4.9 BIOTIC RESOURCES
4.9.1 Affected Environment
The biotic resources considered in this section consist of the following components: terrestrial resources, aquatic resourceaquatic resources, wetland resources, and protected and sensitive species. Scientific names of threatened and endangered species are presented in Table 4.9.11 while those for nonthreatened and nonendangered species are presented in Table 4.9.12.
4.9.1.1 Terrestrial Resources
VegetationPantex Plant Site is located within the Southern High Plains whose vegetation is characterized as shortgrass prairie (DOE 1993b). The shortgrass prairie is dominated by two grass species: blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides). Other typical, less abundant grass species include sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), vine mesquite (Panicum obtusum), and silver bluestem (Bothriochloa laguriodes) (Pantex 1996:7.1). Much of the native shortgrass prairie has been converted and used for agricultural purposes, primarily crop cultivation and cattle grazing (Haukos 1994:85). The current state of the altered shortgrass prairie at Pantex Plant ranges from unvegetated, in the south-central region, to a variety of species elsewhere on the site.
The dominant vegetation on the uplands surrounding Playas 3, 5, and Pantex Lake is buffalograss, while the uplands surrounding Playa 1 support buffalograss, blue grama, and prickly pear (Opuntia macrorhiza). The area south of Playa 1 contains a small grove of crabapple (Malus sylvestris), Asiatic honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Playa 2 uplands support buffalograss, blue grama, and silver bluestem; and Playa 4 uplands consist of buffalograss and blue grama. The Texas Tech University (TTU)Texas Tech University Farms headquarters area has grass lawns with planted mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumilia), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The previously cultivated southeastern portion of Pantex Plant is dominated primarily by silver bluestem and rare individuals of yankee weed (Eupatorium compositifolium). The west-central region of Pantex Plant has vegetative composition of predominantly kochia (Kochia scoparia) and pigweed (Amaranthus sp.), with lesser extents of buffalograss, planted Siberian elm, and cottonwood (Populus deltoides) (DOE 1993b:7-31, 7-44).
Pantex Plant has historically monitored radionuclide levels in both onsite and offsite vegetation. The 17 offsite and 5 onsite collecting locations are sampled for uranium and tritium isotope levels in primarily native and domestic grasses. The onsite stations and the offsite control station, at Bushland, Texas, are sampled monthly for comparison; the non-control offsite stations are sampled quarterly. No standards exist for uranium or tritium concentrations in vegetation; however, with few exceptions, concentrations at Pantex Plant in recent years have been comparable to the offsite vegetation monitored at Bushland (MH 1991:67, 75; Battelle 1992:4-38, 4-48; DOE 1994b:9-1, 9-2).
Radiological surveys of beef cattle raised on or near Pantex Plant Site have not been considered necessary based on the results of a study that showed routine operations do not pose a risk to the public from the consumption of these animals (LANL, 1982; 22-23; Pantex 1996:16.1). The study indicated that if beef consumption of 79 kg/yr is assumed, then the 50-yr dose commitment to an adult from ingestion of ground beef at 1.6 x 10-4 pCi/g weight would be 0.2 mrem to bone, 0.01 mrem to kidneys, and 0.01 mrem to liver. These values are 500 times below the radiation dose each year from natural background (LANL 1982:23). The largest source of uranium in the cattle feed was from commercial mineral supplements typically fed to cattle in the area (Pantex 1996:16.1). An ecological analysis of potential risks to various animals from either direct or indirect ingestion of radiological residues in vegetation in the immediate vicinity of Pantex Plant obtained similar conclusions (PC 1995s).
Agriculture within the Pantex Plant Region of Influence is considered an important asset. A detailed discussion of the ecological and land use resources of the regional agricultural industry is provided in the Pantex Plant Environmental Information Document (Pantex 1996).
