4.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

This section describes the environment that may be affected by the proposed alternatives. The affected environment is "interpreted comprehensively to include the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment" (40 CFR 1508.14). Defining and describing the environment lays the foundation for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the preferred and other alternatives. The description of the existing environment is limited to information that directly relates to the scope of the preferred alternative and the impacts of the alternatives that are to be analyzed.

For this EIS, the affected environment is the area of and adjacent to the Hanford Site, which is located in southeastern Washington State north of the city of Richland. The location of the Hanford Site is shown in Figure 4-1. The PFP Facility is located in the 200 West Area, approximately 51 km (32 mi) northwest of Richland (See Figure 4-2). Based on the anticipated impacts to the environment of the alternatives described in Section 3, an extensive description from the existing environment has been included for only those areas where impacts may occur. For areas not affected by the alternatives, the description is cursory in nature. For a complete description of the existing environment, the reader is referred to Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (FederalNEPA) Characterization, Revision 7 (PNL, 1995a) and the Hanford Site Environmental Report for Calendar Year 1994 (PNL, 1995b).

The affected environment is arranged as follows:

• 4.1 Geology, Seismology, and Soils
• 4.2 Water Resources and Hydrology
• 4.3 Physical Environment
• 4.4 EcosystemsEcosystems
• 4.5 Population and Socioeconomics
• 4.6 Transportation
• 4.7 Land use
• 4.8 Cultural resources
• 4.9 Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Capacity.

4.1 GEOLOGY, SEISMOLOGY, AND SOILS

This section presents existing information regarding the Hanford Site's geological setting, seismological characteristics, including Earthquake history, and Soil conditions. Subsection 4.1.1 describes the regional geological resources. Subsection 4.1.2 describes the seismologic setting for the Site, presents the Earthquake history, and presents information regarding the ground acceleration that may be experienced during a seismic event.

Figure 4-1. Location of Hanford Site

Figure 4-2. 200 West Developed Areas and Existing Structures

Subsection 4.1.3 presents existing information regarding the agricultural and engineering properties of the Soils at the Site.

4.1.1 Geology

The PFP Facility is located in the 200 West Area which is in the Pasco Basin, a topographic and structural depression in the southwest corner of the Columbia Basin physiographic subprovince. Generally, this subprovince is characterized as relatively flat, low-relief hills with moderately incised river drainages (DOE, 1993a).

The Columbia Basin subprovince is underlain by the Columbia River Basalt Group, which consists of a thick sequence of Miocene basalt flows that are approximately 17 to 6 million years in age. The thickest accumulations occur in the Pasco Basin where the basalt thickness is greater than 3 km (1.8 mi) (DOE, 1988).

Two primary sedimentary rock units overlie the Columbia River Basalt in the 200 West Area: 1) Pliocene fluvial and luscustrine deposits of the Ringold Formation, and 2) Pleistocene Floodsflood deposits of the Hanford formation. In addition, two discontinuous units of calcium carbonate cemented silts, sands, and gravels (caliche) occur locally between the Ringold Formation and the Hanford formation in the 200 West Area. These units are referred to as the Plio-Pleistocene Unit and the Early "Palouse" Soil. The total thickness of the sedimentary section above basalt in the vicinity of the PFP Facility is approximately 162 m (530 ft). These units become thicker several miles to the south of the PFP Facility toward the axis of the Cold Creek Syncline and thinner toward the north against the flanks of Gable Mountain and Gable Butte (DOE, 1993a). Currently, no mineral resources other than crushed rock, sand, and gravel are produced from the Pasco Basin (DOE, 1988).

Geologic processes which alter topography are Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, liquefaction, and Floods.

• Earthquakes - Earthquakes are discussed in Subsection 4.1.2.
• Landslides – The likelihood of landslides affecting the PFP Facility is low due to the absence of any actively eroding streams.
• Volcanic Activity – The only effect of increased Cascade volcanism to the Hanford Site would be from Ashashfall, such as the Ashashfall from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.
• Liquefaction – Liquefaction is not an issue at the PFP Facility due to the deep water table.
• Floods - Floods are discussed in Subsection 4.2.1.

4.1.2 Seismology

The Hanford Site lies in an area of relatively low seismic activity. Between 1870 and 1980, only five Earthquakes that had Modified Mercalli Intensities of VI or greater occurred in the Columbia Plateau region and all these events occurred prior to 1937. The largest event was the July 16, 1936 Milton-Freewater, Oregon Earthquake (Modified Mercalli Intensities = VII; surface wave magnitude = 5.8). Woodward-Clyde Consultants located the epicenter approximately 100 km (62 mi) southeast of the Hanford Site (WHC, 1989).

Seismicity within the Columbia Plateau can be segregated into three depth zones: 0 to 4 km (0 to 2.5 mi); 4 to 8 km (2.5 to 5 mi); and deeper than 8 km (5 mi). Approximately 70 to 80 percent of this activity occurs in the 0 to 4 km (0 to 2.5 mi) zone, and 90 percent of it occurs in the first two zones (WHC, 1993). Most of the Earthquakes in the central Columbia Plateau are north or northeast of the Columbia River and occur as swarms that are not associated with mapped faults.

Applicable DOE guidelines, stipulated in 6430.1ADOE Order 6430.1A, General Design Criteria (DOE, 1989), require that Earthquake ground motions be computed using probabilistic methods. Three Hanford Site-specific studies of this type have been performed. The horizontal peak ground accelerations and their associated annual probabilities of being exceeded were estimated by Coats and Murray (1984) for the Hanford Site in general, and by Geomatrix (WHC, 1993) and Woodward-Clyde Consultants (WHC, 1989) for a specific location within the Hanford Site. The results for the 200 West Area (available only from Woodward-Clyde and Geomatrix) are summarized in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1 Horizontal Peak Ground Acceleration Estimates for 200 West Area

Sources: a. WHC, 1989

b. WHC, 1993

Note: g = gravity = acceleration rate of 9.8 m/sec2 (32 ft/sec2)

Geomatrix and Woodward-Clyde Consultants report similar horizontal peak ground acceleration values for the 200 West Area, but the differences in peak ground acceleration values reported by both references for a particular annual probability vary between factors of approximately 1.5 to 1.9. The Geomatrix peak ground acceleration values are larger than the Woodward-Clyde Consultants values because Geomatrix computed mean values and Woodward-Clyde Consultants computed median values. Also, the seismic activity inherent in the Geomatrix seismic source model was greater than that in the Woodward-Clyde Consultants model. Similar peak horizontal accelerations were reported by Coats and Murray. However, slight differences in acceleration for a particular annual probability (beyond 5,000 years) are reported by Coats and Murray. For example, Coats and Murray's best estimate curve indicates a 0.18 gravity event every 5,000 years, a 0.2 gravity event (design basis Earthquake) every 10,000 years and a 0.25 gravity event every 25,000 years compared to higher return frequencies for a particular event as shown in Table 4-1. However, the range of accelerations associated with the curves on either side of the best estimate overlap values reported in Table 4-1. Coats and Murray show a range of acceleration (0.15 gravity to 0.28 gravity) for a return period of 10,000 years. These values overlap values shown in Table 4-1 associated with return periods of 5,000 years and 10,000 years (Coats and Murray, 1984).

Three major structures of the Yakima Fold Belt are found within the Hanford Site: 1) the Umtanum Ridge-Gable Mountain Structure, 2) the Yakima Ridge Structure, and 3) the Rattlesnake Hills Structure (Figure 4-3). Each is composed of an asymmetrical anticline oversteepened to the north, with associated faults along their flanks.

Known faults within the Hanford Site include strike-slip faults as long as 3 km (1.9 mi) on Gable Mountain and the Rattlesnake-Wallula alignment. The faults in Central Gable Mountain are considered Nuclear Regulatory Commission capable by Nuclear Regulatory Commission criteria (10 CFR 100, Appendix A) in that they have slightly displaced the Hanford formation gravels within the last 35,000 years, but their relatively short lengths give them low seismic potential. No seismicity has been observed on or near Gable Mountain. The Rattlesnake-Wallula alignment is interpreted as possibly being "Nuclear Regulatory Commission capable," in part because of the lack of any distinct evidence to the contrary and because this structure continues along the northwest trend of faults that appear active at Wallula Gap, 56 km (35 mi) southeast of the central part of the Hanford Site (WHC, 1993). ("Nuclear Regulatory Commission capable" is defined as fault movement at or near the ground within the last 35,000 years or movement of a recurring nature within the last 500,000 years.)

The location of the 1936 Milton-Freewater Earthquake and its association with the Rattlesnake-Wallula alignment or a known geologic structure is uncertain. This seismic event occurred approximately 50 km (30 mi) southeast of the Wallula Gap and may be associated with the Hite Fault system, the Rattlesnake-Wallula alignment, or an unmapped fault (WHC, 1993).

4.1.3 Soil

The surface and near-surface Soil in the 200 West Area consist of Rupert Sand and Burbank Loamy Sand. An additional Soil unit, Hezel Sand, is also present on the western boundary of the 200 West Area (PNL, 1995a).

Prime or unique farmland Soils on the Hanford Site have not been mapped to date.

Figure 4-3. Major Structural Features, Hanford Site and Vicinity.

4.2 WATER RESOURCES AND HYDROLOGY

The Water Resources and Hydrology section presents existing information on the baseline conditions for Surface Water, the Vadose Zone, and Groundwater at the Hanford Site. Each of these hydrological regimes may be affected by the alternatives and each regime would be affected differently. Subsection 4.2.1 describes the Surface watersurface water at the Site. Subsection 4.2.2 characterizes the Site Vadose Zonevadose zone. Subsection 4.2.3 describes the Groundwater at the Site.

