EA-547; (FONSI) and Environmental Assessment For Install Calibration Laboratory Building 12-52b Pantex Plant Amarillo, Tx
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MEMORANDUM DATE: DECEMBER 20, 1991
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR INSTALL CALIBRATION LABORATORY BUILDING 12-52B PANTEX PLANT
2.0 Description of Proposed Facility Action
4.0 Alternatives to Proposed Action
5.0 Environmental Impacts of Proposed Action
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3 CALIBRATION LAB BUILDING 12-53B
United States Government Department of Energy
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December 20, 1991
REPLY TO
ATTN 0F: EH-25
SUBJECT: Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) for Two Actions at Pantex Plant, Amarillo, Texas
TO: Richard A. Claytor
Assistant Secretary
for Defense Programs
This is in response to your request for approval to issue and
distribute the Environmental Assessments for Building 12-42F
Modification and Install Calibration Laboratory, Building 12-
52B (DOE/EA-O546 and DOE/EA-0547, respectively). I understand
that the State of Texas was provided an opportunity to comment
on the EAs during the pre-approval review period, and offered no
comments.
Based on the findings of the EAs and after consultation with the
Office of General Counsel, I have determined that the EAs are
adequate for publication and distribution, subject to
incorporation of the changes noted on the marked-up copies
attached. The proposed actions will not have a significant
effect on the human environment, within the meaning of the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Therefore, an
Environmental Impact Statement is not required for either
action. This determination is explained further in the attached
FONSI. It is not necessary to have the FONSI published in the
Federal Register, because the projects are not actions with
effects of national concern. However, the local public should
be notified of the availability of the EAs and FONSI in
accordance with paragraph 1506.6 of the Council on Environmental
Quality NEPA regulations. Please send five copies of the EAs to
the Office of NEPA Oversight, along with a record of
distribution of the EAs and FONSI.
Paul L. Ziemer, Ph.D.
Assistant Secretary
Environment, Safety and Health
Attachment
cc: Timothy D. Pflaum, DP-9
NEPA Compliance Officer
Bruce G. Twining, Manager
Albuquerque Field Office
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
BUILDING 12-42F MODIFICATION AND
INSTALL CALIBRATION LABORATORY, BUILDING 12-52B
Pantex Plant
AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy
ACTION: Finding of No Significant Impact
SUMMARY: The Department of Energy has prepared two Environmental
Assessments (EAs) for two proposed actions at the Pantex Plant:
(1) design and construct a 4500 square foot addition to an
existing building (12-42F) to house office space, conference
rooms, and monitoring and testing equipment to support ongoing
activities with the centrifuge and associated equipment in the
adjacent Building 12-42A; and (2) install a self-contained
calibration laboratory in an existing building (12-52a). In both
cases, only small amounts of construction disturbance would
occur, and the operation of both facilities would yield no
increase in emissions or other environmental impacts above that
currently existing.
Based on the EAs, DOE has determined that the proposed actions do
not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment, within the meaning of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for
either action.
PUBLIC AVAILABILITY Copies of the EAs (DOE/EA-0546 for
Building 12-42F, and DOE/EA-0547 for Building 12-52B) are
available from:
Kari Schneider-Hamrick
Environmental, Safety and Health Management Branch
Amarillo Area Office
Albuquerque Field Office
U.S. Department of Energy
Amarillo, Texas 79120
(806) 477-30578
For further information about the NEPA process, contact:
Carol M. Borgstrom
Director, Office of NEPA Oversight
Office of Environment, Safety and Health
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585
(202) 586-4600 or (800) 472-2756
PROPOSED ACTION: The proposed action for Building 12-42F is to
construct a 4500 square foot pre-engineered metal building on a
concrete slab to match the adjoining Building 12-42A. Entry to
the centrifuge and related equipment in 12-42A would be through
the new addition. The addition would house office space, break
room and conference room space, and test and monitoring equipment
to support the operation of the 12-42A equipment.
For Building 12-52B, the proposed action is to construct a self-
contained laboratory, 12 x 16 x 10 feet high, completely inside
Building 12-52B. The calibration laboratory will house sensitive
gages for calibration of tools used in support of weapons
production operations; these calibration gages require close
control of both temperature and humidity, hence the completely
enclosed laboratory space within an existing building.
In neither case would impacts from construction or operation
impact cultural resources, critical habitats, wetlands,
floodplains, or other sensitive biological resources, including
threatened or endangered species. No additional air or water
emissions would occur.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED: The no-action alternative in both cases
would be not to construct the proposed facility. No
environmental consequences would be associated with the no-action
alternatives. Construction of the facilities at other sites
would entail either equivalent or greater environmental impacts,
without meeting mission requirements.
DETERMINATION: Based on the analyses in the EAs, the proposed
modification of Building 12-42F and the installation of a
calibration laboratory in Building 12-52B, both at the Pantex
Plant, Amarillo, Texas, do not constitute a major federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment
within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. Therefore an Environmental Impact
Statement is not required for either action.