Wildlife
The uplands of Pantex Plant support a variety of invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. With individuals of the following taxa recorded at Pantex Plant, the insect class is well-represented: grasshoppers, beetles, true bugs, flies, bees, wasps, ants, moths, butterflies, and dragonflies (DOE 1994k:6). The most frequently occurring species of reptiles and amphibians include the following: the Great Plains toad (Bufo cognatus), Woodhouses toad (Bufo woodhousei), Plains spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus bombifrons), Great Plains skink (Eumeces obsoletus), Western coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum testaceus), bullsnake (Pituophis melanoleucus sayi), checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus marcianus) and prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) (DOE 1994e:8; DOE 1994k).
Some of the more common species of birds that have been observed at Pantex Plant include the Western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Bewicks wren (Thryomanes bewickii), mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), Swainsons hawk (Buteo swainsoni), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) (DOE 1994g:2-6; DOE 1993c:A.1, A.2; DOE 1994k:7-10).
Representative mammals that occur at Pantex Plant are the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), plains harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys montanus), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), Southern Plains wood rat (Neotoma micropus), thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audoboni), black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and coyote (Canis latrans) (DOE 1993c:10, B-1; DOE 1994k:11).
4.9.1.2 Aquatic Resources
Aquatic resources at Pantex Plant are not extensive and are comprised of the perennial Playa 1 and several concrete ponds located in the northeast area of Pantex Plant. Since Playas 1 through 4 and Pantex Lake are considered wetlands, they are described in more detail in section 4.9.1.3. Playa 1 is permanently inundated with water, receiving discharge from the Pantex Plant wastewater treatment plant. The aquatic regions of Playa 1 support over six genera of plants. The dominant vegetation is cattail (Typha anqustifolia), great bulrush (Scirpus validus), and three species of smartweed (Polygonum sp.) (DOE 1993b:4, B-7). During surveys in 1992, 26 families of macroinvertebrates were collected from Pantex Plant playas. The notable orders of organisms found include the following: beetles, true bugs, flies, and crustaceans (DOE 1993c:12). Vertebrate species recorded at Playa 1 include the Plains leopard frog (Rana blairi), the Woodhouses toad, and the upland chorus frog (Pseudoacris triseriata feriarum) (DOE 1994e:7).
The concrete ponds, representing another aquatic habitat at Pantex Plant, are inhabited by six different species of amphibians, including: the barred tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum mavoritum), the upland chorus frog, and the Great Plains toad. In May 1996, Pantex Plant personnel resampled the earthen stock tank near Pantex Lake. No specimens of Notropis minnows were found, but a number of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelus) and one black bullhead (Ictalurus melas) were collected (PC 1996d).
4.9.1.3 Wetlands
This assessment fulfills the environmental review requirement of Compliance with Floodplain/Wetlands Environmental Review Requirements (10 CFR 1022). There are six playas on DOE-owned or leased land at the Pantex Plant Site: Playas 1, 2, and 3 are on the main Pantex Plant; Playas 4 and 5 are on land leased from Texas Tech University (TTU)Texas Tech University; and Pantex Lake is on a separate parcel of DOE-owned property (Pantex 1996:7.2). Playas 1 through 4 and Pantex Lake have been delineated as jurisdictional wetlands using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE)U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Pantex 1996:7.2; MH 1995). These delineations are being used for ecosystem management at the Pantex Plant Site wetlands noted above. Wetlands are very important to wildlife, especially in an area having little undisturbed native grassland. They provide stopovers for migrating waterfowl and habitat for countless other species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals (TTU 1988:5; Bolen 1979:24).
4.9.1.4 Playa Vegetation
Playa vegetation on the Southern High Plains varies from one playa to another and throughout the changing conditions of the seasons. When water is prevalent within the basins, playa vegetation is usually composed of emergent and submergent aquatic species; however, as available water subsides, the species shift to semiaquatic annuals. With little moisture present, playa vegetation is commonly made up of characteristic upland species (Haukos 1994:93). Because of the diversity among individual playas, a specific vegetative characterization is presented for each playa at Pantex Plant. Most botanical information about Pantex Plant playas was gathered during a comprehensive floristic survey conducted during May, July, and September of 1993 and updated in June, July, and September 1995.