4.2.1 Surface Water

There is one naturally occurring lake on the Hanford Site, Westlake, which is located approximately 8 km (5 mi) northeast of the 200 West Area, as shown in Figure 4-4. The lake is situated in a topographically low-lying area and is sustained by Groundwater inflow resulting from intersection with the Groundwater table. Seasonal water table fluctuations are not large.

Two ephemeral creeks, Cold Creek and its tributary Dry Creek, traverse the uplands of the Hanford Site southwest and south of the 200 West Area. The confluence of the two creeks is 5 km (3 mi) southwest of the 200 West Area. Surface runoff from the uplands in and west of the Hanford Site is small. In most years, measurable flow occurs only during brief periods and in only two places, upper Cold Creek Valley and upper Dry Creek Valley.

The Columbia River is downgradient from the PFP Facility, lying nearly 11 km (7 mi) north of the 200 West Area (Figure 4-4). The river forms part of the eastern boundary of the Hanford Site and comprises the base level and receiving water for Groundwater and Surface Water in the region.

Natural Floodsflooding on the Columbia River would be restricted to the immediate Floodsfloodplain of the river. Failure of the upstream dams due either to natural causes or sabotage would not likely affect the PFP Facility (PNL, 1995a).

There are no Floodsfloodplains in the 200 West Area. Floods in Cold and Dry Creeks have occurred historically. However, there have not been any Floodsflood events or evidence of Floods in these creeks reaching the highlands of the 200 West Area before infiltrating into pervious sediments of Cold Creek Valley (GSP, 1972).

Water quality in the ephemeral creeks is not known to be affected by Hanford Site activities. The state of Washington has classified the stretch of the Columbia River from Grand Coulee to the Washington-Oregon border, which includes the Hanford Reach, as Class A, Excellent. Class A waters are suitable for essentially all uses, including raw drinking water, recreation, and wildlife habitat. State and federal drinking water standards apply to the Columbia River and are currently being met (PNL, 1995a).

4.2.2 Vadose Zone

The Vadose Zone extends from the ground surface to the top of the Groundwater. Vadose Zone characteristics determine the rate, extent, and direction of liquid flow downward from the surface.

Figure 4-4. Hydrological Features on the Hanford Site

Recharge to the unconfined aquifer is primarily from artificial sources. The principal source of artificial recharge was from Waste managementwaste management units located in the 200 West and 200 East Areas (see Figure 4-4). However, all liquid discharges to these waste units have ceased.

Natural recharge occurs chiefly from precipitation since there are no natural Surface Water bodies in the 200 West Area. Average annual precipitation in the 200 West Area is approximately 16 cm (6.3 in). Estimates of evapotranspiration from precipitation range from 38 to 99 percent (PNL, 1987).

The total natural recharge in the 200 West Area is estimated to be approximately 129 million l (34 million gal) per year (DOE, 1993b). These natural recharge values are significantly lower by an order of magnitude than volumes disposed of by artificial sources.

In areas where artificial recharge is occurring from ponds and trenches, Soils are likely to be close to saturation and could not hold significant amounts of additional liquid. In addition, Groundwater mounds have developed beneath these recharge areas. Drier Soils in other areas of the 200 West Area where artificial recharge is not occurring have a large moisture holding capacity. Perched water was reported between 30 and 35 m (97 and 115 ft) below ground surface (DOE, 1993b).

4.2.3 Groundwater

Groundwater generally occurs under confined conditions within sedimentary interbeds associated with the basalt sequence and under unconfined conditions within the overlying sedimentary section (uppermost aquifer).

Across the 200 West Area, the regional Groundwater flow is toward the north, east, and southeast. Groundwater discharge occurs locally in Westlake. Regional Groundwater discharge occurs along the course of the Columbia River, which is nearly 11 km (7 mi) north of the 200 West Area.

Generally, Groundwater within the Ringold Formation in the 200 West Area occurs under unconfined conditions and is located approximately 70 m (230 ft) beneath the PFP Facility (DOE, 1993b).

Groundwater has been contaminated by both radionuclide and nonradionuclide contaminants in the 200 West Area. Remedial strategies for the Site have been developed or are being developed to contain and remediate the contaminants and prevent their migration offsite. Vertical migration of contaminants to the deeper confined aquifer systems beneath the Site has not been determined since vertical gradients are poorly defined. In general, downward vertical gradients exist between the unconfined and deeper confined aquifers across the 200 West Area (DOE, 1993b).

Fourteen overlapping contaminant plumes are located within the unconfined gravels in the 200 West Area: Tc-99, uranium, nitrate, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, trichloroethylene, I-129, gross alpha, gross beta, arsenic, chromium, Fluoridesfluoride, tritium, and plutonium (DOE, 1994a). Five of these plumes (carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, nitrate, trichloroethylene, and plutonium) impinge upon or encompass the ground below the PFP Facility.

Groundwater is not used in the 200 West Area. Water for drinking and emergency use and PFP Facility process water comes from the Columbia River. Regionally, Groundwater is used for irrigation and domestic water supply. On the Hanford Site, the nearest water supply wells are located at the Yakima Barricade approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the 200 West Area (DOE, 1993b).

Hydraulic conductivities measured in the 200 West Area range from approximately 0.02 to 61 m/day (0.06 to 200 ft/day) (DOE, 1994a).

Transmissivities of Ringold Unit E in the vicinity of the PFP Facility range from 0.015 m2/sec (14,000 square feet per day [ft2/day]) in Well 299-W15-18 situated approximately 76 m (250 ft) west of the PFP Facility to 0.005 m2/sec (5,000 ft2/day) in Well 299-W15-16 located approximately 79 m (260 ft) northwest of the PFP Facility. Hydraulic conductivities in the same wells ranged from 0.49 to 0.42 cm/sec (1,400 to 1,200 ft/day), respectively (DOE, 1993b).

4.3 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The physical environment section presents existing information on the Meteorologymeteorology, climatology, Air qualityair quality, Radiation, and Noise/Sound levelsnoise and sound levels at the Hanford Site. Subsection 4.3.1 describes the Meteorologymeteorology of the Site and Subsection 4.3.2 describes Site Air qualityair quality. Subsection 4.3.3 characterizes Radiation levels at the Hanford Site. Subsection 4.3.4 presents the existing data on Noise/Sound levelsnoise and sound levels.

4.3.1 Meteorology

The Hanford Site is located in a semiarid region of southeastern Washington State. The Cascade Mountains, beyond Yakima to the west, greatly influence the Hanford area climate by means of their "rain shadow" effect. This mountain range also serves as a source of cold air drainage, which has a considerable effect on the wind regime on the Hanford Site (PNL, 1995a).

Climatological data are available for the Hanford Meteorological Station, which is located between the 200 East and West Areas. Data have been collected at this location since 1945, and a summary of these data through 1993 has been published by Hoitink and Burk (1994). Temperature and precipitation data are also available from nearby locations for 1912 through 1943. Data from the Hanford Meteorological Station are representative of the general climatic conditions for the region and describe the specific climate of the 200 Area Plateau (PNL, 1995a).

In addition to the Hanford Meteorological Station, there are 24 instrumented 9.1-m (29.9-ft) towers distributed on and near the Hanford Site and three 60-m (200-ft) towers located at the 300, 400, and 100-N Areas. These provide supplementary data for defining wind patterns (PNL, 1995a).

Figure 4-5 shows that prevailing wind directions on the 200 Area Plateau are from the northwest. Secondary maxima occur for southwesterly winds. The point of each rose represents the directions from which the winds come. The larger the bar, the higher the frequency of wind. Summaries of wind direction indicate that winds from the northwest quadrant occur most often during the winter and summer. During the spring and fall, the frequency of southwesterly winds increases with a corresponding decrease in northwest flow (PNL, 1995a).

Monthly average wind speeds are lowest during the winter months, averaging 10 to 11 km/hr (6 to 7 mi/hr), and highest during the summer, averaging 14 to 16 km/hr (8 to 10 mi/hr). Wind speeds that are well above average are usually associated with southwesterly winds. However, the summertime drainage winds are generally northwesterly and occasionally reach 50 km/hr (30 mi/hr). These winds are most prevalent over the northern portion of the Hanford Site (PNL, 1995a).

Ranges of daily maximum temperatures at the Hanford Meteorological Station vary from a normal maxima of 2·C (36·F) in late December and early January to 35·C (95·F) in late July (PNL, 1995a).

The annual average relative humidity at the Hanford Meteorological Station is 54 percent. It is highest during the winter months, averaging about 75 percent, and lowest during the summer, averaging about 35 percent (PNL, 1995a).

Average annual precipitation at the Hanford Meteorological Station is 16 cm (6.3 in). Most precipitation occurs during the winter, with more than half of the annual amount occurring in the months of November through February. Days with greater than 1.3 cm (0.5 in) precipitation occur less than 1 percent of the year. Monthly average snowfall ranges from 0.8 cm (0.3 in) in October to 14.5 cm (6 in) in December. Snowfall accounts for about 38 percent of all precipitation in December through February (PNL, 1995a).

Fog has been recorded during every month of the year at the Hanford Meteorological Station. However, 95 percent of the occurrences are in November through February, with less than 1 percent in April through September. There are 46 days of fog (visibility less than or equal to 9.6 km [6 mi]) of which 24 are dense fog days (visibility less than or equal to 0.4 km [0.25 mi]) (PNL, 1995a).

Phenomena other than fog that restrict visibility to less than or equal to 9.6 km (6 mi) include dust, blowing dust, and smoke from field burning. There are few such days. An average of five days per year have dust or blowing dust and less than one day per year has agricultural smoke (PNL, 1995a).

High winds are associated with thunderstorms. The average occurrence of thunderstorms is 10 per year. They are most frequent during the summer. However, they have occurred in every month (PNL, 1995a). Thunderstorms are not responsible for the highest velocity wind gusts.