Issued this 20th day of December, 1991.
Paul L. Ziemer, Ph.D.
Assistant Secretary
Environment, Safety and Health
DOE/EA-0547
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR INSTALL CALIBRATION LABORATORY BUILDING 12-52B
PANTEX PLANT
AMARILLO, TX
OCTOBER, 1991
Prepared For:
Department of Energy
Albuquerque Operations
Amarillo Area Office
P.O. Box 30030
Amarillo, Texas 79120
INSTALL CALIBRATION LABORATORY
BUILDING 12-52B
1.0 NEED FOR ACTION
This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared pursuant to implementing regulations to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of a proposed action to determine whether that action requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or if a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) can be issued. NEPA requires that an EA provide an interdisciplinary review of the proposed action in order to identify possible preferable alternatives and to identify mitigative measures that will prevent environmental impacts. If it is determined that the proposed action will have unavoidable significant environmental impact, then an EIS shall be prepared. The proposed project is for design and installation of a self-contained Modular Gage Calibration Laboratory in Building 12-52B at Pantex Plant, Amarillo, Texas. The operating contractor of Pantex Plant has been directed by the Sandia Laboratory at Albuquerque to acquire facilities capable of close temperature and humidity control for calibration of gages and tooling in support of production operations for weapons programs.
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed new Calibration Laboratory is to be fabricated and
installed by the manufacturer. Design and construction modifications
to Building 12-52B and utility services support will be provided by
task order contractors.
The Laboratory will be used for mass calibration of tooling and
instruments by means of various types of weights and balances. The
size of the Laboratory will be 12' x 16' x 1O' high. Up to six
personnel will conduct operations within the Laboratory. No
hazardous materials will be used in the operation of the Laboratory.
The building modification design for installation of the Laboratory
and supporting utility services will be accomplished by a task order
A-E firm. Design and installation of a wet pipe fire protection
sprinkler system will be accomplished by a local licensed fire
protection designer/installer in accordance with applicable codes and
requirements. All other construction will be performed by a task
order construction contractor in accordance with approved
construction documents.
The supporting utility services will be extended from the existing
building utilities and shall include potable water, fire protection
wet pipe sprinkler system, air, condensate drain, automated energy
management system (AEMS) and 480 Volt 3-phase 100 amp power.
Page 1 of 8
The Calibration Laboratory will be shipped in components and
assembled in the building. The Laboratory comes complete with walls,
ceiling, floor, self-contained HVAC system for heating and cooling,
lighting and power receptacles, wired and plumbed by the manufacturer
on site. The Laboratory will have a local control panel with high
and low temperature and humidity alarms. A fire extinguisher
appropriate for the Laboratory will be installed inside the entrance.
3.0 LOCATION OF PROPOSED ACTION
The Pantex Plant consists of approximately 16,000 acres, located in
Carson County, Texas, the northern part of the Texas Panhandle. The
adjacent area is entirely agricultural, with extremely low population
density (3 persons per square mile) and limited public visibility.
The Plant is approximately 17 miles northeast of the City of Amarillo
and 9 miles west of the City of Panhandle. (Figure 1)
The region is classified as "semi-arid", its continental climate
characterized by hot summers, relatively cold winters, with average
annual precipitation of 20 inches. The region is classified as
"windy" (wind speed of >7 mph more than 95 percent of the year). The
prevailing winds are from the south and southwest. The area is
subject to thunderstorms throughout the year, with associated hail
and the potential for tornados in the spring. There are occasional
snow storms in the winter.
The Pantex Plant site (Figure 2) is principally level, with few
elevation variations. The dominant soils are of the Pullman and
Randall series and are underlaid by sedimentary Permian, Triassic,
Tertiary and Quaternary formations. There are no natural rivers or
streams. Three natural "playa" lakes act as surface runoff
reservoirs. The shallowest significant water-bearing stratum
(Ogallala Formation of the Tertiary System) is approximately 400 feet
below grade. The area is Uniform Building Code Seismic Risk Zone I,
where some damage may occur as a result of distant earthquakes.
This portion of the High Plains plateau, in the transition zone
between the North Central Plains and the Llano Estacado (staked
plains), is essentially treeless. The Pantex Plant site is
characterized as "mixed prairie", on which indigenous native
vegetation consists of climax stands of bluestem, wildrye, and
bunchgrasses, primarily buffalo and blue grama.
The installation of the Calibration Laboratory will be inside
Building 12-52B (Figure 3), in the northern end of Zone 12, Pantex
Plant, Amarillo, Texas. The proposed construction site is located in
a developed area of the plant and will not involve the use of
undeveloped land. Service roads, utilities, and structures presently
exist in this area.