Playa 1This playa is continuously inundated with water received from the Pantex Plant Wastewater Treatment Facility. As such, it supports 19 obligate aquatic plant species, the highest number of any playa at Pantex Plant (Pantex 1996:7.2). Like most wet playas, the dominant plants are emergent and submergent species. Cattail and bulrush are present at Playa 1 (DOE 1993b:4). Other notable obligate aquatic species present within the playa were pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus), arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis), spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya), and smartweed (Pantex 1996:7.2). The following facultative aquatic or semiaquatic species are found at Playa 1: several species of smartweed (Polygonum sp.), slim aster (Aster subulatus), and western black willow (Salix goodingii). The uplands surrounding Playa 1 are typical overgrazed High Plains grassland composed of buffalograss, blue grama, and prickly pear (DOE 1993b:5; Haukos 1995:5).
Playa 1 has received some attention relative to the uptake of various chemicals. Pezzolesi, in his Masters Thesis, analyzed nutrient and heavy metal cycling in vegetation (i.e., cattail and smartweed), surface water, and soil of this playa (TTU 1994a:2630). However, a high degree of variability was noted in nutrient and heavy metal concentrations. Additional information on the Pantex Plant biomonitoring activities is provided in Chapter 16 (Radiation and Hazardous Chemical Environment) of the Environmental Information Document (Pantex 1996).
Playa 2The basin of this playa is dominated by several species of smartweed, primarily Polygonum pensylvanicum, P. amphibium, and P. coccineum. Other significant species within the basin included mallow (Malvella leprosa), ragweed (Ambrosia grayii), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). One small association of cattails was also noted within the playa. The edge of the playa basin contains tumbleweed and frog fruit, while, slightly above the basin, the major plant species are wheatgrass and snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata). The plant composition of the uplands surrounding Playa 2 is very similar to that of Playa 1 (DOE 1993b:5).
Playa 3This playa, adjacent to the Burning GroundBurning Ground, has a basin floral composition of primarily spikerush with little vervain (Verbena bracteata) and hairy water clover (Marsilea vestita). The edge of the basin is dominated by spikerush and cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), and the uplands surrounding Playa 3 have a species composition similar to Playas 1 and 2 (DOE 1993b:6).
Playa 4The low areas of this playa contain abundant spikerush and ragweed, with some hairy water clover and buffalograss. One of the lowest areas in the basin supports cattails and several species of smartweed. Extensive stands of wheatgrass are present on the slopes leading from the basin to the uplands. The shortgrass prairie immediately adjacent to Playa 4 has a composition similar to other areas at Pantex Plant, but with a greater coverage of buffalograss (DOE 1993b:7).
Playa 5When mostly dry, this playa exhibits large areas of bare clay. The plant species found within the playa include Suckleya suckleyana, goose foot (Chenopodium glaucum), and cocklebur. In a small, wet area of the playa, cattails and great bulrush were found to be locally prevalent, and their coverage expands when the playa contains more water from seasonal rains. The lower slopes, which transition into the surrounding grassland, contain buffalograss and wheatgrass. The High Plains grassland surrounding Playa 5 is similar in composition to the remainder of the site, except that three-awn has a more significant presence (DOE 1993b:8).
Pantex LakeMajor plants within the basin of Pantex Lake are spikerush, wheatgrass, and cocklebur. The area at the edge of the basin is dominated by wheatgrass, but there is a transition into High Plains grassland dominated by buffalograss and, to a lesser degree, three-awn and blue grama (DOE 1993b:11). In the past, Pantex Lake received discharge from site activities, but does not now.
