Table S-6. Summary Comparison of Environmental Impacts of the Alternatives | |||
| Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 | Alternative 4 |
|
Land Use, Site Support Activities, Airspace | |||
| Minimal land-use
impacts would occur
from continuation of
current operations.
All land uses would
be consistent with
current site and zone
designations.
Because of the location of the sites analyzed, and because similar land uses generally would be located on the borders of the sites, surrounding land uses would not be affected by this alternative. |
Surrounding land-use impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. Closure without environmental restoration would not meet requirements of federal and state laws and signed agreements and memorandums. | Surrounding land-use impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. There would be minimal land-use impacts on site from increased intensity of operations and land-use conditions. Land uses at the Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, and Central Nevada Test Area would be similar to Alternative 1. The new Solar Enterprise Zone facility could result in up to 2,402 acres of new land disturbance. | Potential public uses of relinquished NTS lands would be located in designated areas surrounded by buffer zones. Current defense-related designated areas would be redesignated for nondefense activities. Land uses at the Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, and Central Nevada Test Area would be similar to those listed under Alternative 1. New Solar Enterprise Zone facility activities could occur at the NTS, Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, or Coyote Spring Valley; these activities would be compatible with existing land uses. Surrounding land-use impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. Land-use designations and zones would be incompatible with existing designations and zones. |
| Site support activities would continue at current levels. | Site support activities would decrease and facilities would be closed. | Site support activities and structures would be modified and expanded, as needed. | Site support activities would be reduced and facilities would be closed. |
| Airspace activities would be maintained at the current level of air traffic, navigational aid services, and airspace structure. | The NTS and Tonopah Test Range would experience reduced flight operations; otherwise, there would be no impacts to airspace. | Impacts to NTS airspace would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. Minimal impacts would be experienced at the Tonopah Test Range, Central Nevada Test Area, Project Shoal Area, Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, and Coyote Spring Valley. | Airspace impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. |
|
Land Disturbancea | |||
| 10,000 acres | 0 acres | 21,000 acres | 15,500 acres |
| aThe total amount of land currently disturbed on the NTS is approximately 60,000 acres. Numbers shown represent additional estimated disturbed acreage under each alternative after 10 years (acres to be reclaimed are not included). | |||
| Transportation (On-site, Off-site, Transportation of Materials and Waste, Other Transportation) | |||
| Minimal on-site
impacts would exist
at the NTS, Tonopah
Test Range, Project
Shoal Area, and
Central Nevada Test
Area. The NTS
would average 3,370
trips per day. This
would not change the
level of service on
affected highways
and roads.
A total of 1,480 one-way vehicle trips per day would occur off site by 2005. All key roads in the vicinity of the site would continue to operate at level of service C or better. However, while NTS-generated traffic would be relatively minimal, segments of I-15, U.S. Hwy. 95, and U.S. Hwy. 93 within metropolitan Las Vegas could deteriorate to |
A total of 60
one-way vehicle trips
per day would occur
on the site. This
would not change the
level of service on
affected highways
and roads.
A decrease over
Alternative 1 of
1,480 one-way
vehicle trips per day
would occur off site
by 2005. All key
roads in the vicinity
of the site would
continue to operate at
level of service C or
better.
|
A total of 16,310
on-site vehicle trips
per day are estimated
under this alternative.
No roadway would
experience any
significant traffic
congestion. All key
NTS roadways would
have a capacity
exceeding 2,000
vehicles per hour.
Minimal impacts
would be felt at the
Tonopah Test Range,
Project Shoal Area,
Central Nevada Test
Area, Eldorado
Valley, Dry Lake
Valley, and Coyote
Spring Valley.
An increase over Alternative 1 of 1,030 one-way vehicle trips off site per day would occur by 2005. Most key roads in the vicinity of the site would continue to operate at level of service C or better. While the NTS-generated traffic would be relatively minimal, segments of I-15, U.S. Hwy. 95, and U.S. Hwy. 93 within metropolitan Las Vegas could deteriorate to unacceptable levels of service by 2000 because of cumulative traffic growth without state and local governmental |
A total of 12,180
on-site vehicle trips
per day are estimated.
No roadway would
experience any
significant traffic
congestion. All key
NTS roadways have
a capacity exceeding
2,000 vehicles per
hour. Minimal
impacts would be
experienced at the
Tonopah Test Range,
Project Shoal Area,
Central Nevada Test
Area, Eldorado
Valley, Dry Lake
Valley, and Coyote
Spring Valley.