From the period 1945 through 1993, the peak monthly wind gusts at the Hanford Site have ranged from 100 to 130 km/hr (63 to 80 mi/hr) and have generally originated from the southwest/south-southwest (Hoitink and Burk, 1994).

Tornadoes are infrequent and generally small in strength in the northwest portion of the United States. No violent tornadoes have been recorded for the region surrounding the Hanford Site through 1984. The estimated annual probability of a tornado striking a point at the Hanford Site is 9.6 x 10-6 (PNL, 1995a).

Source: PNL, 1995a

Figure 4-5. Wind Direction for the Hanford Site, 1979 - 1994

4.3.2 Air Quality

Atmospheric dispersion is a function of wind speed, duration, and direction, atmospheric stability, and mixing depth. Dispersion conditions are generally good if winds are moderate to strong, the atmosphere is of neutral or unstable stratification, and there is a deep mixing layer. Good dispersion conditions associated with neutral and unstable stratification exist about 57 percent of the time during the summer. Less favorable dispersion conditions may occur when the wind speed is light and the mixing layer is shallow. These conditions are most common during the winter when moderately to extremely stable stratification exists about 66 percent of the time. Less favorable conditions also occur periodically for surface and low-level releases in all seasons from about sunset to about an hour after sunrise as a result of ground-based temperature inversions and shallow mixing layers. Mixing-layer thicknesses have been estimated at the Hanford Meteorological Station using remote sensors. These variations in mixing layers are summarized in Table 4-2 (PNL, 1995a).

Table 4-2 Percent Frequency of Mixing-layer Thickness by Season and Time of Day

Source: PNL, 1995a

Occasionally, there are extended periods of poor dispersion conditions associated with stagnant air in stationary high-pressure systems that occur primarily during the winter months. The probability of poor dispersion conditions (inversion periods) extending more than 12 hours varies from a low of about 10 percent in May and June to a high of about 64 percent in September and October (PNL, 1995a).

National Ambient Air quality standardAir Quality Standards have been set by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as mandated in the 1970 Clean Air Act. Ambient air is that portion of the atmosphere, external to buildings, to which the general public has access. The standards define levels of Air qualityair quality that are necessary, with an adequate margin of safety, to protect the Publicpublic health (primary standards) and the public welfare (secondary standards). Standards exist for sulfur oxides (measured as sulfur dioxide), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, fine Particulate matterparticulate matter (PM10), lead, and ozone. The standards specify the maximum pollutant concentrations and frequencies of occurrence that are allowed for specific averaging periods from one hour to one year, depending on the pollutant (PNL, 1995a).

The EPA has established the Prevention of Significant Deterioration process to ensure that new or expanded major sources do not cause Air qualityair quality to significantly deteriorate in areas that currently meet standards. Annual emission rate increase levels have been set for criteria pollutants that trigger other impact considerations (PNL, 1995a). The "Significant Emission Rates" are listed in Table 4-3. The Hanford Plutonium Uranium Extraction Facility (PUREX) and Uranium Oxide Plants operated in the past under a Prevention of Significant Deterioration permit issued by the EPA in 1980. The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) now administers the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program in the state.

Table 4-3 Emissions Rates for Prevention of Significant Deterioration

Source: Chapter 173-400 Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

Ambient air measurements are compared with the National Ambient Air quality standardAir Quality Standards in air control regions across the nation to determine compliance. Those areas in which the criteria pollutant concentrations are equal to or less than the National Ambient Air quality standardAir Quality Standards are classified as "attainment" areas. Currently, the counties in which the Hanford Site is located (Adams, Benton, Franklin, and Grant) are classified as being in attainment for all criteria pollutants.

State and local governments can impose standards for ambient Air quality standardair quality that are stricter than the national standards. Washington State has established more stringent standards for sulfur dioxide and total suspended particulates (PM). Table 4-4 summarizes the relevant federal and state Air quality standardair quality standards (PNL, 1995a).

Table 4-4 Federal and Washington State Ambient Air quality standardAir Quality Standards

Source: PNL, 1995a

Notes: a. No standard

b. 0.25 parts per million (ppm) not to be exceeded more than two times in any seven consecutive days

c. Not to be exceeded more than one day per calendar year

The EPA and Ecology have adopted FederalWashington Stateregulations to limit Air emissionsair emissions in order to meet the ambient Air quality standardair quality standards. Additionally, the Benton County Clean Air Authority has adopted emission Washington Stateregulations to supplement federal and state rules. Emission inventories for permitted pollution sources in Benton County are routinely compiled by the Benton County Clean Air Authority.

Ecology has established emission standards for the criteria air pollutants and Acceptable Source Impact Levels for new toxic air pollutants.

Table 4-5 lists the annual emission rates for stationary sources within the Hanford Site that have been reported to Ecology by DOE for 1993 (PNL, 1995a).

Table 4-5 Total Nonradioactive Constituents in Air emissionsAir Emissions Released During 1993

Source: PNL, 1995a

During 1994, ten air samples were collected on the Hanford Site and analyzed for halogenated alkanes and alkenes, benzene, and alkylbenzenes. These compounds are widely used by modern society and are widespread environmental contaminants. All measured organic compound concentrations except carbon tetrachloride were below the maximum allowable concentration and the Acceptable Source Impact Levels (PNL, 1995a).

Onsite monitoring of Particulate matterPM was discontinued in early 1988 when the Basalt Waste Isolation Project, for which those measurements were required, was concluded (PNL, 1995a).

The only offsite monitoring near the Hanford Site in 1993 was Particulate matterPM10 at Kennewick, Washington (approximately 40 km [25 mi] to the southeast), conducted by Ecology (PNL, 1995a). No exceedance of annual arithmetic mean was observed at this station (32 µg/m3 [1.9 x 10-9 lb/ft3]). However, the 24-hr maximum (>150 µg/m3 [9.3 x 10-9 lb/ft3]) was exceeded twice (maximum concentration 1,166 µg/m3 [7.3 x 10-8 lb/ft3]). Particulate matterPM monitoring at the Tri-Cities locations was discontinued in early 1989. Offsite monitoring by Ecology at two locations, Sunnyside (approximately 32 km [20 mi] to the southwest) and Wallula (approximately 60 km [40 mi] to the southeast), occurred during 1990. The annual geometric means of Particulate matterPM measurements at Sunnyside and Wallula for 1990 were 71 mg/m3 and 80 mg/m3 (4.4 x 10-9 lb/ft3 and 5.0 x 10-9 lb/ft3), respectively. Both values exceeded the Washington State annual standard of 60 mg/m3 (3.7 x 10-9 lb/ft3). The Washington State 24-hour standard of 150 mg/m3 (9.3 x 10-9 lb/ft3) was exceeded six times during the year at Sunnyside and seven times at Wallula (PNL, 1995a).

During the past 10 years, Particulate matterPM, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide have been monitored periodically in communities and commercial areas southeast of the Hanford Site. These ambient urban measurements are typically used to estimate the maximum background pollutant concentrations for the Hanford Site because of the lack of specific onsite monitoring (PNL, 1995a). Maximum measured background concentrations for those pollutants, as measured in the late 1980s, are given in Table 4-6 (PNL, 1991).

Table 4-6 Maximum Measured Background Concentrationsof Air Pollutants at or Near the Hanford Site

Source:PNL, 1991

Note: The 1987 measurements for Particulate matterPM10 yielded an annual geometric mean of 27 µg/m3 and a maximum daily concentration of 81 µg/m3.

Particulate matterPM concentrations can reach relatively high levels in eastern Washington because of exceptional natural events (such as dust storms and large brushfires) that occur in the region. Washington State ambient Air quality standardair quality standards do not differentiate "rural fugitive dust" from exceptional natural events when estimating the maximum background concentrations of particulates in the area east of the Cascade Mountain crest. The rural fugitive dust component of background concentrations has in the past been exempted by the EPA when considering permit applications and enforcement of Air quality standardair quality standards.

EPA has evaluated the prospect of designating the Tri-Cities area as non-attainment for Particulate matterPM due to wind-blown dust (PNL, 1995a). EPA has agreed to defer designating the Tri-Cities area, south of the Hanford Site, as a non-attainment area for Particulate matterPM. A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed by the EPA, Ecology, and the Benton County Clean Air Authority to characterize sources, develop a dust control FederalWashington Stateregulation, and do outreach to encourage dust controls on agricultural land (Ecology, 1994).

4.3.3 Radiation

Many of the activities at the Hanford Site that formerly resulted in releases of Radiation to the environment no longer occur, since the Hanford Site mission has changed from production of plutonium for national defense to environmental restoration. Current levels of radioactivity in environmental media within and in the vicinity of the Hanford Site reflect contributions from naturally occurring radioactivity, fallout from manmade sources (such as past weapons tests and the Chernobyl Accidentaccident), and emissions from Hanford Site facilities.

The 200 Areas contain inactive facilities for nuclear fuel chemical separations, processing, waste handling and Disposal, and steam generation using fossil fuels. All of these facilities are potential sources of emissions. Major potential sources of emissions in the 200 West Area are the PFP Facility, T Plant, and the 222-S Analytical Laboratory. Other sources include the 200 Area Tank Farms200 Area Tank Farms, underground Storage tanks, and inactive waste evaporators.

The following types of monitoring are performed to detect and distinguish the source of radioactivity in the environment (PNL, 1994):

• Facility Effluents/Waste generationeffluent monitoring determines the flow rate of Effluents/Waste generationeffluents being released and when radioactivity levels might exceed specified threshold levels. This monitoring also determines gross alpha and beta activity released and, when appropriate, the activity of specific radionuclides. This information can be used in environmental transport models to predict concentrations of radioactive materials in environmental media.
• Monitoring is conducted near major emissions sources such as the PUREX Plant. Air, Surface Water and springs, external Radiation, Soil, and vegetation are monitored.
• Environmental monitoring is conducted at and beyond the Hanford Site boundary. Air, Surface Water, Groundwater, external Radiation, Soil, vegetation, wildlife, and food and farm products are included in offsite environmental monitoring. The monitoring program includes sampling locations remote to the Hanford Site that can be used to distinguish between radioactivity from the Site and from other sources.