4.9.1.5 Playa Wildlife
The Southern High Plains of Texas contain relatively little native undisturbed grassland. Land in the Texas Panhandle which is used for agricultural purposes does not support extensive wildlife populations. The remaining, undisturbed playas are "islands" of wildlife habitat, allowing the continued existence of many species (Smith 1994:119, 120; Dierauf 1994:246; Haukos 1994:85). Wildlife surveys conducted at Pantex Plant have characterized wildlife presence and use of the entire site, rather than focusing on each playa specifically. However, organisms and groups of organisms known to be specific to the playas are presented below.
Insects, Protistans, and Other InvertebratesInsects identified from Pantex Plant playas include the following: mayflies (one family), dragonflies and damselflies (three families), beetles (six families), true bugs (six families), and flies (three families). There were also four families of crustaceans, two families of mollusks, leeches, and water mites (DOE 1993c:E.1). Unicellular organisms (protistans) from the phyla Chlorophyta, Chrysophyta, Cyanophyta, and Ciliophora, as well as two types of nematode worms, have also been collected from Pantex Plant playas (DOE 1994k:3, 4).
Reptiles and AmphibiansMembers of the classes Amphibia and Reptilia that have been identified at Pantex Plant playas include: the plains leopard frog, Woodhouses toad, the upland chorus frog, the prairie rattlesnake, the Great Plains skink, the hognose snake (Heteredon nascius), the northen earless lizard (Holbrookia maculata maculata), and the bullsnake (DOE 1994e:7).
4.9.1.6 Protected and Sensitive Species
Table 4.9.11 lists observed and potentially occurring protected and candidate species at the site. The bald eaglebald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the only Federally protected species known to inhabit Pantex Plant for extended periods of time. Currently it is listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (Pantex 1996:7.4). It winters in the high plains of Texas, usually from October through February or March (a 4- to 5-month period), and forages near bodies of water (playas), feeding on fish, waterfowl, and small mammals. The bald eagle is sighted yearly at Pantex Plant and is considered a winter resident and a spring and fall migrant.
Additional listed species that may occur on or around Pantex Plant include the following: the American (Falco peregrinus anatum) and Arctic peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus tundris), a spring and fall migrant; the interior least tern (Sterna antillarum athalassos), a possible spring and fall migrant; and the whooping crane (Grus americana), a spring and fall migrant. The whooping crane has been sighted at Pantex Plant in recent years.
No critical habitat for Federally threatened or endangered species exists on or around Pantex Plant (Pantex 1996:7.4). On May 9, 1996, Pantex officials submitted a biological assessment (BA) addressing section 7 (i.e., interagency consultation) Endangered Species Act requirements to FWS (Letter 1996). On May 27, 1996, the FWS stated that "We commend Pantex for developing a comprehensive and complete BA, and concur that the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect any Federally listed threatened or endangered species (Letter 1996a)."
The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is a Pantex Plant resident and has State-threatened status. The State also lists the white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), a spring and fall migrant and summer resident at Pantex Plant, as threatened.
Species that are Federally proposed or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered species do not receive legal protection under the Endangered Species Act. However, FWS encourages the consideration of impacts to these species in project planning since their status can be changed to threatened or endangered in the foreseeable future. The FWS has recently changed the classification of species under review for listing as threatened or endangered (61 FR 7596). Proposed species include those plants and animals for which a proposed rule to list as threatened or endangered has been published. Candidate species include those plants and animals for which the FWS has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threat to support issuance of a proposed rule for listing as threatened or endangered. Candidate species previously included Category 1 (species appropriate for listing as protected) and Category 2 (species possibly appropriate for listing as protected). Due to the recent rule change, candidate species (now) include only those which are appropriate for listing as protected species (i.e., species formerly (classified) as Category 1). The Category 2 designation has been omitted in Table 4.9.11. Species typically in Category 2 are now classified as species of concern, a term that describes a broad realm of plants and animals whose conservation status may be of concern to the FWS, but do not have official status. Some of the species previously identified as Federal candidate 2 in the Draft version of this EIS also have State status and continue to be evaluated for potential impacts.