A decrease from Alternative 1 of 610 one-way vehicle trips off site per day would be experienced by 2005. All key roads in the vicinity of the site would continue to operate at level of service C or better. However, while the NTS-generated traffic would be relatively minimal, segments of I-15, U.S. Hwy. 95, and U.S. Hwy. 93 within metropolitan Las Vegas could deteriorate to unacceptable levels of service by 2000 because of cumulative traffic growth without state and local |
|
Socioeconomics (Economic Activity, Population, and Housing) | |||
| Total direct
employment would
be approximately
6,600 in 2005.
Unemployment rate: Clark County, 5.8% Nye County, 5.2%.
Total personal income in 2005: Clark County, $32,280,885,000 Nye County,
$780,701,000.
Population in 2005: Clark County, 1,380,920 Nye County, 38,516.
Housing demand in 2005: Clark County, 539,422 Nye County, 14,435. |
A decrease from
Alternative 1 of
6,490 direct jobs in
2005 would occur
under Alternative 2.
Unemployment rate increase over Alternative 1 in 2005: Clark County, +1.9% Nye County, +2.5%.
Total personal income decrease in 2005 from Alternative 1: Clark County, ($884,676,000) Nye County, ($44,609,000). Population decrease from Alternative 1 in 2005: Clark County, -7,946 Nye County, -583.
Housing demand decrease from Alternative 1 in 2005: Clark County, -2,928 |
An increase over
Alternative 1 of
approximately 4,550
direct jobs in 2005
would occur under
Alternative 3.
Unemployment rate decrease from Alternative 1 in 2005: Clark County, -1.1% Nye County, -0.05%.
Total personal income increase in 2005 over Alternative 1: Clark County, +$632,638,000 Nye County,
+$31,457,000.
Population increase over Alternative 1 in 2005: Clark County, +10,020 Nye County, +656.
Housing demand increase over Alternative 1 in 2005: Clark County, +3,914 Nye County, +246. |
A decrease from
Alternative 1 of
approximately 2,750
direct jobs in 2005
would occur under
Alternative 4.
Unemployment rate increase over Alternative 1 in 2005: Clark County, +1.1% Nye County, +1.7%.
Total personal income decrease in 2005 from Alternative 1: Clark County, ($374,608,000) Nye County,
($18,833,000).
No substantial employment level would be triggered; therefore, population and housing demand would not change when compared to Alternative 1. |
|
Geology and Soils | |||
| Testing impacts would include ground motion hazards and secondary seismic effects, soil contamination, alteration of natural drainage paths, and decreased surface stability. Impacts from other activities would include dust creation, soil contamination, and an increase in erosion potential. There would be minimal impacts at the Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, and Central Nevada Test Area. | Discontinuing operations would result in no additional impacts to geology and soils. However, the media that have been contaminated or altered by underground nuclear test would as in alternatives remain unavailable for unrestricted use. No surface areas contaminated by past activities would be remediated and any present access restrictions based on contamination would continue. | Impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. Minimal impacts would be experienced at the Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, Central Nevada Test Area, Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, and Coyote Spring Valley. | Impacts would include dust creation, soil contamination, and an increase in erosion potential. Minimal impacts would occur at the Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, Central Nevada Test Area, Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, and Coyote Spring Valley. |
| Hydrology (Surface Hydrology and Groundwater) | |||
| There would be
minimal potential
impact from the
alteration of existing
drainage paths caused
by testing.
Total effects from
continuing
groundwater
withdrawals are
expected to be minor.
Local effects to the
Yucca Flat Basin
could be substantial if
the annual water
demand exceeds the
basin's perennial
yield.
There could be localized impacts related to underground tests conducted under or near the water table. Monitoring has revealed few instances of migration of radionuclides beyond the near test environment. |
There would be no
new impacts to
surface hydrology.
Water demand would
be reduced to that
required for
environmental
monitoring and for
potable water for the
caretaker workforce.
Contaminated areas would not be restored, resulting in continued possibility of groundwater contamination. |
There would be
minimal potential
impacts from
alteration of natural
drainage paths caused
by new construction.
Because of new
program activities
other potential
impacts would be
increased slightly
over those listed
under Alternative 1.
However, the Solar
Enterprise Zone has
been estimated to
require up to 6.8 x
106 m3/yr (5,550
ac-ft/yr) of water.
Local effects to the
affected basin such as
those near Dry Lake
Valley could be
substantial if the
annual water demand
exceeds the perennial
yield of the basin.
Increased waste
quantities would not
result in impacts.
Minimal impacts would be experienced at the Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, Central Nevada Test Area, Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, and Coyote Spring Valley. |
There would be
minimal potential
impacts from
alteration of natural
drainage paths caused
by new construction.
Other potential
impacts generally
would be the same as
those listed under
Alternative 1 except
at a decreased level.