Sr-90, Cs-137, Pu-239, Pu-240, and uranium were consistently detected in samples collected in the 200 Areas. Concentrations in air samples over the past five years show a general downward trend for most radionuclides due to facility shutdowns, better Effluents/Waste generationeffluent controls, and improved Waste managementwaste management practices (PNL, 1995b).

Concentrations in Surface Water, aquatic vegetation, and sediment samples from ditches and ponds were below applicable derived concentration guideline values and in many cases below the limits of detection. Maximum measured values are summarized in Table 4-7 (PNL, 1995b).

Table 4-7 Maximum Radionuclide Concentrations for 200 Area Surface water in 1994

Source: PNL, 1995b

Notes:a. Picocuries (pCi) per liter

b. Using Pu-239 Derived Concentration Guide for comparison

c. Using Sr-90 Derived Concentration Guide for comparison

d. No data available

e. Grams of uranium per gram of material

Radionuclide concentrations in Soil and vegetation samples from the 200 Areas showed trends similar to those observed for air. Concentrations of Sr-90, Cs-137, Pu-239, and Pu-240 showed a consistent downward trend. Radiological surveys are conducted in areas known or suspected to contain surface or subsurface contamination. Areas exceeding specified levels are posted as radiologically controlled areas. Because the 200 Areas contain many small areas where radiological work is performed and radioactive material is present, the entire 200 East and West Areas have been designated as radiologically controlled areas (DOE, 1996).

Locations at and beyond the Hanford Site boundary were monitored during 1994 (PNL, 1995b). Sample types included air, spring water, Columbia River water and sediments, irrigation water, drinking water, ponds, foodstuffs, wildlife, Soils, vegetation, and direct Radiation. Results for springs discharging into the Columbia River and river water and sediments indicated contributions of radioactivity originating from the Hanford Site. Results for air and vegetation were generally consistent with natural sources for radioactivity and fallout. For Soil and foodstuffs except milk, there was no difference between locations upwind and downwind of the Hanford Site, suggesting no contribution from Hanford facilities. Slightly elevated levels of I-129 in milk appear to be due to emissions from the Site. Columbia River water and sediment, and springs along the river continue to show detectable levels of radioactivity that originated from the Hanford Site.

Doses to members of the Publicpublic for emissions from the Hanford Site are evaluated annually in two documents. The Hanford Site Environmental Report for Calendar Year 1994 evaluated the dose to the hypothetical Maximally Exposed Individual (MEI)maximally exposed offsite individual and to the general population within 80 km (50 mi) of the Site for air and water exposure pathways. This report is prepared to meet DOE reporting requirements and evaluates the contribution of the 100, 200, 300, and 400 Areas to offsite dose using the GENII computer modeling program (PNL, 1995b). The Radionuclide Air Emissions Report for the Hanford Site, Calendar Year 1992 (DOE, 1993c) evaluated the dose to the hypothetical Maximally Exposed Individual (MEI)maximally exposed offsite individual using the CAP-88 computer modeling program (DOE, 1992) and to the general population within 80 km (50 mi) using the GENII program. This report is prepared to meet EPA reporting requirements under Appendix H, 40 CFR 61.

The doses reported in these two reports for the Maximally Exposed Individual (MEI)maximally exposed offsite individual are summarized in Table 4-8. The Air emissionsair emissions and water Effluents/Waste generationeffluents from the 200 Areas accounted for most of the dose to the Publicpublic as the result of Hanford Site operations. These doses are well below the DOE limit of 100 millirem (mrem) per year for members of the general Publicpublic, the state of Washington dose limit of 100 mrem per year for the general Publicpublic in WAC 246-221-060, and the EPA criterion of 10 mrem per year for Air emissionsair emissions in 40 CFR 61.92. (The DOE limit of 100 mrem per year includes all pathways, including direct exposures from DOE activities.) There is also agreement between the two reports for the dose via the air pathways. The population dose for the 200 Areas was 0.26 person-rem through air pathways and 0.30 person-rem through water pathways. The population dose for the entire Site was 0.33 person-rem through air pathways and 0.30 person-rem through water pathways (PNL, 1995b).

4.3.4 Noise and Sound Levels

The frequency of sound waves is measured in hertz, and the pressure that sound waves produce is measured in decibels (dB). For regulatory purposes, Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels for perceptible frequencies are weighted to provide an A-weighted Noise/Sound levelssound level (dBA) that correlates highly with the frequency response curve of the human ear.

Noise/Sound levelsNoise levels are often reported as the equivalent Noise/Sound levelssound level (Leq). The Leq is expressed in dBA over a specified period of time, usually one or 24 hours. The Leq expresses time-varying Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels by averaging Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels over time.

Information studies at the Hanford Site of the propagation of Noise/Sound levelsnoise have been concerned primarily with occupational Noise/Sound levelsnoise at work sites. Environmental Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels have not been extensively evaluated because of the remoteness of most Hanford Site activities and isolation from receptors that are covered by federal or state statutes. This discussion focuses on the few environmental Noise/Sound levelsnoise data that are available.

Table 4-8 Dose to Hypothetical Maximally Exposed Individual (MEI)Offsite Individual From Hanford Site Operations During 1994

Sources: PNL, 1995b; DOE, 1995a

Note: a. No data available

Site characterization studies performed in 1987 included measurement of background environmental Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels at five locations on the Hanford Site. Noise/Sound levelsNoise levels are expressed as Leq for 24 hours (Leq-24). Wind was identified as the primary contributor to background Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels, and winds exceeding 19 km/hr (12 mi/hr) significantly affected Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels. Background Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels in undeveloped areas at the Hanford Site can best be described as a mean Leq-24 of 24 to 36 dBA. Periods of high wind, which normally occur in the spring, would elevate background Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels (PNL, 1995a).

To collect Skagit/Hanford data, preconstruction measurements of environmental Noise/Sound levelsnoise were taken in June 1981 on the Hanford Site. Fifteen sites were monitored, and Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels ranged from 30 to 60.5 dBA (Leq). The values for isolated areas ranged from 30 to 38.8 dBA. Measurements taken around the sites where the Washington Public Power Supply System was constructing nuclear power plants ranged from 50.6 to 64 dBA. Measurements taken along the Columbia River near the intake structures for Washington Public Power Supply System Nuclear Plant 2 were 47.7 and 52.1 dBA compared to more remote river Noise/Sound levelsnoise levels of 45.9 dBA measured about 5 km (3 mi) upstream from the intake structures. Noise/Sound levelsNoise levels in North Richland (300 Area at Horn Rapids Road and the by-pass highway) were 60.5 dBA (PNL, 1995a).

4.4 Ecosystems

The existing Ecosystemsecosystems in the vicinity of the 200 West Area are characterized according to vegetation, wildlife, and Threatened or Endangered speciesthreatened or endangered species. These elements are discussed below.

Only about 6 percent of the Hanford Site surface area has been disturbed and used for the production of nuclear materials, waste Storage, and waste Disposal. The remainder of the area is undeveloped, including natural areas and abandoned agricultural lands that remain undisturbed due to restricted public access (PNL, 1995a).

The 200 Area Plateau is dominated by mature sagebrush-steppe habitat with patches of disturbed or man-made habitat. The sagebrush-steppe habitat of the 200 Area plateau supports a wide variety of plants and animals typical of the Hanford Site.

4.4.1 Vegetation

The Hanford Site is located in a semiarid region that normally supports sagebrush scrub. The Site consists of large areas of undeveloped land, including abandoned agricultural areas, and widely-separated clusters of industrial buildings. The plant and animal species on the Hanford Site are representative of those inhabiting the shrub-steppe (sagebrush-grass) region of the northwestern United States. The Hanford Site encompasses 1,450 square kilometers (km2) (560 square miles [mi2]) of shrub-steppe habitat that is adapted to the region's mid-latitude semiarid climate (PNL, 1995a).

The vegetation of the 200 West Area is representative of the Hanford Site as a whole, with sagebrush/cheatgrass and Sandberg's bluegrass being the dominant communities (PNL, 1995a). The area within the perimeter fence of the PFP Facility is disturbed and a recent survey observed no plants in the vicinity (Brandt, 1995).

4.4.2 Wildlife

Pocket mice and jackrabbits are the primary small mammal species observed on the Site. Large mammals include deer and elk, although the elk occur almost exclusively on the Fitzner Eberhardt Arid Lands Ecology Reserve located on Rattlesnake Mountain. Coyotes and raptors are the primary predators.

The most common snakes are gopher snakes, yellow-bellied racers, and rattlesnakes. Toads and frogs are found along the Columbia River. Grasshoppers and various species of beetles are the most conspicuous insects in the community.

The horned lark and western meadowlark are the most abundant nesting birds in the local shrub-steppe community.

Within the perimeter fence of the PFP Facility, nests of several migratory birds, including the barn swallow, cliff swallow, and American robin, have been observed (Brandt, 1995).

4.4.3 Threatened or Endangered Species

The 200 West Area and the PFP Facility were examined for threatened or endangered plant and animal species. Discussion of these examinations follows.

An ecological survey for the 200 West Area indicated that there are no federally-listed threatened or endangered plant species present, as specified by the Threatened or Endangered Species FederalAct of 1973 as amended (Brandt, 1994). The ecological review identified the presence of stalked-pod milkvetch (Astragalus sclerocarpus), a Class 3 state of Washington monitor plant species. This designation indicates it is either more common or less Threatened or Endangered species than previously believed and therefore is not a species of concern. This species is common throughout the Hanford Site.