The swift fox (Vulpes velox) is the only Federal candidate species known to occur at the Pantex Plant Site. An adult fox was observed south of Playa 2 on Texas Tech land in May 1996 and signs of scat and other signs of activity were observed at a number of sites on the facility in 1995 (WTU 1995; WTU 1996). This mammal has been observed at the Pantex Plant Site since 1971 (CSU 1976). The mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) is a Federal candidate species that has not been reported in bird surveys at the Pantex Plant Site, but may potentially occur there based on its presence elsewhere in the state of Texas (DOE 1994g; DOE 1996d).
The ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), black tern (Childonias niger), and loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) are species of concern that formerly were given Federal candidate status, but not State listed. These species lost candidate status as part of the reclassification of notice of review species (61 FR 7596). To date, two adult ferruginous hawks have been radio-tagged and one remained at Pantex Plant for approximately one month (Pantex 1996:7.4). At Pantex Plant Site, the ferruginous hawk frequents the playas and large prairie dog town near Playa 2. In August 1993, a pair of black terns was identified foraging at Playa 2.
There are no protected plant species known to occur at Pantex Plant or within Carson County (Pantex 1996:7.4). However, two rare cacti have been identified adjacent to Playa 1: Coryphantha vivipara and Echinocereus viridiflorus var. viridiflorus. An additional rare cactus, Coryphantha missouriensis, was confirmed in June 1995 at Playa 2. The Playa 1 Echinocereus viridiflorus population may be the largest one existing in the world (DOE 1993b:5). A floristic survey was conducted in the summer of 1995 to determine if any additional plant species of concern exist at the Pantex Plant Site. Although no Federal or State protected species were identified during this survey, 35 additional plant species were identified in 1995 for the first time at the Pantex Plant Site (Johnston 1995).
4.9.2 Impacts of Proposed Action
4.9.2.1 Impacts of Continued Operations
Weapons-Related ActivitiesImpacts to biotic resources at Pantex Plant as a result of the weapons-related activities are expected to be minimal. No additional disturbance is required whether operations are conducted at the 2,000, 1,000, or 500 weapons level; therefore, direct impacts to biotic resources are not anticipated. Existing operations generate noise due to human activity and operation of equipment and vehicles, which could have a temporary impact on some terrestrial, aquatic, and threatened and endangered species. Animal and plant surveys conducted for this EIS have not shown any decline in the number of species present. The Ecology chapter of the Environmental Information Document describes the measures underway to ensure that continuing operations do not adversely affect wetlands and biotic resources at this Federal facility (Pantex 1996). As stated earlier, a biological assessment was prepared to address section 7 Endangered Species Act requirements, and obtained FWS concurrence that the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect any Federally listed threatened or endangered species at the Pantex Plant (DOE 1996d; Letter 1996a).
The trace level of radionuclides in vegetation due to Pantex Plant activities and biouptake of heavy metals in playa vegetation has not been found to cause adverse impacts in plants and animals on or around this Federal facility (Pantex 1996:16.1; TTU 1994a:26-30). In fact, wetland resources would benefit from continued operations since Pantex Plant officials are taking steps to further increase the beneficial use of Pantex Plant playas by various species (Pantex 1996:7.5). In summary, continued operations would not create any significantly adverse impact to biotic resources, and existing natural resource programs are attempting to manage the portions of the property for the benefit of native resident and migratory wildlife species.
Pit Storage ActivitiesSection 3.1.1 discusses increasing interim storage of pits at Pantex Plant from 12,000 to 20,000 as part of the Proposed Action. This storage would use existing facilities and would not pose adverse impacts to biotic resources.