Page 2 of 8
Figure (Page 3 of 8 Figure 1 PANTEX VICINITY MAP)
Figure (Page 4 of 8 Figure 2 PANTEX PLANT MAP)
Figure (Page 5 of 8 Figure 3 CALIBRATION LAB BUILDING 12-53B)
4.0 ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION
1. No action: One alternative is not to install the Calibration
Laboratory. This is not acceptable because the Metrology
Department has been directed by the Sandia Laboratory at
Albuquerque to acquire facilities capable of close temperature
and humidity control for calibration of gages and tooling in
support of production operations for weapons programs.
2. Use Other Existing Space or Facility at Pantex Plant: Another
alternative is to install the Calibration Laboratory in another
location at the plant. This alternative is not acceptable due
to the intended use of the Laboratory and the personnel required
to man the Laboratory. No other facility exists that can
provide the equipment for temperature and humidity control.
Also production flow would be interrupted if another facility
was used. No other location has been found acceptable to
Metrology.
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED ACTION
1. Cultural Resources - There are no historical or cultural
resources listed on the National Register of Historical Places
for the locations involved in this project (DOE, 1983).
2. Floodplain/Wetlands - The project site is not located in either
a floodplain or wetland as described by federal Regulations (10
CFR 1022) and will in no way result in destruction, loss, or
degradation of plant wetlands.
3. Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitats - The
building site does not contain any unique, unusual or critical
habitats for known threatened or endangered species, nor does it
adversely restrict known or established migratory corridors used
by wildlife.
4. Air Quality - There are no expected air emissions from this
facility. The proposed addition will comply with the Texas Air
Control Board requirements in regard to the Texas Clean Air Act.
5. Water Resources - There are no hazardous materials or hazardous
wastes associated with this proposed modification. Therefore no
impacts to groundwater resources are expected from this proposed
addition.
6. Surrounding Land Use - Land use surrounding the Pantex Plant is
dominated by agricultural uses (livestock grazing, dry and
irrigated cultivation). The population density of the area
adjacent to and surrounding the Pantex Plant is approximately 3
persons per square mile. Farms/ranches average 1280 acres in
size. The nearest development is the Texas Tech University
Agriculture Research Station, one mile south. The nearest
sensitive activity is the Highland Park School, approximately
4.5 miles to the southwest. No change in offsite land use is
expected.
Page 6 of 8
7. Construction - Construction and installation of the Calibration
Laboratory will generate airborne dirt typical of any
construction project, but no worse than that experienced from
the adjacent cultivated fields during wind/dust storms that
frequent this region. Solid wastes typical of construction
projects will be generated, which will be inspected by the
environmental protection personnel of M&H and, if acceptable,
will be placed in the construction landfill. No other
environmental impacts of construction and installation are
anticipated.
The operation of the Calibration Laboratory will not involve
hazardous materials or wastes, so no environmental impact is
anticipated. No storage of flammable liquids is anticipated
within the Laboratory, but small amounts of alcohol may be used
for cleaning at times.
8. Facility Operations - Operations in this facility will require a
nominal supply of air, water, and electricity. These utilities
will be provided by existing service lines located at the site.
This usage will not overextend the existing distribution
systems.
To minimize risks and possible accidents, all construction work
will be strictly governed by applicable plant and OSHA
standards. As a consequence of adherence to these standards,
personnel safety and security will be held in strictest
compliance. Sanitary wastes will be handled through the Pantex
sanitary sewage system. Solid wastes will be transported and
disposed of at a state regulated facility.
6.0 SUMMARY
The preferred action will be to design and install a self-contained modular Gage Calibration Laboratory in the southeast corner of existing Building 12-52B. The Metrology Department of Pantex Plant has been directed by the Sandia Laboratory at Albuquerque to acquire facilities capable of close temperature and humidity control for calibration of gages and tooling in support of production operations for weapons programs. The installation of this Laboratory will cause minimal disruption to personnel in adjacent areas, and will have no adverse impacts on the public, or the flora and fauna of the area.
7.0 REFERENCES
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) 1983. Final Environmental
Impact Statement, Pantex Plant, DOE/EIS-0098, October 1983.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) 1989. DOE Order 6430.1A,
General Design Criteria for DOE Facilities, April 6, 1989.
DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) 1990. DOE Explosives Safety
Manual, DOE/EV/06294, Revision 5, May, 1990.
Page 7 of 8
M&H (Mason & Hanger-Silas Mason Co., Inc.) 1989. Pantex Plant
Site Environmental Report for Calendar Year 1988. Prepared
for the U.S. Department of Energy, May, 1989.
NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) 1969. 42 USC 4321 et
seq., as amended.
Title 10 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 1022.
Compliance with Floodplain/Wetlands Environmental Review
Requirements, March, 1979.
UBC (Uniform Building Code) 1988. Seismic Zone Map of the
United States, Section 23-1: International Conference of
Building Officials, Whittier, California.
UCRL (UCRL - 15910) 1989. Design and Evaluation Guidelines for
Department of Energy Facilities Subjected to Natural
Phenomena Hazards. Prepared for the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Environmental, Safety and Health, Office of
Safety Appraisals, U.S. Department of Energy.
Page 8 of 8
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