The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is classified as a federal and state candidate species. This designation indicates the species is under review for possible listing as a threatened or endangered species. Loggerhead shrikes nest in undisturbed sagebrush and bitterbrush habitats. The northern sagebrush lizard (Aceloporus graciosus), also a federal candidate species, is found in the mature sagebrush habitat. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has designated shrub-steppe as a Priority Habitat, which is defined as a habitat providing unique or significant value to a wide variety of wildlife and often especially for species of concern. Designating habitat as priority represents a measure to help prevent species from becoming threatened or endangered.

The sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli) is a state candidate species. Habitat requirements for the sage sparrow are sagebrush and chaparral with scattered shrubs. Its breeding range includes central Washington and this species has been found to be nesting in moderate numbers within the 200 West Area.

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a federal and state threatened species, is a regular winter resident occurring principally along the Columbia River. The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), a federal and state Threatened or Endangered Species species, is a casual migrant visitor to the area, but does not nest there. The state of Washington lists the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) as Threatened or Endangered Species, and the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), noted for nesting on area power poles, as Threatened or Endangered speciesthreatened. There are several species of animals that are under consideration for listing as Threatened or Endangered speciesthreatened species.

An ecological survey of the PFP Facility indicated that there are no plant or animal species protected under the Threatened or Endangered Species Species Act, candidates for such protection, or species listed by the state of Washington for protection within the perimeter fence of the PFP Facility (Brandt, 1995).

4.5 POPULATION AND SOCIOECONOMICS

Hanford Site activity both directly and indirectly influences the socioeconomics of the Tri-Cities, as well as other areas in Benton and Franklin Counties. Since the Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland) are a market center for eastern Washington, the Hanford Site also influences, to a lesser degree, the socioeconomics of Grant and Yakima Counties.

For this analysis, three units of study have been defined:

1) Tri-Cities - Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland

2) Study Area - Benton and Franklin Counties

3) Region of Interest (Region) - Benton, Franklin, Grant, and Yakima Counties

Figure 4-6 presents the locations of the Hanford Site, Tri-Cities, Study Area, and Region.

Where possible, data are provided for both the Study Area and Region. In some cases, data are only available for the Tri-Cities.

According to December 1993 employee residence records, 98 percent of all Hanford Site employees reside in the Region, with 93 percent in the Study Area and 81 percent in the Tri-Cities (DOE, 1995b). In addition, more than 62 percent of Hanford's procurements (purchases of goods and services) are made in the Tri-Cities (Scott, 1995).

This section provides a description of the following socioeconomic characteristics:

• Economics
• DemographicsDemographics
• Housing
• Local Infrastructure and Public Services
• Environmental Justice and EquityEnvironmental Justice and Equity.

4.5.1 Economics

The following subsections summarize economic activity within the Study Area and the larger Region, including Employment, income sources, and fiscal characteristics.

Table 4-9 provides an economic summary, including information on the primary industries and unEmployment rates for each of the counties within the Study Area and Region. Food processing is the primary industry in the Study Area, while food processing and agriculture are the primary industries within the larger Region. In 1990, the average unemployment rate was 6.5 percent for the Study Area and 7.75 percent for the Region.

Figure 4-6. Socioeconomic Region of Influence for Hanford Site

Table 4-9 Economic Summary, 1990

Source:CENDATA, 1995

4.5.1.1 Local Employment

There have been three major components driving the economy of the Tri-Cities since the early 1970s: 1) DOE and its major contractors, which operate the Hanford Site; 2) Washington Public Power Supply System, which constructed and operates a nuclear power plant; and 3) an export-oriented agricultural and food-processing community. In addition to the contribution these components make to the Tri-Cities economy in terms of Employment and payroll, they also support a significant number of jobs indirectly through their procurement of equipment, supplies, and business services.

In addition to these major employers, tourism and income generated from retired former employees contribute substantially to the economic base of the Tri-Cities. Table 4-10 provides Employment and income figures for each of the major components of the Tri-Cities economy.

Overall Employment and the size of the available workforce in the Tri-Cities have been steadily increasing since 1988, as can be seen in Table 4-11. Between 1993 and 1994, Tri-Cities unEmployment fell from 8 percent to just over 6 percent. Between 1994 and 1995 unemployment rose again to 8.0 percent, and in 1996, increased to an estimated 10 percent. During fiscal year 1994, there were nearly 3,700 Hanford-related job reductions and approximately 1,100 more were expected by October 1995 (Briggs, 1995). Other employers have been reducing their workforces as well, but these data have not been included in the analysis.

Table 4-10 Tri-Cities Economic Base Information

Source: DOE, 1995c

Notes:^a 1993 figures

^b 1992 figures

Table 4-11 Tri-Cities Employment

Source:Washington, 1995; Haws, 1996

Table 4-12 presents average Employment coefficients by industry for the Study Area and the larger Region. These coefficients give the number of additional jobs created for every $1 million in additional output produced by each sector. Trade creates the largest number of jobs, followed by services and government.

As mentioned previously, more than 98 percent of all Hanford employees reside in the Region, 93 percent in the Study Area, and 81 percent in the Tri-Cities. Of those who live in the Tri-Cities, 52 percent of the employees live in Richland, 37 percent live in Kennewick, and 11 percent live in Pasco. Other cities in Benton and Franklin Counties, such as West Richland, Benton City, and Prosser, account for 12 percent of the employees (DOE, 1995b).

Table 4-12 Average Employment Coefficients by Industry, 1991

Source:IMPLAN, 1991

Hanford and its contractors spent nearly $167 million in procurements (32 percent of all Hanford procurements) in the Tri-Cities during fiscal year 1994. Of these Tri-Cities procurements, 63 percent came from Richland, 28 percent were from Pasco, and 9 percent came from Kennewick (Scott, 1995).

Hanford Employment accounted for 25 percent of non-agricultural Employment in the Study Area in 1994. Total payroll for the Hanford Site was approximately $740 million in 1993, accounting for close to 45 percent of the total Study Area payroll dollars (DOE, 1995c).

The Hanford Site also supports the Study Area economy indirectly, specifically the service sector. Previous studies indicate that each Hanford Site-related job supports approximately 1.2 additional jobs in the Study Area service sector (about 2.2 total jobs) and approximately 1.5 additional jobs in the state's service sector (about 3.7 total jobs) (Scott, et al., 1987). In addition, each dollar of Hanford income supports about $2.10 in total Study Area incomes and $2.40 in total statewide incomes. As a result, the Hanford Site directly or indirectly accounts for more than 40 percent of all jobs in the Study Area.

4.5.1.2 Income Sources

Median household income is defined as the level at which half of the households have income greater than the median and the other half have less. Per capita personal income is defined as all forms of income divided by population.

As shown in Table 4-13, median household incomes in the Tri-Cities have been steadily growing for all three cities. In 1994, Richland had the highest median household income of $42,032, compared to $36,141 for Kennewick and $32,102 for Pasco.

Table 4-13 Tri-Cities Median Household Income

Source:TRIDEC, 1995

Table 4-14 presents measures of income at the county level, including per capita personal and median income and percent of persons below poverty level. Of the four counties, Benton County has the highest, while Grant has the lowest per capita personal and median household incomes. Regarding percent below poverty level, Benton County has the lowest, with 11 percent below poverty level, while Franklin County has more than double that of Benton County, with 23 percent below poverty.

4.5.1.3 Fiscal Characteristics

The following subsection summarizes the fiscal characteristics (government finance), including county level revenues and expenditures and city and county level assessed property values.

Table 4-15 provides the percent contribution of revenue sources at the county level, based on 1993 and 1994 data. Total taxes and intergovernmental transfers are the largest revenue sources in all of the counties in the Region. Total taxes vary from 36 percent of total revenues in Franklin County to 43 percent in Benton and Yakima Counties. Intergovernmental transfers vary from 38 percent of total revenues in Yakima County to 44 percent in Franklin County. Table 4-16 shows the percent expenditures by category at the county level. The largest expenditures for the four counties are for general government, public safety, and Transportation.

Table 4-14 Measures of Income

Sources: DOE, 1995c; DOE, 1994b; DOE, 1994c

Notes:a. 1989 Figures

b. 1990 Figures

c. 1992 Figures

Table 4-15 Revenue Sources

Sources: a. Benton County Auditors Office

b. Franklin County Auditors Office

c. Grant County Auditors Office

d. Yakima County Auditors Office

Table 4-16 County Expenditures by Category

Source:a.Benton County Auditors Office

b. Franklin County Auditors Office

c. Grant County Auditors Office

d. Yakima County Auditors Office

Property Values

Assessed property values, as shown in Table 4-17, have been growing rapidly for all of the cities and counties. At the county level, assessed property values grew the most rapidly between the years 1992 and 1993 in Benton County, with a growth rate of 15.3 percent. For the same years at the city level, property values in the city of Richland grew the most rapidly at a rate of 23.85 percent. Between the years 1993 and 1994, Yakima County had the largest growth (18 percent) in property values of all of the counties, while Kennewick, with a growth rate of 18 percent, experienced the highest city growth rate.

Table 4-17 Assessed Property Values

Source:Washington, 1992

Average selling prices in the Tri-Cities area increased steadily between 1991 and 1994, but dropped substantially from $119,000 to $112,000 between 1994 and 1995. During the first three months of 1996, the average selling price was $104,900. This reduction is viewed as being a sign of the local economy leveling off from the peak in activity in 1994. A major downturn in the housing market as a result of the recent workforce reductions has not been realized (Powers, 1995; Powers, 1996).

4.5.2 Demographics

The following subsection summarizes population growth trends and projections, urban and rural population, and age and gender distribution of the population. Racial and ethnic characteristics are addressed in Subsection 4.5.5, Environmental Justice and EquityEnvironmental Justice and Equity.