Environmental Restoration ActivitiesThe environmental restoration activities will have a long-term beneficial impact on plant and animal species at Pantex Plant as contamination from past activities is removed from soils and water at Pantex Plant Site. Some remediation activities (e.g., soil removal) may have a temporary impact on some species, through the loss of some vegetation and some of the less mobile animals such as reptiles and small mammals, but these impacts would not be considered significant.
Waste Management ActivitiesWaste management activities are not anticipated to have any significant adverse impacts to animal and plant species at Pantex Plant. The facilitys compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and implementing TNRCC regulations are intended to minimize, if not preclude, direct impacts to threatened or endangered species or wetlands.
4.9.2.2 Impacts of New Facility Construction and Upgrades
Under the Proposed Action, the following facilities would either be constructed or upgraded at Pantex Plant between 1996 and 2001: Hazardous Waste Treatment and Processing Facility (HWTPF)Hazardous Waste Treatment and Processing Facility; Pit Reuse FacilityPit Reuse Facility; Gas Analysis Laboratory (GAL)Gas Analysis Laboratory; Materials Compatibility Assurance Facility (MCAF)Materials Compatibility Assurance Facility; Nondestructive Evaluation FacilityNondestructive Evaluation Facility; and Metrology and Health Physics Calibration and Acceptance FacilityMetrology and Health Physics Calibration and Acceptance Facility. Facility construction would be in or adjacent to Zone 11Zones 11 and Zone 1212 (as shown Figure 3.1.11) and could result in the loss of some vegetation and some of the less mobile animals, such as reptiles and small mammals. However, since the construction would occur in previously disturbed areas and the disturbance would involve less than 1 percent of the DOE-owned land at Pantex Plant Site, the potential for impacts to biotic resources is anticipated to be minimal.
Playas 1 through 4 have been declared as jurisdictional wetlands under section 404 of the Clean Water Act by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Although the proposed facilities do not threaten these playas, the potential impact of soil runoff to wetlands can be minimized by applying the standard soil erosion and sedimentation control measures during the land disturbance phase of new projects.
The bald eaglebald eagle, a Federally listed species, forages at the playas during winter. Since the playas are more than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the nearest construction site, no impacts to bald eagles are expected. Impacts to black tern, white faced ibis, and swift foxswift fox would also be negligible because these species are not resident at the proposed construction sites. Prior to clearing operations, it may be necessary to conduct preactivity surveys to identify nests of migratory birds as well as the presence of Federal and State protected and/or sensitive species. This would allow measures to be taken to protect these species and avoid clearing operations during the breeding season of migratory birds. The impacts of new facility construction and upgrades to biotic resources are not anticipated to be significant.
4.9.2.3 Summary of Impacts
The continued operations at Pantex Plant at any of the weapons activity levels would be minimal. Land disturbed by new facility construction would be confined to Zone 11Zones 11 and Zone 1212, which are already substantially altered. The impacts to biotic resources are, therefore, considered to be negligible. Environmental protection activities currently ongoing at the plant meet all regulatory requirements of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)FWS.
4.9.3 Impacts of No Action Alternative
Impacts to biotic resources at Pantex Plant as a result of the No Action Alternative are expected to be minimal. Since the weapons activity levels under the No Action Alternative would remain the same as described for the Proposed Action, the impacts on terrestrial, aquatic, and threatened and endangered species would remain negligible.
4.9.4 Impacts of Pit Storage Relocation Alternative
As discussed in section 3.1.3, the Pit Storage Relocation Alternative would involve the relocation of stored pits at Pantex Plant to one or more alternate sites. Two Pit Storage Relocation Alternative options are proposed; the first involves the storage of 20,000pit pits at an alternative site, and the second involves the storage of 8,000 pits.
4.9.4.1 Impacts of Relocating 20,000 Pits
Under this Pit Storage Relocation Alternative option, up to 20,000 pits would be relocated from Pantex Plant to other DOE or Department of Defense sites. Impacts to biotic resources are not expected.