However, the Solar
Enterprise Zone has
been estimated to
require up to 6.8 x
106m3/yr (5,550
ac-ft/yr) of water.
Local effects to the
affected basin such as
those near Dry Lake
Valley could be
substantial if the
annual water demand
were to exceed the
perennial yield of the
basin.
Minimal impacts are expected at the Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, Central Nevada Test Area, Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, and Coyote Spring Valley. |
|
Biological Resources | |||
| Approximately 7,360 acres of generally undisturbed habitat would be disturbed, primarily in support of the Environmental Restoration Program at the NTS, Tonopah Test Range, and Central Nevada Test Area. This would represent approximately 1 percent of total undisturbed habitat in these areas. There would be minimal impact to desert tortoise population viability and on biodiversity or ecosystem functions. | There would be no effect on undisturbed natural habitat. Discontinuation of man-made water sources would change the distribution of horses, deer, and chukar. However, there would be no sitewide ecosystem impacts. | Approximately 10,420 acres of generally undisturbed habitat would be disturbed, primarily in support of the Environmental Restoration Program at the NTS, Tonopah Test Range, Project Shoal Area, and Central Nevada Test Area. This would represent an increase of 3,060 acres over Alternative 1. A portion of this area (3,015 acres) could be desert tortoise habitat. The Solar Enterprise Zone could minimally impact biodiversity or ecosystem functions at Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, and Coyote Spring Valley. Coyote Spring Valley lies within critical habitat for the desert tortoise. | Approximately 9,275 acres of generally undisturbed habitat would be disturbed, primarily for the Environmental Restoration Program and the Solar Enterprise Zone at NTS. The NTS, Tonopah Test Range, Central Nevada Test Area, and Project Shoal Area impacts would generally be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. The Solar Enterprise Zone could minimally impact biodiversity or ecosystem functions at all sites and areas. Coyote Spring Valley lies within critical habitat for the desert tortoise. |
| Air Quality and Radiological Air Quality | |||
| Pollutant emissions from stationary and mobile sources would be generated on site and off site. These emissions would be dispersed over a wide area. No major air emission sources are planned. Pollutant concentrations related to NTS activities would be well below ambient air quality standards. No substantial increases in air pollution are expected by 2005 and Nye County would continue its present attainment designation for all criteria pollutants. No additional violations of air quality standards would be provided in the nonattainment area of Clark County. The region is expected to conform with the applicable State Implementation Plan for all | Pollutant emissions
associated with
stationary sources
would be essentially
eliminated following
discontinuance of
operations, and
mobile source
emissions would be
substantially reduced.
Radiological air quality impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. |
Impacts would be the
same as those listed
under Alternative 1.
Pollutant
concentrations
related to NTS
activities, though
higher than the
Alternative 1, would
remain below ambient
air quality standards.
Selected values for
two pollutants of
concern are PM10 :
600 tons/ year; less
than one percent of
regional burden.
CO2 : 224 tons/year of which 90 tons/year would be in the Las Vegas Valley; less than 0.2 percent of Clark County emissions. |
Impacts would be the
same as those listed
under Alternative 1.
Pollutant concentrations related to NTS activities would be lower than those of Alternative 1. All pollutants would remain below ambient air quality standards. |
| Noise | |||
| Transportation noise levels on site would be minimal and would not produce any noise impacts off site. Temporary noise impacts from construction-related noise would occur within the immediate vicinity of construction sites. Noise impacts would be negligible because the sites are located within remote areas. No sensitive receptors are close to construction areas. Noise from other activities would decrease with distance and would be barely distinguishable from background noise levels. | A minor amount of noise would result from operations vehicles. Other noise levels would be a result of noises typically found in uninhabited desert areas. | Impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. | Impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1, except for the Defense Program, which would have the same impacts as Alternative 2. |
|
Visual Resources | |||
| New land disturbance would be located in areas of scenic quality common to the region, but none would be visible from any public viewpoints. Although there would be short-term, local adverse effects because of environmental restoration, there would be long-term beneficial effects because of revegetation. | There would be little change in the overall appearance of the existing landscape. | Most new land disturbance would be located in areas of scenic quality common to the region. However, the areas proposed for the Solar Enterprise Zone facility in Eldorado Valley, Dry Lake Valley, or Coyote Spring Valley have a high visual sensitivity because they cross major highways. Furthermore, Coyote Spring Valley has extensive panoramic views of linear mountain ranges and valleys. | There would be slight changes in the overall appearance of the existing landscape. New ground disturbance would be located in areas of scenic quality common to the region, but none of these areas would be visible from any public viewpoints. The impacts of the Solar Enterprise Zone would be the same as those listed under Alternative 3. |
| Cultural Resources | |||
|
There would be
impacts to cultural
resources as a result
of ground disturbing
activities resulting
from construction of
new facilities,
utilities, road
upgrades, and
decommissioning of
existing buildings.