Table 4-18 summarizes population trends from 1940 to 1994 for the Region as well as population projections for 1995 to 2010. Population growth in the Region reflects the impacts of activities at the Hanford Site. The large growth between 1940 and 1950 reflects the creation of the Hanford Site. Growth between 1960 and 1990 represents growth at the Hanford Site and related supporting activities. As mentioned previously, the Regional economy is still highly dependent on Employment at the Hanford Site, as reflected in population growth trends. Although present projections show continued growth at the county level, these numbers may not reflect recent labor force reductions at the Hanford Site and in the Tri-Cities. These reductions could result in a slowing or reversal in population growth since the Employment base at the Hanford Site is unstable.

With respect to urban and rural distribution of the population, all of the counties in the Region, except for Grant County, are primarily urban, with more than 50 percent of their populations residing in urban areas. Benton is the most urban, with 87 percent of its population residing in urban areas, while Grant is the most rural, with 56 percent of its population residing in rural areas (DOE, 1994b).

All of the counties in the Region tend to have relatively young populations, below the state median age of 33. Franklin County's median age of 29 is the lowest among the counties, while Benton County has the highest with a median age of 32 (DOE, 1994b). With respect to gender, the populations of the state and each of the four counties are balanced (50 percent male and 50 percent female) (Office of Financial Management, 1993).

4.5.3 Housing

This subsection provides information on relevant housing characteristics of the Region, including housing units by type, vacancy rates, housing sale information, and apartment vacancy rates. Table 4-19 presents data on total housing units, vacancy rates, and percent housing by type for the Region.

Of the four counties, Grant and Franklin Counties have the highest vacancy rates while Benton County has the lowest. For the Tri-Cities, Pasco has the highest vacancy rate, while Richland has the lowest. With respect to housing types, single family dwellings are the most common housing type, while mobile homes are the least common among all four counties and the Tri-Cities.

Table 4-20 presents information on trends in residential listings, sales, and average selling prices in the Tri-Cities. The average number of active residential listings has been growing every year since 1992. The average number of homes sold per month steadily increased between 1991 and 1994. This number dropped from 176 to 101 homes sold per month between 1994 and 1995. Since May 1995, residential listings have dropped to approximately 800, which is below what is typical for an area the size of the Tri-Cities (Powers, 1996).

Apartment vacancy rates have typically been low in the Tri-Cities, varying from a Tri-City average of less than 2 percent to just over 5 percent vacancy between late-1993 and early-1995. Between late-1993 and mid-1994, there was a steady decline in apartment vacancy rates in all of the Tri-Cities. During this time, the Tri-Cities average apartment vacancy rate fell from just under 2 percent to just over 1 percent. This trend reversed in late-1994, when the Tri-Cities average jumped to 4 percent. Vacancy rates in all of the Tri-Cities have been increasing since 1994 (TRIDEC, 1995). Within the last few years, 15 new apartment complexes were contracted to be built in the Tri-Cities to accommodate Employment growth at Hanford and within the Tri-Cities. However, this substantial expansion in available apartments,

Table 4-18 Population Trends and Projections, 1940-2010

Sources:DOE, 1994c; Office of Financial Management, 1994

Note:a.1993 Projections, Office of Financial Management, 1993

Table 4-19 Housing Units, Vacancy Rates, and Housing Units by Type

Source:DOE, 1994b

Notes:a. 1990 Figures

b. 1993 Estimates

Table 4-20 Tri-Cities Residential Listings, Sales, Average Selling Prices,

Source:Powers, 1995

Note:a. Annual Average as of May 1995

coupled with the unexpected reductions in the labor force at the Hanford Site and in the Tri-Cities, has resulted in a surplus in available apartment units and an associated increase in vacancy rates. Between June 1995 and April 1996, apartment vacancy rates increased dramatically in the Tri-Cities.

In Richland, rates increased from 10.3 to 19.8 percent. In Pasco, rates increased from 6.5 to 16.3 percent. In Kennewick, rates increased from 9.9 to 14.6 percent. By comparison, apartment vacancy rates in a healthy market average between 3 and 5 percent. In the future, it is expected that rents will decline but there will not be substantial increases in vacancies (Dukelow 1995; Dukelow, 1996).

4.5.4 Local Infrastructure and Public Services

The following subsections summarize local infrastructure and public services, including information on education, health care, human services, police, and fire protection. Information on local infrastructure and public services is only provided for the Tri-Cities and Study Area because Grant and Yakima Counties are beyond the local public service area.

4.5.4.1 Education

In the Study Area, primary and secondary education is served by the Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and Kiona-Benton school districts. In 1994, the combined total spring enrollment was 31,970 students, an increase of 7.4 percent from 1993. For the same year, Richland was operating near capacity, Pasco and Kennewick were at capacity for primary education, Kennewick was over capacity for secondary, and Kiona-Benton was over capacity at both levels. Kennewick recently passed a $43 million bond issue and is in the process of constructing a high school and middle school, as well as two elementary schools. While there has been some concern over whether these schools will be fully utilized, given the local Employment situation, student enrollment has not decreased and is considered stable (Ferguson, 1995).

The two post-secondary institutions in the Tri-Cities area are Columbia Basin College, with a 1994 fall enrollment of 6,800, and Washington State University Tri-City Branch, with an enrollment of 1,300 students.

4.5.4.2 Health Care

There are three major hospitals (Kadlec, Kennewick General, and Our Lady of Lourdes) and five minor emergency centers in the Tri-Cities. Combined, these hospitals had 346 available beds and about 15,000 annual admissions in 1994, 58 percent of which were Medicare or Medicaid patients.

All three hospitals offer general medical services as well as a 24-hr emergency room, basic surgical services, intensive care, and neonatal care. Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation and alcohol and chemical dependency services. In addition, Our Lady of Lourdes operates the Carondelet Psychiatric Care Center in Richland, a 32-bed psychiatric hospital which provides a significant amount of outpatient and home health services as well.

4.5.4.3 Human Services

A broad range of social services are available in the Tri-Cities. State human service offices include: a Job Services Office of the Employment Security Department, Food Stamp Offices, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, financial and medical assistance, the Child Protective Services, emergency medical service, a senior companion program, and vocational rehabilitation. Additionally, the local United Way incorporates 24 participating agencies and 48 programs, with a cumulative 1994 budget of $21.1 million.

4.5.4.4 Police and Fire Protection

Police protection in the Study Area is provided by county sheriffs' departments, municipal police departments, and the Washington State Patrol Division headquartered in Kennewick.

At the city level, there was a combined Tri-Cities total of 266 commissioned officers, 114 reserve officers, and 129 patrol cars in February 1995 (DOE, 1995b).

Fire protection in the Tri-Cities is provided by three city fire departments and three additional rural fire districts. Together, there are 145 paid personnel and 181 volunteers.

A separate Hanford Fire Department, composed of 155 firefighters, is trained to dispose of hazardous waste and to fight chemical fires. The Hanford Fire Patrol owns five ambulances and maintains contact with local hospitals. The Hanford Fire Department is currently discussing with DOE, the city of Richland, and the maintenance and operations contractor the possibility of contracting with the city of Richland for Hanford's fire protection services.

4.5.5 Environmental Justice and EquityEnvironmental Justice and Equity

12898 Executive Order 12898 dated February 11, 1994 (59 FR 7629), requires federal agencies to identify disproportionately high and adverse human Health effects/Radiation exposurehealth or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations, including Native Americans. To support the analysis of Environmental Justice and Equityenvironmental justice and equity impacts, this subsection presents a comparison of the socioeconomic baseline conditions for minority and low-income populations and the larger population of the Region. In general, the data indicate differences in both Demographicsdemographic and economic characteristics for these populations, and that those differences are consistent across the counties in the Region.

4.5.5.1 Racial Composition of the Population

Several racial and ethnic groups are represented in the Region. The primary groups within the Region include Caucasian and Hispanic populations, but persons of Asian, Native American, Afro-American, and other descents are represented as well.

Franklin, Yakima, and Grant Counties typically have the largest Hispanic populations in the region. Of these, Franklin has had the largest concentration of Hispanics. Benton and Franklin Counties have tended to have the largest proportion of Asians (although these proportions have been relatively low). Yakima County has had the largest Native American population while Franklin County has had the largest Afro-American concentration (Office of Financial Management, 1994).

Percent population by race and Hispanic origin for the four counties is presented in Table 4-21. In summary, Benton County has the largest percentage of Caucasian (89 percent) and Asian (3 percent) residents, Franklin County has the largest concentration of Afro-Americans (3 percent), persons of other race (31 percent) and Hispanic origin (39 percent), while Yakima County has the largest proportion of Native Americans (5 percent).

Table 4-21 Population by Race and Hispanic Origin

Source:Office of Financial Management, 1994

Notes:a.Percent totals by race may not add to 100 percent due to rounding.

b.Populations of Hispanic origin are classified separately from racial categories.

In the four-county Region, educational attainment for all races and people of Hispanic origin is highest in Benton County. In Benton County, the percentage of people who have attended at least some college is 68 percent for Afro-Americans, 64 percent for Asians, 57 percent for Caucasians, 53 percent for Native Americans, 22 percent for other races, and 35 percent for Hispanics. In the other three counties, the percentage of people with at least some college ranges from 43 to 44 percent for Caucasians, 34 to 42 percent for Afro-Americans, 33 to 40 percent for Native Americans, 19 to 44 percent for Asians, 10 to 14 percent for other races, 6 to 12 percent for Hispanics (CENDATA, 1995).

4.5.5.2 Economics

Table 4-22 presents 1990 Unemployment data for the four counties. In general, unemployment rates are substantially higher for non-Caucasian populations. In Franklin County, average unemployment rates for Afro-Americans, Native Americans, and Asians were three or more times higher than the rates for

Table 4-22 Unemployment/employment by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1990

Source:CENDATA, 1995

Caucasians. UnEmployment rates exceeded 20 percent for Native Americans in Grant and Yakima Counties, and for other races and persons of Hispanic origin in Yakima County. In Grant County, unEmployment rates for all non-Caucasian groups, with the exception of Asians, were more than twice the rate for Caucasians.