4.9.4.2 Impacts of Relocating 8,000 Pits
Under this Pit Storage Relocation Alternative option, up to 8,000 pitpits would be relocated from Pantex Plant to other DOE or Department of Defense sites. Impacts to biotic resources are not expected.
4.9.5 Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative impacts presented here include impacts of the continued operations at Pantex Plant combined with impacts associated with activities described in the WM PEIS, SSM PEIS, and S&D PEIS. Since the Pantex Plant EIS Proposed Action and the SSM PEIS No Action Alternative represent a continuum of operations, the impacts associated with any new mission or facility that could be implemented at Pantex Plant are discussed in the context of that continuum. The impacts from the WM PEIS program are combined with those of the Pantex Plant EIS Proposed Action. The impacts from the S&D PEIS are combined with those of the SSM PEIS No Action Alternative. A detailed discussion of this methodology is presented in section 4.2.
4.9.5.1 Impacts of Alternatives in the Waste Management Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
The location of waste management facilities at Pantex Plant would increase the impacts to biotic resources. However, no specific sites have been identified in the WM PEIS. Therefore, no cumulative impacts can be identified at this stage.
4.9.5.2 Impacts of Alternatives in the Stockpile Stewardship and Management Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
The SSM PEIS includes three alternatives that apply to Pantex Plant: No Action, Downsize Existing Capability, and Relocate Capability. Under the No Action Alternative, no downsizing or modification of facilities would occur. Impacts to biological resources from operations would be expected to remain the same as current impacts. Under the downsizing alternative, all construction activities would be modifications to existing facilities. Consequently, no potential impacts to biota would occur. Under the relocation alternative, decontamination and decommissioning activities of the existing facilities would not impact biotic resources.
4.9.5.3 Impacts of Alternatives in the Storage and Disposition of Weapons-Usable Fissile Materials Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
The S&D PEIS is considering Pantex Plant for long-term storage of inventories of nonsurplus weapons-usable plutonium and highly enriched uranium (HEU), storage of inventories of surplus weapons-usable plutonium and HEU pending disposition, and disposition of surplus weapons-usable plutonium. For storage, the strategy for long-term storage of weapons-usable plutonium and HEU, as well as the storage site(s), would be decided. The storage alternatives include upgrading the existing plutonium storage facilities, consolidation of plutonium from other sites, and collocation of plutonium and HEU storage. The collocation alternative is used for analysis purposes in this EIS as the bounding storage alternative.
Under the S&D PEIS Collocation Alternative, construction of new storage facilities would be required in order to store plutonium and HEU at Pantex Plant. The collocated storage alternative would disturb 94 hectares (232 acres) of habitat. Construction would adversely affect some animal populations. Vegetation within the proposed site would be lost during land-clearing activities.
For the disposition alternatives in the S&D PEIS, the emphasis at this stage in the NEPA decision process is on the strategy and technology mix rather than the actual site. The evolutionary Light Water Reactor is used for analysis purposes in this EIS as the bounding disposition alternative. Implementation of this disposition alternative would require the construction and operation of a pit disassembly and conversion facility, plutonium conversion facility, MOX fuel fabrication facility, and one or more light water reactors. The bounding alternative also assumes that all of the facilities previously mentioned would be collocated at the same site (potentially Pantex Plant).
Construction and operation of the evolutionary Light Water Reactor would adversely affect some animal populations and would result in the disturbance of terrestrial resources on about 7.9 percent of the site. Land on which the facility would be built is presently used for agricultural purposes. Two Federal candidate species may be affected by construction activities. The bald eaglebald eagle is the only consistently occurring Federal-listed species at Pantex Plant that has the potential to be affected by construction (DOE 1996a:4.0).
4.9.6 Potential Mitigation Measures
Since no significant impacts on biotic resources are identified from the Proposed Action, No Action, or the Pit Storage Relocation Alternatives, no mitigation measures are needed. bk0threatened or endangered species
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