Continued visitation
and vehicular traffic
could indirectly affect
recorded
archaeological sites
and archaeologically
sensitive areas. The
precise location of
these resources is
unknown until
archaeological survey
is conducted.
Surveys will be
conducted prior to
any ground disturbing
activities.
Modification of existing buildings would include an evaluation of their historic significance, especially in relation to Cold War/nuclear development themes, to minimize |
Discontinuance of activities would eliminate most impacts to cultural resources. The degree of impact to American Indian cultural sites, as stated by the CGTO, would be less than that associated with Alternative 1. | The amount of
acreage disturbed as
a result of activities
described for
Alternative 3 would
double as compared
to Alternative 1.
Approximately
20,930 acres of
ground disturbance
are anticipated.
Construction of new
facilities, wells,
utilities roads, and
burial of
contaminated soils
may affect cultural
resources.
Large-scale activities
associated with the
Solar Enterprise Zone
facility could affect
cultural resources.
Modification of
existing buildings
would include an
evaluation of their
historic significance,
especially in relation
to Cold War/nuclear
development themes,
to minimize impacts.
According to the CGTO, under Alternative 3, access to American Indian culturally significant places would continue to be reduced. Increased visits by students and researchers who |
Most impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 3. Access impacts, according to the CGTO, for American Indians would be less than that experienced under Alternative 1. However, the potential for unauthorized artifact collection would be increased from Alternative 1 because of increased public access. |
|
Land Use Land Zone Areas | |||
|
|
|
|
| NOTE: CGTO = Consolidated Group of Tribes and Organizations. | |||
|
Occupational and Public Health and Safety (Routine and Accident Operations) | |||
| The health impacts to
workers due to
occupational
exposure and
accidents could result
in a probability of 1 in
8 of a single latent
cancer fatality and 1
in 21 of a single other
detrimental health
effect in the worker
population. The risk
of life-threatening
noncarcinogenic
effects on workers
involved with an
accidental release of
hazardous chemicals
has a hazard index of
0.58.
Health impacts to the public from accidental release of radionuclides could result in a probability of 1 in 18,000 of a single latent cancer fatality and 1 in 40,000 of any other detrimental health effect in the population within 50 miles. Potential public exposure to accident release of hazardous chemicals could |
The health impacts to
workers due to
occupational
exposure and
accidents could result
in a probability of 1 in
47 of a single latent
cancer fatality and 1
in 120 of any other
detrimental health
effect in the worker
population. The risk
of life-threatening
noncarcinogenic
effects on workers
involved with an
accidental release of
hazardous chemicals
has a hazard index of
0.48.
Health impacts to the public from accidental release of radionuclides could result in a probability of 1 in 20,000 of single latent cancer fatality and 1 in 50,000 of any other detrimental health effect in the population within 50 |
The health impacts to
workers due to
occupational
exposure and
accidents could result
in a probability of 1 in
8 of a single latent
cancer fatality and 1
in 20 of any other
detrimental health
effect in the worker
population. The risk
of life-threatening
noncarcinogenic
effects on workers
involved with an
accidental release of
hazardous chemicals
has a hazard index of
2.4.
Health impacts to the
public from
accidental release of
radionuclides could
result in a probability
of 1 in 18,000 of a
single latent cancer
fatality and 1 in
40,000 of any other
detrimental health
effect in the
population within 50
miles. Potential
public exposure to
accidental release of
hazardous chemicals
could result in a
probability of 1 in
4,000 of a single
incidence of cancer in
the population. No
noncarcinogenic
detrimental health
effects are expected.
|
The health impacts to
workers due to
occupational
exposure and
accidents could result
in a probability of 1 in
13 of a single latent
cancer fatality and in
1 in 30 of any other
detrimental health
effect in the worker
population. The risk
of life-threatening
noncarcinogenic
effects of workers
involved with an
accidental release of
hazardous chemicals
has a hazard index of
0.58.
Health impacts to the public from accidental release of radionuclides could result in a probability of 1 in 20,000 of a single latent cancer fatality and 1 in 43,000 of a single other detrimental health effect in the population within 50 miles. Potential public exposure to accidental release of hazardous chemicals could result in a probability of 1 in 4,000 of a single incidence of cancer in the population. No noncarcinogenic detrimental health effects are expected. |
|
Environmental Justice | |||
| American Indian impacts would only consider American Indian groups and would, therefore, be disproportionately high according to the CGTO's method of defining impacts. | Impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. | Impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. | Impacts would be the same as those listed under Alternative 1. |
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