivity should be negligible resulting in a negligible potential internal dose to the general public.
The estimate of negligible dose to members of the public can also be obtained from the estimate given for the reference research reactor in the Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities (NUREG-0586) (Ref. 5-5). In Section 7.3.1 of NUREG-0586, the dose to the public as a result of decommissioning operations at the reference research reactor - including truck transportation of radioactive waste - is estimated to be negligible (less than 0.1 person-rem). This estimate of less than 0.1 person-rem includes both internal (from inhalation and ingestion) and external exposure doses.
Waste Generation - The proposed action could generate approximately 3,000 cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste. The waste requiring disposal would be shipped to the Clive Utah disposal site or other licensed disposal facility. The Clive Utah site has sufficient capacity to receive the waste. The waste to be processed prior to disposal would be shipped to a licensed waste processor.
Cultural Resources - No cultural resources would be impacted by the proposed action.
Population and Land Use - Only temporary employment for a few contractors would be provided by the proposed action. No increase in population would occur. Land use would not change.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 49 of 54 Noise - ARRR decommissioning activities would occur in a non-residential area and would largely occur within the ARRR Buildings. The proposed action would not contribute significantly to off-site background noise levels due to the relative isolation of the work site.
Aesthetics - ARRR Decommissioning activities would not be visible to adjacent residential neighbors and to adjacent industrial neighbors only when outside equipment removal activities take place. Following release to unrestricted use, the ARRR site would be used in a manner consistent with the existing land use practices or more likely sold to PG&E (which surrounds the site on three sides) or other light industrial user.
Traffic - The temporary contractor and waste transport trips would result in an insignificant increase in the average number of daily trips designed for the local roads.
Geology, Soils, Seismicity and Hydrology - All ARRR decommissioning activities would be localized; no changes to any landforms would occur; there are no exposed areas that are radiologically contaminated and no radioactive or hazardous materials would be released to storm water runoff as a result of the proposed action.
Regional Air Quality - Data from nearby monitoring stations, as noted in section 3.2.2.4, indicates that federal and state standards for some pollutants were exceeded during several days, during monitoring years from 2006 through 2008. The proposed decommissioning action is temporary in nature. A small number of vehicle trips would be generated during off-site shipment of waste materials and would contribute only negligible amounts of these pollutants to the region.
Biological Resources - No biological resources have been identified on the ARRR site; moreover, ARRR decommissioning activities are not expected to affect off-site biological resources.
4.9 Alternatives to Proposed Action Alternative 1 to Proposed Action - Safe Storage (SAFSTOR)
This alternative poses essentially the same potential risks and environmental impacts as the proposed action but for a potentially much greater time period. This would involve retention of the fuel on site until the DOE is able to take the spent fuel. This alternative would necessitate continued surveillance and maintenance of ARRR over a substantial time period. During this period, the risk of environmental contamination would continue to exist. This alternative is not environmentally preferable.
Alternative 2 to Proposed Action - Entombment (ENTOMB)
This alternative would necessitate continued surveillance and maintenance of the ARRR Reactor over a substantial time period. During this period, the risk of environmental contamination would continue to exist. This is not currently a viable option as the fuel must first be removed from the site and there is not a possibility for fuel removal in the near future. This alternative is not environmentally preferable.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 50 of 54 No Action Alternative - A no-action alternative would leave the facility in its current status with the current support staff having to maintain the facility under the existing license conditions.
This action is specifically prohibited by the NRC for this facility without a license transfer to a new facility owner.
Environmental Report Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Figme 4-1 : City of-Traffic Plans CS-HP-PR-005 Revision 0 Page 51 of 54
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 52 of 54 Figure 4-2: City of Flood Zone Map
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 53 of 54
5.0 REFERENCES
5-1 National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of the United States. Report No. 160. 2008.
5-2 U.S. EPA. Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume 1 Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part A). Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, U.S. EPA, Washington D.C. 1989.
5-3 U.S. EPA. Risk Assessment Methodology Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed NESHAPS for Radionuclides. Vol. 1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Radiation Programs. Washington D.C.
5-4 Nuclides and Isotopes, Chart of Nuclides; 14th Edition, Nuclear Energy Operations, General Electric Company, San Jose, CA; 1989.
5-5 US NRC, NUREG-0586, Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities, August 1988.
5-6 USGS Information Services, Box 25286, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80255-0046, Preliminary Geologic Map Emphasizing Bedrock Formations in Contra Costa County, California: A Digital Database, 1994.
5-7 City of
, City of General Plan 2030, Draft EIR, April 5, 2010.
5-8 United States Department of Agriculture, National Cooperative Soil Survey, Web Soil Survey Data for the State of California, Contra Costa County, with Area of Interest around California.
5-9 Aerojet-General Nucleonics, AN-1405, Aerojet-General Nucleonics Industrial Reactor (AGNIR) Technical Specifications, April 1965.
5-10 Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, Mean Seasonal Precipitation Raster from Drawing B-166, December 1, 2009.
5-11 City of
, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment City Center Project, Appendix F: Preliminary Hydrology Report, April 2, 2007.
5-12 NUREG-1507, Minimum Detectable Concentrations with Typical Radiation Survey Instruments for Various Contaminants and Field Conditions 5-13 US NRC, NUREG-1727, NMSS Decommissioning Standard Review Plan, September 2000 5-14 US NRC, NUREG-1757 Vol. 1, Consolidated NMSS Decommissioning Guidance Decommissioning Process for Materials Licenses, September 2002.
Environmental Report CS-HP-PR-005 Aerotest Radiography and Research Reactor Revision 0 Page 54 of 54 5-15 Decommissioning Techniques for Research Reactors, Vienna, International Atomic Energy Agency, 1994, (Technical reports series ISSN 0074-1914; 373)