A comparison of per capita income by race indicates comparable differences, as shown in Table 4-23. The lowest per capita income figures are for Hispanic populations in Franklin and Yakima Counties and other races in Yakima County. In all four counties, Caucasians had the highest per capita income, followed by Afro-Americans in Benton County and Asians in Franklin, Grant, and Yakima Counties.

Table 4-23 Per Capita Income by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1989

Source:CENDATA, 1995

Table 4-24 illustrates how household income is distributed within the Region. Benton County had the highest percentage of annual household incomes greater than $35,000, while Grant had the lowest. Benton County also had the lowest percentage of households with less than $15,000 annual incomes.

Table 4-24 Percent Households by Income Level

Source:CENDATA, 1995

4.6 Transportation

Transportation to the Hanford Site is provided by highways, air, water, and railroad. The most frequently used mode of Transportation is the local highway system. Subsection 4.6.1 focuses on vehicular traffic. Barge transport and rail transport are described in Subsection 4.6.2.

4.6.1 Vehicular Traffic

To evaluate existing conditions, documents and traffic data for national and state roadway systems and the Hanford Site roadways were reviewed. Descriptions of these reviews are presented in the following subsections.

4.6.1.1 National and State Roadway Systems

Regional access to the Hanford Site is provided by a number of national and state highway systems shown in Figure 4-7. The major route adjacent to the

Hanford Site is Interstate 82, a four-lane divided highway that links the city of Richland with the Yakima Valley. State Routes 240 and 24 traverse the Hanford Site and are maintained by Washington State. These two-lane highways link the Hanford Site with Interstate 90 to the north. State Route 395, located west of the Hanford Site, connects the region with Spokane to the northeast.

Figure 4-7. Hanford Site Roadway System

4.6.1.2 Hanford Site Roadways

Roadways within the Hanford Site that provide local service to the PFP Facility include Route 4, Route 10, Route 2, Route 11A, Route 5, and the State Route 240 access road. Peak traffic hours for these roadways typically occur between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (Trost, 1995). A second peak occurs between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The Wye Barricade, referred to below, is a security checkpoint that separates former Hanford Site special nuclear material production areas from other Hanford Site areas.

As identified in Figure 4-7, Route 4 is classified as the principal arterial roadway within the Hanford Site. Route 4 has two travel lanes in either direction south of the Wye Barricade and one lane in either direction north of the Wye Barricade. Route 4 carries most of the traffic from the city of Richland to the 200 East Area. Traffic volumes during shift changes at the Hanford Site create traffic congestion and a safety problem onsite. Traffic flow has improved since the 3.5 km (2.2 mi) State Route 240 access road was opened (Trost, 1995). This access road is open only at peak traffic hours.

South of the Wye Barricade, Route 4 has an estimated 17,000 vehicles per day. The traffic volume for Route 4 north of the Wye Barricade to the primary exit to the 200 East Area is estimated at 8,000 vehicles per day (DOE, 1993d). The number of vehicles per day is expected to decrease as a result of continued workforce reductions. According to a traffic study conducted in October 1995, the peak traffic volume consists of approximately 1,870 vehicles (Trost, 1995). Based on the average daily traffic on Route 4 between the Wye Barricade and the primary exit to the 200 East Area, Route 4 is currently operating at Level of Service "D". Level of Service is a qualitative measure of a roadway's ability to accommodate vehicular traffic. Level of Service ranges are from "A" to "F", with "A" presenting excellent (free-flow) conditions and "F" representing extreme congestion. Level of Service "D" or better is considered satisfactory (Trost, 1994).

Route 10 provides access to State Route 240 at its southern terminus and Route 4 at its northern terminus. Route 10 has one travel lane in either direction. Traffic counts for Route 10 taken at its connection with State Route 240 reveals a daily traffic volume of approximately 2,200 vehicles (DOE, 1993d). Route 10 is currently operating at Level of Service "B."

The State Route 240 access road connects State Route 240 to the 200 West Area. The access road consists of a two-lane blacktop road capable of handling light traffic. The peak traffic volume consist of approximately 970 vehicles (Trost, 1995). Traffic volumes on the access route have steadily increased since it was opened in December 1994 (Trost, 1994).

For alternative access to the Hanford Site, Ben Franklin Transit, a private Transportation company under DOE contract, provides bus service south of the Wye Barricade. This service route connects the Hanford Site with the city of Richland. Park-and-ride lots are provided in the 1100 Area for employees commuting from the cities of Kennewick and Pasco.

4.6.2 Other Transportation Facilities

The Port of Benton is the port-of-call for all vessel traffic to the Hanford Site. Port terminals are also provided in the cities of Kennewick and Pasco. The Port of Benton does not place restrictions on the type of vessels entering the port, although the access to the port is limited by water depths. Vessel traffic at the Port of Benton is about 15 to 20 vessels per year (Keller, 1994).

The railroad system on the Hanford Site consists of approximately 204 km (127 mi) of track. The system begins at the Richland Junction (Columbia Center) where it joins the Union Pacific commercial track. Figure 4-8 illustrates the layout of the Hanford Site trackage. The railspur closest to the PFP Facility is located approximately 150 feet west of the Facility boundary.

Approximately 139 km (86 mi) of the system are considered in service to active facilities across the Site. There are approximately 64 km (40 mi) of track that are in standby or out-of-service condition. This track serves areas or facilities having no current rail shipping activity. The standby trackage receives no maintenance at present, but could be restored, if needed, for Decontamination and decommissioningdecontamination and decommissioning, environmental restoration, or future programs that may require rail service.

The in-service track accommodates approximately 4,000 movements of 1,500 commercial rail cars annually to provide essential materials to Site-wide facilities. In addition, the onsite rail transport of materials between areas and facilities accounts for roughly 1,000 car movements annually. The wide variety of materials transported by rail on the Hanford Site ranges from fuels (such as oil and coal) to hazardous and toxic process chemicals, and includes transport of radioactive materials and equipment.

4.7 Land Use

The Hanford Site is a federally-controlled area and is not subject to state and local Land use FederalWashington Stateregulations, such as zoning and planning. Consequently, there are no relevant state and local Land use plans and policies that apply to the activities outlined in this EIS. However, the Hanford Site Development Plan and the Hanford Future Site Uses Working Group Report guide Land useland use policies and plans at the Hanford Site.

The Hanford Site Development Plan (DOE, 1993e) provides an overview of Land use, infrastructure, and facility requirements to support analyses for DOE programs and an existing and future Land use plan for the Hanford Site. It is updated annually. The plan contains a master plan which outlines the relationship of the land and infrastructure needed by Hanford Site missions.

Figure 4-8. Hanford Site Rail Transportation

The master plan includes the following guidelines for land development:

• Minimize the disturbance of clean land
• Consolidate support activities to improve productivity and maximize flexibility
• Develop the Site in accordance with applicable environmental, cultural, safety, and health requirements.

The plan states that for planning purposes, the 200 Areas are to be used exclusively for the collection of Site waste materials and as the location for associated waste facilities. For approximately 50 years, the 200 West Area has been exclusively used for fuel reprocessing, and waste processing, management, and Disposal (see Figure 4-2).

The Hanford Future Site Uses Working Group was organized by DOE to recommend on required cleanup levels under the Hanford Remedial Action EISHanford Remedial Action EIS (DOE, 1995d). The group consisted of federal, tribal, state, and local governments with interests in the Hanford Site. The Working Group was charged with the task of articulating a range of visions for the future use of the Hanford Site, discussing the implications of those visions, and finding common ground on cleanup issues among the members of the group. As part of its final report, the Working Group made recommendations for future uses of the 200 Areas (FSUWG, 1992).

The Working Group's findings and recommendations included a recommendation to concentrate waste from the Hanford Site into the 200 Areas, including transporting wastes across the Hanford Site to the 200 Areas. This would help minimize the amount of land devoted to or contaminated by Waste managementwaste management activities. Further, the report recommended that waste and contaminants within the 200 Areas be treated and managed to prevent offsite migration.

The Working Group also developed six future use options for the Central Plateau, which includes the 200 Areas. The options include a goal "...that the overall cleanup criteria for the Central Plateau should enable general usage of the land and Groundwater for other than Waste managementwaste management activities in the horizon of 100 years from the decommissioning of Waste managementwaste management facilities and closure of waste Disposal facilities." The options differentiate between types of waste and different types of Waste managementwaste management or commercial activities. They are further distinguished by three major criteria: 1) type of waste; 2) methods of treatment or Disposal; and 3) length of time for Storage. The options range from the fulfillment of existing obligations for Disposal or Storage of Hanford onsite waste to allowing for additional Storage, treatment, or Disposal of offsite DOE and commercial waste.

The Hanford Remedial Action EIS will provide an assessment of the impacts (primarily from remediation activities) associated with achieving broad classes of future land uses for the Hanford Site. The Hanford Remedial Action EIS will build on the three broad classes of potential future land uses developed by the Hanford Future Site Uses Working Group (restricted, unrestricted, and exclusive future uses).

The Hanford Remedial Action EIS will evaluate the potential environmental consequences associated with sitewide remediation efforts. Once established, future land use designations will guide the process of remediating Hanford Site radioactive and hazardous wastes and facilitate the development of a coordinated and cost-effective remediation strategy. However, decisions regarding site-specific remediation technologies and specific activities will not be made in the Hanford Remedial Action EIS. Instead these decisions will be made through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) process, in accordance with the Hanford Federal Facilities Agreement and Consent Order, also known as the Tri-Party Agreement (Jason, 1996).

