**FERMILAB ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION NOTIFICATION FORM**

**Project/Activity Title:** Main Injector Neutrino ExpeRiment v-A
(MINERvA)

**ES&H Tracking Number:** 01054 **Funding Source:** MIE

**Fermilab Project Manager:** Deborah Harris (X4545)

**Signature**

**Date**

**Fermilab NEPA Reviewer:** Teri Dykhuis

**Signature**

**Date**

# Description of the Proposed Action and Need

The purpose and need for the proposed MINERvA (Main Injector ExpeRiment:
ν-A) project is to enable the MINERvA collaboration of elementary
particle and nuclear physics groups and institutions to perform a high
statistics neutrino-nucleus scattering experiment using a fine-grained
detector located on-axis, upstream of the MINOS near detector. This
proposed project is a neutrino experiment that would measure neutrino
cross sections and nuclear interactions with unprecedented precision
using the NuMI beam. Further details may be found in the MINERvA
proposal (http://minerva.fnal.gov/proposal.pdf).

The project would include the development and installation of a neutrino
detector to be located in the existing MINOS detector hall at Fermilab,
directly upstream of the MINOS near Detector. The proposed detector
would be constructed primarily of steel and plastic scintillator,
although it would also contain some target plates of lead and graphite.
When completed, it would have the shape of a hexagonal cylinder aligned
along the NuMI beamline, comprised of a number of planes hung on a steel
support structure in a manner similar to MINOS. Its dimensions would be
approximately 6 meters long by 4 meters wide by 4 meters high, with a
total mass of approximately 300 metric tons. The assembly would employ
cranes, hoists and techniques similar to those used in the installation
of MINOS. Although no new construction is contemplated for MINERvA, the
detector would require some upgrades to the infrastructure of the MINOS
hall, which is approximately 100 meters underground. These upgrades may
include additional electric power and/or cooling capacity, as well as an
extension of the hall\'s drip ceiling. Finally, although much of the
research and subassembly work would be done at collaborating
universities, some of this work would be done in existing laboratory
facilities on the Fermilab site. Laboratory space has not yet been
assigned to MINERvA but the Wide-Band Lab is a candidate site. The
assembly of the detector would include transport of the components from
on-site and off-site facilities to the MINOS building and lowering them
into the MINOS hall via the MINOS shaft.

The NuMI beam is presently the most intense source of neutrinos in the
world. The existing experimental hall and its infrastructure is the only
location that allows full exploitation of this facility. Hence, there is
no alternative as far as location is concerned. The detector would be
composed primarily of steel and plastic scintillator and is similar in
many ways to the existing MINOS detectors. Several technological
alternatives for this type of detector were considered for MINOS,
including gas-filled wire chambers and liquid scintillator as the active
component of the detector. These were rejected in favor of plastic
scintillator, partly out of ES&H considerations. As well as providing
significant scientific results in its own right, the data from this
experiment are intended to supplement and enhance the results of MINOS
and, if approved, the NOvA experiment as well. The 'No Action'
alternative would not accomplish the identified purpose and need for the
action stated above.

# Description of the Affected Environment

The magnitude of MINERvA\'s environmental impact is expected to be very
slight, as it does not involve the construction of any new facilities.
It would, however, necessitate upgrades to the infrastructure of
existing facilities. Specifically, the drip ceiling in the MINOS hall
would be extended to cover the entire hall. This work would be done
under a fixed-price contract with a construction contractor.
Additionally, cooling for the MINERvA power supply may result in an
increase in the water temperature of the MINOS sump. The detector would
contain 3.5 metric tons of lead; the lead would be painted and
hermetically enclosed in the detector and precautions would be taken
during the detector assembly to minimize the possibility of any lead
contamination. Because the NuMI beam consists of neutrinos,
radioactivation issues in the experimental hall is not anticipated.

**III. Potential Environmental Effects** (Provide comments for each
checked item and where clarification is necessary.)

A.  Sensitive Resources: Will the proposed action result in changes
    and/or disturbances to any of the following resources?

> Threatened or endangered species
>
> Other protected species
>
> Wetland/Floodplains
>
> Archaeological or historical resources
>
> Non-attainment areas

B.  Regulated Substances/Activities: Will the proposed action involve
    any of the following regulated substances or activities?

> Clearing or Excavation
>
> Demolition or decommissioning
>
> Asbestos removal
>
> PCBs
>
> Chemical use or storage
>
> Pesticides
>
> Air emissions
>
> Liquid effluents
>
> Underground storage tanks
>
> Hazardous or other regulated waste (including radioactive or mixed)
>
> Radioactive exposures or radioactive air emissions
>
> Radioactivation of soil or groundwater

C.  Other relevant Disclosures

> Threatened violation of ES&H permit requirements
>
> Siting/construction/major modification of waste recovery or TSD
> facilities
>
> Disturbance of pre-existing contamination
>
> New or modified permits
>
> Public controversy
>
> Action/involvement of another federal agency
>
> Public utilities/services
>
> Depletion of a non-renewable resource

IV. **NEPA Recommendation**

> Fermilab has reviewed this proposed action and conclude that the
> appropriate level of NEPA determination is a . The conclusion is based
> on the proposed action meeting the applicable requirements in DOE's
> NEPA Implementation Procedures, 10 CFR 1021, Subpart D, Appendix
> B3.10.

V.  **DOE/CH-FAO NEPA Coordinator Review**

Concurrence with the recommendation for determination:

NEPA Coordinator reviewer [Jonathan Cooper]{.underline}

Signature [\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Date

Fermi Area Manager [Dr. Joanna M. Livengood]{.underline}

Signature [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Date [\_]{.underline}

VI. **Comments on checked items in section III.**

[Chemical Use]{.underline}

Some small amounts of chemicals, e.g. isopropyl alcohol for
wipe-cleaning (the process of degreasing via wipe cleaning is exempt
from the need to be included in the site-wide air permit), may be used
in the surface laboratories on the Fermilab site.

[Liquid Effluents]{.underline}

Cooling water (if any) is directed to the MINOS sump, from which it
would be pumped into the ICW system. Although the operation of the NuMI
beam does generate radioactivity and radioactive effluents, it is not a
part of the MINERvA Project per se and would continue to operate for
MINOS (and possibly NOvA) whether MINERvA goes forward or not.