The Hanford Comprehensive Land use Plan will build on and implement the broad Land use objectives established in the Hanford Remedial Action EISHanford Remedial Action EIS. It will narrow the range of potential Land useland uses by evaluating, in a holistic manner, the constraints and opportunities posed by factors such as:

1. DOE responsibilities and authority as dictated by its charter under the federal government and applicable law
2. Environmental characteristics, such as the presence of sensitive Cultural Resourcescultural or biological resources
3. Physical characteristics, such as the presence of steep slopes, unstable Soil types, or potential physical hazards
4. The socioeconomic characteristics and values of the surrounding region.

Land use values of other agencies, governments, and organizations are being solicited by DOE to ensure that the Hanford Comprehensive Land useLand Use Plan reflects a broad spectrum of input. The development of this information, integrated with the requirements to support the components of DOE's mission (identified in the Hanford Site Development Plan), is expected to guide future Hanford Site Land use decisions by DOE over the next 30 to 50 years (Jason, 1995).

4.8 Cultural Resources

A Cultural resourcescultural resource is any phenomenon with a demonstrable association with prehistory, historical events or individuals, or extinct cultural systems. Cultural resources include such things as archaeological sites, districts, and objects; standing historical structures, objects, or groups of either; locations of important historic events; or places, objects, and living or non-living things that are important to the practices and continuity of traditional cultures. For the purpose of this document, three terms with more restrictive meanings will be used. These are "historic property," "traditional use area," and "sacred" or "religious site."

"Historic property" is a legal term that refers to any Cultural resourcescultural resource listed on or considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. A historic property may be an archaeological site, a historical site, or a "traditional use area," but not all such phenomena meet the criteria for being historic properties.

A "traditional use area" is any place or landscape that is important to the continuation of a traditional culture. It includes such things as a community, a sacred site, or an area from which food and non-food resources are obtained.

"Sacred sites" are places important to the practice of traditional religions. Their relationship to traditional religions makes it possible for sacred sites to become historic properties, but they are also considered under statutes designed to protect First Amendment guarantees regarding the free practice of religion.

The Hanford Site contains a rich diversity of known Cultural resourcescultural resources. Because the Site has been closed to the public for over 50 years, Cultural resourcescultural resource sites have been provided more relative protection than other sites in the Mid-Columbia Basin.

4.8.1 Historical Resources

DOE has determined that the 236-Z Building (PRF), the Remote Mechanical A Line (RMA)RMA Line portion of the 234-5Z Building (PFP), the 2704-Z Administration Building, and the 231-Z (Plutonium Metallurgy Facility), are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The 234-5ZA South Annex, the 242-Z Waste Treatment Facility, the 291-Z Stack, the 2701-ZA Central Alarm Station, the 2736-Z Primary Plutonium Storage Facility, the 2736-ZA Annex and the 2736-ZB Support Facility are associated properties, located within the PFP Facility and are also eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (MOA, 1996). These structures are eligible due to their relation to the Manhattan Project, the Cold War, and historical industrial processes.

4.8.2 Archaeological Resources

The locations related to the PFP Stabilization EIS have been previously subjected to archaeological surveys. These surveys were conducted either for this or other projects on the Hanford Site. No archaeological resources were identified from these investigations (Chatters and Cadoret, 1990).

4.8.3 Native American Concerns

No natural features in the vicinity of the PFP Facility are considered sacred by Native Americans. However, there are natural features within the Hanford Site outside the 200 West Area that are considered sacred by members of the Wanapum people, Yakama Indian Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe. These landmarks include, but are not limited to Rattlesnake Mountain, Gable Mountain, Gable Butte, Goose Egg Hill, and many sites along the Columbia River. The tribes have expressed a desire that cleanup be completed so that general use of the land and Groundwater within the 200 West Area will be available within 100 years of Site closure.

4.9 WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL CAPACITY

This subsection describes the waste treatment, Storage, and Disposal units that would manage waste generated by the alternatives described in Section 3. Units that would potentially manage waste generated at the PFP Facility include Hanford Site solid waste management facilities, the 200 Area Tank Farms200 Area Tank Farms (Double-Shell Tank System), the City of Richland Landfillcity of Richland landfill, and the 200 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility200 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility.

4.9.1 Hanford Site Solid Waste Management Facilities

Hanford Site solid waste management facilitiesHanford Site solid waste management facilities includes the Transuranic Waste Storage and Assay FacilityTransuranic Waste Storage and Assay Facility, Central Waste ComplexCentral Waste Complex, Low-Level Burial Grounds, and the Waste Receiving and Processing FacilityWaste Receiving and Processing Facility.

The Transuranic Waste Storage and Assay Facility is located in the 200 West Area of the Hanford Site and provides a centralized Storage unit for containerized transuranic mixed waste and low-level mixed waste from various Hanford operations. The Transuranic Waste Storage and Assay Facility is a permitted Federal RCRA Interim Status Unit. Assay of the waste consists of nondestructive testing of the Transuranic mixed waste to confirm the fissile isotope content and to confirm the absence of prohibited items before shipment to approved Disposal sites.

The total process design capacity for Storage at the Transuranic Waste Storage and Assay Facility is 2,000 55-gallon drums (DOE, 1995e). Each drum may contain up to 200 g (0.44 lb) of plutonium (WHC, 1995). There are approximately 1,500 drums currently stored at the facility.

The Central Waste Complex is located in the 200 West Area of the Hanford Site and consists of multiple Storage structures for mixed waste. It provides permitted structures to support inspection, verification, sampling, and repackaging of mixed waste. The Central Waste Complex is a Federal RCRA Interim Status Unit (DOE, 1995e).

The design capacity for the mixed waste Storage structures at the Central Waste Complex has both radiological and volume constraints. From a radiological standpoint, the Complex can store up to 3,600 dose-equivalent curies of radioactive material. A dose equivalent curie is a unit that allows ready comparison among all radioactive isotopes. There are approximately 1,100 dose-equivalent curies of radioactive material currently stored at the Central Waste Complex. An additional 2,500 dose-equivalent curies may be stored at the Complex. Up to 60,000 55-gallon drums may be stored at the Complex as long as the dose-equivalent curies limit is not exceeded (Martin, 1996). A project is in progress that would increase the Storage capacity by an additional 14,300 55-gallon drums and is expected to be on line in early 1997.

The Low-Level Burial Grounds are located in the 200 East and 200 West Areas of the Hanford Site. The Low-Level Burial GroundsLow-Level Burial Grounds are a Interim Status Unit. This Waste managementwaste management unit consists of two types of trenches: FederalRCRA-compliant trenches, and past-practice trenches. The FederalRCRA compliant trenches have either liners and leachate collection systems or use alternative technologies such as high-integrity packaging. The past-practice trenches were used for mixed waste Disposal prior to Regulations/Environmental Lawsregulation and continue to be used on a case-by-case basis for the Disposal of remotely-handled mixed waste packages. The process design capacity for mixed waste in the Low-Level Burial GroundsLow-Level Burial Grounds is approximately 1,200,000 m3 (41,000,000 ft3), of which 910,000 m3 (33,000,000 ft3) is dedicated solely for Disposalsubmarine reactor compartments (DOE, 1995f).

The Waste Receiving and Processing Facility is located in the 200 West Area of the Hanford Site. The Facility is an Interim Status Unit that is under construction. When completed, the Waste Receiving and Processing Facility will be a treatment and Storage unit that will provide waste receipt, confirmation, repackaging, certification, treatment, and limited Storage capabilities (DOE, 1995e). Space will be available for the Storage of approximately 240 drums necessary to support waste receipt, processing, and shipment. The Waste Receiving and Processing Facility will be able to process on an annual basis approximately 2,100 newly generated drums of Transuranic waste. The daily rate would be approximately 12 drums of transuranic waste.

4.9.2 200 Area Tank Farms (Double-Shell Tank System)

The 200 Area Tank Farms200 Area Tank Farms (Double-Shell Tank System) is used for the interim storage of Liquid mixed waste generated on the Hanford Site. The Double-Shell Tank System is an Interim Status Unit. Several operating units in the 200 East and 200 West Areas transfer Liquid mixed waste though buried double-encased transfer lines to designated underground double-shell tanks. Other types of Liquid mixed waste are received from railroad car transfers, tank truck transfers, and other waste Storage tanks. The tanks in the Double-Shell Tank System are considered treatment units because chemicals can be added for corrosion control, the waste can be mixed, and water can be evaporated by adding heat. The Storage and treatment design capacities for the Double-Shell Tank System are approximately 150,000,000 l (40,000,000 gal) (DOE, 1995e).

4.9.3 City of Richland Landfill

The City of Richland Landfill operates a permitted landfill designed for municipal and commercial customers located northwest of Richland. The landfill operates under Permit Number 95-755TA issued by the Benton Franklin Health Department. The city has recently been awarded a contract to landfill non-regulated, non-radioactive Solidsolid waste from the Hanford Site. Approximately 230,000 m3 (7,500,000 ft3) are currently permitted and being used to dispose of Solidsolid waste. An estimated 56,000,000 kg (62,000 tons) of refuse is placed in the landfill each year. An additional 780,000 m3 (1,020,000 yd3) has been designated for future solid waste management activities. Non-regulated, non-radioactive solid waste associated with PFP stabilization and removal activities would be placed in the City of Richland Landfill (Penor, 1995).

4.9.4 200 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility

The 200 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility, Washington State Waste Discharge Permit Number 4502, receives non-radioactive, non-contact Liquid Effluents/Waste generation discharged by the PFP Facility and six other facilities at the Hanford Site. It has a permitted average monthly flow of 2,500 l/min (620 g/min) from all seven sources. Liquid from sources such as ventilation heating/cooling wastewater, steam condensate, rainwater, and potable water overflow is treated through a series of source controls and end-of-pipe treatment before being piped to the 2200 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility (Ecology, 1995).

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